Membrane fractions have been isolated from eggs of Fucus serrratus which inhibit fertilization in a species-specific manner. This activity is destroyed by alpha-fucosidase and alpha-mannosidase. Some 6% of the protein of this membrane fraction binds to Con A-agarose, following SDS solubilization, and when eluted with alpha-methyl mannoside inhibits fertilization when preincubated with sperm, but not eggs. This inhibitory activity is species-specific and destroyed by alpha-fucosidase but not by trypsin. SDS-gel electrophoresis reveals 1 band staining strongly with Coomassie Brilliant Blue G and weakly with the PAS reagent. This major band represents a glycoprotein with an approximate molecular weight of 30 000 Daltons. Membrane fractions from sperm of Fucus serratus solubilized in KC1 yielded a protein-containing fraction, after affinity chromatography on desulphated focoidan-Sepharose. This fraction is 100-fold more effective in inhibiting fertilization after preincubation with eggs than either Con A or fucose-binding protein. It is species-specific and inhibition is reversed when pretreated eggs are washed with fucoidan. Activity is destroyed by heat and trypsin and only one diffuse band is apparent on SDS gels. This stains positively with Coomassie Brilliant Blue G but not with PAS and has a molecular weight of approximately 60 000 Daltons. Tentative calculation of the numbers of putative receptor molecules gives a figure of 2.5 X 10(9) receptors per egg and 1.8 X 10(6) receptors per sperm.
Call for papers: Cell and Tissue Polarity
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We are welcoming submissions for our next special issue, which will focus on ‘Cell and tissue polarity’ and will be guest edited by David Bryant. Submission deadline: 15 July.
The Forest of Biologists
We are excited to announce the launch of The Forest of Biologists, a new biodiversity initiative created with support from the Woodland Trust, aiming to counteract nature loss and safeguard some of the most critically endangered ecosystems for future generations. For every Research Article and Review/Commentary article that is published in JEB (and our sister journals Development, Journal of Cell Science, Disease Models & Mechanisms and Biology Open), a native tree is planted in a forest in the UK.
Propose a new Workshop for 2025
Do you have an idea for a Workshop? We are now accepting proposals for our 2025 Biologists Workshops programme. As the scientific organiser, your involvement will be focused on the science. We'll take care of all the logistics. In 2025 we'll continue our efforts to diversify our Workshop programme and will be reserving one of our Workshops for an application from a Global South (GS) country to host an event overseas.
Editorial: Publishing where it matters
Cell Scientists to Watch
As a community-focused journal, Journal of Cell Science is keen to support the next generation of cell biologists. Check out Cell Scientists to Watch, our interview series featuring talented researchers who have recently set up their own labs.
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