Sperm nuclear basic proteins of Bufo japonicus consist of 2 distinct protamines, whereas those of Xenopus laevis consist of 6 sperm-specific basic proteins (SP1-6) in addition to H3, H4 and smaller amounts of H2A and H2B. Cloning of pertinent cDNAs and partial amino acid sequence studies suggested that these 6 sperm-specific proteins of Xenopus are encoded by 3 distinct genes. Despite differenc...

Sexual selection is the pervasive force underlying the dramatic divergence of sperm form and function. Although it has been demonstrated that testis gene expression evolves rapidly, exploration of the proteomic basis of sperm diversity is in its infancy. We have employed a whole-cell proteomics approach to characterize sperm divergence among closely related Mus species that experience different...

BACKGROUND Mammalian semen contains a family of closely related proteins known as Binder of SPerm (BSP proteins) that are added to sperm at ejaculation. BSP proteins extract lipids from the sperm membrane thereby extensively modifying its composition. These changes can ultimately be detrimental to sperm storage. We have demonstrated that bovine BSP proteins interact with major milk proteins and...

We previously identified 62, 39, 27 and 7 kDa porcine sperm plasma membrane proteins that demonstrated a predominant affinity for the porcine oocyte plasma membrane by Western ligand blotting. The current experiments were designed to further investigate the potential roles of these molecules in sperm-oocyte plasma membrane interaction. Abilities of these proteins to bind to the oocyte plasma me...

BACKGROUND Spermatogenesis and fertilization are highly unique processes. Discovery and characterization of germ cell-specific genes are important for the understanding of these reproductive processes. We investigated eight proteins encoded by novel spermatogenic cell-specific genes previously identified from the mouse round spermatid UniGene library. METHODS Polyclonal antibodies were genera...

introduction: as monoclonal antibodies are potential tools for characterization of soluble or cellular surface antigens, use of these proteins has always been considered in infertility and reproduction research. therefore, in this study, monoclonal antibodies against human sperm surface antigens were produced. material and methods: to produce specific clones against human sperm surface antigens...

The current study aimed to detect specific types of ADAM proteins in the bovine sperm. Histology tissue male reproduction was involved with testis, head, body, and tail epididymis. Results showed that testis composed parenchyma contained seminiferous tubules which are surrounded by two layers externally tunica vaginalis internally albuginea. PAS positive lumen, epithelium body epididymis, Where...

The increase in population growth rate warrants the development of additional contraceptive methods that are widely acceptable, free from side effects and less expensive. Immunocontraception, and in particular the targeting of antibodies to gamete-specific antigens implicated in sperm egg binding and fertilization, offers an attractive approach to control fertility. The development of a contrac...

Monoclonal antibodies (mabs) have been used as a powerful tool for identification of newer sperm proteins. However, conventional hybridoma technology rarely provides chance to obtain mabs to epididymal proteins. To increase this chance, we have used an alternate method of neonatal tolerization. In this protocol, animals were tolerized at birth using testicular proteins followed by immunization ...

Background Although artificial insemination (AI) technique is an established biotechnology for bovine reproduction, the results of AI (conception rates) have a tendency to decline gradually. To our annoyance, moreover, AI-subfertile bulls have been occasionally found in the AI centers. To resolve these serious problems, it is necessary to control the sperm quality more strictly by the examinati...