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Tourzani DA, Paudel B, Miranda PV, Visconti PE, Gervasi MG. Changes in Protein O-GlcNAcylation During Mouse Epididymal Sperm Maturation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2018; 6:60. [PMID: 29942801 PMCID: PMC6004373 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2018.00060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
After leaving the testis, sperm undergo two sequential maturational processes before acquiring fertilizing capacity: sperm maturation in the male epididymis, and sperm capacitation in the female reproductive tract. During their transit through the epididymis, sperm experience several maturational changes; the acquisition of motility is one of them. The molecular basis of the regulation of this process is still not fully understood. Sperm are both transcriptionally and translationally silent, therefore post-translational modifications are essential to regulate their function. The post-translational modification by the addition of O-linked β-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) can act as a counterpart of phosphorylation in different cellular processes. Therefore, our work was aimed to characterize the O-GlcNAcylation system in the male reproductive tract and the occurrence of this phenomenon during sperm maturation. Our results indicate that O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT), the enzyme responsible for O-GlcNAcylation, is present in the testis, epididymis and immature caput sperm. Its presence is significantly reduced in mature cauda sperm. Consistently, caput sperm display high levels of O-GlcNAcylation when compared to mature cauda sperm, where it is mostly absent. Our results indicate that the modulation of O-GlcNAcylation takes place during sperm maturation and suggest a role for this post-translational modification in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darya A Tourzani
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States
| | - Bidur Paudel
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States
| | - Patricia V Miranda
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología Rosario S.A. (INDEAR), Rosario, Argentina
| | - Pablo E Visconti
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States
| | - María G Gervasi
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States
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Malivindi R, Aquila S, Rago V. Immunolocalization of G Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor in the Pig Epididymis. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2018; 301:1467-1473. [PMID: 29679442 DOI: 10.1002/ar.23837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Revised: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The presence of estrogen in the genital ducts of different mammalian species has been extensively studied and the estrogen influence on the functional activity of the male genital tract has been hypothesized. Conversely, very few data have been reported on pig excurrent ducts: the localization of classical estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ) is scarcely known, while the expression of the G protein-coupled receptor (GPER1), a membrane estrogen receptor, is still unknown in pig. The aim of the present study was to evaluate GPER1 expression in the different regions of the mature pig epididymis, using immunohistochemistry, western blot and RT-PCR analyses. The results showed that GPER1 is mainly expressed in the epithelial cells of the corpus epididymis compared to the caput and the cauda, while muscle cells are moderately immunostained and stromal cells are unstained. The presence of GPER1 was confirmed by Western blot and RT-PCR analyses. In our study, we have demonstrated for the first time the GPER1 expression in male porcine epididymis, revealing a new mediator of estrogen signaling at this site. In conclusion, these new data suggest that estrogen action via GPER1 may contribute to sperm maturation in the corpus and sperm protection/storage in the cauda. Interestingly, the presence of GPER1 in the muscle layer may be indicative of a possible GPER1 involvement in the estrogen regulation of duct contractility. Anat Rec, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocco Malivindi
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Saveria Aquila
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy.,Centro Sanitario, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Vittoria Rago
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy
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Druart X, de Graaf S. Seminal plasma proteomes and sperm fertility. Anim Reprod Sci 2018; 194:33-40. [PMID: 29657075 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2018.04.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2017] [Revised: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
During ejaculation, the spermatozoa are transported by the seminal plasma, a fluid resulting from secretions originating mainly from the prostate and the seminal vesicles in mammals. The interaction of the seminal plasma with spermatozoa induces binding of seminal proteins onto the sperm surface and membrane remodeling potentially impacting the sperm transport, survival and fertilizing ability in the female genital tract. The seminal plasma also contains peptides and proteins involved in the inflammatory and immune response of the female tract. Therefore the seminal plasma proteome has been investigated in a large range of taxa, including mammals, birds, fishes and insect species. The association of the seminal plasma with semen preservation or fertility identified proteic markers of seminal plasma function in domestic species. This review summarizes the current knowledge in seminal plasma proteomes and proteic markers of sperm preservation in animal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Druart
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et du Comportement, INRA, CNRS, IFCE, Université de Tours, 37380 Nouzilly, France.
| | - Simon de Graaf
- RMC Gunn Building (B19), Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
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Légaré C, Akintayo A, Blondin P, Calvo E, Sullivan R. Impact of male fertility status on the transcriptome of the bovine epididymis. Mol Hum Reprod 2018; 23:355-369. [PMID: 28379507 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gax019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2016] [Accepted: 03/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can region-specific transcriptional profiling of the epididymis from fertile and sub-fertile bulls predict the etiology of fertility/sub-fertility in males? SUMMARY ANSWER The highly regulated gene expression along the bovine epididymis is affected by the fertility status of bulls used for artificial insemination. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY In mammals, sperm maturation and storage occur in the epididymis. Each epididymal segment has his own transcriptomic signature that modulates the intraluminal composition and consequently governs sequential modifications of the maturing male gamete. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Epididymides from six Holstein bulls with documented fertility were used. These bulls were divided into two groups: high fertility (n = 3), and medium-low fertility (n = 3) and their epididymal transcriptomic profiles were analyzed. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Bovine cDNA microarray probing and bioinformatic tools were used to identify genes that are differentially expressed in caput, corpus and cauda epididymidal tissues of bulls with the documented fertility index. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Hierarchical clustering and principal component analysis revealed a clear separation between caput, corpus and cauda epididymides. Some transcripts characterize a particular anatomical segment, whereas others are expressed in two out of three epididymal segments. Gene ontology analysis allowed deduction of specific functions played by each epididymal segment. The transcriptional profiles between fertile versus sub-fertile conditions clustered most closely in the corpus and cauda segments, whereas the profiles in the caput segment were distinct between fertile and sub-fertile bulls. Of the differently expressed genes, 10 (AKAP4, SMCP, SPATA3, TCP11, ODF1, CTCFL, SPATA18, ADAM28, SORD and FAM161A) were found to exert functions related to reproductive systems and 5 genes (DEAD, CYST11, DEFB119, DEFB124 and MX1) were found to be associated with the defense response. LARGE SCALE DATA The GEO number for public access of bovine epididymis microarray data is GSE96602. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Further work is required to link these modulations of epididymal functions with sperm fertilizing ability in order to understand the etiology of certain cases of idiopathic infertility in livestock and men. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS As fertility can be quantified in bulls used for artificial insemination, this species is a unique model to aid in the understanding of male fertility/sub-fertility in man. Our data provide a molecular characterization that will facilitate advances in understanding the involvement of epididymal physiology in sub/infertility etiology. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by a grant to R.S. from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) of Canada. C.L., A.A., E.C. and R.S. have no conflict of interest to declare. P.B. is R&D director at Alliance Boviteq Inc., a bovine artificial insemination company.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Légaré
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Quebec, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, 2705 boulevard Laurier, (T3-67) Québec G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Ayodélé Akintayo
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Quebec, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, 2705 boulevard Laurier, (T3-67) Québec G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Patrick Blondin
- L'Alliance Boviteq, Inc., 19320 Rang Grand Saint François Ouest, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2T 5H1, Canada
| | - Ezequiel Calvo
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Quebec, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, 2705 boulevard Laurier, (T3-67) Québec G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Robert Sullivan
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Quebec, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, 2705 boulevard Laurier, (T3-67) Québec G1V 4G2, Canada
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Fang F, Ni K, Cai Y, Zhao Q, Shang J, Zhang X, Shen S, Xiong C. Busulfan administration produces toxic effects on epididymal morphology and inhibits the expression of ZO-1 and vimentin in the mouse epididymis. Biosci Rep 2017; 37:BSR20171059. [PMID: 29101242 PMCID: PMC5725615 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20171059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Revised: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Busulfan is an alkane sulphonate currently used as an anticancer drug and to prepare azoospermic animal models, because it selectively destroys differentiated spermatogonia in the testes. However, few studies have focussed on the exact effects of busulfan treatment on the epididymis currently. The present study assessed the effect of busulfan on epididymal morphology and the blood-epididymis barrier in mice. We treated mice with a single injection of busulfan and detected the effect at different time points. We showed that busulfan was toxic to the morphological structure and function of the epididymis. Furthermore, busulfan treatment down-regulated the epididymal expression of vimentin and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) at the mRNA and protein levels. In addition, there was an increase in total androgen receptor (AR) levels, whereas the estrogen receptor-α (ER-α) levels were reduced, both in the caput and cauda regions after busulfan treatment, which may be secondary to the testicular damage. In conclusion, our study describes the effects of busulfan administration on the mouse epididymis and also provides a potential understanding of male infertility arising from chemotherapy-related defects in the epididymis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Fang
- Family Planning Research Institute, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ke Ni
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yiting Cai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qian Zhao
- Family Planning Research Institute, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jin Shang
- Family Planning Research Institute, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoke Zhang
- Family Planning Research Institute, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shiliang Shen
- Department of Pathology, Zhong Shen Bioscience Inc., Wuhan, China
| | - Chengliang Xiong
- Family Planning Research Institute, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Wuhan Tongji Reproductive Medicine Hospital, Wuhan, China
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Gervasi MG, Visconti PE. Molecular changes and signaling events occurring in spermatozoa during epididymal maturation. Andrology 2017; 5:204-218. [PMID: 28297559 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2016] [Revised: 11/01/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
After leaving the testis, spermatozoa have not yet acquired the ability to move progressively and are unable to fertilize oocytes. To become fertilization competent, they must go through an epididymal maturation process in the male, and capacitation in the female tract. Epididymal maturation can be defined as those changes occurring to spermatozoa in the epididymis that render the spermatozoa the ability to capacitate in the female tract. As part of this process, sperm cells undergo a series of biochemical and physiological changes that require incorporation of new molecules derived from the epididymal epithelium, as well as post-translational modifications of endogenous proteins synthesized during spermiogenesis in the testis. This review will focus on epididymal maturation events, with emphasis in recent advances in the understanding of the molecular basis of this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- M G Gervasi
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - P E Visconti
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
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57
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Chen H, Yang P, Chu X, Huang Y, Liu T, Zhang Q, Li Q, Hu L, Waqas Y, Ahmed N, Chen Q. Cellular evidence for nano-scale exosome secretion and interactions with spermatozoa in the epididymis of the Chinese soft-shelled turtle, Pelodiscus sinensis. Oncotarget 2017; 7:19242-50. [PMID: 26992236 PMCID: PMC4991379 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2015] [Accepted: 02/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The epididymis is the location of sperm maturation and sperm storage. Recent studies have shown that nano-scale exosomes play a vital role during these complicated processes. Our aim was to analyze the secretory properties of epididymal exosomes and their ultrastructural interaction with maturing spermatozoa in the Chinese soft-shelled turtle. The exosome marker CD63 was primarily localized to the apices of principal cells throughout the epididymal epithelium. Identification of nano-scale exosomes and their secretory processes were further investigated via transmission electron microscopy. The epithelium secreted epididymal exosomes (50~300 nm in diameter) through apocrine secretion and the multivesicular body (MVB) pathway. Spermatozoa absorbed epididymal exosomes through endocytosis or membrane fusion pathways. This study shows, for the first time, that nano-scale exosomes use two secretion and two absorption pathways in the reptile, which may be contribute to long-term sperm storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Chen
- Laboratory of Animal Cell Biology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ping Yang
- Laboratory of Animal Cell Biology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiaoya Chu
- Laboratory of Animal Cell Biology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yufei Huang
- Laboratory of Animal Cell Biology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Tengfei Liu
- Laboratory of Animal Cell Biology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Laboratory of Animal Cell Biology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Quanfu Li
- Laboratory of Animal Cell Biology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Lisi Hu
- Laboratory of Animal Cell Biology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yasir Waqas
- Laboratory of Animal Cell Biology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Nisar Ahmed
- Laboratory of Animal Cell Biology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Qiusheng Chen
- Laboratory of Animal Cell Biology and Embryology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
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Yan-Ping D, Xiao-Qin G, Xiao Ping M, Ying Quan Y. Effects of Chronic Exposure to Sodium Arsenite on Expressions of VEGF and VEGFR2 Proteins in the Epididymis of Rats. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 2017:2597256. [PMID: 28791301 PMCID: PMC5534313 DOI: 10.1155/2017/2597256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2016] [Revised: 04/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the expressions of VEGF and VEGFR2 at protein level in the epididymis of rats with arsenism. METHODS Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: the high dose arsenic infected group (60.0 mg/L in water), the middle dose arsenic infected group (12.0 mg/L in water), the low dose arsenic infected group (2.4 mg/L in water), and the control group (distilled water). Rats were treated with arsenic through drinking water for 6 consecutive months. At the end of the experiment, the average densitometry values of apoptotic cells in epididymis tubules were determined by TUNEL method; the protein and mRNA levels of VEGF and VEGFR2 were observed by immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and real time fluorescent quantitative PCR, respectively. RESULTS Compared with the control group, in each infected group, the average densitometry values of apoptotic cells in the epididymis tubules were significantly lower. Compared with control group, protein and mRNA levels of VEGF and VEGFR2 in each infected group were obviously declined. The correlations between protein and mRNA levels of VEGF and VEGFR2 were positively exhibited (r = 0.843, 0.869, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Arsenism affects the expressions of VEGF and VEGFR2 in the epididymis of rats and results in apoptosis of pathophysiology of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dai Yan-Ping
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550004, China
- People's Hospital in Yueyanglou District, Yueyang, Hunan 414000, China
| | - Gao Xiao-Qin
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Zunyi Medical College, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, China
| | - Ma Xiao Ping
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Zunyi Medical College, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, China
| | - Yue Ying Quan
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Zunyi Medical College, Zunyi, Guizhou 563000, China
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Hall TJ, McQuillan C, Finlay EK, O'Farrelly C, Fair S, Meade KG. Comparative genomic identification and validation of β-defensin genes in the Ovis aries genome. BMC Genomics 2017; 18:278. [PMID: 28376793 PMCID: PMC5379710 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-017-3666-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2016] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background β-defensins are small, cationic, antimicrobial peptides found in species across the plant and animal kingdoms. In addition to microbiocidal activity, roles in immunity as well as reproduction have more recently been documented. β-defensin genes in Ovis aries (domestic sheep) have been poorly annotated, having been identified only by automatic gene prediction algorithms. The objective of this study was to use a comparative genomics approach to identify and characterise the β-defensin gene repertoire in sheep using the bovine genome as the primary reference. Results All 57 currently predicted bovine β-defensin genes were used to find orthologous sequences in the most recent version of the sheep genome (OAR v4.0). Forty three genes were found to have close genomic matches (>70% similarity) between sheep and cattle. The orthologous genes were located in four clusters across the genome, with 4 genes on chromosome 2, 19 genes on chromosome 13, 5 genes on chromosome 20 and 15 genes on chromosome 26. Conserved gene order for the β-defensin genes was apparent in the two smaller clusters, although gene order was reversed on chromosome 2, suggesting an inversion between sheep and cattle. Complete conservation of gene order was also observed for chromosome 13 β-defensin orthologs. More structural differences were apparent between chromosome 26 genes and the orthologous region in the bovine reference genome, which is known to be copy-number variable. In this cluster, the Defensin-beta 1 (DEFB1) gene matched to eleven Bovine Neutrophil beta-Defensin (BNBD) genes on chromosome 27 with almost uniform similarity, as well as to tracheal, enteric and lingual anti-microbial peptides (TAP, EAP and LAP), suggesting that annotation of the bovine reference sequence is still incomplete. qPCR was used to profile the expression of 34 β-defensin genes, representing each of the four clusters, in the ram reproductive tract. Distinct site-specific and differential expression profiles were detected across the reproductive tract of mature rams with preferential β-defensin gene expression in the epididymis, recapitulating observations for orthologous genes in other species. Conclusions This is the first comprehensive analysis of β-defensin genes encoded by the ovine reference sequence, and the first report of an expanded repertoire of β-defensin genes in this species. The preferential expression of these genes in the epididymis suggests a role in fertility, possibly providing immunoprotection for sperm within the female reproductive tract. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-017-3666-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- T J Hall
- Animal & Bioscience Research Department, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Grange, Dunsany, Co Meath, Ireland
| | - C McQuillan
- Animal & Bioscience Research Department, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Grange, Dunsany, Co Meath, Ireland
| | - E K Finlay
- Animal & Bioscience Research Department, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Grange, Dunsany, Co Meath, Ireland
| | - C O'Farrelly
- Comparative Immunology Group, School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - S Fair
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - K G Meade
- Animal & Bioscience Research Department, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Grange, Dunsany, Co Meath, Ireland.
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Xu J, Yao G, Ru Y, Xie S. Expression of tamoxifen-inducible CRE recombinase in Lcn5-CreER T2 transgenic mouse caput epididymis. Mol Reprod Dev 2017; 84:257-264. [PMID: 28029195 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The epididymis, which connects the testis to vas deferens, plays a crucial role regulating sperm maturation and fertilization. Here, a tamoxifen-inducible CreERT2 recombinase transgenic mouse was generated to study the function of genes in the caput epididymis using the Cre/LoxP system, which is driven by the 1.8-kb Lcn5 promoter (Lcn5-CreERT2 ). Both CRE recombinase and ERT2 mRNA were specifically expressed in the caput epididymis, beginning at postnatal Day 30 and increasing thereafter. Crossing these Lcn5-CreERT2 transgenic mice with Rosa26; mT/mG reporter mice, which express membrane-bound GFP (mGFP) only after CRE is active at its genetic locus, resulted in the presence of GFP only in the middle/distal caput epididymis after tamoxifen induction. Efficiency of the CRE recombinase production in the caput epididymis was dose- and time-dependent. These tamoxifen-inducible caput epididymis-specific CRE recombinase transgenic mice thus provides a simple approach to modulate epididymal principal cells in vivo, allowing for the genetic investigation of caput epididymis-specific gene functions during sperm maturation. 84: 257-264, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Guangxin Yao
- 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, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Yanfei Ru
- 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, Shanghai, P. R. China.,Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Shengsong Xie
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Swine Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, P. R. China.,The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, P. R. China
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Jerczynski O, Lacroix-Pépin N, Boilard E, Calvo E, Bernet A, Fortier MA, Björkgren I, Sipilä P, Belleannée C. Role of Dicer1-Dependent Factors in the Paracrine Regulation of Epididymal Gene Expression. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0163876. [PMID: 27695046 PMCID: PMC5047620 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0163876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2016] [Accepted: 09/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Dicer1 is an endoribonuclease involved in the biogenesis of functional molecules such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and endogenous small interfering RNAs (endo-siRNAs). These small non-coding RNAs are important regulators of post-transcriptional gene expression and participate in the control of male fertility. With the knowledge that 1) Dicer1-dependent factors are required for proper sperm maturation in the epididymis, and that 2) miRNAs are potent mediators of intercellular communication in most biological systems, we investigated the role of Dicer1-dependent factors produced by the proximal epididymis (initial segment/caput)- including miRNAs- on the regulation of epididymal gene expression in the distal epididymis regions (i.e. corpus and cauda). To this end, we performed comparative microarray and ANOVA analyses on control vs. Defb41iCre/wt;Dicer1fl/fl mice in which functional Dicer1 is absent from the principal cells of the proximal epididymis. We identified 35 and 33 transcripts that displayed significant expression level changes in the corpus and cauda regions (Fold change > 2 or < -2; p < 0.002), respectively. Among these transcripts, Zn-alpha 2-glycoprotein (Azgp1) encodes for a sperm equatorial protein whose expression in the epididymis of Dicer1 cKO mice is significantly increased compared to controls. In addition, 154 miRNAs, including miR-210, miR-672, miR-191 and miR-204, showed significantly impaired biogenesis in the absence of Dicer1 from the principal cells of the proximal epididymis (Fold change > 2 or < -2; p < 0.01). These miRNAs are secreted via extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from the DC2 epididymal principal cell line, and their expression correlates with target transcripts involved in distinct biological pathways, as evidenced by in silico analysis. Albeit correlative and based on in silico approach, our study proposes that Dicer1-dependent factors trigger- directly or not-significant genes expression changes in distinct regions of this organ. The paracrine control of functions important to post-testicular sperm maturation by Dicer1-dependent factors may open new avenues for the identification of molecular targets important to male fertility control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Jerczynski
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Université Laval, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL), Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Nicolas Lacroix-Pépin
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Université Laval, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL), Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Eric Boilard
- Department of Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Université Laval, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL), Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Ezequiel Calvo
- Endocrinology unit, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL), Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Agathe Bernet
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Université Laval, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL), Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Michel A. Fortier
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Université Laval, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL), Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Ida Björkgren
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Petra Sipilä
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Clémence Belleannée
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Université Laval, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL), Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
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Breton S, Ruan YC, Park YJ, Kim B. Regulation of epithelial function, differentiation, and remodeling in the epididymis. Asian J Androl 2016; 18:3-9. [PMID: 26585699 PMCID: PMC4736353 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.165946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The epididymis is a single convoluted tubule lined by a pseudostratified epithelium. Specialized epididymal epithelial cells, the so-called principal, basal, narrow, and clear cells, establish a unique luminal environment for the maturation and storage of spermatozoa. The epididymis is functionally and structurally divided into several segments and sub-segments that create regionally distinct luminal environments. This organ is immature at birth, and epithelial cells acquire their fully differentiated phenotype during an extended postnatal period, but the factors involved in this complex process remain incompletely characterized. In the adult epididymis, the establishment of an acidic luminal pH and low bicarbonate concentration in the epididymis contributes to preventing premature activation of spermatozoa during their maturation and storage. Clear cells are proton-secreting cells throughout the epididymis, but principal cells have distinct acid/base transport properties, depending on their localization within the epididymis. Basal cells are located in all epididymal segments, but they have a distinct morphology depending on the segment and species examined. How this structural plasticity of basal cells is regulated is discussed here. Also, the role of luminal factors and androgens in the regulation of epithelial cells is reviewed in relation to their respective localization in the proximal versus distal regions of the epididymis. Finally, we describe a novel role for CFTR in tubulogenesis and epithelial cell differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie Breton
- Center for Systems Biology, Program in Membrane Biology/Nephrology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114 and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA,
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63
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Sipilä P, Björkgren I. Segment-specific regulation of epididymal gene expression. Reproduction 2016; 152:R91-9. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-15-0533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The epididymis is necessary for post-testicular sperm maturation. During their epididymal transit, spermatozoa gain ability for progressive movement and fertilization. The epididymis is composed of several segments that have distinct gene expression profiles that enable the establishment of the changing luminal environment required for sperm maturation. The epididymal gene expression is regulated by endocrine, lumicrine, and paracrine factors in a segment-specific manner. Thus, in addition to its importance for male fertility, the epididymis is a valuable model tissue for studying the regulation of gene expression. This review concentrates on recent advances in understanding the androgen, small RNA, and epigenetically mediated regulation of segment-specific gene expression in the epididymis.
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64
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Lu Y, Pan Y, Sheng N, Zhao AZ, Dai J. Perfluorooctanoic acid exposure alters polyunsaturated fatty acid composition, induces oxidative stress and activates the AKT/AMPK pathway in mouse epididymis. CHEMOSPHERE 2016; 158:143-53. [PMID: 27262104 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.05.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2016] [Revised: 05/02/2016] [Accepted: 05/22/2016] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a degradation-resistant compound with a carbon-fluorine bond. Although PFOA emissions have been reduced since 2000, it remains persistent in the environment. Several studies on laboratory animals indicate that PFOA exposure can impact male fertility. Here, adult male mice received either PFOA (1.25, 5 or 20 mg/kg/d) or an equal volume of water for 28 d consecutively. PFOA accumulated in the epididymis in a dose-dependent manner and resulted in reduced epididymis weight, lower levels of triglycerides (TG), cholesterol (CHO), and free fatty acids (FFA), and activated AKT/AMPK signaling in the epididymis. Altered polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) compositions, such as a higher arachidonic acid:linoleic acid (AA:LA) ratio, concomitant with excessive oxidative stress, as demonstrated by increased malonaldehyde (MDA) and decreased glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in the epididymis, were observed in epididymis tissue following treatment with PFOA. These results indicate that the epididymis is a potential target of PFOA. Oxidative stress and PUFA alteration might help explain the sperm injury and male reproductive dysfunction induced by PFOA exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Lu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Yitao Pan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Nan Sheng
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Allan Z Zhao
- Center of Metabolic Disease Research, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Jiayin Dai
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
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Castro MM, Kim B, Hill E, Fialho MCQ, Puga LCHP, Freitas MB, Breton S, Machado-Neves M. The expression patterns of aquaporin 9, vacuolar H+-ATPase, and cytokeratin 5 in the epididymis of the common vampire bat. Histochem Cell Biol 2016; 147:39-48. [DOI: 10.1007/s00418-016-1477-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Post-Testicular Sperm Maturation: Centriole Pairs, Found in Upper Epididymis, are Destroyed Prior to Sperm's Release at Ejaculation. Sci Rep 2016; 6:31816. [PMID: 27534805 PMCID: PMC4989225 DOI: 10.1038/srep31816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2016] [Accepted: 07/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The fertilizing sperm’s lengthiest unchartered voyage is through the longest, least-investigated organ in a man’s body – the Epididymis. Over six meters long in men, ~80 meters in stallions and over one-hundred times a mouse’s body length, there are few functions known aside from sperm storage and nutrition. While spermatogenesis is completed in the testes, here we demonstrate sperm centriole reduction occurs within the epididymis. Investigations of GFP-CENTR mice and controls demonstrate both the presence of centriole pairs in the upper caput region of the epididymis and, the destruction, first, of the distal and, then, of the proximal centriole as the sperm transits to the cauda and vas deferens in preparation for its climactic release. These centrioles can neither recruit γ-tubulin nor nucleate microtubules when eggs are inseminated or microinjected, yet numerous maternally-nucleated cytasters are found. These sperm centrioles appear as vestigial basal bodies, destroyed in the mid-to-lower corpus. Post-testicular sperm maturation, in which sperm centrioles found in the caput are destroyed prior to ejaculation, is a newly discovered function for the epididymis.
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Chang Y, Dai DH, Li Y, Zhang Y, Zhang M, Zhou GB, Zeng CJ. Differences in the expression of microRNAs and their predicted gene targets between cauda epididymal and ejaculated boar sperm. Theriogenology 2016; 86:2162-2171. [PMID: 27527406 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2016] [Revised: 07/12/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian spermatozoa gradually mature and acquire fertility during the transition from the testis to the caput and cauda epididymis, after which they are stored at the tail of the epididymis and the ampulla of vas deferens. During ejaculation, mixing of spermatozoa with the secretions of accessory sex glands leads to their dilution and changes in their function. Although remarkable progress has been made toward the understanding of changes in spermatozoa biochemistry and function before and after ejaculation, it is unknown whether microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in regulating the function of spermatozoa during the transition between the cauda epididymis and ejaculation. In this study, 48 miRNAs were selected for analysis on the basis of their potential involvement in spermatogenesis, sperm maturation, and quality parameters markers. The differential expression levels of these 48 miRNAs between the caudal epididymis and fresh ejaculates of boar spermatozoa were determined. We found that 15 miRNAs were significantly differentially expressed (eight downregulated and seven upregulated) between boar cauda epididymal and fresh spermatozoa. Five miRNAs hypothesized to be involved in sperm apoptosis were further tested to demonstrate their influence over the expression of their target mRNAs using quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Together, our findings suggest that these differentially expressed miRNAs are associated with the functional regulation of spermatozoa between cauda epididymis and ejaculation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Chang
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, P. R. China
| | - Ding-Hui Dai
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, P. R. China
| | - Yuan Li
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, P. R. China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, P. R. China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, P. R. China
| | - Guang-Bin Zhou
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, P. R. China
| | - Chang-Jun Zeng
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, P. R. China.
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68
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Sullivan R, Mieusset R. The human epididymis: its function in sperm maturation. Hum Reprod Update 2016; 22:574-87. [PMID: 27307387 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmw015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 183] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spermatozoa acquire their fertilizing ability and forward motility properties during epididymal transit. Our knowledge of gamete physiology is based on studies conducted in laboratory and domestic species; our knowledge of these processes in humans is limited. Medical indications for assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have progressed to include male infertility. Surgical procedures allow collection of spermatozoa from all along the human excurrent ducts, and the former have been used with some success in reproductive medicine. This has raised questions over the role of the epididymis in human sperm physiology. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE To reanalyze what we now know about epididymal physiology in humans and to assess the relevance of laboratory animal models for understanding human physiology and the pathophysiology of the epididymis. SEARCH METHODS A systematic bibliographic search of PubMed for articles published in English before May 2015 was carried out using the search terms 'epididymis' and 'sperm maturation'. Literature on the consequences of vasectomy on the epididymis was also searched. OUTCOMES Whereas the proximal epididymis is almost exclusively occupied by efferent ducts, the sperm reservoir capacity is poorly developed in humans. At the molecular level, the human transcriptome and proteome show some segment specificity; conflicting results persist with regard to secretome variation along the tubule. The number of genes regulated along the excurrent ducts in men is lower when compared to rodent species, but remains significant. It is challenging to reconcile biochemical and physiological studies with clinical data obtained from men undergoing reanastomosis of the vas deferens at different points along the excurrent duct. We propose that vasectomy/vasovasostomy is a model to understand the consequences of obstruction on epididymis function in humans. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Despite the scarcity of biological material available, the interspecies variability of the male reproductive tract urges us to use modern molecular and cellular biology tools to better understand human epididymis physiology in order to apply ART in a more responsible manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Sullivan
- Département d'obstétrique, gynécologie et reproduction, Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université Laval, axe reproduction, santé de la mère et de l'enfant,
| | - Roger Mieusset
- Médecine de la Reproduction, CHU Toulouse, 31059 Toulouse, France Groupe de Recherche en Fertilité Humaine EA 3694, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
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Sullivan R. Epididymosomes: a heterogeneous population of microvesicles with multiple functions in sperm maturation and storage. Asian J Androl 2016; 17:726-9. [PMID: 26112475 PMCID: PMC4577580 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.155255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular microvesicles present in the epididymal fluid have been named epididymosomes. Many epididymosome-associated proteins are transferred to spermatozoa during their maturation in the excurrent duct. Epididymosomes are heterogeneous, with their size varying between 50 and 250 nm. Two distinct population of epididymosomes characterized by different protein compositions and diameters have been isolated from the bovine epididymal fluid using different centrifugation protocols. One subpopulation of epididymosomes was characterized by CD9 and other tetraspanin partners. Transfer of proteins from these epididymosomes to maturing spermatozoa in co-incubation experiments was inhibited by antibodies against tetraspanin proteins. This suggests that this subpopulation of epididymosomes is involved in the acquisition of proteins involved in maturation by spermatozoa in the epididymis. The other population of epididymosomes was characterized by ELSPBP1 (epididymal sperm binding protein 1), known for its affinity for the phospholipid choline group. Flow cytometric analyses showed that ELSPBP1-positive epididymosomes only interacted with dying or dead epididymal spermatozoa in a Zn 2 + -dependent manner. BLVRA (biliverdin reductase) was identified as a partner of ELSPBP1. This enzyme reduces biliverdin to bilirubin: two molecules with powerful anti-oxidant properties. We hypothesize that BLVRA is involved in an ROS-scavenging mechanism protecting live epididymal spermatozoa against detrimental molecules (ROS) released by dying cells. Therefore, it appears that there are at least two epididymosome population with distinct functions: targeting specific proteins to transiting spermatozoa by tetraspanin-mediated membrane fusion, and protection of epididymal spermatozoa against ROS released from dying cells. Further work is needed to understand functions of epididymosomes in epididymal physiology and sperm maturation and storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Sullivan
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval and Reproduction, Mother and Youth Health Division, Research Center CHU de Québec, Québec, G1V 4G2, Canada
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Kuo YW, Li SH, Maeda KI, Gadella BM, Tsai PSJ. Roles of the reproductive tract in modifications of the sperm membrane surface. J Reprod Dev 2016; 62:337-43. [PMID: 27009019 PMCID: PMC5004788 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2016-028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Successful fertilization requires viable and
functional spermatozoa to recognize and fuse with
the oocyte. In most mammalian species, mature
spermatozoa are not capable of fertilizing the
oocytes immediately after ejaculation. However,
unlike somatic cells, spermatozoa, after leaving
the testis, are transcriptionally and
translationally silent; therefore, upon completion
of spermiogenesis, spermatozoa carry only a
minimal amount of essential proteins on their
membranes as well as within their restricted
volume of cytoplasm. To develop into a fully
functional and competent sperm that is capable of
successful fertilization, modifications of the
sperm membrane surface during its transit in the
reproductive tracts is critical. These
post-spermatogenesis modifications advance the
maturation of epididymal spermatozoa. In addition,
components secreted into the lumen of the
reproductive tracts that are later added onto the
sperm membrane surface also regulate (inhibit or
activate) the functions of the spermatozoa. This
acquisition of additional proteins from the
reproductive tracts may compensate for the
inactivity of morphologically mature spermatozoa.
In this review, we discuss the contributions of
the male and female genital tracts to
modifications of the sperm membrane surface at
different stages of fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Wen Kuo
- Graduate Institute of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
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71
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Abstract
The onslaught of foreign antigens carried by spermatozoa into the epididymis, an organ that has not demonstrated immune privilege, a decade or more after the establishment of central immune tolerance presents a unique biological challenge. Historically, the physical confinement of spermatozoa to the epididymal tubule enforced by a tightly interwoven wall of epithelial cells was considered sufficient enough to prevent cross talk between gametes and the immune system and, ultimately, autoimmune destruction. The discovery of an intricate arrangement of mononuclear phagocytes (MPs) comprising dendritic cells and macrophages in the murine epididymis suggests that we may have underestimated the existence of a sophisticated mucosal immune system in the posttesticular environment. This review consolidates our current knowledge of the physiology of MPs in the steady state epididymis and speculates on possible interactions between auto-antigenic spermatozoa, pathogens and the immune system by drawing on what is known about the immune system in the intestinal mucosa. Ultimately, further investigation will provide valuable information regarding the origins of pathologies arising as a result of autoimmune or inflammatory responses in the epididymis, including epididymitis and infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Da Silva
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Division of Nephrology, Center for Systems Biology, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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72
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Murta D, Batista M, Silva E, Trindade A, Henrique D, Duarte A, Lopes-da-Costa L. Notch signaling in the epididymal epithelium regulates sperm motility and is transferred at a distance within epididymosomes. Andrology 2016; 4:314-27. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2014] [Revised: 10/28/2015] [Accepted: 11/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- D. Murta
- Reproduction and Development; CIISA; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; University of Lisbon; Lisbon Portugal
- CBIOS - Research Centre for Biosciences and Health Technologies; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Lusófona University of Humanities and Technologies; Lisboa Portugal
| | - M. Batista
- Reproduction and Development; CIISA; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; University of Lisbon; Lisbon Portugal
| | - E. Silva
- Reproduction and Development; CIISA; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; University of Lisbon; Lisbon Portugal
| | - A. Trindade
- Reproduction and Development; CIISA; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; University of Lisbon; Lisbon Portugal
- Gulbenkian Institute of Science; Oeiras Portugal
| | - D. Henrique
- Institute of Molecular Medicine; Faculty of Medicine; University of Lisbon; Lisbon Portugal
| | - A. Duarte
- Reproduction and Development; CIISA; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; University of Lisbon; Lisbon Portugal
- Gulbenkian Institute of Science; Oeiras Portugal
| | - L. Lopes-da-Costa
- Reproduction and Development; CIISA; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; University of Lisbon; Lisbon Portugal
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Da Silva N, Barton CR. Macrophages and dendritic cells in the post-testicular environment. Cell Tissue Res 2016; 363:97-104. [PMID: 26337514 PMCID: PMC4703462 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-015-2270-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2015] [Accepted: 08/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Macrophages (MΦ) and dendritic cells (DCs) are heterogeneous families of functionally and developmentally related immune cells that play crucial roles in tissue homeostasis and the regulation of immune responses. During the past 5 years, immunologists have generated a considerable amount of data that challenge dogmas about the ontogeny and functions of these highly versatile cells. The male excurrent duct system plays a critical role in the establishment of fertility by allowing sperm maturation, transport and storage. In addition, it is challenged by pathogens and must establish a protective and tolerogenic environment for a continuous flow of autoantigenic spermatozoa. The post-testicular environment and, in particular, the epididymis contain an intricate network of DCs and MΦ; however, the immunophysiology of this intriguing and highly specialized mucosal system is poorly understood. This review summarizes the current trends in mouse MΦ and DC biology and speculates about their roles in the steady-state epididymis. Unraveling immune cell functions in the male reproductive tract is an essential prerequisite for the design of innovative strategies aimed at controlling male fertility and treating infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Da Silva
- Division of Nephrology, Center for Systems Biology and Program in Membrane Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute and Harvard Medical School, 185 Cambridge Street, CPZN 8.218, Boston, MA 02114-2790, USA.
| | - Claire R Barton
- Division of Nephrology, Center for Systems Biology and Program in Membrane Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Research Institute and Harvard Medical School, 185 Cambridge Street, CPZN 8.218, Boston, MA 02114-2790, USA
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Non-coding RNA in Spermatogenesis and Epididymal Maturation. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2016; 886:95-120. [PMID: 26659489 DOI: 10.1007/978-94-017-7417-8_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Testicular germ and somatic cells express many classes of small ncRNAs, including Dicer-independent PIWI-interacting RNAs, Dicer-dependent miRNAs, and endogenous small interfering RNA. Several studies have identified ncRNAs that are highly, exclusively, or preferentially expressed in the testis and epididymis in specific germ and somatic cell types. Temporal and spatial expression of proteins is a key requirement of successful spermatogenesis and large-scale gene transcription occurs in two key stages, just prior to transcriptional quiescence in meiosis and then during spermiogenesis just prior to nuclear silencing in elongating spermatids. More than 60 % of these transcripts are then stockpiled for subsequent translation. In this capacity ncRNAs may act to interpret and transduce cellular signals to either maintain the undifferentiated stem cell population and/or drive cell differentiation during spermatogenesis and epididymal maturation. The assignation of specific roles to the majority of ncRNA species implicated as having a role in spermatogenesis and epididymal function will underpin fundamental understanding of normal and disease states in humans such as infertility and the development of germ cell tumours.
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Kim B, Breton S. The MAPK/ERK-Signaling Pathway Regulates the Expression and Distribution of Tight Junction Proteins in the Mouse Proximal Epididymis. Biol Reprod 2016; 94:22. [PMID: 26658708 PMCID: PMC4809559 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.134965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2015] [Revised: 09/18/2015] [Accepted: 12/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The initial segment (IS) in rodents is functionally and structurally distinct from other epididymal segments and plays an important role in sperm maturation. The MAPK/ERK1/2 pathway is maintained active in the IS by testicular luminal factors and plays crucial roles in the maintenance and differentiation of the IS epithelium. Tight junctions (TJs) are constituents of the blood-epididymis barrier, which mediates the paracellular transport of ions, solutes, and water and controls epithelial cell differentiation, thereby contributing to the establishment of a unique luminal environment. We examine here the role of the MAPK/ERK1/2 pathway in the regulation of TJ proteins in the IS. Inhibition of mitogen activated protein kinase kinase (MAPKK or MEK1/2) with PD325901, followed by reduction of ERK1/2 phosphorylation (pERK), decreased zonula occludens (ZO)-2 expression and increased ZO-3 expression in TJs but had no effect on ZO-1 expression. In control mice, in addition to being located in TJs, claudin (Cldn)-1, Cldn-3, and Cldn-4 were detected in the basolateral membrane of epithelial cells, with enriched expression of Cldn-1 and Cldn-4 in basal cells. PD325901 reduced the expression of Cldn-1 and Cldn-4 at all locations without affecting Cldn-3. Occludin was undetectable in the IS of control mice, but PD325901 triggered its expression in TJs. No effect was observed for any of the proteins examined in the other epididymal regions. Our results indicate the participation of the MAPK/ERK1/2 pathway in the regulation of cell-cell events that control the formation and maintenance of the blood-epididymis barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bongki Kim
- Center for Systems Biology, Program in Membrane Biology and Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sylvie Breton
- Center for Systems Biology, Program in Membrane Biology and Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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76
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Maňásková-Postlerová P, Cozlová N, Dorosh A, Šulc M, Guyonnet B, Jonáková V. Acrosin inhibitor detection along the boar epididymis. Int J Biol Macromol 2015; 82:733-9. [PMID: 26476242 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2015.10.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2015] [Accepted: 10/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Epididymal sperm maturation represents a key step in the reproduction process. Spermatozoa are exposed to epididymal fluid components representing the natural environment essential for their post-testicular maturation. Changes in sperm membrane proteins are influenced by proteolytic, glycosylation and deglycosylation enzymes present in the epididymal fluid. Accordingly, the occurrence of inhibitors of these enzymes in the epididymis is very important for the regulation of sperm membrane protein processing. In the present study, we monitored acrosin inhibitor distribution in boar epididymal fluid and in spermatozoa from different segments of the organ. Using specific polyclonal antibody we registered increasing signal of the acrosin inhibitor (AI) from caput to cauda epididymis. Mass spectroscopy examination of the immunoprecipitated acrosin inhibitor (12 kDa) unequivocally identified sperm-associated acrosin inhibitor (SAAI) in the epididymal tissue. Lectin staining showed N-glycosylation in AI from boar epididymis. Protein detection of AI was supported by the results of semi-quantitative RT-PCR showing the presence of mRNA specifically coding for SAAI and similarly increasing throughout the epididymal duct, from its proximal to distal part. Additionally, the immunofluorescence technique showed the AI localization in the secretory tissue of caput, corpus and cauda epididymis, and in the acrosome region and midpiece of the sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavla Maňásková-Postlerová
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i., Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Nina Cozlová
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i., Prague, Czech Republic; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Andriy Dorosh
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i., Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Miroslav Šulc
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic; Institute of Microbiology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i., Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Benoit Guyonnet
- INRA-CNRS-Universite de Tours-Haras Nationaux, Nouzilly, France; Pôle Génétique, IFIP Institut du Porc, Le Rheu, France
| | - Věra Jonáková
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i., Prague, Czech Republic
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77
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Borth H, Weber N, Meyer D, Wartenberg A, Arlt E, Zierler S, Breit A, Wennemuth G, Gudermann T, Boekhoff I. The IP3 R Binding Protein Released With Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Is Expressed in Rodent Reproductive Tissue and Spermatozoa. J Cell Physiol 2015; 231:1114-29. [PMID: 26439876 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2015] [Accepted: 09/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Besides its capacity to inhibit the 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptor, the regulatory protein IRBIT (IP3 receptor binding protein released with IP3) is also able to control the activity of numerous ion channels and electrolyte transporters and thereby creates an optimal electrolyte composition of various biological fluids. Since a reliable execution of spermatogenesis and sperm maturation critically depends on the establishment of an adequate microenvironment, the expression of IRBIT in male reproductive tissue was examined using immunohistochemical approaches combined with biochemical fractionation methods. The present study documents that IRBIT is expressed in Leydig and Sertoli cells. In addition, pronounced IRBIT expression was detected in sperm precursors during early stages of spermatogenesis as well as in spermatozoa. Analyzing tissue sections of rodent epididymides, IRBIT was found to co-localize with the proton pumping V-ATPase and the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) at the apical surface of narrow and clear cells. A similar co-localization of IRBIT with CFTR was also observed for Sertoli cells and developing germ cells. Remarkably, assaying caudal sperm in immunogold electron microscopy, IRBIT was found to localize to the acrosomal cap and the flagellum as well as to the sperm nucleus; moreover, a prominent oligomerization was observed for spermatozoa. The pronounced occurrence of IRBIT in the male reproductive system and mature spermatozoa indicates a potential role for IRBIT in establishing the essential luminal environment for a faithful execution of spermatogenesis and epididymal sperm maturation, and suggest a participation of IRBIT during maturation steps after ejaculation and/or the final fertilization process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heike Borth
- Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universit, ä, t M, ü, nchen, München, Germany
| | - Nele Weber
- Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universit, ä, t M, ü, nchen, München, Germany
| | - Dorke Meyer
- Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universit, ä, t M, ü, nchen, München, Germany
| | - Andrea Wartenberg
- Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universit, ä, t M, ü, nchen, München, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Arlt
- Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universit, ä, t M, ü, nchen, München, Germany
| | - Susanna Zierler
- Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universit, ä, t M, ü, nchen, München, Germany
| | - Andreas Breit
- Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universit, ä, t M, ü, nchen, München, Germany
| | - Gunther Wennemuth
- Department of Anatomy, University Clinic Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany
| | - Thomas Gudermann
- Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universit, ä, t M, ü, nchen, München, Germany
| | - Ingrid Boekhoff
- Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universit, ä, t M, ü, nchen, München, Germany
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78
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Tecle E, Gagneux P. Sugar-coated sperm: Unraveling the functions of the mammalian sperm glycocalyx. Mol Reprod Dev 2015; 82:635-50. [PMID: 26061344 PMCID: PMC4744710 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2014] [Accepted: 04/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian spermatozoa are coated with a thick glycocalyx that is assembled during sperm development, maturation, and upon contact with seminal fluid. The sperm glycocalyx is critical for sperm survival in the female reproductive tract and is modified during capacitation. The complex interplay among the various glycoconjugates generates numerous signaling motifs that may regulate sperm function and, as a result, fertility. Nascent spermatozoa assemble their own glycans while the cells still possess a functional endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi in the seminiferous tubule, but once spermatogenesis is complete, they lose the capacity to produce glycoconjugates de novo. Sperm glycans continue to be modified, during epididymal transit by extracellular glycosidases and glycosyltransferases. Furthermore, epididymal cells secrete glycoconjugates (glycophosphatidylinositol-anchored glycoproteins and glycolipids) and glycan-rich microvesicles that can fuse with the maturing sperm membrane. The sperm glycocalyx mediates numerous functions in the female reproductive tract, including the following: inhibition of premature capacitation; passage through the cervical mucus; protection from innate and adaptive female immunity; formation of the sperm reservoir; and masking sperm proteins involved in fertilization. The immense diversity in sperm-associated glycans within and between species forms a remarkable challenge to our understanding of essential sperm glycan functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eillen Tecle
- Division of Comparative Pathology and Medicine, Department of Pathology, Glycobiology Research and Training Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Pascal Gagneux
- Division of Comparative Pathology and Medicine, Department of Pathology, Glycobiology Research and Training Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
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79
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Cavalcanti FN, Lucas TFG, Lazari MFM, Porto CS. Estrogen receptor ESR1 mediates activation of ERK1/2, CREB, and ELK1 in the corpus of the epididymis. J Mol Endocrinol 2015; 54:339-49. [PMID: 26069273 DOI: 10.1530/jme-15-0086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Expression of the estrogen receptor ESR1 is higher in the corpus than it is in the initial segment/caput and cauda of the epididymis. ESR1 immunostaining in the corpus has been localized not only in the nuclei but also in the cytoplasm and apical membrane, which indicates that ESR1 plays a role in membrane-initiated signaling. The present study investigated whether ESR1 mediates the activation of rapid signaling pathways by estradiol (E2) in the epididymis. We investigated the effect of E2 and the ESR1-selective agonist (4,4',4''-(4-propyl-(1H)-pyrazole-1,3,5-triyl)trisphenol (PPT) on the activation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases (ERK1/2), CREB protein, and ETS oncogene-related protein (ELK1). Treatment with PPT did not affect ERK1/2 phosphorylation in the cauda, but it rapidly increased ERK1/2 phosphorylation in the initial segment/caput and corpus of the epididymis. PPT also activated CREB and ELK1 in the corpus of the epididymis. The PPT-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2, CREB, and ELK1 was blocked by the ESR1-selective antagonist MPP and by pretreatment with a non-receptor tyrosine kinase SRC inhibitor, an EGFR kinase inhibitor, an MEK1/2 inhibitor, and a phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase inhibitor. In conclusion, these results indicate that the corpus, which is a region with high expression of the estrogen receptor ESR1, is a major target in the epididymis for the activation of rapid signaling by E2. The sequence of events that follow E2 interaction with ESR1 includes the SRC-mediated transactivation of EGFR and the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, CREB, and ELK1. This rapid estrogen signaling may modulate gene expression in the corpus of the epididymis, and it may play a role in the dynamic microenvironment of the epididymal lumen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda N Cavalcanti
- Section of Experimental EndocrinologyDepartment of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Três de maio 100, INFAR, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, São Paulo 04044-020, Brazil
| | - Thais F G Lucas
- Section of Experimental EndocrinologyDepartment of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Três de maio 100, INFAR, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, São Paulo 04044-020, Brazil
| | - Maria Fatima M Lazari
- Section of Experimental EndocrinologyDepartment of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Três de maio 100, INFAR, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, São Paulo 04044-020, Brazil
| | - Catarina S Porto
- Section of Experimental EndocrinologyDepartment of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Três de maio 100, INFAR, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, São Paulo 04044-020, Brazil
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80
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Martínez-Traverso GB, Pearl CA. Immunolocalization of G protein-coupled estrogen receptor in the rat epididymis. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2015; 13:48. [PMID: 26012959 PMCID: PMC4450610 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-015-0042-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2014] [Accepted: 05/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Estrogen plays an important role in male reproduction, and males lacking estrogen signaling in the reproductive tissues are infertile. Estrogen signaling is mediated via two nuclear receptors, ERα and ERβ, but it was recently found that a G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) is present in the testis. It is believed that GPER is a membrane form of the estrogen receptor and mediates non-classical estrogen signaling. However, the cellular localization of GPER in the epididymis is unknown. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the cellular and regional expression of GPER in the rat epididymis. FINDINGS To localize expression, immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed using fixed epididymal tissue. Three strains and ages of rats were used to identify whether GPER expression is strain or age specific. Our results are the first to demonstrate immunostaining of GPER in epididymal epithelial cells. Expression was highest near the apical membrane followed by the cytoplasm, consistent with a membrane bound receptor. The highest expression in adult rats was observed in corpus followed by cauda. Western blotting analysis of epididymal tissues from Sprague Dawley rats confirmed specificity of the antibody and regional expression. CONCLUSIONS Expression of GPER in the corpus and cauda suggests a role for non-classical estrogen signaling in sperm maturation in the corpus, and sperm protection/storage in the cauda. GPER expression pre-pubertally suggests that estrogen may have a role in epithelial cell development in addition to regulation of adult function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Griselle B Martínez-Traverso
- Department of Biological Sciences, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA.
- Departments of Biology and Industrial Microbiology, University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico.
| | - Christopher A Pearl
- Department of Biological Sciences, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA.
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81
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Schimming BC, Pinheiro PFF, de Matteis R, Machado CM, Domeniconi RF. Immunolocalization of Aquaporins 1 and 9 in the Ram Efferent Ducts and Epididymis. Reprod Domest Anim 2015; 50:617-24. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.12537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2015] [Accepted: 04/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- BC Schimming
- Department of Anatomy; Biosciences Institute of Botucatu; UNESP - Universidade Estadual Paulista; Botucatu São Paulo Brazil
| | - PFF Pinheiro
- Department of Anatomy; Biosciences Institute of Botucatu; UNESP - Universidade Estadual Paulista; Botucatu São Paulo Brazil
| | - R de Matteis
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science; UNESP - Universidade Estadual Paulista; Botucatu São Paulo Brazil
| | - CM Machado
- Department of Anatomy; Biosciences Institute of Botucatu; UNESP - Universidade Estadual Paulista; Botucatu São Paulo Brazil
| | - RF Domeniconi
- Department of Anatomy; Biosciences Institute of Botucatu; UNESP - Universidade Estadual Paulista; Botucatu São Paulo Brazil
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82
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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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83
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Ribeiro CM, Queiróz DBC, Patrão MTCC, Denadai-Souza A, Romano RM, Silva EJR, Avellar MCW. Dynamic changes in the spatio-temporal expression of the β-defensin SPAG11C in the developing rat epididymis and its regulation by androgens. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2015; 404:141-50. [PMID: 25657045 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2015.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2014] [Revised: 01/02/2015] [Accepted: 01/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Herein, we characterized the spatio-temporal expression, cellular distribution and regulation by androgens of the β-defensin SPAG11C, the rat ortholog of the human SPAG11B isoform C, in the developing epididymis by using RT-PCR, in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. We observed that Spag11c mRNA was ubiquitously expressed in rat fetuses, but preferentially detected in male reproductive tissues at adulthood. SPAG11C (mRNA and protein) was prenatally mainly detected in the mesenchyme of the Wolffian duct, switching gradually after birth to a predominant localization in the epididymis epithelium during postnatal development. In the adult epididymis, smooth muscle and interstitial cells were also identified as sources of SPAG11C. Furthermore, SPAG11C was differentially immunolocalized on spermatozoa surface during their transit from testis throughout caput and cauda epididymis. Developmental and surgical castration studies suggested that androgens contribute to the epididymal cell type- and region-specific modulation of SPAG11C mRNA levels and immunolocalization. Together our findings provide novel insights into the potential role of β-defensins in the epididymis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla M Ribeiro
- Section of Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 04044-020, Brazil
| | - Daniel B C Queiróz
- Section of Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 04044-020, Brazil
| | - Marília T C C Patrão
- Section of Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 04044-020, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Denadai-Souza
- Section of Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 04044-020, Brazil
| | - Renata M Romano
- Section of Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 04044-020, Brazil
| | - Erick J R Silva
- Section of Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 04044-020, Brazil
| | - Maria Christina W Avellar
- Section of Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 04044-020, Brazil.
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84
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Kim B, Roy J, Shum WWC, Da Silva N, Breton S. Role of testicular luminal factors on Basal cell elongation and proliferation in the mouse epididymis. Biol Reprod 2014; 92:9. [PMID: 25411392 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.114.123943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A subset of basal cells (BCs) in the initial segment (IS) of the mouse epididymis has a slender body projection between adjacent epithelial cells. We show here that these projections occasionally cross the apical tight junctions and are in contact with the luminal environment. Luminal testicular factors are critical for the establishment of the IS epithelium, and we investigated their role in the regulation of this luminal sensing property. Efferent duct ligation (EDL) was performed to block luminal flow from the testis without affecting blood flow. Cytokeratin 5 (KRT5) labeling showed a time-dependent reduction of the percentage of BCs with intercellular projections from 1 to 5 days after EDL, compared to controls. Double labeling for caspase-3 and KRT5 showed that a subset of BCs undergoes apoptosis 1 day after EDL. Ki67/KRT5 double labeling showed a low rate of BC proliferation under basal conditions. However, EDL induced a marked increase in the proliferation rate of a subset of BCs 2 days after EDL. A 2-wk treatment with the androgen receptor antagonist flutamide did not affect the number of BCs with intercellular projections, but reduced BC proliferation. Flutamide treatment also reduced the increase in BC proliferation induced 2 days after EDL. We conclude that, in the adult mouse IS, 1) luminal testicular factors play an important role in the ability of BCs to extend their body projection towards the lumen, and are essential for the survival of a subset of BCs; 2) androgens play an important role in the proliferation of some of the BCs that survive the initial insult induced by EDL; and 3) the formation and elongation of BC intercellular projections do not depend on androgens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bongki Kim
- Center for Systems Biology, Program in Membrane Biology and Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jeremy Roy
- Center for Systems Biology, Program in Membrane Biology and Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Winnie W C Shum
- Center for Systems Biology, Program in Membrane Biology and Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Nicolas Da Silva
- Center for Systems Biology, Program in Membrane Biology and Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sylvie Breton
- Center for Systems Biology, Program in Membrane Biology and Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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85
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Păunescu TG, Shum WWC, Huynh C, Lechner L, Goetze B, Brown D, Breton S. High-resolution helium ion microscopy of epididymal epithelial cells and their interaction with spermatozoa. Mol Hum Reprod 2014; 20:929-37. [PMID: 25015675 PMCID: PMC4172170 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gau052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2014] [Revised: 06/20/2014] [Accepted: 07/01/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
We examined the rat and mouse epididymis using helium ion microscopy (HIM), a novel imaging technology that uses a scanning beam of He(+) ions to produce nanometer resolution images of uncoated biological samples. Various tissue fixation, sectioning and dehydration methods were evaluated for their ability to preserve tissue architecture. The cauda epididymidis was luminally perfused in vivo to remove most spermatozoa and the apical surface of the epithelial lining was exposed. Fixed epididymis samples were then subjected to critical point drying (CPD) and HIM. Apical stereocilia in principal cells and smaller apical membrane extensions in clear cells were clearly distinguishable in both rat and mouse epididymis using this technology. After perfusion with an activating solution containing CPT-cAMP, a permeant analog of cAMP, clear cells exhibited an increase in the number and size of membrane ruffles or microplicae. In contrast, principal cells did not exhibit detectable structural modifications. High-resolution HIM imaging clearly showed the ultrastructure of residual sperm cells, including the presence of concentric rings on the midpiece, and of cytoplasmic droplets in some spermatozoa. Close epithelium-sperm interactions were also detected. We found a number of sperm cells whose heads were anchored within the epididymal epithelium. In certain cases, the surface of the sperm cytoplasmic droplet was covered with vesicle-like structures whose size is consistent with that of epididymosomes. In conclusion, we describe here the first application of HIM technology to the study of the structure and morphology of the rodent epididymis. HIM technology represents a major imaging breakthrough that can be successfully applied to study the epididymis and spermatozoa, with the goal of advancing our understanding of their structure and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teodor G Păunescu
- Department of Medicine, Program in Membrane Biology and Division of Nephrology, Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Simches Research Center, CPZN 8204, 185 Cambridge St, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Winnie W C Shum
- Department of Medicine, Program in Membrane Biology and Division of Nephrology, Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Simches Research Center, CPZN 8204, 185 Cambridge St, Boston, MA 02114, USA Present address: School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | | | | | | | - Dennis Brown
- Department of Medicine, Program in Membrane Biology and Division of Nephrology, Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Simches Research Center, CPZN 8204, 185 Cambridge St, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Sylvie Breton
- Department of Medicine, Program in Membrane Biology and Division of Nephrology, Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Simches Research Center, CPZN 8204, 185 Cambridge St, Boston, MA 02114, USA
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86
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Smith TB, Cortez-Retamozo V, Grigoryeva LS, Hill E, Pittet MJ, Da Silva N. Mononuclear phagocytes rapidly clear apoptotic epithelial cells in the proximal epididymis. Andrology 2014; 2:755-62. [PMID: 25082073 DOI: 10.1111/j.2047-2927.2014.00251.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2014] [Revised: 05/16/2014] [Accepted: 07/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
We have shown previously that a network of mononuclear phagocytes (MPs) expressing macrophage and dendritic cell markers such as CD11c, F4/80 and CX3CR1, lines the base of the epididymal tubule. However, in the initial segment (IS) and only in that particular segment, epididymal MPs establish extremely close interactions with the epithelium by projecting slender dendrites between most epithelial cells. We undertook the present study to determine how epididymal phagocytes respond to the transient wave of apoptosis initiated by unilateral efferent duct ligation (EDL) in the epididymal epithelium. We show profound morphological and phenotypical changes restricted to the MPs populating the proximal epididymis following EDL. Within 48 h, a large subset of IS epithelial cells had entered an apoptotic state, visualized by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) assay and CD11c(+) and CX3CR1(+) MPs readily engulfed TUNEL-positive cells and other debris. Despite the high levels of apoptosis and the rapid clearance of apoptotic cells occurring after EDL, the epithelium preserved its overall architecture and maintained tight junctions of the blood-epididymis barrier (BEB). The discovery of a functional population of MPs in the epididymal epithelium responsible for maintaining the integrity of the BEB raises further questions regarding the role of these cells in clearing defective epithelial cells in the steady-state epididymis, as well as pathogens and abnormal spermatozoa in the lumen.
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Affiliation(s)
- T B Smith
- Division of Nephrology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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87
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Shum WW, Smith TB, Cortez-Retamozo V, Grigoryeva LS, Roy JW, Hill E, Pittet MJ, Breton S, Da Silva N. Epithelial basal cells are distinct from dendritic cells and macrophages in the mouse epididymis. Biol Reprod 2014; 90:90. [PMID: 24648397 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.116681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The epithelium that lines the epididymal duct establishes the optimal milieu in which spermatozoa mature, acquire motility, and are stored. This finely tuned environment also protects antigenic sperm against pathogens and autoimmunity, which are potential causes of transient or permanent infertility. The epididymal epithelium is pseudostratified and contains basal cells (BCs) that are located beneath other epithelial cells. Previous studies showed that in the mouse epididymis, BCs possess macrophage-like characteristics. However, we previously identified a dense population of cells belonging to the mononuclear phagocyte (MP) system (comprised of macrophages and dendritic cells) in the basal compartment of the mouse epididymis and showed that a subset of MPs express the macrophage marker F4/80. In the present study, we evaluate the distribution of BCs and MPs in the epididymis of transgenic CD11c-EYFP mice, in which EYFP is expressed exclusively in MPs, using antibodies against the BC marker keratin 5 (KRT5) and the macrophage marker F4/80. Immunofluorescence labeling for laminin, a basement membrane marker, showed that BCs and most MPs are located in the basal region of the epithelium. Confocal microscopy showed that in the initial segment, both BCs and MPs project intraepithelial extensions and establish a very intricate network. Flow cytometry experiments demonstrated that epididymal MPs and BCs are phenotypically distinct. BCs do not express F4/80, and MPs do not express KRT5. Therefore, despite their proximity and some morphological similarities with peritubular macrophages and dendritic cells, BCs do not belong to the MP system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winnie W Shum
- Division of Nephrology/Program in Membrane Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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88
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Miyaso H, Naito M, Hirai S, Matsuno Y, Komiyama M, Itoh M, Mori C. Neonatal exposure to diethylstilbestrol causes granulomatous orchitis via epididymal inflammation. Anat Sci Int 2014; 89:215-23. [PMID: 24449359 DOI: 10.1007/s12565-013-0225-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2013] [Accepted: 12/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Diethylstilbestrol (DES), an endocrine-disrupting chemical, is an infamous artificial estrogenic compound. Although neonatal exposure to DES has been shown to result in inflammation of the male reproductive system, it has not, to our knowledge, been reported to induce testicular inflammation. Here we report that neonatal exposure to DES caused granulomatous orchitis with spermatogenic disturbance in 4 of 17 ICR male mice at 12 weeks of age. In the animals with spermatogenic disturbance, we observed either seminiferous tubules containing only cells with Sertoli cell features (likely Sertoli cell syndrome), or tubule cells in maturation arrest that contained only spermatogonia and/or spermatocytes. Following neonatal DES exposure, 5-week-old mice exhibited inflammation in cauda epididymis; by 8 weeks, the inflammation had spread to all segments of epididymis but not the testis; by 12 weeks, inflammation of the epididymis was observed in all mice. These data indicated that cauda epididymis has increased sensitivity to neonatal DES exposure compared to other segments of epididymis and testis. The data also implied that neonatal DES exposure-induced inflammation in cauda epididymis extended gradually to the testis via corpus and caput during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidenobu Miyaso
- Center for Preventive Medical Science, Chiba University, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan
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89
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Nagdas SK, Buchanan T, Raychoudhury S. Identification of peroxiredoxin-5 in bovine cauda epididymal sperm. Mol Cell Biochem 2013; 387:113-21. [PMID: 24186847 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-013-1876-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2013] [Accepted: 10/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Developing spermatozoa require a series of posttesticular modifications within the luminal environment of the epididymis to achieve maturation; this involves several surface modifications including changes in plasma membrane lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, and alterations in the outer acrosomal membrane. Epididymal maturation can therefore allow sperm to gain forward motility and fertilization capabilities. The objective of this study was to identify maturation-dependent protein(s) and to investigate their role with the production of functionally competent spermatozoa. Lectin blot analyses of caput and cauda sperm plasma membrane fractions identified a 17.5 kDa wheat germ agglutinin (WGA)-binding polypeptide present in the cauda sperm plasma membrane not in the caput sperm plasma membrane. Among the several WGA-stained bands, the presence of a 17.5 kDa WGA-binding polypeptide band was detected only in cauda epididymal fluid not in caput epididymal fluid suggesting that the 17.5 kDa WGA-binding polypeptide is secreted from the cauda epididymis and binds to the cauda sperm plasma membrane during epididymal transit. Proteomic identification of the 17.5 kDa polypeptide yielded 13 peptides that matched the sequence of peroxiredoxin-5 (PRDX5) protein (Bos Taurus). We propose that bovine cauda sperm PRDX5 acts as an antioxidant enzyme in the epididymal environment, which is crucial in protecting the viable sperm population against the damage caused by endogeneous or exogeneous peroxide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subir K Nagdas
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, Fayetteville State University, 1200 Murchison Road, Fayetteville, NC, 28301, USA,
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90
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Abstract
Ejaculatory dysfunction may occur after many different disorders ranging from traumatic spinal cord injury to diabetes mellitus. With an understanding of the many facets and nuances of the ejaculatory apparatus, both anatomic and neurologic, the well-versed clinician can proceed along a safe, efficient, and appropriate treatment algorithm to help affected men and their partners achieve parenthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Phillips
- Division of Urology, Boston University School of Medicine, Shapiro Center, Suite 3B, 715 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118, USA
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91
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Arrighi S, Aralla M. Immunolocalization of Aquaporin Water Channels in the Domestic Cat Male Genital Tract. Reprod Domest Anim 2013; 49:17-26. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.12213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2013] [Accepted: 06/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S Arrighi
- Laboratory of Anatomy Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety Università degli Studi di Milano Milano Italy
| | - M Aralla
- Laboratory of Anatomy Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety Università degli Studi di Milano Milano Italy
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92
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Li K, Liu Y, Xia X, Wang L, Lu M, Hu Y, Xu C. Bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein in the reproductive system of male mice may be involved in the sperm-oocyte fusion. Reproduction 2013; 146:135-44. [PMID: 23740083 DOI: 10.1530/rep-13-0127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (BPI) is a 455-residue (∼55 kDa) protein found mainly in the primary (azurophilic) granules of human neutrophils. BPI is an endogenous antibiotic protein that belongs to the family of mammalian lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-binding and lipid transport proteins. Its major function is to kill Gram-negative bacteria, thereby protecting the host from infection. In addition, BPI can inhibit angiogenesis, suppress LPS-mediated platelet activation, increase DNA synthesis, and activate ERK/Akt signaling. In this study, we found that Bpi was expressed in the testis and epididymis but not in the seminal vesicles, prostate, and solidification glands. BPI expression in the epididymis increased upon upregulation of testosterone, caused by injection of GNRH. In orchidectomized mice, BPI expression was significantly reduced, but its expression was restored to 30% of control levels in orchidectomized mice that received supplementary testosterone. The number of sperm fused per egg significantly decreased after incubation with anti-BPI antiserum. These results suggest that BPI may take part in the process of sperm-oocyte fusion and play a unique and significant role in reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Li
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 280 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200025, China
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93
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Correia S, Oliveira PF, Guerreiro PM, Lopes G, Alves MG, Canario AVM, Cavaco JE, Socorro S. Sperm parameters and epididymis function in transgenic rats overexpressing the Ca2+-binding protein regucalcin: a hidden role for Ca2+ in sperm maturation? Mol Hum Reprod 2013; 19:581-9. [DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gat030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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94
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Belleannée C, Légaré C, Calvo É, Thimon V, Sullivan R. microRNA signature is altered in both human epididymis and seminal microvesicles following vasectomy. Hum Reprod 2013; 28:1455-67. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/det088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
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95
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Abstract
Reproduction and fertility have been objects of keen inquiry since the dawn of humanity. Medieval anatomists provided the first accurate depictions of the female reproductive system, and early microscopists were fascinated by the magnified sight of sperm cells. Initial successes were achieved in the in vitro fertilization of frogs and the artificial insemination of dogs. Gamete and embryo research was in the cradle of modern cell biology, providing the first evidence of the multi-cellular composition of living beings and pointing out the importance of chromosomes for heredity. In the 20th century, reproductive research paved the way for the study of the cytoskeleton, cell signaling, and the cell cycle. In the last three decades, the advent of reproductive cell biology has brought us human in vitro fertilization, animal cloning, and human and animal embryonic stem cells. It has contributed to the development of transgenesis, proteomics, genomics, and epigenetics. This Special Issue represents a sample of the various areas of reproductive biology, with emphasis on molecular and cell biological aspects. Advances in spermatology, ovarian function, fertilization, and maternal-fetal interactions are discussed within the framework of fertility and diseases such as endometriosis and diabetes.
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