51
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Eaton SA, Jayasooriah N, Buckland ME, Martin DIK, Cropley JE, Suter CM. Roll over Weismann: extracellular vesicles in the transgenerational transmission of environmental effects. Epigenomics 2015; 7:1165-71. [DOI: 10.2217/epi.15.58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
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52
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Histological and morphometric study of the epididymus of Chinchilla lanigera Grey under controlled conditions in captivity. ZYGOTE 2015; 24:355-63. [DOI: 10.1017/s096719941500026x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
SummaryChinchilla lanigera, native to the Andean Mountains of Perú, Chile, Bolivia and Argentina, is a specimen of great economic importance because of its fur. In mammals, spermatozoa originate in testes and are transported to the epididymis, where they undergo morphological and biochemical modifications known as sperm maturation, a basic step in the acquisition of their fertilizing ability. The aim of this work is the macroscopic and microscopic analysis of the epididymis of Chinchilla lanigera Grey and its sectorization based on a histomorphological study. The epididymis presents a clear segmentation into four regions: initial segment, caput, corpus and cauda. The epithelium lining the seminiferous tubules is pseudostratified, with principal cells with stereocilia and basal, clear, apical, narrow and halo cells. The histological analysis showed that principal and basal cells are the prevailing populations in all regions, also revealing narrow cells and the absence of clear cells in the initial segment. Each segment presents its different histological and morphometric characteristics, which supports the idea of the specific behaviour of each region, giving a segment-specific character to the process of sperm maturation in this species. No significant differences were found in the morphometric measurements or in the histological evaluation of the epididymis of samples collected in April and October. The fact that no differences were found between the samples collected during the two periods when the reproductive ability in nature is different suggests the importance of external factors in the control of the reproductive cycle of Chinchilla lanigera.
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53
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Dubois L, Stridsberg M, Kharaziha P, Chioureas D, Meersman N, Panaretakis T, Ronquist KG. Malignant cell-derived extracellular vesicles express different chromogranin epitopes compared to prostasomes. Prostate 2015; 75:1063-73. [PMID: 25783430 DOI: 10.1002/pros.22990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2014] [Accepted: 02/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prostasomes are nanosized extracellular vesicles exocytosed by prostate epithelial cells. They have been assigned many roles propitious to sperm in favor of fertilization. Prostatic cancer cells can also produce and secrete extracellular vesicles. METHODS We assessed using ELISA, the surface expression of chromogranin proproteins on prostasomes and malignant extracellular vesicles of four different prostate cancer cell-lines, two hormone sensitive and two hormone refractory. We used a panel of chromogranin A and chromogranin B antibodies against peptides in-between hypothetical cleavage sites along the proproteins. RESULTS A diverging pattern of chromogranin peptides was apparent when comparing prostasomes and malignant extracellular vesicles indicating a phenotypical change. We also compared western blot patterns (prostasomes and malignant extracellular vesicles) for selected antibodies that displayed high absorbances in the ELISA. Western blot analyses revealed various cleavage patterns of those proproteins that were analyzed in prostasomes and extracellular vesicles. CONCLUSION Chromogranins are constituents of not only prostasomes but also of malignant prostate cell-derived extracellular vesicles with different amino acid sequences exposed at the membrane surface giving rise to a mosaic pattern. These findings may be of relevance for designing new assays for detection or even possible treatment of prostate cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Dubois
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mats Stridsberg
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Pedram Kharaziha
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Dimitris Chioureas
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | - K Göran Ronquist
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Johnson GD, Mackie P, Jodar M, Moskovtsev S, Krawetz SA. Chromatin and extracellular vesicle associated sperm RNAs. Nucleic Acids Res 2015; 43:6847-59. [PMID: 26071953 PMCID: PMC4538811 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkv591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2014] [Accepted: 05/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A diverse pool of RNAs remain encapsulated within the transcriptionally silent spermatozoon despite the dramatic reduction in cellular and nuclear volume following cytoplasm/nucleoplasm expulsion. The impact of this pronounced restructuring on the distribution of transcripts inside the sperm essentially remains unknown. To define their compartmentalization, total RNA >100 nt was extracted from sonicated (SS) mouse spermatozoa and detergent demembranated sucrose gradient fractionated (Cs/Tx) sperm heads. Sperm RNAs predominately localized toward the periphery. The corresponding distribution of transcripts and thus localization and complexity were then inferred by RNA-seq. Interestingly, the number of annotated RNAs in the CsTx sperm heads exhibiting reduced peripheral enrichment was restricted. However this included Cabyr, the calcium-binding tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated protein encoded transcript. It is present in murine zygotes prior to the maternal to the zygotic transition yet absent in oocytes, consistent with the delivery of internally positioned sperm-borne RNAs to the embryo. In comparison, transcripts enriched in sonicated sperm contributed to the mitochondria and exosomes along with several nuclear transcripts including the metastasis associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (Malat1) and several small nucleolar RNAs. Their preferential peripheral localization suggests that chromatin remodeling during spermiogenesis is not limited to nucleoproteins as part of the nucleoprotein exchange.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham D Johnson
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Paula Mackie
- CReATe Fertility Centre, Toronto, ON, M5G 1N8, Canada
| | - Meritxell Jodar
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, ON, M5G 1E2, Canada
| | - Sergey Moskovtsev
- CReATe Fertility Centre, Toronto, ON, M5G 1N8, Canada Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Stephen A Krawetz
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, ON, M5G 1E2, Canada
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55
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Akintayo A, Légaré C, Sullivan R. Dicarbonyl L-xylulose reductase (DCXR), a "moonlighting protein" in the bovine epididymis. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0120869. [PMID: 25815750 PMCID: PMC4376396 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0120869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2014] [Accepted: 01/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
During maturation and the acquisition of their fertilization potential, male germ cells are subjected to various sequential modifications that occur in the epididymis. Protein addition, reorganization or withdrawal, comprise some of these modifications. Dicarbonyl L-xylulose reductase (DCXR), a multifunctional protein involved in various enzymatic and protein interaction processes in different physiological systems, is one of the proteins added to spermatozoa in the epididymis. DCXR is a well-conserved protein with multiple characteristics including enzymatic activities and mediation of cell-cell interaction. In this study, we characterized the DCXR gene and protein expression in the bovine epididymis. Dicarbonyl L-xylulose reductase mRNA is differentially expressed in the caput, corpus, and cauda epididymide epithelial cells with a higher level observed in the cauda region. Tissue protein expression follows the same pattern as the corresponding mRNA expression with a cytoplasmic and apical distribution in the corpus and cauda epithelial cells, respectively. The protein can also be found with a nuclear localization in cauda epididymidis epithelial cells. Dicarbonyl L-xylulose reductase is secreted in the epididymis luminal compartment in the soluble fraction and is associated with microvesicular elements named epididymosomes. In spermatozoa, the DCXR protein was found in the cytoplasmic and membranous fractions. Expression of the DCXR protein is higher on caput spermatozoa but finally shows a weak detection in semen. These data describe DCXR in the bovine epididymis and reveal that its behavior differs from that found in humans. It seems that, in this model, the DCXR protein might have a questionable involvement in the fertilization process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayodélé Akintayo
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Québec, Département d’Obstétrique, Gynécologie et Reproduction, Université Laval, Faculté de Medicine, Québec, Canada
| | - Christine Légaré
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Québec, Département d’Obstétrique, Gynécologie et Reproduction, Université Laval, Faculté de Medicine, Québec, Canada
| | - Robert Sullivan
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Québec, Département d’Obstétrique, Gynécologie et Reproduction, Université Laval, Faculté de Medicine, Québec, Canada
- * E-mail:
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56
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Polisca A, Troisi A, Minelli A, Bellezza I, Fontbonne A, Zelli R. Presence of Membranous Vesicles in Cat Seminal Plasma: Ultrastructural Characteristics, Protein Profile and Enzymatic Activity. Reprod Domest Anim 2014; 50:91-6. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.12453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2014] [Accepted: 10/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A Polisca
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria; Università di Perugia; Perugia Italy
| | - A Troisi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria; Università di Perugia; Perugia Italy
| | - A Minelli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale; Università di Perugia; Perugia Italy
| | - I Bellezza
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale; Università di Perugia; Perugia Italy
| | - A Fontbonne
- Centre d'Etude de Reproduction des Carnivores (CERCA); Alfort Veterinary College; Paris France
| | - R Zelli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria; Università di Perugia; Perugia Italy
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57
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Björkgren I, Gylling H, Turunen H, Huhtaniemi I, Strauss L, Poutanen M, Sipilä P. Imbalanced lipid homeostasis in the conditional Dicer1 knockout mouse epididymis causes instability of the sperm membrane. FASEB J 2014; 29:433-42. [DOI: 10.1096/fj.14-259382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ida Björkgren
- Department of PhysiologyInstitute of BiomedicineUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
- Turku Doctoral Programme of Biomedical SciencesTurkuFinland
| | - Helena Gylling
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical NutritionDepartment of Clinical NutritionUniversity of Eastern FinlandKuopioFinland
- Department of MedicineDivision of Internal MedicineUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Heikki Turunen
- Department of PhysiologyInstitute of BiomedicineUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
| | - Ilpo Huhtaniemi
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith CampusLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Leena Strauss
- Department of PhysiologyInstitute of BiomedicineUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
- Turku Center for Disease ModelingUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
| | - Matti Poutanen
- Department of PhysiologyInstitute of BiomedicineUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
- Turku Center for Disease ModelingUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
- Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - Petra Sipilä
- Department of PhysiologyInstitute of BiomedicineUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
- Laboratory Animal CentreUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
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58
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Ebert B, Kisiela M, Maser E. Human DCXR - another ‘moonlighting protein’ involved in sugar metabolism, carbonyl detoxification, cell adhesion and male fertility? Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2014; 90:254-78. [DOI: 10.1111/brv.12108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2013] [Revised: 02/21/2014] [Accepted: 03/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bettina Ebert
- Institute of Toxicology and Pharmacology for Natural Scientists, University Medical School Schleswig-Holstein; Brunswiker Str. 10 24105 Kiel Germany
| | - Michael Kisiela
- Institute of Toxicology and Pharmacology for Natural Scientists, University Medical School Schleswig-Holstein; Brunswiker Str. 10 24105 Kiel Germany
| | - Edmund Maser
- Institute of Toxicology and Pharmacology for Natural Scientists, University Medical School Schleswig-Holstein; Brunswiker Str. 10 24105 Kiel Germany
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59
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Aalberts M, Stout TAE, Stoorvogel W. Prostasomes: extracellular vesicles from the prostate. Reproduction 2013; 147:R1-14. [PMID: 24149515 DOI: 10.1530/rep-13-0358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The term 'prostasomes' is generally used to classify the extracellular vesicles (EVs) released into prostatic fluid by prostate epithelial cells. However, other epithelia within the male reproductive tract also release EVs that mix with 'true' prostasomes during semen emission or ejaculation. Prostasomes have been proposed to regulate the timing of sperm cell capacitation and induction of the acrosome reaction, as well as to stimulate sperm motility where all three are prerequisite processes for spermatozoa to attain fertilising capacity. Other proposed functions of prostasomes include interfering with the destruction of spermatozoa by immune cells within the female reproductive tract. On the other hand, it is unclear whether the distinct presumed functions are performed collectively by a single type of prostasome or by separate distinct sub-populations of EVs. Moreover, the exact molecular mechanisms through which prostasomes exert their functions have not been fully resolved. Besides their physiological functions, prostasomes produced by prostate tumour cells have been suggested to support prostate cancer spread development, and prostasomes in peripheral blood plasma may prove to be valuable biomarkers for prostate cancer.
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60
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Al-Dossary AA, Strehler EE, Martin-DeLeon PA. Expression and secretion of plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase 4a (PMCA4a) during murine estrus: association with oviductal exosomes and uptake in sperm. PLoS One 2013; 8:e80181. [PMID: 24244642 PMCID: PMC3828235 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0080181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2013] [Accepted: 10/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
PMCA4, a membrane protein, is the major Ca2+ efflux pump in murine sperm where its deletion leads to a severe loss of hyperactivated motility and to male infertility. We have previously shown that the PMCA4b splice variant interacts with CASK (Ca2+/CaM-dependent serine kinase) in regulating sperm Ca2+. More recently we detected that PMCA4a isoform, in addition to its presence in testis, is secreted in the epididymal luminal fluid and transferred to sperm. Here we show that Pmca4 mRNA is expressed in both the 4a and 4b variants in the vagina, uterus, and oviduct. Immunofluorescence reveals that PMCA4a is similarly expressed and is elevated during estrus, appearing in the glandular and luminal epithelia. Western analysis detected PMCA4a in all tissues and in the luminal fluids (LF) of the vagina (VLF), uterus (ULF), and the oviduct (OLF) collected during estrus. It was ~9- and 4-fold higher in OLF than in VLF and ULF, and only marginally present in LF collected at metestrus/diestrus. Fractionation of the LF collected at estrus, via ultracentrifugation, revealed that 100% of the PMCA4a resides in the vesicular fraction of the ULF and OLF. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that OLF vesicles have an exosomal orientation (with the cytoplasmic-side inward), a size range of 25-100 nm, with the characteristic CD9 biomarker. Thus, we dubbed these vesicles “oviductosomes”, to which PMCA4a was immunolocalized. Incubation of caudal sperm in the combined LF or exosomes resulted in up to a ~3-fold increase of sperm PMCA4a, as detected by flow cytometry, indicating in vitro uptake. Our results are consistent with the increased requirement of Ca2+ efflux in the oviduct. They show for the first time the presence of oviductal exosomes and highlight their role, along with uterosomes and vaginal exosomes, in post-testicular sperm acquisition of PMCA4a which is essential for hyperactivated motility and fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amal A. Al-Dossary
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, United States of America
| | - Emanuel E. Strehler
- Department of Biochemistry, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Patricia A. Martin-DeLeon
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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61
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Belleannée C, Calvo É, Caballero J, Sullivan R. Epididymosomes convey different repertoires of microRNAs throughout the bovine epididymis. Biol Reprod 2013; 89:30. [PMID: 23803555 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.110486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Epididymosomes are small membrane vesicles that are secreted by epididymal epithelial cells and are involved in posttesticular sperm maturation. Although their role in protein transfer to the sperm membrane is well documented, we report their capacity to transport microRNAs (miRNAs), which are potent regulators of posttranscriptional gene expression. Using a microperfusion technique combined with a global microarray approach, we demonstrated that epididymosomes from two discrete bovine epididymal regions (caput and cauda) possess distinct miRNA signatures. In addition, we also established that miRNA repertoires contained within epididymosomes differ from those of their parent epithelial cells, suggesting that miRNA populations released from the cells may be selectively sorted. Binding of DilC12-labeled epididymosomes to primary cultured epididymal cells was measured by flow cytometry, and the results indicated that epididymosomes from the median caput and their miRNA content may be incorporated into distal caput epithelial cells. Overall, these findings reveal that distinct miRNA repertoires are released into the intraluminal fluid in a region-specific manner and could be involved in a novel mechanism of intercellular communication throughout the epididymis via epididymosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clémence Belleannée
- CHU de Québec Research Center and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Laval University School of Medicine, Quebec, Canada
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62
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Patel R, Al-Dossary AA, Stabley DL, Barone C, Galileo DS, Strehler EE, Martin-DeLeon PA. Plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase 4 in murine epididymis: secretion of splice variants in the luminal fluid and a role in sperm maturation. Biol Reprod 2013; 89:6. [PMID: 23699388 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.108712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Plasma membrane Ca(2+)-ATPase isoform 4 (PMCA4) is the primary Ca(2+) efflux pump in murine sperm, where it regulates motility. In Pmca4 null sperm, motility loss results in infertility. We have shown that murine sperm PMCA4b interacts with Ca(2+)/CaM-dependent serine kinase (CASK) in regulating Ca(2+) homeostasis and motility. However, recent work indicated that the bovine PMCA4a splice variant (missing in testis) is epididymally expressed, along with 4b, and may be transferred to sperm. Here we show, via conventional and in situ RT-PCR, that both the splice variants of Pmca4 mRNA are expressed in murine testis and throughout the epididymis. Immunofluorescence localized PMCA4a to the apical membrane of the epididymal epithelium, and Western analysis not only confirmed its presence but showed for the first time that PMCA4a and PMCA4b are secreted in the epididymal luminal fluid (ELF), from which epididymosomes containing PMCA4a were isolated. Flow cytometry indicated the presence of PMCA4a on mature caudal sperm where it was increased ~5-fold compared to caput sperm (detected by Western blotting) and ~2-fold after incubation in ELF, revealing in vitro uptake and implicating PMCA4a in epididymal sperm maturation. Coimmunoprecipitation using pan-PMCA4 antibodies, revealed that both variants associate with CASK, suggesting their presence in a complex. Because they have different kinetic properties for Ca(2+) transport and different abilities to bind to CASK, our study suggests a mechanism for combining the functional attributes of both PMCA4 variants, leading to heightened efficiency of the pump in the maintenance of Ca(2+) homeostasis, which is crucial for normal motility and male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramkrishna Patel
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
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Sullivan R, Saez F. Epididymosomes, prostasomes, and liposomes: their roles in mammalian male reproductive physiology. Reproduction 2013; 146:R21-35. [PMID: 23613619 DOI: 10.1530/rep-13-0058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 209] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian spermatozoa are unique cells in many ways, and the acquisition of their main function, i.e. fertilization capacity, is a multistep process starting in the male gonad and ending near the female egg for the few cells reaching this point. Owing to the unique character of this cell, the molecular pathways necessary to achieve its maturation also show some specific characteristics. One of the most striking specificities of the spermatozoon is that its DNA is highly compacted after the replacement of histones by protamines, making the classical processes of transcription and translation impossible. The sperm cells are thus totally dependent on their extracellular environment for their protection against oxidative stress, for example, or for the molecular changes occurring during the transit of the epididymis; the first organ in which post-testicular maturation takes place. The molecular mechanisms underlying sperm maturation are still largely unknown, but it has been shown in the past three decades that extracellular vesicles secreted by the male reproductive tract are involved in this process. This review will examine the roles played by two types of naturally occurring extracellular vesicles, epididymosomes and prostasomes, secreted by the epididymis and the prostate respectively. We will also describe how the use of artificial vesicles, liposomes, contributed to the study of male reproductive physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Sullivan
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Université Laval and Reproduction, Mother and Youth Health Research Axes, Research Center, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Pavillon CHUL, 2705 Boul Laurier, Québec, Canada, G1V 4G2.
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64
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Asuvapongpatana S, Saewu A, Chotwiwatthanakun C, Vanichviriyakit R, Weerachatyanukul W. Localization of cathepsin D in mouse reproductive tissues and its acquisition onto sperm surface during epididymal sperm maturation. Acta Histochem 2013. [PMID: 23177142 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2012.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Sperm maturation in the epididymis involves multiple complex events, that include the adsorption of epididymal secretory proteins, re-organization and removal of sperm surface ligands. In this study, we investigated the existence and distribution of cathepsin D (CAT-D) transcripts and proteins in mouse reproductive tissues and proposed a transfer mechanism of CAT-D to the sperm surface. CAT-D transcripts were highly expressed in cultured Sertoli cells, but not in germ cells. The transcriptional level was relatively higher in the caput epididymis (CP) than in the cauda epididymis (CD). At the translational level, CAT-D was detected in testicular somatic cells and in the principal and basal cells in the CP. The expression of CAT-D was fairly specific to the clear cells in the CD. All forms of CAT-D were detected in ultracentrifuged epididymosomes. In conjunction with the expression levels in epididymal epithelium and epididymosomes, CAT-D expression level on the sperm surface was relatively high in CP sperm, but gradually declined toward the CD. Overall, our results indicated that CAT-D was not inherent to sperm themselves, but rather of epididymal origin and was presumably transported to the sperm surface via epididymosomes.
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65
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Vesicular transfer of membrane components to bovine epididymal spermatozoa. Cell Tissue Res 2013; 353:549-61. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-013-1633-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2012] [Accepted: 04/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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66
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Taylor A, Robson A, Houghton BC, Jepson CA, Ford WCL, Frayne J. Epididymal specific, selenium-independent GPX5 protects cells from oxidative stress-induced lipid peroxidation and DNA mutation. Hum Reprod 2013; 28:2332-42. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/det237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
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67
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Ma L, Yu H, Ni Z, Hu S, Ma W, Chu C, Liu Q, Zhang Y. Spink13, an epididymis-specific gene of the Kazal-type serine protease inhibitor (SPINK) family, is essential for the acrosomal integrity and male fertility. J Biol Chem 2013; 288:10154-10165. [PMID: 23430248 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.445866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm maturation involves numerous surface modifications by a variety of secreted proteins from epididymal epithelia. The sperm surface architecture depends on correct localization of its components and highlights the importance of the sequence of the proteolytic processing of the sperm surface in the epididymal duct. The presence of several protease inhibitors from different families is consistent with the hypothesis that correctly timed epididymal protein processing is essential for proper sperm maturation. Here we show that the rat (Rattus norvegicus) epididymis-specific gene Spink13, an androgen-responsive serine protease inhibitor, could bind to the sperm acrosome region. Furthermore, knockdown of Spink13 in vivo dramatically enhanced the acrosomal exocytosis during the process of capacitation and thus led to a significant reduction in male fertility, indicating that Spink13 was essential for sperm maturation. We conclude that blockade of SPINK13 may provide a new putative target for post-testicular male contraceptives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Ma
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 200031 Shanghai, China; Graduate University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, 200031 Shanghai, China
| | - Heguo Yu
- National Population and Family Planning Commission Key Laboratory of Contraceptives and Devices, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, 200032 Shanghai, China
| | - Zimei Ni
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 200031 Shanghai, China
| | - Shuanggang Hu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 200031 Shanghai, China; Graduate University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, 200031 Shanghai, China
| | - Wubin Ma
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 200031 Shanghai, China; Graduate University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, 200031 Shanghai, China
| | - Chen Chu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 200031 Shanghai, China; Graduate University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, 200031 Shanghai, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 200031 Shanghai, China.
| | - Yonglian Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 200031 Shanghai, China; National Population and Family Planning Commission Key Laboratory of Contraceptives and Devices, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, 200032 Shanghai, China.
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68
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Bromfield EG, Nixon B. The function of chaperone proteins in the assemblage of protein complexes involved in gamete adhesion and fusion processes. Reproduction 2013; 145:R31-42. [PMID: 23166368 DOI: 10.1530/rep-12-0316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The remarkable complexity of the molecular events governing adhesion and fusion of the male and female gametes is becoming apparent. Novel research suggests that these highly specific cellular interactions are facilitated by multiprotein complexes that are delivered to and/or assembled on the surface of the gametes by molecular chaperones in preparation for sperm-egg interaction. While the activation of these molecular chaperones and the mechanisms by which they shuttle proteins to the surface of the cell remain the subject of ongoing investigation, a compelling suggestion is that these processes are augmented by dynamic membrane microdomains or lipid rafts that migrate to the apical region of the sperm head after capacitation. Preliminary studies of the oocyte plasma membrane have also revealed the presence of lipid rafts comprising several molecular chaperones, raising the possibility that similar mechanisms may be involved in the activation of maternal fusion machinery and the regulation of oocyte plasma membrane integrity. Despite these findings, the analysis of oocyte surface multiprotein complexes is currently lacking. Further analyses of the intermediary proteins that facilitate the expression of key players in sperm-egg fusion are likely to deliver important insights into this unique event, which culminates in the cytoplasmic continuity of the male and female gametes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth G Bromfield
- Priority Research Centre in Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
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69
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He L, Jiang H, Cao D, Liu L, Hu S, Wang Q. Comparative transcriptome analysis of the accessory sex gland and testis from the Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis). PLoS One 2013; 8:e53915. [PMID: 23342039 PMCID: PMC3547057 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0053915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2012] [Accepted: 12/04/2012] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The accessory sex gland (ASG) is an important component of the male reproductive system, which functions to enhance the fertility of spermatozoa during male reproduction. Certain proteins secreted by the ASG are known to bind to the spermatozoa membrane and affect its function. The ASG gene expression profile in Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) has not been extensively studied, and limited genetic research has been conducted on this species. The advent of high-throughput sequencing technologies enables the generation of genomic resources within a short period of time and at minimal cost. In the present study, we performed de novo transcriptome sequencing to produce a comprehensive transcript dataset for the ASG of E. sinensis using Illumina sequencing technology. This analysis yielded a total of 33,221,284 sequencing reads, including 2.6 Gb of total nucleotides. Reads were assembled into 85,913 contigs (average 218 bp), or 58,567 scaffold sequences (average 292 bp), that identified 37,955 unigenes (average 385 bp). We assembled all unigenes and compared them with the published testis transcriptome from E. sinensis. In order to identify which genes may be involved in ASG function, as it pertains to modification of spermatozoa, we compared the ASG and testis transcriptome of E. sinensis. Our analysis identified specific genes with both higher and lower tissue expression levels in the two tissues, and the functions of these genes were analyzed to elucidate their potential roles during maturation of spermatozoa. Availability of detailed transcriptome data from ASG and testis in E. sinensis can assist our understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved with spermatozoa conservation, transport, maturation and capacitation and potentially acrosome activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin He
- School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Jiang
- School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dandan Cao
- Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lihua Liu
- School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Songnian Hu
- Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qun Wang
- School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail:
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70
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Ronquist GK, Larsson A, Stavreus-Evers A, Ronquist G. Prostasomes are heterogeneous regarding size and appearance but affiliated to one DNA-containing exosome family. Prostate 2012; 72:1736-45. [PMID: 22539202 DOI: 10.1002/pros.22526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2012] [Accepted: 03/13/2012] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prostate acinar epithelial cells release microvesicles (prostasomes) that possess pleiotropic biological effects relevant for successful fertilization. Prostasomes are formed in a similar way as exosomes but are heterogeneous as regards size and appearance. Like exosomes they are thought to be mediators of intercellular communication. METHODS We prepared seminal prostasomes in accordance with the prevailing protocol for exosome preparation including passage through a 0.2 µm filter and centrifugation in a sucrose gradient. RESULTS We compared the "filterable prostasomes" with those trapped on the filter ("nonfilterable prostasomes") and, qualitatively, no conspicuous differences were apparent regarding ultrastructure and SDS-PAGE banding pattern. Moreover, both types of prostasomes contained DNA fragments and Western blot revealed presence of prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA), CD38, and annexin A1. CONCLUSIONS Reasonably, prostasomes could be included in the exosome family and be regarded as one entity containing chromosomal DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Göran K Ronquist
- Department of Medical Sciences, Clinical Chemistry, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
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71
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Abstract
Mammalian spermatogenesis is a complex developmental program in which a diploid progenitor germ cell transforms into highly specialized spermatozoa. One intriguing aspect of sperm production is the dynamic change in membrane lipid composition that occurs throughout spermatogenesis. Cholesterol content, as well as its intermediates, differs vastly between the male reproductive system and nongonadal tissues. Accumulation of cholesterol precursors such as testis meiosis-activating sterol and desmosterol is observed in testes and spermatozoa from several mammalian species. Moreover, cholesterogenic genes, especially meiosis-activating sterol-producing enzyme cytochrome P450 lanosterol 14α-demethylase, display stage-specific expression patterns during spermatogenesis. Discrepancies in gene expression patterns suggest a complex temporal and cell-type specific regulation of sterol compounds during spermatogenesis, which also involves dynamic interactions between germ and Sertoli cells. The functional importance of sterol compounds in sperm production is further supported by the modulation of sterol composition in spermatozoal membranes during epididymal transit and in the female reproductive tract, which is a prerequisite for successful fertilization. However, the exact role of sterols in male reproduction is unknown. This review discusses sterol dynamics in sperm maturation and describes recent methodological advances that will help to illuminate the complexity of sperm formation and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rok Keber
- Department of Animal Science, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Groblje 3, 1230 Domžale, Slovenia
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72
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Bovine sperm raft membrane associated Glioma Pathogenesis-Related 1-like protein 1 (GliPr1L1) is modified during the epididymal transit and is potentially involved in sperm binding to the zona pellucida. J Cell Physiol 2012; 227:3876-86. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.24099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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73
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Zelli R, Bellezza I, Rambotti MG, Minelli A, Polisca A. Ultrastructural and Enzymatic Activity of Membranous Vesicles Isolated from Canine Seminal Plasma. Reprod Domest Anim 2012; 48:252-7. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2012.02141.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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74
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Krapf D, Ruan YC, Wertheimer EV, Battistone MA, Pawlak JB, Sanjay A, Pilder SH, Cuasnicu P, Breton S, Visconti PE. cSrc is necessary for epididymal development and is incorporated into sperm during epididymal transit. Dev Biol 2012; 369:43-53. [PMID: 22750823 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2012.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2011] [Revised: 06/06/2012] [Accepted: 06/20/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Changes that occur to mammalian sperm upon epididymal transit and maturation render these cells capable of moving progressively and capacitating. Signaling events leading to mammalian sperm capacitation depend on the modulation of proteins by phosphorylation and dephosphorylation cascades. Recent experiments have demonstrated that the Src family of kinases plays an important role in the regulation of these events. However, sperm from cSrc null mice display normal tyrosine phosphorylation associated with capacitation. We report here that, despite normal phosphorylation, sperm from cSrc null mice display a severe reduction in forward motility, and are unable to fertilize in vitro. Histological analysis of seminiferous tubules in the testes, caput and corpus epididymis do not reveal obvious defects. However, the cauda epididymis is significantly smaller, and expression of key transport proteins in the epithelial cells lining this region is reduced in cSrc null mice compared to wild type littermates. Although previously, we and others have shown the presence of cSrc in mature sperm from cauda epididymis, a closer evaluation indicates that this tyrosine kinase is not present in sperm from the caput epididymis, suggesting that this protein is acquired by sperm later during epididymal maturation. Consistent with this observation, cSrc is enriched in vesicles released by the epididymal epithelium known as epididymosomes. Altogether, these observations indicate that cSrc is essential for cauda epididymal development and suggest an essential role of this kinase in epididymal sperm maturation involving cSrc extracellular trafficking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Krapf
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
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75
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Barraud-Lange V, Chalas Boissonnas C, Serres C, Auer J, Schmitt A, Lefèvre B, Wolf JP, Ziyyat A. Membrane transfer from oocyte to sperm occurs in two CD9-independent ways that do not supply the fertilising ability of Cd9-deleted oocytes. Reproduction 2012; 144:53-66. [PMID: 22554680 DOI: 10.1530/rep-12-0040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Spermatozoa undergo regulation of their functions along their lifespan through exchanges via vesicles or interactions with epithelial cells, in the epididymis, in the seminal fluid and in the female genital tract. Two different ways of oocyte membrane transfer to spermatozoa have been described: trogocytosis and exosomes. We here report an analysis of in vitro exchanges between the membranes of unfertilised oocytes and capacitated spermatozoa. We showed that optimum conditions are fulfilled when unfertilised oocytes interact with acrosome-reacted spermatozoa, a scenario mimicking the events occurring when the fertilising spermatozoon is inside the perivitelline space. Although CD9 tetraspanin is an essential molecule for fertilisation, exosome and trogocytosis transfer persists in Cd9-null oocytes in spite of their dramatic fusion failure. These exchanges are CD9 tetraspanin independent. We also confirm that mice sperm express CD9 tetraspanin and that when Cd9-null oocytes were inseminated with sperm covered with oocyte membrane materials, including CD9 tetraspanin, no rescue of the oocytes' fertilisability could be obtained. Thus, the existence of two ways of exchange between gametes during fertilisation suggests that these events could be of a physiological importance in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginie Barraud-Lange
- Service d'Histologie Embryologie, Biologie de la Reproduction, Hôpital Cochin, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris Descartes, 123, Boulevard Port Royal, 75013 Paris, France
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76
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Dun MD, Aitken RJ, Nixon B. The role of molecular chaperones in spermatogenesis and the post-testicular maturation of mammalian spermatozoa. Hum Reprod Update 2012; 18:420-35. [DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dms009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
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77
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Ijiri TW, Merdiushev T, Cao W, Gerton GL. Identification and validation of mouse sperm proteins correlated with epididymal maturation. Proteomics 2011; 11:4047-62. [PMID: 21805633 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201100075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2011] [Revised: 06/03/2011] [Accepted: 07/11/2011] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Sperm need to mature in the epididymis to become capable of fertilization. To understand the molecular mechanisms of mouse sperm maturation, we conducted a proteomic analysis using saturation dye labeling to identify proteins of caput and cauda epididymal sperm that exhibited differences in amounts or positions on two-dimensional gels. Of eight caput epididymal sperm-differential proteins, three were molecular chaperones and three were structural proteins. Of nine cauda epididymal sperm-differential proteins, six were enzymes of energy metabolism. To validate these proteins as markers of epididymal maturation, immunoblotting and immunofluorescence analyses were performed. During epididymal transit, heat shock protein 2 was eliminated with the cytoplasmic droplet and smooth muscle γ-actin exhibited reduced fluorescence from the anterior acrosome while the signal intensity of aldolase A increased, especially in the principal piece. Besides these changes, we observed protein spots, such as glutathione S-transferase mu 5 and the E2 component of pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, shifting to more basic isoelectric points, suggesting post-translational changes such dephosphorylation occur during epididymal maturation. We conclude that most caput epididymal sperm-differential proteins contribute to the functional modification of sperm structures and that many cauda epididymal sperm-differential proteins are involved in ATP production that promotes sperm functions such as motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi W Ijiri
- Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6080, USA
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78
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Girouard J, Frenette G, Sullivan R. Comparative proteome and lipid profiles of bovine epididymosomes collected in the intraluminal compartment of the caput and cauda epididymidis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 34:e475-86. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2605.2011.01203.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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79
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Asano A, Nelson JL, Zhang S, Travis AJ. Characterization of the proteomes associating with three distinct membrane raft sub-types in murine sperm. Proteomics 2011; 10:3494-505. [PMID: 20815087 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201000002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian sperm are transcriptionally and translationally inactive. To meet changing needs in the epididymis and female tract, they rely heavily on post-translational modifications and protein acquisition/degradation. Membrane rafts are sterol and sphingolipid-enriched micro-domains that organize and regulate various pathways. Rafts have significance in sperm by transducing the stimulus of sterol efflux into changes in intracellular signaling that confer fertilization competence. We recently characterized three biochemically distinct sub-types of sperm rafts, and now present profiles for proteins targeting to and associating with these sub-types, along with a fraction largely comprised of "non-raft" domains. Proteomics analysis using a gel-based LC-MS/MS approach identified 190 strictly validated proteins in the raft sub-types. Interestingly, many of these are known to be expressed in the epididymis, where sperm membrane composition matures. To investigate potential roles for rafts in epididymal protein acquisition, we compared the expression and localization of two different sterol-interacting proteins, apolipoprotein-A1 (apoA1) and prominin-1 (prom1) in sperm from different zones. We found that apoA1 was gradually added to the plasma membrane overlying the acrosome, whereas prom1 was not, suggesting different mechanisms for raft protein acquisition. Our results define raft-associating proteins, demonstrate functional similarities and differences among raft sub-types, and provide insights into raft-mediated epididymal protein acquisition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Asano
- The Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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80
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Kawano N, Yoshida K, Miyado K, Yoshida M. Lipid rafts: keys to sperm maturation, fertilization, and early embryogenesis. J Lipids 2011; 2011:264706. [PMID: 21490798 PMCID: PMC3068481 DOI: 10.1155/2011/264706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2010] [Revised: 11/17/2010] [Accepted: 12/17/2010] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell membranes are composed of many different lipids and protein receptors, which are important for regulating intracellular functions and cell signaling. To orchestrate these activities, the cell membrane is compartmentalized into microdomains that are stably or transiently formed. These compartments are called "lipid rafts". In gamete cells that lack gene transcription, distribution of lipids and proteins on these lipid rafts is focused during changes in their structure and functions such as starting flagella movement and membrane fusion. In this paper, we describe the role of lipid rafts in gamete maturation, fertilization, and early embryogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natsuko Kawano
- Division of Gamete and Reproductive Biology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan
| | - Kaoru Yoshida
- Biomedical Engineering Center, Toin University of Yokohama, Yokohama 225-8502, Japan
| | - Kenji Miyado
- Division of Gamete and Reproductive Biology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan
| | - Manabu Yoshida
- Misaki Marine Biological Station, Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo, Miura, Kanagawa 238-0225, Japan
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81
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Abstract
Cholesterol, being the starting point of steroid hormone synthesis, is a long known modulator of both female and male reproductive physiology especially at the level of the gonads and the impact cholesterol has on gametogenesis. Less is known about the effects cholesterol homeostasis may have on postgonadic reproductive functions. Lately, several data have been reported showing how imbalanced cholesterol levels may particularly affect the post-testicular events of sperm maturation that lead to fully fertile male gametes. This review will focus on that aspect and essentially centers on how cholesterol is important for the physiology of the mammalian epididymis and spermatozoa.
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82
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Caballero J, Frenette G, Sullivan R. Post testicular sperm maturational changes in the bull: important role of the epididymosomes and prostasomes. Vet Med Int 2010; 2011:757194. [PMID: 20981306 PMCID: PMC2958493 DOI: 10.4061/2011/757194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2010] [Accepted: 08/03/2010] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
After spermatogenesis, testicular spermatozoa are not able to fertilize an oocyte, they must undergo sequential maturational processes. Part of these essential processes occurs during the transit of the spermatozoa through the male reproductive tract. Since the sperm become silent in terms of translation and transcription at the testicular level, all the maturational changes that take place on them are dependent on the interaction of spermatozoa with epididymal and accessory gland fluids. During the last decades, reproductive biotechnologies applied to bovine species have advanced significantly. The knowledge of the bull reproductive physiology is really important for the improvement of these techniques and the development of new ones. This paper focuses on the importance of the sperm interaction with the male reproductive fluids to acquire the fertilizing ability, with special attention to the role of the membranous vesicles present in those fluids and the recent mechanisms of protein acquisition during sperm maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julieta Caballero
- Département d'Obstétrique-Gynéologie, Faculté de Médecine, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université Laval (CHUQ), Université Laval, 2705 Boulevard Laurier, T1-49, Quebec City, QC, Canada G1V 4G2
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83
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Burns BM, Fordyce G, Holroyd RG. A review of factors that impact on the capacity of beef cattle females to conceive, maintain a pregnancy and wean a calf-Implications for reproductive efficiency in northern Australia. Anim Reprod Sci 2010; 122:1-22. [PMID: 20447780 PMCID: PMC7131258 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2010.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2009] [Revised: 04/01/2010] [Accepted: 04/06/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
A review of factors that may impact on the capacity of beef cattle females, grazing semi-extensive to extensive pastures in northern Australia, to conceive, maintain a pregnancy and wean a calf was conducted. Pregnancy and weaning rates have generally been used to measure the reproductive performance of herds. However, this review recognises that reproductive efficiency and the general measures associated with it more effectively describe the economic performance of beef cattle enterprises. More specifically, reproductive efficiency is influenced by (1) pregnancy rate which is influenced by (i) age at puberty; (ii) duration of post-partum anoestrus; (iii) fertilisation failure and (iv) embryo survival; while (2) weight by number of calves per breeding female retained for mating is influenced by (i) cow survival; (ii) foetal survival; and (iii) calf survival; and (3) overall lifetime calf weight weaned per mating. These measures of reproductive efficiency are discussed in depth. Further, a range of infectious and non-infectious factors, namely, environmental, physiological, breed and genetic factors and their impact on these stages of the reproductive cycle are investigated and implications for the northern Australian beef industry are discussed. Finally, conclusions and recommendations to minimise reproductive inefficiencies based on current knowledge are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- B M Burns
- Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation, CQMC, Rockhampton, Queensland 4702, Australia.
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84
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Frenette G, Girouard J, D'Amours O, Allard N, Tessier L, Sullivan R. Characterization of Two Distinct Populations of Epididymosomes Collected in the Intraluminal Compartment of the Bovine Cauda Epididymis1. Biol Reprod 2010; 83:473-80. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.109.082438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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85
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Oh JS, Han C, Cho C. ADAM7 is associated with epididymosomes and integrated into sperm plasma membrane. Mol Cells 2009; 28:441-6. [PMID: 19855936 DOI: 10.1007/s10059-009-0140-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2009] [Accepted: 09/01/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
During epididymal transit, mammalian sperm acquire selected proteins secreted by the epididymis. We previously showed that a disintegrin and metalloprotease (ADAM) 7 is expressed specifically in the epididymis and transferred to the sperm surface during epididymal transit. Here, we show that mouse ADAM7 secreted to the epididymal lumen is associated with membranous vesicles known as epididymosomes. Furthermore, we found that ADAM7 can be transferred directly from epididymal vesicles to sperm and that it is an integral plasma membrane protein in sperm. Thus, our study provides new information regarding the unique mode of secretion and interaction of ADAM7 during the epididymis-to-sperm transfer process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong Su Oh
- Department of Life Science, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju 500-712, Korea
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86
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Poliakov A, Spilman M, Dokland T, Amling CL, Mobley JA. Structural heterogeneity and protein composition of exosome-like vesicles (prostasomes) in human semen. Prostate 2009; 69:159-67. [PMID: 18819103 DOI: 10.1002/pros.20860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 243] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human seminal fluid contains small exosome-like vesicles called prostasomes. Prostasomes have been reported previously to play an important role in the process of fertilization by boosting survivability and motility of spermatozoa, in addition to modulating acrosomal reactivity. Prostasomes have also been reported to present with sizes varying from 50 to 500 nm and to have multilayered lipid membranes; however, the fine morphology of prostasomes has never been studied in detail. METHODS Sucrose gradient-purified prostasomes were visualized by cryo-electron microscopy (EM). Protein composition was studied by trypsin in-gel digestion and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. RESULTS Here we report for the first time the detailed structure of seminal prostasomes by cryo-EM. There are at least three distinct dominant structural types of vesicles present. In parallel with the structural analysis, we have carried out a detailed proteomic analysis of prostasomes, which led to the identification of 440 proteins. This is nearly triple the number of proteins identified to date for these unique particles and a number of the proteins identified previously were cross-validated in our study. CONCLUSION From the data reported herein, we hypothesize that the structural heterogeneity of the exosome-like particles in human semen reflects their functional diversity. Our detailed proteomic analysis provided a list of candidate proteins for future structural and functional studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton Poliakov
- Department of Surgery/Urology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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87
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Girouard J, Frenette G, Sullivan R. Compartmentalization of proteins in epididymosomes coordinates the association of epididymal proteins with the different functional structures of bovine spermatozoa. Biol Reprod 2009; 80:965-72. [PMID: 19164173 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.108.073551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Epididymosomes are small membranous vesicles secreted by epithelial cells within the luminal compartment of the epididymis. In bovine, many proteins are associated with epididymosomes, and some of them, such as the glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored protein P25b, macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), and aldose reductase (AKR1B1), are transferred to spermatozoa during the epididymal maturation process. P25b is associated with detergent-resistant membrane (DRM) domains of epididymal spermatozoa, whereas MIF and AKR1B1 are cytosolic proteins associated with detergent-soluble fractions. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that DRM domains are also present in the epididymosomes and that P25b DRM-associated proteins in these vesicles are transferred to the DRMs of spermatozoa. The presence of DRMs in epididymosomes was confirmed by their insolubility in cold Triton X-100 and their low buoyant density in sucrose gradient. Furthermore, DRMs isolated from epididymosomes are characterized by the exclusive presence of ganglioside GM1 and by high levels of cholesterol and sphingomyelin. Biochemical analysis indicated that P25b is linked to DRM in epididymosomes, whereas MIF and AKR1B1 are completely excluded from these membrane domains. Proteolytic treatment of epididymosomes and immunoblotting studies showed that P25b is affected by trypsin or pronase proteolysis. In contrast, MIF and AKR1B1 are not degraded by proteases, suggesting that they are localized within epididymosomes. Interaction studies between epididymosomes and epididymal spermatozoa demonstrated that P25b is transferred from the DRM of epididymosomes to the DRM of the caput epididymal spermatozoa as a GPI-anchored protein. Together, these data suggest that specific localization and compartmentalization of proteins in the epididymosomes coordinate the association of epididymal proteins with the different functional structures of spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Girouard
- Département d'Obstétrique-Gynécologie, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
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88
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Griffiths GS, Galileo DS, Reese K, Martin-Deleon PA. Investigating the role of murine epididymosomes and uterosomes in GPI-linked protein transfer to sperm using SPAM1 as a model. Mol Reprod Dev 2008; 75:1627-36. [PMID: 18384048 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.20907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Sperm uptake of glycosyl phosphatidylinositol (GPI)-linked proteins from luminal fluids has been shown to occur in male and estrous female reproductive tracts. In males, this is attributed to membranous vesicles secreted into the epididymis and prostate. While epididymosomes have been characterized, there have been no reports of the presence of vesicles in female luminal fluids. Here we report the presence of vesicles, characterized as "uterosomes," in the murine estrous female reproductive fluid; and use Sperm Adhesion Molecule 1 (SPAM1/PH-20), a well-known hyaluronidase found in male and female fluids, as a model to investigate vesicle-mediated GPI-linked protein transfer to sperm. Epididymosomes and uterosomes isolated after ultracentrifugation of epididymal (ELF) and uterine luminal fluid (ULF) were analyzed by electron microscopy and shown to be approximately 10-70 and approximately 15-50 nm in diameter. The structural integrity of uterosomes was confirmed by their resistance to hypo-osmotic and freeze/thaw stresses; and immunogold labeling localized SPAM1 to their outer membrane surface, as was the case for epididymosomes. SPAM1 was acquired by caudal sperm during incubation in epididymosomes and uterosomes; uptake was abolished when the GPI anchor was enzymatically cleaved. Sperm analyzed by confocal and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) after incubation in fluorescently labeled vesicles revealed the label on the membrane over the acrosome and midpiece of the flagella, where SPAM1 normally resides. High magnification TEM images demonstrated vesicles juxtaposed to the sperm plasma membrane potentially transferring SPAM1. Taken together, these results implicate vesicular docking as the mechanism of vesicle-mediated GPI-linked protein transfer to sperm from murine reproductive fluids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genevieve S Griffiths
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, USA
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89
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Gadella BM. The Assembly of a Zona Pellucida Binding Protein Complex in Sperm. Reprod Domest Anim 2008; 43 Suppl 5:12-9. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2008.01255.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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90
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Cao W, Aghajanian HK, Haig-Ladewig LA, Gerton GL. Sorbitol can fuel mouse sperm motility and protein tyrosine phosphorylation via sorbitol dehydrogenase. Biol Reprod 2008; 80:124-33. [PMID: 18799757 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.108.068882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Energy sources that can be metabolized to yield ATP are essential for normal sperm functions such as motility. Two major monosaccharides, sorbitol and fructose, are present in semen. Furthermore, sorbitol dehydrogenase (SORD) can convert sorbitol to fructose, which can then be metabolized via the glycolytic pathway in sperm to make ATP. Here we characterize Sord mRNA and SORD expression during mouse spermatogenesis and examine the ability of sorbitol to support epididymal sperm motility and tyrosine phosphorylation. Sord mRNA levels increased during the course of spermatogenic differentiation. SORD protein, however, was first detected at the condensing spermatid stage. By indirect immunofluorescence, SORD was present along the length of the flagella of caudal epididymal sperm. Furthermore, immunoelectron microscopy showed that SORD was associated with mitochondria and the plasma membranes of sperm. Sperm incubated with sorbitol maintained motility, indicating that sorbitol was utilized as an energy source. Sorbitol, as well as glucose and fructose, were not essential to induce hyperactive motility. Protein tyrosine phosphorylation increased in a similar manner when sorbitol was substituted for glucose in the incubation medium used for sperm capacitation. These results indicate that sorbitol can serve as an alternative energy source for sperm motility and protein tyrosine phosphorylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenlei Cao
- Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6160, USA
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91
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The roles of the epididymis and prostasomes in the attainment of fertilizing capacity by stallion sperm. Anim Reprod Sci 2008; 107:237-48. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2008.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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92
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Thimon V, Frenette G, Saez F, Thabet M, Sullivan R. Protein composition of human epididymosomes collected during surgical vasectomy reversal: a proteomic and genomic approach. Hum Reprod 2008; 23:1698-707. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/den181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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93
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Girouard J, Frenette G, Sullivan R. Seminal Plasma Proteins Regulate the Association of Lipids and Proteins Within Detergent-Resistant Membrane Domains of Bovine Spermatozoa1. Biol Reprod 2008; 78:921-31. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.107.066514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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94
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Baska KM, Manandhar G, Feng D, Agca Y, Tengowski MW, Sutovsky M, Yi YJ, Sutovsky P. Mechanism of extracellular ubiquitination in the mammalian epididymis. J Cell Physiol 2008; 215:684-96. [PMID: 18064599 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.21349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Posttranslational modification by ubiquitination marks defective or outlived intracellular proteins for proteolytic degradation by the 26S proteasome. The ATP-dependent, covalent ligation and formation of polyubiquitin chains on substrate proteins requires the presence and activity of a set of ubiquitin activating and conjugating enzymes. While protein ubiquitination typically occurs in the cell cytosol or nucleus, defective mammalian spermatozoa become ubiquitinated on their surface during post-testicular sperm maturation in the epididymis, suggesting an active molecular mechanism for sperm quality control. Consequently, we hypothesized that the bioactive constituents of ubiquitin-proteasome pathway were secreted in the mammalian epididymal fluid (EF) and capable of ubiquitinating extrinsic substrates. Western blotting indeed detected the presence of the ubiquitin-activating enzyme E1 and presumed E1-ubiquitin thiol-ester intermediates, ubiquitin-carrier enzyme E2 and presumed E2-ubiquitin thiol-ester intermediates and the ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase PGP 9.5/UCHL1 in the isolated bovine EF. Thiol-ester assays utilizing recombinant ubiquitin-activating and ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes, biotinylated substrates, and isolated bovine EF confirmed the activity of the ubiquitin activating and conjugating enzymes within EF. Ubiquitinated proteins were found to be enriched in the defective bull sperm fraction and appropriate proteasomal deubiquitinating and proteolytic activities were measured in the isolated EF by specific fluorescent substrates. The apocrine secretion of cytosolic proteins was visualized in transgenic mice and rats expressing the enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) under the direction of ubiquitin-C promoter. Accumulation of eGFP, ubiquitin and proteasomes was detected in the apical blebs, the apocrine secretion sites of the caput epididymal epithelia of both the rat and mouse epididymal epithelium, although region-specific differences exist. Secretion of eGFP and proteasomes continued during the prolonged culture of the isolated rat epididymal epithelial cells in vitro. This study provides evidence that the activity of the ubiquitin system is not limited to the intracellular environment, contributing to a greater understanding of the sperm maturation process during epididymal passage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen M Baska
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri, USA
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95
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Siciliano L, Marcianò V, Carpino A. Prostasome-like vesicles stimulate acrosome reaction of pig spermatozoa. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2008; 6:5. [PMID: 18234073 PMCID: PMC2266753 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-6-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2007] [Accepted: 01/30/2008] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The presence of small membranous particles characterizes the male genital fluids of different mammalian species. The influence of semen vesicles, denominated prostasomes, on sperm functional properties has been well documented in humans, but their biological activity is scarcely known in other species. The present work investigated prostasome-like vesicles in pig semen for their ability to interact with spermatozoa and to affect acrosome reaction. METHODS Prostasome-like vesicles have been isolated from pig seminal plasma by high-speed centrifugation and Sephadex G-200 gel chromatography. Morphology of purified vesicles has been checked by scanning electron microscopy while their protein pattern has been investigated by SDS-PAGE. Then prostasome- like vesicles have been incubated with pig spermatozoa and their ability to interact with sperm has been tested by the aminopeptidase assay. In addition, the efficiency of vesicles to influence the acrosome reaction has been investigated by assessing the sperm acrosomal status by the PI/FITC-PNA (propidium iodide/fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled peanut agglutinin) stainings. RESULTS Purified vesicles revealed a complex protein pattern with the occurrence of bands in the high, medium and low molecular weight range. However, the two major bands were observed at approximately 90 kDa and approximately 60 kDa. A vesicle-mediated transfer of aminopeptidase to sperm cells has been also detected. Furthermore, a significant increase of acrosome reaction extent has been revealed in spermatozoa incubated with prostasome-like vesicles in comparison to control sperm. CONCLUSION This is the first report demonstrating that pig prostasome-like vesicles are able, in vitro, to interact with spermatozoa and to stimulate the acrosome reaction. These findings lead to hypothesize a transfer of molecules from vesicles to sperm membrane, thus sensitizing male gametes to undergo the acrosome reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Siciliano
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Vito Marcianò
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Human Anatomy Section, University of Palermo, Italy
| | - Amalia Carpino
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy
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96
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Expression and localization of PMCA4 in rat testis and epididymis. Histochem Cell Biol 2007; 129:331-43. [DOI: 10.1007/s00418-007-0362-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/14/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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97
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Sullivan R, Frenette G, Girouard J. Epididymosomes are involved in the acquisition of new sperm proteins during epididymal transit. Asian J Androl 2007; 9:483-91. [PMID: 17589785 DOI: 10.1111/j.1745-7262.2007.00281.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 191] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
During epididymal transit, spermatozoa acquire new proteins. Some of these newly acquired proteins behave as integral membrane proteins, including glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored proteins. This suggests that the secreted epididymal proteins are transferred to spermatozoa by an unusual mechanism. Within the epididymal lumen, spermatozoa interact with small membranous vesicles named epididymosomes. Many proteins are associated with epididymosomes and the protein composition of these vesicles varies along the excurrent duct and differs from soluble intraluminal proteins. Some epididymosome-associated proteins have been identified and their functions in sperm maturation hypothesized. These include P25b, a zona pellucida binding protein, macrophage migration inhibitory factor, enzymes of the polyol pathway, HE5/CD52, type 5 glutathione peroxidase, and SPAM1 or PH-20. The electrophoretic patterns of proteins associated to epididymosomes are complex and some of these proteins are transferred to defined surface domains of epididymal spermatozoa. Epididymosomes collected from different epididymal segments interact differently with spermatozoa. This protein transfer from epididymosomes to spermatozoa is time-dependent, temperature-dependent and pH-dependent, and is more efficient in the presence of zinc. Some proteins are segregated to lipid raft domains of epididymosomes and are selectively transferred to raft domains of the sperm plasma membrane. Some evidence is presented showing that epididymosomes are secreted in an apocrine manner by the epididymal epithelial cells. In conclusion, epididymosomes are small membranous vesicles secreted in an apocrine manner in the intraluminal compartment of the epididymis and play a major role in the acquisition of new proteins by the maturing spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Sullivan
- Centre de Recherche en Biologie de la Reproduction and Département d'Obstétrique-Gynécologie, Université Laval, Quebec, Canada.
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98
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Frenette G, Girouard J, Sullivan R. Comparison Between Epididymosomes Collected in the Intraluminal Compartment of the Bovine Caput and Cauda Epididymidis1. Biol Reprod 2006; 75:885-90. [PMID: 16943362 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.106.054692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
During their transit along the epididymidis, mammalian spermatozoa acquire new proteins involved in the acquisition of male gamete fertilizing ability. We previously described membranous vesicles called epididymosomes, which are secreted in an apocrine manner by the epididymal epithelium. Some selected proteins associated with epididymosomes are transferred to spermatozoa during epididymal transit. The present study compared epididymosomes collected from caput epididymal fluid with vesicles from the cauda epididymidis in the bull. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis revealed major differences in protein composition of epididymosomes isolated from the caput and cauda epididymidis. LC-QToF analysis of major protein spots as well as Western blot analysis confirmed the differences in proteins associated with these two populations of epididymosomes. Biotinylated proteins associated with caput and cauda epididymosomes also revealed differences. When incubated with caput epididymal spermatozoa, epididymosomes prepared from these two segments transferred different protein patterns. By contrast, cauda epididymosomes transferred the same pattern of proteins to spermatozoa from the caput and cauda epididymidis. Transfer of biotinylated proteins from cauda epididymosomes to caput spermatozoa decreased in a dose-dependent manner when biotinylated epididymosomes were diluted with unbiotinylated vesicles. Caput epididymosomes added in excess were unable to inhibit transfer of biotinylated proteins from cauda epididymosomes to caput spermatozoa. Following transfer of biotinylated proteins from cauda epididymosomes to caput spermatozoa, addition of unbiotinylated cauda epididymosomes was unable to displace already transferred biotinylated proteins. These results established that epididymosomes from caput and cauda epididymidis have different protein composition and interact differently with maturing spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilles Frenette
- Centre de Recherche en Biologie de la Reproduction and Département d'Obstétrique-Gynécologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Ste-Foy, Quebec, Canada G1V 4G2
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99
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Rejraji H, Sion B, Prensier G, Carreras M, Motta C, Frenoux JM, Vericel E, Grizard G, Vernet P, Drevet JR. Lipid Remodeling of Murine Epididymosomes and Spermatozoa During Epididymal Maturation1. Biol Reprod 2006; 74:1104-13. [PMID: 16510839 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.105.049304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
We have isolated vesicular structures from mouse epididymal fluid, referred to as epididymosomes. Epididymosomes have a roughly spherical aspect and a bilayer membrane, and they are heterogeneous in size and content. They originate from the epididymal epithelium, notably from the caput region, and are emitted in the epididymal lumen by way of apocrine secretion. We characterized their membranous lipid profiles in caput and cauda epididymidal fluid samples and found that epididymosomes were particularly rich in sphingomyelin (SM) and arachidonic acid. The proportion of SM increased markedly during epididymal transit and represented half the total phospholipids in cauda epididymidal epididymosomes. The cholesterol:phospholipid ratio increased from 0.26 in the caput to 0.48 in the cauda epididymidis. Measures of epididymosomal membrane anisotropy revealed that epididymosomes became more rigid during epididymal transit, in agreement with their lipid composition. In addition, we have characterized the membrane lipid pattern of murine epididymal spermatozoa during their maturation. Here, we have shown that mouse epididymal spermatozoa were distinguished by high percentages of SM and polyunsaturated membranous fatty acids (PUFAs), principally represented by arachidonic, docosapentanoic, and docosahexanoic acids. Both SM and PUFA increased throughout the epididymal tract. In particular, we observed a threefold rise in the ratio of docosapentanoic acid. Epididymal spermatozoa had a constant cholesterol:phospholipid ratio (average, 0.30) during epididymal transit. These data suggest that in contrast with epididymosomes, spermatozoal membranes seem to become more fluid during epididymal maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanae Rejraji
- Laboratoire Epididyme et Maturation des Gamètes, Université Blaise Pascal, CNRS UMR 6547 GEEM, 63177 Aubière, France
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100
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Abstract
The most widely conserved mammalian sperm antigen is sperm adhesion molecule 1, SPAM1/PH-20, which is also the major testicular hyaluronidase. This multifunctional glycosyl phosphatidylinositol (GPI)-linked protein plays several roles in fertilization and is encoded by a gene that resides among hyaluronidase family members in a cluster on human 7q31/mouse 6A2. In the human cluster, SPAM1 is the only functional hyaluronidase and of all six hyaluronidases in the genome it is the best characterized, both structurally and functionally. While SPAM1 transcripts are abundantly expressed only in the testis, specifically in spermatids, the RNA and protein are present in the male reproductive tract and accessory organs and in the female tract of mice. Our investigation of the post-testicular expression of SPAM1 shows that the protein is widely expressed in the epididymis. Like testicular SPAM1, epididymal SPAM1 (ES) has hyaluronidase activity and is conserved in at least five species (mouse, rat, bull, macaque, and human) all of which have putative androgen response elements in the gene promoters, consistent with androgen regulation. Testicular lumicrine factors have also been implicated in ES regulation. Based on regional expression, the protein is likely to play a role in both sperm maturation and storage. A minor secretory glycoprotein, ES is present in the epididymal luminal fluid in both a soluble and insoluble form (epididymosomes), with the latter having an intact lipid anchor. Genetic approaches have provided evidence for sperm uptake of ES in vivo, and in vitro uptake has been demonstrated with the use of Spam1 null mice. In vitro acquisition of ES on the sperm surface results in a pattern that mimics the wild-type distribution. More importantly it significantly increases the ability of null sperm to penetrate the cumulus of oocytes via hyaluronidase activity, directly relating ES uptake with fertilizing ability and indicating that ES is a marker of sperm maturation.
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