Grant: Project Grant

Fertilization is a process where sperm and egg come together, but we still do not fully understand how it works on a molecular level, especially in humans. This lack of knowledge makes it harder to understand what causes infertility. Our research has shown that two proteins, IZUMO1 on the sperm and JUNO on the egg, play a key role in sperm-egg attachment. These proteins, along with other recently discovered factors, likely are underlying causes of infertility. In this study, we plan to explore how sperm and egg fuse by looking at how certain molecules, like folate and zinc, might help control this process. We will also examine clinical samples from patients who have struggled with infertility or unsuccessful in vitro fertilization to understand whether there is abnormal expression, localization and/or binding defects of IZUMO1 and other sperm fusion factors. Finally, we aim to create new therapeutic strategies that can help improve the chances of sperm and egg successfully merging. By understanding these processes better, we hope to develop new tools to diagnose infertility and create personalized treatments, ultimately helping couples in Canada who want to have children.