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Updated: Oct 12, 2025

Analysis of Epididymal Protein Synthesis and Secretion
Published on: August 25, 2018
The Knowns and Unknowns about Epididymal Extracellular Vesicles in Different Animal Species
Tricia Rowlison1, Pierre Comizzoli1
1Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 20008, USA.
Abstract:
Sperm maturation during epididymal transit is a long and complex process. Although the roles of epididymal extracellular vesicles (EVs) on sperm quality have been extensively studied in recent years, there are still a lot of unexplored areas and too few species that are studied. The objective of this review is to focus on the contribution of epididymal EVs through the apocrine secretion of key factors, including proteins and small RNAs. Furthermore, the authors explore the alterations in the content of these vesicles related to male fertility and the effects of environmental stressors, and how these factors vary across taxa. Last, potential applications are covered, and the next steps in that field of research are highlighted.
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