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Raka RN, Wu H, Xiao J, Hossen I, Cao Y, Huang M, Jin J. Human ectopic olfactory receptors and their food originated ligands: a review. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2021; 62:5424-5443. [PMID: 33605814 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2021.1885007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Ectopic olfactory receptors (EORs) are expressed in non-nasal tissues of human body. They belong to the G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily. EORs may not be capable of differentiating odorants as nasal olfactory receptors (ORs), but still can be triggered by odorants and are involved in different biological processes such as anti-inflammation, energy metabolism, apoptosis etc. Consumption of strong flavored foods like celery, oranges, onions, and spices, is a good aid to attenuate inflammation and boost our immune system. During the digestion of these foods in human digestive system and the metabolization by gut microbiota, the odorants closely interacting with EORs, may play important roles in various bio-functions like serotonin release, appetite regulation etc., and ultimately impact health and diseases. Thus, EORs could be a potential target linking the ligands from food and their bioactivities. There have been related studies in different research fields of medicine and physiology, but still no systematic food oriented review. Our review portrays that EORs could be a potential target for functional food development. In this review, we summarized the EORs found in human tissues, their impacts on health and disease, ligands interacting with EORs exerting specific biological effects, and the mechanisms involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rifat Nowshin Raka
- Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Brewing Molecular Engineering of China Light Industry, Beijing, China.,Beijing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Food Additives, Beijing, China.,Beijing Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety, Beijing, China.,Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Beijing, China
| | - Hua Wu
- Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Brewing Molecular Engineering of China Light Industry, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Lab of Plant Resource Research and Development, Beijing, China
| | - Junsong Xiao
- Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Brewing Molecular Engineering of China Light Industry, Beijing, China.,Beijing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Food Additives, Beijing, China.,Beijing Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety, Beijing, China.,Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Beijing, China
| | - Imam Hossen
- Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Brewing Molecular Engineering of China Light Industry, Beijing, China.,Beijing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Food Additives, Beijing, China.,Beijing Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety, Beijing, China.,Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Beijing, China
| | - Yanping Cao
- Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Engineering and Technology Research Center of Food Additives, Beijing, China
| | - Mingquan Huang
- Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Brewing Molecular Engineering of China Light Industry, Beijing, China
| | - Jianming Jin
- Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Lab of Plant Resource Research and Development, Beijing, China
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52
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Noto F, Recuero S, Valencia J, Saporito B, Robbe D, Bonet S, Carluccio A, Yeste M. Inhibition of Potassium Channels Affects the Ability of Pig Spermatozoa to Elicit Capacitation and Trigger the Acrosome Exocytosis Induced by Progesterone. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041992. [PMID: 33671466 PMCID: PMC7922121 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
During capacitation, sperm undergo a myriad of changes, including remodeling of plasma membrane, modification of sperm motility and kinematic parameters, membrane hyperpolarization, increase in intracellular calcium levels, and tyrosine phosphorylation of certain sperm proteins. While potassium channels have been reported to be crucial for capacitation of mouse and human sperm, their role in pigs has not been investigated. With this purpose, sperm samples from 15 boars were incubated in capacitation medium for 300 min with quinine, a general blocker of potassium channels (including voltage-gated potassium channels, calcium-activated potassium channels, and tandem pore domain potassium channels), and paxilline (PAX), a specific inhibitor of calcium-activated potassium channels. In all samples, acrosome exocytosis was induced after 240 min of incubation with progesterone. Plasma membrane and acrosome integrity, membrane lipid disorder, intracellular calcium levels, mitochondrial membrane potential, and total and progressive sperm motility were evaluated after 0, 120, and 240 min of incubation, and after 5, 30, and 60 min of progesterone addition. Although blocking potassium channels with quinine and PAX prevented sperm to elicit in vitro capacitation by impairing motility and mitochondrial function, as well as reducing intracellular calcium levels, the extent of that inhibition was larger with quinine than with PAX. Therefore, while our data support that calcium-activated potassium channels are essential for sperm capacitation in pigs, they also suggest that other potassium channels, such as the voltage-gated, tandem pore domain, and mitochondrial ATP-regulated ones, are involved in that process. Thus, further research is needed to elucidate the specific functions of these channels and the mechanisms underlying its regulation during sperm capacitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Noto
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; (F.N.); (S.R.); (S.B.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain;
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano D’Accio, IT-64100 Teramo, Italy; (B.S.); (D.R.); (A.C.)
| | - Sandra Recuero
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; (F.N.); (S.R.); (S.B.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain;
| | - Julián Valencia
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain;
- University Antonio Nariño, Calle 53 #9-35, Popayán CO-190002, Colombia
| | - Beatrice Saporito
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano D’Accio, IT-64100 Teramo, Italy; (B.S.); (D.R.); (A.C.)
| | - Domenico Robbe
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano D’Accio, IT-64100 Teramo, Italy; (B.S.); (D.R.); (A.C.)
| | - Sergi Bonet
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; (F.N.); (S.R.); (S.B.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain;
| | - Augusto Carluccio
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Località Piano D’Accio, IT-64100 Teramo, Italy; (B.S.); (D.R.); (A.C.)
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; (F.N.); (S.R.); (S.B.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain;
- Correspondence:
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Delgado-Bermúdez A, Mateo-Otero Y, Llavanera M, Bonet S, Yeste M, Pinart E. HVCN1 but Not Potassium Channels Are Related to Mammalian Sperm Cryotolerance. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041646. [PMID: 33562049 PMCID: PMC7914938 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Little data exist about the physiological role of ion channels during the freeze–thaw process in mammalian sperm. Herein, we determined the relevance of potassium channels, including SLO1, and of voltage-gated proton channels (HVCN1) during mammalian sperm cryopreservation, using the pig as a model and through the addition of specific blockers (TEA: tetraethyl ammonium chloride, PAX: paxilline or 2-GBI: 2-guanidino benzimidazole) to the cryoprotective media at either 15 °C or 5 °C. Sperm quality of the control and blocked samples was performed at 30- and 240-min post-thaw, by assessing sperm motility and kinematics, plasma and acrosome membrane integrity, membrane lipid disorder, intracellular calcium levels, mitochondrial membrane potential, and intracellular O2−⁻ and H2O2 levels. General blockade of K+ channels by TEA and specific blockade of SLO1 channels by PAX did not result in alterations in sperm quality after thawing as compared to control samples. In contrast, HVCN1-blocking with 2-GBI led to a significant decrease in post-thaw sperm quality as compared to the control, despite intracellular O2−⁻ and H2O2 levels in 2-GBI blocked samples being lower than in the control and in TEA- and PAX-blocked samples. We can thus conclude that HVCN1 channels are related to mammalian sperm cryotolerance and have an essential role during cryopreservation. In contrast, potassium channels do not seem to play such an instrumental role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariadna Delgado-Bermúdez
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain; (A.D.-B.); (Y.M.-O.); (M.L.); (S.B.); (M.Y.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Yentel Mateo-Otero
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain; (A.D.-B.); (Y.M.-O.); (M.L.); (S.B.); (M.Y.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Marc Llavanera
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain; (A.D.-B.); (Y.M.-O.); (M.L.); (S.B.); (M.Y.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Sergi Bonet
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain; (A.D.-B.); (Y.M.-O.); (M.L.); (S.B.); (M.Y.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain; (A.D.-B.); (Y.M.-O.); (M.L.); (S.B.); (M.Y.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Elisabeth Pinart
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain; (A.D.-B.); (Y.M.-O.); (M.L.); (S.B.); (M.Y.)
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-972-419-514
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Cavarocchi E, Whitfield M, Chargui A, Stouvenel L, Lorès P, Coutton C, Arnoult C, Santulli P, Patrat C, Thierry-Mieg N, Ray PF, Dulioust E, Touré A. The sodium/proton exchanger SLC9C1 (sNHE) is essential for human sperm motility and fertility. Clin Genet 2021; 99:684-693. [PMID: 33462806 DOI: 10.1111/cge.13927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Asthenozoospermia, defined by the absence or reduction of sperm motility, constitutes the most frequent cause of human male infertility. This pathological condition is caused by morphological and/or functional defects of the sperm flagellum, which preclude proper sperm progression. While in the last decade many causal genes were identified for asthenozoospermia associated with severe sperm flagellar defects, the causes of purely functional asthenozoospermia are still poorly defined. We describe here the case of an infertile man, displaying asthenozoospermia without major morphological flagellar anomalies and carrying a homozygous splicing mutation in SLC9C1 (sNHE), which we identified by whole-exome sequencing. SLC9C1 encodes a sperm-specific sodium/proton exchanger, which in mouse regulates pH homeostasis and interacts with the soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC), a key regulator of the signalling pathways involved in sperm motility and capacitation. We demonstrate by means of RT-PCR, immunodetection and immunofluorescence assays on patient's semen samples that the homozygous splicing mutation (c.2748 + 2 T > C) leads to in-frame exon skipping resulting in a deletion in the cyclic nucleotide-binding domain of the protein. Our work shows that in human, similar to mouse, SLC9C1 is required for sperm motility. Overall, we establish a homozygous truncating mutation in SLC9C1 as a novel cause of human asthenozoospermia and infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Cavarocchi
- Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | | | - Ahmed Chargui
- Laboratoire d'Histologie Embryologie - Biologie de la Reproduction - CECOS Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire Paris Centre, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | | | - Patrick Lorès
- Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Charles Coutton
- Institut pour l'avancée des Biosciences, INSERM, CNRS, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France.,CHU Grenoble Alpes, UM de Génétique Chromosomique, Grenoble, France
| | - Christophe Arnoult
- Institut pour l'avancée des Biosciences, INSERM, CNRS, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Pietro Santulli
- Service de Chirurgie Gynécologie Obstétrique 2 et Médecine de la Reproduction, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire Paris Centre, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Catherine Patrat
- Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, Université de Paris, Paris, France.,Laboratoire d'Histologie Embryologie - Biologie de la Reproduction - CECOS Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire Paris Centre, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | | | - Pierre F Ray
- Institut pour l'avancée des Biosciences, INSERM, CNRS, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France.,CHU de Grenoble, UM GI-DPI, Grenoble, France
| | - Emmanuel Dulioust
- Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, Université de Paris, Paris, France.,Laboratoire d'Histologie Embryologie - Biologie de la Reproduction - CECOS Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire Paris Centre, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Aminata Touré
- Institut pour l'avancée des Biosciences, INSERM, CNRS, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
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55
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Polyamines Influence Mouse Sperm Channels Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22010441. [PMID: 33406808 PMCID: PMC7795802 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Polyamines are ubiquitous polycationic compounds that are highly charged at physiological pH. While passing through the epididymis, sperm lose their capacity to synthesize the polyamines and, upon ejaculation, again come into contact with the polyamines contained in the seminal fluid, unleashing physiological events that improve sperm motility and capacitation. In the present work, we hypothesize about the influence of polyamines, namely, spermine, spermidine, and putrescine, on the activity of sperm channels, evaluating the intracellular concentrations of chloride [Cl−]i, calcium [Ca2+]i, sodium [Na+]i, potassium [K+]i, the membrane Vm, and pHi. The aim of this is to identify the possible regulatory mechanisms mediated by the polyamines on sperm-specific channels under capacitation and non-capacitation conditions. The results showed that the presence of polyamines did not directly influence the activity of calcium and chloride channels. However, the results suggested an interaction of polyamines with sodium and potassium channels, which may contribute to the membrane Vm during capacitation. In addition, alkalization of the pHi revealed the possible activation of sperm-specific Na+/H+ exchangers (NHEs) by the increased levels of cyclic AMP (cAMP), which were produced by soluble adenylate cyclase (sAC) and interact with the polyamines, evidence that is supported by in silico analysis.
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56
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Jin ZR, Fang D, Liu BH, Cai J, Tang WH, Jiang H, Xing GG. Roles of CatSper channels in the pathogenesis of asthenozoospermia and the therapeutic effects of acupuncture-like treatment on asthenozoospermia. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:2822-2844. [PMID: 33456575 PMCID: PMC7806476 DOI: 10.7150/thno.51869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Idiopathic asthenozoospermia (iAZS) is one of the major causes of male infertility and has no effective therapeutic treatment. Understanding the potential mechanisms that cause it may be helpful in seeking novel targets and treatment strategies for overcoming the problem of low sperm motility in iAZS individuals. Methods: Computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) was utilized to assess the sperm motility. RT-qPCR, Western blot, immunofluorescence staining, and calcium imaging analysis were performed to examine the expression and function of CatSper channels. Hyperactivation and acrosome reaction were used to evaluate the functional characteristics of epididymal sperm. In vivo fertility assay was applied to determine the fertility of rats. CatSper1 knockdown and overexpression experiments were performed to confirm the roles of CatSper channels in the pathogenesis of iAZS and the therapeutic effects of electroacupuncture (EA) treatment on AZS model rats. Results: Here, we reported a functional down-regulation of CatSper channel from CatSper1 to CatSper 4 in the sperm of both iAZS patients and ornidazole (ORN)-induced AZS model rats, and an impaired sperm function characterized by a reduction of protein tyrosine phosphorylation, hyperactivation, and acrosome reaction in the epididymal sperm of AZS rats. Knockdown of CatSper1 in the testis tissues is sufficient to induce AZS in normal rats, and this action was validated by the reversal effects of CatSper1 overexpression. Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) and electroacupuncture (EA) at 2 Hz frequency improve the sperm motility via enhancing the functional expression of CatSper channels in the sperm. Gene silencing CatSper1 in the sperm abolishes the therapeutic effects of 2 Hz-EA treatment on AZS rats. Conclusions: We conclude that a functional down-regulation of CatSper channel in the sperm may be a contributor or a downstream indicator for a portion of AZS, especially iAZS, while 2 Hz-TEAS or EA treatment has a therapeutic effect on iAZS through inducing the functional up-regulation of CatSper channels in the sperm. This study provides a novel mechanism for the pathogenesis of some AZS especially iAZS, and presents a potential therapeutic target of CatSper for iAZS treatment. Acupuncture treatment like TEAS may be used as a promising complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapy for male infertility caused by iAZS in clinical practice.
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57
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Tektemur A, Etem Önalan E, Kaya Tektemur N, Dayan Cinkara S, Kılınçlı Çetin A, Tekedereli İ, Kuloğlu T, Türk G. Carbamazepine-induced sperm disorders can be associated with the altered expressions of testicular KCNJ11/miR-let-7a and spermatozoal CFTR/miR-27a. Andrologia 2020; 53:e13954. [PMID: 33372325 DOI: 10.1111/and.13954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Male infertility is a global health problem, and the underlying molecular mechanisms are not clearly known. Ion channels and microRNAs (miRNAs), known to function in many vital functions in cells, have been shown to play a significant role in male infertility through changes in their expressions. The study aimed to evaluate the alterations of testicular and/or spermatozoal potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily J member 11 (KCNJ11), Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), miR-let-7a and miR-27a expressions in carbamazepine-related male infertility. Here, we showed that carbamazepine reduced sperm motility, increased abnormal sperm morphology, and impaired hormonal balance as well as increased relative testis weight and decreased relative seminal vesicle weight. On the other hand, downregulated KCNJ11 and upregulated miR-let-7a expressions were determined in testis (p < .05). Also, downregulated KCNJ11 and upregulated CFTR and miR-27a expressions were found in spermatozoa (p < .05). Interestingly, altered testicular KCNJ11 and miR-let-7a expressions were correlated with decreased sperm motility and elevated sperm tail defect. Besides, spermatozoal CFTR and miR-27a expressions positively correlated with sperm tail defects. The results indicated a significant relationship between ion channel and/or miRNA expression alterations and impaired sperm parameters due to carbamazepine usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Tektemur
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Ebru Etem Önalan
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Nalan Kaya Tektemur
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Serap Dayan Cinkara
- Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Ayten Kılınçlı Çetin
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
| | - İbrahim Tekedereli
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Tuncay Kuloğlu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey
| | - Gaffari Türk
- Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey
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Kordowitzki P, Kranc W, Bryl R, Kempisty B, Skowronska A, Skowronski MT. The Relevance of Aquaporins for the Physiology, Pathology, and Aging of the Female Reproductive System in Mammals. Cells 2020; 9:cells9122570. [PMID: 33271827 PMCID: PMC7760214 DOI: 10.3390/cells9122570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Aquaporins constitute a group of water channel proteins located in numerous cell types. These are pore-forming transmembrane proteins, which mediate the specific passage of water molecules through membranes. It is well-known that water homeostasis plays a crucial role in different reproductive processes, e.g., oocyte transport, hormonal secretion, completion of successful fertilization, blastocyst formation, pregnancy, and birth. Further, aquaporins are involved in the process of spermatogenesis, and they have been reported to be involved during the storage of spermatozoa. It is noteworthy that aquaporins are relevant for the physiological function of specific parts in the female reproductive system, which will be presented in detail in the first section of this review. Moreover, they are relevant in different pathologies in the female reproductive system. The contribution of aquaporins in selected reproductive disorders and aging will be summarized in the second section of this review, followed by a section dedicated to aquaporin-related proteins. Since the relevance of aquaporins for the male reproductive system has been reviewed several times in the recent past, this review aims to provide an update on the distribution and impact of aquaporins only in the female reproductive system. Therefore, this paper seeks to determine the physiological and patho-physiological relevance of aquaporins on female reproduction, and female reproductive aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paweł Kordowitzki
- Department of Basic and Preclinical Sciences, Institute for Veterinary Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100 Torun, Poland;
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of Polish Academy of Sciences, 10-243 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Wiesława Kranc
- Department of Anatomy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-781 Poznan, Poland; (W.K.); (R.B.); (B.K.)
| | - Rut Bryl
- Department of Anatomy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-781 Poznan, Poland; (W.K.); (R.B.); (B.K.)
| | - Bartosz Kempisty
- Department of Anatomy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-781 Poznan, Poland; (W.K.); (R.B.); (B.K.)
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-781 Poznan, Poland
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, Institute for Veterinary Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100 Torun, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Skowronska
- Department of Human Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury, Warszawska Street 30, 10-082 Olsztyn, Poland;
| | - Mariusz T. Skowronski
- Department of Basic and Preclinical Sciences, Institute for Veterinary Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100 Torun, Poland;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-56-611-2231
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Rahban R, Nef S. CatSper: The complex main gate of calcium entry in mammalian spermatozoa. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 518:110951. [PMID: 32712386 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Calcium ions (Ca2+) are involved in nearly every aspect of cellular life. They are one of the most abundant elements in mammals and play a vital role in physiological and biochemical processes acting mainly as intracellular messengers. In spermatozoa, several key functions are regulated by cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration such as sperm capacitation, chemotaxis, hyperactive motility, and acrosome reaction. The sperm-specific ion channel CatSper is the principal calcium channel in sperm mediating the calcium influx into the sperm flagellum and acting as an essential modulator of downstream mechanisms involved in fertilization. This review aims to provide insights into the structure, localization, and function of the mammalian CatSper channel, primarily human and mice. The activation of CatSper by progesterone and prostaglandins, as well as the ligand-independent regulation of the channel by a change in the membrane voltage and intracellular pH are going to be addressed. Finally, major questions, challenges, and perspectives are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Rahban
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), Switzerland; Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Rue Michel-Servet 1, 1206, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Serge Nef
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), Switzerland; Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Rue Michel-Servet 1, 1206, Geneva, Switzerland.
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60
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Sperm ion channels and transporters in male fertility and infertility. Nat Rev Urol 2020; 18:46-66. [PMID: 33214707 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-020-00390-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian sperm cells must respond to cues originating from along the female reproductive tract and from the layers of the egg in order to complete their fertilization journey. Dynamic regulation of ion signalling is, therefore, essential for sperm cells to adapt to their constantly changing environment. Over the past 15 years, direct electrophysiological recordings together with genetically modified mouse models and human genetics have confirmed the importance of ion channels, including the principal Ca2+-selective plasma membrane ion channel CatSper, for sperm activity. Sperm ion channels and membrane receptors are attractive targets for both the development of contraceptives and infertility treatment drugs. Furthermore, in this era of assisted reproductive technologies, understanding the signalling processes implicated in defective sperm function, particularly those arising from genetic abnormalities, is of the utmost importance not only for the development of infertility treatments but also to assess the overall health of a patient and his children. Future studies to improve reproductive health care and overall health care as a function of the ability to reproduce should include identification and analyses of gene variants that underlie human infertility and research into fertility-related molecules.
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Tamburrino L, Marchiani S, Muratori M, Luconi M, Baldi E. Progesterone, spermatozoa and reproduction: An updated review. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 516:110952. [PMID: 32712385 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The rapid effects of steroids on spermatozoa have been demonstrated for the first time more than three decades ago. Progesterone (P), which is present throughout the female genital tract with peaks of levels in the cumulus matrix surrounding the oocyte, has been shown to stimulate several sperm functions in vitro, including capacitation, hyperactivation, chemotaxis and acrosome reaction (AR). Besides an increase of intracellular calcium, P has been shown to activate other sperm signalling pathways including tyrosine phosphorylation of several sperm proteins. All these effects are mediated by extra-nuclear pathways likely involving interaction with molecules present on the sperm surface. In particular, the increase in intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) in spermatozoa from human and several other mammalian species is mediated by the sperm specific calcium channel CatSper, whose expression and function are required for sperm hyperactive motility. P-mediated CatSper activation is indeed involved in promoting sperm hyperactivation, but the involvement of this channel in other P-stimulated sperm functions, such as AR and chemotaxis, is less clear and further studies are required to disclose all the involved pathways. In human spermatozoa, responsiveness to P in terms of [Ca2+]i increase and AR is highly related to sperm fertilizing ability in vitro, suggesting that the steroid is a physiological inducer of AR during in vitro fertilization. In view of their physiological relevance, P-stimulated sperm functions are currently investigated to develop new tools to select highly performant spermatozoa for assisted reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Tamburrino
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Sara Marchiani
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Monica Muratori
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Science, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Michaela Luconi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Science, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Baldi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy.
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Norup PB, Egeberg Palme DL, Petersen MR, Main KM, Almstrup K. The Acrosomal Status of Density Purified Spermatozoa Differentiates Men from Couples in IVF and ICSI Treatment and Is Associated with Fecundity. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9082327. [PMID: 32707804 PMCID: PMC7464336 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9082327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The acrosome of the spermatozoa is required for fertilization and in the raw ejaculate the percentage of viable acrosome-intact spermatozoa, the acrosomal status, is higher among men with good semen quality. Here we investigated if the acrosomal status of the processed semen preparations used at a fertility clinic can also be informative and whether it is associated with fecundity. The acrosomal status was measured by image cytometry on purified semen samples from couples during in vitro fertilization (IVF) (n = 99) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) (n = 107) treatment. Purified frozen-thawed donor samples were also analyzed (n = 199). In purified semen preparations the acrosomal status was significantly higher among sperm donors (p = 5.3 × 10-8) and men from IVF couples (p = 2.2 × 10-5) when compared to men from ICSI couples. A significant difference was also found between female, male and mixed factor infertility (p = 0.003). No association with lifestyle factors was found. In frozen-thawed donor samples, a significant positive (r = 0.16, p = 0.025) association with the number of pregnancies per sold straw was observed together with an area under the curve of 75.3%, when comparing the top and bottom deciles. Our results indicate that the acrosomal status may be a valuable parameter for personalizing fertility treatments and might be a good predictor of pregnancy success among normozoospermic men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pernille Badsberg Norup
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; (P.B.N.); (K.M.M.)
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Morten R. Petersen
- The Fertility Clinic, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark;
| | - Katharina M. Main
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; (P.B.N.); (K.M.M.)
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristian Almstrup
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; (P.B.N.); (K.M.M.)
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +45-35-45-66-39
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Martinez CA, Alvarez-Rodriguez M, Wright D, Rodriguez-Martinez H. Does the Pre-Ovulatory Pig Oviduct Rule Sperm Capacitation In Vivo Mediating Transcriptomics of Catsper Channels? Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21051840. [PMID: 32155986 PMCID: PMC7084628 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21051840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatozoa need to conduct a series of biochemical changes termed capacitation in order to fertilize. In vivo, capacitation is sequentially achieved during sperm transport and interaction with the female genital tract, by mechanisms yet undisclosed in detail. However, when boar spermatozoa are stored in the tubal reservoir pre-ovulation, most appear to be in a non-capacitated state. This study aimed at deciphering the transcriptomics of capacitation-related genes in the pig pre-ovulatory oviduct, following the entry of semen or of sperm-free seminal plasma (SP). Ex-vivo samples of the utero-tubal junction (UTJ) and isthmus were examined with a microarray chip (GeneChip® Porcine Gene 1.0 ST Array, Thermo Fisher Scientific) followed by bioinformatics for enriched analysis of functional categories (GO terms) and restrictive statistics. The results confirmed that entry of semen or of relative amounts of sperm-free SP modifies gene expression of these segments, pre-ovulation. It further shows that enriched genes are differentially associated with pathways relating to sperm motility, acrosome reaction, single fertilization, and the regulation of signal transduction GO terms. In particular, the pre-ovulation oviduct stimulates the Catsper channels for sperm Ca2+ influx, with AKAPs, CATSPERs, and CABYR genes being positive regulators while PKIs and CRISP1 genes appear to be inhibitors of the process. We postulate that the stimulation of PKIs and CRISP1 genes in the pre-ovulation sperm reservoir/adjacent isthmus, mediated by SP, act to prevent premature massive capacitation prior to ovulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina A. Martinez
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-58185 Linköping, Sweden; (M.A.-R.); (H.R.-M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-678077708
| | - Manuel Alvarez-Rodriguez
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-58185 Linköping, Sweden; (M.A.-R.); (H.R.-M.)
| | - Dominic Wright
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Faculty of Science and Engineering; Linköping University, SE-58183 Linköping, Sweden;
| | - Heriberto Rodriguez-Martinez
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-58185 Linköping, Sweden; (M.A.-R.); (H.R.-M.)
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Governini L, Semplici B, Pavone V, Crifasi L, Marrocco C, De Leo V, Arlt E, Gudermann T, Boekhoff I, Luddi A, Piomboni P. Expression of Taste Receptor 2 Subtypes in Human Testis and Sperm. J Clin Med 2020; 9:E264. [PMID: 31963712 PMCID: PMC7019805 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9010264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Taste receptors (TASRs) are expressed not only in the oral cavity but also throughout the body, thus suggesting that they may play different roles in organ systems beyond the tongue. Recent studies showed the expression of several TASRs in mammalian testis and sperm, indicating an involvement of these receptors in male gametogenesis and fertility. This notion is supported by an impaired reproductive phenotype of mouse carrying targeted deletion of taste receptor genes, as well as by a significant correlation between human semen parameters and specific polymorphisms of taste receptor genes. To better understand the biological and thus clinical significance of these receptors for human reproduction, we analyzed the expression of several members of the TAS2Rs family of bitter receptors in human testis and in ejaculated sperm before and after in vitro selection and capacitation. Our results provide evidence for the expression of TAS2R genes, with TAS2R14 being the most expressed bitter receptor subtype in both testis tissue and sperm cells, respectively. In addition, it was observed that in vitro capacitation significantly affects both the expression and the subcellular localization of these receptors in isolated spermatozoa. Interestingly, α-gustducin and α-transducin, two Gα subunits expressed in taste buds on the tongue, are also expressed in human spermatozoa; moreover, a subcellular redistribution of both G protein α-subunits to different sub-compartments of sperm was registered upon in vitro capacitation. Finally, we shed light on the possible downstream transduction pathway initiated upon taste receptor activation in the male reproductive system. Performing ultrasensitive droplets digital PCR assays to quantify RNA copy numbers of a distinct gene, we found a significant correlation between the expression of TAS2Rs and TRPM5 (r = 0.87), the cation channel involved in bitter but also sweet and umami taste transduction in taste buds on the tongue. Even if further studies are needed to clarify the precise functional role of taste receptors for successful reproduction, the presented findings significantly extend our knowledge of the biological role of TAS2Rs for human male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Governini
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Siena University, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.G.); (B.S.); (V.P.); (L.C.); (C.M.); (V.D.L.); (P.P.)
| | - Bianca Semplici
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Siena University, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.G.); (B.S.); (V.P.); (L.C.); (C.M.); (V.D.L.); (P.P.)
| | - Valentina Pavone
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Siena University, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.G.); (B.S.); (V.P.); (L.C.); (C.M.); (V.D.L.); (P.P.)
| | - Laura Crifasi
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Siena University, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.G.); (B.S.); (V.P.); (L.C.); (C.M.); (V.D.L.); (P.P.)
| | - Camilla Marrocco
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Siena University, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.G.); (B.S.); (V.P.); (L.C.); (C.M.); (V.D.L.); (P.P.)
| | - Vincenzo De Leo
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Siena University, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.G.); (B.S.); (V.P.); (L.C.); (C.M.); (V.D.L.); (P.P.)
| | - Elisabeth Arlt
- Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, LMU Munich, 80336 Muenchen, Germany; (E.A.); (T.G.); (I.B.)
| | - Thomas Gudermann
- Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, LMU Munich, 80336 Muenchen, Germany; (E.A.); (T.G.); (I.B.)
| | - Ingrid Boekhoff
- Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, LMU Munich, 80336 Muenchen, Germany; (E.A.); (T.G.); (I.B.)
| | - Alice Luddi
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Siena University, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.G.); (B.S.); (V.P.); (L.C.); (C.M.); (V.D.L.); (P.P.)
| | - Paola Piomboni
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Siena University, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.G.); (B.S.); (V.P.); (L.C.); (C.M.); (V.D.L.); (P.P.)
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