Proteins can be modified by other proteins called enzymes.That such modifications
For example, scientists previously did not know the role of modifications to tubulin, a protein that forms microtubules.These are long filaments that are used to create scaffolds in cells.Despite the fact that microtubules are almost the same in all cells of our body, they performA wide variety of functions.
One of the most unique functions of microtubules is in the tail of the sperm or flagellum.Sperm flagella are essential for male fertility and sexual reproduction.One such modification, called glycylation, has not been well studied until now.
The movement of sperm in a straight line and in a circle
In the new study, the researchers found that in the absence of this modification, sperm mostly floatTo find out why the lack of glycylation leads to impaired sperm motility and male subfertility, the team used cryo-electron microscopy to visualize the molecular structure of the flagellum and its molecular motors.
Analysis of mutant sperm flagella showedthat they were correctly constructed, but the mutation interfered with the coordinated activity of axonemal dyneins - the motors that drive the flagella. This explains why sperm swimming was impaired.
The results provide direct evidence thatmicrotubules play an active role in the regulation of fundamental biological processes. In addition, this study points to a new mechanism underlying male infertility.
Read more:
Loss of smell occurs in 86% of mild cases of COVID-19
The Ministry of Health of Argentina disclosed data on side effects in those who received Sputnik V
Astronomers have named the new exact age of the universe