CAREER: Understanding the function of the copulatory plug

与生殖有关的最迷人的结构之一是交配栓，这是一种来自雄性精液的凝固物质，在交配后不久在雌性生殖道中形成。 这种结构存在于大多数有性生殖的动物中，包括许多爬行动物、鸟类、昆虫、啮齿动物和灵长类动物，但其功能仍不清楚。 为了解决这一知识空白，将研究用转氨酶IV（Tgm 4）（交配栓形成所必需的基因）的缺陷拷贝工程化的小鼠模型。 初步数据显示，不能形成交配栓的雄性会有严重的生育缺陷;该项目的主要目标是找出生殖失败发生的地方。 这项研究也对周围社区产生了更广泛的影响。 来自当地内城（洛杉矶）高中的教师和学生将被纳入我们的科学追求。 一个为期一周的分子进化研讨会，一个“动手科学”的经验，指导参与者从最初的假设，实验设计和数据收集，分析和解释，最后到出版将是这个项目的一部分。 除了收集该项目所需的数据外，讲习班还将同时为高中学生和教师揭开科学过程和大学环境的神秘面纱。

One of the most fascinating structures related to reproduction is the copulatory plug, a solidified mass derived from male seminal fluid that forms in the female reproductive tract shortly after mating. This structure occurs in most sexually reproducing animals, including many reptiles, birds, insects, rodents, and primates, yet its function remains poorly characterized. To address this gap in knowledge, a mouse model engineered with a defective copy of transglutaminase IV (Tgm4), a gene necessary for copulatory plug formation will be investigated. Preliminary data show that males who cannot form a copulatory plug suffer severe fertility defects; the main goals of this project are to figure out where reproductive failure occurs. This research also has broader impacts on the surrounding community. Teachers and students from local inner city (Los Angeles) high schools will be incorporated into our scientific pursuits. A one week long Workshop on Molecular Evolution, a "hands on science" experience that guides participants from initial hypothesis, to experimental design and data collection, analysis and interpretation, and finally to publication will be a part of this project. In addition to collecting data necessary for this project, the Workshop will simultaneously demystify the scientific process and the university environment for high school students and teachers alike.