• PMID: 24358212
• Gene Name: Fn
• Condition: Semen coagulation, liquefaction and the survival and preparation of spermatozoa for fertility
• Association: The study demonstrates that Eppin and Fn bind to each other in human semen and on human ejaculated spermatozoa. Eppin-Fn complex may involve in semen coagulation, liquefaction and the survival and preparation of spermatozoa for fertility in the female rep
• Sex: Male
• Infertility type: Male infertility
• Associated genes: Eppin, Fn
• Other associated phenotypes: Semen coagulation, liquefaction and the survival and preparation of spermatozoa for fertility

Correlation of epididymal protease inhibitor and fibronectin in human semen

Zhang X, Fang J, Xu B, Zhang S, Su S, Song Z, Deng Y, Wang H, Zhao D, Niu X, Wang Z.

OBJECTIVE: Epididymal protease inhibitor (Eppin) was located on the surface of spermatozoa and modulates the liquefaction of human semen. Here, we identify the correlative protein partner of Eppin to explore the molecular mechanism of liquefaction of human semen. METHODS: (1) Human seminal vesicle proteins were transferred on the membrane by Western blotting and separated by 2-D electrophoresis and incubated in recombinant Eppin. The correlative protein was identified by Mass Spectrometry (MS) (2). Western blotting was used to determine the relation of rEppin and rFibronectin(Fn); (3) Co-localization in spermatozoa were detected using immunofluorescence; (4) Correalation of Eppin and Fn was proved by co-immunoprecipitation. RESULTS: Fn was identified as the binding partner of recombinant Eppin by MS. Recombinant of Eppin was made and demonstrated that the Eppin fragment binds the fn 607-1265 fragment. The Eppin-Fn complex presents on the sperm tail and particularly in the midpiece region of human ejaculated spermatozoa. Immunoprecipitation indicated that Eppin in the spermatozoa lysates was complexed with Fn. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates that Eppin and Fn bind to each other in human semen and on human ejaculated spermatozoa. Eppin-Fn complex may involve in semen coagulation, liquefaction and the survival and preparation of spermatozoa for fertility in the female reproductive tract. FAU - Zhang, Xiangxiang AU - Zhang X AD - State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China ; Department of Urology, Jiangsu Provice Official Hospital, Nanjing, China. FAU - Fang, Jianzheng AU - Fang J AD - State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China. FAU - Xu, Bin AU - Xu B AD - Department of Urology, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, Dingjiaqiao, Nanjing, China. FAU - Zhang, Shengli AU - Zhang S AD - State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China. FAU - Su, Shifeng AU - Su S AD - State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China. FAU - Song, Zhen AU - Song Z AD - State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China. FAU - Deng, Yunfei AU - Deng Y AD - State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China. FAU - Wang, Hainan AU - Wang H AD - State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China. FAU - Zhao, Dan AU - Zhao D AD - State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China. FAU - Niu, Xiaobing AU - Niu X AD - State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.