A novel function for the presenilin family member spe-4 : inhibition of spermatid activation in Caenorhabditis elegans .

摘要: Sperm cells must regulate the timing and location of activation to maximize likelihood fertilization. from most species, including nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, activate upon encountering an external signal. Activation for C. elegans sperm occurs as spermatids undergo spermiogenesis, a profound cellular reorganization that produces pseudopod. Spermiogenesis is initiated by signal transduced through series gene products. It now clear inhibitory pathway also operates in spermatids, preventing their premature progression spermatozoa resulting fine-scale control over activation. Here, we describe involvement newly assigned member pathway: spe-4, homolog human presenilin PS1. The spe-4(hc196) allele investigated here was isolated suppressor sterility mutations spermiogenesis transduction spe-27. Through mapping, complementation tests, DNA sequencing, transformation rescue, determined hc196 mutation spe-4 gene. Our data show bypass eliminates need transduction. On its own, has recessive, temperature sensitive spermatogenesis-defective phenotype, with mutants exhibiting (i) defective spermatocytes, (ii) (iii) spermatid activation, (iv) fertilization, addition small number functional which appear normal microscopically. A fraction mutant males progress directly without signal, suggesting plays role Another are Therefore, prematurely activated may have several defects: they be earlier work showed obstruct transfer at mating. hypomorphic newly-discovered inhibiting involve known proteolytic and/or calcium regulatory aspects function, or it yet-to-be discovered functions.