An astacin-like protease, alveolin, is released from cortical vesicles and induces changes in egg envelope proteins during fertilization of medaka (Oryzias latipes) eggs

Upon fertilization, two major protein groups, ZI-1,2 and ZI-3, composing the egg envelope are polymerized to insoluble forms via temporary formation of 132 kDa and 61-62 kDa intermediate proteins. We have shown that an astacin-like protease,'alveolin' is released from cortical vesicles into the perivitelline space after egg activation and induces initiation of the polymerization of egg envelope proteins. To clarify initial reactions of the polymerization, the primary structure of the 132-kDa protein was analyzed.