Current knowledge of the human sperm proteome

Abstract

The knowledge of the mature sperm proteome is undoubtedly the basis for understanding sperm function, the mechanisms responsible for fertilization, the reasons for infertility and possible treatments. The methods of sperm protein extraction depend mainly on the proteins of interest and the protein separation techniques that will be employed. The isolation of the membrane proteins appears to be most problematic step. Nevertheless, two-dimensional electrophoresis and mass spectrometry have become the main techniques used in human sperm protein analysis. We outline the present techniques used to examine the sperm proteome and data generated from studies on the human sperm and different types of male infertility. We present the most characteristic proteins that are involved in sperm function. Their value as biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment of infertility would require further validation. We focus on selected and critical studies of the human sperm proteome to present our subjective view of this fast-moving field.

Comparative analysis of proteomes between diabetic and normal human sperm: Insights into the effects of diabetes on male reproduction based on the regulation of mitochondria‐related proteins

“…The identification of protein biomarkers for male infertility is important for understanding both the underlying molecular pathology as well as normal sperm function (Codina & Estanyol, ; Nowickabauer & Kurpisz, ). Aberrant expression of a number of key proteins involved in spermatogenesis or fertilization is associated with low fertility or infertility (Agarwal & Bertolla, ; Govindaraju & Dogan, ; Tomar & Sooch, ).…”

Proteomic pattern changes associated with obesity‐induced asthenozoospermia

“…For one, the negative impact of obesity on sperm quality is still poorly understood at the molecular level. In the last decade, proteomic analysis has become a primary and useful tool to undertake sperm functional characterization (Macleod & Varmuza, ; Nowicka‐Bauer & Kurpisz, ; Amaral et al ., ). Various MS methods have been employed to analyze spermatozoa from many different species and within subcompartments (Amaral et al ., ; Baker et al ., ; Castillo et al ., ; Skerget et al ., ).…”

“…Definitive comparative proteomic approaches involving two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis or difference gel electrophoresis (DIGE) have been applied to study sperm maturation and function (Secciani et al ., ; Baker et al ., ; Belleannee et al ., ). In comparison with these two techniques, liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) has several advantages, in that, both very low and very high molecular weight proteins together with hydrophobic or insoluble proteins can be analyzed (Nowicka‐Bauer & Kurpisz, ). With its greater sensitivity and dynamic range, LC‐MS/MS is widely used to obtain both a global protein profile of complex biological samples and for discovery studies.…”

Comparative profiling of the sperm proteome

“…A large number of proteomic studies of human and animal sperm preparations have resulted in the cataloging of the majority of sperm‐associated proteins and their PTMs. The diversity of the sperm protein constellation has been summarized in several extensive reviews , including the remarkable range of fertility‐associated proteins and immunity‐related proteins within the male gamete proteome. Using existing mammalian sperm proteomes as a starting point, we provide an overview of this important class of sperm proteins and what is known about their function in sperm maturation, sperm quality, sperm competition, and fertilization.…”

“…Over the last few years, MS‐based proteomics has been added to the analytical repertoire of fertilization biology and successfully employed for the global analysis of gamete interactions and early developmental processes . The molecular biological and proteomic analysis of gametes is not only crucial for establishing elementary aspects of the structure, function, and maturation of oocytes and spermatozoa , but also for the illumination of pathophysiological mechanisms of female or male infertility . The initial cellular events, leading to the formation of a unique individual by cell cleavage, blastula formation, gastrulation, and specialized organogenesis, depend on successful fertilization and thus the proper recognition and fusion of female and male gametes.…”