Bertram M J, Neubaum D M, Wolfner M F
Section of Genetics and Development, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853-2703, USA.
Insect Biochem Mol Biol. 1996 Sep-Oct;26(8-9):971-80. doi: 10.1016/s0965-1748(96)00064-1.
In many insect species, sperm transferred in a single mating are stored by the female in specialized organs and are gradually used to fertilize eggs. Thus, insects must have mechanisms to ensure that substantial numbers of sperm reach and become stored in the storage organs. We report here that a glycoprotein, Acp36DE, made by the accessory glands of Drosophila melanogaster males, shows localization in the mated female suggesting a role in sperm storage. In the mated female, Acp36DE associates with the wall of the oviduct, just anterior to the openings of the sperm storage organs. Acp36DE also associates with the leading edge of the sperm mass. It does not enter the hemolymph. Complete localization of Acp36DE in the mated female requires sperm and the presence of eggs in the ovaries. We hypothesize that Acp36DE, or a complex containing it, forms a barrier that "corrals" sperm near the openings to the sperm storage organs. Concentration of sperm here could facilitate their efficient storage. Acp36DE remains in the genital tract for several hours after mating, concurrent with the time that sperm are being stored. Facilitation of sperm storage by Acp36DE may also explain the previously observed effect of this protein on sperm competition.
在许多昆虫物种中，雌性会将单次交配中转移来的精子储存在专门的器官中，并逐渐用于使卵子受精。因此，昆虫必须具备确保大量精子到达并储存在储存器官中的机制。我们在此报告，果蝇雄性附腺产生的一种糖蛋白Acp36DE在已交配的雌性体内有定位，这表明它在精子储存中发挥作用。在已交配的雌性体内，Acp36DE与输卵管壁结合，就在精子储存器官开口的前方。Acp36DE还与精子团的前缘结合。它不会进入血淋巴。Acp36DE在已交配的雌性体内的完全定位需要精子和卵巢中卵子的存在。我们推测，Acp36DE或包含它的复合物形成了一道屏障，在精子储存器官开口附近“圈住”精子。精子在此处聚集有助于它们的有效储存。交配后，Acp36DE会在生殖道中停留数小时，这与精子被储存的时间一致。Acp36DE对精子储存的促进作用也可能解释了此前观察到的这种蛋白质对精子竞争的影响。
