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Ito C, Toshimori K. Acrosome markers of human sperm. Anat Sci Int 2016; 91:128-42. [PMID: 26748928 DOI: 10.1007/s12565-015-0323-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2015] [Accepted: 12/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Molecular biomarkers that can assess sperm acrosome status are very useful for evaluating sperm quality in the field of assisted reproductive technology. In this review, we introduce and discuss the localization and function of acrosomal proteins that have been well studied. Journal databases were searched using keywords, including "human acrosome", "localization", "fertilization-related protein", "acrosomal membrane", "acrosomal matrix", "acrosome reaction", "knockout mouse", and "acrosome marker".
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Affiliation(s)
- Chizuru Ito
- Department of Reproductive Biology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan.
| | - Kiyotaka Toshimori
- Department of Reproductive Biology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan
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Acrosome Reaction as a Preparation for Gamete Fusion. SPERM ACROSOME BIOGENESIS AND FUNCTION DURING FERTILIZATION 2016; 220:159-72. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-30567-7_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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53
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CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Rapid Generation of Multiple Mouse Lines Identified Ccdc63 as Essential for Spermiogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:24732-50. [PMID: 26501274 PMCID: PMC4632774 DOI: 10.3390/ijms161024732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2015] [Revised: 09/30/2015] [Accepted: 10/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatozoa are flagellated cells whose role in fertilization is dependent on their ability to move towards an oocyte. The structure of the sperm flagella is highly conserved across species, and much of what is known about this structure is derived from studies utilizing animal models. One group of proteins essential for the movement of the flagella are the dyneins. Using the advanced technology of CRISPR/Cas9 we have targeted three dynein group members; Dnaic1, Wdr63 and Ccdc63 in mice. All three of these genes are expressed strongly in the testis. We generated mice with amino acid substitutions in Dnaic1 to analyze two specific phosphorylation events at S124 and S127, and generated simple knockouts of Wdr63 and Ccdc63. We found that the targeted phosphorylation sites in Dnaic1 were not essential for male fertility. Similarly, Wdr63 was not essential for male fertility; however, Ccdc63 removal resulted in sterile male mice due to shortened flagella. This study demonstrates the versatility of the CRISPR/Cas9 system to generate animal models of a highly complex system by introducing point mutations and simple knockouts in a fast and efficient manner.
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Calreticulin is required for development of the cumulus oocyte complex and female fertility. Sci Rep 2015; 5:14254. [PMID: 26388295 PMCID: PMC4585710 DOI: 10.1038/srep14254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2015] [Accepted: 08/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Calnexin (CANX) and calreticulin (CALR) chaperones mediate nascent glycoprotein folding in the endoplasmic reticulum. Here we report that these chaperones have distinct roles in male and female fertility. Canx null mice are growth retarded but fertile. Calr null mice die during embryonic development, rendering indeterminate any effect on reproduction. Therefore, we conditionally ablated Calr in male and female germ cells using Stra8 (mcKO) and Zp3 (fcKO) promoter-driven Cre recombinase, respectively. Calr mcKO male mice were fertile, but fcKO female mice were sterile despite normal mating behavior. Strikingly, we found that Calr fcKO female mice had impaired folliculogenesis and decreased ovulatory rates due to defective proliferation of cuboidal granulosa cells. Oocyte-derived, TGF-beta family proteins play a major role in follicular development and molecular analysis revealed that the normal processing of GDF9 and BMP15 was defective in Calr fcKO oocytes. These findings highlight the importance of CALR in female reproduction and demonstrate that compromised CALR function leads to ovarian insufficiency and female infertility.
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Suryavathi V, Panneerdoss S, Wolkowicz MJ, Shetty J, Sherman NE, Flickinger CJ, Herr JC. Dynamic Changes in Equatorial Segment Protein 1 (SPESP1) Glycosylation During Mouse Spermiogenesis. Biol Reprod 2015; 92:129. [PMID: 25761597 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.114.121095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2014] [Accepted: 02/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
ESP1/SPESP1 is a testis-specific, postmeiotic gene expressed in round spermatids that encodes equatorial segment protein 1, an intra-acrosomal protein found in the acrosomal matrix and on the luminal surface of the inner and outer acrosomal membranes within the equatorial segment domain of mature spermatozoa. A comparison of testicular protein extracts with caput, corpus, and caudal epididymal sperm proteins revealed striking differences in the apparent masses of SPESP1 isoforms. The predominant isoforms of SPESP1 in the testis were 77 and 67 kDa, with 47-kDa forms present to a minor degree. In contrast, SPESP1 isoforms of 47 and 43 kDa were found in caput, corpus, and caudal sperm, indicating that SPESP1 undergoes noticeable mass changes during spermiogenesis and/or subsequent transport to the epididymis. On two-dimensional (2D) SDS-PAGE, testicular SPESP1 isoforms resolved as a train of pI values from 4.9 to 5.2. Immunoprecipitated 77-kDa SPESP1 from testis reacted with the glycoprofile stain after one-dimensional and 2D gel electrophoresis, indicating that the 77-kDa testicular isoform was highly glycosylated. One charge variant of the 67-kDa isoform was also glycoprofile positive after 2D gel resolution. The 47- and 43-kDa isoforms of SPESP1 from epididymal sperm did not stain with glycoprofile, suggesting an absence of, or few, glycoprofile-sensitive glycoconjugates in epididymal SPESP1. Treatment of testicular extracts with a variety of glycosidases resulted in mass shifts in immunoreactive SPESP1, indicating that testicular SPESP1 was glycosylated and that terminal sialic acid, N- and O-glycans were present. A mixture of deglycosidase enzymes (including PNGase-F, neuraminidase, beta1-4 galactosidase, endo-alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminidase, and beta N-acetyl-glucosaminidase) completely eliminated the 77- and 67-kDa SPESP1 bands and resulted in the appearance of 75-, 60-, 55-, 50-, 47-, and 43-kDa forms, confirming that both the 77- and 67-kDa testicular forms of SPESP1 contain complex carbohydrate residues. Treatment of caudal epididymal sperm with PNGase-F enzymes showed a faint deglycosylated band at 30 kDa, but neuraminidase did not result in any molecular shift, indicating that epididymal sperm SPESP1 did not contain sialic acid/N-acetylglucosamine residues. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that SPSPESP1 undergoes significant glycosylation in the testis and that the majority of these glycoconjugates are removed by the time sperm reach the caput epididymis. Studies of the fate of SPESP1 after the acrosome reaction localized SPESP1 to the equatorial segment region in both noncapacitated and capacitated, acrosome-reacted sperm. During capacitation, SPESP1 underwent proteolysis, resulting in a 27-kDa fragment. Zona-free oocytes incubated with recSPESP1 protein showed complementary binding sites on the microvillar oolemmal domain. Both recSPESP1 and anti-recSPESP1 antibody inhibited in vitro fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viswanadhapalli Suryavathi
- Center for Research in Contraceptive and Reproductive Health, Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Subbarayalu Panneerdoss
- Center for Research in Contraceptive and Reproductive Health, Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Michael J Wolkowicz
- Center for Research in Contraceptive and Reproductive Health, Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Jagathpala Shetty
- Center for Research in Contraceptive and Reproductive Health, Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Nicholas E Sherman
- Department of Microbiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Charles J Flickinger
- Center for Research in Contraceptive and Reproductive Health, Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - John C Herr
- Center for Research in Contraceptive and Reproductive Health, Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
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Matsuura M, Yogo K. TMEM225: a possible protein phosphatase 1γ2 (PP1γ2) regulator localizes to the equatorial segment in mouse spermatozoa. Mol Reprod Dev 2015; 82:139-48. [PMID: 25605614 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2014] [Accepted: 12/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Tmem225 encodes a putative four-transmembrane domain protein that has an RVxF motif, which is known to be a consensus site for interacting with serine/threonine protein phosphatase 1 (PP1). We previously identified Tmem225 as one of 53 spermatogenesis-associated transmembrane protein genes, with no known physiological function. In this study, we investigated the expression and molecular characteristics of TMEM225 in mice. Tmem225 production was found to be specific to testicular germ cells, with expression increasing during spermatogenesis. In mature spermatozoa, TMEM225 is localized to the equatorial segment of the acrosome but not to the midpiece or tail. TMEM225 appears to be an outer and/or inner acrosomal membrane protein that is lost from the dorsal region of the acrosome after the acrosome reaction. TMEM225 interacts with PP1 in vivo, and a pull-down assay revealed that the carboxy-terminal region of TMEM225 can bind to PP1γ2, the predominant isoform of PP1 in male germ cells. In addition, TMEM225 inhibited PP1γ2 activity in vitro via its RVxF motif. Our results suggest that in mice, TMEM225 is involved in the differentiation and function of spermatozoa through the regulation of PP1γ2 activity, which is necessary for normal spermatogenesis as well as spermatozoa capacitation and motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minami Matsuura
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, Japan
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57
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Molecular and cellular mechanisms of sperm-oocyte interactions opinions relative to in vitro fertilization (IVF). Int J Mol Sci 2014; 15:12972-97. [PMID: 25054321 PMCID: PMC4139886 DOI: 10.3390/ijms150712972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2014] [Revised: 06/07/2014] [Accepted: 06/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the biggest prerequisites for pregnancy is the fertilization step, where a human haploid spermatozoon interacts and penetrates one haploid oocyte in order to produce the diploid zygote. Although fertilization is defined by the presence of two pronuclei and the extraction of the second polar body the process itself requires preparation of both gametes for fertilization to take place at a specific time. These preparations include a number of consecutive biochemical and molecular events with the help of specific molecules and with the consequential interaction between the two gametes. These events take place at three different levels and in a precise order, where the moving spermatozoon penetrates (a) the outer vestments of the oocyte, known as the cumulus cell layer; (b) the zona pellucida (ZP); where exocytosis of the acrosome contents take place and (c) direct interaction of the spermatozoon with the plasma membrane of the oocyte, which involves a firm adhesion of the head of the spermatozoon with the oocyte plasma membrane that culminates with the fusion of both sperm and oocyte membranes (Part I). After the above interactions, a cascade of molecular signal transductions is initiated which results in oocyte activation. Soon after the entry of the first spermatozoon into the oocyte and oocyte activation, the oocyte’s coat (the ZP) and the oocyte’s plasma membrane seem to change quickly in order to initiate a fast block to a second spermatozoon (Part II). Sometimes, two spermatozoa fuse with one oocyte, an incidence of 1%–2%, resulting in polyploid fetuses that account for up to 10%–20% of spontaneously aborted human conceptuses. The present review aims to focus on the first part of the human sperm and oocyte interactions, emphasizing the latest molecular and cellular mechanisms controlling this process.
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58
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Guyonnet B, Egge N, Cornwall GA. Functional amyloids in the mouse sperm acrosome. Mol Cell Biol 2014; 34:2624-34. [PMID: 24797071 PMCID: PMC4097662 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00073-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2014] [Revised: 03/06/2014] [Accepted: 04/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The acrosomal matrix (AM) is an insoluble structure within the sperm acrosome that serves as a scaffold controlling the release of AM-associated proteins during the sperm acrosome reaction. The AM also interacts with the zona pellucida (ZP) that surrounds the oocyte, suggesting a remarkable stability that allows its survival despite being surrounded by proteolytic and hydrolytic enzymes released during the acrosome reaction. To date, the mechanism responsible for the stability of the AM is not known. Our studies demonstrate that amyloids are present within the sperm AM and contribute to the formation of an SDS- and formic-acid-resistant core. The AM core contained several known amyloidogenic proteins, as well as many proteins predicted to form amyloid, including several ZP binding proteins, suggesting a functional role for the amyloid core in sperm-ZP interactions. While stable at pH 3, at pH 7, the sperm AM rapidly destabilized. The pH-dependent dispersion of the AM correlated with a change in amyloid structure leading to a loss of mature forms and a gain of immature forms, suggesting that the reversal of amyloid is integral to AM dispersion.
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59
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Harayama H. Roles of intracellular cyclic AMP signal transduction in the capacitation and subsequent hyperactivation of mouse and boar spermatozoa. J Reprod Dev 2014; 59:421-30. [PMID: 24162806 PMCID: PMC3934125 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2013-056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
It is not until accomplishment of a variety of molecular changes during the transit
through the female reproductive tract that mammalian spermatozoa are capable of
exhibiting highly activated motility with asymmetric whiplash beating of the flagella
(hyperactivation) and undergoing acrosomal exocytosis in the head (acrosome
reaction). These molecular changes of the spermatozoa are collectively termed
capacitation and promoted by bicarbonate, calcium and cholesterol acceptors. Such
capacitation-promoting factors can stimulate intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) signal
transduction in the spermatozoa. Meanwhile, hyperactivation and the acrosome reaction
are essential to sperm fertilization with oocytes and are apparently triggered by a
sufficient increase of intracellular Ca2+ in the sperm flagellum and head,
respectively. Thus, it is necessary to investigate the relationship between cAMP
signal transduction and calcium signaling cascades in the spermatozoa for the purpose
of understanding the molecular basis of capacitation. In this review, I cover updated
insights regarding intracellular cAMP signal transduction, the acrosome reaction and
flagellar motility in mammalian spermatozoa and then account for possible roles of
intracellular cAMP signal transduction in the capacitation and subsequent
hyperactivation of mouse and boar spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Harayama
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kobe University, Kobe 657-8501, Japan
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60
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Vicens A, Roldan ER. Coevolution of Positively Selected IZUMO1 and CD9 in Rodents: Evidence of Interaction Between Gamete Fusion Proteins?1. Biol Reprod 2014; 90:113. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.116871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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61
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Chen X, Zhu H, Hu C, Hao H, Zhang J, Li K, Zhao X, Qin T, Zhao K, Zhu H, Wang D. Identification of differentially expressed proteins in fresh and frozen–thawed boar spermatozoa by iTRAQ-coupled 2D LC–MS/MS. Reproduction 2014; 147:321-30. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-13-0313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Cryodamage is a major problem in semen cryopreservation, causing changes in the levels of proteins that influence the function and motility of spermatozoa. In this study, protein samples prepared from fresh and frozen–thawed boar spermatozoa were compared using the isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) labeling technique coupled to 2D LC–MS/MS analysis. A total of 41 differentially expressed proteins were identified and quantified, including 35 proteins that were present at higher levels and six proteins that were present at lower levels in frozen–thawed spermatozoa by at least a mean of 1.79-fold (P<0.05). On classifying into ten distinct categories using bioinformatic analysis, most of the 41 differentially expressed proteins were found to be closely relevant to sperm premature capacitation, adhesions, energy supply, and sperm–oocyte binding and fusion. The expression of four of these proteins, SOD1, TPI1, ODF2, and AKAP3, was verified by western blot analysis. We propose that alterations in these identified proteins affect the quality of cryopreserved semen and ultimately lower its fertilizing capacity. This is the first study to compare protein levels in fresh and frozen–thawed spermatozoa using the iTRAQ technology. Our preliminary results provide an overview of the molecular mechanisms of cryodamage in frozen–thawed spermatozoa and theoretical guidance to improve the cryopreservation of boar semen.
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Critical role of exosomes in sperm-egg fusion and virus-induced cell-cell fusion. Reprod Med Biol 2013; 12:117-126. [PMID: 29699139 DOI: 10.1007/s12522-013-0152-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2013] [Accepted: 04/27/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, two integral membrane proteins, sperm IZUMO1 and egg CD9, regulate sperm-egg fusion, and their roles are critical, but yet unclear. Recent studies, however, indicate interesting connections between the sperm-egg fusion and virus-induced cell-cell fusion. First, CD9-containing exosome-like vesicles, which are released from wild-type eggs, can induce the fusion between sperm and CD9-deficient egg, even though CD9-deficient eggs are highly refractory to the fusion with sperm. This finding provides strong evidence for the involvement of CD9-containing, fusion-facilitating vesicles in the sperm-egg fusion. Secondly, there are similarities between the generation of retroviruses in the host cells and the formation of small cellular vesicles, termed exosomes, in mammalian cells. The exosomes are involved in intercellular communication through transfer of proteins and ribonucleic acids (RNAs) including mRNAs and microRNAs. These collective studies provide an insight into the molecular mechanism of membrane fusion events.
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63
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Soggiu A, Piras C, Hussein HA, De Canio M, Gaviraghi A, Galli A, Urbani A, Bonizzi L, Roncada P. Unravelling the bull fertility proteome. MOLECULAR BIOSYSTEMS 2013; 9:1188-95. [DOI: 10.1039/c3mb25494a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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64
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Fujihara Y, Satouh Y, Inoue N, Isotani A, Ikawa M, Okabe M. SPACA1-deficient male mice are infertile with abnormally shaped sperm heads reminiscent of globozoospermia. Development 2012; 139:3583-9. [DOI: 10.1242/dev.081778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
SPACA1 is a membrane protein that localizes in the equatorial segment of spermatozoa in mammals and is reported to function in sperm-egg fusion. We produced a Spaca1 gene-disrupted mouse line and found that the male mice were infertile. The cause of this sterility was abnormal shaping of the sperm head reminiscent of globozoospermia in humans. Disruption of Spaca1 led to the disappearance of the nuclear plate, a dense lining of the nuclear envelope facing the inner acrosomal membrane. This coincided with the failure of acrosomal expansion during spermiogenesis and resulted in the degeneration and disappearance of the acrosome in mature spermatozoa. Thus, these findings clarify part of the cascade leading to globozoospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshitaka Fujihara
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yuhkoh Satouh
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- World Premier International Immunoogy Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Naokazu Inoue
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Ayako Isotani
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Masaru Okabe
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
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Meslin C, Mugnier S, Callebaut I, Laurin M, Pascal G, Poupon A, Goudet G, Monget P. Evolution of genes involved in gamete interaction: evidence for positive selection, duplications and losses in vertebrates. PLoS One 2012; 7:e44548. [PMID: 22957080 PMCID: PMC3434135 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0044548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2012] [Accepted: 08/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Genes encoding proteins involved in sperm-egg interaction and fertilization exhibit a particularly fast evolution and may participate in prezygotic species isolation [1], [2]. Some of them (ZP3, ADAM1, ADAM2, ACR and CD9) have individually been shown to evolve under positive selection [3], [4], suggesting a role of positive Darwinian selection on sperm-egg interaction. However, the genes involved in this biological function have not been systematically and exhaustively studied with an evolutionary perspective, in particular across vertebrates with internal and external fertilization. Here we show that 33 genes among the 69 that have been experimentally shown to be involved in fertilization in at least one taxon in vertebrates are under positive selection. Moreover, we identified 17 pseudogenes and 39 genes that have at least one duplicate in one species. For 15 genes, we found neither positive selection, nor gene copies or pseudogenes. Genes of teleosts, especially genes involved in sperm-oolemma fusion, appear to be more frequently under positive selection than genes of birds and eutherians. In contrast, pseudogenization, gene loss and gene gain are more frequent in eutherians. Thus, each of the 19 studied vertebrate species exhibits a unique signature characterized by gene gain and loss, as well as position of amino acids under positive selection. Reflecting these clade-specific signatures, teleosts and eutherian mammals are recovered as clades in a parsimony analysis. Interestingly the same analysis places Xenopus apart from teleosts, with which it shares the primitive external fertilization, and locates it along with amniotes (which share internal fertilization), suggesting that external or internal environmental conditions of germ cell interaction may not be the unique factors that drive the evolution of fertilization genes. Our work should improve our understanding of the fertilization process and on the establishment of reproductive barriers, for example by offering new leads for experiments on genes identified as positively selected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Meslin
- UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, INRA, Nouzilly, France
- UMR6175, CNRS, Nouzilly, France
- Université François Rabelais de Tours, Tours, France
- IFCE, Nouzilly, France
| | - Sylvie Mugnier
- Département Agronomie Agro-équipement Élevage Environnement, AgroSup Dijon, Dijon, France
| | | | - Michel Laurin
- UMR 7207, CNRS/MNHN/UPMC, Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France
| | - Géraldine Pascal
- UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, INRA, Nouzilly, France
- UMR6175, CNRS, Nouzilly, France
- Université François Rabelais de Tours, Tours, France
- IFCE, Nouzilly, France
| | - Anne Poupon
- UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, INRA, Nouzilly, France
- UMR6175, CNRS, Nouzilly, France
- Université François Rabelais de Tours, Tours, France
- IFCE, Nouzilly, France
| | - Ghylène Goudet
- UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, INRA, Nouzilly, France
- UMR6175, CNRS, Nouzilly, France
- Université François Rabelais de Tours, Tours, France
- IFCE, Nouzilly, France
| | - Philippe Monget
- UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, INRA, Nouzilly, France
- UMR6175, CNRS, Nouzilly, France
- Université François Rabelais de Tours, Tours, France
- IFCE, Nouzilly, France
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Baibakov B, Boggs NA, Yauger B, Baibakov G, Dean J. Human sperm bind to the N-terminal domain of ZP2 in humanized zonae pellucidae in transgenic mice. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 197:897-905. [PMID: 22734000 PMCID: PMC3384420 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201203062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Fertilization requires taxon-specific gamete recognition, and human sperm do not bind to zonae pellucidae (ZP1-3) surrounding mouse eggs. Using transgenesis to replace endogenous mouse proteins with human homologues, gain-of-function sperm-binding assays were established to evaluate human gamete recognition. Human sperm bound only to zonae pellucidae containing human ZP2, either alone or coexpressed with other human zona proteins. Binding to the humanized matrix was a dominant effect that resulted in human sperm penetration of the zona pellucida and accumulation in the perivitelline space, where they were unable to fuse with mouse eggs. Using recombinant peptides, the site of gamete recognition was located to a defined domain in the N terminus of ZP2. These results provide experimental evidence for the role of ZP2 in mediating sperm binding to the zona pellucida and support a model in which human sperm-egg recognition is dependent on an N-terminal domain of ZP2, which is degraded after fertilization to provide a definitive block to polyspermy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris Baibakov
- Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Biology, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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67
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Fujihara Y, Kaseda K, Inoue N, Ikawa M, Okabe M. Production of mouse pups from germline transmission-failed knockout chimeras. Transgenic Res 2012; 22:195-200. [PMID: 22826106 DOI: 10.1007/s11248-012-9635-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2012] [Accepted: 07/03/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Occasionally, chimeras do not transmit the gene of interest to pups in gene disruption experiments. However, the risk of failure could be reduced if we could identify embryonic stem (ES)-derived germ cells in the testis. Here, we report the production of pups from three lines of infertile chimeric male mice and the establishment of knockout lines by combining green fluorescent protein-tagged ES cells with intracytoplasmic sperm injection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshitaka Fujihara
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Yamadaoka 3-1, Suita, 565-0871, Osaka, Japan
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López Armengol M, Jurado S, Pelufo V, Aisen E. A quantitative ultramorphological approach for systematic assessment of sperm head regions: An example in rams. Cryobiology 2012; 64:223-34. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2012.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2011] [Revised: 12/16/2011] [Accepted: 02/06/2012] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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69
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Yamaguchi R, Fujihara Y, Ikawa M, Okabe M. Mice expressing aberrant sperm-specific protein PMIS2 produce normal-looking but fertilization-incompetent spermatozoa. Mol Biol Cell 2012; 23:2671-9. [PMID: 22621904 PMCID: PMC3395656 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e11-12-1025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Eight kinds of gene-disrupted mice (Clgn, Calr3, Pdilt, Tpst2, Ace, Adam1a, Adam2, and Adam3) show impaired sperm transition into the oviducts and defective sperm binding to the zona pellucida. All of these knockout strains are reported to lack or show aberrant expression of a disintegrin and metallopeptidase domain 3 (ADAM3) on the sperm membrane. We performed proteomic analyses of the proteins of these infertile spermatozoa to clarify whether the abnormal function is caused exclusively by a deficiency in ADAM3 expression. Two proteins, named PMIS1 and PMIS2, were missing in spermatozoa from Clgn-disrupted mice. To study their roles, we generated two gene-disrupted mouse lines. Pmis1-knockout mice were fertile, but Pmis2-knockout males were sterile because of a failure of sperm transport into the oviducts. Pmis2-deficient spermatozoa also failed to bind to the zona pellucida. However, they showed normal fertilizing ability when eggs surrounded with cumulus cells were used for in vitro fertilization. Further analysis revealed that these spermatozoa lacked the ADAM3 protein, but the amount of PMIS2 was also severely reduced in Adam3-deficient spermatozoa. These results suggest that PMIS2 might function both as the ultimate factor regulating sperm transport into the oviducts and in modulating sperm-zona binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Yamaguchi
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
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70
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Bao J, Wang L, Lei J, Hu Y, Liu Y, Shen H, Yan W, Xu C. STK31(TDRD8) is dynamically regulated throughout mouse spermatogenesis and interacts with MIWI protein. Histochem Cell Biol 2011; 137:377-89. [PMID: 22205278 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-011-0897-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/29/2011] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Tudor-domain-containing proteins (TDRDs) are suggested to be critical regulators of germinal granules assembly involved in Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs)-mediated pathways, of which associated components and the underlying functional mechanisms, however, remain to be elucidated. We herein characterized the expression pattern of STK31, a member of TDRDs subfamily (also termed as TDRD8), throughout spermatogenesis during mouse postnatal development. RT-PCR and Western blot verified its preferential expression in testis, but not in any other somatic tissues, in addition to embryonic stem cells. Immunofluorescent staining demonstrated that STK31 was confined to granules-like structures in mid-to-late spermatocyte cytoplasm and to acrosomal cap starting at steps 7-8 of spermatids. Furthermore, STK31 retained its localization to equatorial segment of acrosome during epididymal maturation, capacitation, and acrosome reaction. Co-immunoprecipitation assay in vivo and in vitro confirmed MIWI is a bona fide partner of STK31 in mice testes, in combination with LC/MS identification. We also discovered a group of heat shock proteins specifically associated with STK31 in vivo. Our findings suggest mouse STK31 could be a potential nuage-associated protein in the cytoplasm of mid-to-late spermatocytes and play pivotal roles related to fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianqiang Bao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
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71
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Abstract
A crucial step of fertilization is the sperm-egg interaction that allows the two gametes to fuse and create the zygote. In the mouse, CD9 on the egg and IZUMO1 on the sperm stand out as critical players, as Cd9(-/-) and Izumo1(-/-) mice are healthy but infertile or severely subfertile due to defective sperm-egg interaction. Moreover, work on several nonmammalian organisms has identified some of the most intriguing candidates implicated in sperm-egg interaction. Understanding of gamete membrane interactions is advancing through characterization of in vivo and in vitro fertilization phenotypes, including insights from less robust phenotypes that highlight potential supporting (albeit not absolutely essential) players. An emerging theme is that there are varied roles for gamete molecules that participate in sperm-egg interactions. Such roles include not only functioning as fusogens, or as adhesion molecules for the opposite gamete, but also functioning through interactions in cis with other proteins to regulate membrane order and functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janice P Evans
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA.
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72
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Holtzmann I, Wolf JP, Ziyyat A. [Sperm reservoir in mice: involvement of ADAMs]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 39:630-2. [PMID: 22000834 DOI: 10.1016/j.gyobfe.2011.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian sperm migrate over long distances through the female genital tract before reaching the oviduct where fertilization occurs. This process is more complex than predicted by the movement of sperm. The oviduct is composed of three major segments: the uterotubal junction, the isthmus and the ampulla. These structures appear to play roles for the success of fertilization. Gene knockout approaches of several genes in mice suggest that the migration of spermatozoa in the oviduct is regulated to allow competent gametes encounter ensuring the success of fertilization with minimum risk of polyspermy. The sperm of male mice deleted for following genes: Calmegin, Calsperin, Angiotensin-Converting-Enzyme, Adam1a, Adam2 or Adam3 are morphologically normal and motile, but not able to pass through the uterotubal junction. The precise mechanism of how these molecules facilitate the passage of spermatozoa through the uterotubal junction is still unknown, but Adam3 seems to be the major factor in this process since it is implicated in these six lines of mutant mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Holtzmann
- Inserm U1016, institut Cochin, 75014 Paris, France
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73
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Ijiri TW, Merdiushev T, Cao W, Gerton GL. Identification and validation of mouse sperm proteins correlated with epididymal maturation. Proteomics 2011; 11:4047-62. [PMID: 21805633 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201100075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2011] [Revised: 06/03/2011] [Accepted: 07/11/2011] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Sperm need to mature in the epididymis to become capable of fertilization. To understand the molecular mechanisms of mouse sperm maturation, we conducted a proteomic analysis using saturation dye labeling to identify proteins of caput and cauda epididymal sperm that exhibited differences in amounts or positions on two-dimensional gels. Of eight caput epididymal sperm-differential proteins, three were molecular chaperones and three were structural proteins. Of nine cauda epididymal sperm-differential proteins, six were enzymes of energy metabolism. To validate these proteins as markers of epididymal maturation, immunoblotting and immunofluorescence analyses were performed. During epididymal transit, heat shock protein 2 was eliminated with the cytoplasmic droplet and smooth muscle γ-actin exhibited reduced fluorescence from the anterior acrosome while the signal intensity of aldolase A increased, especially in the principal piece. Besides these changes, we observed protein spots, such as glutathione S-transferase mu 5 and the E2 component of pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, shifting to more basic isoelectric points, suggesting post-translational changes such dephosphorylation occur during epididymal maturation. We conclude that most caput epididymal sperm-differential proteins contribute to the functional modification of sperm structures and that many cauda epididymal sperm-differential proteins are involved in ATP production that promotes sperm functions such as motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi W Ijiri
- Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6080, USA
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74
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Watanabe H, Kondoh G. Mouse sperm undergo GPI-anchored protein release associated with lipid raft reorganization and acrosome reaction to acquire fertility. J Cell Sci 2011; 124:2573-81. [DOI: 10.1242/jcs.086967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian sperm undergo several maturation steps after leaving the testis to become competent for fertilization. Important changes occur in sperm within the female reproductive tract, although the molecular mechanisms underlying these processes remain unclear. To investigate sperm membrane remodeling upon sperm maturation, we developed transgenic mouse lines carrying glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP–GPI) and traced the fate of this fluorescent protein during the fertility-acquiring process in sperm in vitro and in vivo. When the GFP-labeled sperm were treated with compounds for promoting the acrosome reaction, EGFP–GPI was released from the sperm surface crosslinked with characteristic relocation of a lipid raft marker ganglioside GM1. Sperm ejaculated into the uterus strongly expressed EGFP–GPI in the head region, whereas a part of the oviductal sperm lost fluorescence in a manner that was dependent on the presence of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). Moreover, sperm on the zona pellucida of eggs in the oviduct were all found to have low levels of GFP. These results suggest that sperm undergoing GPI-anchored protein release associated with reorganization of lipid rafts and the acrosome reaction acquire fertilization potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hitomi Watanabe
- Laboratory of Animal Experiments for Regeneration, Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences, Kyoto University and CREST Program, Japan Science and Technology Society, 53 Syogoin-Kawahara-cho, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Gen Kondoh
- Laboratory of Animal Experiments for Regeneration, Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences, Kyoto University and CREST Program, Japan Science and Technology Society, 53 Syogoin-Kawahara-cho, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
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75
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Kanatsu-Shinohara M, Kato-Itoh M, Ikawa M, Takehashi M, Sanbo M, Morioka Y, Tanaka T, Morimoto H, Hirabayashi M, Shinohara T. Homologous recombination in rat germline stem cells. Biol Reprod 2011; 85:208-17. [PMID: 21471297 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.111.090837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are the only stem cells in the body with germline potential, which makes them an attractive target for germline modification. We previously showed the feasibility of homologous recombination in mouse SSCs and produced knockout (KO) mice by exploiting germline stem (GS) cells, i.e., cultured spermatogonia with SSC activity. In this study, we report the successful homologous recombination in rat GS cells, which can be readily established by their ability to form germ cell colonies on culture plates whose surfaces are hydrophilic and neutrally charged and thus limit somatic cell binding. We established a drug selection protocol for GS cells under hypoxic conditions. The frequency of the homologous recombination of the Ocln gene was 4.2% (2 out of 48 clones). However, these GS cell lines failed to produce offspring following xenogeneic transplantation into mouse testes and microinsemination, suggesting that long-term culture and drug selection have a negative effect on GS cells. Nevertheless, our results demonstrate the feasibility of gene targeting in rat GS cells and pave the way toward the generation of KO rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mito Kanatsu-Shinohara
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
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76
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Nishimura H, Gupta S, Myles DG, Primakoff P. Characterization of mouse sperm TMEM190, a small transmembrane protein with the trefoil domain: evidence for co-localization with IZUMO1 and complex formation with other sperm proteins. Reproduction 2011; 141:437-51. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-10-0391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
TMEM190, a small transmembrane protein containing the trefoil domain, was previously identified by our proteomic analysis of mouse sperm. Two structural features of TMEM190, ‘trefoil domain’ and ‘small transmembrane protein’, led us to hypothesize that this protein forms a protein–protein complex required during fertilization, and we characterized TMEM190 by biochemical, cytological, and genetic approaches. We showed in this study that the mouse Tmem190 gene exhibits testis-specific mRNA expression and that the encoded RNA is translated into a 19-kDa protein found in both testicular germ cells and cauda epididymal sperm. Treatment of the cell surface with proteinase K, subcellular fractionation, and immunofluorescence assay all revealed that mouse TMEM190 is an inner-acrosomal membrane protein of cauda epididymal sperm. During the acrosome reaction, TMEM190 partly relocated onto the surface of the equatorial segment, on which sperm–oocyte fusion occurs. Moreover, TMEM190 and IZUMO1, which is an immunoglobulin-like protein required for gamete fusion, co-localized in mouse sperm both before and after the acrosome reaction. However, immunoprecipitates of TMEM190 contained several sperm proteins, but did not include IZUMO1. These findings suggest that a mouse sperm protein complex(es) including TMEM190 plays an indirect role(s) in sperm–oocyte fusion. The role(s), if any, is probably dispensable since Tmem190-null male mice were normally fertile.
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77
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Marcello MR, Jia W, Leary JA, Moore KL, Evans JP. Lack of tyrosylprotein sulfotransferase-2 activity results in altered sperm-egg interactions and loss of ADAM3 and ADAM6 in epididymal sperm. J Biol Chem 2011; 286:13060-70. [PMID: 21339297 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m110.175463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tyrosine O-sulfation is a post-translational modification catalyzed by two tyrosylprotein sulfotransferases (TPST-1 and TPST-2) in the trans-Golgi network. Tpst2-deficient mice have male infertility, sperm motility defects, and possible abnormalities in sperm-egg membrane interactions. Studies here show that compared with wild-type sperm, fewer Tpst2-null sperm bind to the egg membrane, but more of these bound sperm progress to membrane fusion. Similar outcomes were observed with wild-type sperm treated with the anti-sulfotyrosine antibody PSG2. The increased extent of sperm-egg fusion is not due to a failure of Tpst2-null sperm to trigger establishment of the egg membrane block to polyspermy. Anti-sulfotyrosine staining of sperm showed localization similar to that of IZUMO1, a sperm protein that is essential for gamete fusion, but we detected little to no tyrosine sulfation of IZUMO1 and found that IZUMO1 expression and localization were normal in Tpst2-null sperm. Turning to a discovery-driven approach, we used mass spectrometry to characterize sperm proteins that associated with PSG2. This identified ADAM6, a member of the A disintegrin and A metalloprotease (ADAM) family; members of this protein family are associated with multiple sperm functions. Subsequent studies revealed that Tpst2-null sperm lack ADAM6 and ADAM3. Loss of ADAM3 is strongly associated with male infertility and is observed in knockouts of male germ line-specific endoplasmic reticulum-resident chaperones, raising the possibility that TPST-2 may function in quality control in the secretory pathway. These data suggest that TPST-2-mediated tyrosine O-sulfation participates in regulating the sperm surface proteome or membrane order, ultimately affecting male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R Marcello
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
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78
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Inoue N, Ikawa M, Okabe M. The mechanism of sperm-egg interaction and the involvement of IZUMO1 in fusion. Asian J Androl 2010; 13:81-7. [PMID: 21057513 DOI: 10.1038/aja.2010.70] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
An average human ejaculate contains over 100 million sperm, but only a few succeed in accomplishing the journey to an egg by migration through the female reproductive tract. Among these few sperm, only one participates in fertilization. There might be an ingenious molecular mechanism to ensure that the very best sperm fertilize an egg. However, recent gene disruption experiments in mice have revealed that many factors previously described as important for fertilization are largely dispensable. One could argue that the fertilization mechanism is made robust against gene disruptions. However, this is not likely, as there are already six different gene-disrupted mouse lines (Calmegin, Adam1a, Adam2, Adam3, Ace and Pgap1), all of which result in male sterility. The sperm from these animals are known to have defective zona-binding ability and at the same time lose oviduct-migrating ability. Concerning sperm-zona binding, the widely accepted involvement of sugar moiety on zona pellucida 3 (ZP3) is indicated to be dispensable by gene disruption experiments. Thus, the landscape of the mechanism of fertilization is revolving considerably. In the sperm-egg fusion process, CD9 on egg and IZUMO1 on sperm have emerged as essential factors. This review focuses on the mechanism of fertilization elucidated by gene-manipulated animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naokazu Inoue
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
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79
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Desiderio UV, Zhu X, Evans JP. ADAM2 interactions with mouse eggs and cell lines expressing α4/α9 (ITGA4/ITGA9) integrins: implications for integrin-based adhesion and fertilization. PLoS One 2010; 5:e13744. [PMID: 21060781 PMCID: PMC2966413 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0013744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2010] [Accepted: 10/06/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Integrins are heterodimeric cell adhesion molecules, with 18 α (ITGA) and eight β (ITGB) subunits forming 24 heterodimers classified into five families. Certain integrins, especially the α(4)/α(9) (ITGA4/ITGA9) family, interact with members of the ADAM (a disintegrin and metalloprotease) family. ADAM2 is among the better characterized and also of interest because of its role in sperm function. Having shown that ITGA9 on mouse eggs participates in mouse sperm-egg interactions, we sought to characterize ITGA4/ITGA9-ADAM2 interactions. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS An anti-β(1)/ITGB1 function-blocking antibody that reduces sperm-egg binding significantly inhibited ADAM2 binding to mouse eggs. Analysis of integrin subunit expression indicates that mouse eggs could express at least ten different integrins, five in the RGD-binding family, two in the laminin-binding family, two in the collagen-binding family, and ITGA9-ITGB1. Adhesion assays to characterize ADAM2 interactions with ITGA4/ITGA9 family members produced the surprising result that RPMI 8866 cell adhesion to ADAM2 was inhibited by an anti-ITGA9 antibody, noteworthy because ITGA9 has only been reported to dimerize with ITGB1, and RPMI 8866 cells lack detectable ITGB1. Antibody and siRNA studies demonstrate that ITGB7 is the β subunit contributing to RPMI 8866 adhesion to ADAM2. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE These data indicate that a novel integrin α-β combination, ITGA9-ITGB7 (α(9)β(7)), in RPMI 8866 cells functions as a binding partner for ADAM2. ITGA9 had previously only been reported to dimerize with ITGB1. Although ITGA9-ITGB7 is unlikely to be a widely expressed integrin and appears to be the result of "compensatory dimerization" occurring in the context of little/no ITGB1 expression, the data indicate that ITGA9-ITGB7 functions as an ADAM binding partner in certain cellular contexts, with implications for mammalian fertilization and integrin function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulyana V. Desiderio
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Xiaoling Zhu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Janice P. Evans
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
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