RMD-3 and RMD-6 identified as new components of the MSP fibrous body complex in C. elegans spermatocytes.

Abstract

The RMD (regulator of microtubule dynamics) protein family is conserved across various species but their activity and role in spermatogenesis is largely unexplored. Here we report developing an antibody against the two nearly identical proteins C. elegans RMD-3 and RMD-6 . This antibody detects RMD-3 /6 in both immunocytology and western blots. RMD-3 /6 colocalizes with the major sperm protein MSP to the fibrous bodies of spermatocytes, cytoplasm of spermatids, and pseudopods of spermatozoa. RMD-3 /6 are sperm-specific, yet male fertility in triple rmd-2 / rmd-3 / rmd-6 knockout mutants is unaffected under conditions tested.