Sperm selection mechanism in a model of avian sperm-storage tubules.

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K15648
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 42010:Animal production science-related
• Research Institution: Hiroshima University
• Principal Investigator: Matsuzaki Mei 広島大学, 統合生命科学研究科(生), 助教 (70848085)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 精子貯蔵 / 精子競争 / 鳥類 / 父性の偏り

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, we aimed to clarify the molecular mechanism of the last male sperm precedence (LMSP), in which the sperm of the last mated male favor fertilization. We developed a microsatellite marker-assisted system by multiplex PCR for identifying individuals and paternities in Japanese quail. We estimated the consumption rate and the amount of stored sperm in the sperm-storage tubules. Our results establish an experimental basis for clarifying how and when LMSP occurs from post-copulation to fertilization.

Free Research Field

動物生産科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究では、精子中片部の長さが産仔の父性に影響を与える可能性という想定外の成果を得られた。また、雌が複数の雄と交尾した際に最後の雄の精子が受精に有利となるLMSP減少の詳細なメカニズムの解明には至らなかったものの、系統間の差異や精漿の有無といった精子の状態がLMSPに影響を与える可能性が実験的に示された。これらの成果は、今後のLMSPメカニズムの解明のための重要な手かがりとなりうる。