Reproductive function for a C-terminus extended, male-transmitted cytochrome c oxidase subunit II protein expressed in both spermatozoa and eggs.
Our previous study documented expression of a male-transmitted cytochrome c oxidase subunit II protein (MCOX2), with a C-terminus extension (MCOX2e), in unionoidean bivalve testes and sperm mitochondria. Here, we present evidence demonstrating that MCOX2 is seasonally expressed in testis, with a peak shortly before fertilization that is independent of sperm density. MCOX2 is localized to the inner and outer sperm mitochondrial membranes and the MCOX2 antibody's epitope is conserved across >65 million years of evolution. We also demonstrate the presence of male-transmitted mtDNA and season-specific MCOX2 spatial variation in ovaries. We hypothesize that MCOX2 plays a role in reproduction through gamete maturation, fertilization and/or embryogenesis.
Chakrabarti
R
R
Department of Biochemistry, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA. rumela.chakrabarti@gmail.com
Walker
J M
JM
Chapman
E G
EG
Shepardson
S P
SP
Trdan
R J
RJ
Curole
J P
JP
Watters
G T
GT
Stewart
D T
DT
Vijayaraghavan
S
S
Hoeh
W R
WR
D000818:Animals; D004272:DNA, Mitochondrial / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D003576:Electron Transport Complex IV / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology*; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D010063:Ovum / Q000201:enzymology*; D012098:Reproduction / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D012621:Seasons; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000201:enzymology*; D014018:Tissue Distribution; D049876:Unionidae / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology*
D004272:DNA, Mitochondrial; C117108:cytochrome C oxidase subunit II; D003576:Electron Transport Complex IV