Association of Eppin with Semenogelin on Human Spermatozoa

Eppin (SPINLW1; GeneID, 57119) is a single-copy gene encoding a cysteine-rich protein found only in the testis and epididymis, which contains both Kunitz-type and WAP-type four disulfide core protease inhibitor consensus sequences. This study demonstrates that, in seminal plasma and on human spermatozoa following ejaculation, Eppin is bound to semenogelin I (Sg). Six different experimental approaches: 1) immunoprecipitation from spermatozoa and seminal plasma with antiEppin, 2) colocalization in semen and spermatozoa, 3) incubation of recombinant Eppin (rEppin) and rSg and immunoprecipitation with either anti-Eppin or anti-Sg, 4) far-Western blotting of Eppin and Sg, 5) Saturation binding of 125I-Sg to Eppin, which is competed by unlabeled Sg, and 6) direct binding of 125I-Sg to Eppin on a blot, all demonstrate that Eppin and Sg bind to each other. To study the specificity of binding, recombinant fragments of Eppin and Sg were made and demonstrate that the Eppin75–133 C-terminal fragment binds the Sg164–283 fragment containing the only cysteine in human Sg I (Cys-239). Reduction and carboxymethylation of Cys239 blocks binding of 125I-rEppin, indicating that a disulfide bond may be necessary for Eppin binding. The physiological significance of the Eppin-semenogelin complex bound on the surface of ejaculate spermatozoa lies in its ability to provide antimicrobial activity for spermatozoa, which has been reported for both Eppin and semenogelin-derived peptides, and in its ability to provide for the survival and preparation of spermatozoa for fertility in the female reproductive tract.