Characteristics of selected seminal plasma proteins and their application in the improvement of the reproductive processes in mammals

Abstract

Understanding the biochemical processes associated with ovum fertilization and knowledge about the structure and function of individual substances participating in these processes is crucial for the development of biotechnological methods to improve reproduction of animals and humans. Among many components of seminal plasma, proteins and peptides play a specific role in regulation of the fertilization process, particularly through their ability to bind various types of ligands such as polysaccharides, lipids and ions. Heparin-binding proteins regulate capacitation and acrosome reaction processes. Affinity of plasma proteins to mannans of the fallopian tube epithelium facilitates formation of spermatozoa reservoirs in the female reproductive tract. Ability to bind phosphorylcholine is one of the conditions for the coating of the seminal plasma proteins on the sperm membrane and also determines the formation of oligomeric forms of certain proteins. Zinc binding by seminal plasma proteins regulates sperm chromatin condensation state. It also affects motility of these cells and acrosome reaction. The interspecies analysis indicates significant structural and functional similarities, especially for the proteins with low molecular weight. Fertility associated proteins (FAPs) have been determined in the bull, stallion, boar, ram and dog. The contents of these proteins correlate with the indicators of the fertilizing abilities of sperm. In humans, several seminal plasma proteins were found which serve as diagnostic markers of spermatogenesis, seminiferous epithelium state, and azoospermia. To determine the semen ability for preservation, measurement of some seminal plasma protein content may also be used. Addition of specific plasma proteins to a spermatozoa solution undergoing the process of preservation may be used to retain the features of the cells responsible for efficient fertilization.

Seminal Plasma Heparin Binding Proteins Improve Semen Quality by Reducing Oxidative Stress during Cryopreservation of Cattle Bull Semen

“…Result of a study by Mogielnicka-Brzozowska et al (2011) also indicated that zona binding proteins of boar seminal plasma have a shielding effect on the plasma membrane and the acrosome of spermatozoa by protecting their structures against the damage caused by cold shock. Mogielnicka-Brzozowska and Kordan (2011) mentioned that addition of specific plasma protein to sperm probably may retain the features responsible for the efficient fertilization after storage.…”

“…Absorption of isolated proteins from the seminal plasma can reduce the damage that cold shock can have on the sperm membrane (Barrios et al, 2000). Mogielnicka-Brzozowska and Kordan (2011) mentioned the possibility of adding specific plasma proteins to sperm for the retention of features responsible for the efficient fertilization after storage. HBPs protect sperm from stress of freezing and thawing and maintained intracellular protein homeostasis (Shi et al, 1998).…”

Seminal Plasma Components in Camelids and Comparisons with Other Species

“…In other livestock species including the bull, ram and boar, numerous proteins have been identified that play an integral role in sperm function, binding with the sperm membrane and initiating capacitation and the acrosome reaction (Maxwell et al. 2007; Mogielnicka‐Brzozowska and Kordan 2011) as well as enhancing sperm‐oocyte binding. Mass spectrometry analysis of pooled alpaca seminal plasma identified 89 proteins, of which 28 have previously been reported in the seminal plasma of other species and have been associated with sperm function, integrity and fertilizing ability (Table 3, C. M. Kershaw‐Young, X. Druart and W. M. C. Maxwell, unpublished).…”

Gamete Therapeutics: Recombinant Protein Adsorption by Sperm for Increasing Fertility via Artificial Insemination

“…Results of a study by Mogielnicka-Brzozowska et al [17] indicated that zinc-binding proteins of boar seminal plasma have a shielding effect on the plasma membrane and acrosome of spermatozoa, protecting these structures against consequences of cold shock. Mogielnicka-Brzozowska and Kordan [18] mentioned the possibility of adding specific plasma proteins to sperm for the rentention of features responsible for the efficient fertilization after storage.…”