Glycodelin: a molecule with multi-functions on spermatozoa

Glycodelin is a glycoprotein with three isoforms, namely glycodelin-S, glycodelin-A and glycodelin-F. They have similar protein core but different glycan side chains. Spermatozoa are exposed to these isoforms during their passage to the fertilization site. They first encounter glycodelin-S in the seminal plasma. Data suggest that glycodelin-S suppresses albumin-induced cholesterol loss and maintains the spermatozoa in an uncapacitated state before they enter into the cervical canal where glycodelin-S is removed. This allows albumin in the uterine cavity to initiate capacitation. In the fallopian tube, the spermatozoa are exposed to glycodelin-A and -F produced by the fallopian tube. Glycodelin-A is an endogenous glycoprotein that inhibits the binding of spermatozoa to the zona pellucida. Glycodelin-A may protect the spermatozoa from maternal immune attack by its immunosuppressive activity. Glycodelin-F is the main glycodelin isoform in the follicular fluid. Similar to glycodelin-A, it inhibits spermatozoa-zona pellucida binding. The biological significance of the anti-fertilization activity of glycodelin-A and -F remains to be established. Glycodelin-F also suppresses progesterone-induced acrosome reaction. This is important to prevent premature acrosome reaction when the spermatozoa are swimming through the cumulus mass towards the oocyte and become exposed to progesterone produced by the cumulus cells. In summary, different isoforms of glycodelin act in succession to modulate different aspects of sperm function, and thereby, contribute to the success of fertilization.