Orai1 mediates store-operated Ca2+ entry during fertilization in mammalian oocytes

► Orai1 is a calcium channel in the plasma membrane of oocytes. ► It mediates store-operated calcium entry upon depletion of the endoplasmic reticulum. ► The calcium influx through the Orai1 channel is essential for maintaining calcium oscillations during fertilization. ► After fertilization, oocytes lacking Orai1 form embryos with poor developmental potential.