Dual function of the selenoprotein PHGPx during sperm maturation

Science. 1999 Aug 27;285(5432):1393-6. doi: 10.1126/science.285.5432.1393.

Abstract

The selenoprotein phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase (PHGPx) changes its physical characteristics and biological functions during sperm maturation. PHGPx exists as a soluble peroxidase in spermatids but persists in mature spermatozoa as an enzymatically inactive, oxidatively cross-linked, insoluble protein. In the midpiece of mature spermatozoa, PHGPx protein represents at least 50 percent of the capsule material that embeds the helix of mitochondria. The role of PHGPx as a structural protein may explain the mechanical instability of the mitochondrial midpiece that is observed in selenium deficiency.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Electrophoresis, Gel, Two-Dimensional
  • Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel
  • Glutathione Peroxidase / chemistry
  • Glutathione Peroxidase / isolation & purification
  • Glutathione Peroxidase / physiology*
  • Infertility, Male / metabolism
  • Male
  • Mitochondria / chemistry
  • Mitochondria / enzymology
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Phospholipid Hydroperoxide Glutathione Peroxidase
  • Proteins / chemistry
  • Proteins / isolation & purification
  • Proteins / physiology*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Selenium / deficiency
  • Selenium / physiology*
  • Selenoproteins
  • Solubility
  • Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization
  • Spermatids / chemistry
  • Spermatids / enzymology
  • Spermatogenesis*
  • Spermatozoa / chemistry
  • Spermatozoa / enzymology
  • Spermatozoa / physiology*

Substances

  • Proteins
  • Selenoproteins
  • Phospholipid Hydroperoxide Glutathione Peroxidase
  • Glutathione Peroxidase
  • Selenium