Apical extracellular matrices (aECMs) coat the exposed surfaces of animal bodies to shape
tissues, influence social interactions, and protect against pathogens and other …

Apical extracellular matrices (aECMs) are the extracellular layers on the apical sides of
epithelia. aECMs form the outer layer of the skin in most animals and line the luminal surface …

Comparative approaches have revealed both divergent and convergent paths to achieving
shared developmental outcomes. Thus, only through assembling multiple case studies can …

The surface of epithelial tissues is covered by an apical extracellular matrix (aECM). The
aECMs of different tissues have distinct compositions to serve distinct functions, yet how a …

Empty follicle syndrome (EFS) is a disorder characterised by the unsuccessful retrieval of
oocytes from matured follicles following ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilisation (IVF) …

Zona Pellucida domain (ZP) proteins are critical components of the body's external-most
protective layers, apical extracellular matrices (aECMs). Although their loss or dysfunction is …

The rapid evolution of fertilization proteins has generated remarkable diversity in molecular
structure and function. Glycoproteins of vertebrate egg coats contain multiple zona pellucida …

Duplication processes such as whole gene duplication and tandem domain expansion are
important for the evolution and functional diversification of essential protein families. While …