BMP signaling inhibition in <i>Drosophila</i> secondary cells remodels the seminal proteome and self and rival ejaculate functions.

ABSTRACT: Seminal fluid proteins (SFPs) exert potent effects on male and female fitness. Rapidly evolving and molecularly diverse, they derive from multiple male secretory cells and tissues. In Drosophila melanogaster, most SFPs are produced in the accessory glands, which are composed of ∼1,000 fertility-enhancing "main cells" and ∼40 more functionally cryptic "secondary cells." Inhibition of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling in secondary cells suppresses secretion, leading to a unique uncoupling of normal female postmating responses to the ejaculate: refractoriness stimulation is impaired, but offspring production is not. Secondary-cell secretions might therefore make highly specific contributions to the seminal proteome and ejaculate function; alternatively, they might regulate mor

SUBMITTER: Hopkins BR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6900634 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature