14 research outputs found
Freshwater mussels from South America: state of the art of Unionida, specially Rhipidodontini
Genetic Structure of Japanese Scallop Population in Hokkaido, Analyzed by Mitochondrial Haplotype Distribution
Reproductive Function for a C-terminus Extended, Male-Transmitted Cytochrome \u3ci\u3ec\u3c/i\u3e 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 \u3e65 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