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Equine seminal plasma and sperm membrane: Functional proteomic assessment
P N Guasti1, F F Souza1, C Scott1
1Department of Veterinary Surgery and Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, FMVZ, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil.
Theriogenology
|July 18, 2020
Summary
This study identified key equine seminal plasma and sperm membrane proteins, revealing their roles in sperm function and fertility. Understanding these interactions can improve sperm preservation and stallion fertility assessments.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Proteomics
- Equine Science
Background:
- Seminal plasma proteins interact with sperm during ejaculation, altering sperm function, but many protein roles are unknown.
- Investigating these interactions is crucial for understanding equine fertility and sperm preservation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize major equine seminal plasma and sperm membrane proteins.
- To elucidate the functional roles of these proteins in sperm-membrane interactions and fertility.
Main Methods:
- Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2D GE) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) were used for protein separation and identification.
- In-solution digestion and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) were employed for shotgun proteomic analysis.
- Bioinformatic tools were utilized to investigate protein functions and interactions.
Main Results:
- 91 spots in seminal plasma and 245 in sperm membrane extracts were analyzed by 2D GE.
- 24 seminal plasma proteins and 33 sperm membrane proteins were identified with high confidence.
- Key proteins identified include HSP1, CRISP3, KLK1E2, prosaposin, and IZUMO4, with HSP1 abundant on the sperm membrane.
Conclusions:
- HSP1 on the sperm membrane may destabilize it, potentially compromising sperm preservation.
- Several seminal plasma proteins interact with the sperm membrane, influencing sperm survival and fertility.
- Understanding these protein-membrane interactions is vital for improving equine fertility strategies and semen cryopreservation.
