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Hu W, Zhang R, Xu H, Li Y, Yang X, Zhou Z, Huang X, Wang Y, Ji W, Gao F, Meng W. CAMSAP1 role in orchestrating structure and dynamics of manchette microtubule minus-ends impacts male fertility during spermiogenesis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2313787120. [PMID: 37903275 PMCID: PMC10636317 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2313787120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The manchette is a crucial transient structure involved in sperm development, with its composition and regulation still not fully understood. This study focused on investigating the roles of CAMSAP1 and CAMSAP2, microtubule (MT) minus-end binding proteins, in regulating manchette MTs, spermiogenesis, and male fertility. The loss of CAMSAP1, but not CAMSAP2, disrupts the well-orchestrated process of spermiogenesis, leading to abnormal manchette elongation and delayed removal, resulting in deformed sperm nuclei and tails resembling oligoasthenozoospermia symptoms. We investigated the underlying molecular mechanisms by purifying manchette assemblies and comparing them through proteomic analysis, and results showed that the absence of CAMSAP1 disrupted the proper localization of key proteins (CEP170 and KIF2A) at the manchette minus end, compromising its structural integrity and hindering MT depolymerization. These findings highlight the significance of maintaining homeostasis in manchette MT minus-ends for shaping manchette morphology during late spermiogenesis, offering insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying infertility and sperm abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weichang Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing10019, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Chinese Academy of Sciences Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100101, China
| | - Honglin Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing10019, China
| | - Yuejia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing10019, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
| | - Xiaojuan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing10019, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
| | - Zhengrong Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing10019, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
| | - Xiahe Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing10019, China
| | - Yingchun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing10019, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
| | - Wei Ji
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Chinese Academy of Sciences Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100101, China
- College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
- Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou, Guangdong510320, China
| | - Fei Gao
- College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100101, China
| | - Wenxiang Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing10019, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
- Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100101, China
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Wei YL, Yang WX. The acroframosome-acroplaxome-manchette axis may function in sperm head shaping and male fertility. Gene 2018; 660:28-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2018.03.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Pleuger C, Fietz D, Hartmann K, Schuppe HC, Weidner W, Kliesch S, Baker M, O'Bryan MK, Bergmann M. Expression of ciliated bronchial epithelium 1 during human spermatogenesis. Fertil Steril 2017; 108:47-54. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2017.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Revised: 05/05/2017] [Accepted: 05/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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4
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Qi Y, Jiang M, Yuan Y, Bi Y, Zheng B, Guo X, Huang X, Zhou Z, Sha J. ADP-ribosylation factor-like 3, a manchette-associated protein, is essential for mouse spermiogenesis. Mol Hum Reprod 2013; 19:327-35. [DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gat001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
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5
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Affiliation(s)
- Regina M Turner
- Department of Clinical Studies, Center for Animal Transgenesis, Germ Cell Research, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Kennett Square, USA
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6
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Sperry AO. The dynamic cytoskeleton of the developing male germ cell. Biol Cell 2012; 104:297-305. [PMID: 22276751 DOI: 10.1111/boc.201100102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2011] [Accepted: 01/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian spermatogenesis is characterised by dramatic cellular change to transform the non-polar spermatogonium into a highly polarised and functional spermatozoon. The acquisition of cell polarity is a requisite step for formation of viable sperm. The polarity of the spermatozoon is clearly demonstrated by the acrosome at the apical pole of the cell and the flagellum at the opposite end. Spermatogenesis consists of three basic phases: mitosis, meiosis and spermiogenesis. The final phase represents the period of greatest cellular change where cell-type specific organelles such as the acrosome and the flagellum form, the nucleus migrates to the plasma membrane and elongates, chromatin condenses and residual cytoplasm is removed. An important feature of spermatogenesis is the change in the cytoskeleton that occurs throughout this pathway. In this review, the author will provide an overview of these transformations and provide insight into possible modes of regulation of these rearrangements during spermatogenesis. Although primary focus will be given to the microtubule cytoskeleton, the importance of actin filaments to the cellular transformation of the male germ cell will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann O Sperry
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA.
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Wang W, Zhu JQ, Yu HM, Tan FQ, Yang WX. KIFC1-like motor protein associates with the cephalopod manchette and participates in sperm nuclear morphogenesis in Octopus tankahkeei. PLoS One 2010; 5:e15616. [PMID: 21187923 PMCID: PMC3004946 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0015616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2010] [Accepted: 11/15/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Nuclear morphogenesis is one of the most fundamental cellular transformations taking place during spermatogenesis. In rodents, a microtubule-based perinuclear structure, the manchette, and a C-terminal kinesin motor KIFC1 are believed to play crucial roles in this process. Spermatogenesis in Octopus tankahkeei is a good model system to explore whether evolution has created a cephalopod prototype of mammalian manchette-based and KIFC1-dependent sperm nuclear shaping machinery. Methodology/Principal Findings We detected the presence of a KIFC1-like protein in the testis, muscle, and liver of O. tankahkeei by Western Blot. Then we tracked its dynamic localization in spermatic cells at various stages using Immunofluorescence and Immunogold Electron Microscopy. The KIFC1-like protein was not expressed at early stages of spermatogenesis when no significant morphological changes occur, began to be present in early spermatid, localized around and in the nucleus of intermediate and late spermatids where the nucleus was dramatically elongated and compressed, and concentrated at one end of final spermatid. Furthermore, distribution of the motor protein during nuclear elongation and condensation overlapped with that of the cephalopod counterpart of manchette at a significant level. Conclusions/Significance The results support the assumption that the protein is actively involved in sperm nuclear morphogenesis in O. tankahkeei possibly through bridging the manchette-like perinuclear microtubules to the nucleus and assisting in the nucleocytoplasmic trafficking of specific cargoes. This study represents the first description of the role of a motor protein in sperm nuclear shaping in cephalopod.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Faculty of Life Science and Bioengineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jun-Quan Zhu
- Faculty of Life Science and Bioengineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - He-Ming Yu
- Faculty of Life Science and Bioengineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fu-Qing Tan
- The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wan-Xi Yang
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- * E-mail:
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8
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Hermo L, Pelletier RM, Cyr DG, Smith CE. Surfing the wave, cycle, life history, and genes/proteins expressed by testicular germ cells. Part 2: changes in spermatid organelles associated with development of spermatozoa. Microsc Res Tech 2010; 73:279-319. [PMID: 19941292 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.20787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Spermiogenesis is a long process whereby haploid spermatids derived from the meiotic divisions of spermatocytes undergo metamorphosis into spermatozoa. It is subdivided into distinct steps with 19 being identified in rats, 16 in mouse and 8 in humans. Spermiogenesis extends over 22.7 days in rats and 21.6 days in humans. In this part, we review several key events that take place during the development of spermatids from a structural and functional point of view. During early spermiogenesis, the Golgi apparatus forms the acrosome, a lysosome-like membrane bound organelle involved in fertilization. The endoplasmic reticulum undergoes several topographical and structural modifications including the formation of the radial body and annulate lamellae. The chromatoid body is fully developed and undergoes structural and functional modifications at this time. It is suspected to be involved in RNA storing and processing. The shape of the spermatid head undergoes extensive structural changes that are species-specific, and the nuclear chromatin becomes compacted to accommodate the stream-lined appearance of the sperm head. Microtubules become organized to form a curtain or manchette that associates with spermatids at specific steps of their development. It is involved in maintenance of the sperm head shape and trafficking of proteins in the spermatid cytoplasm. During spermiogenesis, many genes/proteins have been implicated in the diverse dynamic events occurring at this time of development of germ cells and the absence of some of these have been shown to result in subfertility or infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Hermo
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3A 2B2.
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Filament-associated TSGA10 protein is expressed in professional antigen presenting cells and interacts with vimentin. Cell Immunol 2010; 265:120-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2010.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2010] [Revised: 06/09/2010] [Accepted: 07/28/2010] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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10
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Oko R, Sutovsky P. Biogenesis of sperm perinuclear theca and its role in sperm functional competence and fertilization. J Reprod Immunol 2009; 83:2-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2009.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2008] [Accepted: 05/27/2009] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Sironen A, Hansen J, Thomsen B, Andersson M, Vilkki J, Toppari J, Kotaja N. Expression of SPEF2 during mouse spermatogenesis and identification of IFT20 as an interacting protein. Biol Reprod 2009; 82:580-90. [PMID: 19889948 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.108.074971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
SPEF2 is expressed in all ciliated cells and is essential for correct sperm tail development and male fertility. We have previously identified a mutation within the SPEF2 gene as the cause for infertility because of immotile and malformed sperm tails in pigs. This mutation in pigs alters the testis-specific long SPEF2 isoform and exclusively affects the sperm tail development. In infertile boars, axonemal and all accessory structures of the sperm tail are affected; thus, SPEF2 seems to participate in the organization of these structures. In the present study, we have investigated the expression of SPEF2 during mouse spermatogenesis. SPEF2 mRNA and protein products appear to be localized both in germ cells and in Sertoli cells. In differentiating germ cells, SPEF2 protein is localized in the Golgi complex, manchette, basal body, and midpiece of the sperm tail. In mature murine sperm, SPEF2 is present in the distal part of the sperm tail midpiece. Using yeast two-hybrid assay and coimmunoprecipitation experiments, we identified an interaction between SPEF2 and the intraflagellar transport protein IFT20 in the testis. Furthermore, these two proteins colocalize in differentiating male germ cells. These results support the crucial importance of SPEF2 in sperm differentiation and involvement of SPEF2 in structuring of the sperm tail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anu Sironen
- Biotechnology and Food Research, Animal Genomics, MTT Agrifood Research Finland, Jokioinen, Finland
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12
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Mountjoy JR, Xu W, McLeod D, Hyndman D, Oko R. RAB2A: A Major Subacrosomal Protein of Bovine Spermatozoa Implicated in Acrosomal Biogenesis1. Biol Reprod 2008; 79:223-32. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.107.065060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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13
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Hayasaka S, Terada Y, Suzuki K, Murakawa H, Tachibana I, Sankai T, Murakami T, Yaegashi N, Okamura K. Intramanchette transport during primate spermiogenesis: expression of dynein, myosin Va, motor recruiter myosin Va, VIIa-Rab27a/b interacting protein, and Rab27b in the manchette during human and monkey spermiogenesis. Asian J Androl 2008; 10:561-8. [PMID: 18478159 DOI: 10.1111/j.1745-7262.2008.00392.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To show whether molecular motor dynein on a microtubule track, molecular motor myosin Va, motor recruiter myosin Va, VIIa-Rab27a/b interacting protein (MyRIP), and vesicle receptor Rab27b on an F-actin track were present during human and monkey spermiogenesis involving intramanchette transport (IMT). METHODS Spermiogenic cells were obtained from three men with obstructive azoospermia and normal adult cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis). Immunocytochemical detection and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis of the proteins were carried out. Samples were analyzed by light microscope. RESULTS Using RT-PCR, we found that dynein, myosin Va, MyRIP and Rab27b were expressed in monkey testis. These proteins were localized to the manchette, as shown by immunofluorescence, particularly during human and monkey spermiogenesis. CONCLUSION We speculate that during primate spermiogenesis, those proteins that compose microtubule-based and actin-based vesicle transport systems are actually present in the manchette and might possibly be involved in intramanchette transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinichi Hayasaka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
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14
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Suzuki-Toyota F, Ito C, Toyama Y, Maekawa M, Yao R, Noda T, Iida H, Toshimori K. Factors maintaining normal sperm tail structure during epididymal maturation studied in Gopc-/- mice. Biol Reprod 2007; 77:71-82. [PMID: 17360959 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.106.058735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Gopc (Golgi-associated PDZ- and coiled-coil motif-containing protein)(-/-) mice are infertile, showing globozoospermia, coiled tails, and a stratified mitochondrial sheath. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) images of the spermatozoa were studied quantitatively to analyze disorganization processes during epididymal passage. Factors maintaining straight tail and normal mitochondrial sheath were also studied by TEM and immunofluorescent microscopy. Sperm tails retained a normal appearance in the proximal caput epididymidis. Tail disorganization started between the proximal and the middle caput epididymidis, and the latter is the major site for it. The tail moved up through the defective posterior ring and coiled around the nucleus to various degrees. Tail coiling occurred in the caput epididymidis suggesting it was triggered by cytoplasmic droplet migration. SPATA19/spergen-1, a candidate mitochondrial adhesion protein, remained on the stratified mitochondria, while GPX4/PHGPx, a major element of the mitochondrial capsule, was unevenly distributed on them. From these findings, we speculate GPX4 is necessary to maintain normal sheath structure, and SPATA19 prevents dispersal of mitochondria, resulting in a stratified mitochondrial sheath formation in Gopc(-/-) spermatozoa. The epididymal epithelium was normal in structure and LRP8/apoER2 expression suggesting that tail abnormality is due to intrinsic sperm factors. Three cell structures are discussed as requisite factors for maintaining a straight tail during epididymal maturation: 1) a complete posterior ring to prevent invasion of the tail into the head compartment, 2) stable attachment of the connecting piece to the implantation fossa, and 3) a normal mitochondrial sheath supported by SPATA19 and supplied with sufficient and normally distributed GPX4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumie Suzuki-Toyota
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8670, Japan.
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Escalier D, Albert M. New fibrous sheath anomaly in spermatozoa of men with consanguinity. Fertil Steril 2006; 86:219.e1-9. [PMID: 16750828 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2005.12.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2005] [Revised: 12/20/2005] [Accepted: 12/20/2005] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The cause of the sperm motility impairment was investigated in infertile men. DESIGN Case report. SETTING University-based andrology laboratory. PATIENTS Two unrelated consanguineous patients. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) The sperm flagella lengths were measured using quantitative analysis software and their ultrastructural anomalies were quantitatively recorded. RESULT(S) A total of 67.5% of the flagella were truncated, and 100% lacked the medium region of the ribs of the fibrous sheath. CONCLUSION(S) The data suggested a morphogenetic anomaly at the stage where rib precursors are formed during spermiogenesis. The consanguinity of these patients suggested a genetic origin for this newly discovered anomaly of the human sperm's fibrous sheath. The family tree appears to indicate an autosomal recessive inheritance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Escalier
- Functional and Molecular Histology, Paris 5 University, Andrology Laboratory, Hospital Kremlin-Bicêtre, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France.
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Turner RM. Moving to the beat: a review of mammalian sperm motility regulation. Reprod Fertil Dev 2006; 18:25-38. [PMID: 16478600 DOI: 10.1071/rd05120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 188] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2005] [Accepted: 01/21/2005] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Because it is generally accepted that a high percentage of poorly motile or immotile sperm will adversely affect male fertility, analysis of sperm motility is a central part of the evaluation of male fertility. In spite of its importance to fertility, poor sperm motility remains only a description of a pathology whose underlying cause is typically poorly understood. The present review is designed to bring the clinician up to date with the most current understanding of the mechanisms that regulate sperm motility and to raise questions about how aberrations in these mechanisms could be the underlying causes of this pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regina M Turner
- Department of Clinical Studies, Center for Animal Transgenesis and Germ Cell Research, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, New Bolton Center, Kennett Square, PA 19348, USA.
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Markova MD. Electron microscopic observations of human sperm whole-mounts after extraction for nuclear matrix and intermediate filaments (NM-IF). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 27:291-5. [PMID: 15379969 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2605.2004.00479.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The extraction for nuclear matrix and intermediate filaments (NM-IF) is used to reveal, isolate and study these highly resistant structures in different cell types. We applied for the first time this chemical dissection to human spermatozoa and observed them as whole-mounts by unembedded electron microscopy. The general appearance of NM-IF extracted sperm cells was preserved, showing the intermediate filament-like properties of their cytoskeletal components. In most heads, a network was observed in subacrosomal position, consisting of hubs interconnected by filaments. It seemed to be overlaid on another, finer network. The neck retained its integrity, allowing observations of the three-dimensional structure of the segmented columns. More distally, axoneme and outer dense fibres were covered by submitochondrial cytoskeleton in the middle piece and fibrous sheath in the principal piece, with the annulus usually detached from the fibrous sheath. End piece microtubules were retained in most cells and showed a tendency of cohesion, remaining in a parallel bundle or forming flat sheets. In conclusion, our results provided additional structural details of human sperm cytoskeleton and demonstrated the advantages of combining different methodological approaches in ultrastructural research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Dyankova Markova
- Department of Biology, Medical Faculty, Medical University of Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria.
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18
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Kierszenbaum AL, Tres LL, Rivkin E, Kang-Decker N, van Deursen JMA. The Acroplaxome Is the Docking Site of Golgi-Derived Myosin Va/Rab27a/b-Containing Proacrosomal Vesicles in Wild-Type and Hrb Mutant Mouse Spermatids1. Biol Reprod 2004; 70:1400-10. [PMID: 14724135 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.103.025346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Acrosome biogenesis involves the transport and fusion of Golgi-derived proacrosomal vesicles along the acroplaxome, an F-actin/keratin 5-containing cytoskeletal plate anchored to the spermatid nucleus. A significant issue is whether the acroplaxome develops in acrosomeless mutant mice. Male mice with a Hrb null mutation are infertile and both spermatids and sperm are round-headed and lack an acrosome. Hrb, a protein that contains several NPF motifs (Asn-Pro-Phe) and interacts with proteins with Eps15 homology domains, is regarded as critical for the docking and/or fusion of Golgi-derived proacrosomal vesicles. Here we report that the lack of an acrosome in Hrb mutant spermatids does not prevent the development of the acroplaxome. Yet the acroplaxome in the mutant contains F-actin but is deficient in keratin 5. We also show that the actin-based motor protein myosin Va and its receptor, Rab27a/b, known to be involved in vesicle transport, are present in the Golgi and Golgi-derived proacrosomal vesicles in wild-type and Hrb mutant mouse spermatids. In the Hrb mutant, myosin-Va-bound proacrosome vesicles tether to the acroplaxome, where they flatten and form a flat sac, designated pseudoacrosome. As spermiogenesis advances, round-shaped spermatid nuclei of the mutant display several nuclear protrusions, designated nucleopodes. Nucleopodes are consistently found at the acroplaxome- pseudoacrosome site. Our findings support the interpretation that the acroplaxome provides a focal point for myosin-Va/ Rab27a/b-driven proacrosomal vesicles to accumulate, coalesce, and form an acrosome in wild-type spermatids and a pseudoacrosome in Hrb mutant spermatids. We suggest that nucleopodes develop at a site where a keratin 5-deficient acroplaxome may not withstand tension forces operating during spermatid nuclear shaping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abraham L Kierszenbaum
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomical Sciences, The Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education/City University of New York Medical School, New York, New York 10031, USA.
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Kierszenbaum AL, Rivkin E, Tres LL. The actin-based motor myosin Va is a component of the acroplaxome, an acrosome-nuclear envelope junctional plate, and of manchette-associated vesicles. Cytogenet Genome Res 2004; 103:337-44. [PMID: 15051957 DOI: 10.1159/000076822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2003] [Accepted: 11/10/2003] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein and vesicle cargos can be mobilized during spermiogenesis by intramanchette transport utilizing microtubule-based protein motors (kinesins and dyneins). However, actin-based unconventional myosin motors may also play a significant role in targeting vesicle cargos to subcellular compartments during sperm development. Here we report that myosin Va, an actin-based motor protein, is a component of the acroplaxome of rodent spermatids. The acroplaxome is an F-actin/keratin-containing scaffold plate with a marginal ring fastening the caudal recess of the developing acrosome to the nuclear envelope during spermatid nuclear shaping. In contrast to the acroplaxome, fluorescently labeled phalloidin does not produce an obvious F-actin signal in the manchette. However, immunogold electron microscopy detects moderate but specific beta-actin immunoreactivity along interconnected tube-like bundles of manchette microtubules. We also show that the membrane of vesicles co-fractionated with intact manchettes by sucrose gradient ultracentrifugation display immunogold-labeled myosin Va. Myosin Va vesicle localization is known to correlate with Rab proteins, monomeric GTPases of the Ras superfamily which recruit myosin Va/VIIa motor proteins through intermediate proteins. RT-PCR analysis demonstrates that transcripts for Rab27a and Rab27b and Slac2-c (a protein that links Rab27a/b to myosin Va/VIIa) are expressed in testis. These results indicate that two independent cytoskeletal tracks, F-actin in the acroplaxome and presumably in the manchette, and manchette microtubules, may facilitate short-range (from the Golgi to the acrosome) and long-range (from the manchette to the centrosome and axoneme) mobilization of appropriate cargos during spermiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- A L Kierszenbaum
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomical Sciences, The City University of New York Medical School/ The Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education, New York, NY 10031, USA.
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Miranda-Vizuete A, Tsang K, Yu Y, Jiménez A, Pelto-Huikko M, Flickinger CJ, Sutovsky P, Oko R. Cloning and developmental analysis of murid spermatid-specific thioredoxin-2 (SPTRX-2), a novel sperm fibrous sheath protein and autoantigen. J Biol Chem 2003; 278:44874-85. [PMID: 12909633 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m305475200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Thioredoxins compose a growing family of proteins that participate in different cellular processes via redox-mediated reactions. We report here the cloning, developmental expression, and location of murid Sptrx-2. Mouse and rat SPTRX-2 proteins display a high homology to their human ortholog in the thioredoxin and NDP kinase domains, and the coding genes are located at syntenic positions. Northern blotting and in situ hybridization confirmed the testis-specific expression of murine Sptrx-2 mRNA, mostly in round spermatids. Immunohistochemical analysis of the 19 steps of rat spermiogenesis showed that SPTRX-2 expression becomes prominent in the cytoplasmic lobe of step 15-18 spermatids and diminishes in step 19 just before spermiation. However, in the spermatid tail, SPTRX-2 immunoreactivity increased from step 15 to 19 and was confined to the principal piece. By immunogold electron microscopy, SPTRX-2 was first detected scattered throughout the cytoplasm of the axoneme in step 14-15 spermatids, but began to be incorporated by step 16 into the fibrous sheath (FS). During steps 17-18, the labeling increased over the ribs and columns of the assembled FS. It peaked in step 19 and remained in the FS of epididymal spermatozoa. Immunoblots of isolated FS obtained from spermatozoa confirmed that SPTRX-2 is an integral component of the FS and a post-obstruction autoantigen in vasectomized rats. Our data indicate that SPTRX-2 incorporation into the FS lags well behind FS assembly, suggesting it is required during the final stages of sperm tail maturation in the testis and/or epididymis, where extensive disulfide bonding of FS proteins occurs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Miranda-Vizuete
- Center for Biotechnology, Department of Biosciences at Novum, Karolinska Institutet, S-14157 Huddinge, Sweden
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21
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Yang WX, Sperry AO. C-terminal kinesin motor KIFC1 participates in acrosome biogenesis and vesicle transport. Biol Reprod 2003; 69:1719-29. [PMID: 12826589 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.102.014878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
We have identified a possible role for the KIFC1 motor protein in formation of the acrosome, an organelle unique to spermatogenesis. KIFC1, a C-terminal kinesin motor, first appears on membrane-bounded organelles (MBOs) in the medulla of early spermatids followed by localization to the acrosomal vesicle. KIFC1 continues to be present on the acrosome of elongating spermatids as it flattens on the spermatid nucleus; however, increasing amounts of KIFC1 are found at the caudal aspect of the spermatid head and in distal cytoplasm. The KIFC1 motor is also found in the nucleus of very immature round spermatids just prior to its appearance on the acrosome. In some cases, KIFC1 appears localized just below the nuclear membrane adjacent to the subacrosomal membrane. We demonstrate that KIFC1 is associated with importin beta and colocalizes with this nuclear transport factor on curvilinear structures associated with the spermatid nuclei. These data support a model in which KIFC1, perhaps in association with nuclear factors, assists in the formation and/or elongation of the spermatid acrosome. This article represents the first demonstration of a direct association of a molecular motor with the spermatid acrosome, the formation of which is essential for fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Xi Yang
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina 27858, USA
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22
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Kierszenbaum AL, Rivkin E, Tres LL. Acroplaxome, an F-actin-keratin-containing plate, anchors the acrosome to the nucleus during shaping of the spermatid head. Mol Biol Cell 2003; 14:4628-40. [PMID: 14551252 PMCID: PMC266778 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e03-04-0226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear shaping is a critical event during sperm development as demonstrated by the incidence of male infertility associated with abnormal sperm ad shaping. Herein, we demonstrate that mouse and rat spermatids assemble in the subacrosomal space a cytoskeletal scaffold containing F-actin and Sak57, a keratin ortholog. The cytoskeletal plate, designated acroplaxome, anchors the developing acrosome to the nuclear envelope. The acroplaxome consists of a marginal ring containing keratin 5 10-nm-thick filaments and F-actin. The ring is closely associated with the leading edge of the acrosome and to the nuclear envelope during the elongation of the spermatid head. Anchorage of the acroplaxome to the gradually shaping nucleus is not disrupted by hypotonic treatment and brief Triton X-100 extraction. By examining spermiogenesis in the azh mutant mouse, characterized by abnormal spermatid/sperm head shaping, we have determined that a deformity of the spermatid nucleus is restricted to the acroplaxome region. These findings lead to the suggestion that the acroplaxome nucleates an F-actin-keratin-containing assembly with the purpose of stabilizing and anchoring the developing acrosome during spermatid nuclear elongation. The acroplaxome may also provide a mechanical planar scaffold modulating external clutching forces generated by a stack of Sertoli cell F-actin-containing hoops encircling the elongating spermatid nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abraham L Kierszenbaum
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomical Sciences, The Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education/The City University of New York Medical School, New York New York 10031, USA.
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Escalier D, Bai XY, Silvius D, Xu PX, Xu X. Spermatid nuclear and sperm periaxonemal anomalies in the mouse Ube2b null mutant. Mol Reprod Dev 2003; 65:298-308. [PMID: 12784252 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.10290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Ube2b (yeast Ubc2b/Rad6 homolog) null mice were described previously. Ube2b encodes the murine ubiquitin conjugating enzyme mHR6B. Ube2b(-/-) mice were shown to present male infertility and their sperm head shape anomalies suggested that Ube2b may be involved in the replacement of nuclear proteins during spermatid chromatin condensation. Apoptosis of spermatocytes suggested additional targets of Ube2b during spermatogenesis. Consistently, we found Ube2b transcription in both meiotic and postmeiotic stages by in situ hybridization. Immuno-electron microscopy revealed that transition proteins 1 and 2, protamines 1 and 2, and actin appear normally distributed during morphogenesis of Ube2b(-/-) spermatid heads. Surprisingly, electron microscopy revealed a particular sperm flagellum phenotype characterized by an abnormal distribution of periaxonemal structures. Flagellar anomalies of Ube2b null mice were previously described in infertile men indicating a possible genetic pathway for flagellar periaxonemal assembly in human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Escalier
- Histologie Fonctionnelle et Moléculaire, Université Paris 5 and INSERM U.407, France.
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24
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Hinsch E, Boehm JG, Groeger S, Mueller-Schloesser F, Hinsch KD. Identification of cytokeratins in bovine sperm outer dense fibre fractions. Reprod Domest Anim 2003; 38:155-60. [PMID: 12654027 DOI: 10.1046/j.1439-0531.2003.00408.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Outer dense fibres (ODF) are important substructures of mammalian sperm tails that are involved in the regulation of sperm motility. In this study, we investigated the identity of several sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS)-insoluble ODF proteins. Bovine ODF were purified by separating sperm heads and tails using ultrasound and Percoll(R) density gradient centrifugation. Sperm flagella were treated with the detergent cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). CTAB-insoluble material, which reportedly represents the ODF fraction, was collected, and electron microscopy confirmed a highly purified ODF fraction. We found after solubilization of this fraction with SDS that high amounts of insoluble material were retained after centrifugation. SDS-insoluble material was collected and quantitatively dissolved in 8 M urea. SDS-gel electrophoresis in the presence of urea revealed polypeptides with apparent molecular masses of approximately 25, 43, and 50 kDa. Subsequent immunoblotting with anti-cytokeratin antibodies detected two urea-soluble, SDS-insoluble proteins with apparent molecular masses of 45 and 66 kDa. The 45-kDa protein was identified as cytokeratin 19. An antibody reacting with a palette of cytokeratins (CK 1-18 and CK 20), KL1, was the only antibody that reacted with the 66-kDa polypeptide. We conclude that sperm ODF fractions contain at least one each of type I and type II intermediate filaments. As keratins and intermediate filaments are described as rope-like structures, we suggest that these intermediate filaments play an important structural or tension-bearing role in sperm flagella.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Hinsch
- Center of Dermatology and Andrology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany.
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25
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Yu Y, Oko R, Miranda-Vizuete A. Developmental expression of spermatid-specific thioredoxin-1 protein: transient association to the longitudinal columns of the fibrous sheath during sperm tail formation. Biol Reprod 2002; 67:1546-54. [PMID: 12390887 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.102.004838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian sperm tail presents a complex organization in which a number of additional structures, namely outer dense fibers and fibrous sheath, surround the central axoneme and are thought to regulate flagellar motility. We have previously described a novel member of the thioredoxin family of proteins with a spermatid specific expression pattern, spermatid-specific thioredoxin-1 (Sptrx-1). We report here the developmental analysis of Sptrx-1 expression during murine spermiogenesis. Immunocytochemical analysis of Sptrx-1 through the different steps of spermiogenesis in rat seminiferous tubule sections showed that its expression begins at step 9, gets progressively stronger until steps 14-16 (where a peak is reached), and then diminishes in steps 17 and 18 until practically no immunolabeling is detected in step 19 spermatid. During its transient expression in spermiogenesis, Sptrx-1 is most concentrated in the periaxonemal compartment of the tail of the elongating spermatid, except in the very last steps (steps 17-19), when periaxonemal labeling disappears and a residual buildup of Sptrx-1 occurs in the shrinking cytoplasmic lobe. Electron microscopic analysis by immunogold labeling pinpointed the localization of Sptrx-1 to the assembling longitudinal columns of the fibrous sheath, whereas the forming ribs of the fibrous sheath were unlabeled. Immunoblotting of isolated fibrous sheath and tails obtained from epididymal or ejaculated sperm of rat and human confirmed our immunocytochemical observation: Sptrx-1 is no longer a component of the mature fibrous sheath. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a protein that specifically associates to the fibrous sheath during development but does not become a permanent structural component. The expression pattern of Sptrx-1 during rat spermiogenesis suggests that it could be part of a nucleation center for the formation of the longitudinal columns and transverse ribs that bridge the latter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yu
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada
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Kierszenbaum AL. Intramanchette transport (IMT): managing the making of the spermatid head, centrosome, and tail. Mol Reprod Dev 2002; 63:1-4. [PMID: 12211054 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.10179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Intramanchette transport (IMT) and intraflagellar transport (IFT) share similar molecular components: a raft protein complex transporting cargo proteins mobilized along microtubules by molecular motors. IFT, initially discovered in flagella of Chlamydomonas, has been also observed in cilia of the worm Caenorhabditis elegans and in mouse ciliated and flagellated cells. IFT has been defined as the mechanism by which protein raft components (also called IFT particles) are displaced between the flagellum and the plasma membrane in the anterograde direction by kinesin-II and in the retrograde direction by cytoplasmic dynein 1b. Mutation of the gene Tg737, encoding one of the components of the raft protein complex, designated Polaris in the mouse and IFT88 in both Chlamydomonas and mouse, results in defective ciliogenesis and flagellar development as well as asymmetry in left-right axis determination. Polaris/IFT88 is detected in the manchette of mouse and rat spermatids. Indications of an IMT mechanism originated from the finding that two proteins associated with the manchette (Sak57/K5 and TBP-1, the latter a component of the 26S proteasome) repositioned to the centrosome and sperm tail once the manchette disassembled. IMT has the features of the IFT machinery but, in addition, facilitates nucleocytoplasmic exchange activities during spermiogenesis. An example is Ran, a small GTPase present in the nucleus and cytoplasm of round spermatids and in the manchette of elongating spermatids. Upon disassembly of the manchette, Ran GTPase is found in the centrosome region of elongating spermatids. Because defective molecular motors and raft proteins result in defective flagella, cilia, and cilia-containing photoreceptor cells in the retina, IMT and IFT are emerging as essential mechanisms for managing critical aspects of sperm development. Details of specific role of Ran GTPase in nucleocytoplasmic transport and its relocation from the manchette to the centrosome to the sperm tail await elucidation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abraham L Kierszenbaum
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomical Sciences, The City University of New York Medical School, New York, New York 10031, USA.
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27
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Kierszenbaum AL, Gil M, Rivkin E, Tres LL. Ran, a GTP-binding protein involved in nucleocytoplasmic transport and microtubule nucleation, relocates from the manchette to the centrosome region during rat spermiogenesis. Mol Reprod Dev 2002; 63:131-40. [PMID: 12211070 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.10164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Ran, a Ras-related GTPase, is required for transporting proteins in and out of the nucleus during interphase and for regulating the assembly of microtubules. cDNA cloning shows that rat testis, like mouse testis, expresses both somatic and testis-specific forms of Ran-GTPase. The presence of a homologous testis-specific form of Ran-GTPase in rodents implies that the Ran-GTPase pathway plays a significant role during sperm development. This suggestions is supported by distinct Ran-GTPase immunolocalization sites identified in developing spermatids. Confocal microscopy demonstrates that Ran-GTPase localizes in the nucleus of round spermatids and along the microtubules of the manchette in elongating spermatids. When the manchette disassembles, Ran-GTPase immunoreactivity is visualized in the centrosome region of maturing spermatids. The circumstantial observation that fractionated manchettes, containing copurified centrin-immunoreactive centrosomes, can organize a three-dimensional lattice in the presence of taxol and GTP, points to the role of Ran-GTPase and associated factors in microtubule nucleation as well as the potential nucleating function of spermatid centrosomes undergoing a reduction process. Electron microscopy demonstrates the presence in manchette preparations of spermatid centrosomes, recognized as such by their association with remnants of the implantation fossa, a dense plate observed only at the basal surface of developing spermatid and sperm nuclei. In addition, we have found importin beta1 immunoreactivity in the nucleus of elongating spermatids, a finding that, together with the presence of Ran-GTPase in the nucleus of round spermatids and the manchette, suggest a potential role of Ran-GTPase machinery in nucleocytoplasmic transport. Our expression and localization analysis, correlated with functional observations in other cell systems, suggest that Ran-GTPase may be involved in both nucleocytoplasmic transport and microtubules assembly, two critical events during the development of functional sperm. In addition, the manchette-to-centrosome Ran-GTPase relocation, together with the similar redistribution of various proteins associated to the manchette, suggest the existence of an intramanchette molecular transport mechanism, which may share molecular analogies with intraflagellar transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abraham L Kierszenbaum
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomical Sciences, CUNY Medical School, New York, New York 10031, USA.
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28
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Abstract
Peptide dendrimers are radial or wedge-like branched macromolecules consisting of a peptidyl branching core and/or covalently attached surface functional units. The multimeric nature of these constructs, the unambiguous composition and ease of production make this type of dendrimer well suited to various biotechnological and biochemical applications. Applications include use as biomedical diagnostic reagents, protein mimetics, anticancer and antiviral agents, vaccines and drug and gene delivery vehicles. This review focuses on the different types of peptide dendrimers currently in use and the synthetic methods commonly employed to generate peptide dendrimers ranging from stepwise solid-phase synthesis to chemoselective and orthogonal ligation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen Sadler
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
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29
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Kierszenbaum AL, Tres LL. Bypassing natural sperm selection during fertilization: the azh mutant offspring experience and the alternative of spermiogenesis in vitro. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2002; 187:133-8. [PMID: 11988320 DOI: 10.1016/s0303-7207(01)00692-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Molecular aspects of spermiogenesis can be studied using mouse mutants and spermatids developed in vitro. The azh/azh mutant is an attractive model system because structural abnormalities in the sperm head and the ectopic position of the manchette are associated with tail bending and looping. Spermatids, developing an axoneme in vitro and capable of cell motility, offer the possibility of the dynamic analysis of tail development. Offspring generated by intracytoplasmic injection of azh/azh sperm heads into normal mouse oocytes complement the mouse mutant approach. A central question of sperm tail development is the role of the manchette, a transient microtubular structure assembled soon after the organization of the axoneme. The fractionation of intact manchettes by gradient centrifugation has enabled a biochemical analysis of constitutive tubulin isotypes and transiently associated proteins. For example, keratins Sak57, Odf1, and Odf2 are initially stored in the manchette before being sorted to the outer dense fibers and fibrous sheath of the developing spermatid tail. Additional proteins associated with the manchette include two proteases, the 26S proteasome and N-arginine convertase (both sorted to the developing spermatid tail), a spermatid perinuclear RNA binding protein, Spag4, an Odf1-binding protein, and type 4 cAMP-specific phosphodiesterase D. Keratin 9 and delta-tubulin are two proteins found in the perinuclear ring of the manchette, the insertion site of the microtubular mantle. Available data indicate that the manchette is a highly dynamic structure providing microtubular tracks to structural proteins participating in the sperm tail development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abraham L Kierszenbaum
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomical Sciences, The City University of New York Medical School, 138th Street and Convent Avenue, J-903, New York, NY 10031, USA
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30
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Abstract
Spermiogenesis pursues three major objectives: (1) The safeguard of the male genome within the confines of a compact nucleus. (2) The accumulation of enzymes in the acrosome of be released at fertilization. (3) The development of a sperm propelling tail consisting of an axoneme surrounded by a scaffold of keratin-containing outer dense fibers and a fibrous sheath. Recent experimental data indicate that three keratins-Sak57, 0df1 and 0df2-and other proteins (the 26S proteasome and the 0df1-binding protein Spag4) are temporarily stored in the manchette before being sorted to the developing sperm tail. These findings support a general model for the manchette as an ephemeral structure timely developed and strategically positioned to provide a transient storage to both structural and signaling proteins. Some of the proteins are later sorted to the developing tail; others may participate in the reciprocal nuclear-cytoplasmic signaling pathways as the gene activity of the male genome gradually becomes silent. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 59: 347-349, 2001.
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Affiliation(s)
- A L Kierszenbaum
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomical Sciences, The City University of New York Medical School, 138th Street and Convent Avenue, New York, NY 10031, USA.
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31
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Markova MD. Electron microscopic observations of mouse sperm whole mounts after extraction for nuclear matrix and intermediate filaments. ARCHIVES OF ANDROLOGY 2001; 47:37-45. [PMID: 11442334 DOI: 10.1080/01485010152103991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Nuclear matrix and intermediate filaments (NM-IF) can be isolated by sequential treatment with non-ionic detergent, high salt. and nuclease. Extracted cells are easily observed by unembedded whole-mount transmission electron microscopy. Different somatic cell types have been subjected to this procedure and retained their essential architecture. To our knowledge, this work describes the first application of NM-IF extraction to sperm. After chemical dissection the general appearance of mouse sperm cells was preserved, except for head-from-neck separation in some cases. The cell membrane, acrosome and mitochondria were not present. The nucleus showed no apparent changes and revealed no details excepting pore complexes in the posterior part. Tissue-specific cytoskeletal elements (perforatorium, postacrosomal sheath, capitulum, segmented columns, outer dense fibers, submitochondrial reticulum, annulus, and fibrous sheath) were retained, which permitted a parallel between them and intermediate filaments of somatic cells. Tail microtubules were also relatively well preserved, showing high intrinsic stability. Cell structures could be observed well, with some details in the tail even better visible than in ultrathin sections. Observation of mouse sperm whole mounts after NM-IF extraction not only revealed intermediate filament-like properties of their cytoskeletal elements but also offered an additional viewpoint to sperm ultrastructure.
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Affiliation(s)
- M D Markova
- Department of Biology, Medical Faculty, Medical University of Sofia, Bulgaria.
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32
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Affiliation(s)
- G Manandhar
- Oregon Regional Primate Research Center, USA
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33
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Akutsu H, Tres LL, Tateno H, Yanagimachi R, Kierszenbaum AL. Offspring from normal mouse oocytes injected with sperm heads from the azh/azh mouse display more severe sperm tail abnormalities than the original mutant. Biol Reprod 2001; 64:249-56. [PMID: 11133681 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod64.1.249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm with abnormalities in the position and shape of the head were obtained from the azh/azh mutant and injected into the cytoplasm of mature mouse oocytes to determine whether sperm from the offspring display both head (club shape) and tail (looping, folding, and fusion) abnormalities observed in the mutant donor. Although quantitative differences were observed among the three examined offspring, we found that abnormalities in sperm head shape were less frequent than in the donor mutant, but that tail malformations predominated. In addition, we found that the frequency of tail abnormalities increased during sperm epididymal transit. A typical defect was the multiple folding of the sperm tail and eventual fusion of closely apposed plasma membranes. As a consequence, sperm forward motility and natural fertility were compromised. Results of this study indicate that the azh/azh mutant and offspring generated by intracytoplasmic sperm injection provide a valuable model for determining the role of the manchette and keratin-containing outer dense fibers and fibrous sheath during spermiogenesis. Furthermore, our findings stress the risk of enhancing a phenotypic abnormality caused by mutant male genotypes introduced through bypassing the biologic mechanisms of natural sperm selection during fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Akutsu
- Department of Anatomy and Reproductive Biology, University of Hawaii School of Medicine, Honolulu, Hawaii 96822, USA
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Mochida K, Rivkin E, Gil M, Kierszenbaum AL. Keratin 9 is a component of the perinuclear ring of the manchette of rat spermatids. Dev Biol 2000; 227:510-9. [PMID: 11071770 DOI: 10.1006/dbio.2000.9911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Previous work in our laboratory has shown that a 62- to 64-kDa protein was a major component of the perinuclear ring of manchettes fractionated from rat spermatids. Mass spectrometry analysis of this protein indicated the presence of a glycine-rich domain homologous to human keratin 9 (K9). Several antibodies to K9, raised against synthetic peptides of human K9, recognized the 64- to 62-kDa protein in the perinuclear ring of the manchette as well as in keratinocytes of the suprabasal layer of the rat and human footpad/sole epidermis in both immunoblotting and immunocytochemical experiments. Based on these data, human-derived K9 primers were used to clone rat K9 cDNA from epidermis by RT-PCR. Rat-specific K9 primers were then used to perform a two-step (nested) PCR to amplify the K9-specific rat testicular RNA and to obtain cDNA to demonstrate K9 gene expression in rat testis. The deduced amino acid sequence of rat K9 cDNA contains 618 amino acids with an estimated molecular mass of 63,020 Da, in agreement with that obtained by electrophoretic fractionation of rat manchette and epidermis footpad proteins. The deduced protein structure correlates with the recognizable pattern of keratins: a rod domain of 304 amino acids with well-conserved initiation and termination sequences (MQNLNSRLASY and EIETYRKLLEG, respectively), flanked by glycine/serine-rich head and tail domains of 141 and 173 amino acids, respectively. A high content of phenylalanine was detected in the head domain and a repetitive motif (SGGSYGGGS) in the tail domain. A comparison with human keratin 9 showed an overall nucleotide and amino acid similarity of 75%. An increased level of K9 transcripts was detected in a cDNA library prepared from fractionated round spermatids. Results of this study show that rat testis expresses K9 and that this protein is a component the perinuclear ring of the manchette of rat spermatids.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Mochida
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomical Sciences, The City University of New York Medical School, New York, New York 10031, USA
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35
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Abstract
We have previously cloned a cDNA encoding TBP-1, a protein present in the rat spermatid manchette and outer dense fibers of the developing sperm. TBP-1 contains a heptad repeat of six-leucine zipper fingers at the amino terminus and highly conserved ATPase and DNA/RNA helicase motifs toward the carboxyl terminus. TBP-1 is one of the 20 subunits forming the 19S regulatory complex of the 26S proteasome, an ATP-dependent multisubunit protease found in most eukaryotic cells. We now report the isolation of the 26S proteasome from rat testis and sperm tail and its visualization by whole-mount electron microscopy using negative staining. The 26S proteasome from rat testis was fractionated by Sephacryl S-400/Mono-Q chromatography using homogenates suspended in a 10% glycerol-supplemented buffer. Chromatographic fractions were analyzed by immunoblotting using a specific anti-TBP-1 serum. During the purification of Sak57, a keratin filament present in outer dense fibers from epididymal sperm, we detected a substantial amount of 26S proteasomes. Intact 26S proteasomes from rat testis display a rod-shaped particles about 45 nm in length and 11-17 nm in diameter. Each particle consists of a 20S barrel-shaped component formed by four rings (alphabetabetaalpha), capped by two polar 19S regulatory complexes, each identified by an element known as the "Chinese dragon head motif". TBP-1 is an ATPase-containing subunit of the 19S regulatory cap. Rat sperm preparations displayed both dissociated 26S proteasomes and Sak57 filaments. We hypothesize that 26S proteasomes in the perinuclear-arranged manchette are in a suitable location for recognition, sequestration, and degradation of accumulating ubiquitin-conjugated somatic and transient testis-specific histones during spermiogenesis. In the sperm tail, the 26S proteasome may have a role in the remodeling of the outer dense fibers and other tail components during epididymal transit.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Mochida
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomical Sciences, The City University of New York Medical School, New York, NY 10031, USA
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36
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Navolanic PM, Sperry AO. Identification of isoforms of a mitotic motor in mammalian spermatogenesis. Biol Reprod 2000; 62:1360-9. [PMID: 10775188 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod62.5.1360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
We have isolated the full-length coding sequence for mouse KIFC5A (kinesin family c-terminal 5A) cDNA, encoding a motor protein found in the testes. The complete sequence of the KIFC5A cDNA is homologous to a group of carboxyl-terminal motors, including hamster CHO2, human HSET, and mouse KIFC1 and KIFC4. The KIFC5A and KIFC1 cDNAs are nearly identical except for the presence of two additional sequence blocks in the 5'-end of KIFC5A and a number of single base-pair differences in their motor domains. Polymerase chain reaction amplification and sequencing of the 5'-end of KIFC5A identified 3 distinct RNA species in testes and other tissues. Sequence comparison and genetic mapping confirmed the existence of a small multi-gene family in the mouse and suggest possible mechanisms of alternative splicing, genetic duplication, and separate genetic loci in the generation of these motors. In order to examine the possible role of these motors in germ cells of the testes, an antibody to a shared epitope was used to localize this group of proteins to different spermatogenic cell types. These experiments suggest that KIFC5-like motor proteins are associated with multiple microtubule complexes in male germ cells, including the meiotic spindle, the manchette, and the flagella.
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Affiliation(s)
- P M Navolanic
- Department of Pharmacology, East Carolina University School of Medicine, Greenville, North Carolina 27858, USA
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Shao X, Tarnasky HA, Lee JP, Oko R, van der Hoorn FA. Spag4, a novel sperm protein, binds outer dense-fiber protein Odf1 and localizes to microtubules of manchette and axoneme. Dev Biol 1999; 211:109-23. [PMID: 10373309 DOI: 10.1006/dbio.1999.9297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Outer dense fibers are structures unique to the sperm tail. No definite function for these fibers has been found, but they may play a role in motility and provide elastic recoil. Their composition had been described before, but only two of the fiber proteins, Odf1 and Odf2, are cloned. We cloned Odf2 by virtue of its functional and specific interaction with Odf1, which, we show, is mediated by a leucine zipper. Further work demonstrated that the 84-kDa Odf2 protein localizes to both the cortex and the medulla of the fibers, whereas the 27-kDa Odf1 protein is present only in the medulla. Here we report the cloning and characterization of a new Odf1-interacting protein, Spag4. Spag4 mRNA is spermatid specific, and the 49-kDa Spag4 protein complexes specifically with Odf1, but not Odf2, mediated by a leucine zipper. It also self-associates. In contrast to Odf1 and Odf2, Spag4 protein localizes to two microtubule-containing spermatid structures. Spag4 is detectable in the transient manchette and it is associated with the axoneme in elongating spermatids and epididymal sperm. Our data suggest a role for Spag4 in protein localization to two major sperm tail structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Shao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N1, Canada
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Tres LL, Kierszenbaum AL. Cell death patterns of the rat spermatogonial cell progeny induced by sertoli cell geometric changes and Fas (CD95) agonist. Dev Dyn 1999; 214:361-71. [PMID: 10213391 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1097-0177(199904)214:4<361::aid-aja8>3.0.co;2-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial-Sertoli cell co-cultures, prepared from sexually immature rats (7-10 days old) and maintained for experimental purposes for a maximum period of time of eight days, were used to determine whether Sertoli cell geometry can influence spermatogonial cell growth, viability and differentiation. We have found that when Sertoli cells are allowed to stretch, spermatogonial cell cohorts attached to Sertoli cell surfaces remain viable and exhibit typical cell oscillatory movements with a maximal oscillation radial length of 0.8 microm throughout the duration of the experiments. However, spermatogonial cell viability decreased when Sertoli cells were compelled to contract by preventing cell spreading onto a non-adhesive substrate. A video-microscopy analysis of spermatogonial cells progenies cocultured with contracted Sertoli cells revealed that conjoined members of the cohorts displayed a typical apoptotic sequence preceded by vigorous oscillatory cell movements (maximal oscillation radial length: 1.5 microm) followed by the release of apoptotic bodies and cessation of cell movements. This sequence of events occurred in a single cell. Upon completion of this sequence, another member of the cohort initiated the same cell death course until all members completed the cell death sequence. A similar apoptotic sequence was observed following addition of Fas (CD95/APO-1) antibody (ligand agonist) to the cocultures. Fragmentation of the actin-containing cytoskeleton was observed by indirect immunofluorescence in apoptotic spermatogonial cell cohorts, independent from the activating mechanism. We conclude that by forcing Sertoli cells to contract or by adding an apoptosis inducer to the cocultures, individual members of a spermatogonial cell cohort switch on a death (apoptosis) program in a coordinated fashion.
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Affiliation(s)
- L L Tres
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomical Sciences, The City University of New York Medical School, New York 10031, USA
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Mochida K, Tres LL, Kierszenbaum AL. Structural and biochemical features of fractionated spermatid manchettes and sperm axonemes of the azh/azh mutant mouse. Mol Reprod Dev 1999; 52:434-44. [PMID: 10092124 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1098-2795(199904)52:4<434::aid-mrd13>3.0.co;2-d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The tubulin-containing axoneme and manchette develop consecutively during mammalian spermiogenesis. The nature of their molecular components and developmental sequence are not completely known. The azh/azh (for abnormal sperm headshape) mouse mutant is an ideal model for analyzing tubulin isotypes and microtubule-associated proteins of the manchette and axoneme in light of a potential role of the manchette in the shaping of the sperm head and formation of the tail. We have searched for possible differences in tubulin isotype variants in fractionated manchettes and axonemes of wildtype and azh/azh mutant mice using isotype-specific tubulin antibodies as immunoprobes. Manchettes from wild-type and azh/azh mutant mouse spermatids were fractionated from spermatogenic stage-specific seminiferous tubules and axonemes were isolated from epididymal sperm. We have found that: (1) Fractionated manchettes of azh/azh mutants are longer than in wild-type mice; (2) Manchette and sperm tail axonemes display a remarkable variety of posttranslationally modified tubulins (acetylated, glutamylated, tyrosinated, alpha-3/7 tubulins). Acetylated tubulin was more abundant in manchette than in axonemes; (3) An acidic 62 kDa protein was identified as the main component of the perinuclear ring of the manchette in wild-type and azh/azh mice; (4) Bending and looping of the mid piece of the tail of azh/azh sperm, accompanied by a dislocation of the connecting piece from head attachment sites, were visualized by phase-contrast, immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy in about 35% of spermatids/sperm; and (5) A lasso-like tail configuration was predominant in epididymal sperm of azh/azh mutants. We speculate that spermatid and sperm tail abnormalities in the azh/azh mutant could reflect structural and/or assembly deficiencies of peri-axonemal proteins responsible for maintaining a stiffened tail during spermiogenesis and sperm maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Mochida
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomical Sciences, The City University of New York Medical School, New York 10031, USA
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Mochida K, Tres LL, Kierszenbaum AL. Isolation of the rat spermatid manchette and its perinuclear ring. Dev Biol 1998; 200:46-56. [PMID: 9698455 DOI: 10.1006/dbio.1998.8942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The manchette is a transient structure that develops during spermiogenesis. It consists of three components: a perinuclear ring, a microtubule mantle inserted in the ring, and dense plaques attached at the distal end of the mantle. A procedure has been developed for the fractionation of intact manchettes from rat spermatids. Each fractionation step was monitored by indirect immunofluorescence using an antibody to unmodified alpha-tubulin. Indirect immunofluorescence and electron microscopy demonstrate that fractionated manchettes are relatively intact. A thermocleavage step was used to sever the microtubule mantle from the perinuclear ring. Microtubules of the mantle collected in a stabilizing buffer containing Taxol formed long bundles of side-by-side aligned microtubules. The perinuclear ring sample consisted of circular-shaped units of different diameter with truncated microtubules still attached to the ring, a property that enabled the initial recognition of the rings by alpha-tubulin antibody staining. Indirect immunofluorescence and immunoblotting experiments using isoform-specific antibodies to alpha-tubulins show that the manchette contains acetylated, tyrosinated, glutamylated alpha-tubulin and an alpha-3/7 tubulin isoform. The same alpha-tubulin isoforms were observed in the axoneme of the sperm tail. Two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis fractionation maps of silver-stained proteins of the intact manchette show four predominant proteins: alpha- and beta-tubulins, beta-actin, vimentin, and a 62-kDa protein. The latter persisted in thermocleaved perinuclear ring samples. Results of this study indicate that the newly developed procedure for the fractionation of manchettes will facilitate a direct characterization of posttranslationally modified tubulin variants, microtubule-associatedproteins, and the components of the perinuclear ring of this largely neglected structure of the spermiogenic process.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Mochida
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomical Sciences, City University of New York Medical School, New York, New York, 10031, USA
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Schumacher JM, Artzt K, Braun RE. Spermatid perinuclear ribonucleic acid-binding protein binds microtubules in vitro and associates with abnormal manchettes in vivo in mice. Biol Reprod 1998; 59:69-76. [PMID: 9674995 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod59.1.69] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatid perinuclear RNA-binding protein (SPNR) is a microtubule-associated RNA-binding protein that localizes to the manchette in developing spermatids. The RNA target of SPNR in vivo is unknown, although we have previously suggested the possibility that SPNR is involved in the translational activation of the protamine 1 mRNA in elongated spermatids. To increase our understanding of SPNR's association with the manchette, we sought to determine SPNR's subcellular localization in several mouse mutants that show reduced fertility or sterility and that have structurally abnormal manchettes. We show here that despite the highly abnormal manchettes and microtubule aggregates formed in azh, hop-sterile, tw2, and tw8 mutants, SPNR remains associated with the manchettes. Localization of SPNR to the abnormal manchettes suggests that SPNR is tightly bound to the manchette. SPNR could bind manchette microtubules directly, or it could bind indirectly via an interaction with a microtubule-associated protein (MAP). We sought to determine whether SPNR binds microtubules in vitro, and if so, whether it requires a MAP. We show by Western analysis that the endogenous SPNR protein can be pelleted with murine testis microtubules in a taxol-dependent manner in vitro. A recombinant version of SPNR produced in bacteria can also be pelleted with testis microtubules, as well as microtubules polymerized from purified bovine brain tubulin, an association that is salt-sensitive. These results suggest that SPNR, in addition to its function as an RNA-binding protein, is also a bona fide MAP.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Schumacher
- Department of Genetics, University of Washington, Seattle 98195, USA
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O'Bryan MK, Loveland KL, Herszfeld D, McFarlane JR, Hearn MT, de Kretser DM. Identification of a rat testis-specific gene encoding a potential rat outer dense fibre protein. Mol Reprod Dev 1998; 50:313-22. [PMID: 9621307 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1098-2795(199807)50:3<313::aid-mrd7>3.0.co;2-m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Screening of a rat testis expression library with an antiserum specific for an outer dense fibre (ODF) has led to the identification of a gene encoding for a putative protein previously unknown as a component of the sperm tail. This gene has been designated tpx-1 by virtue of its homology with the mouse and human gene of the same name (79 and 73%, respectively). The tpx-1-like gene encoded a 1.6-kb mRNA and a 243-amino-acid protein that had significant homology with members of the cysteine-rich secretory protein (CRISP) family and partial homology with several venom/allergen proteins from both plants and insects. During rat spermatogenesis, the tpx-1-like transcript was first detected by in situ hybridization in low levels in late pachytene spermatocytes. Low but detectable levels of expression continued up to step 5 round spermatids, after which expression levels increased dramatically to a maximum in step 11-12 spermatids. Progressively decreasing levels of expression were detected in up to step 17 elongating spermatids. Testicular somatic cells did not contain detectable tpx-1-like transcript. This pattern of expression is consistent with published data on the development of the ODF in spermatogenesis and, when taken together with a comparison of the predicted amino acid sequence of tpx-1 with the amino acid analysis of a 29-kDa rat ODF protein, suggests that the tpx-1-like gene may encode for this protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- M K O'Bryan
- Institute of Reproduction and Development, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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Rivkin E, Cullinan EB, Tres LL, Kierszenbaum AL. A protein associated with the manchette during rat spermiogenesis is encoded by a gene of the TBP-1-like subfamily with highly conserved ATPase and protease domains. Mol Reprod Dev 1997; 48:77-89. [PMID: 9266764 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1098-2795(199709)48:1<77::aid-mrd10>3.0.co;2-t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
We have used a rat pachytene spermatocyte cDNA expression library to clone TBP-1 (for tat-binding protein-1; designated rat testis TBP-1 [rtTBP-1]), a new member of the family of putative ATPases associated with the 26S proteasome complex. The 1.63 kb rtTBP-1 cDNA encodes a 49 kDa protein with 99% amino acid identity to human TBP-1 protein. rtTBP-1 protein contains a heptad repeat of six leucine-type zipper fingers at the amino terminal end and highly conserved ATPase and DNA/RNA helicase motifs towards the carboxyl terminal region. Chromatofocusing fractionation of rat testis sucrose extracts demonstrates that the encoded product, recognized by an antiserum raised to the first 196 amino acids of human TBP-1, consists of a protein triplet with a molecular mass range of 52-48 kDa and acidic pI (5.0-5.9). An identical immunoreactive triplet was detected by immunoblotting in extracts of fractionated pachytene spermatocytes, round spermatids and epididymal sperm. In situ hybridization using digoxigenin-labeled antisense RNA probes shows a predominant distribution of specific mRNA in the seminiferous epithelial region occupied by elongating spermatids and primary spermatocytes. Indirect immunofluorescence and immunogold electron microscopy studies show that rtTBP-1 immunoreactive sites colocalize with alpha-tubulin-decorated manchettes of elongating spermatids. In addition, rtTBP-1 immunoreactivity was detected in fibrillar and granular cytoplasmic bodies typically observed in spermatocytes and spermatids as well as in association with paraaxonemal mitochondria and outer dense fibers of the developing spermatid tail. Results of this study indicate that rtTBP-1 is a member of the highly evolutionary conserved TBP-1-like subfamily of putative ATPases, sharing regions of identity-including ATP-binding sites-with several subunits of the 26S proteasome, known to be involved in the ATP-dependent degradation of ubiquitin-conjugated proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Rivkin
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomical Sciences, The City University of New York Medical School, New York 10031, USA
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Escalier D, Gallo JM, Schrével J. Immunochemical characterization of a human sperm fibrous sheath protein, its developmental expression pattern, and morphogenetic relationships with actin. J Histochem Cytochem 1997; 45:909-22. [PMID: 9212817 DOI: 10.1177/002215549704500701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Among the monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) prepared against human sperm extracts, MAb 4F7 was found to be specific to the human and Macaca fascicularis sperm cytoskeletal fibrous sheath (FS). In Western blotting, MAb 4F7 stains a doublet of polypeptides of about M(r) 95 x 10(3) in extracts of human sperm cells. These polypeptides are not recognized by the KL1 anti-cytokeratin MAb, nor by the MAbs known to bind to the carboxy terminal (IFA) and to the amino terminal (ME101) rod domain of intermediate filaments. Sequential extraction procedures shows that the FS polypeptides recognized by MAb 4F7 are exposed after treatment with 8 M urea 4F7 immunoreactivity is lost after treatment with high ionic solutions (NaCl; KCl, Kl). Immunogold electron microscopy reveals that this protein is present throughout the FS. This FS antigenic determinant first accumulates in an FS proximal body in late spermatids, then in granules extending distally along the flagellum. Staining of spermatozoa with flagellar dysgenesis reveals that this FS protein colocalizes with actin no matter what the location of their abnormal assembly. These data suggest that the transient microtubule-like spindle-shaped body of as yet unknown function could be involved in FS protein deposition and that the assembly of the FS and actin could be under the control of some common morphogenetical factor(s). MAb 4F7 should allow further investigations of this peri-axonemal structure in both normal and pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Escalier
- Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction et du Développement, CHU Bicêtre, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
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