Genomic mapping of murine Zp-2 and Zp-3, two oocyte-specific loci encoding zona pellucida proteins.

Abstract The zona pellucida is a unique, oocyte-specific matrix that coats the surface of all mammalian eggs. Composed of three sulfated glycoproteins in the mouse (ZP1, ZP2, and ZP3), the zona pellucida facilitates early events in fertilization and protects the embryo during preimplantation development. Using DNA isolated from hamster-mouse somatic cell hybrids and from C 57 BL 6 J × Mus spretus interspecific backcross progeny, Zp -2 was located on chromosome 7, 11.3 ± 3.2 cM distal to Tyr , and Zp -3 was located on chromosome 5, 9.2 ± 2.9 cM distal to Gus .