Open AccessRecent advances in the study of spermatogenesis and fertilization in<I>Caenorhabditis</I>elegans
Author(s) -
Bin Wang
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
yichuan
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.125
H-Index - 16
ISSN - 0253-9772
DOI - 10.3724/sp.j.1005.2008.00677
Subject(s) - caenorhabditis elegans , spermatogenesis , spermiogenesis , biology , meiosis , human fertilization , sperm , microbiology and biotechnology , sperm motility , genetics , mutant , germ cell , gene , caenorhabditis , motility , andrology , endocrinology , medicine
Spermatogenesis in Caenorhabditis elegans, mainly consisting of meiosis and spermiogenesis (or sperm activation), is a complicated cell differentiation process. The germ cells develop into matured motile spermatozoa after the expression of specific genes during meiosis and protein posttranslational modification during spermiogenesis. The spermatozoa compete with each other, communicate with and finally fertilize the oocytes such that new individuals are generated. A group of mutants related to spermatogenesis, sperm motility and fertilization are obtained through the sterile screen. Some specific genes in spermatogenesis and fertilization have been cloned and their functions have been studied. C. elegans is an attractive model to dissect the complexities of spermatogenesis and fertilization. The advances in the study of C. elegans may give insights to important targets for the study of male infertility and contraceptives in humans.