Semenogelin is a protein that is involved in the formation of a gel matrix that encases ejaculated spermatozoa, preventing capacitation. It blocks capacitation mainly via inhibition of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation.
Proteolysis by prostate-specific antigen (PSA) breaks down the gel matrix and allows the spermatozoa to move more freely. The cleavage products of the semenogelins constitute the main antibacterial components in human seminal plasma.
There are two variants of the semenogelin protein: semenogelin 1 and semenogelin 2.
Semenogelin along with prostate-specific antigen, are commonly tested for during crime scene investigation.
References
- ^ de Lamirande E, Lamothe G (May 2010). "Levels of semenogelin in human spermatozoa decrease during capacitation: involvement of reactive oxygen species and zinc". Hum Reprod. 25 (7): 1619–1630. doi:10.1093/humrep/deq110. PMID 20501468.
- Entrez Gene: SEMG2 semenogelin II
- Edström, AM; Malm, J; Frohm, B; Martellini, JA; Giwercman, A; Mörgelin, M; Cole, AM; Sørensen, OE (Sep 1, 2008). "The major bactericidal activity of human seminal plasma is zinc-dependent and derived from fragmentation of the semenogelins". Journal of Immunology. 181 (5): 3413–21. doi:10.4049/jimmunol.181.5.3413. PMC 2585754. PMID 18714013.