Insect seminal fluid proteins: identification and function.
Seminal fluid proteins (SFPs) produced in reproductive tract tissues of male insects and transferred to females during mating induce numerous physiological and behavioral postmating changes in females. These changes include decreasing receptivity to remating; affecting sperm storage parameters; increasing egg production; and modulating sperm competition, feeding behaviors, and mating plug formation. In addition, SFPs also have antimicrobial functions and induce expression of antimicrobial peptides in at least some insects. Here, we review recent identification of insect SFPs and discuss the multiple roles these proteins play in the postmating processes of female insects.
Avila
Frank W
FW
Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA. fwa5@cornell.edu
Sirot
Laura K
LK
LaFlamme
Brooke A
BA
Rubinstein
C Dustin
CD
Wolfner
Mariana F
MF
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D019476:Insect Proteins / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000502:physiology*; D007313:Insecta / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D029589:Seminal Plasma Proteins / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000502:physiology*; D012726:Sexual Behavior, Animal
D019476:Insect Proteins; D029589:Seminal Plasma Proteins