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Localization of microfilaments and a tubulin‐like protein in crustacean ( Rhynchocinetes typus ) spermatozoon
Author(s) -
Perez C.,
Roco M.,
Castro A.,
Dupre E.,
Schatten G.,
Barros C.
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
molecular reproduction and development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.745
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1098-2795
pISSN - 1040-452X
DOI - 10.1002/mrd.1080280410
Subject(s) - biology , spermatozoon , tubulin , microfilament , sperm , microbiology and biotechnology , cytoskeleton , microtubule , moesin , actin , human fertilization , anatomy , biochemistry , genetics , ezrin , cell
Sperm from the decapod crustacean Rhynchocinetes typus undergo dramatic shape changes as they pass from the vas deferens to seawater and interact with the oocyte envelopes. Using FITC‐phalloidin and antitubulin antibodies, we were able to localize microfilaments and a tubulin‐like protein in R. typus spermatozoon. Microfilaments and the tubulin‐like protein were associated with the sperm rays and spines, but were absent at the spike and at its base. Folded and unfolded spermatozoa display similar fluorescence patterns. SDS‐PAGE of whole spermatozoa and electrotransfer to nitrocellulose confirmed the presence of actin and two proteins at 97 kd and 120 kd that bind to tubulin antibodies (tubulin‐like proteins). These results demonstrate the presence of actin, but not tubulin, and localize microfilaments in these sperm. It is proposed that this cytoskeletal component is active in sperm during crustacean fertilization.