Proteomic Analyses Reveal a Role of Cytoplasmic Droplets as an Energy Source during Epididymal Sperm Maturation
Figure 2
Proteomic analyses of proteins enriched in the cytoplasmic droplets (CDs) using mass spectrometry.
(A) A representative SDS-PAGE gel showing the major protein bands (framed in red) that are either uniquely or predominantly detected in purified CDs. M, protein size marker; T, total epididymal spermatozoa; R, remaining spermatozoa after CD removal; CD, purified CDs. (B) A pie chart showing distribution of the 8 categories of proteins highly enriched in CDs and identified by mass spectrometry. (C) 27 out of 71 enzymes identified are those involved in metabolic pathways for energy production or phosphorylation.