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Macaque sperm coating protein DEFB126 facilitates sperm penetration of cervical mucus

Theodore L Tollner1, Ashley I Yudin, Cathy A Treece

  • 1Center for Health and the Environment, Bodega Marine Laboratory, University of California, Davis 94923, USA.

Human Reproduction (Oxford, England)
|July 29, 2008
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Sperm coating protein beta-defensin 126 (DEFB126) is crucial for macaque sperm to penetrate cervical mucus. Its negative charge aids sperm movement, while seminal plasma proteins offer no benefit for cervical mucus penetration.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive biology
  • Sperm physiology
  • Protein interactions

Background:

  • Sperm coating protein beta-defensin 126 (DEFB126) is present on macaque sperm in the epididymis and reproductive tract.
  • DEFB126 is retained on viable sperm after mating.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of DEFB126 in sperm's ability to penetrate cervical mucus (CMP) in macaques.

Main Methods:

  • Cervical mucus from peri-ovulatory macaques was used in CMP chambers.
  • Sperm were treated with anti-DEFB126 antibodies, seminal plasma proteins (SPPs), caffeine/dbcAMP, neuraminidase (NMase), or poly-L-lysine (PLP).
  • DEFB126 or SPPs were removed from sperm and then reapplied to assess CMP.

Main Results:

  • Anti-DEFB126 antibodies, caffeine/dbcAMP, NMase, and PLP significantly inhibited sperm CMP.
  • Removal of DEFB126 or SPPs impaired CMP, which was restored by adding DEFB126.
  • SPPs slightly inhibited sperm penetration.

Conclusions:

  • DEFB126, due to its negative charge, is essential for macaque sperm to move through cervical mucus.
  • Seminal plasma proteins do not enhance CMP in macaques.

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