In Drosophila melanogaster, the male seminal fluid contains proteins that are important for reproductive success. Many of these proteins are synthesised by the male accessory glands and are secreted into the accessory gland lumen, where they are stored until required. Previous studies on the identification of Drosophila accessory gland' proteins have largely focused on characterisation of male-specific accessory gland cDNAs from D. melanogaster and, moni···.recently, Drosophila simulans. The work presented in this' thesis identified thirty proteins in the accessory gland of D. melanogaster. Fourteen proteins have predicted secretory signals and thus are secreted accessory gland proteins. They included protein-folding and stressresponse proteins, a hormone, a lipase, a serpin, a cysteine-rich protein and three peptidases, a pro-enzyme form of a cathepsin K-like cysteine peptidase, Angiotensin converting enzyme and a y-glutamyl transpeptidase. Biochemical assays of the peptidase levels show the y-glutamyl transpeptidase and Angiotensin converting enzyme are reduced in mated males accessory gland suggesting their prescence in the seminal fluid. The ultrastructure of the accessory gland and secretions were investigated by electron microscopy. The filamentous contents of the secondary cells and lumen were studied by negative staining electron microscopy and cryo-electron microscopy as well as by proteomic methodologies. The major protein component of the filaments was identified as Acp36DE, which is known to be involved in sperm storage thus suggesting that is the role for the filaments.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:485188 |
| Date | January 2007 |
| Creators | Walker, Michael John |
| Publisher | University of Leeds |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
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