Functional Protein Composition in Femoral Glands of Sand Lizards (Lacerta agilis).

ABSTRACT: Proteins are ubiquitous macromolecules that display a vast repertoire of chemical and enzymatic functions, making them suitable candidates for chemosignals, used in intraspecific communication. Proteins are present in the skin gland secretions of vertebrates but their identity, and especially, their functions, remain largely unknown. Many lizard species possess femoral glands, i.e., epidermal organs primarily involved in the production and secretion of chemosignals, playing a pivotal role in mate choice and intrasexual communication. The lipophilic fraction of femoral glands has been well studied in lizards. In contrast, proteins have been the focus of only a handful of investigations. Here, we identify and describe inter-individual expression patterns and the functionality of proteins pre

SUBMITTER: Ibanez A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9000839 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature