51
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Liu Q, Guo Q, Guo W, Song S, Wang N, Chen X, Sun A, Yan L, Qiao J. Loss of CEP70 function affects acrosome biogenesis and flagella formation during spermiogenesis. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:478. [PMID: 33980814 PMCID: PMC8116340 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03755-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The spermatogenesis process is complex and delicate, and any error in a step may cause spermatogenesis arrest and even male infertility. According to our previous transcriptomic data, CEP70 is highly expressed throughout various stages of human spermatogenesis, especially during the meiosis and deformation stages. CEP70 is present in sperm tails and that it exists in centrosomes as revealed by human centrosome proteomics. However, the specific mechanism of this protein in spermatogenesis is still unknown. In this study, we found a heterozygous site of the same mutation on CEP70 through mutation screening of patients with clinical azoospermia. To further verify, we deleted CEP70 in mice and found that it caused abnormal spermatogenesis, leading to male sterility. We found that the knockout of CEP70 did not affect the prophase of meiosis I, but led to male germ-cell apoptosis and abnormal spermiogenesis. By transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis, we found that the deletion of CEP70 resulted in the abnormal formation of flagella and acrosomes during spermiogenesis. Tandem mass tag (TMT)-labeled quantitative proteomic analysis revealed that the absence of CEP70 led to a significant decrease in the proteins associated with the formation of the flagella, head, and acrosome of sperm, and the microtubule cytoskeleton. Taken together, our results show that CEP70 is essential for acrosome biogenesis and flagella formation during spermiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Liu
- grid.411642.40000 0004 0605 3760Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China ,grid.411642.40000 0004 0605 3760National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China ,grid.419897.a0000 0004 0369 313XKey Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China ,grid.411642.40000 0004 0605 3760Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Qianying Guo
- grid.411642.40000 0004 0605 3760Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China ,grid.411642.40000 0004 0605 3760National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China ,grid.419897.a0000 0004 0369 313XKey Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China ,grid.411642.40000 0004 0605 3760Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Guo
- grid.411642.40000 0004 0605 3760Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China ,grid.411642.40000 0004 0605 3760National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China ,grid.419897.a0000 0004 0369 313XKey Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China ,grid.411642.40000 0004 0605 3760Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Shi Song
- grid.411642.40000 0004 0605 3760Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China ,grid.411642.40000 0004 0605 3760National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China ,grid.419897.a0000 0004 0369 313XKey Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China ,grid.411642.40000 0004 0605 3760Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Nan Wang
- grid.411642.40000 0004 0605 3760Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China ,grid.411642.40000 0004 0605 3760National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China ,grid.419897.a0000 0004 0369 313XKey Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China ,grid.411642.40000 0004 0605 3760Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Xi Chen
- grid.411642.40000 0004 0605 3760Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China ,grid.411642.40000 0004 0605 3760National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China ,grid.419897.a0000 0004 0369 313XKey Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China ,grid.411642.40000 0004 0605 3760Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Andi Sun
- grid.411642.40000 0004 0605 3760Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China ,grid.411642.40000 0004 0605 3760National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China ,grid.419897.a0000 0004 0369 313XKey Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China ,grid.411642.40000 0004 0605 3760Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Liying Yan
- grid.411642.40000 0004 0605 3760Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China ,grid.411642.40000 0004 0605 3760National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China ,grid.419897.a0000 0004 0369 313XKey Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China ,grid.411642.40000 0004 0605 3760Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Qiao
- grid.411642.40000 0004 0605 3760Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China ,grid.411642.40000 0004 0605 3760National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, China ,grid.419897.a0000 0004 0369 313XKey Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China ,grid.411642.40000 0004 0605 3760Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China ,grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Research Units of Comprehensive Diagnosis and Treatment of Oocyte Maturation Arrest, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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52
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Trigg NA, Stanger SJ, Zhou W, Skerrett-Byrne DA, Sipilä P, Dun MD, Eamens AL, De Iuliis GN, Bromfield EG, Roman SD, Nixon B. A novel role for milk fat globule-EGF factor 8 protein (MFGE8) in the mediation of mouse sperm-extracellular vesicle interactions. Proteomics 2021; 21:e2000079. [PMID: 33792189 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.202000079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Spermatozoa transition to functional maturity as they are conveyed through the epididymis, a highly specialized region of the male excurrent duct system. Owing to their transcriptionally and translationally inert state, this transformation into fertilization competent cells is driven by complex mechanisms of intercellular communication with the secretory epithelium that delineates the epididymal tubule. Chief among these mechanisms are the release of extracellular vesicles (EV), which have been implicated in the exchange of varied macromolecular cargo with spermatozoa. Here, we describe the optimization of a tractable cell culture model to study the mechanistic basis of sperm-extracellular vesicle interactions. In tandem with receptor inhibition strategies, our data demonstrate the importance of milk fat globule-EGF factor 8 (MFGE8) protein in mediating the efficient exchange of macromolecular EV cargo with mouse spermatozoa; with the MFGE8 integrin-binding Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) tripeptide motif identified as being of particular importance. Specifically, complementary strategies involving MFGE8 RGD domain ablation, competitive RGD-peptide inhibition and antibody-masking of alpha V integrin receptors, all significantly inhibited the uptake and redistribution of EV-delivered proteins into immature mouse spermatozoa. These collective data implicate the MFGE8 ligand and its cognate integrin receptor in the mediation of the EV interactions that underpin sperm maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie A Trigg
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Simone J Stanger
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Wei Zhou
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Gynaecology Research Centre, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - David A Skerrett-Byrne
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Petra Sipilä
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, and Turku Center for Disease Modeling, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Matthew D Dun
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Cancer Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew L Eamens
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Geoffry N De Iuliis
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Elizabeth G Bromfield
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Shaun D Roman
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia.,Priority Research Centre for Drug Development, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
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53
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Li H, Liu S, Wu S, Li L, Ge R, Cheng CY. Bioactive fragments of laminin and collagen chains: lesson from the testis. Reproduction 2021; 159:R111-R123. [PMID: 31581125 DOI: 10.1530/rep-19-0288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that the testis is producing several biologically active peptides, namely the F5- and the NC1-peptides from laminin-γ3 and collagen α3 (IV) chain, respectively, that promotes blood-testis barrier (BTB) remodeling and also elongated spermatid release at spermiation. Also the LG3/4/5 peptide from laminin-α2 chain promotes BTB integrity which is likely being used for the assembly of a 'new' BTB behind preleptotene spermatocytes under transport at the immunological barrier. These findings thus provide a new opportunity for investigators to better understand the biology of spermatogenesis. Herein, we briefly summarize the recent findings and provide a critical update. We also present a hypothetical model which could serve as the framework for studies in the years to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huitao Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York, USA
| | - Shiwen Liu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York, USA
| | - Siwen Wu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York, USA
| | - Linxi Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York, USA
| | - Renshan Ge
- The Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York, USA
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54
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Zhao Y, Li MZ, Talukder M, Luo Y, Shen Y, Wang HR, Li JL. Effect of mitochondrial quality control on the lycopene antagonizing DEHP-induced mitophagy in spermatogenic cells. Food Funct 2021; 11:5815-5826. [PMID: 32602507 DOI: 10.1039/d0fo00554a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a widespread environmental contaminant, which is mainly used as a plasticizer to improve the flexibility of products; however, its extensive use causes male reproductive damage. Lycopene (LYC) has a protective effect on male reproductive toxicity. Nevertheless, the underlying role of LYC in DEHP-induced spermatogenic cell damage remains unclear. Our study aimed to investigate the role of LYC in DEHP-induced spermatogenic cell damage and its underlying mechanism. Male ICR mice were treated with LYC (5 mg kg-1) and/or DEHP (500 mg kg-1 or 1000 mg kg-1) for 28 days. The results showed that LYC alleviated the DEHP-induced decrease in mitochondria volume density and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). Subsequently, LYC prevented the DEHP-induced PGC-1α-mediated reduction in mitochondrial biogenesis in spermatogenic cells. LYC exhibited a potential preventive effect against DEHP-induced mitophagy caused by mitochondrial dynamics disorder in the spermatogenic cells. Meanwhile, LYC relieved DEHP-induced mitochondrial stress in the spermatogenic cells by activating UPRmt. These results proved that mitochondrial quality control may be related to the beneficial role of LYC in preventing DEHP-induced mitophagy in spermatogenic cells. This study provides new evidence of mitochondrial quality control as a target for LYC treatment, which can prevent DEHP-induced toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, P. R. China.
| | - Mu-Zi Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, P. R. China.
| | - Milton Talukder
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, P. R. China. and Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Bangladesh
| | - Yu Luo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, P. R. China.
| | - Yue Shen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, P. R. China.
| | - Hao-Ran Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, P. R. China.
| | - Jin-Long Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, P. R. China. and Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, P. R. China and Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, P. R. China
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55
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Bu T, Wang L, Wu X, Li L, Mao B, Wong CKC, Perrotta A, Silvestrini B, Sun F, Cheng CY. A laminin-based local regulatory network in the testis that supports spermatogenesis. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2021; 121:40-52. [PMID: 33879391 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In adult rat testes, the basement membrane is structurally constituted by laminin and collagen chains that lay adjacent to the blood-testis barrier (BTB). It plays a crucial scaffolding role to support spermatogenesis. On the other hand, laminin-333 comprised of laminin-α3/ß3/γ3 at the apical ES (ectoplasmic specialization, a testis-specific cell-cell adherens junction at the Sertoli cell-step 8-19 spermatid interface) expressed by spermatids serves as a unique cell adhesion protein that forms an adhesion complex with α6ß1-integrin expressed by Sertoli cells to support spermiogenesis. Emerging evidence has shown that biologically active fragments are derived from basement membrane and apical ES laminin chains through proteolytic cleavage mediated by matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) and MMP2, respectively. Two of these laminin bioactive fragments: one from the basement membrane laminin-α2 chain called LG3/4/5-peptide, and one from the apical ES laminin-γ3 chain known as F5-peptide, are potent regulators that modify cell adhesion function at the Sertoli-spermatid interface (i.e., apical ES) but also at the Sertoli cell-cell interface designated basal ES at the blood-testis barrier (BTB) with contrasting effects. These findings not only highlight the physiological significance of these bioactive peptides that create a local regulatory network to support spermatogenesis, they also open a unique area of research. For instance, it is likely that several other bioactive peptides remain to be identified. These bioactive peptides including their downstream signaling proteins and cascades should be studied collectively in future investigations to elucidate the underlying mechanism(s) by which they coordinate with each other to maintain spermatogenesis. This is the goal of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiao Bu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China; Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Lingling Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China; Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Xiaolong Wu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Linxi Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Baiping Mao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Chris K C Wong
- Department of Biology, Croucher Institute for Environmental Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Adolfo Perrotta
- Department of Translational & Precision Medicine, La Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Fei Sun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China; Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China.
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56
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Cafe SL, Nixon B, Ecroyd H, Martin JH, Skerrett-Byrne DA, Bromfield EG. Proteostasis in the Male and Female Germline: A New Outlook on the Maintenance of Reproductive Health. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:660626. [PMID: 33937261 PMCID: PMC8085359 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.660626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
For fully differentiated, long lived cells the maintenance of protein homeostasis (proteostasis) becomes a crucial determinant of cellular function and viability. Neurons are the most well-known example of this phenomenon where the majority of these cells must survive the entire course of life. However, male and female germ cells are also uniquely dependent on the maintenance of proteostasis to achieve successful fertilization. Oocytes, also long-lived cells, are subjected to prolonged periods of arrest and are largely reliant on the translation of stored mRNAs, accumulated during the growth period, to support meiotic maturation and subsequent embryogenesis. Conversely, sperm cells, while relatively ephemeral, are completely reliant on proteostasis due to the absence of both transcription and translation. Despite these remarkable, cell-specific features there has been little focus on understanding protein homeostasis in reproductive cells and how/whether proteostasis is "reset" during embryogenesis. Here, we seek to capture the momentum of this growing field by highlighting novel findings regarding germline proteostasis and how this knowledge can be used to promote reproductive health. In this review we capture proteostasis in the context of both somatic cell and germline aging and discuss the influence of oxidative stress on protein function. In particular, we highlight the contributions of proteostasis changes to oocyte aging and encourage a focus in this area that may complement the extensive analyses of DNA damage and aneuploidy that have long occupied the oocyte aging field. Moreover, we discuss the influence of common non-enzymatic protein modifications on the stability of proteins in the male germline, how these changes affect sperm function, and how they may be prevented to preserve fertility. Through this review we aim to bring to light a new trajectory for our field and highlight the potential to harness the germ cell's natural proteostasis mechanisms to improve reproductive health. This manuscript will be of interest to those in the fields of proteostasis, aging, male and female gamete reproductive biology, embryogenesis, and life course health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenae L. Cafe
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Heath Ecroyd
- Molecular Horizons, School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Jacinta H. Martin
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University Health Centre Research Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - David A. Skerrett-Byrne
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Elizabeth G. Bromfield
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
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57
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Wu S, Lv L, Li L, Wang L, Mao B, Li J, Shen X, Ge R, Wong CKC, Sun F, Cheng CY. KIF15 supports spermatogenesis via its effects on Sertoli cell microtubule, actin, vimentin, and septin cytoskeletons. Endocrinology 2021; 162:6102572. [PMID: 33453102 PMCID: PMC7883770 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Throughout spermatogenesis, cellular cargoes including haploid spermatids are required to be transported across the seminiferous epithelium, either toward the microtubule (MT) plus (+) end near the basement membrane at stage V, or to the MT minus (-) end near the tubule lumen at stages VI to VIII of the epithelial cycle. Furthermore, preleptotene spermatocytes, differentiated from type B spermatogonia, are transported across the Sertoli cell blood-testis barrier (BTB) to enter the adluminal compartment. Few studies, however, have been conducted to explore the function of MT-dependent motor proteins to support spermatid transport during spermiogenesis. Herein, we examined the role of MT-dependent and microtubule plus (+) end-directed motor protein kinesin 15 (KIF15) in the testis. KIF15 displayed a stage-specific expression across the seminiferous epithelium, associated with MTs, and appeared as aggregates on the MT tracks that aligned perpendicular to the basement membrane and laid across the entire epithelium. KIF15 also tightly associated with apical ectoplasmic specialization, displaying strict stage-specific distribution, apparently to support spermatid transport across the epithelium. We used a loss-of-function approach by RNAi to examine the role of KIF15 in Sertoli cell epithelium in vitro to examine its role in cytoskeletal-dependent Sertoli cell function. It was noted that KIF15 knockdown by RNAi that reduced KIF15 expression by ~70% in Sertoli cells with an established functional tight junction barrier impeded the barrier function. This effect was mediated through remarkable changes in the cytoskeletal organization of MTs, but also actin-, vimentin-, and septin-based cytoskeletons, illustrating that KIF15 exerts its regulatory effects well beyond microtubules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siwen Wu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Department of Anesthesiology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lixiu Lv
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Department of Anesthesiology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Linxi Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Department of Anesthesiology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lingling Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Baiping Mao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Department of Anesthesiology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jun Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Department of Anesthesiology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xian Shen
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Department of Anesthesiology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Renshan Ge
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Department of Anesthesiology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chris K C Wong
- Croucher Institute for Environmental Sciences, Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Department of Anesthesiology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY, USA
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
- Correspondence: C. Yan Cheng, Ph.D., Senior Scientist, The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA.
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58
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Cellular and subcellular localization of endogenous phospholipase D6 in seminiferous tubules of mouse testes. Cell Tissue Res 2021; 385:191-205. [PMID: 33783608 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-021-03442-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Phospholipase D6 (PLD6) plays pivotal roles in mitochondrial dynamics and spermatogenesis, but the cellular and subcellular localization of endogenous PLD6 in testis germ cells is poorly defined. We examined the distribution and subcellular localization of PLD6 in mouse testes using validated specific anti-PLD6 antibodies. Ectopically expressed PLD6 protein was detected in the mitochondria of PLD6-transfected cells, but endogenous PLD6 expression in mouse testes was localized to the perinuclear region of pachytene spermatocytes, and more prominently, to the round (Golgi and cap phases) and elongating spermatids (acrosomal phase); these results suggest that PLD6 is localized to the Golgi apparatus. The distribution of PLD6 in the round spermatids partially overlapped with that of the cis-Golgi marker GM130, indicating that the PLD6 expression corresponded to the GM130-positive subdomains of the Golgi apparatus. Correlative light and electron microscopy revealed that PLD6 expression in developing spermatids was localized almost exclusively to several flattened cisternae, and these structures might correspond to the medial Golgi subcompartment; neither the trans-Golgi networks nor the developing acrosomal system expressed PLD6. Further, we observed that PLD6 interacted with tesmin, a testis-specific transcript necessary for successful spermatogenesis in mouse testes. To our knowledge, these results provide the first evidence of PLD6 as a Golgi-localized protein of pachytene spermatocytes and developing spermatids and suggest that its subcompartment-specific distribution within the Golgi apparatus may be related to the specific functions of this organelle during spermatogenesis.
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Sun YH, Wang A, Song C, Shankar G, Srivastava RK, Au KF, Li XZ. Single-molecule long-read sequencing reveals a conserved intact long RNA profile in sperm. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1361. [PMID: 33649327 PMCID: PMC7921563 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21524-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm contributes diverse RNAs to the zygote. While sperm small RNAs have been shown to impact offspring phenotypes, our knowledge of the sperm transcriptome, especially the composition of long RNAs, has been limited by the lack of sensitive, high-throughput experimental techniques that can distinguish intact RNAs from fragmented RNAs, known to abound in sperm. Here, we integrate single-molecule long-read sequencing with short-read sequencing to detect sperm intact RNAs (spiRNAs). We identify 3440 spiRNA species in mice and 4100 in humans. The spiRNA profile consists of both mRNAs and long non-coding RNAs, is evolutionarily conserved between mice and humans, and displays an enrichment in mRNAs encoding for ribosome. In sum, we characterize the landscape of intact long RNAs in sperm, paving the way for future studies on their biogenesis and functions. Our experimental and bioinformatics approaches can be applied to other tissues and organisms to detect intact transcripts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu H Sun
- Center for RNA Biology: From Genome to Therapeutics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Anqi Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Chi Song
- College of Public Health, Division of Biostatistics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, PA, USA
| | - Goutham Shankar
- Center for RNA Biology: From Genome to Therapeutics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Rajesh K Srivastava
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Kin Fai Au
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
| | - Xin Zhiguo Li
- Center for RNA Biology: From Genome to Therapeutics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA.
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA.
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Okafor IA, Nnamah US, Ahiatrogah S, Serwaa D, Nnaka J. Reproductive toxicity potentials of methanolic extract of Portulaca oleracea in male rats: An experimental study. Int J Reprod Biomed 2021; 19:245-254. [PMID: 33842821 PMCID: PMC8023007 DOI: 10.18502/ijrm.v19i3.8572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Purslane is an edible widely distributed shrub and one of the herbs used in decoctions for the treatment of different ailments including infertility. However, there is a shortage of evidence to validate its reproductive effects. OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of methanolic extract of Portulaca oleracea (MEPO) on the reproductive system of male rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fifteen 10-wk old male Wistar rats with an average weight of 183 gr were randomly divided into three groups (n = 5/each). Group A (the control group) received distilled water only; group B received 400 mg/kg MEPO; and group C received 800 mg/kg MEPO for 14 days. The animals fasted overnight after the 14th day of administration and euthanized by cervical dislocation. Blood samples, sperm, testes, and epididymis were collected for serum hormones, sperm, and histological analyses. RESULTS There was no significant change in the serum luteinizing hormone and testosterone levels across all groups when compared to the control. However, group C showed a significant increase (p = 0.020) in follicle-stimulating hormone levels when compared to the control. There was a significant reduction (p = 0.006) in the sperm count in group C when compared with the control group. There was also a significantly reduced (p = 0.003) sperm motility in MEPO-treated groups compared to the control. While the testis showed no abnormalities in its histoarchitecture across groups, the epididymis showed some blood congestion in MEPO-treated groups. CONCLUSION Portulaca oleracea showed the ability to reduce sperm count and motility at higher doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izuchukwu Azuka Okafor
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Nnewi, Nigeria
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Pan African University of Life and Earth Science Institute (Including Health and Agriculture), PAULESI, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | | | - Selasie Ahiatrogah
- Pan African University of Life and Earth Science Institute (Including Health and Agriculture), PAULESI, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Dorcas Serwaa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Pan African University of Life and Earth Science Institute (Including Health and Agriculture), PAULESI, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Jude Nnaka
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Nnewi, Nigeria
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Zhang Y, Xu X, Hu M, Wang X, Cheng H, Zhou R. SPATA33 is an autophagy mediator for cargo selectivity in germline mitophagy. Cell Death Differ 2021; 28:1076-1090. [PMID: 33087875 PMCID: PMC7937689 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-020-00638-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Selective autophagic degradation of mitochondria (mitophagy) is important in maintaining proper cellular homeostasis. Here, we found that SPATA33 is a novel autophagy mediator for mitophagy in testis. The SPATA33 protein localizes on mitochondria via its binding of the carboxyl terminal with the outer mitochondrial membrane protein VDAC2. Upon starvation induction, SPATA33 is recruited to autophagosome by binding the autophagy machinery ATG16L1 via its N-terminal along with mitochondria. Notably, Spata33 knockout inhibited autophagy and overexpression can promote autophagosome formation for mitochondrial sequestration. Therefore, SPATA33 confers selectivity for mitochondrial degradation and promotes mitophagy in male germline cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan, China
- Luoyang Normal University, Henan, China
| | - Xu Xu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Mengxin Hu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Hanhua Cheng
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan, China.
| | - Rongjia Zhou
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan, China.
- Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, 430072, Wuhan, China.
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Zhu Y, Lin Y, He Y, Wang H, Chen S, Li Z, Song N, Sun F. Deletion of lncRNA5512 has no effect on spermatogenesis and reproduction in mice. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 32:706-713. [PMID: 32317095 DOI: 10.1071/rd19246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding (lnc) RNAs are a series of RNAs longer than 200 nucleotides that do not code for protein products. Whole-genome expression profiles of lncRNAs suggest that they play important roles in spermatogenesis because they are particularly abundant in testes. However, most of their characteristics and functions remain unclear. The aim of this study was to define the function of lncRNA5512, which is abundant in spermatocytes and round spermatids, in mouse fertility invivo. To investigate this we generated lncRNA5512-knockout mice by clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein (Cas) 9 technology. Knockout mice showed normal spermatogenesis and fertility, and had no detectable abnormalities. This indicates that lncRNA5512 does not affect mouse fertility despite its high expression in the testes. Its specific localisation in spermatocytes and round spermatids suggests that it could be a useful marker for the identification of spermatocytes and round spermatids in mouse testes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhu
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 910 Hengshan Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Yu Lin
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 910 Hengshan Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Yue He
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 910 Hengshan Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Hanshu Wang
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 910 Hengshan Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Shitao Chen
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 910 Hengshan Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Zhenhua Li
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 910 Hengshan Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Ning Song
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 280 South Chongqing Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai 200025, China; and Corresponding authors. ;
| | - Fei Sun
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 910 Hengshan Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai 200030, China; and Corresponding authors. ;
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Fleck D, Kenzler L, Mundt N, Strauch M, Uesaka N, Moosmann R, Bruentgens F, Missel A, Mayerhofer A, Merhof D, Spehr J, Spehr M. ATP activation of peritubular cells drives testicular sperm transport. eLife 2021; 10:e62885. [PMID: 33502316 PMCID: PMC7840184 DOI: 10.7554/elife.62885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis, the complex process of male germ cell proliferation, differentiation, and maturation, is the basis of male fertility. In the seminiferous tubules of the testes, spermatozoa are constantly generated from spermatogonial stem cells through a stereotyped sequence of mitotic and meiotic divisions. The basic physiological principles, however, that control both maturation and luminal transport of the still immotile spermatozoa within the seminiferous tubules remain poorly, if at all, defined. Here, we show that coordinated contractions of smooth muscle-like testicular peritubular cells provide the propulsive force for luminal sperm transport toward the rete testis. Using a mouse model for in vivo imaging, we describe and quantify spontaneous tubular contractions and show a causal relationship between peritubular Ca2+ waves and peristaltic transport. Moreover, we identify P2 receptor-dependent purinergic signaling pathways as physiological triggers of tubular contractions both in vitro and in vivo. When challenged with extracellular ATP, transport of luminal content inside the seminiferous tubules displays stage-dependent directionality. We thus suggest that paracrine purinergic signaling coordinates peristaltic recurrent contractions of the mouse seminiferous tubules to propel immotile spermatozoa to the rete testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Fleck
- Department of Chemosensation, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen UniversityAachenGermany
| | - Lina Kenzler
- Department of Chemosensation, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen UniversityAachenGermany
| | - Nadine Mundt
- Department of Chemosensation, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen UniversityAachenGermany
- Research Training Group 2416 MultiSenses – MultiScales, RWTH Aachen UniversityAachenGermany
| | - Martin Strauch
- Institute of Imaging and Computer Vision, RWTH Aachen UniversityAachenGermany
| | - Naofumi Uesaka
- Department of Chemosensation, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen UniversityAachenGermany
- Department of Cognitive Neurobiology, Tokyo Medical and Dental UniversityTokyoJapan
| | - Robert Moosmann
- Department of Chemosensation, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen UniversityAachenGermany
| | - Felicitas Bruentgens
- Department of Chemosensation, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen UniversityAachenGermany
| | - Annika Missel
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität MünchenPlanegg-MartinsriedGermany
| | - Artur Mayerhofer
- Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), Cell Biology, Anatomy III, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität MünchenPlanegg-MartinsriedGermany
| | - Dorit Merhof
- Institute of Imaging and Computer Vision, RWTH Aachen UniversityAachenGermany
| | - Jennifer Spehr
- Department of Chemosensation, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen UniversityAachenGermany
| | - Marc Spehr
- Department of Chemosensation, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen UniversityAachenGermany
- Research Training Group 2416 MultiSenses – MultiScales, RWTH Aachen UniversityAachenGermany
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Park YJ, Pang MG. Mitochondrial Functionality in Male Fertility: From Spermatogenesis to Fertilization. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10010098. [PMID: 33445610 PMCID: PMC7826524 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10010098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are structurally and functionally distinct organelles that produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP) through oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), to provide energy to spermatozoa. They can also produce reactive oxidation species (ROS). While a moderate concentration of ROS is critical for tyrosine phosphorylation in cholesterol efflux, sperm–egg interaction, and fertilization, excessive ROS generation is associated with male infertility. Moreover, mitochondria participate in diverse processes ranging from spermatogenesis to fertilization to regulate male fertility. This review aimed to summarize the roles of mitochondria in male fertility depending on the sperm developmental stage (from male reproductive tract to female reproductive tract). Moreover, mitochondria are also involved in testosterone production, regulation of proton secretion into the lumen to maintain an acidic condition in the epididymis, and sperm DNA condensation during epididymal maturation. We also established the new signaling pathway using previous proteomic data associated with male fertility, to understand the overall role of mitochondria in male fertility. The pathway revealed that male infertility is associated with a loss of mitochondrial proteins in spermatozoa, which induces low sperm motility, reduces OXPHOS activity, and results in male infertility.
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Venditti M, Romano MZ, Aniello F, Minucci S. Preliminary Investigation on the Ameliorative Role Exerted by D-Aspartic Acid in Counteracting Ethane Dimethane Sulfonate (EDS) Toxicity in the Rat Testis. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11010133. [PMID: 33435542 PMCID: PMC7827869 DOI: 10.3390/ani11010133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary For proper fertility, the production of good-quality spermatozoa is essential. Nowadays, many environmental pollutants affect the spermatogenetic process, at different levels. For this reason, new approaches are needed to prevent/counteract these toxic effects. Here, we showed that the excitatory amino acid D-aspartic acid (D-Asp) prevents the deadly action of ethane dimethane sulfonate (EDS) on the testosterone-secreting Leydig cells in rat testis. We found that EDS, probably via the reduced testosterone level, alters the normal histology of the seminiferous epithelium, leading to germ cells death and to the decreased protein level of two Leydig cell “markers”: steroidogenic acute regulatory and prolyl endopeptidase. In addition, the same analysis performed on rats that were pre-treated with D-Asp revealed a protective role of this compound, since all the above parameters were quite normal. Moreover, we found that the protective mechanism of action involved in this scenario may be due to the ability of D-Asp to reduce the oxidative stress induced by EDS. Based on these findings, we could affirm that D-Asp may be an encouraging candidate to be used to alleviate the harmful action due to environmental pollutants exposure, in order to maintain appropriate fertility. Abstract Herein is reported the first evidence of the protective role of D-aspartic acid (D-Asp) in preventing the toxic effect exerted by the alkylating agent ethane dimethane sulfonate (EDS) in the rat testis. We confirmed that EDS treatment specifically destroyed Leydig cells (LC), resulting in the drastic decrease of the serum testosterone level and producing morphological changes in the germinal tubules, i.e., altered organization of the epithelium, loss of cell contacts and the consequent presence of empty spaces between them, and a reduce number of spermatozoa. Moreover, an increase of TUNEL-positive germ cells, other than alteration in the protein level and localization of two LC “markers”, StAR and PREP, were observed. Interestingly, results obtained from rats pre-treated with D-Asp for 15 days before EDS-injection showed that all the considered parameters were quite normal. To explore the probable mechanism(s) involved in the protection exerted by D-Asp, we considered the increased oxidative stress induced by EDS and the D-Asp antioxidant effects. Thiobarbiturc acid-reactive species (TBARS) levels increased following EDS-injection, while no change was observed in the D-Asp + EDS treated rats. Our results showed that D-Asp may be used as a strategy to mitigate the toxic effects exerted by environmental pollutants, as endocrine disrupters, in order to preserve the reproductive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Venditti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate “F. Bottazzi”, Università della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Costantinopoli, 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy; (M.V.); (M.Z.R.)
| | - Maria Zelinda Romano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate “F. Bottazzi”, Università della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Costantinopoli, 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy; (M.V.); (M.Z.R.)
| | - Francesco Aniello
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Napoli ‘Federico II, Via Cinthia’, 21, 80126 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Sergio Minucci
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate “F. Bottazzi”, Università della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Costantinopoli, 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy; (M.V.); (M.Z.R.)
- Correspondence:
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Shalini V, Bhaduri U, Ravikkumar AC, Rengarajan A, Satyanarayana RMR. Genome-wide occupancy reveals the localization of H1T2 (H1fnt) to repeat regions and a subset of transcriptionally active chromatin domains in rat spermatids. Epigenetics Chromatin 2021; 14:3. [PMID: 33407810 PMCID: PMC7788777 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-020-00376-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background H1T2/H1FNT is a germ cell-specific linker histone variant expressed during spermiogenesis specifically in round and elongating spermatids. Infertile phenotype of homozygous H1T2 mutant male mice revealed the essential function of H1T2 for the DNA condensation and histone-to-protamine replacement in spermiogenesis. However, the mechanism by which H1T2 imparts the inherent polarity within spermatid nucleus including the additional protein partners and the genomic domains occupied by this linker histone are unknown. Results Sequence analysis revealed the presence of Walker motif, SR domains and putative coiled-coil domains in the C-terminal domain of rat H1T2 protein. Genome-wide occupancy analysis using highly specific antibody against the CTD of H1T2 demonstrated the binding of H1T2 to the LINE L1 repeat elements and to a significant percentage of the genic regions (promoter-TSS, exons and introns) of the rat spermatid genome. Immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry analysis revealed the open chromatin architecture of H1T2 occupied chromatin encompassing the H4 acetylation and other histone PTMs characteristic of transcriptionally active chromatin. In addition, the present study has identified the interacting protein partners of H1T2-associated chromatin mainly as nucleo-skeleton components, RNA-binding proteins and chaperones. Conclusions Linker histone H1T2 possesses unique domain architecture which can account for the specific functions associated with chromatin remodeling events facilitating the initiation of histone to transition proteins/protamine transition in the polar apical spermatid genome. Our results directly establish the unique function of H1T2 in nuclear shaping associated with spermiogenesis by mediating the interaction between chromatin and nucleo-skeleton, positioning the epigenetically specialized chromatin domains involved in transcription coupled histone replacement initiation towards the apical pole of round/elongating spermatids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasantha Shalini
- From the Chromatin Biology Laboratory, Molecular Biology and Genetics Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur P.O., Bangalore, 560064, India
| | - Utsa Bhaduri
- From the Chromatin Biology Laboratory, Molecular Biology and Genetics Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur P.O., Bangalore, 560064, India.,Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy.,European Union's H2020 TRIM-NET ITN, Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Anjhana C Ravikkumar
- From the Chromatin Biology Laboratory, Molecular Biology and Genetics Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur P.O., Bangalore, 560064, India
| | - Anusha Rengarajan
- From the Chromatin Biology Laboratory, Molecular Biology and Genetics Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur P.O., Bangalore, 560064, India
| | - Rao M R Satyanarayana
- From the Chromatin Biology Laboratory, Molecular Biology and Genetics Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur P.O., Bangalore, 560064, India.
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Li Y, Mi P, Chen X, Wu J, Qin W, Shen Y, Zhang P, Tang Y, Cheng CY, Sun F. Dynamic Profiles and Transcriptional Preferences of Histone Modifications During Spermiogenesis. Endocrinology 2021; 162:5974117. [PMID: 33175103 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqaa210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
During spermiogenesis, extensive histone modifications take place in developing haploid spermatids besides morphological alterations of the genetic material to form compact nuclei. Better understanding on the overall transcriptional dynamics and preferences of histones and enzymes involved in histone modifications may provide valuable information to dissect the epigenetic characteristics and unique chromatin status during spermiogenesis. Using single-cell RNA-Sequencing, the expression dynamics of histone variants, writers, erasers, and readers of histone acetylation and methylation, as well as histone phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and chaperones were assessed through transcriptome profiling during spermiogenesis. This approach provided an unprecedented panoramic perspective of the involving genes in epigenetic modifier/histone variant expression during spermiogenesis. Results reported here revealed the transcriptional ranks of histones, histone modifications, and their readers during spermiogenesis, emphasizing the unique preferences of epigenetic regulation in spermatids. These findings also highlighted the impact of spermatid metabolic preferences on epigenetic modifications. Despite the observed rising trend on transcription levels of all encoding genes and histone variants, the transcriptome profile of genes in histone modifications and their readers displayed a downward expression trend, suggesting that spermatid nuclei condensation is a progressive process that occurred in tandem with a gradual decrease in overall epigenetic activity during spermiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinchuan Li
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Panpan Mi
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xue Chen
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiabao Wu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Family Planning Research Institute of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weibing Qin
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Family Planning Research Institute of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yiqi Shen
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Pingbao Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yunge Tang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Family Planning Research Institute of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY, USA
| | - Fei Sun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
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Wang L, Yan M, Li H, Wu S, Ge R, Wong CKC, Silvestrini B, Sun F, Cheng CY. The Non-hormonal Male Contraceptive Adjudin Exerts its Effects via MAPs and Signaling Proteins mTORC1/rpS6 and FAK-Y407. Endocrinology 2021; 162:5936120. [PMID: 33094326 PMCID: PMC8244566 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqaa196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Adjudin, 1-(2,4-dichlorobenzyl)-1H-indazole-3-carbohydrazide (formerly called AF-2364), is a nonhormonal male contraceptive, since it effectively induces reversible male infertility without perturbing the serum concentrations of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone, and inhibin B based on studies in rats and rabbits. Adjudin was shown to exert its effects preferentially by perturbing the testis-specific actin-rich adherens junction (AJ) at the Sertoli-spermatid interface known as apical ectoplasmic specialization (apical ES), thereby effectively inducing spermatid exfoliation. Adjudin did not perturb germ cell development nor germ cell function. Also, it had no effects on Sertoli cell-cell AJ called basal ectoplasmic specialization (basal ES), which, together with tight junction constitute the blood-testis barrier (BTB), unless an acute dose of adjudin was used. Adjudin also did not perturb the population of spermatogonial stem cells nor Sertoli cells in the testis. However, the downstream signaling protein(s) utilized by adjudin to induce transient male infertility remains unexplored. Herein, using adult rats treated with adjudin and monitored changes in the phenotypes across the seminiferous epithelium between 6 and 96 h in parallel with the steady-state protein levels of an array of signaling and cytoskeletal regulatory proteins, recently shown to be involved in apical ES, basal ES and BTB function. It was shown that adjudin exerts its contraceptive effects through changes in microtubule associated proteins (MAPs) and signaling proteins mTORC1/rpS6 and p-FAK-Y407. These findings are important to not only study adjudin-mediated male infertility but also the biology of spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York
| | - Ming Yan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Huitao Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Siwen Wu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Renshan Ge
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chris K C Wong
- Department of Biology, Croucher Institute for Environmental Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Fei Sun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
- Correspondence: C. Yan Cheng, PhD, Senior Scientist, The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, New York 10065. E-mail:
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69
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The Seminiferous Epithelial Cycle of Spermatogenesis: Role of Non-receptor Tyrosine Kinases. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1288:1-20. [PMID: 34453729 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-77779-1_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Non-receptor tyrosine kinases (NRTKs) are implicated in various biological processes including cell proliferation, differentiation, survival, and apoptosis, as well as cell adhesion and movement. NRTKs are expressed in all mammals and in different cell types, with extraordinarily high expression in the testis. Their association with the plasma membrane and dynamic subcellular localization are crucial parameters in their activation and function. Many NRTKs are found in endosomal protein trafficking pathways, which suggests a novel mechanism to regulate the timely junction restructuring in the mammalian testis to facilitate spermiation and germ cell transport across the seminiferous epithelium.
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de Santi F, Beltrame FL, Rodrigues BM, Junior MJVP, Scaramele NF, Lopes FL, Cerri PS, Sasso-Cerri E. Venlafaxine-induced damage to seminiferous epithelium, spermiation, and sperm parameters in rats: A correlation with high estrogen levels. Andrology 2021; 9:297-311. [PMID: 32598512 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Venlafaxine (selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor) use has increased worldwide. However, the impact of venlafaxine on testes and sperm parameters has not been investigated. OBJECTIVES We evaluated venlafaxine impact on testicular and sperm parameters and verified whether the changes are reversible. METHODS Animals from venlafaxine-35 days and venlafaxine-65 days groups received 30 mg/kg of venlafaxine for 35 days. Control-35 days and control-65 days received distilled water. In control-65 days and venlafaxine-65 days, the treatment was interrupted for 30 days. Sperm concentration, morphology, motility, and mitochondrial activity were analyzed. Number of step 19 spermatids (NLS), frequency of tubules with spermiation failure, Sertoli cells number, and TUNEL-positive germ cells were quantified. Testicular aromatase, connexin 43 (Cx43) immunoexpression, Cx43 protein levels, and Cx43 expression were evaluated. Either intratesticular testosterone or estrogen levels were measured. RESULTS Venlafaxine impaired sperm morphology, reduced sperm concentration, mitochondrial activity, and sperm motility. The frequency of tubules with spermiation failure and NLS increased in parallel to increased Cx43 immunoexpression; mRNA and protein levels; and aromatase, testosterone, and estrogen levels. An increase in germ cell death and decreased Sertoli cells number were observed. In venlafaxine-65 days, except for sperm motility, mitochondrial activity, Sertoli cells number, and germ cell death, all other parameters were partially or totally recovered. CONCLUSION Venlafaxine increases testosterone aromatization and Cx43. This drug, via high estrogen levels, disturbs Sertoli cells, induces germ cell death, and impairs spermiation and sperm parameters. The restoration of spermiation associated with the decreased Cx43 and hormonal levels in venlafaxine-65 days reinforces that high estrogen levels are related to venlafaxine-induced changes. The presence of damaged Sertoli cells, germ cell death, and low sperm motility in venlafaxine-65 days indicates that interruption of treatment for 30 days was insufficient for testicular recovery and points to a long-term estrogen impact on the seminiferous epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiane de Santi
- Department of Morphology and Genetics, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Flávia L Beltrame
- Department of Morphology and Genetics, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Beatriz M Rodrigues
- Department of Morphology, Genetics, Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Marcio J V P Junior
- Department of Morphology, Genetics, Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Natália F Scaramele
- Department of Production and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araçatuba, Brazil
| | - Flávia L Lopes
- Department of Production and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araçatuba, Brazil
| | - Paulo S Cerri
- Department of Morphology, Genetics, Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Estela Sasso-Cerri
- Department of Morphology, Genetics, Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
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71
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Wu S, Li H, Wang L, Mak N, Wu X, Ge R, Sun F, Cheng CY. Motor Proteins and Spermatogenesis. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1288:131-159. [PMID: 34453735 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-77779-1_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
Unlike the intermediate filament- and septin-based cytoskeletons which are apolar structures, the microtubule (MT) and actin cytoskeletons are polarized structures in mammalian cells and tissues including the testis, most notable in Sertoli cells. In the testis, these cytoskeletons that stretch across the epithelium of seminiferous tubules and lay perpendicular to the basement membrane of tunica propria serve as tracks for corresponding motor proteins to support cellular cargo transport. These cargoes include residual bodies, phagosomes, endocytic vesicles and most notably developing spermatocytes and haploid spermatids which lack the ultrastructures of motile cells (e.g., lamellipodia, filopodia). As such, these developing germ cells require the corresponding motor proteins to facilitate their transport across the seminiferous epithelium during the epithelial cycle of spermatogenesis. Due to the polarized natures of these cytoskeletons with distinctive plus (+) and minus (-) end, directional cargo transport can take place based on the use of corresponding actin- or MT-based motor proteins. These include the MT-based minus (-) end directed motor proteins: dyneins, and the plus (+) end directed motor proteins: kinesins, as well as the actin-based motor proteins: myosins, many of which are plus (+) end directed but a few are also minus (-) end directed motor proteins. Recent studies have shown that these motor proteins are essential to support spermatogenesis. In this review, we briefly summarize and evaluate these recent findings so that this information will serve as a helpful guide for future studies and for planning functional experiments to better understand their role mechanistically in supporting spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siwen Wu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China.,The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY, USA
| | - Huitao Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China.,The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lingling Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China.,The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY, USA.,Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Nathan Mak
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY, USA
| | - Xiaolong Wu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Renshan Ge
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital (SRRSH), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital (SRRSH), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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72
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Walters JLH, Anderson AL, Martins da Silva SJ, Aitken RJ, De Iuliis GN, Sutherland JM, Nixon B, Bromfield EG. Mechanistic Insight into the Regulation of Lipoxygenase-Driven Lipid Peroxidation Events in Human Spermatozoa and Their Impact on Male Fertility. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 10:antiox10010043. [PMID: 33396527 PMCID: PMC7823465 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10010043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
A prevalent cause of sperm dysfunction in male infertility patients is the overproduction of reactive oxygen species, an attendant increase in lipid peroxidation and the production of cytotoxic reactive carbonyl species such as 4-hydroxynonenal. Our previous studies have implicated arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase (ALOX15) in the production of 4-hydroxynonenal in developing germ cells. Here, we have aimed to develop a further mechanistic understanding of the lipoxygenase-lipid peroxidation pathway in human spermatozoa. Through pharmacological inhibition studies, we identified a protective role for phospholipase enzymes in the liberation of peroxidised polyunsaturated fatty acids from the human sperm membrane. Our results also revealed that arachidonic acid, linoleic acid and docosahexanoic acid are key polyunsaturated fatty acid substrates for ALOX15. Upon examination of ALOX15 in the spermatozoa of infertile patients compared to their normozoospermic counterparts, we observed significantly elevated levels of ALOX15 protein abundance in the infertile population and an increase in 4-hydroxynonenal adducts. Collectively, these data confirm the involvement of ALOX15 in the oxidative stress cascade of human spermatozoa and support the notion that increased ALOX15 abundance in sperm cells may accentuate membrane lipid peroxidation and cellular dysfunction, ultimately contributing to male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L. H. Walters
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Schools of Biomedical Science & Pharmacy and Environmental & Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (J.L.H.W.); (A.L.A.); (R.J.A.); (G.N.D.I.); (J.M.S.); (B.N.)
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Amanda L. Anderson
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Schools of Biomedical Science & Pharmacy and Environmental & Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (J.L.H.W.); (A.L.A.); (R.J.A.); (G.N.D.I.); (J.M.S.); (B.N.)
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Sarah J. Martins da Silva
- Reproductive Medicine Research Group, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK;
- Assisted Conception Unit, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
| | - R. John Aitken
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Schools of Biomedical Science & Pharmacy and Environmental & Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (J.L.H.W.); (A.L.A.); (R.J.A.); (G.N.D.I.); (J.M.S.); (B.N.)
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Geoffry N. De Iuliis
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Schools of Biomedical Science & Pharmacy and Environmental & Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (J.L.H.W.); (A.L.A.); (R.J.A.); (G.N.D.I.); (J.M.S.); (B.N.)
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Jessie M. Sutherland
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Schools of Biomedical Science & Pharmacy and Environmental & Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (J.L.H.W.); (A.L.A.); (R.J.A.); (G.N.D.I.); (J.M.S.); (B.N.)
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Schools of Biomedical Science & Pharmacy and Environmental & Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (J.L.H.W.); (A.L.A.); (R.J.A.); (G.N.D.I.); (J.M.S.); (B.N.)
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Elizabeth G. Bromfield
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Schools of Biomedical Science & Pharmacy and Environmental & Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (J.L.H.W.); (A.L.A.); (R.J.A.); (G.N.D.I.); (J.M.S.); (B.N.)
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
- Discipline of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Correspondence:
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Pakhomova A, Pershina O, Nebolsin V, Ermakova N, Krupin V, Sandrikina L, Pan E, Widera D, Dygai A, Skurikhin E. Bisamide Derivative of Dicarboxylic Acid Contributes to Restoration of Testicular Tissue Function and Influences Spermatogonial Stem Cells in Metabolic Disorders. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:562358. [PMID: 33344442 PMCID: PMC7744787 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.562358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome can lead to several challenging complications including degeneration of the pancreas and hypogonadism. Recently, we have shown that Bisamide Derivative of Dicarboxylic Acid (BDDA) can contribute to pancreatic restoration in mice with metabolic disorders via its positive effects on lipid and glucose metabolism, and by increasing the numbers of pancreatic stem cells. In the present study, we hypothesized that BDDA might also be effective in restoring hypogonadism caused by metabolic syndrome. Experiments were performed on male C57BL/6 mice with hypogonadism, where metabolic disorders have been introduced by a combination of streptozotocin treatment and high fat diet. Using a combination of histological and biochemical methods along with a flow cytometric analysis of stem and progenitor cell markers, we evaluated the biological effects of BDDA on testicular tissue, germ cells, spermatogonial stem cells in vitro and in vivo, as well as on fertility. We demonstrate that in mice with metabolic disorders, BDDA has positive effects on spermatogenesis and restores fertility. We also show that BDDA exerts its therapeutic effects by reducing inflammation and by modulating spermatogonial stem cells. Thus, our results suggest that BDDA could represent a promising lead compound for the development of novel therapeutics able to stimulate regeneration of the testicular tissue and to restore fertility in hypogonadism resulting from complications of metabolic syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelina Pakhomova
- Laboratory of Regenerative Pharmacology, Goldberg ED Research Institute of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, Tomsk National Research Medical Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia
| | - Olga Pershina
- Laboratory of Regenerative Pharmacology, Goldberg ED Research Institute of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, Tomsk National Research Medical Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia
| | | | - Natalia Ermakova
- Laboratory of Regenerative Pharmacology, Goldberg ED Research Institute of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, Tomsk National Research Medical Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia
| | - Vyacheslav Krupin
- Laboratory of Regenerative Pharmacology, Goldberg ED Research Institute of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, Tomsk National Research Medical Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia
| | - Lubov Sandrikina
- Laboratory of Regenerative Pharmacology, Goldberg ED Research Institute of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, Tomsk National Research Medical Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia
| | - Edgar Pan
- Laboratory of Regenerative Pharmacology, Goldberg ED Research Institute of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, Tomsk National Research Medical Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia
| | - Darius Widera
- Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine Group, School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander Dygai
- Laboratory of Regenerative Pharmacology, Goldberg ED Research Institute of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, Tomsk National Research Medical Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia
| | - Evgenii Skurikhin
- Laboratory of Regenerative Pharmacology, Goldberg ED Research Institute of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, Tomsk National Research Medical Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia
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74
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Li Y, Liu WS, Yi J, Kong SB, Ding JC, Zhao YN, Tian YP, Feng GS, Li CJ, Liu W, Wang HB, Lu ZX. The role of tyrosine phosphatase Shp2 in spermatogonial differentiation and spermatocyte meiosis. Asian J Androl 2020; 22:79-87. [PMID: 31210146 PMCID: PMC6958991 DOI: 10.4103/aja.aja_49_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The transition from spermatogonia to spermatocytes and the initiation of meiosis are key steps in spermatogenesis and are precisely regulated by a plethora of proteins. However, the underlying molecular mechanism remains largely unknown. Here, we report that Src homology domain tyrosine phosphatase 2 (Shp2; encoded by the protein tyrosine phosphatase, nonreceptor type 11 [Ptpn11] gene) is abundant in spermatogonia but markedly decreases in meiotic spermatocytes. Conditional knockout of Shp2 in spermatogonia in mice using stimulated by retinoic acid gene 8 (Stra8)-cre enhanced spermatogonial differentiation and disturbed the meiotic process. Depletion of Shp2 in spermatogonia caused many meiotic spermatocytes to die; moreover, the surviving spermatocytes reached the leptotene stage early at postnatal day 9 (PN9) and the pachytene stage at PN11–13. In preleptotene spermatocytes, Shp2 deletion disrupted the expression of meiotic genes, such as disrupted meiotic cDNA 1 (Dmc1), DNA repair recombinase rad51 (Rad51), and structural maintenance of chromosome 3 (Smc3), and these deficiencies interrupted spermatocyte meiosis. In GC-1 cells cultured in vitro, Shp2 knockdown suppressed the retinoic acid (RA)-induced phosphorylation of extracellular-regulated protein kinase (Erk) and protein kinase B (Akt/PKB) and the expression of target genes such as synaptonemal complex protein 3 (Sycp3) and Dmc1. Together, these data suggest that Shp2 plays a crucial role in spermatogenesis by governing the transition from spermatogonia to spermatocytes and by mediating meiotic progression through regulating gene transcription, thus providing a potential treatment target for male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Wen-Sheng Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Jia Yi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Shuang-Bo Kong
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Jian-Cheng Ding
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Yi-Nan Zhao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Ying-Pu Tian
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Gen-Sheng Feng
- Department of Pathology, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Chao-Jun Li
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Model Animals for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center and Medical School of Nanjing University, National Resource Center for Mutant Mice, Nanjing 210061, China
| | - Wen Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China.,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Hai-Bin Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Zhong-Xian Lu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China.,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China.,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen 361005, China
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75
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Wang L, Yan M, Wong CKC, Ge R, Wu X, Sun F, Cheng CY. Microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) in microtubule cytoskeletal dynamics and spermatogenesis. Histol Histopathol 2020; 36:249-265. [PMID: 33174615 DOI: 10.14670/hh-18-279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The microtubule (MT) cytoskeleton in Sertoli cells, a crucial cellular structure in the seminiferous epithelium of adult mammalian testes that supports spermatogenesis, was studied morphologically decades ago. However, its biology, in particular the involving regulatory biomolecules and the underlying mechanism(s) in modulating MT dynamics, are only beginning to be revealed in recent years. This lack of studies in delineating the biology of MT cytoskeletal dynamics undermines other studies in the field, in particular the plausible therapeutic treatment and management of male infertility and fertility since studies have shown that the MT cytoskeleton is one of the prime targets of toxicants. Interestingly, much of the information regarding the function of actin-, MT- and intermediate filament-based cytoskeletons come from studies using toxicant models including some genetic models. During the past several years, there have been some advances in studying the biology of MT cytoskeleton in the testis, and many of these studies were based on the use of pharmaceutical/toxicant models. In this review, we summarize the results of these findings, illustrating the importance of toxicant/pharmaceutical models in unravelling the biology of MT dynamics, in particular the role of microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs), a family of regulatory proteins that modulate MT dynamics but also actin- and intermediate filament-based cytoskeletons. We also provide a timely hypothetical model which can serve as a guide to design functional experiments to study how the MT cytoskeleton is regulated during spermatogenesis through the use of toxicants and/or pharmaceutical agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY, USA.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ming Yan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chris K C Wong
- Department of Biology, Croucher Institute for Environmental Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Renshan Ge
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaolong Wu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY, USA.,The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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76
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Nixon B, Cafe SL, Eamens AL, De Iuliis GN, Bromfield EG, Martin JH, Skerrett-Byrne DA, Dun MD. Molecular insights into the divergence and diversity of post-testicular maturation strategies. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 517:110955. [PMID: 32783903 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Competition to achieve paternity has coerced the development of a multitude of male reproductive strategies. In one of the most well-studied examples, the spermatozoa of all mammalian species must undergo a series of physiological changes as they transit the male (epididymal maturation) and female (capacitation) reproductive tracts prior to realizing their potential to fertilize an ovum. However, the origin and adaptive advantage afforded by these intricate processes of post-testicular sperm maturation remain to be fully elucidated. Here, we review literature pertaining to the nature and the physiological role of epididymal maturation and subsequent capacitation in comparative vertebrate taxa including representative species from the avian, reptilian, and mammalian lineages. Such insights are discussed in terms of the framework they provide for helping to understand the evolutionary significance of post-testicular sperm maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia.
| | - Shenae L Cafe
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Andrew L Eamens
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Geoffry N De Iuliis
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Elizabeth G Bromfield
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Jacinta H Martin
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - David A Skerrett-Byrne
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Matthew D Dun
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Priority Research Centre for Cancer Research Innovation and Translation, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Lambton, NSW, 2305, Australia
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77
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Li H, Liu S, Wu S, Ge R, Cheng CY. NC1-Peptide From Collagen α3 (IV) Chains in the Basement Membrane of Testes Regulates Spermatogenesis via p-FAK-Y407. Endocrinology 2020; 161:5881724. [PMID: 32761085 PMCID: PMC7478323 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqaa133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The blood-testis barrier (BTB) in the testis is an important ultrastructure to support spermatogenesis. This blood-tissue barrier undergoes remodeling at late stage VII to early stage IX of the epithelial cycle to support the transport of preleptotene spermatocytes across the BTB to prepare for meiosis I/II at the apical compartment through a mechanism that remains to be delineated. Studies have shown that NC1-peptide-derived collagen α3 (IV) chain in the basement membrane is a bioactive peptide that induces BTB remodeling. It also promotes the release of fully developed spermatids into the tubule lumen. Thus, this endogenously produced peptide coordinates these 2 cellular events across the seminiferous epithelium. Using an NC1-peptide complementary deoxyribonucleic acid (cDNA) construct to transfect adult rat testes for overexpression, NC1-peptide was found to effectively induce germ cell exfoliation and BTB remodeling, which was associated with a surge and activation of p-rpS6, the downstream signaling protein of mTORC1 and the concomitant downregulation of p-FAK-Y407 in the testis. In order to define the functional relationship between p-rpS6 and p-FAK-Y407 signaling to confer the ability of NC1-peptide to regulate testis function, a phosphomimetic (and thus constitutively active) mutant of p-FAK-Y407 (p-FAK-Y407E-MT) was used for its co-transfection, utilizing Sertoli cells cultured in vitro with a functional tight junction (TJ) barrier that mimicked the BTB in vivo. Overexpression of p-FAK-Y407E-MT blocked the effects of NC1-peptide to perturb Sertoli cell BTB function by promoting F-actin and microtubule cytoskeleton function, and downregulated the NC1-peptide-mediated induction of p-rpS6 activation. In brief, NC1-peptide is an important endogenously produced biomolecule that regulates BTB dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huitao Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- The Mary Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York
| | - Shiwen Liu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- The Mary Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York
| | - Siwen Wu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- The Mary Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York
| | - Renshan Ge
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- The Mary Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York
- Correspondence: C. Yan Cheng, PhD, Senior Scientist, The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, New York 10065. E-mail:
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78
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Suzuki S, Diaz VD, Hermann BP. What has single-cell RNA-seq taught us about mammalian spermatogenesis? Biol Reprod 2020; 101:617-634. [PMID: 31077285 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian spermatogenesis is a complex developmental program that transforms mitotic testicular germ cells (spermatogonia) into mature male gametes (sperm) for production of offspring. For decades, it has been known that this several-weeks-long process involves a series of highly ordered and morphologically recognizable cellular changes as spermatogonia proliferate, spermatocytes undertake meiosis, and spermatids develop condensed nuclei, acrosomes, and flagella. Yet, much of the underlying molecular logic driving these processes has remained opaque because conventional characterization strategies often aggregated groups of cells to meet technical requirements or due to limited capability for cell selection. Recently, a cornucopia of single-cell transcriptome studies has begun to lift the veil on the full compendium of gene expression phenotypes and changes underlying spermatogenic development. These datasets have revealed the previously obscured molecular heterogeneity among and between varied spermatogenic cell types and are reinvigorating investigation of testicular biology. This review describes the extent of available single-cell RNA-seq profiles of spermatogenic and testicular somatic cells, how those data were produced and evaluated, their present value for advancing knowledge of spermatogenesis, and their potential future utility at both the benchtop and bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinnosuke Suzuki
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Victoria D Diaz
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Brian P Hermann
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
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79
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Wei H, Khawar MB, Tang W, Wang L, Wang L, Liu C, Jiang H, Li W. Sirt6 is required for spermatogenesis in mice. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:17099-17113. [PMID: 32915773 PMCID: PMC7521524 DOI: 10.18632/aging.103641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
SIRT6, a nuclear protein, has been implicated in a number of essential cellular processes, such as the DNA damage response, metabolic homeostasis, inflammation, tumorigenesis and aging. However, the role of Sirt6 in the regulation of spermatogenesis is yet unknown. In the present study, we successfully generated Sirt6-/- mice on a C57BL6/ICR mixed background and found that some Sirt6-/- mice survived beyond eight weeks. We further revealed that spermatogenesis in Sirt6-/- mice was arrested at the elongated spermatid stage. Sirt6-/- male mice were completely infertile and had an increased number of apoptotic spermatids. To our surprise, deacetylation activities of SIRT6 on H3K9ac, H3K18ac and H3K56c were not required for spermatogenesis. Therefore, our findings establish a novel link between Sirt6 and male fertility, suggesting an essential role of Sirt6 in spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huafang Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China,University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Muhammad Babar Khawar
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China,University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wenhao Tang
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Lina Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China,University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Liying Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China,University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China,University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hui Jiang
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China,Department of Andrology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China,Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China,Department of Human Sperm Bank, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Wei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
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80
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Wang L, Yan M, Wu S, Wu X, Bu T, Wong CK, Ge R, Sun F, Cheng CY. Actin binding proteins, actin cytoskeleton and spermatogenesis – Lesson from toxicant models. Reprod Toxicol 2020; 96:76-89. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2020.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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81
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Matta APLF, Leite JPV, Gomes MLM, Morais DB, Carvalho FAR, Otoni WC, Matta SLP. Deleterious effects of Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng.) Pedersen hydroalcoholic extract on the seminiferous epithelium of adult Balb/c mice. Int J Exp Pathol 2020; 101:183-191. [PMID: 32869402 DOI: 10.1111/iep.12363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Several plant species such as Pfaffia glomerata are widely used in traditional Brazilian medicine as stimulants and aphrodisiacs. In this regard, the aim of our study was to explore the effects of the long-term intake of the hydro-alcoholic root extract of P glomerata on the germ and somatic cells within the seminiferous tubules in adult Balb/c mice. The experimental groups were placed as: controls (water and DMSO), and treated with 300 and 400 mg/kg of the root extract. The number of germ and somatic cells, the proportion of pathological seminiferous tubules, and the germ cell apoptotic levels were evaluated. The volume and proportion of the seminiferous epithelium was decreased after the extract intake due to the increased germ cell apoptotic levels. Vacuolization of Sertoli cell cytoplasm was observed widely in pathological tubules, along with fully disorganized epithelia, showing multinucleated cells, which lead to decreased daily sperm production. Taken together, our results indicate that long-term intake of the P glomerata caused deleterious effects on spermatogenesis by inducing apoptosis and altering the seminiferous tubule's epithelial dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paula L F Matta
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia Sudeste de Minas Gerais, Barbacena, Brasil
| | - João Paulo V Leite
- Departamento de Bioquímica e de Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Brasil
| | - Marcos L M Gomes
- Departamento de Biologia Estrutural, Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Brasil
| | - Danielle B Morais
- Departamento de Morfologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brasil
| | - Fabíola A R Carvalho
- Departamento de Morfologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brasil
| | - Wagner C Otoni
- Departamento de Biologia Vegetal, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Brasil
| | - Sérgio L P Matta
- Departmento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Brasil
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82
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Elbashir S, Magdi Y, Rashed A, Henkel R, Agarwal A. Epididymal contribution to male infertility: An overlooked problem. Andrologia 2020; 53:e13721. [PMID: 32816323 DOI: 10.1111/and.13721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The diagnosis and treatment of male infertility, excluding assisted conception, are limited because of, but not limited to, poor understanding of sperm post-testicular development and storage. Many may think that sperm dysfunction is only self-contained in the sperm cell itself as a result of defective spermatogenesis. However, it can also be a consequence of inadequate epididymal maturation following disorders of the epididymis. Improper epididymal functions can disturb semen parameters and sperm DNA integrity, result in high leucocyte concentrations and high numbers of immature germ cells and debris or even cause idiopathic infertility. To date, the data are limited regarding critical markers of sperm maturation and studies that can identify such markers for diagnosis and managing epididymal dysfunction are scarce. Therefore, this article aims to draw attention to recognise a disturbed epididymal environment as a potential cause of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salah Elbashir
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Egypt
| | - Yasmin Magdi
- Al-Yasmeen Fertility and Gynecology Center, Benha, Egypt
| | - Ayman Rashed
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, 6th of October University, Egypt
| | - Ralf Henkel
- Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa.,American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
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83
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Okada S, Kuroki K, Ruiz CA, Tosi AJ, Imamura M. Molecular histology of spermatogenesis in the Japanese macaque monkey (Macaca fuscata). Primates 2020; 62:113-121. [PMID: 32803510 DOI: 10.1007/s10329-020-00857-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Non-human primates are our closest relatives and therefore offer valuable comparative models for human evolutionary studies and biomedical research. As such, Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) have contributed to the advancement of primatology in both field and laboratory settings. Specifically, Japanese macaques serve as an excellent model for investigating postnatal development and seasonal breeding in primates because of their relatively prolonged juvenile period and distinct seasonal breeding activity in adulthood. Pioneering histological studies have examined the developmental associations between their reproductive states and spermatogenesis by morphological observation. However, a molecular histological atlas of Japanese macaque spermatogenesis is only in its infancy, limiting our understanding of spermatogenesis ontogeny related to their reproductive changes. Here, we performed immunofluorescence analyses of spermatogenesis in Japanese macaque testes to determine the expression of a subset of marker proteins. The present molecular histological analyses readily specified major spermatogonial subtypes as SALL4+ A spermatogonia and Ki67+/C-KIT+ B spermatogonia. The expression of DAZL, SCP1, γH2AX, VASA, and calmegin further showed sequential changes regarding the protein expression profile and chromosomal structures during spermatogenesis in a differentiation stage-specific manner. Accordingly, comparative analyses between subadults and adults identified spermatogenic deficits in differentiation and synchronization in subadult testes. Our findings provide a new diagnostic platform for dissecting spermatogenic status and reproduction in the Japanese macaques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sawako Okada
- Molecular Biology Section, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Primate Research Institute, Kyoto University, Inuyama, Aichi, 484-8506, Japan
| | - Kota Kuroki
- Molecular Biology Section, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Primate Research Institute, Kyoto University, Inuyama, Aichi, 484-8506, Japan
| | - Cody A Ruiz
- Department of Anthropology, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, USA.,School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, USA
| | - Anthony J Tosi
- Department of Anthropology, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, USA.,School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, USA
| | - Masanori Imamura
- Molecular Biology Section, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Primate Research Institute, Kyoto University, Inuyama, Aichi, 484-8506, Japan.
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84
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Zhou Y, Zhang D, Sun D, Cui S. Zearalenone affects reproductive functions of male offspring via transgenerational cytotoxicity on spermatogonia in mouse. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2020; 234:108766. [PMID: 32339757 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2020.108766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated that Zearalenone (ZEA) affects not only maternal reproductive function but also that of the offspring. However, the transgenerational toxic effects of ZEA on the spermatogonia of male F1 mice are not clear. The present study was thus designed to determine whether the fertility of male F1 mice was affected following exposure of F0 pregnant mice to ZEA. In present study, 32 pregnant female mice were divided into 4 groups and exposed to ZEA of 0, 2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg, respectively, and the testis development and reproductive performance of 96 male F1 mice were analyzed. The results demonstrated that the F0 pregnant mice treated with ZEA resulted in increased anogenital distances in the newborn male F1 mice. Moreover, ZEA caused abnormal vacuole structures and loose connections in the testes of male F1 offspring, compared with the controls. Further ultramicrostructural analysis showed that the mitochondria appeared to be vacuolated with ablated membranes and cristae, and this was accompanied by the presence of large lipid droplets in the spermatogonia. Further, the semen quality and sperm counts declined significantly, and increased malformation rates and decreased testosterone levels were observed in the male F1 offspring from experimental groups. Our results reveal the toxic effects of ZEA on F0 pregnant mice is transgenerational, and affects the fertility of male F1 mice by damaging the spermatogonial cells. This offers a new viewpoint of ZEA-induced reproductive toxicity in male animals and provides a new potential direction for the treatment and prevention of ZEA-induced cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yewen Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, People's Republic of China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Di Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Dehao Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, People's Republic of China.
| | - Sheng Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, People's Republic of China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
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85
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Cafe SL, Anderson AL, Nixon B. In vitro Induction and Detection of Acrosomal Exocytosis in Human Spermatozoa. Bio Protoc 2020; 10:e3689. [PMID: 33659359 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.3689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The acrosome reaction is a highly regulated exocytotic event that primes spermatozoa for successful fertilization. Upon induction, acrosomal exocytosis proceeds via a wave of vesiculation that radiates across the sperm head, destabilizing the acrosomal vesicle and resulting in the release of the acrosomal contents. Having shed their acrosome, spermatozoa are then capable of penetrating the outer vestments of the oocyte and initiating fertilization. Accordingly, the failure of spermatozoa to complete an acrosome reaction represents a relatively common etiology in male infertility patients, and the ability to induce acrosomal exocytosis has found clinical utility in the evaluation of sperm fertilizing capacity. Here, we firstly describe protocols for driving the capacitation of human spermatozoa in vitro using chemically defined media in order to prime the cells for completion of acrosomal exocytosis. We then describe methodology routinely used for the induction of acrosomal exocytosis incorporating either a physiological agonist (i.e., the steroidal hormone, progesterone) or pharmacological reagent (i.e., the divalent cation ionophore, A23187). Finally, we describe the application of histochemical and immunofluorescence techniques that can be applied to study the completion of the acrosome reaction. Such protocols have important diagnostic utility for sperm function testing in both clinical and andrological research laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenae L Cafe
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Amanda L Anderson
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
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86
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Abstract
Mitochondrial fusion and fission (mitochondrial dynamics) are homeostatic processes that safeguard normal cellular function. This relationship is especially strong in tissues with constitutively high energy demands, such as brain, heart and skeletal muscle. Less is known about the role of mitochondrial dynamics in developmental systems that involve changes in metabolic function. One such system is spermatogenesis. The first mitochondrial dynamics gene, Fuzzy onions (Fzo), was discovered in 1997 to mediate mitochondrial fusion during Drosophila spermatogenesis. In mammals, however, the role of mitochondrial fusion during spermatogenesis remained unknown for nearly two decades after discovery of Fzo Mammalian spermatogenesis is one of the most complex and lengthy differentiation processes in biology, transforming spermatogonial stem cells into highly specialized sperm cells over a 5-week period. This elaborate differentiation process requires several developmentally regulated mitochondrial and metabolic transitions, making it an attractive model system for studying mitochondrial dynamics in vivo We review the emerging role of mitochondrial biology, and especially its dynamics, during the development of the male germ line.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grigor Varuzhanyan
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - David C Chan
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
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87
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Walker C, Ghazisaeidi S, Collet B, Boisvert A, Culty M. In utero exposure to low doses of genistein and di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) alters innate immune cells in neonatal and adult rat testes. Andrology 2020; 8:943-964. [PMID: 32533902 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although humans are exposed to mixtures of endocrine disruptor chemicals, few studies have examined their toxicity on male reproduction. We previously found that fetal exposure to a mixture of the phytoestrogen genistein (GEN) and the plasticizer di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) altered gene expression in adult rat testes. OBJECTIVES Our goal was to investigate the effects of fetal exposure to GEN-DEHP mixtures at two doses relevant to humans on testicular function and transcriptome in neonatal and adult rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS Pregnant SD rats were gavaged with vehicle, GEN or DEHP, alone or mixed at 0.1 and 10 mg/kg/day, from gestation day 14 to birth. Fertility, steroid levels, and testis morphology were examined in neonatal and adult rats. Testicular transcriptomes were examined by gene array and functional pathway analyses. Cell-specific genes/proteins were determined by quantitative real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS GEN-DEHP mixtures increased the rates of infertility and abnormal testes in adult rats. Gene array analysis identified more genes exclusively altered by the mixtures than individual compounds. Altered top canonical pathways included urogenital/reproductive developmental and inflammatory processes. GEN-DEHP mixtures increased innate immune cells and macrophages markers at both doses and ages, more strongly and consistently than DEHP or GEN alone. Genes exclusively increased by the mixture in adult testis related to innate immune cells and macrophages included Kitlg, Rps6ka3 (Rsk2), Nr3c1, Nqo1, Lif, Fyn, Ptprj (Dep-1), Gpr116, Pfn2, and Ptgr1. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION These findings demonstrate that GEN-DEHP mixtures at doses relevant to human induce adverse testicular phenotypes, concurrent with age-dependent and non-monotonic changes in testicular transcriptomes. The involvement of innate immune cells such as macrophages suggests immediate and delayed inflammatory responses which may contribute to testicular dysfunction. Moreover, these effects are complex and likely involve multiple interactions between immune and non-immune testicular cell types that will entail further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casandra Walker
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Shahrzad Ghazisaeidi
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Berenice Collet
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Annie Boisvert
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Martine Culty
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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88
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Kaneko T, Toh S, Mochida I, Iwamori N, Inai T, Iida H. Identification of TMCO2 as an acrosome-associated protein during rat spermiogenesis. Mol Reprod Dev 2020; 87:808-818. [PMID: 32592233 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
We isolated the transmembrane and coiled-coil domains 2 (Tmco2) gene using a polymerase chain reaction-based subtraction technique. Tmco2 is predominantly expressed in rat testes starting from 4 weeks of age. Rat TMCO2 consists of 187 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of 20.6 kDa. When expressed in COS7 cells, TMCO2 was found as vesicle-like structures in the cytoplasm, whereas TMCO2ΔTM lacking the transmembrane (TM) region was found diffused in the cytoplasm. These results suggest that the TM region in TMCO2 is essential for its specificity of localization. Immunocytochemical analyzes indicated that rat TMCO2 was localized as small semiluminate bodies or cap-like structures in the vicinity of round spermatid nuclei and as curved lines associated with nuclei of elongated spermatids and caput epididymal spermatozoa. However, it was detected in only a small part of cauda epididymal spermatozoa. Double immunolabeling of the spermatids and spermatozoa with the anti-TMCO2 antibody and the monoclonal anti-MN7 antibody showed that TMCO2 was predominantly associated with the inner acrosomal membrane in spermatids and caput epididymal spermatozoa. Our findings suggest that TMCO2 might be involved in the process of acrosome biogenesis, especially binding of acrosome to a nucleus, during spermiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takane Kaneko
- Department of Bioresource Sciences, Laboratory of Zoology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Saori Toh
- Department of Bioresource Sciences, Laboratory of Zoology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Izumi Mochida
- Department of Bioresource Sciences, Laboratory of Zoology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Naoki Iwamori
- Department of Bioresource Sciences, Laboratory of Zoology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Tetsuichiro Inai
- Department of Morphological Biology, Fukuoka Dental College, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Iida
- Department of Bioresource Sciences, Laboratory of Zoology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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89
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Qu W, Tarique I, Deng B, Zhang Y, Haseeb A, Chen Q, Yang P. Cellular evidence of autophagy in Sertoli cells during spermatogenesis in goats. Theriogenology 2020; 154:237-245. [PMID: 32682203 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Sertoli cells (SCs) play their nursing role as structural and functional supporting cells during spermatogenesis to ensure the production of highly specialized mature spermatozoa. Besides that, the role of SCs in autophagy during active (adult) and inactive (young) spermatogenesis in the caprine testis is still largely unknown. In this study, we investigated autophagy in goat SCs by light microscopy, immunohistochemistry (IHC), double immunofluorescence (double-IF), and transmission electron microscopy. Light microscopy showed active seminiferous tubules with SCs and layers of developing germ cells in the adult goat testis. In young goats, layer of germ cells and SCs was viewed on the basal membrane in the seminiferous tubule. IHC of autophagy-related 7 (ATG7) showed moderate expressions in the cytoplasmic extensions of SCs during inactive spermatogenesis, and strong expression was observed during active spermatogenesis in the testis of goat. Co-immunolabeling of p62 or light chain 3 (LC3) with vimentin showed increasing expression from the basal to the luminal compartment of the seminiferous tubule and stronger expression during active than inactive spermatogenesis in the testis of goat. Ultrastructure assessment of the cytoplasm in SCs showed phagophores, generated from the endoplasmic reticulum during active spermatocytogenesis. Numerous autophagosomes and autolysosomes were noted in the SCs cytoplasm, which surrounds the spermatogenic cells in the basal compartment of the seminiferous tubules. At a later stage, SCs showed autophagosomes and autolysosomes, together with multivesicular bodies (MVB), during spermiogenesis at different phases of the acrosome formation. Numerous embedded elongated spermatozoa were found in the cytoplasm of SCs, surrounded by autophagic components and MVB. Under TEM, the mean diameter of autophagosomes was 952.35 nm and that of autolysosomes was 504.38 nm. Collectively, these results suggest that autophagy is active in SCs during caprine spermatogenesis and that the level of autophagy becomes more evident as spermatogenesis advances from the basal to the luminal compartment of SC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjia Qu
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210095, China.
| | - Imran Tarique
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210095, China.
| | - Bihua Deng
- Institute of Veterinary Immunology and Engineering, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210014, China.
| | - Yue Zhang
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210095, China.
| | - Abdul Haseeb
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210095, China.
| | - Quisheng Chen
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210095, China.
| | - Ping Yang
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210095, China.
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90
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Samanta L, Sharma R, Cui Z, Agarwal A. Proteomic analysis reveals dysregulated cell signaling in ejaculated spermatozoa from infertile men. Asian J Androl 2020; 21:121-130. [PMID: 30381577 PMCID: PMC6413549 DOI: 10.4103/aja.aja_56_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Dysfunctional sperm maturation is the primary reason for the poor sperm motility and morphology in infertile men. Spermatozoa from infertile men were fractioned on three-layer density gradient (80%, 60%, and 40%). Fraction 1 (F1) refers to the least mature stage having the lowest density, whereas the fraction 4 (F4) includes the most dense and morphologically mature motile spermatozoa. Fraction 2 (F2) and fraction 3 (F3) represent the intermediate stages. Proteins were extracted and separated by 1-dimensional gel. Bands were digested with trypsin and analyzed on a LTQ-Orbitrap Elite hybrid mass spectrometer system. Functional annotations of proteins were obtained using bioinformatics tools and pathway databases. A total of 1585 proteins were detected in the four fractions of spermatozoa. A dysregulated protein turnover and protein folding may lead to accumulation of defective proteins or proteins that otherwise would have been eliminated during the process of maturation, resulting in the impairment of sperm function. Aberrant chaperone expression may be a major contributing factor to the defective sperm function. Androgen receptor was predicted as a transcription regulator in one of the networks and the affected pathways were chaperone-mediated stress response, proteosomal pathway, and sperm function. The downregulation of key pathways and proteins which compromises the fertilizing potential of spermatozoa may provide insight into the mechanisms that lead to male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luna Samanta
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.,Department of Zoology, School of Life Sciences, Ravenshaw University, Cuttack, Odisha 753003, India
| | - Rakesh Sharma
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Zhihong Cui
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.,Institute of Toxicology, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
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91
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Qu W, Yuan S, Quan C, Huang Q, Zhou Q, Yap Y, Shi L, Zhang D, Guest T, Li W, Yee SP, Zhang L, Cazin C, Hess RA, Ray PF, Kherraf ZE, Zhang Z. The essential role of intraflagellar transport protein IFT81 in male mice spermiogenesis and fertility. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2020; 318:C1092-C1106. [PMID: 32233951 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00450.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Intraflagellar transport (IFT) is an evolutionarily conserved mechanism that is indispensable for the formation and maintenance of cilia and flagella; however, the implications and functions of IFT81 remain unknown. In this study, we disrupted IFT81 expression in male germ cells starting from the spermatocyte stage. As a result, homozygous mutant males were completely infertile and displayed abnormal sperm parameters. In addition to oligozoospermia, spermatozoa presented dysmorphic and nonfunctional flagella. Histological examination of testes from homozygous mutant mice revealed abnormal spermiogenesis associated with sloughing of germ cells and the presence of numerous multinucleated giant germ cells (symblasts) in the lumen of seminiferous tubules and epididymis. Moreover, only few elongated spermatids and spermatozoa were seen in analyzed cross sections. Transmission electron microscopy showed a complete disorganization of the axoneme and para-axonemal structures such as the mitochondrial sheath, fibrous sheath, and outer dense fibers. In addition, numerous vesicles that contain unassembled microtubules were observed within developing spermatids. Acrosome structure analysis showed normal appearance, thus excluding a crucial role of IFT81 in acrosome biogenesis. These observations showed that IFT81 is an important member of the IFT process during spermatogenesis and that its absence is associated with abnormal flagellum formation leading to male infertility. The expression levels of several IFT components in testes, including IFT20, IFT25, IFT27, IFT57, IFT74, and IFT88, but not IFT140, were significantly reduced in homozygous mutant mice. Overall, our study demonstrates that IFT81 plays an essential role during spermatogenesis by modulating the assembly and elongation of the sperm flagella.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Qu
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Shuo Yuan
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Chao Quan
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Qian Huang
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Qi Zhou
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Yitian Yap
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Lin Shi
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
| | - David Zhang
- College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia
| | - Tamia Guest
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Siu-Pok Yee
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut
| | - Ling Zhang
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Caroline Cazin
- Team Genetic, Epigenetic and Therapies of Infertility, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Université Grenoble Alpes, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1209, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique Unité Mixte de Recherche 5309, Grenoble, France.,Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Rex A Hess
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Pierre F Ray
- Team Genetic, Epigenetic and Therapies of Infertility, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Université Grenoble Alpes, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1209, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique Unité Mixte de Recherche 5309, Grenoble, France.,Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Zine-Eddine Kherraf
- Team Genetic, Epigenetic and Therapies of Infertility, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Université Grenoble Alpes, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1209, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique Unité Mixte de Recherche 5309, Grenoble, France.,Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Zhibing Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
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92
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Chen Z, Li X, Jin J, Zhou W, Chen J, Fok KL. Connective tissue growth factor mediates mouse spermatogonial migration associated with differentiation. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2020; 1867:118708. [PMID: 32240712 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2020.118708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogonia migrate to the microenvironment during the establishment from gonocytes and leave it when they differentiate. However, the mechanisms underlying the regulation of spermatogonial differentiation-associated migration remain mostly unknown. In this study, we show that spermatogonial differentiation induced by retinoic acid (RA) was accompanied with increased migration ability and elevated expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), a member of the CCN family. CTGF was mainly expressed in the testicular somatic cells and committed spermatogonial progenitors. Recombinant CTGF (rCTGF) promoted the spermatogonial migration and silencing of endogenous CTGF suppressed the migration of homogenous spermatogonial cell lines. Moreover, depletion of CTGF by neutralizing antibody inhibited the elevated migration ability induced by RA, suggesting both the paracrine and autocrine roles of CTGF in spermatogonial migration associated with differentiation. Finally, CTGF interacted with β1-integrin and regulated its level in spermatogonial cell lines. Together, our study provides novel insights into the regulation of spermatogonial migration by CTGF, which may shed light on the diagnosis and treatment of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyi Chen
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Xiaofeng Li
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Jing Jin
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Wei Zhou
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Junjiang Chen
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Kin Lam Fok
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; School of Biomedical Sciences Core Laboratory, Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China.
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93
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Li L, Li H, Wang L, Wu S, Lv L, Tahir A, Xiao X, Wong CKC, Sun F, Ge R, Cheng CY. Role of cell polarity and planar cell polarity (PCP) proteins in spermatogenesis. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2020; 55:71-87. [PMID: 32207344 DOI: 10.1080/10409238.2020.1742091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Studies on cell polarity proteins and planar cell polarity (PCP) proteins date back to almost 40 years ago in Drosophila and C. elegans when these proteins were shown to be crucial to support apico-basal polarity and also directional alignment of polarity cells across the plane of an epithelium during morphogenesis. In adult mammals, cell polarity and PCP are most notable in cochlear hair cells. However, the role of these two groups of proteins to support spermatogenesis was not explored until a decade earlier when several proteins that confer cell polarity and PCP proteins were identified in the rat testis. Since then, there are several reports appearing in the literature to examine the role of both cell polarity and PCP in supporting spermatogenesis. Herein, we provide an overview regarding the role of cell polarity and PCP proteins in the testis, evaluating these findings in light of studies in other mammalian epithelial cells/tissues. Our goal is to provide a timely evaluation of these findings, and provide some thought provoking remarks to guide future studies based on an evolving concept in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linxi Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Center for Biomedical Research, The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Population Council, New York, USA
| | - Huitao Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Center for Biomedical Research, The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Population Council, New York, USA
| | - Lingling Wang
- Center for Biomedical Research, The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Population Council, New York, USA
| | - Siwen Wu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Center for Biomedical Research, The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Population Council, New York, USA
| | - Lixiu Lv
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Anam Tahir
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiang Xiao
- Department of Reproductive Physiology, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chris K C Wong
- Department of Biology, Croucher Institute for Environmental Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, China
| | - Renshan Ge
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Center for Biomedical Research, The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Population Council, New York, USA
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94
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Wang X, Xie W, Yao Y, Zhu Y, Zhou J, Cui Y, Guo X, Yuan Y, Zhou Z, Liu M. The heat shock protein family gene Hspa1l in male mice is dispensable for fertility. PeerJ 2020; 8:e8702. [PMID: 32231871 PMCID: PMC7098389 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.8702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Heat shock protein family A member 1 like (Hspa1l) is a member of the 70kD heat shock protein (Hsp70) family. HSPA1L is an ancient, evolutionarily conserved gene with a highly conserved domain structure. The gene is highly abundant and constitutively expressed in the mice testes. However, the role of Hspa1l in the testes has still not been elucidated. Methods Hspa1l-mutant mice were generated using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Histological and immunofluorescence staining were used to analyze the phenotypes of testis and epididymis. Apoptotic cells were detected through TUNEL assays. Fertility and sperm motilities were also tested. Quantitative RT-PCR was used for analyzing of candidate genes expression. Heat treatment was used to induce heat stress of the testis. Results We successfully generated Hspa1l knockout mice. Hspa1l -/- mice exhibited normal development and fertility. Further, Hspa1l -/- mice shown no significant difference in spermatogenesis, the number of apoptotic cells in testes epididymal histology, sperm count and sperm motility from Hspa1l +/+ mice. Moreover, heat stress does not exacerbate the cell apoptosis in Hspa1l -/- testes. These results revealed that HSPA1L is not essential for physiological spermatogenesis, nor is it involved in heat-induced stress responses, which provides a basis for further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenxiu Xie
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yejin Yao
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yunfei Zhu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jianli Zhou
- Animal Core Facility, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yiqiang Cui
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xuejiang Guo
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Yuan
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zuomin Zhou
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mingxi Liu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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95
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Nowicka-Bauer K, Nixon B. Molecular Changes Induced by Oxidative Stress that Impair Human Sperm Motility. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:antiox9020134. [PMID: 32033035 PMCID: PMC7070831 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9020134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A state of oxidative stress (OS) and the presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the male reproductive tract are strongly correlated with infertility. While physiological levels of ROS are necessary for normal sperm functioning, elevated ROS production can overwhelm the cell's limited antioxidant defenses leading to dysfunction and loss of fertilizing potential. Among the deleterious pleiotropic impacts arising from OS, sperm motility appears to be particularly vulnerable. Here, we present a mechanistic account for how OS contributes to altered sperm motility profiles. In our model, it is suggested that the abundant polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) residing in the sperm membrane serve to sensitize the male germ cell to ROS attack by virtue of their ability to act as substrates for lipid peroxidation (LPO) cascades. Upon initiation, LPO leads to dramatic remodeling of the composition and biophysical properties of sperm membranes and, in the case of the mitochondria, this manifests in a dissipation of membrane potential, electron leakage, increased ROS production and reduced capacity for energy production. This situation is exacerbated by the production of cytotoxic LPO byproducts such as 4-hydroxynonenal, which dysregulate molecules associated with sperm bioenergetic pathways as well as the structural and signaling components of the motility apparatus. The impact of ROS also extends to lesions in the paternal genome, as is commonly seen in the defective spermatozoa of asthenozoospermic males. Concluding, the presence of OS in the male reproductive tract is strongly and positively correlated with reduced sperm motility and fertilizing potential, thus providing a rational target for the development of new therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Nowicka-Bauer
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, 60-479 Poznan, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | - Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Newcastle, NSW 2308, Australia;
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, Newcastle, NSW 2305, Australia
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96
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Chen H, Huang Y, Liu T, Haseeb A, Ahmed N, Zhang L, Bian X, Chen Q. Characteristics of seasonal spermatogenesis in the soft-shelled turtle. Anim Reprod Sci 2020; 214:106307. [PMID: 32087920 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2020.106307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis in reptiles is a seasonally dependent physiological process that is not temporally associated with male mating behavior. Characteristics of seasonal spermatogenesis in reptiles, however, remain largely unknown. In this review, there is a coverage of the characteristics of soft-shelled turtle, Pelodiscus sinensis, during seasonal spermatogenesis that provides insights into spermatogenesis of testudines. The seminiferous epithelium of P. sinensis are undergoing spermatogenesis during the summer and fall, but are quiescent throughout the rest of the year; germ cells progress through spermatogenic stages in a temporal rather than a spatial pattern. While apoptotic germ cells mainly appear in the non-spermatogenic phase, these are seldom present during active spermatogenesis. It is inferred that apoptosis may be one of the reasons for germ cell loss during the resting phase of spermatogenesis. During the period when spermatogenesis is occurring, Sertoli cells become very narrow and are in contact with several round/elongated spermatids. Many residual spermatozoa can be internalized and degraded within Sertoli cells by entosis during the non-spermatogenic phase, which precedes the next reproductive cycle in P. sinensis. In the late spermatogenic phase, round-shaped mitochondria of spermatids become elongated and swollen, subsequently forming a crescent-like shape and develop into "onion-like" shaped mitochondria. As spermiogenesis progresses, the endoplasmic reticulum of spermatids is transferred into a specialized structure called the "Chrysanthemum flower center", which may be a source of autophagosomal membranes. The information provided in this review will help improve understanding of characteristics of seasonal spermatogenesis, which will hopefully promote interest in the study of reptilian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Chen
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210095, China
| | - Yufei Huang
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210095, China
| | - Tengfei Liu
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210095, China
| | - Abdul Haseeb
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210095, China
| | - Nisar Ahmed
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210095, China
| | - Li Zhang
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210095, China
| | - Xunguang Bian
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210095, China
| | - Qiusheng Chen
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210095, China.
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97
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Zhang Z, Huang Q, Wang Z, Zou J, Yu Z, Strauss Iii JF, Zhang Z. Elongin B is a binding partner of the male germ cell nuclear speckle protein sperm-associated antigen 16S (SPAG16S) and is regulated post-transcriptionally in the testis. Reprod Fertil Dev 2020; 31:962-971. [PMID: 30811962 DOI: 10.1071/rd18303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study we identified Elongin B, a regulatory subunit of the trimeric elongation factor Elongin ABC, which increases the overall rate of elongation by RNA polymerase II, as a major binding partner of sperm-associated antigen 16S (SPAG16S), a component of nuclear speckles. Nuclear speckles are nuclear subcompartments involved in RNA maturation. Previously, we showed that SPAG16S is essential for spermatogenesis. In the present study, a specific antibody against mouse Elongin B was generated and reacted with a protein with the predicted size of Elongin B in the testis; immunofluorescence staining revealed that the Elongin B was located in the nuclei and residual bodies. In round spermatids, Elongin B was colocalised with splicing factor SC35 (SC35), a marker of nuclear speckles. During the first wave of spermatogenesis, Elongin B transcripts were initially detected at Postnatal Day (PND) 8, and levels were greatly increased afterwards. However, Elongin B protein was only found from PND30, when germ cells progressed through spermiogenesis. Polysomal gradient analysis of Elongin B transcripts isolated from adult mouse testes revealed that most of the Elongin B mRNA was associated with translationally inactive, non-polysomal ribonucleoproteins. An RNA electrophoretic mobility shift assay demonstrated that the 3' untranslated region of the Elongin B transcript was bound by proteins present in testis but not liver extracts. These findings suggest that post-transcriptional regulation of Elongin B occurs in the testis, which is a common phenomenon during male germ cell development. As a major binding partner of SPAG16S, Elongin B may play an important role in spermatogenesis by modulating RNA maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengang Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang da dao, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1101 E. Marshall Street, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Qian Huang
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, 275E Hancock Street, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; and Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, 2 Huangjiahu xi lu, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, China
| | - Zhenyu Wang
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, 275E Hancock Street, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; and Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, 2 Huangjiahu xi lu, Wuhan, Hubei 430065, China
| | - Jie Zou
- Wuhan Institute of Skin Disease Prevention and Control, 64 Wusheng lu, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Zuoren Yu
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, 150 Jimo lu, Shanghai, China
| | - Jerome F Strauss Iii
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1101 E. Marshall Street, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Zhibing Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, 275E Hancock Street, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, 275E Hancock Street, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; and Corresponding author.
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98
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Liu S, Li H, Wu S, Li L, Ge R, Cheng CY. NC1-peptide regulates spermatogenesis through changes in cytoskeletal organization mediated by EB1. FASEB J 2020; 34:3105-3128. [PMID: 31909540 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201901968rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
During the epithelial cycle of spermatogenesis, different sets of cellular events take place across the seminiferous epithelium in the testis. For instance, remodeling of the blood-testis barrier (BTB) that facilitates the transport of preleptotene spermatocytes across the immunological barrier and the release of sperms at spermiation take place at the opposite ends of the epithelium simultaneously at stage VIII of the epithelial cycle. These cellular events are tightly coordinated via locally produced regulatory biomolecules. Studies have shown that collagen α3 (IV) chains, a major constituent component of the basement membrane, release the non-collagenous (NC) 1 domain, a 28-kDa peptide, designated NC1-peptide, from the C-terminal region, via the action of MMP-9 (matrix metalloproteinase 9). NC1-peptide was found to be capable of inducing BTB remodeling and spermatid release across the epithelium. As such, the NC1-peptide is an endogenously produced biologically active peptide which coordinates these cellular events across the epithelium in stage VIII tubules. Herein, we used an animal model, wherein NC1-peptide cloned into the pCI-neo mammalian expression vector was overexpressed in the testis, to better understanding the molecular mechanism by which NC1-peptide regulated spermatogenic function. It was shown that NC1-peptide induced considerable downregulation on a number of cell polarity and planar cell polarity (PCP) proteins, and studies have shown these polarity and PCP proteins modulate spermatid polarity and adhesion via their effects on microtubule (MT) and F-actin cytoskeletal organization across the epithelium. More important, NC1-peptide exerted its effects by downregulating the expression of microtubule (MT) plus-end tracking protein (+TIP) called EB1 (end-binding protein 1). We cloned the full-length EB1 cDNA for its overexpression in the testis, which was found to block the NC1-peptide-mediated disruptive effects on cytoskeletal organization in Sertoli cell epithelium and pertinent Sertoli cell functions. These findings thus illustrate that NC1-peptide is working in concert with EB1 to support spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiwen Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY, USA
| | - Huitao Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY, USA
| | - Siwen Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY, USA
| | - Linxi Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY, USA
| | - Renshan Ge
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY, USA
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99
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Sperm RNA: Quo vadis? Semin Cell Dev Biol 2020; 97:123-130. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2019.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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100
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Marchetti F, Douglas GR, Yauk CL. A Return to the Origin of the EMGS: Rejuvenating the Quest for Human Germ Cell Mutagens and Determining the Risk to Future Generations. ENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS 2020; 61:42-54. [PMID: 31472026 DOI: 10.1002/em.22327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Fifty years ago, the Environmental Mutagen Society (now Environmental Mutagenesis and Genomics Society) was founded with a laser-focus on germ cell mutagenesis and the protection of "our most vital assets"-the sperm and egg genomes. Yet, five decades on, despite the fact that many agents have been demonstrated to induce inherited changes in the offspring of exposed laboratory rodents, there is no consensus on whether human germ cell mutagens exist. We argue that it is time to reevaluate the available data and conclude that we already have evidence for the existence of environmental exposures that impact human germ cells. What is missing are definite data to demonstrate a significant increase in de novo mutations in the offspring of exposed parents. We believe that with over two decades of research advancing knowledge and technologies in genomics, we are at the cusp of generating data to conclusively show that environmental exposures cause heritable de novo changes in the human offspring. We call on the research community to harness our technologies, synergize our efforts, and return to our Founders' original focus. The next 50 years must involve collaborative work between clinicians, epidemiologists, genetic toxicologists, genomics experts and bioinformaticians to precisely define how environmental exposures impact germ cell genomes. It is time for the research and regulatory communities to prepare to interpret the coming outpouring of data and develop a framework for managing, communicating and mitigating the risk of exposure to human germ cell mutagens. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 61:42-54, 2020. © 2019 Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Marchetti
- Environmental Health Science Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - George R Douglas
- Environmental Health Science Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Carole L Yauk
- Environmental Health Science Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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