The human sperm protein PH-20 has hyaluronidase activity

Area of Science:

• Reproductive biology
• Enzymology
• Molecular biology

Background:

• The PH-20 protein is found on guinea pig sperm membranes.
• Previous characterization utilized a monoclonal antibody.

Purpose of the Study:

• To isolate and characterize the human PH-20 protein.
• To determine if the human PH-20 protein possesses hyaluronidase activity.

Main Methods:

• Isolated cDNA encoding human PH-20 from a testis library.
• Expressed human PH-20 in RK13 cells via vaccinia virus system.
• Assessed hyaluronidase activity before and after PI-PLC treatment.

Main Results:

• Human PH-20 expressing cells exhibited hyaluronidase activity.
• PI-PLC treatment released hyaluronidase into the medium.
• Enzymatic activity significantly increased upon release.

Conclusions:

• The human PH-20 protein possesses hyaluronidase activity.
• This activity is associated with its membrane-bound form and is enhanced upon release.