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Fig. 1 | BMC Evolutionary Biology

Fig. 1

From: Unusual interplay of contrasting selective pressures on β-defensin genes implicated in male fertility of the Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

Fig. 1

SSRs in the MRT. Spermatozoa undergo extensive remodelling of their surface in the epididymis where several proteins are adsorbed, inserted and bound covalently or non-covalently on its surface. These include- i) the epididymal coat proteins (ECPs) which may be deep-seated in the plasma membrane via the hydrophobic interactions, ii) electrostatically bound proteins iii) Glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchored proteins and proteins interacting with them iv) proteins in apical blebs known as epididymosomes that are embedded in the sperm plasma membrane and are usually trans-membrane. The seminal plasma proteins (SPPs) and the de-capacitation factors are finally added in the seminal fluid before ejaculation. In the FRT, the capacitation induced changes in the outer sperm membrane cause loss of many proteins e.g. DEFB-126, in a site-specific manner. (Adapted and modified from Rich TD, and Turman EJ.–Beef Cattle Handbook-2200) [37]

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