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Abstract
Millions or billions of sperm are deposited by artificial insemination or natural mating into the cow reproductive tract but only a few arrive at the site of fertilization and only one fertilizes an oocyte. The remarkable journey that successful sperm take to reach an oocyte is long and tortuous, and includes movement through viscous fluid, avoiding dead ends and hostile immune cells. The privileged collection of sperm that complete this journey must pass selection steps in the vagina, cervix, uterus, utero-tubal junction and oviduct. In many locations in the female reproductive tract, sperm interact with the epithelium and the luminal fluid, which can affect sperm motility and function. Sperm must also be tolerated by the immune system of the female for an adequate time to allow fertilization to occur. This review emphasizes literature about cattle but also includes work in other species that emphasizes critical broad concepts. Although all parts of the female reproductive tract are reviewed, particular attention is given to the sperm destination, the oviduct.
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2
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Schröter F, Müller K, Müller P, Krause E, Braun BC. Recombinant expression of porcine spermadhesin AWN and its phospholipid interaction: Indication for a novel lipid binding property. Reprod Domest Anim 2017; 52:585-595. [PMID: 28326614 DOI: 10.1111/rda.12953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
AWN is a porcine (Sus scrofa domestica) seminal plasma protein and has been linked to a variety of processes related to fertilization. To acquire the protein in sufficient amount and purity for functional studies, we established its recombinant expression in E. coli and a three-step purification protocol based on different chromatographies. The test for AWN-phospholipid interaction revealed phosphatidic acid and cardiolipin as potential binding partners. As phosphatidic acid is surmised to play a role in cation-induced membrane destabilization and fusion events, we propose a membrane protective function of the presented binding affinity. Further studies with recombinant AWN will allow new insights into the mechanism of sperm-spermadhesin interaction and might provide new approaches for artificial reproduction techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Schröter
- Department Reproduction Biology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - K Müller
- Department Reproduction Biology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - P Müller
- Department of Biology/Biophysics, Humboldt University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - E Krause
- Department Mass Spectrometry, Leibniz Institute for Molecular Pharmacology, Berlin, Germany
| | - B C Braun
- Department Reproduction Biology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
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3
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Salmon VM, Leclerc P, Bailey JL. Novel technical strategies to optimize cryopreservation of goat semen using cholesterol-loaded cyclodextrin. Cryobiology 2017; 74:19-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2016.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2016] [Revised: 12/11/2016] [Accepted: 12/28/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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4
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Evolution and function of mammalian binder of sperm proteins. Cell Tissue Res 2015; 363:105-127. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-015-2289-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2015] [Accepted: 08/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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5
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Plante G, Manjunath P. Epididymal Binder of SPerm genes and proteins: what do we know a decade later? Andrology 2015; 3:817-24. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2015] [Revised: 05/31/2015] [Accepted: 06/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- G. Plante
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre; Montréal Québec Canada
- Department of Biochemistry; Faculty of Medicine; University of Montréal; Montréal Québec Canada
| | - P. Manjunath
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre; Montréal Québec Canada
- Department of Biochemistry; Faculty of Medicine; University of Montréal; Montréal Québec Canada
- Department of Medicine; Faculty of Medicine; University of Montréal; Montréal Québec Canada
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6
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Miller DJ. Regulation of Sperm Function by Oviduct Fluid and the Epithelium: Insight into the Role of Glycans. Reprod Domest Anim 2015; 50 Suppl 2:31-9. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.12570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2015] [Accepted: 06/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- DJ Miller
- Department of Animal Sciences; University of Illinois; Urbana-Champaign IL USA
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7
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Silva E, Kadirvel G, Jiang R, Bovin N, Miller D. Multiple proteins from ejaculated and epididymal porcine spermatozoa bind glycan motifs found in the oviduct. Andrology 2014; 2:763-71. [DOI: 10.1111/j.2047-2927.2014.00249.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2014] [Revised: 06/03/2014] [Accepted: 06/20/2014] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- E. Silva
- Department of Animal Sciences; University of Illinois; Urbana IL USA
| | - G. Kadirvel
- Department of Animal Sciences; University of Illinois; Urbana IL USA
| | - R. Jiang
- College of Life Sciences; Zhejiang University; Hangzhou China
| | - N. Bovin
- Shemyakin Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry RAS; Moscow Russia
| | - D. Miller
- Department of Animal Sciences; University of Illinois; Urbana IL USA
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8
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Losdat S, Chang SM, Reid JM. Inbreeding depression in male gametic performance. J Evol Biol 2014; 27:992-1011. [DOI: 10.1111/jeb.12403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2014] [Revised: 04/01/2014] [Accepted: 04/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. Losdat
- Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences; School of Biological Sciences; University of Aberdeen; Aberdeen UK
| | - S.-M. Chang
- Plant Biology Department; University of Georgia; Athens GA USA
| | - J. M. Reid
- Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences; School of Biological Sciences; University of Aberdeen; Aberdeen UK
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Dapino D, Teijeiro J, Cane F, Marini P. Heparin binding analysis of boar sperm and its relation with farrowing capacity. Acta Vet Hung 2014; 62:96-105. [PMID: 24334074 DOI: 10.1556/avet.2013.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
New methods for the evaluation of semen quality according to in vivo reproductive data are useful tools for identifying boars of lower fertility among individuals with standard semen parameters. In this study, indirect fluorescence microscopy was used to evaluate the heparin binding site distribution upon capacitation of sperm from eight boars arbitrarily distributed into Groups I and II according to differential farrowing rates (Group I: ≥ 70%, Group II: < 70%). Additionally, the ability of sperm to bind to solubilised zona pellucida (ZP) was assayed in the presence or absence of heparin. Samples of two individuals of Group II showed lower percentage of B pattern in relation to other individuals (P < 0.001). The number of spermatozoa attached to ZP after 2 h of incubation in capacitating conditions with heparin was significantly lower than in its absence (P < 0.0001). These results suggest that heparin binding site distribution concerning capacitation may be indicative of the availability of proteins involved in the fertilisation process, specifically at the initial sperm-oocyte recognition. Differences in heparin binding site dynamics during capacitation may help identify a subpopulation of individuals with lower fertilising capacity and normal spermiogram, which is particularly useful at high-production establishments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dora Dapino
- 1 Universidad Nacional de Rosario Cátedra de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias Rosario 11 000 Argentina
| | - Juan Teijeiro
- 2 Universidad Nacional de Rosario and IBR-CONICET área Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas Suipacha 590 S2002LRK Rosario Argentina
| | - Fernando Cane
- 3 Instituto de Porcinotecnia, Ministerio de Producción Provincia de Santa Fe Argentina
| | - Patricia Marini
- 2 Universidad Nacional de Rosario and IBR-CONICET área Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas Suipacha 590 S2002LRK Rosario Argentina
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Plante G, Therien I, Lachance C, Leclerc P, Fan J, Manjunath P. Implication of the human Binder of SPerm Homolog 1 (BSPH1) protein in capacitation. Mol Hum Reprod 2014; 20:409-21. [DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gau006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
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11
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Plante G, Fan J, Manjunath P. Murine Binder of SPerm Homolog 2 (BSPH2): The Black Sheep of the BSP Superfamily1. Biol Reprod 2014; 90:20. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.114272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
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12
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Madej M, Hansen C, Johannisson A, Madej A. Heparin-binding proteins from boar seminal plasma affecting the release of prostaglandins and interleukin-6 by porcine endometrial and cervical cells and bovine endometrial cells. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.4236/ns.2013.57a004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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13
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Leahy T, Gadella BM. Sperm surface changes and physiological consequences induced by sperm handling and storage. Reproduction 2011; 142:759-78. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-11-0310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Spermatozoa interact with their immediate environment and this contact remodels the sperm surface in preparation for fertilisation. These fundamental membrane changes will be critically covered in this review with special emphasis on the very specific surface destabilisation event, capacitation. This process involves very subtle and intricate modifications of the sperm membrane including removal of suppression (decapacitation) factors and changes in the lateral organisation of the proteins and lipids of the sperm surface. Processing of sperm for assisted reproduction (storage, sex-sorting, etc.) subjects spermatozoa to numerous stressors, and it is possible that this processing overrides such delicate processes resulting in sperm instability and cell damage. To improve sperm quality, novel mechanisms must be used to stabilise the sperm surface during handling. In this review, different types of membrane stress are considered, as well as novel surface manipulation methods to improve sperm stability.
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Leahy T, Gadella BM. Capacitation and Capacitation-like Sperm Surface Changes Induced by Handling Boar Semen. Reprod Domest Anim 2011; 46 Suppl 2:7-13. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2011.01799.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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15
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Madej M, Norrby M, Madsen M, Johannisson A, Hansen C, Madej A. The effect of boar seminal plasma on the release of prostaglandins and interleukin-6 by porcine endometrial and cervical cells and bovine endometrial cells. Reprod Domest Anim 2011; 47:113-24. [PMID: 21615801 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2011.01809.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Artificial insemination (AI) of sows results in a significant elevation of prostaglandin F(2α) metabolite (PGFM) levels in peripheral plasma, whereas in mated sows such elevation is not seen. The aim of this study was to investigate whether boar seminal plasma (SP) has any effect on the release of PGFM, prostaglandin F(2α) (PGF(2α) ), prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2) ) or interleukin-6 (IL-6) by in vitro cultured porcine endometrial (epithelial - pUE and stromal - pUS), cervical (pCE and pCS) and bovine endometrial epithelial cells (bUE). This study shows that boar SP inhibits the release of PGFM, PGF(2α) and PGE(2) by porcine endometrial and cervical cells and bovine endometrial cells after 3 and 24 h incubation. Boar SP stimulated IL-6 release by pUE, pUS and even bUE after 3 h incubation. Tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα) stimulated the release of IL-6 by pUS only after 24 h incubation, but in the presence of boar SP, this stimulation was attenuated. The overall results from these in vitro studies give us possibility to understand the difference in prostaglandin response between mated and inseminated sows. Furthermore, we demonstrated that frozen-stored epithelial and stromal cells from pig endometrium, as well as from the cervix are suitable for studying the effect of SP on the release of prostaglandins. The only prerequisite is to incubate these thawed cells with arachidonic acid as a source for the synthesis of prostaglandins. A similar effect of boar SP on porcine and bUE cells may suggest inter-species reactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Madej
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden.
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Vadnais ML, Roberts KP. Seminal plasma proteins inhibit in vitro- and cooling-induced capacitation in boar spermatozoa. Reprod Fertil Dev 2010; 22:893-900. [DOI: 10.1071/rd09274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2009] [Accepted: 01/05/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Dilute boar seminal plasma (SP) has been shown to inhibit in vitro capacitation and cooling-induced capacitation-like changes in boar spermatozoa, as assessed by the ability of the spermatozoa to undergo an ionophore-induced acrosome reaction. We hypothesised that the protein component of SP is responsible for this effect. To test this hypothesis, varying concentrations of total SP protein or SP proteins fractionated by heparin binding were assayed for their ability to inhibit in vitro capacitation, as well as cooling- and cryopreservation-induced capacitation-like changes. In vitro capacitation and cooling-induced capacitation-like changes were prevented by 10% whole SP, as well as by total proteins extracted from SP at concentrations greater than 500 μg mL−1. No amount of SP protein was able to prevent cryopreservation-induced capacitation-like changes. Total SP proteins were fractionated based on their heparin-binding properties and the heparin-binding fraction was shown to possess capacitation inhibitory activity at concentrations as low as 250 µg mL−1. The proteins in the heparin-binding fraction were subjected to mass spectrometry and identified. The predominant proteins were three members of the spermadhesin families, namely AQN-3, AQN-1 and AWN, and SP protein pB1. We conclude that one or more of these heparin-binding SP proteins is able to inhibit in vitro capacitation and cooling-induced capacitation-like changes, but not cryopreservation-induced capacitation-like changes, in boar spermatozoa.
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Dun MD, Mitchell LA, Aitken RJ, Nixon B. Sperm-zona pellucida interaction: molecular mechanisms and the potential for contraceptive intervention. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2010:139-178. [PMID: 20839091 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-02062-9_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
At the moment of insemination, millions of mammalian sperm cells are released into the female reproductive tract with the single goal of finding the oocyte. The spermatozoa subsequently ignore the thousands of cells they make contact with during their journey to the site of fertilization, until they reach the surface of the oocyte. At this point, they bind tenaciously to the acellular coat, known as the zona pellucida, which surrounds the oocyte and orchestrate a cascade of cellular interactions that culminate in fertilization. These exquisitely cell- and species- specific recognition events are among the most strategically important cellular interactions in biology. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underpin them has implications for the etiology of human infertility and the development of novel targets for fertility regulation. Herein we describe our current understanding of the molecular basis of successful sperm-zona pellucida binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D Dun
- Reproductive Science Group, School of Environmental & Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
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18
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Dapino DG, Teijeiro JM, Cabada MO, Marini PE. Dynamics of heparin-binding proteins on boar sperm. Anim Reprod Sci 2009; 116:308-17. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2009.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2008] [Revised: 02/19/2009] [Accepted: 02/27/2009] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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19
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Yue W, Shi L, Bai Z, Ren Y, Zhao Y. Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of ram seminal plasma proteins and their correlation with semen characteristics. Anim Reprod Sci 2009; 116:386-91. [PMID: 19321275 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2009.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2008] [Revised: 11/17/2008] [Accepted: 02/17/2009] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The present study was conducted to investigate fertility-associated proteins in ram seminal plasma and the correlation between specific protein and semen characteristics in sheep. Thirty-eight German merino sheep clinically proven healthy were chosen and divided into three groups according to fertility. Ejaculates were collected by an artificial vagina and semen characteristics (volume, pH value, motility, viability and concentration) were recorded. Seminal plasma was harvested by centrifugation and then subjected to SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) analysis in parallel with molecular weight standards. Fifteen protein bands with different molecular weights, ranging from 15.13 to 116.20kDa, were identified on the gel. The results showed that the relative content of eight protein bands was significantly different between the high-fertility group (H-group) and the low-fertility group (L-group). Although the remaining seven protein bands showed no fertility-associated changes in their relative content, some of them were negatively or positively correlated with some semen quality parameters (motility, viability, concentration or pH value). Thus, this study indicates that ram seminal plasma contains specific proteins that are associated with fertility and semen characteristics. Also, these proteins could be utilised in developing a reliable and simple method to determine the ram fertility or semen quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbin Yue
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu 030801, PR China.
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Kumar V, Hassan MI, Kashav T, Singh TP, Yadav S. Heparin-binding proteins of human seminal plasma: purification and characterization. Mol Reprod Dev 2008; 75:1767-74. [PMID: 18425775 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.20910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Human seminal plasma (HuSP) contains several proteins that bind heparin and related glycosaminoglycans. Heparin binding proteins (HBPs) from seminal plasma have been shown to participate in modulation of capacitation or acrosome reaction and thus have been correlated with fertility in some species. However, these have not been studied in detail in human. The objective of this study was to purify major HBPs from HuSP in order to characterize these proteins. HBPs were isolated by affinity-chromatography on Heparin-Sepharose column, purified by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) and Size-exclusion chromatography and checked for purity on sodium-dodecyl PAGE (SDS-PAGE). Identification of HBPs was done by matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionization-time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). Here we report the purification and identification of seven HBPs in seminal fluid. The major HBPs are lactoferrin and its fragments, semenogelin I fragments, semenogelin II, prostate specific antigen, homolog of bovine seminal plasma-proteins (BSP), zinc finger protein (Znf 169) and fibronectin fragments. In this study we are reporting for the first time the purification and identification of BSP-homolog and Znf 169 from HuSP and classified them as HBPs. Here we report the purification of seven clinically important proteins from human seminal fluid through heparin affinity chromatography and RP-HPLC, in limited steps with higher yield.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay Kumar
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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Manjunath P, Lefebvre J, Jois PS, Fan J, Wright MW. New nomenclature for mammalian BSP genes. Biol Reprod 2008; 80:394-7. [PMID: 18923155 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.108.074088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BSP proteins and their homologs are a family of structurally related proteins characterized by the presence of tandem fibronectin type II domains. In the bovine species, BSP proteins were shown to be involved in sperm capacitation, a posttesticular maturation event necessary for sperm to acquire the ability to fertilize an oocyte. Recently, many new genes from this family have been discovered in numerous mammalian species. However, inconsistency in the nomenclature is creating much confusion. In light of the rapid growth of the BSP superfamily of proteins, we propose a new nomenclature in collaboration with the HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee.
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Affiliation(s)
- Puttaswamy Manjunath
- Research Centre, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital, Department of Medicine, University of Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
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Point mutations abolishing the mannose-binding capability of boar spermadhesin AQN-1. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2008; 1784:856-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2008.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2008] [Revised: 02/11/2008] [Accepted: 02/19/2008] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Domínguez M, Falcinelli A, Hozbor F, Sánchez E, Cesari A, Alberio R. Seasonal variations in the composition of ram seminal plasma and its effect on frozen-thawed ram sperm. Theriogenology 2008; 69:564-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2007.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2007] [Revised: 08/02/2007] [Accepted: 11/05/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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24
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Cardozo JA, Fernández-Juan M, Cebrián-Pérez JA, Muiño-Blanco T. Identification of RSVP14 and RSVP20 Components by Two-dimensional Electrophoresis and Western-blotting. Reprod Domest Anim 2007; 43:15-21. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2006.00845.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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25
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Jonáková V, Manásková P, Tichá M. Separation, characterization and identification of boar seminal plasma proteins. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2006; 849:307-14. [PMID: 17110178 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2006.10.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2006] [Revised: 10/04/2006] [Accepted: 10/27/2006] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Methods used for the isolation, separation and characterization of boar seminal plasma proteins are discussed, as well as techniques applied to study their binding properties. Attention is paid to interactions of these proteins with different types of saccharides and glycoconjugates, with membrane phospholipids, and to interactions between proteins. Boar seminal plasma contains different types of proteins: spermadhesins of the AQN and AWN families; DQH and PSP proteins belong to the most abundant. Some of these proteins are bound to the sperm surface during ejaculation and thus protein-coating layers of sperm are formed. Sperms coated with proteins participate in different types of interactions occurring in the course of the reproduction process, e.g. formation of the oviductal sperm reservoir, sperm capacitation, oocyte recognition and sperm binding to the oocyte.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Jonáková
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Flemingovo n. 2, 166 37 Prague 6, Czech Republic.
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26
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Martínez-Pastor F, Anel L, Guerra C, Alvarez M, Soler AJ, Garde JJ, Chamorro C, de Paz P. Seminal plasma improves cryopreservation of Iberian red deer epididymal sperm. Theriogenology 2006; 66:1847-56. [PMID: 16790268 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2006.04.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2005] [Revised: 03/28/2006] [Accepted: 04/10/2006] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
We tested the protective action of seminal plasma on epididymal spermatozoa from Iberian red deer, especially considering cryopreservation, as a means for germplasm banking improvement. We obtained seminal plasma by centrifuging electroejaculated semen, and part of it was thermically inactivated (denatured plasma; 55 degrees C 30 min). Epididymal samples (always at 5 degrees C) were obtained from genitalia harvested after regulated hunting, and pooled for each assay (five in total). We tested three seminal plasma treatments (mixing seminal plasma with samples 2:1): no plasma, untreated plasma and denatured plasma; and four incubation treatments: 32 degrees C 15 min, 5 degrees C 15 min, 5 degrees C 2h and 5 degrees C 6h. After each incubation, samples were diluted 1:1 with extender: Tes-Tris-Fructose, 10% egg yolk, 4% glycerol; equilibrated for 2h at 5 degrees C, extended down to 10(8) spz./mL and frozen. Sperm quality was evaluated before 1:1 dilution, before freezing and after thawing the samples, assessing motility (CASA) and viability (percentage of viable and acrosome-intact spermatozoa; PI/PNA-FITC and fluorescent microscopy). Plasma treatment, both untreated and denatured, rendered higher viability before freezing and higher results for most parameters after thawing. The improvement was irrespective of incubation treatment, except for viability, which rendered slightly different results for untreated and denatured plasma. This may be due to the presence of thermolabile components. We still have to determine the underlying mechanisms involved in this protection. These results might help to improve the design of cryopreservation extenders for red deer epididymal sperm.
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Gwathmey TM, Ignotz GG, Mueller JL, Manjunath P, Suarez SS. Bovine Seminal Plasma Proteins PDC-109, BSP-A3, and BSP-30-kDa Share Functional Roles in Storing Sperm in the Oviduct1. Biol Reprod 2006; 75:501-7. [PMID: 16790686 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.106.053306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
On ejaculation, sperm become coated with proteins secreted by the male accessory sex glands. In the bull, these proteins consist predominantly of the bovine seminal plasma family of proteins (BSPs): PDC-109 (BSP-A1/-A2), BSP-A3, and BSP-30-kDa. PDC-109 plays a role in forming an oviductal sperm reservoir by enabling sperm to bind to oviductal epithelium. Because PDC-109 has high sequence identity with the other BSPs, we tested BSP-A3 and BSP-30-kDa for the capacity to bind sperm to oviductal epithelium. BSP-A3 and BSP-30-kDa each increased binding of epididymal sperm to epithelium and were as effective as PDC-109 in competitively inhibiting binding of ejaculated sperm. Because binding extends the motile life of sperm, BSPs were tested for the ability to maintain sperm motility. BSP-treated epididymal sperm incubated with plasma membrane vesicles from bovine oviductal epithelium maintained progressive motility longer than untreated sperm. To our knowledge, this is the first report of this protective effect of BSPs. Similarities in function among the BSPs were reflected in their three-dimensional structure, whereas surface maps of electrostatic potential indicated differences in binding affinities and kinetics. Such differences may provide sperm with greater adaptability to variations among females. Altogether, these results indicate that BSPs play a crucial role in fertilization by maintaining sperm motility during storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- TanYa M Gwathmey
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
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Cardozo JA, Fernández-Juan M, Forcada F, Abecia A, Muiño-Blanco T, Cebrián-Pérez JA. Monthly variations in ovine seminal plasma proteins analyzed by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Theriogenology 2006; 66:841-50. [PMID: 16530261 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2006.01.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2005] [Revised: 01/25/2006] [Accepted: 01/29/2006] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study was conducted to evaluate monthly changes in the ram seminal plasma protein profile using two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE) with a polyacrylamide linear gradient gel. Likewise, comparative analyses of the protein composition of ovine seminal plasma (SP) from ejaculates obtained along the year, and its relationship with sperm motility, viability and concentration of ejaculate were carried out. Western-blot analysis was performed to specifically detect P14, a ram SP protein postulated to be involved in sperm capacitation and gamete interaction [Barrios B, Fernández-Juan M, Muiño-Blanco T, Cebrián-Pérez JA. Immunocytochemical localization and biochemical characterization of two seminal plasma proteins which protect ram spermatozoa against cold-shock. J Androl 2005;26:539-49], and its variations along the year have also been established. The experiment was carried out from May 2003 to April 2004, with nine Rasa Aragonesa rams. Ejaculates obtained every 2 days were pooled and used for each assay, to avoid individual differences, and three two-dimensional SDS-PAGE gels were run for each month. The high resolution of the gradient gel allowed the image analysis software to detect around 252 protein spots, with pIs ranging from 4.2 to 7.6, and molecular weight (M(r)) from 12.5 to 83.9 kDa. Four protein spots (1, 2, 3 and 4) of low M(r) (15.1, 15.7, 15.9 and 21.0 kDa) and acidic pI (5.9, 5.3, 5.7 and 6.6), respectively, had the highest relative intensity in the SP map (11.2, 9.3, 4.7 and 7.7%, respectively). Spot 3 was more abundant (P<0.05) from May to December, and negatively correlated (P<0.05, r=-0.34) with sperm viability and concentration (P<0.05, r=0.36). Another 12 protein spots also had significant quantitative differences (P<0.05) along the year, and 17 protein spots, which correlated with some seminal quality parameter, did not show quantitative monthly changes. Western-blot analysis indicated that spots 1 and 2 reacted with the anti-P14 antibody, raised against the P14 band (approximate M(r) 14 kDa) of ram SP. This indicates that spots 1 and 2 are similar to RSP15 [Bergeron A, Villemure M, Lazure C, Manjunath P. Isolation and characterization of the major proteins of ram seminal plasma. Mol Reprod Dev 2005;71:461-70], bovine PDC-109 [Esch FS, Ling NC, Bohlen P, Ying S, Guillemin R. Primary structure of PDC-109, a major protein constituent of bovine seminal plasma. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1983;113:861-7] (also called BSP A1/A2 [Manjunath P, Sairam MR. Purification and biochemical characterization of three major acidic proteins (BSP-A1, BSP-A2 and BSP-A3) from bovine seminal plasma. Biochem J 1987;241:685-92]) and goat GSP-14/15 kDa [Villemure M, Lazure C, Manjunath P. Isolation and characterization of gelatine-binding proteins from goat seminal plasma. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2003;1:39], based on our previous results on the P14 amino acid sequence [Barrios B, Fernández-Juan M, Muiño-Blanco T, Cebrián-Pérez JA. Immunocytochemical localization and biochemical characterization of two seminal plasma proteins which protect ram spermatozoa against cold-shock. J Androl 2005;26:539-49].
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Cardozo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zaragoza, Miguel Servet 177, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain
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Campanero-Rhodes MA, Menéndez M, Sáiz JL, Sanz L, Calvete JJ, Solís D. Analysis of the stability of the spermadhesin PSP-I/PSP-II heterodimer. Effects of Zn2+ and acidic pH. FEBS J 2005; 272:5663-70. [PMID: 16262703 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-4658.2005.04974.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Spermadhesins are a family of 12-16 kDa proteins with a single CUB domain. PSP-I and PSP-II, the most abundant boar spermadhesins, are present in seminal plasma as a noncovalent heterodimer. Dimerization markedly affects the binding ability of the subunits. Notably, heparin and mannose 6-phosphate binding abilities of PSP-II are abolished, indicating that the corresponding binding sites may be located at (or near) the dimer interface. Pursuing the hypothesis that cryptic binding sites in PSP-I/PSP-II may be exposed in specific physiological environments, we examined the influence of Zn2+ and acidic pH on the heterodimer stability. According to near-UV CD spectra, the core native fold is preserved in the presence of physiological concentrations of Zn2+, a cation unusually abundant in boar seminal plasma. However, the thermostability of the heterodimer decreases significantly, as observed by CD and differential scanning calorimetry. The effect is Zn2+-specific and is reversed by EDTA. Destabilization is also observed at acidic pH. Gel filtration analysis using radioiodinated PSP-I/PSP-II reveals that dissociation of the heterodimer at low (nanomolar) protein concentrations is promoted by both Zn2+ and acidic pH. Although the integrity of the heterodimer in seminal plasma seems to be guaranteed by its high concentration, dissociation may be facilitated in the female genital tract because of dilution of the protein in the intraluminal fluids of the cervix and the uterus, and the acidic fluid of the uterotubal junction. Such a mechanism may be relevant in the regulation of uterine immune reactions.
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Bergeron A, Villemure M, Lazure C, Manjunath P. Isolation and characterization of the major proteins of ram seminal plasma. Mol Reprod Dev 2005; 71:461-70. [PMID: 15892046 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.20310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian seminal plasma contains among others, two major families of proteins, namely spermadhesins and those proteins that contain fibronectin type II domains. Spermadhesins are the major proteins of boar and stallion seminal plasma and homologous proteins have been identified in the bull. These proteins appear to be involved in capacitation and sperm-egg interaction. In bovine seminal plasma, proteins containing fibronectin type II domains are the major proteins and are designated BSP proteins. These proteins play a role in sperm capacitation. In this study, we present the isolation and characterization of the major proteins of ram seminal plasma. Precipitated proteins from Suffolk ram seminal plasma were loaded onto a gelatin-Agarose column. The unadsorbed (fraction A) and retarded proteins (fraction B) were removed by washing the column with phosphate buffered-saline and the adsorbed proteins (fraction C) were eluted with 5 M urea. SDS-PAGE of fraction B indicated the presence of a 15.5 kDa protein, which is the major protein of ram seminal plasma (approximately 45% of total protein by weight) and was identified as a spermadhesin by N-terminal sequencing. SDS-PAGE analysis of fraction C revealed the presence of four proteins, which represented approximately 20% of total ram seminal plasma proteins by weight, and were identified as proteins of the BSP family and named RSP proteins. These RSP proteins were designated RSP-15 kDa, RSP-16 kDa, RSP-22 kDa, and RSP-24 kDa. Only RSP-15 kDa and -16 kDa proteins cross-reacted with antibodies against BSP proteins. Ram spermadhesin and RSP proteins interact with heparin but only RSP proteins bind to hen's egg yolk low-density lipoprotein. In conclusion, spermadhesin is the major protein of ram seminal plasma and other major proteins belong to the BSP protein family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annick Bergeron
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital, Guy-Bernier Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Wisniewski HG, Snitkin ES, Mindrescu C, Sweet MH, Vilcek J. TSG-6 Protein Binding to Glycosaminoglycans. J Biol Chem 2005; 280:14476-84. [DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m411734200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
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Kraus M, Tichá M, Zelezná B, Peknicová J, Jonáková V. Characterization of human seminal plasma proteins homologous to boar AQN spermadhesins. J Reprod Immunol 2005; 65:33-46. [PMID: 15694965 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2004.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2004] [Revised: 08/13/2004] [Accepted: 10/04/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Spermadhesins, proteins secreted by the boar sexual accessory glands, are believed to play an important role in sperm capacitation and primary contact of sperm and egg. We have previously found human seminal plasma proteins immunobiochemically related to boar AQN and AWN spermadhesins. In this study, we characterized further the AQN spermadhesin-related proteins, here designated as hSA (human spermadhesin-like) proteins. On Western blot, we immunodetected 14, 16 and 18 kDa forms of hSA proteins (hSA-14, hSA-16 and hSA-18, respectively) cross-reacting with rabbit antibody against AQN spermadhesins. Each relative molecular-mass form of hSA comprised three isoelectric isoforms (6.0, 6.8 and 8.4) as shown by 2D-PAGE. Glycoprotein analysis revealed that all hSA-16 and hSA-18 isoforms were N-glycosylated, and those of hSA-14 were non-glycosylated. Two isoforms of hSA-14 (pI 6.0 and 8.4) had affinity to heparin. Size-exclusion chromatography of human seminal plasma indicated that hSA proteins formed high molecular-mass complexes either with other hSA proteins or with seminal plasma lactoferrin and/or its fragments. Similarity of biochemical properties (relative molecular masses, isoelectric points and existence of non- and N-glycosylated forms) of hSA proteins and those of boar AQN spermadhesins, together with a previously described N-terminal amino acid sequence of one hSA protein identical to AQN spermadhesins, imply that hSA proteins are structurally related to boar AQN spermadhesins. However, localization of hSA proteins on the sperm tail and neck suggests that their biological role differs from that of boar AQN spermadhesins located on the sperm head.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek Kraus
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Flemingovo nám. 2, 166 37 Prague 6, Czech Republic.
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Rodríguez-Martínez H, Saravia F, Wallgren M, Tienthai P, Johannisson A, Vázquez JM, Martínez E, Roca J, Sanz L, Calvete JJ. Boar spermatozoa in the oviduct. Theriogenology 2005; 63:514-35. [PMID: 15626414 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2004.09.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In the pig, a functional tubal sperm reservoir (SR) is established before ovulation to ensure availability of suitable numbers of viable spermatozoa for fertilization. The boar's large ejaculate is split: most spermatozoa are delivered in a sperm-rich fraction (SRF) followed by a post-SRF fraction containing increasing amounts of the spermadhesin PSP-I/PSP-II-rich seminal vesicle secretion. This heterodimer acts as leukocyte chemoattractant both in vitro and in vivo, contributing to the phagocytosis of those spermatozoa not reaching the SR. Sequential ejaculate deposition of marked spermatozoa and SR screening showed that most spermatozoa in the SR arose from the fortuitous PSP-poor, first portion of the SRF fraction, escaping phagocytosis and replenishing the SR within 2-3 h. The SR-sperm numbers diminish gradually in relation to ovulation, spermatozoa being continuously redistributed toward the upper isthmus. In vitro, only uncapacitated spermatozoa bind to epithelial explants, suggesting that the SR influences sperm capacitation. In vivo, most viable spermatozoa--usually harbored in the deep furrows in the pre- or peri-ovulatory SR during spontaneous standing estrus--are uncapacitated, but capacitation significantly increases after ovulation. Pre-/peri-ovulatory SR spermatozoa promptly capacitate in vitro when exposed to the effector bicarbonate, an influence that can be reversed by co-incubation with SR fluid or its component hyaluronan. Fluid collected from the ampullar segment (rich in bicarbonate) induces capacitation in vitro. In conclusion, the lack of massive sperm capacitation in the SR and the diverse individual response to capacitation shown by tubal spermatozoa would relate both to the insurance of full sperm viability before ovulation and the presence of spermatozoa at different stages of capacitation in the upper oviduct, thus maximizing the chances of normal fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heriberto Rodríguez-Martínez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Ullsvägen 14C, Clinical Centre, Ultuna, Uppsala, Sweden.
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Boisvert M, Bergeron A, Lazure C, Manjunath P. Isolation and Characterization of Gelatin-Binding Bison Seminal Vesicle Secretory Proteins1. Biol Reprod 2004; 70:656-61. [PMID: 14585808 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.103.023069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Bovine seminal plasma (BSP) contains a family of major proteins designated BSP-A1/A2, BSP-A3, and BSP-30kDa (collectively called BSP proteins) that bind to sperm at ejaculation and potentiate sperm capacitation. Homologous proteins have been identified in stallion, boar, goat, and ram seminal plasma. We report here the isolation and characterization of homologous proteins from bison seminal vesicle secretions. Seminal vesicle secretory proteins were precipitated by adding cold ethanol and recovered by centrifugation. The precipitates were resuspended in ammonium bicarbonate, dialyzed, and lyophilized. Lyophilized proteins were dissolved in 0.05 M phosphate buffer (PB) and loaded onto a gelatin-agarose column. The unadsorbed proteins and adsorbed proteins were eluted with PB and 5 M urea in PB, respectively. The gelatin-adsorbed fraction was analyzed by SDS-PAGE and revealed the presence of four major proteins designated BiSV-16kDa, BiSV-17kDa, BiSV-18kDa, and BiSV-28kDa (BiSV: bison seminal vesicle proteins). Heparin-Sepharose chromatography allowed the separation of BiSV-16kDa, which did not bind heparin from other BiSV proteins, which bound heparin. Immunoblotting revealed that BiSV-16kDa cross-reacted with BSP-A3 antibodies, BiSV-17kDa and BiSV-18kDa cross-reacted with BSP-A1/-A2 antibodies, and BiSV-28kDa cross-reacted with BSP-30kDa antibodies. Radioimmunoassays indicated that approximately 25% of bison seminal vesicle total proteins are related to BSP proteins. The amino-terminal sequencing indicated that BiSV proteins share almost 100% sequence identity with BSP proteins. In addition, BiSV proteins bind to low-density lipoproteins isolated from hen's egg yolk. These results confirm that BSP protein homologs are present in mammalian seminal plasma and they may share the same biological role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Boisvert
- Departement of Medicine, University of Montreal and Guy-Bernier Research Centre, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Jelínková P, Ryšlavá H, Liberda J, Jonáková V, Tichá M. Aggregated Forms of Bull Seminal Plasma Proteins and Their Heparin-Binding Activity. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004. [DOI: 10.1135/cccc20040616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Heparin-binding activity of bull seminal plasma proteins was shown to be dependent on their aggregation state. The protein fraction interacting with immobilized heparin was characterized by large polydispersity in the region of molecular weight of 60 000-10 000, while that not retained on the affinity carrier was present as aggregates with molecular weight >100 000. Components of heparin-binding and non-heparin-binding fractions were separated by RP HPLC (reversed-phase HPLC) and analyzed by SDS (sodium dodecyl sulfate) electrophoresis and N-terminal sequencing. Size exclusion chromatography of whole seminal plasma and heparin-binding proteins in the presence of D-fructose (as a component of seminal plasma) showed that the region of molecular weights of protein-associated forms was shifted to lower values. An increase of heparin-binding activity of bull proteins, as determined by ELBA (Enzyme-Linked Binding Assay), correlates with a decrease of their aggregation state. The modulation of the aggregation state of bull proteins by seminal plasma components and, in this way, also of their heparin-binding properties suggests possible mechanisms for capacitation mediated by these proteins.
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Jonáková V, Tichá M. Boar Seminal Plasma Proteins and Their Binding Properties. A Review. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004. [DOI: 10.1135/cccc20040461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Binding properties of a group of proteins isolated from boar seminal plasma and their role in the fertilization process are discussed. Boar seminal plasma contains different types of proteins: spermadhesins of AQN and AWN family, DQH and PSP proteins belong to the most abundant. Some of these proteins are bound to the sperm surface during ejaculation and thus protein-coating layers are formed. Sperms coated with proteins participate in different types of interactions in the following steps of the fertilization process: formation of oviductal sperm reservoir, sperm capacitation, oocyte recognition and sperm binding. Saccharide-based interactions of boar seminal plasma proteins play role in the binding of sperm to oviductal epithelium, in sperm capacitation and primary binding of sperm to zona pellucida. An interaction with phospholipid components is responsible for the protein adsorption to sperm membrane. Interactions between proteins participate in the arrangement and remodelling of sperm-coating layers. Study of boar seminal plasma proteins, their characterization and elucidation of their interactions will contribute to understanding the fertilization process. A review with 82 references.
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Centurion F, Vazquez JM, Calvete JJ, Roca J, Sanz L, Parrilla I, Garcia EM, Martinez EA. Influence of porcine spermadhesins on the susceptibility of boar spermatozoa to high dilution. Biol Reprod 2003; 69:640-6. [PMID: 12724275 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.103.016527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The effect of heparin-binding and non-heparin-binding spermadhesins on the viability, motility, and mitochondrial activity of boar spermatozoa at the high dilution (300,000 sperm/ml) to which sperm are exposed during the process of sex sorting by flow cytometry was investigated. Incubation of spermatozoa with heparin-binding spermadhesins caused a time- and dose-dependent decrease in the percentage of functional spermatozoa. The percentage of viable spermatozoa incubated at 38 degrees C with heparin-binding spermadhesins diluted in PBS (1 mg/ml) dropped from 75% (0.5 h) to 4% (5 h), whereas the percentage of viable spermatozoa incubated in PBS without proteins (control) decreased from 85% (0.5 h) to 19% (5 h). Addition of non-heparin-binding PSP-I/PSP-II spermadhesin to the PBS resulted in a concentration-dependent increment of the percentage of viable cells (65% after 5-h incubation), with maximum effect at 1.5 mg/ml. The heparin-binding spermadhesins totally suppressed sperm motility and mitochondrial activity after 5 h of incubation. The same parameters of sperm incubated in the presence of 1.5 mg/ml of PSP-I/PSP-II were 50% and 58%, respectively, and the percentages of control sperm displaying motility and mitochondrial activity were 21% and 26%, respectively. Moreover, the viability, motility, and mitochondrial activity all decreased on incubation of spermatozoa with mixtures of PSP-I/PSP-II and heparin-binding spermadhesins as the concentration of the latter increased. We conclude that PSP-I/PSP-II and the heparin-binding spermadhesins exert antagonistic effects on the functionality of highly diluted boar spermatozoa. The finding that PSP-I/PSP-II contributes to maintaining sperm with high viability, motility, and mitochondrial activity for at least 5 h at physiological temperature points to its potential use as an additive for sperm preservation, specifically of highly diluted, flow-sorted spermatozoa for sex preselection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Centurion
- Departamento de Medicina y Cirugía Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
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Villemure M, Lazure C, Manjunath P. Isolation and characterization of gelatin-binding proteins from goat seminal plasma. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2003; 1:39. [PMID: 12737634 PMCID: PMC155548 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-1-39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2003] [Accepted: 04/28/2003] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
A family of proteins designated BSP-A1, BSP-A2, BSP-A3 and BSP-30 kDa (collectively called BSP proteins for Bovine Seminal Plasma proteins) constitute the major protein fraction in the bull seminal plasma. These proteins interact with choline phospholipids on the sperm surface and play a role in the membrane stabilization (decapacitation) and destabilization (capacitation) process. Homologous proteins have been isolated from boar and stallion seminal plasma. In the current study we report the isolation and preliminary characterization of homologous proteins from goat seminal plasma. Frozen semen (-80 degrees C) was thawed and centrifuged to remove sperm. The proteins in the supernatant were precipitated by the addition of cold ethanol. The precipitates were dissolved in ammonium bicarbonate and lyophilised. The lyophilised proteins were dissolved in phosphate buffer and loaded onto a gelatin-agarose column, which was previously equilibrated with the same buffer. The column was successively washed with phosphate buffer, with phosphate buffer saline and with 0.5 M urea in phosphate buffer saline to remove unadsorbed proteins, and the adsorbed proteins were eluted with 5 M urea in phosphate buffer saline. Analysis of pooled, dialysed and lyophilised gelatin-agarose adsorbed protein fraction by SDS-PAGE indicated the presence of four protein bands that were designated GSP-14 kDa, GSP-15 kDa, GSP-20 kDa and GSP-22 kDa (GSP, Goat Seminal Plasma proteins). Heparin-affinity chromatography was then used for the separation of GSP-20 and -22 kDa from GSP-14 and -15 kDa. Finally, HPLC separation permitted further isolation of each one from the other. Amino acid sequence analysis of these proteins indicated that they are homologous to BSP proteins. In addition, these BSP homologs bind to hen's egg-yolk low-density lipoproteins. These results together with our previous data indicate that BSP family proteins are ubiquitous in mammalian seminal plasma, exist in several forms in each species and possibly play a common biological role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michèle Villemure
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital, Guy-Bernier Research Centre University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Puttaswamy Manjunath
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital, Guy-Bernier Research Centre University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Departments of Medicine and Biochemistry, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Van Praet O, Argraves WS, Morales CR. Co-expression and interaction of cubilin and megalin in the adult male rat reproductive system. Mol Reprod Dev 2003; 64:129-35. [PMID: 12506344 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.10245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Cubilin is a peripheral membrane protein that cooperates with the endocytic receptor megalin to mediate endocytosis of ligands in various polarized epithelia. Megalin is expressed in the male reproductive tract where it has been implicated in the process of sperm membrane remodeling. A potential role for cubilin in the male reproductive tract has not been explored. Using RT-PCR, we found that cubilin and megalin mRNAs are expressed in the efferent ducts, corpus and cauda epididymis, and proximal and distal vas deferens. Immunohistological analysis revealed that cubilin was expressed in nonciliated cells of the efferent ducts, principal cells of the corpus and cauda epididymis and vas deferens. Immunogold EM showed cubilin in endocytic pits, endocytic vesicles, and endosomes of these cells. The expression profile of cubilin in the male reproductive tract was coincident with that of megalin except in principal cells of the caput epididymis. Double immunogold labeling showed that cubilin and megalin co-localized within the endocytic apparatus and recycling vesicles of efferent duct cells. Neither protein was found in lysosomes. Injection of RAP, an antagonist of megalin interaction with cubilin, reduced the level of intracellular cubilin in cells of the efferent ducts and vas deferens. In conclusion, cubilin and megalin are co-expressed in cells of the epididymis and vas deferens and the endocytosis of cubilin in these tissues is dependent on megalin. Together, these findings highlight the potential for a joint endocytic role for cubilin and megalin in the male reproductive tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Van Praet
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Manásková P, Liberda J, Tichá M, Jonáková V. Isolation of non-heparin-binding and heparin-binding proteins of boar prostate. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2002; 770:137-43. [PMID: 12013220 DOI: 10.1016/s0378-4347(01)00480-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Proteins of boar prostate secretion were separated by affinity chromatography on heparin-polyacrylamide to non-heparin-binding (H) and heparin-binding (H+) protein fractions. H- and H+ fractions were then subjected to RP HPLC. Elution profiles of H-and H+ fractions of prostate secretion were compared with those of seminal plasma and the amounts of corresponding proteins were compared. Besides, the isolated proteins were characterized by SDS-PAGE. In the H- fraction of prostate secretion, PSP I and PSP II spermadhesins and in the H+ fraction AQN 2 and AWN 1 spermadhesins were found in substantially lower amounts than in seminal plasma. On the contrary, beta-microseminoprotein was identified in abundant amounts both in H- and H+ fractions of boar prostate secretion. AQN 2 and AWN 1 spermadhesins were proved by their antibodies. Some seminal plasma proteins originating mainly in seminal vesicles could also be secreted by the prostatic gland. beta-Microseminoprotein was found to be produced mainly by the prostate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavla Manásková
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague.
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Wessel GM, Brooks JM, Green E, Haley S, Voronina E, Wong J, Zaydfudim V, Conner S. The biology of cortical granules. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CYTOLOGY 2002; 209:117-206. [PMID: 11580200 DOI: 10.1016/s0074-7696(01)09012-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
An egg-that took weeks to months to make in the adult-can be extraordinarily transformed within minutes during its fertilization. This review will focus on the molecular biology of the specialized secretory vesicles of fertilization, the cortical granules. We will discuss their role in the fertilization process, their contents, how they are made, and the molecular mechanisms that regulate their secretion at fertilization. This population of secretory vesicles has inherent interest for our understanding of the fertilization process. In addition, they have import because they enhance our understanding of the basic processes of secretory vesicle construction and regulation, since oocytes across species utilize this vesicle type. Here, we examine diverse animals in a comparative approach to help us understand how these vesicles function throughout phylogeny and to establish conserved themes of function.
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Affiliation(s)
- G M Wessel
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912 , USA
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43
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La Falci VSN, Tortorella H, Rodrigues JL, Brandelli A. Seasonal variation of goat seminal plasma proteins. Theriogenology 2002; 57:1035-48. [PMID: 12041898 DOI: 10.1016/s0093-691x(01)00714-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The present study describes the investigation of seasonal changes in seminal plasma proteins of Saanen goats under natural conditions in south Brazil. Proteins were isolated by liquid chromatography on heparin Sepharose CL-6B column and characterized by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). Important differences were observed in the pattern of heparin-affinity proteins (HAPs), such as a band of 178 kDa unique to the breeding season; a decrease in 119 kDa proteins; and an increase in proteins ranging from 73 to 104 kDa. HAP caused deterioration of sperm motility and acrosome breakage in media containing and not containing skimmed milk; the effect was most remarkable with the proteins from the nonbreeding season. Furthermore, HAP presented phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity, which was 4.4-fold higher in nonbreeding season than in breeding season. Binding sites for HAP were identified in the sperm surface, particularly at the middle piece of the spermatozoa. These results indicate that proteins from goat seminal plasma are under seasonal control and associated with sperm function during breeding and nonbreeding seasons.
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Affiliation(s)
- V S N La Falci
- Institute of Biosciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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44
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Ekhlasi-Hundrieser M, Sinowatz F, Greiser De Wilke I, Waberski D, Töpfer-Petersen E. Expression of spermadhesin genes in porcine male and female reproductive tracts. Mol Reprod Dev 2002; 61:32-41. [PMID: 11774373 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.1128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Spermadhesins, secretory proteins of the male genital tract, constitute the bulk of seminal plasma proteins in pig. The nucleotide sequences of spermadhesins AWN, AQN-1, and AQN-3 from the cDNAs, derived from seminal vesicles, were determined. The coding sequences of spermadhesins revealed an overall sequence similarity of 40% at nucleotide level. Expression of spermadhesins (AWN, AQN-1, AQN-3, PSP-I, and PSP-II) in porcine male and female reproductive tracts were studied by means of RT-PCR and immunological approaches. All spermadhesins are transcribed and translated in seminal vesicles and prostate. In caudal epididymis mRNA transcripts of all spermadhesins have been detected by RT-PCR. PSP-I showed additional signals in caput epididymis and rete testis. Translation can be detected only for AWN in tissue extracts by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting. Remarkably, AWN is the only spermadhesin that is also expressed in the uterus, the uterotubal junction, and the oviduct of the female genital tract as shown by RT-PCR, cDNA-sequencing, and immunological analysis. In sows at estrus and interestrus, in gilts and gilts 12 hr after insemination no obvious differences were noticed in the pattern of AWN-immunoreactivity in epithelial cells either of the uterotubal junction, isthmus, or ampulla. While strong staining was observed in the superficial uterine glands and in the glands of the uterotubal junction during estrus, in diestrus this declined distinctly. The role of spermadhesins in relation to their expression is discussed.
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Haden NP, Hickox JR, Whisnant CS, Hardy DM. Systematic characterization of sperm-specific membrane proteins in swine. Biol Reprod 2000; 63:1839-47. [PMID: 11090456 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod63.6.1839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
To establish a systematic strategy for characterizing fertilization proteins of sperm cells, we prepared alloantisera by immunizing gilts with salt-washed membranes from boar spermatozoa. The antisera recognized a unique subset of sperm membrane proteins that migrated with M(r) 7500-66,000 in SDS-PAGE under nonreducing conditions. The antisera did not recognize proteins of erythrocyte membranes, and tissue absorption experiments further confirmed that the alloantigens were sperm-specific proteins. Each of these sperm-specific membrane proteins (SSMPs) possessed one or more disulfide bonds that were essential for its interaction with alloantibody. Enzymatic deglycosylation revealed that most of the SSMPs were glycoproteins, and their alloantigenicity was not dependent on the presence of N-linked oligosaccharides. The presence of disulfide bonds and glycosylation indicated that the SSMPs identified each comprise at least one extracellular domain. Two-dimensional electrophoresis resolved at least 14 distinct SSMPs, 13 of which possessed acidic pIs (range 4.2-4.8). By indirect immunofluorescence, the SSMPs localized to the cell surface overlying all major regions of the sperm cell. We conclude that the repertoire of immunodominant SSMPs in the pig is relatively small, which makes feasible the systematic elucidation of their functions in fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- N P Haden
- Department of Cell Biology & Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas 79430, USA
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46
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Abstract
Boar seminal plasma was separated into five protein fractions (I-V) (> 100, 55, 45, 30, 5-15 kDa) by gel chromatography on Sephadex G-75 SF at pH 7.2. RP-HPLC of protein fractions I-V and N-terminal sequencing of their individual components revealed that the high-molecular-weight aggregates consisted mainly of DQH sperm surface protein and AQN, AWN, PSP II spermadhesins, whereas fraction IV consisted of heterodimers of PSP spermadhesins only. Spermadhesins as monomers were present in seminal plasma in a very low amount. Aggregates containing the DQH protein and AWN spermadhesins as well as HPLC-separated monomeric proteins interacted strongly with acidic polysaccharides. The strongest interaction was observed between biotinylated glycoproteins of porcine zona pellucida and AWN 1-containing aggregates and separated proteins. PSP II interacted with some acidic polysaccharides, whereas the fraction IV corresponding to heterodimer PSP I/PSP II did not show any binding to acidic polysaccharides and zona pellucida. Aggregates containing AWN, AQN, DQH, PSP II proteins, and their separated monomeric forms (fractions I-III) interacted with phosphorylcholine. Fractions I-III showed affinity to cholesterol. Biotinylated aggregates containing AWN, AQN, DQH, and PSP proteins (fractions I-IV) bound stronger to boar epididymal spermatozoa than to ejaculated spermatozoa. These results suggest that under physiological conditions, the aggregates of seminal plasma proteins (DQH, AQN, AWN, PSP II) rather than the individual proteins might take part in coating the sperm surface, in sperm capacitation, and in primary binding of spermatozoa to zona pellucida of the ovum.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Jonáková
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague.
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Iborra A, Companyó M, Martínez P, Morros A. Cholesterol efflux promotes acrosome reaction in goat spermatozoa. Biol Reprod 2000; 62:378-83. [PMID: 10642576 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod62.2.378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholesterol efflux and membrane destabilization play an important role in sperm capacitation and membrane fusion in the acrosome reaction (AR). In this study we establish the effect of cholesterol removal from spermatozoa on acrosomal responsiveness. Mature goat spermatozoa were incubated in BSA-free medium in the presence of beta-cyclodextrin (betaCD) as cholesterol acceptor. After incubation with 8 mM betaCD, 50-60% of cholesterol was released from sperm membranes with no loss in the phospholipid content, and 35% of AR was induced. However, when 30% of cholesterol was lost, this moderate cholesterol decrease was unable to initiate AR. Cholesterol desorption was very rapid, following an exponential kinetics with a half-time of around 10 min, which is in contrast with the slow sigmoidal kinetics of acrosomal responsiveness: around 2 h was required for maximal AR. Our results suggest that cholesterol efflux has a direct influence on the onset of the AR, that is, merely removing cholesterol would trigger the AR.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Iborra
- Unitat d'Immunologia de la Reproducció, Institut de Biologia Fonamental, Unitat de Biofísica, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
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48
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Dyck MK, Gagné D, Ouellet M, Sénéchal JF, Bélanger E, Lacroix D, Sirard MA, Pothier F. Seminal vesicle production and secretion of growth hormone into seminal fluid. Nat Biotechnol 1999; 17:1087-90. [PMID: 10545914 DOI: 10.1038/15067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Production of foreign proteins in the tissues of transgenic animals represents an efficient and economical method of producing therapeutic and pharmaceutical proteins. In this study, we demonstrate that the mouse P12 gene promoter specific to the male accessory sex gland can be used to generate transgenic mice that express human growth hormone (hGH) in their seminal vesicle epithelium. The hGH is secreted into the ejaculated seminal fluids with the seminal vesicle lumen contents containing concentrations of up to 0.5 mg/ml. As semen is a body fluid that can be collected easily on a continuous basis, the production of transgenic animals expressing pharmaceutical proteins into their seminal fluid could prove to be a viable alternative to use of the mammary gland as a bioreactor.
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Affiliation(s)
- M K Dyck
- Centre de la Recherche en Biologie de la Reproduction, Département des Sciences Animales, Pavillon Paul-Comtois, Université Laval, Ste-Foy, Québec, Canada
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Nimtz M, Grabenhorst E, Conradt HS, Sanz L, Calvete JJ. Structural characterization of the oligosaccharide chains of native and crystallized boar seminal plasma spermadhesin PSP-I and PSP-II glycoforms. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMISTRY 1999; 265:703-18. [PMID: 10504403 DOI: 10.1046/j.1432-1327.1999.00766.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The PSP-I/PSP-II heterodimer is the major protein of boar seminal plasma. Both subunits are glycoproteins of the spermadhesin family and each contains a single N-glycosylation site. After enzymatic release of the oligosaccharides from isolated PSP-I and PSP-II, mainly neutral and monosialylated oligosaccharides, and small amounts of disialylated oligosaccharides, were recovered from both proteins. Twenty-two neutral oligosaccharides, 11 monosialylated glycans and three disialylated carbohydrate chains were characterized using mass spectrometric and NMR techniques. PSP-I and PSP-II share the same glycans but differ in their relative molar ratios. Most glycan structures are proximally alpha1-6-fucosylated, diantennary complex-type bearing nonsialylated or alpha2-6-sialylated N-acetyllactosamine or di-N-acetyllactosamine antennae. The majority of nonsialylated N-acetyllactosamine antennae bear terminal alpha1-3-linked Gal residues. In addition, the N-acetylglucosamine residue of nonsialylated N-acetyl and di-N-acetyllactosamine antennae can be modified by an alpha1-3-linked fucose residue. Structures of higher antennarity, as well as structures 3,6-branched at galactose residues, were found in smaller amounts. In one oligosaccharide, N-acetylneuraminic acid is substituted by N-glycolylneuraminic acid. Mass spectrometric analysis of PSP-I and PSP-II glycoforms isolated from crystallized PSP-I/PSP-II heterodimer showed the coexistence of major PSP-I and PSP-II glycoforms in the hexagonal crystals. Oligosaccharides with the NeuNAcalpha2-6GalNAcbeta1-4GlcNAc-R motif block adhesive and activation-related events mediated by CD22, suggesting a possible immunoregulatory activity for PSP-I/PSP-II.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Nimtz
- Gesellschaft für Biotechnologische Forschung (GBF) mbH, Braunschweig, Germany
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50
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Brandon CI, Heusner GL, Caudle AB, Fayrer-Hosken RA. Two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of equine seminal plasma proteins and their correlation with fertility. Theriogenology 1999; 52:863-73. [PMID: 10735126 DOI: 10.1016/s0093-691x(99)00178-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to 1) identify proteins found in stallion seminal plasma utilizing two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE) in conjunction with Western blot analysis; and 2) to determine if any of these individual proteins were correlated with stallion fertility utilizing regression analysis. Fertility was quantified by assigning a breeding score for each stallion. Each score was calculated by dividing the number of conceptions by the number of breedings for each stallion for four successive breeding seasons (1992-1995). Ejaculates from stallions of known fertility (n = 6) were collected with a Missouri-style artificial vagina. Immediately after collection, the semen sample was filtered and the gel fraction removed. The resultant sperm-rich fraction was centrifuged in a Beckman Microfuge E at 10,000 x g and the seminal plasma aspirated from the pelleted sperm cells. Two-dimensional PAGE of the seminal plasma was performed under denaturing conditions which revealed that 14 proteins were common in all stallions in the research population. Four of these proteins (SP-1, SP-2, SP-3, and SP-4) were found to be significantly (P < 0.05) correlated with the breeding score assigned for each stallion. Regression analysis of protein optical densities with breeding score indicated that SP-1 (72 kDa, pI 5.6) was positively correlated with fertility (P < 0.05, r2 = 0.706), while SP-2 (75 kDa, pI 6.0), SP-3 (18 kDa, pI 4.3), and SP-4 (16 kDa, pI 6.5) were found to be negatively correlated (P < 0.05, r2 = 0.762, 0.730, 0.775 respectively) with fertility. Western blot analysis of SP-1 indicated there was an antigenic homology with a bovine 55 kDa fertility-associated seminal plasma protein identified in a study by Killian et al. (19). This suggests that the two proteins may have a similar physiological role and therefore common biological properties. These results indicate that analysis of stallion seminal plasma proteins can be used as an indicator of fertilizing capacity. Identification of such proteins in stallion seminal plasma could lead to better insight into the nature of subfertility or infertility in the horse, as well as to indicate better cryopreservation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- C I Brandon
- Department of Large Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens 30602-7385, USA
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