PLCξ (zeta):: A sperm protein that triggers Ca2+ oscillations and egg activation in mammals

At fertilization in mammals, the sperm activates development by causing a prolonged series of intracellular Ca2+ oscillations that are generated by increased production of inositol trisphosphate (InsP(3)). It appears that the sperm initiates InsP(3) generation via the introduction of a sperm factor into the egg after gamete membrane fusion. We recently identified a sperm-specific form of phospholipase C (PLC), referred to as PLC zeta(zeta). We review the evidence that PLC zeta represents the sperm factor that activates development of the egg and discuss the characteristics of PLC zeta that distinguish it from the somatic forms of PLC. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.