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Published on: December 15, 2011
A tissue type transglutaminase in human seminal plasma
1Department of Urology, State University of New York at Stony Brook, School of Medicine, USA.
American Journal of Reproductive Immunology (New York, N.Y. : 1989)
|December 31, 1997
Summary
Transglutaminase (TGase) in human seminal plasma (SePl) is a key immunoregulatory molecule. This study confirms its presence, characterizes its activity, and localizes it to the prostate gland, impacting reproductive biology.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Human seminal plasma (SePl) contains molecules with immunoregulatory activity.
- Initial studies suggested transglutaminase (TGase) and prostaglandins play a role in SePl's immunomodulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To confirm and extend initial findings on SePl's immunoregulatory molecules.
- To partially purify, characterize, and localize SePl TGase.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme purification using molecular sieve and ion-exchange chromatography.
- Characterization via enzymatic analysis, SDS-PAGE, immunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence (IF).
- Optimization of TGase activity assay conditions (pH, calcium concentration).
Main Results:
- Identified a Ca(2+)-dependent, thrombin-independent TGase in SePl.
- Optimal activity at pH 7.5 and 2 mM calcium chloride.
- Immunoprecipitation revealed an 83 kDa protein band; IF localized TGase to prostate epithelial and stromal cells.
- Significant correlation between TGase enzyme activity and immunologic activity.
Conclusions:
- Confirms a tissue-type TGase in human SePl associated with immunoregulatory activity.
- Characterized and localized this macromolecule to the prostate.
- Provides a basis for investigating the role of SePl and prostate TGase in reproductive biology and related diseases.
