IRIFIV Research

Acomprehensive review about sperm-oocyte interactions and key activation factors of fertilization in mammals

A Fertility Research Publication from IRIFIV – Centre de Fertilité Casablanca, Maroc

Authors

Noureddine Louanjli, Soukaina Azil, Yassmine Louanjli, Noureddine Louanjli, Moncef Benkhalifa, Bouchra Ghazi

Journal / Date

Introduction & Clinical Relevance:

This comprehensive scientific review, published in the Canadian Journal of Urology and authored by a team including IRIFIV Fertility Center's director Dr. Noureddine Louanjli, delves into the fundamental biological choreography of mammalian fertilization. It synthesizes current knowledge on the intricate molecular dialogue between sperm and egg, from initial recognition to the critical event of oocyte activation that initiates embryo development.
The clinical relevance of this work is central to understanding and treating certain forms of male infertility, particularly fertilization failure in cycles of Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). The review highlights key sperm-derived factors like Phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ) and PAWP, which are essential for triggering the calcium oscillations that "awaken" the egg. Deficiencies in these factors can lead to total fertilization failure even with normal-looking sperm. For patients at IRIFIV and other fertility clinics, this research provides the scientific basis for advanced diagnostic tests that assess oocyte activation capacity and informs potential treatments, such as assisted oocyte activation (AOA). By integrating this level of molecular understanding into clinical practice, IRIFIV reinforces its commitment to addressing the most complex causes of infertility at their root.

Abstract:

Mammalian fertilization involves the migration of spermatozoa through the female reproductive system. Early embryonic development is a consequence of several steps and signaling pathways being activated, as well as biochemical and morphological modifications of spermatozoa that enable them to penetrate the membrane of mature oocytes. There are some crucial steps known to clearly explain the process of fertilization, starting with hyperactivation of spermatozoa, mutual recognition, and binding of gametes mediated by receptors located on the surface membranes of both gametes. The final step is followed by oocyte activation, which is primarily triggered via sperm-derived factors, inducing a sharp increase in intracellular calcium levels, eventually leading to polyspermy block. This review integrates current knowledge of the molecular and physiological events governing fertilization, emphasizing howionregulation and signaling pathways converge to enable sperm function and oocyte activation. Special attention is given to sperm-derived factors such as phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ) and post-acrosomal sheath WW domain-binding protein (PAWP), which play essential roles in triggering calcium release and supporting early embryonic development.

Keywords:

Sperm-oocyte interaction, oocyte activation, fertilization process, phospholipase C zeta PLCζ, calcium oscillation, male factor infertility, fertilization failure ICSI, assisted oocyte activation, gamete biology, IRIFIV Casablanca, Dr. Noureddine Louanjli

IRIFIV Research

Acomprehensive review about sperm-oocyte interactions and key activation factors of fertilization in mammals

A Fertility Research Publication from IRIFIV – Centre de Fertilité Casablanca, Maroc

Authors

Noureddine Louanjli, Soukaina Azil, Yassmine Louanjli, Noureddine Louanjli, Moncef Benkhalifa, Bouchra Ghazi

Journal / Date

Introduction & Clinical Relevance:

This comprehensive scientific review, published in the Canadian Journal of Urology and authored by a team including IRIFIV Fertility Center's director Dr. Noureddine Louanjli, delves into the fundamental biological choreography of mammalian fertilization. It synthesizes current knowledge on the intricate molecular dialogue between sperm and egg, from initial recognition to the critical event of oocyte activation that initiates embryo development.
The clinical relevance of this work is central to understanding and treating certain forms of male infertility, particularly fertilization failure in cycles of Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). The review highlights key sperm-derived factors like Phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ) and PAWP, which are essential for triggering the calcium oscillations that "awaken" the egg. Deficiencies in these factors can lead to total fertilization failure even with normal-looking sperm. For patients at IRIFIV and other fertility clinics, this research provides the scientific basis for advanced diagnostic tests that assess oocyte activation capacity and informs potential treatments, such as assisted oocyte activation (AOA). By integrating this level of molecular understanding into clinical practice, IRIFIV reinforces its commitment to addressing the most complex causes of infertility at their root.

Abstract:

Mammalian fertilization involves the migration of spermatozoa through the female reproductive system. Early embryonic development is a consequence of several steps and signaling pathways being activated, as well as biochemical and morphological modifications of spermatozoa that enable them to penetrate the membrane of mature oocytes. There are some crucial steps known to clearly explain the process of fertilization, starting with hyperactivation of spermatozoa, mutual recognition, and binding of gametes mediated by receptors located on the surface membranes of both gametes. The final step is followed by oocyte activation, which is primarily triggered via sperm-derived factors, inducing a sharp increase in intracellular calcium levels, eventually leading to polyspermy block. This review integrates current knowledge of the molecular and physiological events governing fertilization, emphasizing howionregulation and signaling pathways converge to enable sperm function and oocyte activation. Special attention is given to sperm-derived factors such as phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ) and post-acrosomal sheath WW domain-binding protein (PAWP), which play essential roles in triggering calcium release and supporting early embryonic development.

Keywords:

Sperm-oocyte interaction, oocyte activation, fertilization process, phospholipase C zeta PLCζ, calcium oscillation, male factor infertility, fertilization failure ICSI, assisted oocyte activation, gamete biology, IRIFIV Casablanca, Dr. Noureddine Louanjli

Le Département de Recherche Scientifique d’IRIFIV Centre de Fertilité à Casablanca (Maroc) est dédié à l’avancement de la médecine de la reproduction, de la FIV et des approches diagnostiques innovantes. Les travaux de recherche menés par l’équipe IRIFIV contribuent au développement de nouvelles stratégies cliniques, biologiques et génétiques visant à améliorer la prise en charge de l’infertilité et des pathologies gynécologiques complexes.

À propos du département de recherche scientifique de l’IRIFIV

Le Département de Recherche Scientifique d’IRIFIV Centre de Fertilité à Casablanca (Maroc) est dédié à l’avancement de la médecine de la reproduction, de la FIV et des approches diagnostiques innovantes. Les travaux de recherche menés par l’équipe IRIFIV contribuent au développement de nouvelles stratégies cliniques, biologiques et génétiques visant à améliorer la prise en charge de l’infertilité et des pathologies gynécologiques complexes.

Vous aimerez aussi

IRIFIV Research
12/31/2025
Acomprehensive review about sperm-oocyte interactions and key activation factors of fertilization in mammals
Soukaina Azil, Yassmine Louanjli, Noureddine Louanjli, Moncef Benkhalifa, Bouchra Ghazi
IRIFIV Research
12/30/2025
Epidemiological, Clinical, and Biomarker Profile of Male Infertility in Morocco: A Retrospective Single-Center Study of 1399 Cases
Henri Hubert Kwizera Tsinda, Modou Mamoune Mbaye, Loïc Koumba, Reine Rolande Ada Edou, Achraf Zakaria, Noureddine Louanjli, Bouchra Ghazi, Fatima Maachi, Hakima
IRIFIV Research
07/14/2009
Mutations in the protamine locus: Association with spermatogenic failure?
L. Imken, H. Rouba, B. El Houate, N. Louanjli, A. Barakat, A. Chafik, K. McElreavey

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Fondé en 1992, avec plus de 34 ans d’expérience et des milliers de bébés nés, IRIFIV Casablanca est le premier centre structuré marocain de procréation médicalement assistée et l’un des centres de fertilité et FIV les plus reconnus à Casablanca et au Maroc. La clinique est spécialisée dans tous les cas d’infertilité, y compris les cas complexes. Nous utilisons des technologies et équipements de dernière génération, dont certains uniques au Maroc. IRIFIV et le laboratoire Labomac constituent un terrain de stage pratique en FIV dans le cadre du Diplôme Universitaire de Biologie et Génétique de la Reproduction de l’Université Mohammed VI des Sciences de la Santé, et sont actifs en recherche, formation médicale et collaborations internationales.

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IRIFIV is a multidisciplinary fertility center in Casablanca, Morocco, specializing in IVF and ICSI. Since 1992, over 32 years of expertise and thousands of successful births demonstrate our commitment. We offer all techniques to evaluate and treat infertility with a personalized approach, multidisciplinary team, latest technology, complementary therapies, scientific research, teaching, professional development, and international collaboration.

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Fondé en 1992, avec plus de 34 ans d’expérience et des milliers de bébés nés, IRIFIV Casablanca est le premier centre structuré marocain de procréation médicalement assistée et l’un des centres de fertilité et FIV les plus reconnus à Casablanca et au Maroc. La clinique est spécialisée dans tous les cas d’infertilité, y compris les cas complexes. Nous utilisons des technologies et équipements de dernière génération, dont certains uniques au Maroc. IRIFIV et le laboratoire Labomac constituent un terrain de stage pratique en FIV dans le cadre du Diplôme Universitaire de Biologie et Génétique de la Reproduction de l’Université Mohammed VI des Sciences de la Santé, et sont actifs en recherche, formation médicale et collaborations internationales.

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IRIFIV Research

Acomprehensive review about sperm-oocyte interactions and key activation factors of fertilization in mammals

A Fertility Research Publication from IRIFIV – Centre de Fertilité Casablanca, Maroc

Authors

Noureddine Louanjli, Soukaina Azil, Yassmine Louanjli, Noureddine Louanjli, Moncef Benkhalifa, Bouchra Ghazi

Journal / Date

Canadian Journal of Urology

12/31/2025

Introduction & Clinical Relevance:

Abstract:

Keywords:

Sperm-oocyte interaction, oocyte activation, fertilization process, phospholipase C zeta PLCζ, calcium oscillation, male factor infertility, fertilization failure ICSI, assisted oocyte activation, gamete biology, IRIFIV Casablanca, Dr. Noureddine Louanjli

IRIFIV Research

Acomprehensive review about sperm-oocyte interactions and key activation factors of fertilization in mammals

A Fertility Research Publication from IRIFIV – Centre de Fertilité Casablanca, Maroc

Authors

Noureddine Louanjli, Soukaina Azil, Yassmine Louanjli, Noureddine Louanjli, Moncef Benkhalifa, Bouchra Ghazi

Journal / Date

Canadian Journal of Urology

12/31/2025

Introduction & Clinical Relevance:

Abstract:

Keywords:

Sperm-oocyte interaction, oocyte activation, fertilization process, phospholipase C zeta PLCζ, calcium oscillation, male factor infertility, fertilization failure ICSI, assisted oocyte activation, gamete biology, IRIFIV Casablanca, Dr. Noureddine Louanjli

À propos du département de recherche scientifique de l’IRIFIV

À propos du département de recherche scientifique de l’IRIFIV

Vous aimerez aussi

IRIFIV Research

Acomprehensive review about sperm-oocyte interactions and key activation factors of fertilization in mammals

IRIFIV Research

Epidemiological, Clinical, and Biomarker Profile of Male Infertility in Morocco: A Retrospective Single-Center Study of 1399 Cases

IRIFIV Research

Mutations in the protamine locus: Association with spermatogenic failure?

prêt à démarrer votre projet parental?

prêt à démarrer votre projet parental ?

Nos Services

À PROPOS

RESOURCES

PATIENTS INTERNATIONAUX

ARTICLES RÉCENTS

Le 1er Centre multidisciplinaire structuré d’Assistance Médicale à la Procréation (AMP) au Maroc

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+212 5 22 94 97 72

+212 5 22 94 97 72