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Xu WM, Chen J, Chen H, Diao RY, Fok KL, Dong JD, Sun TT, Chen WY, Yu MK, Zhang XH, Tsang LL, Lau A, Shi QX, Shi QH, Huang PB, Chan HC. Defective CFTR-dependent CREB activation results in impaired spermatogenesis and azoospermia. PLoS One 2011; 6:e19120. [PMID: 21625623 PMCID: PMC3090391 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0019120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2010] [Accepted: 03/27/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common life-limiting recessive genetic disease
among Caucasians caused by mutations of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane
conductance regulator (CFTR) with over 95% male patients infertile.
However, whether CFTR mutations could affect spermatogenesis and result in
azoospermia remains an open question. Here we report compromised
spermatogenesis, with significantly reduced testicular weight and sperm count,
and decreased cAMP-responsive element binding protein (CREB) expression in the
testes of CFTR knockout mice. The involvement of CFTR in
HCO3− transport and the expression of the
HCO3− sensor, soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC),
are demonstrated for the first time in the primary culture of rat Sertoli cells.
Inhibition of CFTR or depletion of HCO3− could
reduce FSH-stimulated, sAC-dependent cAMP production and phosphorylation of
CREB, the key transcription factor in spermatogenesis. Decreased CFTR and CREB
expression are also observed in human testes with azoospermia. The present study
reveals a previously undefined role of CFTR and sAC in regulating the cAMP-CREB
signaling pathway in Sertoli cells, defect of which may result in impaired
spermatogenesis and azoospermia. Altered CFTR-sAC-cAMP-CREB functional loop may
also underline the pathogenesis of various CF-related diseases.
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Yang JZ, Jiang X, Dong J, Guo J, Chen H, Tsang LL, Chung YW, Zhang X, Chan HC. Abnormally enhanced cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator-mediated apoptosis in endometrial cells contributes to impaired embryo implantation in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. Fertil Steril 2011; 95:2100-6, 2106.e1-2. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2011.02.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2010] [Revised: 02/16/2011] [Accepted: 02/16/2011] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Sun TT, Chung CM, Chan HC. Acrosome reaction in the cumulus oophorus revisited: involvement of a novel sperm-released factor NYD-SP8. Protein Cell 2011; 2:92-8. [PMID: 21380641 DOI: 10.1007/s13238-011-1022-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2011] [Accepted: 02/07/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Fertilization is a process involving multiple steps that lead to the final fusion of one sperm and the oocyte to form the zygote. One of the steps, acrosome reaction (AR), is an exocytosis process, during which the outer acrosome membrane fuses with the inner sperm membrane, leading to the release of acrosome enzymes that facilitate sperm penetration of the egg investments. Though AR has been investigated for decades, the initial steps of AR in vivo, however, remain largely unknown. A well elucidated model holds the view that AR occurs on the surface of the zona pellucida (ZP), which is triggered by binding of sperm with one of the ZP glycosylated protein, ZP3. However, this model fails to explain the large number of 'falsely' acrosome-reacted sperms found within the cumulus layer in many species examined. With the emerging evidence of cross-talk between sperm and cumulus cells, the potential significance of AR in the cumulus oophorus, the outer layer of the egg, has been gradually revealed. Here we review the acrosome status within the cumulus layer, the cross-talk between sperm and cumulus cells with the involvement of a novel sperm-released factor, NYD-SP8, and re-evaluate the importance and physiological significance of the AR in the cumulus in fertilization.
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Chen H, Fok KL, Yu S, Jiang J, Chen Z, Gui Y, Cai Z, Chan HC. CD147 is required for matrix metalloproteinases-2 production and germ cell migration during spermatogenesis. Mol Hum Reprod 2011; 17:405-14. [PMID: 21343160 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gar013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a highly programmed process that requires the degradation of the extracellular matrix and the remodeling of tight junctions (TJ) to facilitate differentiating germ cell migration. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are essential in regulating Sertoli cell TJ in the testis. CD147 is known to stimulate the production of MMPs in tumor metastasis and its knockout mice are infertile. However, the functional relationship between CD147 and MMPs in spermatogenesis has not been investigated. In the present study, we examined the expression profile of CD147 and MMPs during mouse testicular development by RT-PCR, western blot and immunofluorescence staining. We also examined CD147 involvement in the production of MMP-2 and the migration of germ cells (GC-1 and GC-2 cells) using CD147 antibody or synthetic microRNA mimics-mediated knockdown. The results showed that CD147 was present at all stages of testicular development from 7 to 56 days post-partum (dpp). CD147 expression was found to increase after 21 days from moderate levels in 7 and 14 days. Of the eight MMPs studied, MMP-2, MMP-7, MMP-9 and MMP-23 were detected to have changes in expression during testicular development, with MMP-2 showing the largest change. CD147 and MMP-2 were co-localized in spermatogonia, spermatocytes and round spermatids in mouse testis, while in human testis, they were co-localized in spermatocytes and round spermatids. MMP-2 expression and migration of GC-1 and GC-2 cells were reduced by interfering with CD147 expression and function in vitro. These data suggest that CD147 regulates migration of spermatogonia and spermatocytes via induction of MMP-2 production during spermatogenesis.
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Xie C, Tang X, Xu W, Diao R, Cai Z, Chan HC. A host defense mechanism involving CFTR-mediated bicarbonate secretion in bacterial prostatitis. PLoS One 2010; 5:e15255. [PMID: 21151921 PMCID: PMC2998414 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0015255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2010] [Accepted: 11/02/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Prostatitis is associated with a characteristic increase in prostatic fluid pH; however, the underlying mechanism and its physiological significance have not been elucidated. Methodology/Principal Findings In this study a primary culture of rat prostatic epithelial cells and a rat prostatitis model were used. Here we reported the involvement of CFTR, a cAMP-activated anion channel conducting both Cl− and HCO3−, in mediating prostate HCO3− secretion and its possible role in bacterial killing. Upon Escherichia coli (E coli)-LPS challenge, the expression of CFTR and carbonic anhydrase II (CA II), along with several pro-inflammatory cytokines was up-regulated in the primary culture of rat prostate epithelial cells. Inhibiting CFTR function in vitro or in vivo resulted in reduced bacterial killing by prostate epithelial cells or the prostate. High HCO3− content (>50 mM), rather than alkaline pH, was found to be responsible for bacterial killing. The direct action of HCO3− on bacterial killing was confirmed by its ability to increase cAMP production and suppress bacterial initiation factors in E coli. The relevance of the CFTR-mediated HCO3− secretion in humans was demonstrated by the upregulated expression of CFTR and CAII in human prostatitis tissues. Conclusions/Significance The CFTR and its mediated HCO3− secretion may be up-regulated in prostatitis as a host defense mechanism.
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81
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He Q, Chen H, Wong CHY, Tsang LL, Chan HC. Regulatory mechanism underlying cyclic changes in mouse uterine bicarbonate secretion: role of estrogen. Reproduction 2010; 140:903-10. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-10-0178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Our previous study has demonstrated that bicarbonate in the uterine fluid plays an indispensable role in sperm capacitation. However, the cellular mechanisms underlying the formation of bicarbonate-rich uterine fluid and the regulatory mechanism remained largely unknown. In this study, the expression profiles of bicarbonate transport/production proteins, the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), SLC26A6, carbonic anhydrase 2 (CAR2, CA2) and CAR12 (CA12), throughout the estrous cycle, were examined in the mouse uterus by western blot. The results showed that the maximum expression levels of the proteins examined were observed at estrus. Luminal surface pH measurements showed that the resting uterine surface pH at estrus was significantly higher than that at diestrus, which could be reduced significantly by CFTR blocker, diphenylamine-2,2′-dicarboxylic acid, SLC26A6 inhibitor, 4′,4′-diisothiocyanostilbene-2′,2′-disulfonic acid, and CA inhibitor, acetazolamide. In ovariectomized mice and primary culture of endometrial epithelial cells, estrogen could upregulate CFTR, SLC26A6, CAR2, and CAR12 expression with a corresponding increase in the bicarbonate-dependent short-circuit current (Isc) and endometrial surface pH. The present results have demonstrated dynamic changes in uterine bicarbonate secretion and expression of the proteins involved in bicarbonate secretion during the estrous cycle and suggested a novel role of estrogen in regulating uterine bicarbonate transport, which may be important for successful reproduction.
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Tang XX, Chen H, Yu S, Zhang L, Caplan MJ, Chan HC. Lymphocytes accelerate epithelial tight junction assembly: role of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). PLoS One 2010; 5:e12343. [PMID: 20808811 PMCID: PMC2925955 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0012343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2010] [Accepted: 08/02/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The tight junctions (TJs), characteristically located at the apicolateral borders of adjacent epithelial cells, are required for the proper formation of epithelial cell polarity as well as for sustaining the mucosal barrier to the external environment. The observation that lymphocytes are recruited by epithelial cells to the sites of infection [1] suggests that they may play a role in the modulation of epithelial barrier function and thus contribute to host defense. To test the ability of lymphocytes to modulate tight junction assembly in epithelial cells, we set up a lymphocyte-epithelial cell co-culture system, in which Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells, a well-established model cell line for studying epithelial TJ assembly [2], were co-cultured with mouse lymphocytes to mimic an infection state. In a typical calcium switch experiment, the TJ assembly in co-culture was found to be accelerated compared to that in MDCK cells alone. This accelaration was found to be mediated by AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). AMPK activation was independent of changes in cellular ATP levels but it was found to be activated by the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-alpha. Forced suppression of AMPK, either with a chemical inhibitor or by knockdown, abrogated the accelerating effect of lymphocytes on TJ formation. Similar results were also observed in a co-culture with lymphocytes and Calu-3 human airway epithelial cells, suggesting that the activation of AMPK may be a general mechanism underlying lymphocyte-accelerated TJ assembly in different epithelia. These results suggest that signals from lymphocytes, such as cytokines, facilitate TJ assembly in epithelial cells via the activation of AMPK.
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83
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Zhang WK, Wang D, Duan Y, Loy MM, Chan HC, Huang P. Erratum: Mechanosensitive gating of CFTR. Nat Cell Biol 2010. [DOI: 10.1038/ncb0810-812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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84
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He Q, Tsang LL, Ajonuma LC, Chan HC. Abnormally up-regulated cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator expression and uterine fluid accumulation contribute to Chlamydia trachomatis-induced female infertility. Fertil Steril 2010; 93:2608-14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2010.01.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2009] [Revised: 01/11/2010] [Accepted: 01/14/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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85
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Liao CW, Lee YL, Sukati H, D'lamini P, Huang YC, Chiu CJ, Liu YH, Chou CM, Chiu WT, Du WY, Hung CC, Chan HC, Chu B, Cheng HC, Su J, Tu CC, Cheng CY, Fan CK. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection among children in Swaziland, southern Africa. ANNALS OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND PARASITOLOGY 2010; 103:731-6. [PMID: 20030998 DOI: 10.1179/000349809x12554106963474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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86
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Chen MH, Chen H, Zhou Z, Ruan YC, Wong HY, Lu YC, Guo JH, Chung YW, Huang PB, Huang HF, Zhou WL, Chan HC. Involvement of CFTR in oviductal HCO3− secretion and its effect on soluble adenylate cyclase-dependent early embryo development. Hum Reprod 2010; 25:1744-54. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deq094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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87
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Zhang J, Chung H, Chan HC. Down‐regulation of CFTR is required for epithelial‐mesenchymal transition in cancer development. FASEB J 2010. [DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.24.1_supplement.1005.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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88
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Sun T, Chan HC. Effect of YWK‐II/APLP2 on neuron survival. FASEB J 2010. [DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.24.1_supplement.1056.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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89
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Chan HC, Ke LY, Chang LL, Liu CC, Hung YH, Lin CH, Li RN, Tsai WC, Liu HW, Yen JH. Suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 gene expression and polymorphisms in systemic lupus erythematosus. Lupus 2010; 19:696-702. [PMID: 20064913 DOI: 10.1177/0961203309357437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
With the aim of investigating the role of suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus, 107 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, 101 healthy controls, and 151 patients with ankylosing spondylitis were enrolled in this study. SOCS1 mRNA level was measured by the method of quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. SOCS1 polymorphisms were detected by the polymerase chain reaction/restriction fragment length polymorphisms method. Systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity was evaluated with the SLEDAI. This study showed that the SOCS1 mRNA expression was significantly higher in the patients with systemic lupus erythematosus than in the healthy controls (p = 0.0014). Patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus had a higher expression of SOCS1 mRNA than the patients with inactive systemic lupus erythematosus (p = 0.035). There was no significant difference in the frequencies of the SOCS1-1478CA/del polymorphisms among the patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, healthy controls, and patients with ankylosing spondylitis. The genotype frequency of the SOCS1-1478 polymorphisms in the dominant model (CA/del+del/del versus CA/CA) was significantly decreased in the patients with thrombocytopenia compared with those without thrombocytopenia (p(c) = 0.035). Moreover, the allele frequency of SOCS1-1478del was also significantly lower in the patients with thrombocytopenia than in those without thrombocytopenia (p( c) = 0.02). In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the expression of SOCS1 mRNA was significantly increased in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Moreover, SOCS1 mRNA levels in patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus were significantly higher than those in the inactive patients. We also found that the systemic lupus erythematosus patients with thrombocytopenia have a lower frequency of SOCS1-1478del compared with patients without thrombocytopenia.
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Yin LL, Chung CM, Chen J, Fok KL, Ng CP, Jia RR, Ren X, Zhou J, Zhang T, Zhao XH, Lin M, Zhu H, Zhang XH, Tsang LL, Bi Y, Zhou Z, Mo F, Wong N, Chung YW, Sha J, Chan HC. A suppressor of multiple extracellular matrix-degrading proteases and cancer metastasis. J Cell Mol Med 2009; 13:4034-41. [PMID: 19017363 PMCID: PMC4516550 DOI: 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2008.00576.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer metastasis remains the most poorly understood process in cancer biology. It involves the degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins by a series of ‘tumour-associated’ proteases. Here we report the identification of a novel protease suppressor, NYD-SP8, which is located on human chromosome 19q13.2. NYD-SP8 encodes a 27 kD GPI-anchored cell surface protein, which shows structural homology to urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR). Co-immunoprecipitation experiments showed that NYD-SP8 binds to uPA/uPAR complexes and interfere with active uPA production. Overexpression of NYD-SP8 results in reducing activities of the three major classes of proteases known to be involved in ECM degradation, including uPA, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and cathepsin B, leading to suppression of both in vitro and in vivo cancer cell invasion and metastasis. These data demonstrate an important role of NYD-SP8 in regulating ECM degradation, providing a novel mechanism that modulates urokinase signalling in the suppression of cancer progression.
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91
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Bi Y, Xu WM, Wong HY, Zhu H, Zhou ZM, Chan HC, Sha JH. NYD-SP27, a novel intrinsic decapacitation factor in sperm. Asian J Androl 2009; 11:229-39. [PMID: 19252507 DOI: 10.1038/aja.2009.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Prior to fertilization sperm has to undergo an activation process known as capaciation, leading to the acrosome reaction. Till now, little is known about the mechanism for preventing premature capacitation in sperm although decapacitation factors from various sources have been thought to be involved. In this study, we report that NYD-SP27, an isoform of phospholipase C Zeta 1 (PLCZ1), is localized to the sperm acrosome in mouse and human spermatozoa by immunofluorescence using a specific antibody. Western blot and double staining analyses show NYD-SP27 becomes detached from sperm, as they undergo capacitation and acrosome reaction. The absence of HCO3-, a key factor in activating capacitation, from the capacitation-inducing medium prevents the loss of NYD-SP27 from sperm. The anti-NYD-SP27 antibody also prevents the loss of NYD-SP27 from sperm, reduced the number of capacitated sperm, inhibited the acrosome reaction induced by ATP and progesterone, and inhibited agonist-induced PLC-coupled Ca2+ mobilization in sperm, which can be mimicked by the PLC inhibitor, U73122. These data strongly suggest that NYD-SP27 is a physiological inhibitor of PLC that acts as an intrinsic decapacitation factor in sperm to prevent premature capacitation and acrosome reaction.
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92
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Jin JY, Chen WY, Zhou CX, Chen ZH, Yu-Ying Y, Ni Y, Chan HC, Shi QX. Activation of GABAAReceptor/Cl−Channel and Capacitation in Rat Spermatozoa: HCO3−and Cl−are Essential. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2009; 55:97-108. [DOI: 10.1080/19396360802626648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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93
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Chen H, Tsang LL, Chan HC. CFTR-Dependent Regulation of Estrogen Production in Ovarian Granulosa Cells. Biol Reprod 2009. [DOI: 10.1093/biolreprod/81.s1.510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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94
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Sheppard DN, Zhu J, Chan HC. Unravelling the complexity of Cl −channels: how long is a piece of string? J Physiol 2009; 587:2113-4. [DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2009.172825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
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95
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Ajonuma LC, Chan PKS, Ng EHY, Fok KL, Wong CHY, Tsang LL, Tang XX, Ho LS, Lau MC, Chung CM, He Q, Huang HY, Yang DZ, Rowlands DK, Chung YW, Chan HC. Involvement of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) in the pathogenesis of hydrosalpinx induced by Chlamydia trachomatis infection. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2009; 34:923-30. [PMID: 19012687 DOI: 10.1111/j.1447-0756.2008.00826.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genital Chlamydia (C) trachomatis infection has been recognized as the single most common cause of pelvic inflammatory disease leading to severe tubal damage, ectopic pregnancy, infertility and hydrosalpinx. However, the mechanism underlying the formation of hydrosalpinx induced by C. trachomatis infection remains largely unknown. We performed this study to determine the involvement of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), a cAMP-activated chloride channel that regulates epithelial electrolyte and fluid secretion, in hydrosalpinx fluid formation. METHODS Western blot analysis was used to determine CFTR expression in the hydrosalpinges that were seen on the ultrasound scans of infertile assisted reproduction treatment patients. Correlation with C. trachomatis infection was done by testing patients' sera for C. trachomatis immunoglobulin G antibody titer using a Capita enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay based kit. CFTR involvement was further verified in a rat C. trachomatis infection model and confirmed using CFTR mutant (CFTR(tm1Unc)) mice. RESULTS Here we report on the up-regulated expression of CFTR in the hydrosalpinx tissues of infertile patients with detectable serum levels of C. trachomatis antibody (immunoglobulin G). In a rat model, increased CFTR expression and fluid accumulation could be observed in the uterine horns infected with C. trachomatis elementary bodies, which was reversed by antibiotics treatment. In C. trachomatis-infected CFTR(tm1Unc) mice, however, no detectable fluid accumulation was observed. CONCLUSION These findings suggest the involvement of CFTR in the pathogenesis of hydrosalpinx fluid formation and may provide grounds for a better treatment strategy to improve assisted reproduction treatment outcome in infertile patients with hydrosalpinx.
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Chan HC, Ruan YC, He Q, Chen MH, Chen H, Xu WM, Chen WY, Xie C, Zhang XH, Zhou Z. The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator in reproductive health and disease. J Physiol 2008; 587:2187-95. [PMID: 19015188 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2008.164970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is an anion channel regulated by cAMP-dependent phosphorylation, which is expressed in epithelial cells of a wide variety of tissues including the reproductive tracts. Mutations in the gene encoding CFTR cause cystic fibrosis, a common genetic disease in Caucasian populations with a multitude of clinical manifestations including infertility/subfertility in both sexes. However, the physiological role of CFTR in reproduction and its involvement in the pathogenesis of reproductive diseases remain largely unknown. This review discusses the role of CFTR in regulating fluid volume and bicarbonate secretion in the reproductive tracts and their importance in various reproductive events. We also discuss the contribution of CFTR dysfunction to a number of pathological conditions. The evidence presented is consistent with an important role of CFTR in reproductive health and disease, suggesting that CFTR might be a potential target for the diagnosis and treatment of reproductive diseases including infertility.
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97
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Chen WY, Xu WM, Chen ZH, Ni Y, Yuan YY, Zhou SC, Zhou WW, Tsang LL, Chung YW, Höglund P, Chan HC, Shi QX. Cl- is required for HCO3- entry necessary for sperm capacitation in guinea pig: involvement of a Cl-/HCO3- exchanger (SLC26A3) and CFTR. Biol Reprod 2008; 80:115-23. [PMID: 18784352 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.108.068528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Our previous study demonstrated the involvement of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) in transporting bicarbonate that is necessary for sperm capacitation; however, whether its involvement is direct or indirect remains unclear. The present study investigated the possibility of a Cl-/HCO3- exchanger (solute carrier family 26, number 3 [SLC26A3]) operating with CFTR during guinea pig sperm capacitation. Incubating sperm in media with various concentrations of Cl- resulted in varied percentages of capacitated sperm in a concentration-dependent manner. Depletion of Cl-, even in the presence of HCO3-, abolished sperm capacitation and vice versa, indicating the involvement of both anions in the process. Capacitation-associated HCO3--dependent events, including increased intracellular pH, cAMP production, and protein tyrosine phosphorylation, also depend on Cl- concentrations. Similar Cl- dependence and inhibitor sensitivity were observed for sperm-hyperactivated motility and for sperm-egg fusion. The expression and localization of CFTR and SLC26A3 were demonstrated using immunostaining and Western blot analysis. Taken together, our results indicate that Cl- is required for the entry of HCO3- that is necessary for sperm capacitation, implicating the involvement of SLC26A3 in transporting HCO3-, with CFTR providing the recycling pathway for Cl-.
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98
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Ruan YC, Wang Z, Du JY, Zuo WL, Guo JH, Zhang J, Wu ZL, Wong HY, Chung YW, Chan HC, Zhou WL. Regulation of smooth muscle contractility by the epithelium in rat vas deferens: role of ATP-induced release of PGE2. J Physiol 2008; 586:4843-57. [PMID: 18755753 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2008.154096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies suggest that the epithelium might modulate the contractility of smooth muscle. However, the mechanisms underlying this regulation are unknown. The present study investigated the regulation of smooth muscle contraction by the epithelium in rat vas deferens and the possible factor(s) involved. Exogenously applied ATP inhibited electrical field stimulation (EFS)-evoked smooth muscle contraction in an epithelium-dependent manner. As the effects of ATP on smooth muscle contractility were abrogated by inhibitors of prostaglandin synthesis, but not by those of nitric oxide synthesis, prostaglandins might mediate the effects of ATP. Consistent with this idea, PGE(2) inhibited EFS-evoked smooth muscle contraction independent of the epithelium, while ATP and UTP induced the release of PGE(2) from cultured rat vas deferens epithelial cells, but not smooth muscle cells. The ATP-induced PGE(2) release from vas deferens epithelial cells was abolished by U73122, an inhibitor of phospholipase C (PLC) and BAPTA AM, a Ca(2+) chelator. ATP also transiently increased [Ca(2+)](i) in vas deferens epithelial cells. This effect of ATP on [Ca(2+)](i) was independent of extracellular Ca(2+), but abolished by the P2 receptor antagonist RB2 and U73122. In membrane potential measurements using a voltage-sensitive dye, PGE(2), but not ATP, hyperpolarized vas deferens smooth muscle cells and this effect of PGE(2) was blocked by MDL12330A, an adenylate cyclase inhibitor, and the chromanol 293B, a blocker of cAMP-dependent K(+) channels. Taken together, our results suggest that ATP inhibition of vas deferens smooth muscle contraction is epithelium dependent. The data also suggest that ATP activates P2Y receptor-coupled Ca(2+) mobilization leading to the release of PGE(2) from epithelial cells, which in turn activates cAMP-dependent K(+) channels in smooth muscle cells leading to the hyperpolarization of membrane voltage and the inhibition of vas deferens contraction. Thus, the present findings suggest a novel regulatory mechanism by which the epithelium regulates the contractility of smooth muscle.
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Chen WY, Xu WM, Chen ZH, Ni Y, Yuan YY, Zhou SC, Li K, Tsang LL, Chung YW, Shi QX, Chan HC. Cl- is required for HCO3- entry necessary for sperm capacitation:involvement of a Cl-/HCO3- exchanger(SLC26A3) and CFTR. Biol Reprod 2008. [DOI: 10.1093/biolreprod/78.s1.187a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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Xu WM, Chen WY, Dong HS, Fok KL, Zhou CX, Zhu H, Yan Wong CH, Chan HC. The functional role of CFTR in spermatogenesis. Cell Biol Int 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cellbi.2008.01.278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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