Major role of human KLK14 in seminal clot liquefaction

J Biol Chem. 2008 Jul 11;283(28):19561-9. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M801194200. Epub 2008 May 15.

Abstract

Liquefaction of human semen involves proteolytic degradation of the seminal coagulum and release of motile spermatozoa. Several members of human kallikrein-related peptidases (KLKs) have been implicated in semen liquefaction, functioning through highly regulated proteolytic cascades. Among these, KLK3 (also known as prostate-specific antigen) is the main executor enzyme responsible for processing of the primary components of semen coagulum, semenogelins I and II. We have recently identified KLK14 as a potential activator of KLK3 and other KLKs. This study aims to elucidate the cascade-mediated role of KLK14 ex vivo. KLK14 expression was significantly lower (p = 0.0252) in individuals with clinically delayed liquefaction. Concordantly, KLK14 expression was significantly (p = 0.0478) lower in asthenospermic cases. Specific inhibition of KLK14 activity by the synthetic inhibitor ACT(G9) resulted in a significant delay in semen liquefaction, a drop in the "early" (30 min postejaculation) "chymotrypsin-like" and KLK1 activity, and an increase in the "late" (90 min postejaculation) chymotrypsin-like activity. Conversely, the addition of recombinant active KLK14 facilitated the liquefaction process, augmented the early chymotrypsin-like activity, and lowered late chymotrypsin-like activity. Given that the observed chymotrypsin-like activity was almost completely attributed to KLK3 activity, KLK3 seems to be regulated bidirectionally. Accordingly, a higher level of KLK3 fragmentation was observed in KLK14-induced coagula, suggesting an inactivation mechanism via internal cleavage. Finally, semenogelins I and II were directly cleaved by KLK14. Semenogelins were also able to reverse KLK14 inhibition by Zn2+, providing a novel regulatory mechanism for KLK14 activity. Our results show that KLK14 exerts a significant and dose-dependent effect in the process of semen liquefaction.

MeSH terms

  • Enzyme Activators / chemistry
  • Enzyme Activators / metabolism*
  • Gene Expression Regulation / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Kallikreins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Kallikreins / chemistry
  • Kallikreins / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Peptide Hydrolases / chemistry
  • Peptide Hydrolases / metabolism*
  • Prostate-Specific Antigen / chemistry
  • Prostate-Specific Antigen / metabolism*
  • Protease Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Semen / enzymology*
  • Seminal Vesicle Secretory Proteins / chemistry
  • Seminal Vesicle Secretory Proteins / metabolism*
  • Spermatozoa / metabolism
  • Time Factors
  • Zinc / metabolism

Substances

  • Enzyme Activators
  • Protease Inhibitors
  • Seminal Vesicle Secretory Proteins
  • seminal vesicle-specific antigen
  • Peptide Hydrolases
  • KLK14 protein, human
  • Kallikreins
  • Prostate-Specific Antigen
  • Zinc