Subcellular localization of β1,4-galactosyltransferase on bull sperm and its function during sperm–egg interactions

摘要: The process of sperm–oocyte recognition is a complex interaction between the plasma membrane sperm and extracellular matrix oocyte. best studied mammalian system mouse, in which receptors recognize specific oligosaccharides on egg coat glycoprotein ZP3. A well-defined ZP3 receptor mouse β1,4-galactosyltransferase (GalT). In this study, we investigated possibility that GalT present bull sperm, it may participate during bovine binding. Using Western immunoblotting, were found to have protein molecular weight similar at ∼60 kDa. Immunogold low voltage scanning electron microscopy reveals epitopes are confined anterior cap fresh or capacitated sperm. To investigate function GalT, pretreated with either preimmune anti-GalT antibody added vitro-matured oocytes. Sperm exposed serum fertilized 82.7% (153 185) oocytes, whereas antiserum only 42.3% (202 478) We determined whether inhibition fertilization resulted from direct number bound eggs was by following pretreatment antibody. An average 25.3 ± 2.2 (mean ± SEM) per half-oocyte when treated serum. contrast, exposure significantly lowered (P < 0.001) frequency binding 9.9 ± 0.8 half-oocyte. These results show head, where participates facilitating both murine systems suggests serve as generalized gamete mammals. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 58:236–244, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.