Real-time observation of acrosomal dispersal from mouse sperm using GFP as a marker protein

FEBS Lett. 1999 Apr 23;449(2-3):277-83. doi: 10.1016/s0014-5793(99)00433-0.

Abstract

We produced transgenic mouse lines that accumulate mutated green fluorescent protein (EGFP) in sperm acrosome, a membrane limited organelle overlying the nucleus. The sperm showed normal fertilizing ability and the integrity of their acrosome was easily examined in a non-invasive manner by tracing the GFP in individual 'live' sperm with fluorescent microscopy. The time required for the dispersal of acrosomal contents was demonstrated to be approximately 3 s after the onset of acrosome reaction.

MeSH terms

  • Acrosome / metabolism*
  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Exocytosis
  • Fertilization / physiology
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins
  • Luminescent Proteins / genetics
  • Luminescent Proteins / metabolism
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Spermatozoa / metabolism
  • Spermatozoa / physiology
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Luminescent Proteins
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins