Proteomics of semen and its constituents

Semen is a complex fluid comprising sperm and other products of the testes together with secretions from the accessory sex glands including the prostate, seminal vesicles, and the bulbourethral gland. Studies of the protein components of seminal fluid, with or without the sperm present, can improve our understanding of reproductive biology; have potential clinical applications in the assessment and treatment of infertility; can assist with the diagnosis and management of urological diseases; and, at times, can offer important forensic insights. This review examines the application of proteomic methods to the study of spermatozoa and seminal fluid and highlights some of the unique challenges associated with the collection, fractionation, and analysis of this fluid. The discussion is restricted to issues relating to human semen, although we make occasional reference to important studies from animals.