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Abstract
Drosophila melanogaster spermatids undergo dramatic morphological changes as they differentiate from small round cells approximately 12 μm in diameter into highly polarized, 1.8 mm long, motile sperm capable of participating in fertilization. During spermiogenesis, syncytial cysts of 64 haploid spermatids undergo synchronous differentiation. Numerous changes occur at a subcellular level, including remodeling of existing organelles (mitochondria, nuclei), formation of new organelles (flagellar axonemes, acrosomes), polarization of elongating cysts and plasma membrane addition. At the end of spermatid morphogenesis, organelles, mitochondrial DNA and cytoplasmic components not needed in mature sperm are stripped away in a caspase-dependent process called individualization that results in formation of individual sperm. Here, we review the stages of Drosophila spermiogenesis and examine our current understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in shaping male germ cell-specific organelles and forming mature, fertile sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lacramioara Fabian
- Cell Biology Program; The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids); Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Julie A. Brill
- Cell Biology Program; The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids); Toronto, ON Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics; University of Toronto; Toronto, ON Canada
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202
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Vendramini V, Robaire B, Miraglia SM. Amifostine-doxorubicin association causes long-term prepubertal spermatogonia DNA damage and early developmental arrest. Hum Reprod 2012; 27:2457-66. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/des159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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203
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Grenier L, Robaire B, Hales BF. The activation of DNA damage detection and repair responses in cleavage-stage rat embryos by a damaged paternal genome. Toxicol Sci 2012; 127:555-66. [PMID: 22454429 PMCID: PMC3355317 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfs120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Male germ cell DNA damage, after exposure to radiation, exogenous chemicals, or chemotherapeutic agents, is a major cause of male infertility. DNA-damaged spermatozoa can fertilize oocytes; this is of concern because there is limited information on the capacity of early embryos to repair a damaged male genome or on the fate of these embryos if repair is inadequate. We hypothesized that the early activation of DNA damage response in the early embryo is a critical determinant of its fate. The objective of this study was to assess the DNA damage response and mitochondrial function as a measure of the energy supply for DNA repair and general health in cleavage-stage embryos sired by males chronically exposed to an anticancer alkylating agent, cyclophosphamide. Male rats were treated with saline or cyclophosphamide (6 mg/kg/day) for 4 weeks and mated to naturally cycling females. Pronuclear two- and eight-cell embryos were collected for immunofluorescence analysis of mitochondrial function and biomarkers of the DNA damage response: γH2AX foci, 53BP1 reactivity, and poly(ADP-ribose) polymer formation. Mitochondrial activities did not differ between embryos sired by control- and cyclophosphamide-exposed males. At the two-cell stage, there was no treatment-related increase in DNA double-strand breaks; by the eight-cell stage, a significant increase was noted, as indicated by increased medium and large γH2AX foci. This was accompanied by a dampened DNA repair response, detected as a decrease in the nuclear intensity of poly(ADP-ribose) polymers. The micronuclei formed in cyclophosphamide-sired embryos contained large γH2AX foci and enhanced poly(ADP-ribose) polymer and 53BP1 reactivity compared with their nuclear counterparts. Thus, paternal cyclophosphamide exposure activated a DNA damage response in cleavage-stage embryos. Furthermore, this damage response may be useful in assessing embryo quality and developmental competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisanne Grenier
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3G 1Y6, Canada
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204
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Abstract
The integrity of sperm chromatin structure has proven to be of great importance for human fertility. In this study, we investigated whether sperm cryopreservation has an effect on nuclear DNA tertiary structure, (i.e. condensation), measured by aniline blue staining, in 103 male patients who required consultation for hypo-fertility. Sperm DNA damage was significantly higher in patients showing oligospermia and severe morphological abnormalities than in native sperm populations. Furthermore we observed that chromatin decondensation was related to the cryostorage technique and to the duration of storage. This increase in decondensation was highly significant (P < 0.01) immediately after cryopreservation and from 90 days of cryostorage onwards. The possible mechanisms involved in sperm chromatin cryoinjury and the need to incorporate new methods for testing sperm nuclear structure alteration into the routine spermiogram are discussed.
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205
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Kato T, Kurahashi H, Emanuel BS. Chromosomal translocations and palindromic AT-rich repeats. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2012; 22:221-8. [PMID: 22402448 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2012.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2011] [Revised: 02/03/2012] [Accepted: 02/06/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Repetitive DNA sequences constitute 30% of the human genome, and are often sites of genomic rearrangement. Recently, it has been found that several constitutional translocations, especially those that involve chromosome 22, take place utilizing palindromic sequences on 22q11 and on the partner chromosome. Analysis of translocation junction fragments shows that the breakpoints of such palindrome-mediated translocations are localized at the center of palindromic AT-rich repeats (PATRRs). The presence of PATRRs at the breakpoints indicates a palindrome-mediated mechanism involved in the generation of these constitutional translocations. Identification of these PATRR-mediated translocations suggests a universal pathway for gross chromosomal rearrangement in the human genome. De novo occurrences of PATRR-mediated translocations can be detected by PCR in normal sperm samples but not somatic cells. Polymorphisms of various PATRRs influence their propensity for adopting a secondary structure, which in turn affects de novo translocation frequency. We propose that the PATRRs form an unstable secondary structure, which leads to double-strand breaks at the center of the PATRR. The double-strand breaks appear to be followed by a non-homologous end-joining repair pathway, ultimately leading to the translocations. This review considers recent findings concerning the mechanism of meiosis-specific, PATRR-mediated translocations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takema Kato
- Division of Human Genetics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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206
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Carrell DT. Epigenetics of the male gamete. Fertil Steril 2012; 97:267-74. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2011.12.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2011] [Revised: 12/19/2011] [Accepted: 12/20/2011] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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207
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Cassuto NG, Hazout A, Hammoud I, Balet R, Bouret D, Barak Y, Jellad S, Plouchart JM, Selva J, Yazbeck C. Correlation between DNA defect and sperm-head morphology. Reprod Biomed Online 2012; 24:211-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2011.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2010] [Revised: 10/06/2011] [Accepted: 10/06/2011] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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208
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Junca A, Gonzalez Marti B, Tosti E, Cohen M, De la Fontaine D, Benkhalifa M, Ménézo Y. Sperm nucleus decondensation, hyaluronic acid (HA) binding and oocyte activation capacity: different markers of sperm immaturity? Case reports. J Assist Reprod Genet 2012; 29:353-5. [PMID: 22252415 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-012-9710-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2011] [Accepted: 01/04/2012] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Am Junca
- UNILABS, Clinique de la Muette, 55 Rue St Didier, 75116, Paris, France
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209
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Liu J, Lee GY, Lawitts JA, Toner M, Biggers JD. Preservation of mouse sperm by convective drying and storing in 3-O-methyl-D-glucose. PLoS One 2012; 7:e29924. [PMID: 22272261 PMCID: PMC3260178 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0029924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2011] [Accepted: 12/06/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
With the fast advancement in the genetics and bio-medical fields, the vast number of valuable transgenic and rare genetic mouse models need to be preserved. Preservation of mouse sperm by convective drying and subsequent storing at above freezing temperatures could dramatically reduce the cost and facilitate shipping. Mouse sperm were convectively dried under nitrogen gas in the Na-EGTA solution containing 100 mmol/L 3-O-methyl-D-glucose and stored in LiCl sorption jars (Relative Humidity, RH, 12%) at 4°C and 22°C for up to one year. The functionality of these sperm samples after storage was tested by intracytoplasmic injection into mouse oocytes. The percentages of blastocysts produced from sperm stored at 4°C for 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 months were 62.6%, 53.4%, 39.6%, 33.3%, and 30.4%, respectively, while those stored at 22°C for 1, 2, and 3 months were 28.8%, 26.6%, and 12.2%, respectively. Transfer of 38 two- to four-cell embryos from sperm stored at 4°C for 1 year produced two live pups while 59 two- to four-cell embryos from sperm stored at 22°C for 3 months also produced two live pups. Although all the pups looked healthy at 3 weeks of age, normality of offspring produced using convectively dried sperm needs further investigation. The percentages of blastocyst from sperm stored in the higher relative humidity conditions of NaBr and MgCl(2) jars and driest condition of P(2)O(5) jars at 4°C and 22°C were all lower. A simple method of mouse sperm preservation is demonstrated. Three-O-methyl-D-glucose, a metabolically inactive derivative of glucose, offers significant protection for dried mouse sperm at above freezing temperatures without the need for poration of cell membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Liu
- Center for Engineering in Medicine and Surgical Services, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America.
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210
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Puglisi R, Maccari I, Pipolo S, Conrad M, Mangia F, Boitani C. The nuclear form of glutathione peroxidase 4 is associated with sperm nuclear matrix and is required for proper paternal chromatin decondensation at fertilization. J Cell Physiol 2012; 227:1420-7. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.22857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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211
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Venkatesh S, Singh A, Shamsi MB, Thilagavathi J, Kumar R, K. Mitra D, Dada R. Clinical Significance of Sperm DNA Damage Threshold Value in the Assessment of Male Infertility. Reprod Sci 2011; 18:1005-13. [DOI: 10.1177/1933719111401662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sundararajan Venkatesh
- Laboratory for Molecular Reproduction and Genetics, Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Amar Singh
- Department of Transplant Immunology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Monis Bilal Shamsi
- Laboratory for Molecular Reproduction and Genetics, Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Jayapalraja Thilagavathi
- Laboratory for Molecular Reproduction and Genetics, Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Rajeev Kumar
- Department of Urology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Dipendra K. Mitra
- Department of Transplant Immunology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Rima Dada
- Laboratory for Molecular Reproduction and Genetics, Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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212
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DNA secondary structure is influenced by genetic variation and alters susceptibility to de novo translocation. Mol Cytogenet 2011; 4:18. [PMID: 21899780 PMCID: PMC3197554 DOI: 10.1186/1755-8166-4-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2011] [Accepted: 09/08/2011] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cumulative evidence suggests that DNA secondary structures impact DNA replication, transcription and genomic rearrangements. One of the best studied examples is the recurrent constitutional t(11;22) in humans that is mediated by potentially cruciform-forming sequences at the breakpoints, palindromic AT-rich repeats (PATRRs). We previously demonstrated that polymorphisms of PATRR sequences affect the frequency of de novo t(11;22)s in sperm samples from normal healthy males. These studies were designed to determine whether PATRR polymorphisms affect DNA secondary structure, thus leading to variation in translocation frequency. Methods We studied the potential for DNA cruciform formation for several PATRR11 polymorphic alleles using mobility shift analysis in gel electrophoresis as well as by direct visualization of the DNA by atomic force microscopy. The structural data for various alleles were compared with the frequency of de novo t(11;22)s the allele produced. Results The data indicate that the propensity for DNA cruciform structure of each polymorphic allele correlates with the frequency of de novo t(11;22)s produced (r = 0.77, P = 0.01). Conclusions Although indirect, our results strongly suggest that the PATRR adopts unstable cruciform structures during spermatogenesis that act as translocation hotspots in humans.
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213
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Venkatesh S, Shamsi M, Deka D, Saxena V, Kumar R, Dada R. Clinical implications of oxidative stress & sperm DNA damage in normozoospermic infertile men. Indian J Med Res 2011; 134:396-8. [PMID: 21985826 PMCID: PMC3193724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- S. Venkatesh
- Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Ansari Nagar, New Delhi 110 029, India
| | - M.B. Shamsi
- Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Ansari Nagar, New Delhi 110 029, India
| | - D. Deka
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Ansari Nagar, New Delhi 110 029, India
| | - V. Saxena
- Department of Urology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Ansari Nagar, New Delhi 110 029, India
| | - R. Kumar
- Department of Urology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Ansari Nagar, New Delhi 110 029, India
| | - R. Dada
- Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Ansari Nagar, New Delhi 110 029, India,For correspondence: Dr Rima Dada, Additional Professor, Department of Anatomy, AIIMS, New Delhi 110 029, India
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214
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Rahman MB, Vandaele L, Rijsselaere T, Maes D, Hoogewijs M, Frijters A, Noordman J, Granados A, Dernelle E, Shamsuddin M, Parrish JJ, Van Soom A. Scrotal insulation and its relationship to abnormal morphology, chromatin protamination and nuclear shape of spermatozoa in Holstein-Friesian and Belgian Blue bulls. Theriogenology 2011; 76:1246-57. [PMID: 21777969 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.05.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2010] [Revised: 05/12/2011] [Accepted: 05/13/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to identify the stages of spermatogenesis susceptible to elevated testicular temperature in terms of sperm motility, viability, morphology, chromatin protamination and nuclear shape. The latter two valuable parameters are not included in routine semen analysis. Scrotal insulation (SI) was applied for 48 h in 2 Holstein-Friesian (HF) and 2 Belgian Blue (BB) bulls and semen was collected at 7 d intervals along with semen collection of a non-insulated bull of each breed. Semen samples were frozen and assigned to 4 groups: period 1 (preinsulation) = -7 d and 0 d, where 0 d = initiation of SI after semen collection; period 2 = 7 d (sperm presumed in the epididymis during SI); period 3 = 14 d to 42 d (cells presumed at spermiogenesis and meiosis stages during SI); period 4 = 49 d to 63 d (cells presumed at spermatocytogenesis stage during SI). The percentages of progressively motile and viable spermatozoa as assessed by computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) and fluorescence microscopy, respectively were decreased whereas abnormal sperm heads, nuclear vacuoles and tail defects were increased at period 3 (P < 0.05) compared to period 1, 2 or 4 in SI bulls of both HF and BB breeds. Protamine deficient spermatozoa as observed by chromomycin A(3) (CMA(3)) staining were more present (P < 0.05) at period 2 and 3 in both breeds compared to period 1 or 4. Sperm nuclear shape as determined by Fourier harmonic amplitude (FHA) was most affected by heat stress during period 3 (P < 0.01) and a higher response was observed in BB bulls than HF bulls. In conclusion, sperm cells at the spermiogenic and meiotic stages of development are more susceptible to heat stress. The lack of chromatin protamination is the most pertinent result of heat stress, together with subtle changes in sperm head shape, which can be detected by FHA but not by conventional semen analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Bozlur Rahman
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
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215
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Crha I, Zakova J, Huser M, Ventruba P, Lousova E, Pohanka M. Digital holographic microscopy in human sperm imaging. J Assist Reprod Genet 2011; 28:725-9. [PMID: 21667103 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-011-9584-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2011] [Accepted: 05/13/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to use digital holographic microscopy (DHM) in human sperm imaging and compare quantitative phase contrast of sperm heads in normozoospermia (NZ) and oligoasthenozoospermia (OAT). METHODS DHM spermatozoa imaging and repeated quantitative phase shift evaluation were used. Five NZ and 5 OAT samples were examined. Semen samples were examined by semen analysis and processed for DHM. Main outcome measures were maximum phase shift value of the sperm heads. Differences of the phase shift and in NZ and OAT samples were statistically tested. RESULTS In NZ samples median phase shifts were in the range 2.72-3.21 rad and 2.00-2.15 in OAT samples. Differences among individual samples were statistically significant (p < 0.001) in both groups. Median phase shift according to sperm count was 2.90 rad in NZ samples and 2.00 rad in OAT samples. This difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Quantitative evaluation of the phase shift by DHM could provide new information on the exact structure and composition of the sperm head. At present, this technique is not established for clinical utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Crha
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, and Faculty Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic.
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216
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Abstract
Epigenetic information can be passed on from one generation to another via DNA methylation, histone modifications, and changes in small RNAs, a process called epigenetic memory. During a mammal’s lifecycle epigenetic reprogramming, or the resetting of most epigenetic marks, occurs twice. The first instance of reprogramming occurs in primordial germ cells and the second occurs following fertilization. These processes may be both passive and active. In order for epigenetic inheritance to occur the epigenetic modifications must be able to escape reprogramming. There are several examples supporting this non-Mendelian mechanism of inheritance including the prepacking of early developmental genes in histones instead of protamines in sperm, genomic imprinting via methylation marks, the retention of CenH3 in mammalian sperm and the inheritance of piwi-associated interfering RNAs. The ability of mammals to pass on epigenetic information to their progeny provides clear evidence that inheritance is not restricted to DNA sequence and epigenetics plays a key role in producing viable offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoë Migicovsky
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge Lethbridge, AB, Canada
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217
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Ghazi S, Abdelfattah H. Effect of microsurgical varicocelectomy on sperm DNA fragmentation in infertile men. MIDDLE EAST FERTILITY SOCIETY JOURNAL 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mefs.2010.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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218
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Rego JPA, Souza CEA, Oliveira JTA, Domont G, Gozzo FC, Moura AAA. WITHDRAWN: Major proteins from the seminal plasma of adult Santa Ines rams. Anim Reprod Sci 2011:S0378-4320(11)00138-2. [PMID: 21628085 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2011.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2010] [Revised: 04/21/2011] [Accepted: 05/09/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
This article has been withdrawn at the request of the author(s) and/or editor. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. The full Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Paulo A Rego
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Ceará, 60021-970 Fortaleza, Brazil
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219
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Vavouri T, Lehner B. Chromatin organization in sperm may be the major functional consequence of base composition variation in the human genome. PLoS Genet 2011; 7:e1002036. [PMID: 21490963 PMCID: PMC3072381 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1002036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2010] [Accepted: 02/11/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromatin in sperm is different from that in other cells, with most of the genome packaged by protamines not nucleosomes. Nucleosomes are, however, retained at some genomic sites, where they have the potential to transmit paternal epigenetic information. It is not understood how this retention is specified. Here we show that base composition is the major determinant of nucleosome retention in human sperm, predicting retention very well in both genic and non-genic regions of the genome. The retention of nucleosomes at GC-rich sequences with high intrinsic nucleosome affinity accounts for the previously reported retention at transcription start sites and at genes that regulate development. It also means that nucleosomes are retained at the start sites of most housekeeping genes. We also report a striking link between the retention of nucleosomes in sperm and the establishment of DNA methylation-free regions in the early embryo. Taken together, this suggests that paternal nucleosome transmission may facilitate robust gene regulation in the early embryo. We propose that chromatin organization in the male germline, rather than in somatic cells, is the major functional consequence of fine-scale base composition variation in the human genome. The selective pressure driving base composition evolution in mammals could, therefore, be the need to transmit paternal epigenetic information to the zygote.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya Vavouri
- EMBL-CRG Systems Biology Unit, Centre for Genomic Regulation, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
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220
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Xu YN, Cui XS, Sun SC, Jin YX, Kim NH. Cross species fertilization and development investigated by cat sperm injection into mouse oocytes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 315:349-57. [DOI: 10.1002/jez.682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2010] [Revised: 01/19/2011] [Accepted: 02/21/2011] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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221
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Hales BF, Grenier L, Lalancette C, Robaire B. Epigenetic programming: From gametes to blastocyst. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 91:652-65. [DOI: 10.1002/bdra.20781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2010] [Revised: 12/01/2010] [Accepted: 12/07/2010] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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222
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Yamauchi Y, Shaman JA, Ward WS. Non-genetic contributions of the sperm nucleus to embryonic development. Asian J Androl 2011; 13:31-5. [PMID: 20953203 PMCID: PMC3015006 DOI: 10.1038/aja.2010.75] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2010] [Revised: 08/03/2010] [Accepted: 08/05/2010] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent data from several laboratories have provided evidence that the newly fertilized oocyte inherits epigenetic signals from the sperm chromatin that are required for proper embryonic development. For the purposes of this review, the term epigenetic is used to describe all types of molecular information that are transmitted from the sperm cell to the embryo. There are at least six different forms of epigenetic information that have already been established as being required for proper embryogenesis in mammals or for which there is evidence that it may do so. These are (i) DNA methylation; (ii) sperm-specific histones, (iii) other chromatin-associated proteins; (iv) the perinuclear theca proteins; (v) sperm-born RNAs and, the focus of this review; and (vi) the DNA loop domain organization by the sperm nuclear matrix. These epigenetic signals should be considered when designing protocols for the manipulation and cryopreservation of spermatozoa for assisted reproductive technology as necessary components for effective fertilization and subsequent embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Yamauchi
- Department Anatomy and Reproductive Biology, Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
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223
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Johnson GD, Lalancette C, Linnemann AK, Leduc F, Boissonneault G, Krawetz SA. The sperm nucleus: chromatin, RNA, and the nuclear matrix. Reproduction 2011; 141:21-36. [PMID: 20876223 PMCID: PMC5358669 DOI: 10.1530/rep-10-0322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Within the sperm nucleus, the paternal genome remains functionally inert and protected following protamination. This is marked by a structural morphogenesis that is heralded by a striking reduction in nuclear volume. Despite these changes, both human and mouse spermatozoa maintain low levels of nucleosomes that appear non-randomly distributed throughout the genome. These regions may be necessary for organizing higher order genomic structure through interactions with the nuclear matrix. The promoters of this transcriptionally quiescent genome are differentially marked by modified histones that may poise downstream epigenetic effects. This notion is supported by increasing evidence that the embryo inherits these differing levels of chromatin organization. In concert with the suite of RNAs retained in the mature sperm, they may synergistically interact to direct early embryonic gene expression. Irrespective, these features reflect the transcriptional history of spermatogenic differentiation. As such, they may soon be utilized as clinical markers of male fertility. In this review, we explore and discuss how this may be orchestrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham D. Johnson
- The Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University of Medicine, C.S. Mott Center, 275 E. Hancock, Detroit, MI 48201
| | - Claudia Lalancette
- The Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University of Medicine, C.S. Mott Center, 275 E. Hancock, Detroit, MI 48201
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University of Medicine, C.S. Mott Center, 275 E. Hancock, Detroit, MI 48201
| | - Amelia K. Linnemann
- The Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University of Medicine, C.S. Mott Center, 275 E. Hancock, Detroit, MI 48201
| | - Frédéric Leduc
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada J1H 5N4
| | - Guylain Boissonneault
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada J1H 5N4
| | - Stephen A. Krawetz
- The Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University of Medicine, C.S. Mott Center, 275 E. Hancock, Detroit, MI 48201
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University of Medicine, C.S. Mott Center, 275 E. Hancock, Detroit, MI 48201
- Institute for Scientific Computing, Wayne State University of Medicine, C.S. Mott Center, 275 E. Hancock, Detroit, MI 48201
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224
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Ioannou D, Griffin DK. Male fertility, chromosome abnormalities, and nuclear organization. Cytogenet Genome Res 2010; 133:269-79. [PMID: 21088381 DOI: 10.1159/000322060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous studies have implicated the role of gross genomic rearrangements in male infertility, e.g., constitutional aneuploidy, translocations, inversions, Y chromosome deletions, elevated sperm disomy, and DNA damage. The primary purpose of this paper is to review male fertility studies associated with such abnormalities. In addition, we speculate whether altered nuclear organization, another chromosomal/whole genome-associated phenomenon, is also concomitant with male factor infertility. Nuclear organization has been studied in a range of systems and implicated in several diseases. For many applications the measurement of the relative position of chromosome territories is sufficient to determine patterns of nuclear organization. Initial evidence has suggested that, unlike in the more usual 'size-related' or 'gene density-related' models, mammalian (including human) sperm heads display a highly organized pattern including a chromocenter with the centromeres located to the center of the nucleus and the telomeres near the periphery. More recent evidence, however, suggests there may be size- and gene density-related components to nuclear organization in sperm. It seems reasonable to hypothesize therefore that alterations in this pattern may be associated with male factor infertility. A small handful of studies have addressed this issue; however, to date it remains an exciting avenue for future research with possible implications for diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Ioannou
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
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225
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Oliva R, Castillo J. Proteomics and the genetics of sperm chromatin condensation. Asian J Androl 2010; 13:24-30. [PMID: 21042303 DOI: 10.1038/aja.2010.65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis involves extremely marked cellular, genetic and chromatin changes resulting in the generation of the highly specialized sperm cell. Proteomics allows the identification of the proteins that compose the spermatogenic cells and the study of their function. The recent developments in mass spectrometry (MS) have markedly increased the throughput to identify and to study the sperm proteins. Catalogs of thousands of testis and spermatozoan proteins in human and different model species are becoming available, setting up the basis for subsequent research, diagnostic applications and possibly the future development of specific treatments. The present review intends to summarize the key genetic and chromatin changes at the different stages of spermatogenesis and in the mature sperm cell and to comment on the presently available proteomic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Oliva
- Human Genetics Research Group, IDIBAPS, Department of Ciencias Fisiológicas I, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08036, Spain.
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226
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Marchiani S, Tamburrino L, Giuliano L, Nosi D, Sarli V, Gandini L, Piomboni P, Belmonte G, Forti G, Baldi E, Muratori M. Sumo1-ylation of human spermatozoa and its relationship with semen quality. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 34:581-93. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2605.2010.01118.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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227
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Villani P, Eleuteri P, Grollino MG, Rescia M, Altavista P, Spanò M, Pacchierotti F, Cordelli E. Sperm DNA fragmentation induced by DNAse I and hydrogen peroxide: an in vitro comparative study among different mammalian species. Reproduction 2010; 140:445-52. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-10-0176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Sperm DNA damage may have adverse effects on reproductive outcome. Sperm DNA breaks can be detected by several tests, which evaluate DNA integrity from different and complementary perspectives and offer a new class of biomarkers of the male reproductive function and of its possible impairment after environmental exposure. The remodeling of sperm chromatin produces an extremely condensed nuclear structure protecting the nuclear genome from adverse environments. This nuclear remodeling is species specific, and differences in chromatin structure may lead to a dissimilar DNA susceptibility to mutagens among species. In this study, the capacity of the comet assay in its two variants (alkaline and neutral) to detect DNA/chromatin integrity has been evaluated in human, mouse, and bull sperm. The hypothesis that chromatin packaging might influence the amount of induced and detectable DNA damage was tested by treating sperm in vitro with DNAse I, whose activity is strictly dependent upon its DNA accessibility. Furthermore, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was used to assess whether spermatozoa of the three species showed a different sensitivity to oxidative stress. DNAse I-induced damage was also assessed by the sperm chromatin structure assay and the TUNEL assay, and the performances of these two assays were compared and correlated with the comet assay results. Results showed a different sensitivity to DNAse I treatment among the species with human sperm resulting the most susceptible. On the contrary, no major differences among species were observed after H2O2 treatment. Furthermore, the three tests show a good correlation in revealing sperm with DNA strand breaks.
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228
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Ogonuki N, Mori M, Shinmen A, Inoue K, Mochida K, Ohta A, Ogura A. The effect on intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcome of genotype, male germ cell stage and freeze-thawing in mice. PLoS One 2010; 5:e11062. [PMID: 20552034 PMCID: PMC2884038 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0011062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2010] [Accepted: 05/17/2010] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has been widely used to study the mechanisms of mammalian fertilization and to rescue male-factor infertility in humans and animals. However, very few systematic analyses have been conducted to define factors affecting the efficiency of ICSI. In this study, we undertook a large-scale series of ICSI experiments in mice to define the factors that might affect outcomes. Methodology/Principal Findings We used a 5×3×2 factorial design with the following factors: mouse genotype (ICR, C57BL/6, DBA/2, C3H/He, and 129/Sv strains), type of male germ cells (epididymal sperm, elongated or round spermatids), and their freeze–thawing treatment. The efficiencies (parameters) of each developmental step were analyzed by three-way ANOVA (significance level P<0.01). The type of male germ cells affected all the four parameters observed: oocyte survival after injection, cleavage of oocytes, implantation, and birth of offspring. Genotype affected the oocyte survival, cleavage and birth rates, whereas freeze–thawing had no effects on any of the parameters. There were significant genotype/cell type interactions for oocyte survival and cleavage, indicating that they were determined by a combination of strain and germ cell maturity. Multiple comparisons revealed that spermatozoa and elongated spermatids gave better implantation and birth rates than did round spermatids, while spermatozoa and elongated spermatozoa were indistinguishable in their ability to support embryonic development. The best overall efficiency (birth rate per oocytes injected) was obtained with frozen–thawed DBA/2 strain elongated spermatids (23.2±4.2%). Conclusions/Significance The present study provides the first comprehensive information on ICSI using the mouse as a model and will contribute to the efficient use of materials, time, and efforts in biomedical research and clinics involving ICSI.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Manami Mori
- RIKEN BioResouce Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
- Department of Life Science, School of Agriculture, Meiji University, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Akie Shinmen
- RIKEN BioResouce Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Kimiko Inoue
- RIKEN BioResouce Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Science, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | | | - Akihiko Ohta
- Department of Life Science, School of Agriculture, Meiji University, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Atsuo Ogura
- RIKEN BioResouce Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Science, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
- Center for Disease Biology and Integrative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- * E-mail:
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