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Vertebrate reproductive science and technology
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Proteinaceous sperm motility inhibitory factor from the female Indian garden lizard Calotes versicolor

Goutham Shankar A E , Shubhashree Uppangala B , Satish K. Adiga B , Belinda Willard C , Bhadravathi K. C. Sagar D , Ruth S. K. Titus E and Gopal K. Marathe A F
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Department of Studies in Biochemistry, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysuru 570006, Karnataka, India.

B Division of Clinical Embryology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India.

C Research Core Services, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.

D Department of Neuropathology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (Institute of National Importance), Bengaluru 560029, Karnataka, India.

E Department of Zoology, St. Philomena’s College, Bannimantap, Mysuru 570015, Karnataka, India.

F Corresponding author. Email: marathe1962@gmail.com

Reproduction, Fertility and Development 30(5) 744-751 https://doi.org/10.1071/RD17292
Submitted: 3 June 2017  Accepted: 28 September 2017   Published: 15 November 2017

Abstract

Female sperm storage is an intriguing adaptation exhibited by a wide array of both vertebrates and invertebrates. The mechanisms underlying female sperm storage have remained elusive. Using the Indian garden lizard Calotes versicolor as a model organism, we investigated the role of low and high molecular weight factors in this phenomenon. Previously, we demonstrated three distinct phases of the reproductive cycle in this animal with live, motile spermatozoa recovered from the uterovaginal region during the reproductive phase. In the present study, we analysed the uterovaginal contents using sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and identified an abundant protein band corresponding to ~55 kDa regardless of the phase of the reproductive cycle. Analysis of the purified protein by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry suggested a unique protein without any homology to the National Center for Biotechnology Information database. Exogenous addition of this protein to washed spermatozoa derived from the epididymis reversibly inhibited sperm motility in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, suggesting it plays a key role in sperm storage. These studies are likely to offer new avenues to unravel the secrets of female sperm storage seen across the animal taxa and may have novel applications not only in reproductive biology, but also in general cell storage and preserving endangered animal species.

Additional keywords: lactic acid, sperm storage tubule, uterovaginal flushing.


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