# CONTROL OF REPRODUCTIVE MATURATION: AN INSECT MODEL

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT & ST AGRIC COLLEGE · 1989 · $148,148

## Abstract

We propose to analyze the assembly of the spermatophore, the sac
that packages the sperm for transfer from male to female in the
mealworm beetle.  In this beetle, as in many other arthropods,
secretions from the male reproductive accessory glands flow into
the ejaculatory duct where they are molded into the multilayered
spermatophore.  Because much is known about its accessory glands,
the mealworm beetle is an especially favorable model with which to
study accessory gland development and spermatophore formation.

The formation of a spermatophore requires multi-step aggregation
of monomers into aggregates that ultimately are assembled into
networks.  First, we will characterize representative structural
proteins, termed spermatophorins, that are produced by the
accessory glands.  With the aid of a monoclonal antibody, we have
isolated one spermatophorin, in a proline-rich protein of 23 kD
designated Sp23, and we have begun to characterize it and to
determine its amino acid sequence by Edman degradation and by
inference from the corresponding cDNAs.

From sequence information and physical data, we can inter some of
the structural characteristics of individual spermatophorins.  With
antibodies, we can determine which of these co-localize in the
spermatophore.  To investigate the formation of homo-and
heteroaggregates, we will use symmetrial bifunctional cross-
linkers.  To identify the ligands which bind to a given
spermatophorin (such as Sp23), we will employ heterobifunctional
cross-linkers.  We hope to investigate the kinetics of their
interactions, and to define the domains which link these proteins
to one another.

Our conclusions about mechanisms of assembly may be relevant to
analogous assembly processes in cuticle and chorion.  In addition,
we hope to collaborate with others in the application of our
antibodies and techniques to spermatophores of other genera,
including such as Simulium, Culicoides, and Glossina, the vectors
of filaria, blue-tongue virus, and trypanosomes, respectively.
Increased knowledge of the reproductive biology of these vectors
may aid in the development and evaluation of pest control programs.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3126335
- **Project number:** 5R01AI015662-10
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT & ST AGRIC COLLEGE
- **SAM.gov UEI:** Z94KLERAG5V9
- **Principal Investigator:** GEORGE M HAPP
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1989
- **Award amount:** $148,148
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1978-07-01 → 1992-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3126335

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3126335, CONTROL OF REPRODUCTIVE MATURATION: AN INSECT MODEL (5R01AI015662-10). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3126335. Licensed CC0.

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