EN
Zinc-binding proteins (ZnBPs) isolated from boar seminal plasma exert multiple effects on boar spermatozoa. The aim of this study was to determine whether the isolated zinc-binding proteins were capable of binding additional ligands. The affinity chromatography method was used for the first time to demonstrate that boar ZnBPs show affinity for both heparin (hep) and phosphorylcholine (pch). ZnBPs+hep accounted for approximately 20%, and ZnBPs+pch – for approximately 45% of total ZnBPs. Predominant polypeptides with molecular mass form 6.5 to 14 kDa were observed in both groups (ZnBPs+hep, ZnBPs+pch). The analyzed peptides’ low molecular mass and their ability to bind zinc ions as well as heparin and phosphorylcholine suggest that they belong to the family of multifunctional boar spermadhesins which perform their functions in the fertilization process by binding more than one ligand. The results indicate that the ZnBPs of boar seminal plasma may be involved in the processes associated with oocyte fertilization not only by zinc ions binding but also through heparin and phosphorylcholine.