Calcium signaling surrounding fertilization in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans

Calcium plays a prominent role during fertilization in many animals. This review focuses on roles of Ca2(+) during the events around fertilization in the model organism, Caenorhabditis elegans. Specifically, the role of Ca2(+) in sperm, oocytes and the surrounding somatic tissues during fertilization will be discussed, with the focus on sperm activation, meiotic maturation of oocytes, ovulation, sperm-egg interaction and fertilization. Published by Elsevier Ltd.