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Highlights

Building a sperm reservoir with defensin.

A sperm reservoir within the female reproductive tract is likely important for gradual release of sperm for fertilization, acting both to select for fertilization-competent sperm and to prevent polyspermy. Thus, elucidation of mechanisms for establishment of such a reservoir will further our knowledge of the fertilization process. In an article on p. 400 of this issue, Tollner et al. continue their study of the role of DEFB126 (beta defensin 126) on the surface of cynomolgus macaque sperm and show that it mediates attachment of sperm to the oviductal epithelium. DEFB126 had previously been shown to be bound to the sperm surface, with its release required in order for sperm to bind to the zona pellucida of the oocyte. Now it appears that loss of DEFB126 from the sperm surface leads to detachment of sperm from the oviductal epithelium and, thus, this protein plays a pivotal role in natural fertilization by mediating establishment of the sperm reservoir and signaling completion of capacitation.

Theodore L. Tollner, Ashley I. Yudin, Alice F. Tarantal, Cathy A. Treece, James W. Overstreet, and Gary N. Cherr. Beta-Defensin 126 on the Surface of Macaque Sperm Mediates Attachment of Sperm to Oviductal Epithelia. Biol Reprod 2008; 78:400–412. Published online in BOR-Papers In Press 14 November 2007; DOI 10.1095/biolreprod.107.064071

Cat, Cat, Cat, Cat.

Add furry allergenic felines to the list of cloned mammals. Yin et al., in an article on p. 425 of this issue, introduced a red fluorescent protein gene into primary cultures of fibroblasts taken from the ear of a white male Turkish Angora cat and produced clones using the now standard somatic cell nuclear transfer technology. The birth of cats glowing red under fluorescent light provided proof of principle that genetically altered cats can be produced by these methods. This will permit the development of unique animal models of human disease and perhaps modified versions of these favorite domestic companions that do not provoke allergic responses.

Xi Jun Yin, Hyo Sang Lee, Xian Feng Yu, Eugene Choi, Bon Chul Koo, Mo Sun Kwon, Young S. Lee, Su Jin Cho, Guang Zhen Jin, Lyoung Hyo Kim, Hyoung Doo Shin, Teoan Kim, Nam Hyung Kim, and Il Keun Kong. Generation of Cloned Transgenic Cats Expressing Red Fluorescence Protein. Biol Reprod 2008; 78:425–431. Published online in BOR-Papers In Press 14 November 2007; DOI 10.1095/biolreprod.107.065185

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