Presence of DAZL transcript and protein in mature human spermatozoa.
OBJECTIVE
To identify the DAZL transcript and protein location in human spermatozoa.


METHODS
In vitro experiment.


METHODS
University-based reproductive genetics laboratory.


METHODS
A fertile volunteer.


METHODS
Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blot, and immunostaining for DAZL.


METHODS
Expression of DAZL in human spermatozoa.


RESULTS
The DAZL-specific primers yield a 128 bp product in ejaculate. A protein of approximately 33.5 kDa was detected by Western blot analysis. Immunofluorescence staining showed strong homogeneous staining in the midpiece of spermatozoa and weak staining in the principal piece. A speckled-type distribution was found in the head region.


CONCLUSIONS
The DAZL transcript and protein are present in human spermatozoa. The roles of DAZL protein in sperm motility and in the sperm-oocyte interaction await further investigation.
Lin
Yung Ming
YM
Department of Urology, National Cheng Kung University, College of Medicine, Tainan, Taiwan.
Chen
Chaio Wei
CW
Sun
H Sunny
HS
Tsai
Shaw Jeng
SJ
Lin
Johnny Shinn Nan
JS
Kuo
Pao Lin
PL
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D015153:Blotting, Western; D018076:DNA, Complementary / Q000235:genetics; D004591:Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009845:Oligospermia / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis; D011506:Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D016601:RNA-Binding Proteins; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000378:metabolism*
C101358:DAZL protein, human; D018076:DNA, Complementary; D011506:Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D016601:RNA-Binding Proteins