Zonagen Inc. (ZONA) other research news

ZP3-alpha is a protein in the zona pellucida, the outer coating of the egg cell. The protein guides conception by recognizing and binding a complementary protein in the head of the sperm. The cloning of the ZP3-alpha gene shows similarities between the protein among several species. Rabbits and pigs share 75 percent identical ZP3-alpha DNA, and 66 percent identity at the amino acid level. The protein sequence deduced from the DNA also suggests similar three-dimensional structure of the molecule in pig and rabbit. Similarities between pig and mouse protein were also reported. A sperm-binding domain that may be shared by the three species is still conjectural, the scientists cautioned. ...