Sperm maturation in human semen: role of transglutaminase-mediated reactions.

A Ca2+-dependent, transglutaminase-like activity has been detected both free in the human seminal plasma and bound on the spermatozoon surface. A marked variability of the two enzymatic activities in the semen of different normal subjects was observed; but limited changes occurred in various ejaculates of the same individual. Moreover, we report evidence of the ability of several seminal plasma proteins to act as acyl donor substrates for endogenous transglutaminase, whereas human ejaculated spermatozoa have been shown to possess polyamine-binding sites specifically involved in transglutaminase-catalyzed reactions. It is postulated that semen transglutaminase may play a role in suppressing sperm antigenicity and in the male gamete's acquiring biological features of a fully differentiated and fertile cell.