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Pisciottano F, Campos MC, Penna C, Bruque CD, Gabaldón T, Saragüeta P. Positive selection in gamete interaction proteins in Carnivora. Mol Ecol 2024; 33:e17263. [PMID: 38318732 DOI: 10.1111/mec.17263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
The absence of robust interspecific isolation barriers among pantherines, including the iconic South American jaguar (Panthera onca), led us to study molecular evolution of typically rapidly evolving reproductive proteins within this subfamily and related groups. In this study, we delved into the evolutionary forces acting on the zona pellucida (ZP) gamete interaction protein family and the sperm-oocyte fusion protein pair IZUMO1-JUNO across the Carnivora order, distinguishing between Caniformia and Feliformia suborders and anticipating few significant diversifying changes in the Pantherinae subfamily. A chromosome-resolved jaguar genome assembly facilitated coding sequences, enabling the reconstruction of protein evolutionary histories. Examining sequence variability across more than 30 Carnivora species revealed that Feliformia exhibited significantly lower diversity compared to its sister taxa, Caniformia. Molecular evolution analyses of ZP2 and ZP3, subunits directly involved in sperm-recognition, unveiled diversifying positive selection in Feliformia, Caniformia and Pantherinae, although no significant changes were linked to sperm binding. Structural cross-linking ZP subunits, ZP4 and ZP1 exhibited lower levels or complete absence of positive selection. Notably, the fusion protein IZUMO1 displayed prominent positive selection signatures and sites in basal lineages of both Caniformia and Feliformia, extending along the Caniformia subtree but absent in Pantherinae. Conversely, JUNO did not exhibit any positive selection signatures across tested lineages and clades. Eight Caniformia-specific positive selected sites in IZUMO1 were detected within two JUNO-interaction clusters. Our findings provide for the first time insights into the evolutionary trajectories of ZP proteins and the IZUMO1-JUNO gamete interaction pair within the Carnivora order.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Pisciottano
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Clara Campos
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Clementina Penna
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carlos David Bruque
- Unidad de Conocimiento Traslacional Hospitalaria Patagónica, Hospital de Alta Complejidad El Calafate SAMIC, El Calafate, Santa Cruz, Argentina
| | - Toni Gabaldón
- Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC), Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), and Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Patricia Saragüeta
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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2
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Matassa R, Gatti M, Crociati M, Brunelli R, Battaglione E, Papi M, De Spirito M, Nottola SA, Familiari G. Self-assembly of glycoprotein nanostructured filaments for modulating extracellular networks at long range. NANOSCALE 2023; 15:17972-17986. [PMID: 37905731 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr02644b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
The intriguing capability of branched glycoprotein filaments to change their hierarchical organization, mediated by external biophysical stimuli, continues to expand understanding of self-assembling strategies that can dynamically rearrange networks at long range. Previous research has explored the corresponding biological, physiological and genetic mechanisms, focusing on protein assemblies within a limited range of nanometric units. Using direct microscopy bio-imaging, we have determined the morpho-structural changes of self-assembled filament networks of the zona pellucida, revealing controlled levels of structured organizations to join distinct evolved stages of the oocyte (Immature, Mature, and Fertilized). This natural soft network reorganizes its corresponding hierarchical network to generate symmetric, asymmetric, and ultimately a state with the lowest asymmetry of the outer surface roughness, and internal pores reversibly changed from elliptical to circular configurations at the corresponding stages. These elusive morpho-structural changes are regulated by the nanostructured polymorphisms of the branched filaments by self-extension/-contraction/-bending processes, modulated by determinate theoretical angles among repetitive filament units. Controlling the nanoscale self-assembling properties by delivering a minimum number of activation bio-signals may be triggered by these specific nanostructured polymorphic organizations. Finally, this research aims to guide this soft biomaterial into a desired state to protect oocytes, eggs, and embryos during development, to favour/prevent the fertilization/polyspermy processes and eventually to impact interactions with bacteria/virus at multiscale levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Matassa
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Section of Human Anatomy, Sapienza University of Rome, Via A. Borelli 50, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Marta Gatti
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Section of Human Anatomy, Sapienza University of Rome, Via A. Borelli 50, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Martina Crociati
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo, 4, Perugia, 06126, Italy
- Centre for Perinatal and Reproductive Medicine, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy
| | - Roberto Brunelli
- Department of Gynecological-Obstetric and Urologic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Ezio Battaglione
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Section of Human Anatomy, Sapienza University of Rome, Via A. Borelli 50, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Massimiliano Papi
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCSS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco De Spirito
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCSS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Annarita Nottola
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Section of Human Anatomy, Sapienza University of Rome, Via A. Borelli 50, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Familiari
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Section of Human Anatomy, Sapienza University of Rome, Via A. Borelli 50, 00161, Rome, Italy.
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Kong N, Xu Q, Shen X, Zhu X, Cao G. Case report: A novel homozygous variant in ZP3 is associated with human empty follicle syndrome. Front Genet 2023; 14:1256549. [PMID: 37908588 PMCID: PMC10613883 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1256549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Empty follicle syndrome (EFS) is a rare condition in female infertility. It is characterized by the inability to retrieve oocytes from visibly large, normally developing follicles in the ovaries, despite ovarian stimulation. The genetic factors contributing to this syndrome remain unclear. This study focused on patients who underwent three consecutive ovarian stimulation procedures for oocyte retrieval but experienced unsuccessful outcomes, despite the presence of observable large follicles. Ultrasound examinations were conducted to assess follicular development during each procedure. In order to investigate potential genetic causes, we performed whole exome sequencing on peripheral blood samples from the patient. Interestingly, we identified that this patient carries a homozygous mutation in the ZP3 genes. Within the ZP3 gene, we identified a homozygous variant [NM_001110354.2, c.176T>A (p.L59H)] specifically located in the zona pellucida (ZP) domain. Further analysis, including bioinformatics methods and protein structure modeling, was carried out to investigate the conservation of the ZP3L59H variant across different species. This homozygous variant exhibited a high degree of conservation across various species. Importantly, the homozygous ZP3L59H variant was associated with the occurrence of empty follicle syndrome in affected female patients. The homozygous ZP3L59H variant represents a newly discovered genetic locus implicated in the development of human empty follicle syndrome. Our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the role of zona pellucida-related genes in infertility and provide valuable insights for the genetic diagnosis of female infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Kong
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qian Xu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoyue Shen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiangyu Zhu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Guangyi Cao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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Zou T, Xi Q, Liu Z, Li Z, Hou M, Zhu L, Jin L, Zhang X. A Novel Homozygous Nonsense Mutation in ZP1 Causes Female Infertility due to Empty Follicle Syndrome. Reprod Sci 2022; 29:3516-3520. [PMID: 35773450 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-01024-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
ZP1 is a critical glycoprotein in the formation of the zona pellucida. It plays an indispensable role in the maturation of oocytes. To identify the causative gene of empty follicle syndrome (EFS) in a patient from a consanguineous family, whole-exome sequencing was performed in the proband. We identified a novel homozygous nonsense mutation c.1260C > G (p. Tyr420X) in the ZP1 gene from two primary infertile patients. Western blot showed that Y420X mutation in ZP1 gene produced a truncated protein. However, the mutation had no significant effect on subcellular localization of the mutant protein. Our findings confirmed the important role of the ZP1 gene in human female reproduction, enriched the mutation spectrums of ZP1 gene, and expanded its applications in the clinical and molecular diagnoses of EFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Zou
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430074, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Qingsong Xi
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430074, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhenxing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430074, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhou Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430074, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Meiqi Hou
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430074, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Lixia Zhu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430074, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Lei Jin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430074, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xianqin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430074, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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Fliniaux I, Marchand G, Molinaro C, Decloquement M, Martoriati A, Marin M, Bodart JF, Harduin-Lepers A, Cailliau K. Diversity of sialic acids and sialoglycoproteins in gametes and at fertilization. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:982931. [PMID: 36340022 PMCID: PMC9630641 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.982931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Sialic acids are a family of 9-carbon monosaccharides with particular physicochemical properties. They modulate the biological functions of the molecules that carry them and are involved in several steps of the reproductive process. Sialoglycoproteins participate in the balance between species recognition and specificity, and the mechanisms of these aspects remain an issue in gametes formation and binding in metazoan reproduction. Sialoglycoproteins form a specific coat at the gametes surface and specific polysialylated chains are present on marine species oocytes. Spermatozoa are submitted to critical sialic acid changes in the female reproductive tract facilitating their migration, their survival through the modulation of the female innate immune response, and the final oocyte-binding event. To decipher the role of sialic acids in gametes and at fertilization, the dynamical changes of enzymes involved in their synthesis and removal have to be further considered.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Katia Cailliau
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 8576-UGSF-Unité de Glycobiologie Structurale et Fonctionnelle, Lille, France
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Battistella A, Andolfi L, Zanetti M, Dal Zilio S, Stebel M, Ricci G, Lazzarino M. Atomic force spectroscopy-based essay to evaluate oocyte postovulatory aging. Bioeng Transl Med 2022; 7:e10294. [PMID: 36176606 PMCID: PMC9472013 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Postovulatory aging is a process occurring in the mature (MII) oocyte leading the unfertilized ones to apoptosis. The optimal time window of fertility for different mammalian species after oocytes maturation depends on its timeliness: the higher the time elapsed from the accomplishment of the MII stage, the lower are the chances of fertilization and of development of a viable embryo. In the in vitro fertilization, the selection of competent oocytes for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is mostly made by the visual inspection of the MII oocyte morphology, which does not allow to determine the oocyte postovulatory age. On the other hand, more specific tests usually involve some kind of staining, thus compromising the viability of the oocyte for reproductive purposes. Hence, the need of a noninvasive analysis of oocyte aging to improve the success rate of in vitro fertilization procedures. Here, we exploit atomic force microscopy to examine the evolution of the mechanical properties of mouse oocytes during in vitro postovulatory aging. Three hours before the occurrence of any visual morphological feature related to degradation, we observe a sudden change of the mechanical parameters: the elastic modulus doubles its initial value, while the viscosity decreases significantly. These mechanical variations are temporally correlated with the release of the cortical granules, investigated by fluorescence microscopy. Interestingly, the oocyte mechanics correlates as well with the yield of embryo formation, evaluated up to the blastocyst formation stage. These results demonstrate that minimally invasive mechanical measurements are very sensitive to the aging of the oocyte and can be used as a label-free method to detect the age of the postovulatory oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Giuseppe Ricci
- IRCSS Burlo GarofaloTriesteItaly
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health SciencesUniversity of TriesteTriesteItaly
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7
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Novel mutations in ZP2 and ZP3 cause female infertility in three patients. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:1205-1215. [PMID: 35366744 PMCID: PMC9107549 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02466-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to identify the disease-causing mutations found in three infertile female patients who were diagnosed with abnormal zona pellucida (ZP) and empty follicle syndrome (EFS). METHODS We performed whole-exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing to identify and verify the disease-causing mutations. Additionally, we performed Western blotting and mini-gene splicing assay to assess the effects of the mutations. RESULTS We identified two novel compound heterozygous mutations in the ZP2 gene, a patient with an abnormal ZP carrying a novel compound heterozygous mutation (c.1695-2A>G and c.1831G>T, p.V611F) and a patient with EFS carrying a novel compound heterozygous mutation (c.1695-2A>G and c.1924 C>T, p.R642*). Furthermore, we identified a patient with typical abnormal ZP carrying a novel heterozygous mutation (c.400G>T, p.A134S) in the ZP3 gene. The splice site mutation (c.1695-2A>G) can cause abnormal pre-mRNA splicing that inserts an extra sequence of 61 bp in the mRNA of ZP2, and the missense mutation (c.1831G>T) can cause a decrease of ZP2 protein in HEK293 cells. CONCLUSION We identified three novel mutations in the ZP2 gene and the ZP3 gene in three Chinese female patients with infertility. Our study expands the spectrum of ZP gene mutations and phenotypes and thus is beneficial in the genetic diagnosis of infertility in females.
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Huo M, Zhang Y, Shi S, Shi H, Liu Y, Zhang L, Wang Y, Niu W. Gene Spectrum and Clinical Traits of Nine Patients With Oocyte Maturation Arrest. Front Genet 2022; 13:772143. [PMID: 35140748 PMCID: PMC8819080 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.772143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Oocyte maturation arrest is a disease that produces immature oocytes and cannot be mature after culturing in vitro, which leads to female primary infertility. We aimed to summarize nine representative patients in our center to retrospectively analyze the genetic variants and clinical characteristics of oocyte maturation arrest. Methods: This study examined and analyzed nine families with oocyte maturation arrest. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) of the probands was performed to detect the pathogenic variants. Sanger sequencing verified the WES findings in patients and available parents. ExAC database was used to search the variant frequency. The variants were assessed by pathogenicity and conservational property prediction analysis and according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG). Phenotypes of oocytes were evaluated by a light microscopy, and the phenotype-genotype correlation was also evaluated. Results: Nine pathogenic variants in five genes were detected in nine patients, of which three were novel variants, including PATL2 [c.1374A > G (p. Ile458Met)] and [1289-1291del TCC (p. Leu430del)] and ZP2 [c.1543C > T (p. Pro515Ser)]. Nine variants were predicted to be pathogenic, resulting in different types of oocyte maturation arrest and clinical phenotypes. Conclusion: Three novel pathogenic variants were identified, enabling the expansion of the gene variant spectrum. The related pathogenic mutations of the PATL2, TUBB8, and ZP1∼3 genes were highly suggestive of being causative of oocyte maturation arrest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhu Huo
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Provincial Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases (Reproductive Medicine) Clinical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Engineering Laboratory of Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis and Screening, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yile Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Provincial Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases (Reproductive Medicine) Clinical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Engineering Laboratory of Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis and Screening, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Senlin Shi
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Provincial Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases (Reproductive Medicine) Clinical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Engineering Laboratory of Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis and Screening, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hao Shi
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Provincial Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases (Reproductive Medicine) Clinical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Engineering Laboratory of Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis and Screening, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yidong Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Provincial Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases (Reproductive Medicine) Clinical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Engineering Laboratory of Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis and Screening, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lingyun Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Provincial Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases (Reproductive Medicine) Clinical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Engineering Laboratory of Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis and Screening, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yanchi Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Provincial Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases (Reproductive Medicine) Clinical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Engineering Laboratory of Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis and Screening, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wenbin Niu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Provincial Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases (Reproductive Medicine) Clinical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Engineering Laboratory of Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis and Screening, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Wenbin Niu,
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Brégeon M, Tomas D, Bernay B, Zatylny-Gaudin C, Georgeault S, Labas V, Réhault-Godbert S, Guyot N. Multifaceted roles of the egg perivitelline layer in avian reproduction: Functional insights from the proteomes of chicken egg inner and outer sublayers. J Proteomics 2022; 258:104489. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2022.104489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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10
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Lee S, Kim HJ, Park JI, Cho HB, Park JS, Park KH. Organelle targeting using a fluorescent probe that selectively penetrates the zona pellucida. Int J Pharm 2021; 610:121282. [PMID: 34774691 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2021.121282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The characteristics of oocytes, which are female germ cells, have not been studied using optical materials. The structural layers (zona pellucida, ZP) around oocytes make it difficult to deliver drugs aimed at treating infertility. Here, we investigated whether the fluorescent probes sulforhodamine, fluorescein 5(6)-isothiocyanate, tetramethylrhodamine isothiocyanate, cyanine 3 carboxylic acid, and cyanine 5 carboxylic acid penetrate oocytes. By targeting the ZP layer of the oocyte, the characteristics of the model drug, a fluorescent probe, were analyzed, and the position of the probe in the oocyte was confirmed for differences in the characteristics. Penetration of the ZP and delivery into the cytoplasm differed between the fluorescent probes. This was due to their different physiochemical properties, including hydrophobicity (contact angle and surface tension), surfactant activity, and electrical charge. Among the fluorescent probes delivered to cytoplasm, unlike TRITC, Cy3 and Cy5 perturbed oocyte development. These results suggest that in oocytes with high physical barriers (cell membrane, zona pellucida), the delivery efficiency can be estimated by considering the properties (molecular weight and structure, solubility and functional structure, etc.) of the drug. In addition, it suggests that an encapsulated or bound carrier of a drug with properties similar to that of a fluorescent probe can be efficiently delivered into oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujin Lee
- Laboratory of Nano-regenerative Medical Engineering, Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, 618, CHA Biocomplex, Sampyeong-Dong, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Jin Kim
- Laboratory of Nano-regenerative Medical Engineering, Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, 618, CHA Biocomplex, Sampyeong-Dong, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-In Park
- Laboratory of Nano-regenerative Medical Engineering, Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, 618, CHA Biocomplex, Sampyeong-Dong, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Hui Bang Cho
- Laboratory of Nano-regenerative Medical Engineering, Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, 618, CHA Biocomplex, Sampyeong-Dong, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Sun Park
- Laboratory of Nano-regenerative Medical Engineering, Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, 618, CHA Biocomplex, Sampyeong-Dong, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si 13488, Republic of Korea.
| | - Keun-Hong Park
- Laboratory of Nano-regenerative Medical Engineering, Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, 618, CHA Biocomplex, Sampyeong-Dong, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si 13488, Republic of Korea.
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Duarte MA, Fernandes CR, Heckel G, da Luz Mathias M, Bastos-Silveira C. Variation and Selection in the Putative Sperm-Binding Region of ZP3 in Muroid Rodents: A Comparison between Cricetids and Murines. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12091450. [PMID: 34573431 PMCID: PMC8469249 DOI: 10.3390/genes12091450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, the zona pellucida glycoprotein 3 (ZP3) is considered a primary sperm receptor of the oocyte and is hypothesized to be involved in reproductive isolation. We investigated patterns of diversity and selection in the putative sperm-binding region (pSBR) of mouse ZP3 across Cricetidae and Murinae, two hyperdiverse taxonomic groups within muroid rodents. In murines, the pSBR is fairly conserved, in particular the serine-rich stretch containing the glycosylation sites proposed as essential for sperm binding. In contrast, cricetid amino acid sequences of the pSBR were much more variable and the serine-rich motif, typical of murines, was generally substantially modified. Overall, our results suggest a general lack of species specificity of the pSBR across the two muroid families. We document statistical evidence of positive selection acting on exons 6 and 7 of ZP3 and identified several amino acid sites that are likely targets of selection, with most positively selected sites falling within or adjacent to the pSBR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarida Alexandra Duarte
- Champalimaud Centre for the Uknown, Champalimaud Research, Champalimaud Foundation, Avenida Brasília, 1400-038 Lisboa, Portugal
- Museu Nacional de História Natural e da Ciência, Departamento de Zoologia e Antropologia, Universidade de Lisboa, Rua da Escola Politécnica, 58, Lisboa, 1250-102 Lisboa, Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal;
- Centro de Estudos de Ambiente e Mar, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
- Correspondence:
| | - Carlos Rodríguez Fernandes
- cE3c-Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal; (C.R.F.); (C.B.-S.)
- Faculdade de Psicologia, Universidade de Lisboa, Alameda da Universidade, 1649-013 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Gerald Heckel
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Baltzerstrasse 6, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland;
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Quartier Sorge-Batiment Amphipole, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Maria da Luz Mathias
- Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal;
- Centro de Estudos de Ambiente e Mar, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Cristiane Bastos-Silveira
- cE3c-Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal; (C.R.F.); (C.B.-S.)
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12
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Zona Pellucida Genes and Proteins: Essential Players in Mammalian Oogenesis and Fertility. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12081266. [PMID: 34440440 PMCID: PMC8391237 DOI: 10.3390/genes12081266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
All mammalian oocytes and eggs are surrounded by a relatively thick extracellular matrix (ECM), the zona pellucida (ZP), that plays vital roles during oogenesis, fertilization, and preimplantation development. Unlike ECM surrounding somatic cells, the ZP is composed of only a few glycosylated proteins, ZP1–4, that are unique to oocytes and eggs. ZP1–4 have a large region of polypeptide, the ZP domain (ZPD), consisting of two subdomains, ZP-N and ZP-C, separated by a short linker region, that plays an essential role in polymerization of nascent ZP proteins into crosslinked fibrils. Both subdomains adopt immunoglobulin (Ig)-like folds for their 3-dimensional structure. Mouse and human ZP genes are encoded by single-copy genes located on different chromosomes and are highly expressed in the ovary by growing oocytes during late stages of oogenesis. Genes encoding ZP proteins are conserved among mammals, and their expression is regulated by cis-acting sequences located close to the transcription start-site and by the same/similar trans-acting factors. Nascent ZP proteins are synthesized, packaged into vesicles, secreted into the extracellular space, and assembled into long, crosslinked fibrils that have a structural repeat, a ZP2-ZP3 dimer, and constitute the ZP matrix. Fibrils are oriented differently with respect to the oolemma in the inner and outer layers of the ZP. Sequence elements in the ZPD and the carboxy-terminal propeptide of ZP1–4 regulate secretion and assembly of nascent ZP proteins. The presence of both ZP2 and ZP3 is required to assemble ZP fibrils and ZP1 and ZP4 are used to crosslink the fibrils. Inactivation of mouse ZP genes by gene targeting has a detrimental effect on ZP formation around growing oocytes and female fertility. Gene sequence variations in human ZP genes due to point, missense, or frameshift mutations also have a detrimental effect on ZP formation and female fertility. The latter mutations provide additional support for the role of ZPD subdomains and other regions of ZP polypeptide in polymerization of human ZP proteins into fibrils and matrix.
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13
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Killingbeck EE, Wilburn DB, Merrihew GE, MacCoss MJ, Swanson WJ. Proteomics support the threespine stickleback egg coat as a protective oocyte envelope. Mol Reprod Dev 2021; 88:500-515. [PMID: 34148267 PMCID: PMC8362008 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Ancestrally marine threespine stickleback fish (Gasterosteus aculeatus) have undergone an adaptive radiation into freshwater environments throughout the Northern Hemisphere, creating an excellent model system for studying molecular adaptation and speciation. Ecological and behavioral factors have been suggested to underlie stickleback reproductive isolation and incipient speciation, but reproductive proteins mediating gamete recognition during fertilization have so far remained unexplored. To begin to investigate the contribution of reproductive proteins to stickleback reproductive isolation, we have characterized the stickleback egg coat proteome. We find that stickleback egg coats are comprised of homologs to the zona pellucida (ZP) proteins ZP1 and ZP3, as in other teleost fish. Our molecular evolutionary analyses indicate that across teleosts, ZP3 but not ZP1 has experienced positive Darwinian selection. Mammalian ZP3 is also rapidly evolving, and surprisingly some residues under selection in stickleback and mammalian ZP3 directly align. Despite broad homology, however, we find differences between mammalian and stickleback ZP proteins with respect to glycosylation, disulfide bonding, and sites of synthesis. Taken together, the changes we observe in stickleback ZP protein architecture suggest that the egg coats of stickleback fish, and perhaps fish more generally, have evolved to fulfill a more protective functional role than their mammalian counterparts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily E Killingbeck
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Damien B Wilburn
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Gennifer E Merrihew
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Michael J MacCoss
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Willie J Swanson
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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14
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New Insights into the Mammalian Egg Zona Pellucida. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22063276. [PMID: 33806989 PMCID: PMC8005149 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22063276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian oocytes are surrounded by an extracellular coat called the zona pellucida (ZP), which, from an evolutionary point of view, is the most ancient of the coats that envelope vertebrate oocytes and conceptuses. This matrix separates the oocyte from cumulus cells and is responsible for species-specific recognition between gametes, preventing polyspermy and protecting the preimplantation embryo. The ZP is a dynamic structure that shows different properties before and after fertilization. Until very recently, mammalian ZP was believed to be composed of only three glycoproteins, ZP1, ZP2 and ZP3, as first described in mouse. However, studies have revealed that this composition is not necessarily applicable to other mammals. Such differences can be explained by an analysis of the molecular evolution of the ZP gene family, during which ZP genes have suffered pseudogenization and duplication events that have resulted in differing models of ZP protein composition. The many discoveries made in recent years related to ZP composition and evolution suggest that a compilation would be useful. Moreover, this review analyses ZP biosynthesis, the role of each ZP protein in different mammalian species and how these proteins may interact among themselves and with other proteins present in the oviductal lumen.
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15
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Izquierdo-Rico MJ, Moros-Nicolás C, Pérez-Crespo M, Laguna-Barraza R, Gutiérrez-Adán A, Veyrunes F, Ballesta J, Laudet V, Chevret P, Avilés M. ZP4 Is Present in Murine Zona Pellucida and Is Not Responsible for the Specific Gamete Interaction. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:626679. [PMID: 33537315 PMCID: PMC7848090 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.626679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian eggs are surrounded by an extracellular matrix called the zona pellucida (ZP). This envelope participates in processes such as acrosome reaction induction, sperm binding, protection of the oviductal embryo, and may be involved in speciation. In eutherian mammals, this coat is formed of three or four glycoproteins (ZP1-ZP4). While Mus musculus has been used as a model to study the ZP for more than 35 years, surprisingly, it is the only eutherian species in which the ZP is formed of three glycoproteins Zp1, Zp2, and Zp3, Zp4 being a pseudogene. Zp4 was lost in the Mus lineage after it diverged from Rattus, although it is not known when precisely this loss occurred. In this work, the status of Zp4 in several murine rodents was tested by phylogenetic, molecular, and proteomic analyses. Additionally, assays of cross in vitro fertilization between three and four ZP rodents were performed to test the effect of the presence of Zp4 in murine ZP and its possible involvement in reproductive isolation. Our results showed that Zp4 pseudogenization is restricted to the subgenus Mus, which diverged around 6 MYA. Heterologous in vitro fertilization assays demonstrate that a ZP formed of four glycoproteins is not a barrier for the spermatozoa of species with a ZP formed of three glycoproteins. This study identifies the existence of several mouse species with four ZPs that can be considered suitable for use as an experimental animal model to understand the structural and functional roles of the four ZP proteins in other species, including human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mª José Izquierdo-Rico
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
- International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research “Campus Mare Nostrum”, Murcia, Spain
| | - Carla Moros-Nicolás
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
- International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research “Campus Mare Nostrum”, Murcia, Spain
| | - Míriam Pérez-Crespo
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Instituto Nacional de Investigacion y Tecnologia Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ricardo Laguna-Barraza
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Instituto Nacional de Investigacion y Tecnologia Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Alfonso Gutiérrez-Adán
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Instituto Nacional de Investigacion y Tecnologia Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Frédéric Veyrunes
- Institut des Sciences de l'Evolution, UMR5554 CNRS/Université Montpellier/IRD/EPHE, Montpellier, France
| | - José Ballesta
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
- International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research “Campus Mare Nostrum”, Murcia, Spain
| | - Vincent Laudet
- Marine Eco-Evo-Devo Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Pascale Chevret
- Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, UMR5558, CNRS, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Manuel Avilés
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
- International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research “Campus Mare Nostrum”, Murcia, Spain
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16
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Wang Y, Chen F, He J, Xue G, Chen J, Xie P. Cellular and molecular modification of egg envelope hardening in fertilization. Biochimie 2020; 181:134-144. [PMID: 33333173 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2020.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Fertilization is an essential process that fundamentally impacts fitness. An egg changes dramatically after fertilization mediating the beginning of life, which mainly includes the transformation of the egg envelope via hardening, which is thought to be due to complex reactions involved in the conversion of cellular and molecular. This review highlights the mechanisms of egg envelope hardening in teleost fish. We conclude that the egg envelope hardening might be carried out in two steps. (a) A metalloprotease (alveolin) hydrolyzes the N-terminal proline-glutamine (Pro-Gln) region of zona pellucida (ZP) 1 and (b) triggers intermolecular cross-linking to ZP3 catalyzed by transglutaminase (TGase). The post-fertilization hardening of the egg envelope is an evolutionarily conserved phenomenon across species. We discuss the biochemical function and interaction of some factors reported to be essential to egg envelope hardening in mammalian and nonmammalian species, including metalloprotease, TGase, peroxidase/ovoperoxidase, and other factors (carbohydrate moieties, zinc and Larp6 proteins), and the relevant data suggest that egg envelope hardening is crucial to block polyspermy in internal fertilization, in addition to protecting the developing embryo from mechanical shock and preventing bacterial infection in external fertilization. Increased knowledge of the processes of egg envelope hardening and fertilization is likely to make a remarkable contribution to reproduction and aquaculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeke Wang
- Donghu Experimental Station of Lake Ecosystems, State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Feng Chen
- Donghu Experimental Station of Lake Ecosystems, State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jun He
- Donghu Experimental Station of Lake Ecosystems, State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Ge Xue
- Donghu Experimental Station of Lake Ecosystems, State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jun Chen
- Donghu Experimental Station of Lake Ecosystems, State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Ping Xie
- Donghu Experimental Station of Lake Ecosystems, State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China; Institute of Ecological Research and Pollution Control of Plateau Lakes, School of Ecology and Environment, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650500, PR China.
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17
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Yang P, Chen T, Liu Y, Hou Z, Wu K, Cao Y, Zhang J, Wang Z, Zhao H. The critical role of ZP genes in female infertility characterized by empty follicle syndrome and oocyte degeneration. Fertil Steril 2020; 115:1259-1269. [PMID: 33272616 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify the major causative gene(s) of genuine empty follicle syndrome (GEFS) characterized by oocyte degeneration. DESIGN Genetic and functional studies. SETTING University-based reproductive medicine center. PATIENT(S) Thirty-five unrelated women with GEFS and oocyte degeneration. INTERVENTION(S) Whole-exome sequencing (WES) and targeted Sanger sequencing. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Variants predicted by software and the functional effects of variants assessed via Western blot and immunofluorescence in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. RESULT(S) We identified zona pellucida (ZP) gene variants in 18 individuals, which included 20 variants in the ZP1 gene, two variants in the ZP2 gene, and one previously reported recurrent variant in the ZP3 gene. The women carrying ZP variants constituted 51.43% of the GEFS cohort. The ZP1 variants were inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern; the ZP2 and ZP3 variants were inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. All variants were predicted to be deleterious. Studies in CHO cells suggested that most ZP1 variants led to increased intracytoplasmic protein and some variants influenced the intracellular transportation of other ZP proteins. Variant p.R642Q of ZP2 caused the secretion of ZP2 protein with an increased molecular weight, suggesting altered protein modification. Variant p.I619N of ZP2 resulted in increased ZP2 protein in cell lysate and decreased ZP2 protein in culture medium. These results showed that ZP variants might block the intracellular transportation and secretion of ZP proteins and disrupt the zona pellucida. CONCLUSION(S) We identified novel variants of ZP genes in more than half the cohort with GEFS and oocyte degeneration. Variants of ZP genes caused protein intracellular sequestration and failure to assemble the ZP filaments, resulting in EFS and female infertility. Our findings not only reveal the critical roles of ZP genes but also pave the way for the efficient genetic diagnosis of females with GEFS and oocyte degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Yang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Tailai Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuqing Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenzhen Hou
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Keliang Wu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongzhi Cao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiangtao Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhao Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Han Zhao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, People's Republic of China.
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18
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Gómez-Torres MJ, Robles-Gómez L, Huerta-Retamal N, Sáez-Espinosa P, Avilés M, Aizpurua J, Romero A. FE-SEM Characterization of α-Mannose Density and Surface Mapping Changes in Human Sperm Head During In Vitro Capacitation. MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA, MICROBEAM ANALYSIS SOCIETY, MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 2020; 26:1220-1225. [PMID: 33121558 DOI: 10.1017/s1431927620024630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Sperm capacitation includes the reorganization of plasma membrane components and the outstanding modification of the glycocalyx. The α-mannose presence and location during in vitro capacitation have been commonly described in human spermatozoa using Concanavalin A (Con A) lectin. However, it is still unclear to date how in vitro capacitation time affects the α-mannose residues and their topographic spatial distribution on sperm membrane. Here, we characterized the α-mannose density and specific membrane domain locations before and after in vitro capacitation (1–4 h) using high-resolution field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). Results showed that α-mannose residues were present preferably on the acrosome domains for all physiological conditions. Uncapacitated sperm comparatively exhibits significant highest labeling densities of α-mannose residues. In addition, as in vitro capacitation takes place, significant and progressive decreasing of sugar residues was combined with their relocation mostly affecting acrosomal domain apical areas. Our findings reveal that combined approach using FE-SEM and gold nanoparticle topographical mapping offers new human sperm biomolecular and structural details during capacitation events.
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Affiliation(s)
- María José Gómez-Torres
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Alicante, Ap. C. 99, Alicante03080, Spain
- Cátedra Human Fertility, Universidad de Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Laura Robles-Gómez
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Alicante, Ap. C. 99, Alicante03080, Spain
| | - Natalia Huerta-Retamal
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Alicante, Ap. C. 99, Alicante03080, Spain
| | - Paula Sáez-Espinosa
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Alicante, Ap. C. 99, Alicante03080, Spain
| | - Manuel Avilés
- Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia e IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Jon Aizpurua
- IVF Spain, Reproductive Medicine, Alicante, Spain
| | - Alejandro Romero
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Alicante, Ap. C. 99, Alicante03080, Spain
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19
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Carlisle JA, Swanson WJ. Molecular mechanisms and evolution of fertilization proteins. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART B-MOLECULAR AND DEVELOPMENTAL EVOLUTION 2020; 336:652-665. [PMID: 33015976 DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.23004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Sexual reproduction involves a cascade of molecular interactions between the sperm and the egg culminating in cell-cell fusion. Vital steps mediating fertilization include chemoattraction of the sperm to the egg, induction of the sperm acrosome reaction, dissolution of the egg coat, and sperm-egg plasma membrane binding and fusion. Despite decades of research, only a handful of interacting gamete recognition proteins (GRPs) have been identified across taxa mediating each of these steps, most notably in abalone, sea urchins, and mammals. This review outlines and compares notable GRP pairs mediating sperm-egg recognition in these three significant model systems and discusses the molecular basis of species-specific fertilization driven by GRP function. In addition, we explore the evolutionary theory behind the rapid diversification of GRPs between species. In particular, we focus on how the coevolution between interacting sperm and egg proteins may contribute to the formation of boundaries to hybridization. Finally, we discuss how pairing structural information with evolutionary insights can improve our understanding of mechanisms of fertilization and their origins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolie A Carlisle
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington Medical School, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Willie J Swanson
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington Medical School, Seattle, Washington, USA
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20
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Cao Q, Zhao C, Zhang X, Zhang H, Lu Q, Wang C, Hu Y, Ling X, Zhang J, Huo R. Heterozygous mutations in ZP1 and ZP3 cause formation disorder of ZP and female infertility in human. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:8557-8566. [PMID: 32573113 PMCID: PMC7412702 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The human zona pellucida (ZP) is a highly organized glycoprotein matrix that encircles oocytes and plays an essential role in successful reproduction. Previous studies have reported that mutations in human ZP1, ZP2 and ZP3 influence their functions and result in a lack of ZP or in an abnormal oocytes and empty follicle syndrome, which leads to female infertility. Here, we performed whole‐exome sequencing in two probands with primary infertility whose oocytes lacked a ZP, and we identified a heterozygous mutation in ZP1 (NM_207341:c.326G>A p.Arg109His), which is situated in the N‐terminus, and a heterozygous mutation in ZP3 (NM_001110354:c.400G>A p.Ala134Thr), which is situated in the ZP domain. The effects of the mutations were investigated through structure prediction and in vitro studies in HeLa cells. The results, which were in line with the phenotype, suggested that these mutations might impede the function of cross‐linking and secretion of ZP proteins. Our study showed that the two mutations in ZP1 and ZP3 influenced the formation of the ZP, causing female infertility. Meanwhile, these data highlight the importance of the ZP1 N‐terminus in addition to the conserved domains for ZP1 function and ZP formation. Additionally, the patient with the ZP1 mutation delivered a baby following intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI); thus, we suggest the targeted genetic diagnosis of ZP genes to choose appropriate fertilization methods and improve the success rate of assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiqi Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chun Zhao
- Department of Reproduction, The Affiliated Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaolan Zhang
- Department of Reproduction, The Affiliated Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Heng Zhang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Qianneng Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Congjing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yue Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiufeng Ling
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Reproduction, The Affiliated Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Junqiang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Reproduction, The Affiliated Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Ran Huo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Fahrenkamp E, Algarra B, Jovine L. Mammalian egg coat modifications and the block to polyspermy. Mol Reprod Dev 2020; 87:326-340. [PMID: 32003503 PMCID: PMC7155028 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Fertilization by more than one sperm causes polyploidy, a condition that is generally lethal to the embryo in the majority of animal species. To prevent this occurrence, eggs have developed a series of mechanisms that block polyspermy at the level of the plasma membrane or their extracellular coat. In this review, we first introduce the mammalian egg coat, the zona pellucida (ZP), and summarize what is currently known about its composition, structure, and biological functions. We then describe how this specialized extracellular matrix is modified by the contents of cortical granules (CG), secretory organelles that are exocytosed by the egg after gamete fusion. This process releases proteases, glycosidases, lectins and zinc onto the ZP, resulting in a series of changes in the properties of the egg coat that are collectively referred to as hardening. By drawing parallels with comparable modifications of the vitelline envelope of nonmammalian eggs, we discuss how CG‐dependent modifications of the ZP are thought to contribute to the block to polyspermy. Moreover, we argue for the importance of obtaining more information on the architecture of the ZP, as well as systematically investigating the many facets of ZP hardening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen Fahrenkamp
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition & Center for Innovative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Blanca Algarra
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition & Center for Innovative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Luca Jovine
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition & Center for Innovative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
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22
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Bhakta HH, Refai FH, Avella MA. The molecular mechanisms mediating mammalian fertilization. Development 2019; 146:146/15/dev176966. [PMID: 31375552 DOI: 10.1242/dev.176966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Fertilization is a key biological process in which the egg and sperm must recognize one another and fuse to form a zygote. Although the process is a continuum, mammalian fertilization has been studied as a sequence of steps: sperm bind and penetrate through the zona pellucida of the egg, adhere to the egg plasma membrane and finally fuse with the egg. Following fusion, effective blocks to polyspermy ensure monospermic fertilization. Here, we review how recent advances obtained using genetically modified mouse lines bring new insights into the molecular mechanisms regulating mammalian fertilization. We discuss models for these processes and we include studies showing that these mechanisms may be conserved across different mammalian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanisha H Bhakta
- Department of Biological Science, College of Engineering and Natural Sciences, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK 74104, USA
| | - Fares H Refai
- Department of Biological Science, College of Engineering and Natural Sciences, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK 74104, USA
| | - Matteo A Avella
- Department of Biological Science, College of Engineering and Natural Sciences, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK 74104, USA
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23
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Morgan CC, Hart MW. Molecular evolution of mammalian genes with epistatic interactions in fertilization. BMC Evol Biol 2019; 19:154. [PMID: 31345177 PMCID: PMC6659299 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-019-1480-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genes that encode proteins associated with sperm competition, fertilization, and sexual conflicts of interest are often among the most rapidly evolving parts of animal genomes. One family of sperm-expressed genes (Zp3r, C4bpa) in the mammalian gene cluster called the regulator of complement activation (RCA) encodes proteins that bind eggs and mediate reproductive success, and are therefore expected to show high relative rates of nonsynonymous nucleotide substitution in response to sexual selection in comparison to other genes not involved in gamete binding at fertilization. We tested that working hypothesis by using phylogenetic models of codon evolution to identify episodes of diversifying positive selection. We used a comparative approach to quantify the evidence for episodic diversifying selection acting on RCA genes with known functions in fertilization (and sensitivity to sexual selection), and contrast them with other RCA genes in the same gene family that function in innate immunity (and are not sensitive to sexual selection). RESULTS We expected but did not find evidence for more episodes of positive selection on Zp3r in Glires (the rodents and lagomorphs) or on C4BPA in Primates, in comparison to other paralogous RCA genes in the same taxon, or in comparison to the same orthologous RCA gene in the other taxon. That result was not unique to RCA genes: we also found little evidence for more episodes of diversifying selection on genes that encode selective sperm-binding molecules in the egg coat or zona pellucida (Zp2, Zp3) in comparison to members of the same gene family that encode structural elements of the egg coat (Zp1, Zp4). Similarly, we found little evidence for episodic diversifying selection acting on two other recently discovered genes (Juno, Izumo1) that encode essential molecules for sperm-egg fusion. CONCLUSIONS These negative results help to illustrate the importance of a comparative context for this type of codon model analysis. The results may also point to other phylogenetic contexts in which the effects of selection acting on these fertilization proteins might be more readily discovered and documented in mammals and other taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire C. Morgan
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN UK
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Michael W. Hart
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6 Canada
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24
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Moros-Nicolás C, Leza A, Chevret P, Guillén-Martínez A, González-Brusi L, Boué F, Lopez-Bejar M, Ballesta J, Avilés M, Izquierdo-Rico MJ. Analysis of ZP1 gene reveals differences in zona pellucida composition in carnivores. Reprod Fertil Dev 2018; 30:272-285. [PMID: 28679462 DOI: 10.1071/rd17022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2017] [Accepted: 06/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The zona pellucida (ZP) is an extracellular envelope that surrounds mammalian oocytes. This coat participates in the interaction between gametes, induction of the acrosome reaction, block of polyspermy and protection of the oviductal embryo. Previous studies suggested that carnivore ZP was formed by three glycoproteins (ZP2, ZP3 and ZP4), with ZP1 being a pseudogene. However, a recent study in the cat found that all four proteins were expressed. In the present study, in silico and molecular analyses were performed in several carnivores to clarify the ZP composition in this order of mammals. The in silico analysis demonstrated the presence of the ZP1 gene in five carnivores: cheetah, panda, polar bear, tiger and walrus, whereas in the Antarctic fur seal and the Weddell seal there was evidence of pseudogenisation. Molecular analysis showed the presence of four ZP transcripts in ferret ovaries (ZP1, ZP2, ZP3 and ZP4) and three in fox ovaries (ZP2, ZP3 and ZP4). Analysis of the fox ZP1 gene showed the presence of a stop codon. The results strongly suggest that all four ZP genes are expressed in most carnivores, whereas ZP1 pseudogenisation seems to have independently affected three families (Canidae, Otariidae and Phocidae) of the carnivore tree.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Moros-Nicolás
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca-UMU), University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - A Leza
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca-UMU), University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - P Chevret
- Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, UMR5558, CNRS, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69622, Villeurbanne, France
| | - A Guillén-Martínez
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca-UMU), University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - L González-Brusi
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca-UMU), University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - F Boué
- ANSES, Nancy Laboratory for Rabies and Wildlife, CS 40009, 54220 Malzéville, France
| | - M Lopez-Bejar
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
| | - J Ballesta
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca-UMU), University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - M Avilés
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca-UMU), University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - M J Izquierdo-Rico
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca-UMU), University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
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25
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Abstract
All animal oocytes are surrounded by a glycoproteinaceous egg coat, a specialized extracellular matrix that serves both structural and species-specific roles during fertilization. Egg coat glycoproteins polymerize into the extracellular matrix of the egg coat using a conserved protein-protein interaction module-the zona pellucida (ZP) domain-common to both vertebrates and invertebrates, suggesting that the basic structural features of egg coats have been conserved across hundreds of millions of years of evolution. Egg coat proteins, as with other proteins involved in reproduction, are frequently found to be rapidly evolving. Given that gamete compatibility must be maintained for the fitness of sexually reproducing organisms, this finding is somewhat paradoxical and suggests a role for adaptive diversification in reproductive protein evolution. Here we review the structure and function of metazoan egg coat proteins, with an emphasis on the potential role their evolution has played in the creation and maintenance of species boundaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily E Killingbeck
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.
| | - Willie J Swanson
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.
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26
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Vectored gene delivery for lifetime animal contraception: Overview and hurdles to implementation. Theriogenology 2018; 112:63-74. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2017] [Revised: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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27
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Wu T, Cheng Y, Liu Z, Tao W, Zheng S, Wang D. Bioinformatic analyses of zona pellucida genes in vertebrates and their expression in Nile tilapia. FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 2018; 44:435-449. [PMID: 29307115 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-017-0434-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Zona pellucida (ZP) genes encode ZP glycoproteins which constitute the coat surrounding oocytes and early embryos. Genome-wide identification of ZP genes is still lacking in vertebrates, especially in fish species. Herein, we conducted bioinformatic analyses of the ZP genes of the Nile tilapia and other vertebrates. Totally 16, 9, 17, 27, 21, 20, 26, 19, 14,11, 24, 17, 9, 18, 8, 11, 9, 8, 5, and 4 ZP genes belonging to 5 subfamilies (ZPA, ZPB, ZPC, ZPD, and ZPAX) were found in the sea lamprey, elephant shark, coelacanth, spotted gar, zebrafish, medaka, stickleback, Nile tilapia, Amazon molly, platyfish, seahorse, Northern snakehead, cavefish, tetraodon, clawed frog, turtle, chicken, platypus, kangaroo rat, and human genomes, respectively. The expansion of ZP genes in basal vertebrates was mainly achieved by gene duplication of ZPB, ZPC, and ZPAX subfamilies, while the shrink of ZP gene number in viviparous mammals was achieved by keeping only one copy of the ZP genes in each subfamily or even secondary loss of some subfamilies. The number of ZP gene is related to the environment where the eggs are fertilized and the embryos develop in vertebrates. Transcriptomic analysis showed that 14 ZP genes were expressed in the ovary of Nile tilapia, while two (ZPB2b and ZPC2) were highly expressed in the liver. On the other hand, ZPB1a and ZPB2c were not found to be expressed in any tissue or at any developmental stage of the gonads examined. In the ovary, the expression of ZP genes started from 30 dah (days after hatching), significantly upregulated at 90 dah and maintained this level at 180 dah. The expression of ZPC2 in the liver and ZPC5-2 and ZPAX1 in the ovary was confirmed by in situ hybridization. The ovary- and liver-expressed ZP genes are expressed coordinately with oocyte growth in tilapia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianli Wu
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, 524025, China
| | - Yunying Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Zhilong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Wenjing Tao
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Shuqing Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Deshou Wang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
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28
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Abstract
All mammalian eggs are surrounded by a highly specialized extracellular matrix (ECM), called the zona pellucida (ZP), that functions before, during, and after fertilization. Unlike somatic cell ECM the mouse ZP is composed of three different proteins, ZP1-3, that are synthesized and secreted by growing oocytes and assembled into long interconnected fibrils. ECM or vitelline envelope (VE) that surrounds fish, reptilian, amphibian, and avian eggs also consists of a limited number of proteins all closely related to ZP1-3. Messenger RNAs encoding ZP1-3 are expressed only by growing oocytes at very high levels from single-copy genes present on different chromosomes. Processing at the amino- and carboxy-termini of nascent ZP1-3 permits secretion of mature proteins into the extracellular space and assembly into fibrils and matrix. Structural features of nascent ZP proteins prevent assembly within secretory vesicles of growing oocytes. Homozygous knockout female mice that fail to synthesize either ZP2 or ZP3 are unable to construct a ZP, ovulate few if any eggs, and are infertile. ZP1-3 have a common structural feature, the ZP domain (ZPD), that has been conserved through 600 million years of evolution and is essential for ZP protein assembly into fibrils. The ZPD consists of two subdomains, each with four conserved cysteine residues present as two intramolecular disulfides, and resembles an immunoglobulin (Ig) domain found in a wide variety of proteins that have diverse functions, from receptors to mechanical transducers. ZP2 and ZP3 function as receptors for acrosome-reacted and acrosome-intact sperm, respectively, during fertilization of ovulated eggs, but are inactivated as sperm receptors as a result of fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul M Wassarman
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States.
| | - Eveline S Litscher
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
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29
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Canosa S, Adriaenssens T, Coucke W, Dalmasso P, Revelli A, Benedetto C, Smitz J. Zona pellucida gene mRNA expression in human oocytes is related to oocyte maturity, zona inner layer retardance and fertilization competence. Mol Hum Reprod 2018; 23:292-303. [PMID: 28204536 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gax008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Accepted: 02/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do the mRNA expression levels of zona pellucida (ZP) genes, ZP1, 2, 3 and 4 in oocyte and cumulus cells (CC) reveal relevant information on the oocyte? SUMMARY ANSWER The ZP mRNA expression in human oocytes is related to oocyte maturity, zona inner layer (IL) retardance and fertilization capacity. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY ZP structure and birefringence provide useful information on oocyte cytoplasmic maturation, developmental competence for embryonic growth, blastocyst formation and pregnancy. In order to understand the molecular basis of morphological changes in the ZP, in the current study, the polarized light microscopy (PLM) approach was combined with analysis of the expression of the genes encoding ZP1, 2, 3 and 4, both in the oocytes and in the surrounding CC. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This is a retrospective study comprising 98 supernumerary human cumulus oocyte complexes (COC) [80 Metaphase II (MII), 10 Metaphase I (MI) and 8 germinal vesicle (GV)] obtained from 39 patients (median age 33.4 years, range 22-42) after controlled ovarian stimulation. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Single oocytes and their corresponding CC were analysed. Oocytes were examined using PLM, and quantitative RT-PCR was performed for ZP1, 2, 3 and 4 in these individual oocytes and their CC. Ephrin-B2 (EFNB2) mRNA was measured in CC as a control. Presence of ZP3 protein in CC and oocytes was investigated using immunocytochemistry. Data were analysed using one-parametric and multivariate analysis and were corrected for the potential impact of patient and cycle characteristics. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Oocytes contained ZP1/2/3 and 4 mRNA while in CC only ZP3 was quantifiable. Also ZP3 protein was detected in human CC. When comparing mature (MII) and immature oocytes (MI/GV) or their corresponding CC, ZP1/2 and 4 expression was lower in mature oocytes compared to the expression in immature oocytes (all P < 0.05) and ZP3 expression was lower in the CC of mature oocytes compared to the expression in CC of immature oocytes (P < 0.05). This coincided with a significantly smaller IL-ZP area and thickness in mature oocytes than in immature oocytes (all P < 0.05). In mature oocytes, IL-ZP retardance was significantly correlated with the expression of all four ZP mRNAs (all P < 0.05). The oocyte ZP3 expression was the main predictor of the fertilization capacity, next to IL-retardance and IL-thickness. Using stepwise regression analysis, IL-thickness combined with EFNB2 expression in CC and the patient's ovarian response resulted in a noninvasive oocyte fertilization prediction model. LARGE SCALE DATA Not applicable. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This is a retrospective study and the relation of oocyte mRNA levels to fertilization capacity is indirect as oocyte gene expression analysis required lysis of the oocyte. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Overall relations between PLM observations, mRNA expression changes and intrinsic oocyte competence were successfully documented. As such PLM and CC gene expression are confirmed as valuable noninvasive techniques to evaluate oocyte competence. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was funded by University of Torino, Italy, WFWG UZ-Brussel and Agentschap voor Innovatie door Wetenschap en Technologie IWT 110680, Belgium. All authors declare that their participation in the study did not involve actual or potential conflicts of interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Canosa
- Chair Gynecology and Obstetrics 1, Physiopathology of Reproduction and IVF Unit, University Department of Surgical Sciences, S. Anna Hospital, Via Ventimiglia 3, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - T Adriaenssens
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - W Coucke
- Department of Clinical Biology, Scientific Institute of Public Health, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - P Dalmasso
- Medical Statistics Unit, Department of Public Health and Paediatrics, University of Torino, Via Santena 5b, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - A Revelli
- Chair Gynecology and Obstetrics 1, Physiopathology of Reproduction and IVF Unit, University Department of Surgical Sciences, S. Anna Hospital, Via Ventimiglia 3, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - C Benedetto
- Chair Gynecology and Obstetrics 1, Physiopathology of Reproduction and IVF Unit, University Department of Surgical Sciences, S. Anna Hospital, Via Ventimiglia 3, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - J Smitz
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
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30
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Hart MW, Stover DA, Guerra V, Mozaffari SV, Ober C, Mugal CF, Kaj I. Positive selection on human gamete-recognition genes. PeerJ 2018; 6:e4259. [PMID: 29340252 PMCID: PMC5767332 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Coevolution of genes that encode interacting proteins expressed on the surfaces of sperm and eggs can lead to variation in reproductive compatibility between mates and reproductive isolation between members of different species. Previous studies in mice and other mammals have focused in particular on evidence for positive or diversifying selection that shapes the evolution of genes that encode sperm-binding proteins expressed in the egg coat or zona pellucida (ZP). By fitting phylogenetic models of codon evolution to data from the 1000 Genomes Project, we identified candidate sites evolving under diversifying selection in the human genes ZP3 and ZP2. We also identified one candidate site under positive selection in C4BPA, which encodes a repetitive protein similar to the mouse protein ZP3R that is expressed in the sperm head and binds to the ZP at fertilization. Results from several additional analyses that applied population genetic models to the same data were consistent with the hypothesis of selection on those candidate sites leading to coevolution of sperm- and egg-expressed genes. By contrast, we found no candidate sites under selection in a fourth gene (ZP1) that encodes an egg coat structural protein not directly involved in sperm binding. Finally, we found that two of the candidate sites (in C4BPA and ZP2) were correlated with variation in family size and birth rate among Hutterite couples, and those two candidate sites were also in linkage disequilibrium in the same Hutterite study population. All of these lines of evidence are consistent with predictions from a previously proposed hypothesis of balancing selection on epistatic interactions between C4BPA and ZP3 at fertilization that lead to the evolution of co-adapted allele pairs. Such patterns also suggest specific molecular traits that may be associated with both natural reproductive variation and clinical infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael W Hart
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Daryn A Stover
- School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Arizona State University Colleges at Lake Havasu City, Lake Havasu City, AZ, USA
| | - Vanessa Guerra
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sahar V Mozaffari
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Carole Ober
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Carina F Mugal
- Department of Ecology and Genetics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ingemar Kaj
- Department of Mathematics, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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32
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Que EL, Duncan FE, Bayer AR, Philips SJ, Roth EW, Bleher R, Gleber SC, Vogt S, Woodruff TK, O'Halloran TV. Zinc sparks induce physiochemical changes in the egg zona pellucida that prevent polyspermy. Integr Biol (Camb) 2017; 9:135-144. [PMID: 28102396 DOI: 10.1039/c6ib00212a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
During fertilization or chemically-induced egg activation, the mouse egg releases billions of zinc atoms in brief bursts known as 'zinc sparks.' The zona pellucida (ZP), a glycoprotein matrix surrounding the egg, is the first structure zinc ions encounter as they diffuse away from the plasma membrane. Following fertilization, the ZP undergoes changes described as 'hardening', which prevent multiple sperm from fertilizing the egg and thereby establish a block to polyspermy. A major event in zona hardening is cleavage of ZP2 proteins by ovastacin; however, the overall physiochemical changes contributing to zona hardening are not well understood. Using X-ray fluorescence microscopy, transmission and scanning electron microscopy, and biological function assays, we tested the hypothesis that zinc release contributes to ZP hardening. We found that the zinc content in the ZP increases by 300% following activation and that zinc exposure modulates the architecture of the ZP matrix. Importantly, zinc-induced structural changes of the ZP have a direct biological consequence; namely, they reduce the ability of sperm to bind to the ZP. These results provide a paradigm-shifting model in which fertilization-induced zinc sparks contribute to the polyspermy block by altering conformations of the ZP matrix. This adds a previously unrecognized factor, namely zinc, to the process of ZP hardening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily L Que
- The Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, 2170 North Campus Drive, Silverman 4611, Evanston, IL 60208, USA.
| | - Francesca E Duncan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 East Superior Street, Lurie 10-121, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
| | - Amanda R Bayer
- The Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, 2170 North Campus Drive, Silverman 4611, Evanston, IL 60208, USA. and Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Steven J Philips
- The Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, 2170 North Campus Drive, Silverman 4611, Evanston, IL 60208, USA. and Department of Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Eric W Roth
- The Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, 2170 North Campus Drive, Silverman 4611, Evanston, IL 60208, USA. and Northwestern University Atomic and Nanoscale Characterization Experimental Center, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Reiner Bleher
- The Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, 2170 North Campus Drive, Silverman 4611, Evanston, IL 60208, USA. and Northwestern University Atomic and Nanoscale Characterization Experimental Center, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Sophie C Gleber
- X-ray Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, IL 60439, USA
| | - Stefan Vogt
- X-ray Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, IL 60439, USA
| | - Teresa K Woodruff
- The Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, 2170 North Campus Drive, Silverman 4611, Evanston, IL 60208, USA. and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 East Superior Street, Lurie 10-121, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. and Department of Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Thomas V O'Halloran
- The Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, 2170 North Campus Drive, Silverman 4611, Evanston, IL 60208, USA. and Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA and Department of Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
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Chen T, Bian Y, Liu X, Zhao S, Wu K, Yan L, Li M, Yang Z, Liu H, Zhao H, Chen ZJ. A Recurrent Missense Mutation in ZP3 Causes Empty Follicle Syndrome and Female Infertility. Am J Hum Genet 2017; 101:459-465. [PMID: 28886344 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2017.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Empty follicle syndrome (EFS) is defined as the failure to aspirate oocytes from mature ovarian follicles during in vitro fertilization. Except for some cases caused by pharmacological or iatrogenic problems, the etiology of EFS remains enigmatic. In the present study, we describe a large family with a dominant inheritance pattern of female infertility characterized by recurrent EFS. Genome-wide linkage analyses and whole-exome sequencing revealed a paternally transmitted heterozygous missense mutation of c.400 G>A (p.Ala134Thr) in zona pellucida glycoprotein 3 (ZP3). The same mutation was identified in an unrelated EFS pedigree. Haplotype analysis revealed that the disease allele of these two families came from different origins. Furthermore, in a cohort of 21 cases of EFS, two were also found to have the ZP3 c.400 G>A mutation. Immunofluorescence and histological analysis indicated that the oocytes of the EFS female had degenerated and lacked the zona pellucida (ZP). ZP3 is a major component of the ZP filament. When mutant ZP3 was co-expressed with wild-type ZP3, the interaction between wild-type ZP3 and ZP2 was markedly decreased as a result of the binding of wild-type ZP3 and mutant ZP3, via dominant negative inhibition. As a result, the assembly of ZP was impeded and the communication between cumulus cells and the oocyte was prevented, resulting in oocyte degeneration. These results identified a genetic basis for EFS and oocyte degeneration and, moreover, might pave the way for genetic diagnosis of infertile females with this phenotype.
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Hewetson A, Do HQ, Myers C, Muthusubramanian A, Sutton RB, Wylie BJ, Cornwall GA. Functional Amyloids in Reproduction. Biomolecules 2017; 7:biom7030046. [PMID: 28661450 PMCID: PMC5618227 DOI: 10.3390/biom7030046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Revised: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyloids are traditionally considered pathological protein aggregates that play causative roles in neurodegenerative disease, diabetes and prionopathies. However, increasing evidence indicates that in many biological systems nonpathological amyloids are formed for functional purposes. In this review, we will specifically describe amyloids that carry out biological roles in sexual reproduction including the processes of gametogenesis, germline specification, sperm maturation and fertilization. Several of these functional amyloids are evolutionarily conserved across several taxa, including human, emphasizing the critical role amyloids perform in reproduction. Evidence will also be presented suggesting that, if altered, some functional amyloids may become pathological.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aveline Hewetson
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA.
| | - Hoa Quynh Do
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA.
| | - Caitlyn Myers
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA.
| | - Archana Muthusubramanian
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA.
| | - Roger Bryan Sutton
- Department of Cell Physiology and Molecular Biophysics, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA.
| | - Benjamin J Wylie
- Department of Chemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA.
| | - Gail A Cornwall
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA.
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35
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Swann CA, Cooper SJB, Breed WG. The egg coat zona pellucida 3 glycoprotein - evolution of its putative sperm-binding region in Old World murine rodents (Rodentia: Muridae). Reprod Fertil Dev 2017; 29:2376-2386. [PMID: 28403915 DOI: 10.1071/rd16455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2016] [Accepted: 03/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In eutherian mammals, before fertilisation can occur the spermatozoon has to bind to, and penetrate, the egg coat, the zona pellucida (ZP). In the laboratory mouse there is good evidence that the primary sperm-binding site is a protein region encoded by Exon 7 of the ZP3 gene and it has been proposed that binding is species specific and evolves by sexual selection. In the present study we investigate these hypotheses by comparing Exon 6 and 7 sequences of ZP3 in 28 species of murine rodents of eight different divisions from Asia, Africa and Australasia, in which a diverse array of sperm morphologies occurs. We found considerable nucleotide (and corresponding amino acid) sequence divergence in Exon 7, but not in Exon 6, across these species, with evidence for positive selection at five codon positions. This molecular divergence does not appear to be due to reinforcement to reduce hybridisation, nor does it correlate with divergence in sperm head morphology or tail length, thus it is unlikely to be driven by inter-male sperm competition. Other forms of post-copulatory sexual selection therefore appear to have resulted in the molecular divergence of this region of ZP3 in this highly speciose group of mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine A Swann
- Discipline of Anatomy and Pathology, Medical School, and Robinson Research Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Steven J B Cooper
- Evolutionary Biology Unit, South Australian Museum, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - William G Breed
- Discipline of Anatomy and Pathology, Medical School, and Robinson Research Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
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36
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Shafei RA, Syrkasheva AG, Romanov AY, Makarova NP, Dolgushina NV, Semenova ML. Blastocyst hatching in humans. Russ J Dev Biol 2017. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062360417010106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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37
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Gao LL, Zhou CX, Zhang XL, Liu P, Jin Z, Zhu GY, Ma Y, Li J, Yang ZX, Zhang D. ZP3 is Required for Germinal Vesicle Breakdown in Mouse Oocyte Meiosis. Sci Rep 2017; 7:41272. [PMID: 28145526 PMCID: PMC5286536 DOI: 10.1038/srep41272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
ZP3 is a principal component of the zona pellucida (ZP) of mammalian oocytes and is essential for normal fertility, and knockout of ZP3 causes complete infertility. ZP3 promotes fertilization by recognizing sperm binding and activating the acrosome reaction; however, additional cellular roles for ZP3 in mammalian oocytes have not been yet reported. In the current study, we found that ZP3 was strongly expressed in the nucleus during prophase and gradually translocated to the ZP. Knockdown of ZP3 by a specific siRNA dramatically inhibited germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) (marking the beginning of meiosis), significantly reducing the percentage of MII oocytes. To investigate the ZP3-mediated mechanisms governing GVBD, we identified potential ZP3-interacting proteins by immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry. We identified Protein tyrosine phosphatase, receptor type K (Ptprk), Aryl hydrocarbon receptor-interacting protein-like 1 (Aipl1), and Diaphanous related formin 2 (Diaph2) as potential candidates, and established a working model to explain how ZP3 affects GVBD. Finally, we provided preliminary evidence that ZP3 regulates Akt phosphorylation, lamin binding to the nuclear membrane via Aipl1, and organization of the actin cytoskeleton via Diaph2. These findings contribute to our understanding of a novel role played by ZP3 in GVBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei-Lei Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Chun-Xiang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Xiao-Lan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Peng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Zhen Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Gang-Yi Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yang Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Jing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Zhi-Xia Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Dong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
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38
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The C-terminal region of OVGP1 remodels the zona pellucida and modifies fertility parameters. Sci Rep 2016; 6:32556. [PMID: 27601270 PMCID: PMC5013273 DOI: 10.1038/srep32556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OVGP1 is the major non-serum glycoprotein in the oviduct fluid at the time of fertilization and early embryo development. Its activity differs among species. Here, we show that the C-terminal region of recombinant OVGP1 regulates its binding to the extracellular zona pellucida and affects its activity during fertilization. While porcine OVGP1 penetrates two-thirds of the thickness of the zona pellucida, shorter OVGP1 glycoproteins, including rabbit OVGP1, are restricted to the outer one-third of the zona matrix. Deletion of the C-terminal region reduces the ability of the glycoprotein to penetrate through the zona pellucida and prevents OVGP1 endocytosis. This affects the structure of the zona matrix and increases its resistance to protease digestion. However, only full-length porcine OVGP1 is able to increase the efficiency rate of in vitro fertilization. Thus, our findings document that the presence or absence of conserved regions in the C-terminus of OVGP1 modify its association with the zona pellucida that affects matrix structure and renders the zona matrix permissive to sperm penetration and OVGP1 endocytosis into the egg.
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Louros NN, Chrysina ED, Baltatzis GE, Patsouris ES, Hamodrakas SJ, Iconomidou VA. A common 'aggregation-prone' interface possibly participates in the self-assembly of human zona pellucida proteins. FEBS Lett 2016; 590:619-30. [PMID: 26879157 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.12099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2015] [Revised: 02/01/2016] [Accepted: 02/05/2016] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Human zona pellucida (ZP) is composed of four glycoproteins, namely ZP1, ZP2, ZP3 and ZP4. ZP proteins form heterodimers, which are incorporated into filaments through a common bipartite polymerizing component, designated as the ZP domain. The latter is composed of two individually folded subdomains, named ZP-N and ZP-C. Here, we have synthesized six 'aggregation-prone' peptides, corresponding to a common interface of human ZP2, ZP3 and ZP4. Experimental results utilizing electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, ATR FT-IR spectroscopy and polarizing microscopy indicate that these peptides self-assemble forming fibrils with distinct amyloid-like features. Finally, by performing detailed modeling and docking, we attempt to shed some light in the self-assembly mechanism of human ZP proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos N Louros
- Department of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelia D Chrysina
- Institute of Biology, Medicinal Chemistry and Biotechnology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | - Stavros J Hamodrakas
- Department of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Athens, Greece
| | - Vassiliki A Iconomidou
- Department of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Athens, Greece
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40
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41
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Fertilization competence of the egg-coating envelope is regulated by direct interaction of dicalcin and gp41, the Xenopus laevis ZP3. Sci Rep 2015; 5:12672. [PMID: 26243547 PMCID: PMC4525147 DOI: 10.1038/srep12672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Accepted: 07/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Fertilization begins with species-restricted interaction of sperm and the egg-coating envelope, which includes a three-dimensional meshwork of filaments composed of glycoproteins (called ZP proteins). Growing evidence has unveiled the molecular nature of ZP proteins; however, the structural property conferring fertilization competence to the egg-coating envelope remains unknown. Here, we show the molecular mechanism that mediates direct interaction between dicalcin, a novel fertilization-suppressive ZP protein-associated protein, and gp41, a Xenopus laevis ortholog of mammalian ZP3, and subsequently demonstrate the structural basis of the envelope for fertilization competence. The interactive regions between dicalcin and gp41 comprised six and nine amino acid residues within dicalcin and twenty-three within gp41. Synthetic peptides corresponding to these regions dramatically affected fertilization: treatment with dicalcin- or gp41-derived peptides decreased or increased fertilization rates, respectively. Prior application of these peptides caused distinct alterations in the in vivo lectin-staining pattern of the envelope as well. Transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed that the dicalcin-derived peptide induced the formation of a well-organized meshwork, whereas the gp41-derived peptide caused the formation of a significantly disorganized meshwork. These findings indicated that the fertilization competence of the egg-coating envelope is crucially regulated by the direct interaction between dicalcin and gp41.
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42
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Egge N, Muthusubramanian A, Cornwall GA. Amyloid properties of the mouse egg zona pellucida. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0129907. [PMID: 26043223 PMCID: PMC4456372 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0129907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2015] [Accepted: 05/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The zona pellucida (ZP) surrounding the oocyte is an extracellular fibrillar matrix that plays critical roles during fertilization including species-specific gamete recognition and protection from polyspermy. The mouse ZP is composed of three proteins, ZP1, ZP2, and ZP3, all of which have a ZP polymerization domain that directs protein fibril formation and assembly into the three-dimensional ZP matrix. Egg coats surrounding oocytes in nonmammalian vertebrates and in invertebrates are also fibrillar matrices and are composed of ZP domain-containing proteins suggesting the basic structure and function of the ZP/egg coat is highly conserved. However, sequence similarity between ZP domains is low across species and thus the mechanism for the conservation of ZP/egg coat structure and its function is not known. Using approaches classically used to identify amyloid including conformation-dependent antibodies and dyes, X-ray diffraction, and negative stain electron microscopy, our studies suggest the mouse ZP is a functional amyloid. Amyloids are cross-β sheet fibrillar structures that, while typically associated with neurodegenerative and prion diseases in mammals, can also carry out functional roles in normal cells without resulting pathology. An analysis of the ZP domain from mouse ZP3 and ZP3 homologs from five additional taxa using the algorithm AmylPred 2 to identify amyloidogenic sites, revealed in all taxa a remarkable conservation of regions that were predicted to form amyloid. This included a conserved amyloidogenic region that localized to a stretch of hydrophobic amino acids previously shown in mouse ZP3 to be essential for fibril assembly. Similarly, a domain in the yeast protein α-agglutinin/Sag 1p, that possesses ZP domain-like features and which is essential for mating, also had sites that were predicted to be amyloidogenic including a hydrophobic stretch that appeared analogous to the critical site in mouse ZP3. Together, these studies suggest that amyloidogenesis may be a conserved mechanism for ZP structure and function across billions of years of evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Egge
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, United States of America
| | - Archana Muthusubramanian
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, United States of America
| | - Gail A. Cornwall
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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43
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Okumura H, Sato T, Sakuma R, Fukushima H, Matsuda T, Ujita M. Identification of distinctive interdomain interactions among ZP-N, ZP-C and other domains of zona pellucida glycoproteins underlying association of chicken egg-coat matrix. FEBS Open Bio 2015; 5:454-65. [PMID: 26106520 PMCID: PMC4475693 DOI: 10.1016/j.fob.2015.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Revised: 05/15/2015] [Accepted: 05/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chicken ZP1 and ZP3 assemble through strong interactions between their ZP-C domains. ZP-C domains of chicken ZP1 and ZP3 are deeply embedded in the egg-coat matrix. Chicken ZP1 forms a homocomplex through non-covalent interaction between repeat domains. Chicken ZPD is deposited on the interstices of ZP1–ZP3 matrix in the egg coat. We propose a model for the architecture of chicken egg-coat matrix from these results.
The vertebrate egg coat, including mammalian zona pellucida, is an oocyte-specific extracellular matrix comprising two to six zona pellucida (ZP) glycoproteins. The egg coat plays important roles in fertilization, especially in species-specific interactions with sperm to induce the sperm acrosome reaction and to form the block to polyspermy. It is suggested that the physiological functions of the egg coat are mediated and/or regulated coordinately by peptide and carbohydrate moieties of the ZP glycoproteins that are spatially arranged in the egg coat, whereas a comprehensive understanding of the architecture of vertebrate egg-coat matrix remains elusive. Here, we deduced the orientations and/or distributions of chicken ZP glycoproteins, ZP1, ZP3 and ZPD, in the egg-coat matrix by confocal immunofluorescent microscopy, and in the ZP1–ZP3 complexes generated in vitro by co-immunoprecipitation assays. We further confirmed interdomain interactions of the ZP glycoproteins by far-Western blot analyses of the egg-coat proteins and pull-down assays of ZP1 in the serum, using recombinant domains of ZP glycoproteins as probes. Our results suggest that the ZP1 and ZP3 bind through their ZP-C domains to form the ZP1–ZP3 complexes and fibrils, which are assembled into bundles through interactions between the repeat domains of ZP1 to form the ZP1–ZP3 matrix, and that the ZPD molecules self-associate and bind to the ZP1–ZP3 matrix through its ZP-N and ZP-C domains to form the egg-coat matrix. Based on these results, we propose a tentative model for the architecture of the chicken egg-coat matrix that might be applicable to other vertebrate ones.
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Key Words
- CBB, Coomassie Brilliant Blue
- DIC, differential interference contrast
- DTT, dithiothreitol
- EGF, epidermal growth factor
- EHP, external hydrophobic patch
- Egg coat
- Extracellular matrix
- Fertilization
- His6, hexahistidine
- IHP, internal hydrophobic patch
- Interdomain interaction
- MBP, maltose binding protein
- RT, room temperature
- TGFR, transforming growth factor-β receptor
- THP, Tamm–Horsfall protein
- Trx, thioredoxin
- ZP, zona pellucida
- Zona pellucida
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Okumura
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agriculture, Meijo University, Nagoya 468-8502, Japan
- Corresponding author. Tel.: +81 52 838 2451; fax: +81 52 833 5524.
| | - Takahiro Sato
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agriculture, Meijo University, Nagoya 468-8502, Japan
| | - Rio Sakuma
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agriculture, Meijo University, Nagoya 468-8502, Japan
| | - Hideaki Fukushima
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agriculture, Meijo University, Nagoya 468-8502, Japan
| | - Tsukasa Matsuda
- Department of Applied Molecular Biosciences, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
| | - Minoru Ujita
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agriculture, Meijo University, Nagoya 468-8502, Japan
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44
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Four glycoproteins are expressed in the cat zona pellucida. Theriogenology 2014; 83:1162-73. [PMID: 25623231 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2014.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2014] [Revised: 09/15/2014] [Accepted: 12/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian oocyte is surrounded by a matrix called the zona pellucida (ZP). This envelope participates in processes such as acrosome reaction induction, sperm binding and may be involved in speciation. In cat (Felis catus), this matrix is composed of at least three glycoproteins called ZP2, ZP3, and ZP4. However, recent studies have pointed to the presence of a fourth protein in several mammals (rat, human, hamster or rabbit), meaning that a reevaluation of cat ZP is needed. For this reason, the objective of this research was to analyze the protein composition of cat ZP by means of proteomic analysis. Using ZP from ovaries and oocytes, several peptides corresponding to four proteins were detected, yielding a coverage of 33.17%, 71.50%, 50.23%, and 49.64% for ZP1, ZP2, ZP3, and ZP4, respectively. Moreover, the expression of four genes was confirmed by molecular analysis. Using total RNA isolated from cat ovaries, the complementary deoxyribonucleic acids encoding cat ZP were partially amplified by reverse-transcribed polymerase chain reaction. Furthermore, ZP1 was totally amplified for the first time in this species. As far as we are aware, this is the first study that confirms the presence of four proteins in cat ZP.
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Louros NN, Petronikolou N, Karamanos T, Cordopatis P, Iconomidou VA, Hamodrakas SJ. Structural studies of “aggregation-prone” peptide-analogues of teleostean egg chorion ZPB proteins. Biopolymers 2014; 102:427-36. [DOI: 10.1002/bip.22563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2014] [Revised: 09/11/2014] [Accepted: 09/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos N. Louros
- Department of Cell Biology and Biophysics; Faculty of Biology; University of Athens; Panepistimiopolis Athens 157 01 Greece
| | - Nektaria Petronikolou
- Department of Cell Biology and Biophysics; Faculty of Biology; University of Athens; Panepistimiopolis Athens 157 01 Greece
| | - Theodoros Karamanos
- Department of Cell Biology and Biophysics; Faculty of Biology; University of Athens; Panepistimiopolis Athens 157 01 Greece
| | - Paul Cordopatis
- Department of Pharmacy; Laboratory of Pharmacology and Chemistry of Natural Products; University of Patras; 26500 Patras Greece
| | - Vassiliki A. Iconomidou
- Department of Cell Biology and Biophysics; Faculty of Biology; University of Athens; Panepistimiopolis Athens 157 01 Greece
| | - Stavros J. Hamodrakas
- Department of Cell Biology and Biophysics; Faculty of Biology; University of Athens; Panepistimiopolis Athens 157 01 Greece
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46
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Chiu PCN, Lam KKW, Wong RCW, Yeung WSB. The identity of zona pellucida receptor on spermatozoa: an unresolved issue in developmental biology. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2014; 30:86-95. [PMID: 24747367 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2014.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2014] [Revised: 04/04/2014] [Accepted: 04/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian oocytes are surrounded by an acellular zona pellucida (ZP). Fertilization begins when a capacitated spermatozoon binds to the ZP. Defective sperm-ZP interaction is a cause of male infertility and reduced fertilization rates in clinical assisted reproduction treatment. Despite the importance of spermatozoa-ZP binding, the mechanisms and regulation of the interaction are unclear partly due to the failure in the identification of ZP receptor on spermatozoa. Most of the previous studies assumed that the sperm ZP receptor is a single molecular species, and a number of potential candidates had been suggested. Yet none of them can be considered as the sole sperm ZP receptor. Accumulated evidence suggested that the sperm ZP receptor is a dynamic multi-molecular structure requiring coordinated action of different proteins that are assembled into a functional complex during post-testicular maturation and capacitation. The complex components may include carbohydrate-binding, protein-binding and acrosomal matrix proteins which work as a suite to mediate spermatozoa-ZP interaction. This article aims to review the latest insights in the identification of the sperm ZP receptor. Continued investigation of the area will provide considerable understanding of the regulation of fertilization that will be useful for practical application in human contraception and reproductive medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip C N Chiu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China; Centre of Reproduction, Development and Growth, LKS Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kevin K W Lam
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Rachel C W Wong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - William S B Yeung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China; Centre of Reproduction, Development and Growth, LKS Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China.
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47
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Arend P. Complementary innate (anti-A-specific) IgM emerging from ontogenic O-GalNAc-transferase depletion: (Innate IgM complementarity residing in ancestral antigen completeness). Immunobiology 2014; 219:285-91. [PMID: 24290972 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2013.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2013] [Revised: 10/27/2013] [Accepted: 10/31/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The murine and the human genome have global properties in common. So the murine anti-A-specific complementary IgM and related human innate isoagglutinin represent developmental, 2-mercaptoethanol-sensitive, complement-binding glycoproteins, which do not arise from any measurable environmentally-induced or auto- immune response. The murine anti-A certainly originates from a cell surface- or cell adhesion molecule, which in the course of germ cell development becomes devoid of O-GalNAc-transferase and is released into the circulation. In human sera the enzyme occurs exclusively in those of blood group A- and AB subjects, while in group O(H) an identically encoded protein lets expect an opposite function and appears in conjunction with a complementary anti-A reactive glycoprotein. Since O-glycosylations rule the carbohydrate metabolism in growth and reproduction processes, we propose that the ancestral histo-(blood)-group A molecule arises in the course of O-GalNAc-glycosylations of glycolipids and protein envelops at progenitor cell surfaces. Germ cell development postulates embryonic stem cell fidelity, which is characterised by persistent production of α-linked O-GalNAc-glycans. They are determined by the A-allele within the human, "complete" histo (blood) group AB(O) structure that in early ontogeny is hypothesised to be synthesised independently from the final phenotype. The structure either passes "completely" through the germline, in transferase-secreting mature tissues becoming the "complete" phenotype AB, or disappears in exhaustive glycotransferase depletion from the differentiating cell surfaces and leaves behind the "incomplete" blood group O-phenotype, which has released a transferase- and O-glycan-depleted, complementary glycoprotein (IgM) into the circulation. The process implies, that in humans the different blood phenotypes evolve from a "complete" AB(O) molecular complex in a distinct enzymatic and/or complement cascade suggesting O-glycanase involvements. While the murine and human oocyte zona pellucida express identical O-glycans, the human phenotype O might be explainable by the kinetics of the murine ovarian O-GalNAc glycan synthesis and the complementary anti-A released in parallel. The maturing murine ovary may provide insight into encoding of the physiologically superior α-linked GalNAc ancestral epitope that becomes essential in reproduction as well as in tissue renewal events. According to recent reports, O-GalNAc-transferase-determined blood group A suggests superiority in human female fertility and was called even "protective". So the minor fertility of blood-group-O females may reside in a critical timing in developmental shifting of enzyme functions affecting the formation of GalNAc-determined hormone receptors on the way to maturation. Experiments that had inserted an oocyte genome into a somatic one to generate pluripotent stem cells, might elucidate a developmental dilemma by testing oocytes from different blood group AB donors donors. Perhaps they will unmask the molecular basis of an evolutionary trend, while stem cell generation itself capitalises on the enzymatically-advantaged, lineage-maintaining (histo) blood group A-allele, which guaranties ancestral functional completeness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Arend
- Gastroenterology Research Laboratory, Department of Medicine, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA(1); Research Laboratories, Chemie Grünenthal GmbH, 52062 Aachen, Germany.
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Huang HL, Lv C, Zhao YC, Li W, He XM, Li P, Sha AG, Tian X, Papasian CJ, Deng HW, Lu GX, Xiao HM. Mutant ZP1 in familial infertility. N Engl J Med 2014; 370:1220-6. [PMID: 24670168 PMCID: PMC4076492 DOI: 10.1056/nejmoa1308851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The human zona pellucida is composed of four glycoproteins (ZP1, ZP2, ZP3, and ZP4) and has an important role in reproduction. Here we describe a form of infertility with an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance, characterized by abnormal eggs that lack a zona pellucida. We identified a homozygous frameshift mutation in ZP1 in six family members. In vitro studies showed that defective ZP1 proteins and normal ZP3 proteins colocalized throughout the cells and were not expressed at the cell surface, suggesting that the aberrant ZP1 results in the sequestration of ZP3 in the cytoplasm, thereby preventing the formation of the zona pellucida around the oocyte.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua-Lin Huang
- From the Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University (H.-L.H., C.L., W.L., G.-X.L., H.-M.X.), Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya (W.L., G.-X.L., H.-M.X.), and the First High School of Changsha (X.T.), Changsha, and Xiamen Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital (X.-M.H., P.L.) and PLA Hospital No.174 (A.-G.S.), Xiamen - all in China; the Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans (H.-L.H., Y.-C.Z., H.-W.D.); and the School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City (C.J.P.)
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Cram EJ. Mechanotransduction in C. elegans morphogenesis and tissue function. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2014; 126:281-316. [PMID: 25081623 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-394624-9.00012-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Mechanobiology is an emerging field that investigates how living cells sense and respond to their physical surroundings. Recent interest in the field has been sparked by the finding that stem cells differentiate along different lineages based on the stiffness of the cell surroundings (Engler et al., 2006), and that metastatic behavior of cancer cells is strongly influenced by the mechanical properties of the surrounding tissue (Kumar and Weaver, 2009). Many questions remain about how cells convert mechanical information, such as viscosity, stiffness of the substrate, or stretch state of the cells, into the biochemical signals that control tissue function. Caenorhabditis elegans researchers are making significant contributions to the understanding of mechanotransduction in vivo. This review summarizes recent insights into the role of mechanical forces in morphogenesis and tissue function. Examples of mechanical regulation across length scales, from the single-celled zygote, to the intercellular coordination that enables cohesive tissue function, to the mechanical influences between tissues, are considered. The power of the C. elegans system as a gene discovery and in vivo quantitative bioimaging platform is enabling an important discoveries in this exciting field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin J Cram
- Department of Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Chandrashekran A, Sarkar R, Thrasher A, Fraser SE, Dibb N, Casimir C, Winston R, Readhead C. Efficient generation of transgenic mice by lentivirus‐mediated modification of spermatozoa. FASEB J 2013; 28:569-76. [DOI: 10.1096/fj.13-233999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anil Chandrashekran
- Department of Surgery and CancerDivision of CancerInstitute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology (IRDB)Imperial College LondonLondonUK
| | - Rupa Sarkar
- Department of Surgery and CancerDivision of CancerInstitute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology (IRDB)Imperial College LondonLondonUK
| | - Adrian Thrasher
- Molecular Immunology UnitUniversity College London Institute of Child HealthLondonUK
| | - Scott E. Fraser
- Biological Imaging CenterBeckman InstituteCalifornia Institute of TechnologyPasadenaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Nicholas Dibb
- Department of Surgery and CancerDivision of CancerInstitute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology (IRDB)Imperial College LondonLondonUK
| | - Colin Casimir
- Department of Natural SciencesSchool of Science and TechnologyMiddlesex UniversityLondonUK
| | - Robert Winston
- Department of Surgery and CancerDivision of CancerInstitute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology (IRDB)Imperial College LondonLondonUK
| | - Carol Readhead
- Biological Imaging CenterBeckman InstituteCalifornia Institute of TechnologyPasadenaCaliforniaUSA
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