After spermatogenesis, spermatozoa come in contact with fluids in the epididymis where they mature. During ejaculation, spermatozoa are mixed with secretions from prostate gland, vesicular glands, and bulbourethral glands. During natural mating, seminal plasma is deposited in the female reproductive tract eliciting various physiological and immunological responses. With the advances in proteomics, the components of seminal plasma have been identified and the information may be valuable in identifying markers for fertility. Components of seminal plasma that affect fertility have been discovered and the mechanism of action of these factors has been determined. The objective of this study was to determine the specific seminal plasma proteins from Korean native cattle, Hanwoo, and Korean native brindle cattle (KNBC) with the long term goal of improving fertilization rate. After SDS-PAGE and 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis, proteins were identified by Q -ToF analysis. They include plasma serine protease inhibitor precursor and platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase after SDS-PAGE. Number and density of the spots in 2-dimensional gels were higher in KNBC than Hanwoo. Proteins identified from the paired spots of both breeds include chain A, bull seminal plasma PDC-109 Fibronectin Type II module, BSP-30 kDa precursor, and Spermadhesin Z13 or its precursor. Interestingly, some proteins were identified from multiple spots. The functional differences of these diverse forms of the proteins may require further studies. With their previously reported roles in sperm capacitation by these proteins, the studies on the mechanism of action, ligand interaction and the variation in the genome may help improving fertility in cattle.

ABSTRACT   INTRODUCTION   MATERIALS AND METHODS    Experimental Animals and Seminal Plasma Preparation    One-Dimensional Gel Electrophoresis    Isoelectric Focusing (IEF) and 2-Dimensional Electrophoresis(2-DE)    Image Analysis and Spot Identification    Statistical Analysis   RESULT    One-Dimension Electrophoresis and Protein Identification    Two-Dimension Electrophoresis and Protein   DISCUSSION   REFERENCES

• Su-Rok Lee(Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Science, Chonbuk National University)
• Eun-Sung Kim(Livestock Experiment Station, Jeollabuk-do Institute of Livestock and Veterinary Research, Gimje 576-882, Korea)
• Sung-Woo Kim(Animal Genetic Resources Station, National Institute of Animal Science, RDA, Namwon 590-830, Korea)
• Hyeong-Chul Kim(Hanwoo Experiment Station, National Institute of Animal Science, RDA, Pyeongchang 232-950, Korea)
• Kwan-Seob Shim(Department of Animal Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Life Science, Chonbuk National University)
• Jong Gug Kim(Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Science, Chonbuk National University, Institute of Rare Earth for Biological Application, College of Agriculture and Life Science, Chonbuk National University) Corresponding author