Publications by authors named "Chiho Yamasaki"
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A
November 2004
Article Synopsis
- Ascidians are hermaphroditic organisms that release both sperm and eggs at the same time, but many species can't self-fertilize due to a recognition system that differentiates between self and non-self during fertilization.
- Researchers identified a protein called HrVC70, which is crucial for this recognition process, found in higher amounts in self-sterile mature oocytes compared to self-fertile immature ones, and can be released through acid treatment.
- The study also revealed genetic diversity in HrVC70 among individuals, indicating it plays a significant role in preventing self-fertilization and promoting compatibility in gamete interactions within the ascidian species Halocynthia roretzi.
