ProAKAP4 as a motility long-lasting marker in Catalan donkey spermatozoa

Identifier:  imarina:9385426

Handle:  https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/imarina9385426

Authors:  Dordas-Perpinya, Marta; Sergeant, Nicolas; Yanez-Ortiz, Ivan; Mevel, Vincent; Catalan, Jaime; Bruyas, Jean-Francois; Briand-Amirat, Lamia; Miro, Jordi

Abstract:
ProAKAP4 is identified within the flagellum of spermatozoa in various mammalian species, serving as a structural protein associated with motility parameters. This investigation focuses on the presence of proAKAP4 in donkey sperm, elucidating its localization, molecular characteristics, and its correlation with motility descriptors and mitochondrial membrane potential. Twelve ejaculates from Catalan donkeys were analyzed in this study. The initial steps involved proAKAP4 sequencing and detection through Western blotting and immunofluorescence. Post-thaw assessments were conducted at 0, 1, and 3 h, encompassing proAKAP4 levels, sperm motility analyzed via Computer-Assisted Sperm Analysis (CASA), and mitochondrial membrane potential determined by flow cytometry using the JC-1 stain. The findings reveal that proAKAP4 in donkeys exhibits a characteristic localization at the principal piece of the flagellum, consistent with observations in other mammals. The molecular weight of proAKAP4 is determined to be 100 kDa. Significantly, a positive correlation (p