Predicted seminal astacin-like protease is required for processing of reproductive proteins in Drosophila melanogaster.

ABSTRACT: During mating, males provide females with seminal fluids that include proteins affecting female physiology and, in some cases, reproductive behavior. In several species these male-derived modulators of reproduction are processed upon transfer to the female, suggesting molecular interaction between the sexes. Males could increase their reproductive success by contributing to regulation of this processing; consistent with this hypothesis, seminal fluids are rich in proteolysis regulators. However, whether these molecules carry out processing of male-derived reproductive modulators is unknown. We tested for this role using RNAi to knock down individually 11 Drosophila seminal fluid proteases and protease inhibitors. We found that CG11864, a predicted astacin-type metalloprotease in seminal fl

SUBMITTER: Ravi Ram K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1693721 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature