Drosophila Sperm Swim Backwards in the Female Reproductive Tract and Are Activated via TRPP2 Ion Channels
2011
Drosophila Sperm Swim Backwards in the Female Reproductive Tract
Sample size: 222
publication
10 minutes
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Köttgen Michael, Hofherr Alexis, Li Weizhe, Chu Kristy, Cook Stacey, Montell Craig, Watnick Terry
Primary Institution: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Hypothesis
Drosophila sperm might swim tail first.
Conclusion
Amo is required for directed sperm transit to the female storage organs.
Supporting Evidence
- Drosophila sperm are transferred to the uterus but do not reach the female storage organs without Amo.
- Amo mutant sperm can swim backwards but fail to display hyperactivation.
- Wild type Drosophila sperm exhibit increased beat frequency when released from the uterus.
Takeaway
Drosophila sperm swim backwards to reach the female storage organs, and a protein called Amo helps them do this.
Methodology
In vivo imaging of dual labelled sperm was used to track sperm movement in the female reproductive tract.
Limitations
The study primarily focuses on Drosophila and may not be generalizable to other species.
Participant Demographics
Drosophila melanogaster males and females were used in the study.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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