Differential Proteomics Leads to Identification of Domain‐Specific Epididymal Sperm Proteins

The alteration in the protein signatures of the testicular sperm during its epididymal sojourn makes it functionally competent for successful fertilization. The present study was undertaken to identify the proteins acquired on its 2 domains, that is, the head and the flagellum, during the epididymal...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of andrology 2011-05, Vol.32 (3), p.240-259
Main Authors: Suryawanshi, Amol R., Khan, Shagufta A., Gajbhiye, Rahul K., Gurav, Mamta Y., Khole, Vrinda V.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Biological and medical sciences
Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel
Epididymis
Epididymis - cytology
Epididymis - metabolism
flagella
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Gynecology. Andrology. Obstetrics
head
Humans
Male
Male genital diseases
Mammalian male genital system
Medical sciences
Proteomics
Rats
Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization
Spermatozoa - metabolism
Vertebrates: reproduction
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Summary:The alteration in the protein signatures of the testicular sperm during its epididymal sojourn makes it functionally competent for successful fertilization. The present study was undertaken to identify the proteins acquired on its 2 domains, that is, the head and the flagellum, during the epididymal transit using a differential proteomics approach. Testicular sperm proteome was compared with cauda epididymal sperm proteome in rat. The protein spots exclusively present in the cauda epididymal sperm proteome were searched in the cauda sperm head proteome and the cauda sperm flagella proteome, and a total of 335 spots were found by alignment and auto‐matching of the gels, of which 140 could be identified by mass spectrometry. Database search revealed that of these 9 proteins were novels. Gene Ontology annotation revealed that the identified proteins were distributed across different cellular components and were primarily involved in metabolic processes. The study also provides information on the localization of these proteins on the sperm domains, which indirectly gives a clue about its putative function. Validation of 3 proteins, namely MMSDH, NDUFS1, and UQCRC2, using antibodies very elegantly demonstrates that the strategy has been very effective. This comprehensive data of domain‐specific epididymal sperm proteins will be useful in development of newer targets for posttesticular contraception and diagnostic markers for infertility.
ISSN:0196-3635
1939-4640
DOI:10.2164/jandrol.110.010967