Petersen, C.C.PetersenAumuller, G.G.AumullerBahrami, M.M.BahramiHoyer-Fender, SigridSigridHoyer-Fender2018-11-072018-11-072002https://resolver.sub.uni-goettingen.de/purl?gro-2/44621The outer dense fibers (ODF) are the main cytoskeletal structures of the sperm tail found in animals with internal fecundation. They consist of at least 14 polypeptides from which only a few are identified due to difficulties in isolation of the protein components. Here we report the isolation and molecular characterization of Odf3, encoding a novel protein of rat sperm ODE Odf3 is transcribed in testes and more specifically in spermatids but it is also expressed in epididymides and brain suggesting a possible involvement in building of the cellular cytoskeleton. Odf3 encodes a putative protein of similar to 110 kDa. Secondary structure predictions indicated that ODF3 is a coiled-coil protein. The identification of coiled-coil proteins as constituents of outer dense fibers reveals a model for ODF formation. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 61: 102-112, 2002. (C) 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.journal_article10.1002/mrd.113611774381000172558900013