Male accessory glands of Drosophila melanogaster make a secreted angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ANCE), suggesting a role for the peptide-processing enzyme in seminal fluid.

Rylett, Caroline M. and Walker, Michael J. and Howell, Gareth J. and Shirras, Alan D. and Isaac, R. Elwyn (2007) Male accessory glands of Drosophila melanogaster make a secreted angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ANCE), suggesting a role for the peptide-processing enzyme in seminal fluid. Journal of Experimental Biology, 210 (20). pp. 3601-3606. ISSN 0022-0949

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Abstract

Angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) expressed on the surface of endothelial cells is responsible for the last step in the synthesis of circulating angiotensin II and the inactivation of bradykinin. Mammalian ACE is also expressed in the prostate with other components of the renin–angiotensin system, and in developing spermatids, where the peptidase activity is known to be critical for normal sperm function. The importance of an ACE gene to male fertility has also been demonstrated in Drosophila melanogaster, where Ance is expressed in spermatids, and hypomorphic alleles of Ance cause a defect in spermiogenesis. Here we show that ANCE, which shares many enzymatic properties with mammalian ACE, is also a product of the male accessory gland of D. melanogaster. It is expressed in the secondary cells and is associated with the electron dense granule within the large vesicles of these cells. ACE proteolytic activity is lost from the accessory glands during mating, consistent with transfer to the mated female in the seminal fluid. The accessory gland ACE-like activity might have an evolutionarily conserved function processing biologically active peptides with a role in male fertility.

Item Type:
Journal Article
Journal or Publication Title:
Journal of Experimental Biology
Uncontrolled Keywords:
/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/1100/1109
Subjects:
?? drosophilamale accessory glandangiotensin i-converting enzymedicarboxypeptidaseanceinsect scienceecology, evolution, behavior and systematicsmolecular biologyanimal science and zoologyaquatic sciencephysiologyqh301 biology ??
ID Code:
9417
Deposited By:
Deposited On:
09 Jun 2008 08:19
Refereed?:
Yes
Published?:
Published
Last Modified:
15 Jul 2024 11:39