Defect in SHAP-Hyaluronan Complex Causes Severe Female Infertility

摘要: Abstract Hyaluronan (HA) associates with proteins and proteoglycans to form the extracellular HA-rich matrices that significantly affect cellular behaviors. So far, only heavy chains of plasma inter-α-trypsin inhibitor (ITI) family, designated as SHAPs (serum-derivedhyaluronan-associated proteins), have been shown bind covalently HA. The physiological significance such a unique covalent complex has unknown but is great interest, because HA ITI family are abundant in tissues plasma, respectively, SHAP-HA formed wherever meets plasma. We abolished formation mice by targeting gene bikunin, light chain members, which essential for their biosynthesis. As consequence, cumulus oophorus, an investing structure oocyte higher mammals, had defect forming matrix during expansion. ovulated oocytes were completely devoid unfertilized, leading severe female infertility. Intraperitoneal administration ITI, accompanied complex, fully rescued defects. conclude major component oophorus fertilizationin vivo.