Female-induced remote regulation of sperm physiology may provide opportunities for gamete-level mate choice.

摘要: In sedentary externally fertilizing species, direct interactions between mating partners are limited and prefertilization communication sexes occurs largely at the gamete level. Certain combinations of eggs sperm often have higher fertilization success than others, which may be contingent on egg-derived chemical factors that preferentially attract from compatible males. Here, we examine mechanisms underlying such effects in marine mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis, where differential attraction has recently been shown to associated with variation offspring viability. Specifically, focus surface glycans, an individually unique layer carbohydrates moderate self-recognition other cellular-level interactions. many species trigger remarkable changes sperm's glycan layer, physiology, swimming behavior, thus potentially mate choice show modifications strength acrosome reaction both dependent specific male–female (male–female combination). We also find associations female-induced Ca2+ influx into sperm–-a key regulator processes capacitation fusion. Together, our results suggest remote regulation physiology constitute a novel mechanism gamete-level choice.