Use of liposomes for studying interactions of soluble proteins with cellular membranes

Methods are described that have been used for characterizing the interaction of the soluble bovine seminal plasma protein PDC-109 with liposomes. PDC-109 binds to bull sperm cells upon ejaculation and is an important modulating factor of sperm cell maturation. The binding of the protein to sperm cells is mediated via lipids of the sperm plasma membrane. Most of our current knowledge about the molecular mechanisms of PDC-109-membrane interaction has been obtained by studies employing lipid vesicles. The experimental strategy described here can be applied to investigate the interaction of soluble proteins with membranes in order to understand their physiological role.