title: Sexual differentiation of reproductive tissue in bivalve molluscs: identification of male associated polypeptide in the mantle of Mytilus galloprovincialis Lmk.
abstract: We have addressed the question of sexual reproductive tissue dimorphism in bivalve molluscs, Mytilus galloprovincialis Lmk, which is a stable gonochoric species although with no apparent differences in gonad morphology of both sexes. At all periods of the annual cycle the proteins specific of male/female gonads were identified. One of these proteins, "male-associated polypeptide" with apparent MW 39 kDa (MAP-39), has been biochemically and immunochemically characterized. MAP-39 concentration in male mature gonads achieved up to 10% of the total soluble protein while in female ones only traces of this protein could be detected. In male mantle, MAP-39 expression was associated with the process of gonad development and maturation as well as gamete spawning, although this polypeptide has been localized in fibroblast-like cells, membrane of follicles and connective tissue matrix of the mantle but not in germinal cells.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Sciences of the Health, University of La Coruña, Spain.
authors.forename: A T
authors.initials: AT
authors.lastname: Mikhailov
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Torrado
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Méndez
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D049872:Bivalvia / Q000196:embryology*; D004591:Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; D005260:Female; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006066:Gonads / Q000166:cytology / Q000196:embryology; D015151:Immunoblotting; D008297:Male; D008970:Molecular Weight; D011506:Proteins / Q000032:analysis*; D012098:Reproduction / Q000502:physiology*; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D012733:Sex Differentiation
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D011506:Proteins