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https://hdl.handle.net/2440/53735
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Type: | Journal article |
Title: | Spermatozoa from a marsupial, the brushtail possum, contain beta 1,4-galactosyltransferase |
Author: | Braundmeier, A. Breed, W. Miller, D. |
Citation: | Reproduction Fertility and Development, 2008; 20(3):402-407 |
Publisher: | C S I R O Publishing |
Issue Date: | 2008 |
ISSN: | 1031-3613 1448-5990 |
Statement of Responsibility: | A. G. Braundmeier, William G. Breed and D. J. Miller |
Abstract: | Beta1,4-galactosyltransferase-I (GalTase-I) is one of the key molecules on the sperm surface of eutherian mammals that is likely to be involved in binding to the egg coat, the zona pellucida, to mediate sperm-egg interaction. In laboratory mice, the species for which most data are available, this protein functions as a receptor for the zona pellucida protein ZP3 of the oocyte and, upon binding, triggers the sperm acrosome reaction. In the present study, we investigated the presence and abundance of GalTase-I in epididymal sperm extracts of a marsupial, the brushtail possum, Trichosurus vulpecula. For this, spermatozoa were collected from cauda epididymides and the amount of beta1,4-galactosyltransferase activity in washed sperm extracts was compared with that of porcine spermatozoa. Overall beta1,4-galactosyltransferase enzyme activity was found to be more abundant in possum sperm extracts than those from porcine spermatozoa (P<0.05). Immunoblots with an antibody to mouse GalTase-I revealed that the molecular weight of possum spermatozoa GalTase-I was 66 kDa, which is similar to the molecular weight of GalTase-I in spermatozoa from eutherian mammals. The molecular weight of GalTase-I was the same in sperm extracts collected from the caput and cauda epididymides. These results demonstrate that GalTase-I is indeed present in possum spermatozoa and thus it may be a gamete receptor molecule on the sperm surface of marsupials as well as those of eutherian mammals. |
Keywords: | Spermatozoa Animals Trichosurus N-Acetyllactosamine Synthase Blotting, Western Male |
Description: | Copyright © CSIRO 2008 |
DOI: | 10.1071/RD07128 |
Published version: | http://www.publish.csiro.au/nid/44/paper/RD07128.htm |
Appears in Collections: | Anatomical Sciences publications Aurora harvest 5 Environment Institute publications |
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