The Caenorhabditis elegans spe-38 gene encodes a novel four-pass integral membrane protein required for sperm function at fertilization.
A mutation in the Caenorhabditis elegans spe-38 gene results in a sperm-specific fertility defect. spe-38 sperm are indistinguishable from wild-type sperm with regards to their morphology, motility and migratory behavior. spe-38 sperm make close contact with oocytes but fail to fertilize them. spe-38 sperm can also stimulate ovulation and engage in sperm competition. The spe-38 gene is predicted to encode a novel four-pass (tetraspan) integral membrane protein. Structurally similar tetraspan molecules have been implicated in processes such as gamete adhesion/fusion in mammals, membrane adhesion/fusion during yeast mating, and the formation/function of tight-junctions in metazoa. In antibody localization experiments, SPE-38 was found to concentrate on the pseudopod of mature sperm, consistent with it playing a direct role in gamete interactions.
Chatterjee
Indrani
I
Waksman Institute and Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
Richmond
Alissa
A
Putiri
Emily
E
Shakes
Diane C
DC
Singson
Andrew
A
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D017173:Caenorhabditis elegans / Q000737:chemistry / Q000166:cytology / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D029742:Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000378:metabolism; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D005306:Fertilization / Q000502:physiology*; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009154:Mutation / Q000235:genetics; D009865:Oocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D010060:Ovulation / Q000502:physiology; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*
D029742:Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins; D008565:Membrane Proteins; C502564:Spe-38 protein, C elegans; C111623:Spe-9 protein, C elegans