Abstract

Heparin binding proteins (HBPs) from human seminal plasma (HSP) were obtained by heparin affinity and size exclusion chromatography. The aggregation/disaggregation of HBPs was followed by dynamic light scattering (DLS) in presence of various physiological ligands such as CaCl2, NaCl, EDTA, cholesterol, adenosine, D-glucose and D-fructose. The aggregation pattern of lactoferrin was also analyzed and compared. The study of interactions of HBPs of HSP may contribute to an understanding mechanisms underlying the fertilization process.

Keywords: Protein-protein aggregation, chromatography, dynamic light scattering, HBPs, HSP, sperm capacitation