Do X and Y spermatozoa differ in proteins?
This article reviews the current knowledge about X- and Y-chromosomal gene expression during spermatogenesis and possible differences between X- and Y-chromosome-bearing spermatozoa (X and Y sperm) in relation to whether an immunological method of separation of X and Y spermatozoa might some day be feasible. Recent studies demonstrated that X- and Y-chromosome-bearing spermatids do express X- and Y-chromosomal genes that might theoretically result in protein differences between X and Y sperm. Most, if not all, of these gene products, however, are expected to be shared among X and Y spermatids via intercellular bridges. Studies on aberrant mouse strains indicate that complete sharing might not occur for all gene products. This keeps open the possibility that X and Y sperm may differ in proteins, but until now, this has not been confirmed by comparative studies between flow-cytometrically sorted X and Y sperm for H-Y antigen or other membrane proteins.
Hendriksen
P J
PJ
Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, The Netherlands.
D000818:Animals; D015870:Gene Expression; D006182:H-Y Antigen / Q000032:analysis; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008817:Mice, Mutant Strains; D011506:Proteins / Q000032:analysis*; D012732:Sex Determination Analysis / Q000379:methods* / Q000662:veterinary; D013091:Spermatogenesis; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000502:physiology*; D014960:X Chromosome; D014998:Y Chromosome
D006182:H-Y Antigen; D011506:Proteins