Sperm protein finds its mate

摘要

Biology is full of surprises. Such is the case with the findings of Bianchi et al. reported on page 483 of this issue. The authors report the end of a decade-long search for a partner for the sperm protein Izumol, which is responsible for sperm-egg adhesion during fertilization. The elusive mate is a member of the folate-receptor protein family, and is located on the plasma membrane of unfertilized eggs. Because of its essential role in fertilization, the researchers propose that the folate receptor, currently known as Folr4， should be renamed Juno, after the Roman goddess of fertility and marriage.