Sperm/DNA interaction: DNA binding proteins in sperm cell of silkworm Bombyx mori

Plasmid DNA transferred into testes of silkworm larvae following in vivo gene transfer method was taken up by the sperm cells during spermatogenesis and the DNA was transferred to Go and subsequent progeny. RT-PCR analysis confirmed the internalization of the DNA taken up by the sperm. Specific classes of DNA binding proteins present in the sperm act as potential substrates for sperm/DNA interaction and internalization of DNA. Plasmid DNA injected into the testes were rescued from spermatheca, eggs (moths copulated with injected males), and progeny. The rescued plasmid DNA showed CAT activity to the same level as that of control plasmid.