Abstract

Senile seminal vesicle amyloidosis (SSVA) is associated with deposition of semenogelin-1 (Sg1) protein aggregates in seminal vesicles that may manifest as hematospermia. Sg1 is the predominant protein that entraps spermatozoa which are freed upon fragmentation of Sg1 by the protease prostate specific antigen (PSA), post semen release. Certain small peptide fragments of Sg1 have been reported to form amyloid aggregates in vitro that can enhance HIV infectivity to cell cultures. However, the amyloid deposits in the seminal vesicles are expected to be that of the full length Sg1, as PSA is encountered downstream. So far, amyloid forming ability of full length Sg1 has not been established in vitro. Here, we examined the amyloidogenicity of full length Sg1 and a large fragment Sg1 (1-159), using recombinant proteins and tested if Zinc has any effect on their aggregation. Levels of Zinc, which is essential for health of male reproductive system, gradually decline with age. We succeeded in forming amyloid-like aggregates of Sg1 full length and Sg1 (1-159) fragment showing detergent stability and found that presence of Zn²⁺ substantially inhibits their amyloid aggregation in vitro. Possibly, high Zn²⁺ found in seminal plasma of young individuals may have preventive role against aggregation of Sg1 in seminal vesicles.

Keywords: Amyloid aggregation, Sarkosyl stability, Semenogelin-1, Senile Seminal Vesicle Amyloidosis, Zinc.

Graphical Abstract