A model for the function of sperm DNA degradation
Citations Over TimeTop 10% of 2004 papers
Abstract
In this review, we present our recent evidence suggesting, but not yet proving, that mammalian spermatozoa contain a mechanism by which they can digest their own DNA when exposed to a stressful environment. We discuss our recent data that demonstrate that when mammalian spermatozoa are treated in a variety of ways, the paternal chromosomes in the zygote, or the sperm DNA itself, are degraded into large, chromosome-sized fragments. These published data support the existence of nuclease activity in spermatozoa. We suggest that this nuclease activity is part of a mechanism the spermatozoon uses when it encounters a stressful environment to prevent fertilisation and to avoid the transmission of potentially damaged DNA to the embryo. We propose a model based on sperm chromatin structure by which this nuclease can digest the highly condensed sperm chromatin.
Related Papers
- → Testis/sperm-specific histone 2B in the sperm of donors and subfertile patients: variability and relation to chromatin packaging(2006)46 cited
- → The postimplantation development of spontaneous digynic triploid embryos in LT/Sv strain mice(1987)25 cited
- Organization of cytoskeleton and chromatin is related to the timing of thefirst zygotic cleavage and early developmental competence.(2015)
- [Synthesis of oligodeoxyribothymidylate derivatives containing alkylating groups and residues of biotin, for directed modification of chromatin].(1993)
- Distribution of 5-methyldeoxycytidine in products of staphylococcal nuclease digestion of nuclei and purified DNA(1984)