Semenogelin Explained

Semenogelin is a protein that is involved in the formation of a gel matrix that encases ejaculated spermatozoa, preventing capacitation.^[1] It blocks capacitation mainly via inhibition of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation.^[1]

Proteolysis by prostate-specific antigen (PSA) breaks down the gel matrix and allows the spermatozoa to move more freely.^[2] The cleavage products of the semenogelins constitute the main antibacterial components in human seminal plasma.^[3]

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.

Notes and References

1. de Lamirande E, Lamothe G . Levels of semenogelin in human spermatozoa decrease during capacitation: involvement of reactive oxygen species and zinc . Hum Reprod . 25. 7. 1619–1630. May 2010 . 20501468 . 10.1093/humrep/deq110 .
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?Db=gene&Cmd=ShowDetailView&TermToSearch=6407 Entrez Gene: SEMG2 semenogelin II
3. Edström. AM. Malm, J . Frohm, B . Martellini, JA . Giwercman, A . Mörgelin, M . Cole, AM . Sørensen, OE . The major bactericidal activity of human seminal plasma is zinc-dependent and derived from fragmentation of the semenogelins.. Journal of Immunology. Sep 1, 2008. 181. 5. 3413–21. 18714013. 2585754 . 10.4049/jimmunol.181.5.3413.