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Genetic variants in Ser-Arg protein-coding genes are associated with the risk of nonobstructive azoospermia in Chinese men. Fertil Steril 2014; 101:1711-7.e1-2. [PMID: 24661730 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2014.02.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2013] [Revised: 02/18/2014] [Accepted: 02/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the association between genetic variants in Ser-Arg (SR) protein-coding genes and the susceptibility of nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) in Chinese men. DESIGN Case-control study. SETTING State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine in Nanjing Medical University conducted the genotyping and examined the expression levels of genes. PATIENT(S) The study included 962 NOA patients and 1,931 control subjects. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Genotyping of 16 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of eight "canonic" SR protein-coding genes were performed with the use of the Illumina Infinium Beadchip platform. Odds ratios were calculated by logistic regression analysis in the additive model. Expression levels were measured by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. RESULT(S) Rs17431717 near SFRS9 and rs12046213 near SFRS4 were significantly associated with a decreased risk of NOA, whereas rs10849753 near SFRS9 and rs6103330 in SFRS6 were associated with an increased risk of NOA. Of the two SNPs in SFRS9, only rs17431717 remained significant after conditioning on another. Combined analysis of three promising SNPs (rs17431717, rs12046213, and rs6103330) showed that compared with individuals with "0-2" risk alleles, those carrying "3," "4," and "≥ 5" risk alleles had 1.22-, 1.38-, and 1.90-fold increased risk of NOA, respectively. CONCLUSION(S) Polymorphisms in SR protein-coding genes may contribute to the risk of NOA in Chinese men. The findings of this study can help us to further understand the etiology of spermatogenic impairment, and they provide more evidence for the role of splicing activity in human spermatogenesis.
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Ramasamy R, Lipshultz LI. Cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator mutation and congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens: a bad combination for successful intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcomes. Fertil Steril 2014; 101:1246. [PMID: 24636394 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2014.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2014] [Accepted: 02/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Ruan YC, Chen H, Chan HC. Ion channels in the endometrium: regulation of endometrial receptivity and embryo implantation. Hum Reprod Update 2014; 20:517-29. [PMID: 24591147 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmu006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although embryo implantation is a prerequisite for human reproduction, it remains a poorly understood process. The molecular mechanisms regulating endometrial receptivity and/or embryo implantation are still largely unclear. METHODS Pubmed and Medline literature databases were searched for articles in English published up to December 2013 with relevant keywords including 'endometrium', 'Na(+), Cl(-), K(+), or Ca(2+) channels', 'ion channels', 'endometrial receptivity', 'blastocyst implantation' and 'embryo implantation'. RESULTS At the time of writing, more than 14 types of ion channels, including the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator, epithelial sodium channel and various Ca(2+) and K(+) channels, had been reported to be expressed in the endometrium or cells of endometrial origin. In vitro and/or in vivo studies conducted on different species, including rodents, pigs and humans, demonstrated the involvement of various ion channels in the process of embryo implantation by regulating: (i) uterine luminal fluid volume; (ii) decidualization; and (iii) the expression of the genes associated with implantation. Importantly, abnormal ion channel expression was found to be associated with implantation failure in IVF patients. CONCLUSIONS Ion channels in the endometrium are emerging as important players in regulating endometrial receptivity and embryo implantation. Abnormal expression or function of ion channels in the endometrium may lead to impaired endometrial receptivity and/or implantation failure. Further investigation into the roles of endometrial ion channels may provide a better understanding of the complex process of embryo implantation and thus reveal novel targets for diagnosis and treatment of implantation failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Chun Ruan
- Sichuan University - The Chinese University of Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, People's Republic of China Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong
| | - Hui Chen
- Sichuan University - The Chinese University of Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, People's Republic of China Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong
| | - Hsiao Chang Chan
- Sichuan University - The Chinese University of Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, People's Republic of China Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong
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Novel regulators of spermatogenesis. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2014; 29:31-42. [PMID: 24594193 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2014.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2014] [Revised: 02/14/2014] [Accepted: 02/17/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a multistep process that supports the production of millions of sperm daily. Understanding of the molecular mechanisms that regulate spermatogenesis has been a major focus for decades. Yet, the regulators involved in different cellular processes of spermatogenesis remain largely unknown. Human diseases that result in defective spermatogenesis have provided hints on the molecular mechanisms regulating this process. In this review, we have summarized recent findings on the function and signaling mechanisms of several genes that are known to be associated with disease or pathological processes, including CFTR, CD147, YWK-II and CT genes, and discuss their potential roles in regulating different processes of spermatogenesis.
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Diao R, Fok KL, Zhao L, Chen H, Tang H, Chen J, Zheng A, Zhang X, Gui Y, Chan HC, Cai Z. Decreased expression of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator impairs sperm quality in aged men. Reproduction 2013; 146:637-45. [PMID: 24077955 DOI: 10.1530/rep-13-0146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Sperm quality declines with aging; however, the underlying molecular mechanism remains elusive. The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) has been shown to play an essential role in fertilizing capacity of sperm and male fertility. This study aimed to investigate the involvement of age-dependent CFTR downregulation in lowering sperm quality in old age. Two hundred and one healthy fertile men of three age groups (20-40 years, n=64; 40-60 years, n=61; and >60 years, n=76) were recruited. Expression of CFTR was determined by RT-PCR, western blot, and immunofluorescence staining. Collected sperm were treated with CFTR inhibitor or potentiator. Sperm quality was assessed by motility and bicarbonate-induced capacitation. The results showed that the expression of CFTR on the equatorial segment and neck region of sperm was significantly decreased in an age-dependent manner. Reduction of CFTR expression in sperm from old men was correlated with lowered forward motility and decreased HCO3(-) sensitivity required for sperm capacitation. Activation of CFTR by genistein partially rescued the decreased forward motility in sperm from old men. Decreased CFTR expression in sperm was also found to be associated with lowered sperm quality in aging mice. These results suggest that age-dependent downregulation of CFTR in sperm leads to lowered sperm quality in old age sperm. CFTR may be a pontential target for rescuing sperm motility as well as a fertility indicator in old age men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiying Diao
- Guangdong and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Shenzhen PKU-HKUST Medical Center, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518036, China
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Chan HC. Letter from the editor: CFTR and male fertility-Impact beyond cystic fibrosis. SPERMATOGENESIS 2013; 3:e26228. [PMID: 24380037 PMCID: PMC3861173 DOI: 10.4161/spmg.26228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2013] [Accepted: 08/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hsiao Chang Chan
- Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center; School of Biomedical Sciences; Faculty of Medicine; The Chinese University of Hong Kong; Hong Kong, PR China
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Ion channels/transporters as epigenetic regulators? -a microRNA perspective. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2012; 55:753-60. [PMID: 23015123 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-012-4369-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2012] [Accepted: 07/30/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNA (miRNA) alterations in response to changes in an extracellular microenvironment have been observed and considered as one of the major mechanisms for epigenetic modifications of the cell. While enormous efforts have been made in the understanding of the role of miRNAs in regulating cellular responses to the microenvironment, the mechanistic insight into how extracellular signals can be transduced into miRNA alterations in cells is still lacking. Interestingly, recent studies have shown that ion channels/transporters, which are known to conduct or transport ions across the cell membrane, also exhibit changes in levels of expression and activities in response to changes of extracellular microenvironment. More importantly, alterations in expression and function of ion channels/transporters have been shown to result in changes in miRNAs that are known to change in response to alteration of the microenvironment. In this review, we aim to summarize the recent data demonstrating the ability of ion channels/transporters to transduce extracellular signals into miRNA changes and propose a potential link between cells and their microenvironment through ion channels/transporters. At the same time, we hope to provide new insights into epigenetic regulatory mechanisms underlying a number of physiological and pathological processes, including embryo development and cancer metastasis.
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Teixeira S, Sá R, Grangeia A, Silva J, Oliveira C, Ferráz L, Alves Â, Paiva S, Barros A, Sousa M. Immunohystochemical analysis of CFTR in normal and disrupted spermatogenesis. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2012; 59:53-9. [DOI: 10.3109/19396368.2012.718851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Chen J, Fok KL, Chen H, Zhang XH, Xu WM, Chan HC. Cryptorchidism-induced CFTR down-regulation results in disruption of testicular tight junctions through up-regulation of NF-κB/COX-2/PGE2. Hum Reprod 2012; 27:2585-97. [PMID: 22777528 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/des254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does elevated temperature-induced cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) down-regulation in Sertoli cells in cryptorchid testis disrupt testicular tight junctions (TJs) through the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)/cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)/prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) pathway? SUMMARY ANSWER Our results suggest that CFTR may be involved in regulating testicular TJs and the blood-testis barrier (BTB) through its negative regulation of the NF-κB/COX-2/PGE(2) pathway in Sertoli cells, a defect of which may result in the spermatogenesis defect in cryptorchidism. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Cryptorchidism, or undescended testes, is known to result in defective spermatogenesis. Although an elevated testicular temperature is regarded as an important factor affecting spermatogenesis in cryptorchidism, the exact mechanism remains elusive. It is known that the expression of functional CFTR is temperature sensitive. Our previous study has demonstrated that CFTR negatively regulates NF-κB/COX-2/PGE(2) in bronchial epithelial cells. Disruption of TJs by COX-2/PGE(2) has been found in tumour cells. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Expression of CFTR, NF-κB, COX-2 and TJ proteins was examined in the testes of a surgical-induced cryptorchidism mouse model and a testicular hyperthermia mouse model, as well as in control or CFTR-inhibited/knocked down primary rat Sertoli cells. PGE(2) production was measured by ELISA. Sertoli cell barrier function was determined by transepethelial resistance (TER) measurements in rat Sertoli cell primary cultures. BTB integrity in the cryptorchidism model was monitored by examining tracker dye injected into seminiferous tubules. MAIN RESULTS Down-regulation of CFTR accompanied by activation of NF-κB, up-regulation of COX-2 and down-regulation of TJ proteins, including ZO-1 and occludin, was observed in a cryptorchidism mouse model. BTB leakage revealed impaired BTB integrity in cryptorchid testes, confirming the destruction of TJs. The inverse correlation of CFTR and COX-2 was further confirmed in a mouse testis hyperthermia model and CFTR knockout mouse model. Culturing primary Sertoli cells at 37°C, which mimics the pathological condition of cryptorchidism, led to a significant decrease in CFTR and increase in COX-2 expression and PGE(2) production compared with the culture at the physiological 32°C. Inhibition or knockdown of CFTR led to increased COX-2 but decreased ZO-1 and occludin expression in Sertoli cells, which could be mimicked by PGE(2), but reversed by NF-κB or COX-2 inhibitor, suggesting that the regulation of TJs by CFTR is mediated by a NF-κB/COX-2/PGE(2) pathway. Inhibition of CFTR or administration of PGE(2) significantly decreased Sertoli cell TER. LIMITATIONS This study has tested only the CFTR/NF-κB/COX-2/PGE(2) pathway in mouse testes in vivo and in rat Sertoli cells in vitro, and thus, it has some limitations. Further investigations in other species, especially humans, are needed. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our study may shed more light on one of the aspects of the complicated underlying mechanisms of defective spermatogenesis induced by cryptorchidism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Chen
- Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong
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Chen H, Ruan YC, Xu WM, Chen J, Chan HC. Regulation of male fertility by CFTR and implications in male infertility. Hum Reprod Update 2012; 18:703-13. [PMID: 22709980 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dms027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is a cAMP-activated Cl(-) and HCO(3)(-) conducting channel, mutations of which are known to be associated with male infertility. However, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. METHODS Literature databases were searched for papers on the topics related to CFTR and male fertility and infertility with relevant keywords. Unpublished data from authors' laboratory were also included for analysis. RESULTS Clinical evidence shows increased mutation frequency or reduced CFTR expression in men with congenital bilateral absence of vas deferens (CBAVD) or sperm abnormalities, such as azoospermia teratospermia and oligoasthenospermia. Studies on primary rodent Sertoli cells and germ cells, as well as testes from CFTR knockout mice or a cryptorchidism model, yield findings indicating the involvement of CFTR in spermatogensis through the HCO(3)(-)/sAC/cAMP/CREB(CREM) pathway and the NF-κB/COX-2/PGE(2) pathway. Evidence also reveals a critical role of CFTR in sperm capacitation by directly or indirectly mediating HCO(3)(-) entry that is essential for capacitation. CFTR is emerging as a versatile player with roles in mediating different signaling pathways pertinent to various reproductive processes, in addition to its long-recognized role in electrolyte and fluid transport that regulates the luminal microenvironment of the male reproductive tract. CONCLUSIONS CFTR is a key regulator of male fertility, a defect of which may result in different forms of male infertility other than CBAVD. It would be worthwhile to further investigate the potential of developing novel diagnostic and contraceptive methods targeting CFTR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Chen
- Sichuan University - The Chinese University of Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
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CFTR mediates bicarbonate-dependent activation of miR-125b in preimplantation embryo development. Cell Res 2012; 22:1453-66. [PMID: 22664907 DOI: 10.1038/cr.2012.88] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Although HCO(3)(-) is known to be required for early embryo development, its exact role remains elusive. Here we report that HCO(3)(-) acts as an environmental cue in regulating miR-125b expression through CFTR-mediated influx during preimplantation embryo development. The results show that the effect of HCO(3)(-) on preimplantation embryo development can be suppressed by interfering the function of a HCO(3)(-)-conducting channel, CFTR, by a specific inhibitor or gene knockout. Removal of extracellular HCO(3)(-) or inhibition of CFTR reduces miR-125b expression in 2 cell-stage mouse embryos. Knockdown of miR-125b mimics the effect of HCO(3)(-) removal and CFTR inhibition, while injection of miR-125b precursor reverses it. Downregulation of miR-125b upregulates p53 cascade in both human and mouse embryos. The activation of miR-125b is shown to be mediated by sAC/PKA-dependent nuclear shuttling of NF-κB. These results have revealed a critical role of CFTR in signal transduction linking the environmental HCO(3)(-) to activation of miR-125b during preimplantation embryo development and indicated the importance of ion channels in regulation of miRNAs.
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Safinejad K, Darbouy M, Kalantar SM, Zeinali S, Mirfakhraie R, Yadegar L, Houshmand M. The prevalence of common CFTR mutations in Iranian infertile men with non-CAVD obstructive azoospermia by using ARMS PCR techniques. J Assist Reprod Genet 2011; 28:1087-90. [PMID: 21976147 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-011-9632-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2011] [Accepted: 08/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate five common cystic fibrosis trans-membrane conductance regulator (CFTR) mutations (ΔF508, G542X, R117H, W1282X and N1303K) in the Iranian infertile men with noncongenital absence of vas deferens (CAVD) obstructive azoospermia. METHODS The common CFTR gene mutations were tested on blood samples from 53 infertile men with non-CAVD obstructive azoospermia and 50 normal men as control individuals. Genomic DNA is extracted from the whole blood and the common CFTR mutations have been detected by the amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS) techniques. RESULTS The common CFTR mutations were found positive in 5/53)9.43%(for ΔF508 and 4/53)7.55%(for G542X mutation of all patients tested. Also, no CFTR mutations were detected in the normal men. CONCLUSION The common CFTR mutations were detected in 9/53(17%) infertile men with non-CAVD obstructive azoospermia. Pre-treatment CFTR mutation analysis remains critical to distinguish cystic fibrosis (CF) genotypes for men with non CAVD obstructive azoospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyumars Safinejad
- Fars Science and Research branch, Islamic Azad University, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Mojtaba Darbouy
- Fars Science and Research branch, Islamic Azad University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sayed Mahdi Kalantar
- Research & Clinical Centre for Infertility, Shahid Sadoughi Medical Sciences University Yazd, Yazd, Iran
| | - Sirus Zeinali
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Pastor Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Mirfakhraie
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Tehran, Iran
| | - Leila Yadegar
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Payam Noor University (PNU), Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoud Houshmand
- National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Genetic, Special Medical Center, Tehran, Iran
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