Insect Sperm Motility

Werner, M.; Simmons, Leigh W.

doi:10.1111/j.1469-185x.2008.00039.x

Cited by 112 publications

(113 citation statements)

References 166 publications

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“…A common structure of the axoneme has a ring of nine microtubule doublets spaced around the circumference and two additional central microtubules (the so-called 9 þ 2 axoneme). Other variations of the axonemal structure have also been observed [5].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 85%

Hydrodynamics of the double-wave structure of insect spermatozoa flagella

Pak

Spagnolie

Lauga

2012

J. R. Soc. Interface.

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In addition to conventional planar and helical flagellar waves, insect sperm flagella have also been observed to display a double-wave structure characterized by the presence of two superimposed helical waves. In this paper, we present a hydrodynamic investigation of the locomotion of insect spermatozoa exhibiting the double-wave structure, idealized here as superhelical waves. Resolving the hydrodynamic interactions with a non-local slender body theory, we predict the swimming kinematics of these superhelical swimmers based on experimentally collected geometric and kinematic data. Our consideration provides insight into the relative contributions of the major and minor helical waves to swimming; namely, propulsion is owing primarily to the minor wave, with negligible contribution from the major wave. We also explore the dependence of the propulsion speed on geometric and kinematic parameters, revealing counterintuitive results, particularly for the case when the minor and major helical structures are of opposite chirality.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 85%

Hydrodynamics of the double-wave structure of insect spermatozoa flagella

Pak

Spagnolie

Lauga

2012

J. R. Soc. Interface.

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“…Interestingly, yolk proteins have also been found in the spermatheca of D. melanogaster (27). Because this protein transports lipids from the fat body to the ovaries during vitellogenesis, and the spermatheca is surrounded by fat body, it is possible that vitellogenin transports lipids into the spermathecal capsule to provision sperm (28). Also, the down-regulation of 2 ABC transporters (AGAP001858 and AGAP011518, the second being expressed primarily in the spermatheca) could help to regulate the lipid reserves required for sperm storage.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Molecular and cellular components of the mating machinery in Anopheles gambiae females

Rogers

Whitten

Thailayil

et al. 2008

Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.

114

148

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Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes are the principal vectors of malaria. A major determinant of the capacity of these mosquitoes as disease vectors is their high reproductive rate. Reproduction depends on a single insemination, which profoundly changes the behavior and physiology of females. To identify factors and mechanisms relevant to the fertility of A. gambiae, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the molecular and cellular machinery associated with copulation in females. Initial whole-body microarray experiments comparing virgins with females at 2 h, 6 h, and 24 h after mating detected large transcriptional changes. Analysis of tissue localization identified a subset of genes whose expression was strikingly regulated by mating in the lower reproductive tract and, surprisingly, the gut. In the atrium of virgin females, where the male seminal fluid is received, our studies revealed a ''mating machinery'' consisting of molecular and structural components that are turned off or collapse after copulation, suggesting that this tissue loses its competence for further insemination. In the sperm storage organ, we detected a number of mating-responsive genes likely to have a role in the maintenance and function of stored sperm. These results identify genes and mechanisms regulating the reproductive biology of A. gambiae females, highlighting considerable differences with Drosophila melanogaster. Our data inform vector control strategies and reveal promising targets for the manipulation of fertility in field populations of these important disease vectors.mosquito ͉ post-mating response ͉ reproduction ͉ microarray ͉ reproductive tract

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“…Fatty acids, also as an energy source, are an integral part of cell membranes (Canavoso et al 2001). Cell membrane fluidity, which is dependent on the lipid and fatty acid composition, is vital for normal cell functions (Werner and Simmons 2008). Amino acids play central roles both as building blocks of proteins and as intermediates in metabolism in insect.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%