1
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Ozsait-Selcuk B, Bulgurcuoglu-Kuran S, Sever-Kaya D, Coban N, Aktan G, Kadioglu A. Sperm RNA quantity and PRM1, PRM2, and TH2B transcript levels reflect sperm characteristics and early embryonic development. Asian J Androl 2024:00129336-990000000-00233. [PMID: 39187928 DOI: 10.4103/aja202452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Spermatozoa have a highly complex RNA profile. Several of these transcripts are suggested as biomarkers for male infertility and contribute to early development. To analyze the differences between sperm RNA quantity and expression of protamine (PRM1 and PRM2) and testis-specific histone 2B (TH2B) genes, spermatozoa from 33 patients who enrolled in assisted reproduction treatment (ART) program were analyzed. Sperm RNA of teratozoospermic (T), oligoteratozoospermic (OT), and normozoospermic (N) samples was extracted, and the differences in transcript levels among the study groups were analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The correlations of total RNA per spermatozoon and the expression of the transcripts were evaluated in relation to sperm characteristics and preimplantation embryo development. The mean (±standard deviation) RNA amount per spermatozoon was 28.48 (±23.03) femtogram in the overall group and was significantly higher in the OT group than that in N and T groups. Total sperm RNA and gene expression of PRM1 and PRM2 genes were related to preimplantation embryo development and developmental arrest. Specific sperm characteristics were correlated with the expressions of PRM1, PRM2, or TH2B genes. We conclude that the sperm RNA amount and composition are important factors and might influence early embryonic development and also differ in different cases of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bilge Ozsait-Selcuk
- Department of Genetics, Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul 34093, Türkiye
- Department of Medical Genetics, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul 34093, Türkiye
| | - Sibel Bulgurcuoglu-Kuran
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul 34093, Türkiye
| | - Dilek Sever-Kaya
- Department of Genetics, Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul 34093, Türkiye
- Clinical Nutrition and Microbiota Research Laboratory, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul 34093, Türkiye
| | - Neslihan Coban
- Department of Genetics, Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul 34093, Türkiye
| | - Gulsen Aktan
- Division of Andrology, Department of Urology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul 34093, Türkiye
| | - Ates Kadioglu
- Division of Andrology, Department of Urology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul 34093, Türkiye
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2
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Robertson MJ, Chambers C, Spanner EA, de Graaf SP, Rickard JP. The Assessment of Sperm DNA Integrity: Implications for Assisted Reproductive Technology Fertility Outcomes across Livestock Species. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:539. [PMID: 39056730 PMCID: PMC11273975 DOI: 10.3390/biology13070539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2024] [Revised: 07/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Sperm DNA integrity is increasingly considered a useful measure of semen quality in mammalian reproduction. However, the definition of DNA integrity, the ideal means by which it should be measured, and its predictive value for fertility remain a topic of much discussion. With an emphasis on livestock species, this review discusses the assays that have been developed to measure DNA integrity as well as their correlation with in vitro and in vivo fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Jessica P. Rickard
- Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (M.J.R.); (S.P.d.G.)
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3
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McMillan RB, Bediako H, Devenica LM, Velasquez A, Hardy IP, Ma YE, Roscoe DM, Carter AR. Protamine folds DNA into flowers and loop stacks. Biophys J 2023; 122:4288-4302. [PMID: 37803830 PMCID: PMC10645571 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2023.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA in sperm undergoes an extreme compaction to almost crystalline packing levels. To produce this dense packing, DNA is dramatically reorganized in minutes by protamine proteins. Protamines are positively charged proteins that coat negatively charged DNA and fold it into a series of toroids. The exact mechanism for forming these ∼50-kbp toroids is unknown. Our goal is to study toroid formation by starting at the "bottom" with folding of short lengths of DNA that form loops and working "up" to more folded structures that occur on longer length scales. We previously measured folding of 200-300 bp of DNA into a loop. Here, we look at folding of intermediate DNA lengths (L = 639-3003 bp) that are 2-10 loops long. We observe two folded structures besides loops that we hypothesize are early intermediates in the toroid formation pathway. At low protamine concentrations (∼0.2 μM), we see that the DNA folds into flowers (structures with multiple loops that are positioned so they look like the petals of a flower). Folding at these concentrations condenses the DNA to 25% of its original length, takes seconds, and is made up of many small bending steps. At higher protamine concentrations (≥2 μM), we observe a second folded structure-the loop stack-where loops are stacked vertically one on top of another. These results lead us to propose a two-step process for folding at this length scale: 1) protamine binds to DNA, bending it into loops and flowers, and 2) flowers collapse into loop stacks. These results highlight how protamine uses a bind-and-bend mechanism to rapidly fold DNA, which may be why protamine can fold the entire sperm genome in minutes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan B McMillan
- Department of Physics, Amherst College, Amherst, Massachusetts
| | - Hilary Bediako
- Department of Physics, Amherst College, Amherst, Massachusetts
| | - Luka M Devenica
- Department of Physics, Amherst College, Amherst, Massachusetts
| | | | - Isabel P Hardy
- Department of Physics, Amherst College, Amherst, Massachusetts
| | - Yuxing E Ma
- Department of Physics, Amherst College, Amherst, Massachusetts
| | - Donna M Roscoe
- Department of Physics, Amherst College, Amherst, Massachusetts
| | - Ashley R Carter
- Department of Physics, Amherst College, Amherst, Massachusetts.
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4
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Potgieter S, Eddy C, Badrinath A, Chukrallah L, Lo T, Mohanty G, Visconti PE, Snyder EM. ADAD1 is required for normal translation of nuclear pore and transport protein transcripts in spermatids of Mus musculus†. Biol Reprod 2023; 109:340-355. [PMID: 37399121 PMCID: PMC10502568 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad069] [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: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
ADAD1 is a testis-specific RNA-binding protein expressed in post-meiotic spermatids whose loss leads to defective sperm and male infertility. However, the drivers of the Adad1 phenotype remain unclear. Morphological and functional analysis of Adad1 mutant sperm showed defective DNA compaction, abnormal head shaping, and reduced motility. Mutant testes demonstrated minimal transcriptome changes; however, ribosome association of many transcripts was reduced, suggesting ADAD1 may be required for their translational activation. Further, immunofluorescence of proteins encoded by select transcripts showed delayed protein accumulation. Additional analyses demonstrated impaired subcellular localization of multiple proteins, suggesting protein transport is also abnormal in Adad1 mutants. To clarify the mechanism giving rise to this, the manchette, a protein transport microtubule network, and the LINC (linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton) complex, which connects the manchette to the nuclear lamin, were assessed across spermatid development. Proteins of both displayed delayed translation and/or localization in mutant spermatids implicating ADAD1 in their regulation, even in the absence of altered ribosome association. Finally, ADAD1's impact on the NPC (nuclear pore complex), a regulator of both the manchette and the LINC complex, was examined. Reduced ribosome association of NPC encoding transcripts and reduced NPC protein abundance along with abnormal localization in Adad1 mutants confirmed ADAD1's impact on translation is required for a NPC in post-meiotic germ cells. Together, these studies lead to a model whereby ADAD1's influence on nuclear transport leads to deregulation of the LINC complex and the manchette, ultimately generating the range of physiological defects observed in the Adad1 phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Potgieter
- Department of Animal Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Christopher Eddy
- Department of Animal Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Aditi Badrinath
- Department of Animal Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Lauren Chukrallah
- Department of Animal Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Toby Lo
- Department of Animal Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Gayatri Mohanty
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Pablo E Visconti
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Snyder
- Department of Animal Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
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5
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Moritz L, Schon SB, Rabbani M, Sheng Y, Agrawal R, Glass-Klaiber J, Sultan C, Camarillo JM, Clements J, Baldwin MR, Diehl AG, Boyle AP, O'Brien PJ, Ragunathan K, Hu YC, Kelleher NL, Nandakumar J, Li JZ, Orwig KE, Redding S, Hammoud SS. Sperm chromatin structure and reproductive fitness are altered by substitution of a single amino acid in mouse protamine 1. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2023; 30:1077-1091. [PMID: 37460896 PMCID: PMC10833441 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-023-01033-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Conventional dogma presumes that protamine-mediated DNA compaction in sperm is achieved by electrostatic interactions between DNA and the arginine-rich core of protamines. Phylogenetic analysis reveals several non-arginine residues conserved within, but not across species. The significance of these residues and their post-translational modifications are poorly understood. Here, we investigated the role of K49, a rodent-specific lysine residue in protamine 1 (P1) that is acetylated early in spermiogenesis and retained in sperm. In sperm, alanine substitution (P1(K49A)) decreases sperm motility and male fertility-defects that are not rescued by arginine substitution (P1(K49R)). In zygotes, P1(K49A) leads to premature male pronuclear decompaction, altered DNA replication, and embryonic arrest. In vitro, P1(K49A) decreases protamine-DNA binding and alters DNA compaction and decompaction kinetics. Hence, a single amino acid substitution outside the P1 arginine core is sufficient to profoundly alter protein function and developmental outcomes, suggesting that protamine non-arginine residues are essential for reproductive fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay Moritz
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Samantha B Schon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Mashiat Rabbani
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Yi Sheng
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ritvija Agrawal
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Juniper Glass-Klaiber
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Caleb Sultan
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jeannie M Camarillo
- Departments of Chemistry, Molecular Biosciences, and the National Resource for Translational and Developmental Proteomics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Jourdan Clements
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Michael R Baldwin
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Adam G Diehl
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Alan P Boyle
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Patrick J O'Brien
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Yueh-Chiang Hu
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Neil L Kelleher
- Departments of Chemistry, Molecular Biosciences, and the National Resource for Translational and Developmental Proteomics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Jayakrishnan Nandakumar
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jun Z Li
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kyle E Orwig
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Sy Redding
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Saher Sue Hammoud
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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6
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Nixon B, Schjenken JE, Burke ND, Skerrett-Byrne DA, Hart HM, De Iuliis GN, Martin JH, Lord T, Bromfield EG. New horizons in human sperm selection for assisted reproduction. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1145533. [PMID: 36909306 PMCID: PMC9992892 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1145533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Male infertility is a commonly encountered pathology that is estimated to be a contributory factor in approximately 50% of couples seeking recourse to assisted reproductive technologies. Upon clinical presentation, such males are commonly subjected to conventional diagnostic andrological practices that rely on descriptive criteria to define their fertility based on the number of morphologically normal, motile spermatozoa encountered within their ejaculate. Despite the virtual ubiquitous adoption of such diagnostic practices, they are not without their limitations and accordingly, there is now increasing awareness of the importance of assessing sperm quality in order to more accurately predict a male's fertility status. This realization raises the important question of which characteristics signify a high-quality, fertilization competent sperm cell. In this review, we reflect on recent advances in our mechanistic understanding of sperm biology and function, which are contributing to a growing armory of innovative approaches to diagnose and treat male infertility. In particular we review progress toward the implementation of precision medicine; the robust clinical adoption of which in the setting of fertility, currently lags well behind that of other fields of medicine. Despite this, research shows that the application of advanced technology platforms such as whole exome sequencing and proteomic analyses hold considerable promise in optimizing outcomes for the management of male infertility by uncovering and expanding our inventory of candidate infertility biomarkers, as well as those associated with recurrent pregnancy loss. Similarly, the development of advanced imaging technologies in tandem with machine learning artificial intelligence are poised to disrupt the fertility care paradigm by advancing our understanding of the molecular and biological causes of infertility to provide novel avenues for future diagnostics and treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: Brett Nixon,
| | - John E. Schjenken
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Nathan D. Burke
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - David A. Skerrett-Byrne
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Hanah M. Hart
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Geoffry N. De Iuliis
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Jacinta H. Martin
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Tessa Lord
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Elizabeth G. Bromfield
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
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7
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Arévalo L, Esther Merges G, Schneider S, Schorle H. Protamines: lessons learned from mouse models. Reproduction 2022; 164:R57-R74. [PMID: 35900356 DOI: 10.1530/rep-22-0107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In brief Protamines package and shield the paternal DNA in the sperm nucleus and have been studied in many mouse models over decades. This review recapitulates and updates our knowledge about protamines and reveals a surprising complexity in protamine function and their interactions with other sperm nuclear proteins. Abstract The packaging and safeguarding of paternal DNA in the sperm cell nucleus is a critical feature of proper sperm function. Histones cannot mediate the necessary hypercondensation and shielding of chromatin required for motility and transit through the reproductive tracts. Paternal chromatin is therefore reorganized and ultimately packaged by protamines. In most mammalian species, one protamine is present in mature sperm (PRM1). In rodents and primates among others, however, mature sperm contain a second protamine (PRM2). Unlike PRM1, PRM2 is cleaved at its N-terminal end. Although protamines have been studied for decades due to their role in chromatin hypercondensation and involvement in male infertility, key aspects of their function are still unclear. This review updates and integrates our knowledge of protamines and their function based on lessons learned from mouse models and starts to answer open questions. The combined insights from recent work reveal that indeed both protamines are crucial for the production of functional sperm and indicate that the two protamines perform distinct functions beyond simple DNA compaction. Loss of one allele of PRM1 leads to subfertility whereas heterozygous loss of PRM2 does not. Unprocessed PRM2 seems to play a distinct role related to the eviction of intermediate DNA-bound proteins and the incorporation of both protamines into chromatin. For PRM1, on the other hand, heterozygous loss leads to strongly reduced sperm motility as the main phenotype, indicating that PRM1 might be important for processes ensuring correct motility, apart from DNA compaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Arévalo
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Gina Esther Merges
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Simon Schneider
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,Bonn Technology Campus, Core Facility 'Gene-Editing', University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Hubert Schorle
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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8
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Moritz L, Hammoud SS. The Art of Packaging the Sperm Genome: Molecular and Structural Basis of the Histone-To-Protamine Exchange. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:895502. [PMID: 35813619 PMCID: PMC9258737 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.895502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Male fertility throughout life hinges on the successful production of motile sperm, a developmental process that involves three coordinated transitions: mitosis, meiosis, and spermiogenesis. Germ cells undergo both mitosis and meiosis to generate haploid round spermatids, in which histones bound to the male genome are replaced with small nuclear proteins known as protamines. During this transformation, the chromatin undergoes extensive remodeling to become highly compacted in the sperm head. Despite its central role in spermiogenesis and fertility, we lack a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the remodeling process, including which remodelers/chaperones are involved, and whether intermediate chromatin proteins function as discrete steps, or unite simultaneously to drive successful exchange. Furthermore, it remains largely unknown whether more nuanced interactions instructed by protamine post-translational modifications affect chromatin dynamics or gene expression in the early embryo. Here, we bring together past and more recent work to explore these topics and suggest future studies that will elevate our understanding of the molecular basis of the histone-to-protamine exchange and the underlying etiology of idiopathic male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay Moritz
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Saher Sue Hammoud
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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9
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Targeted siRNA nanocarrier: a platform technology for cancer treatment. Oncogene 2022; 41:2210-2224. [PMID: 35220407 PMCID: PMC8993695 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02241-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The small arginine-rich protein protamine condenses complete genomic DNA into the sperm head. Here, we applied its high RNA binding capacity for spontaneous electrostatic assembly of therapeutic nanoparticles decorated with tumour-cell-specific antibodies for efficiently targeting siRNA. Fluorescence microscopy and DLS measurements of these nanocarriers revealed the formation of a vesicular architecture that requires presence of antibody-protamine, defined excess of free SMCC-protamine, and anionic siRNA to form. Only these complex nanoparticles were efficient in the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) xenograft models, when the oncogene KRAS was targeted via EGFR-mediated delivery. To show general applicability, we used the modular platform for IGF1R-positive Ewing sarcomas. Anti-IGR1R-antibodies were integrated into an antibody-protamine nanoparticle with an siRNA specifically against the oncogenic translocation product EWS/FLI1. Using these nanoparticles, EWS/FLI1 knockdown blocked in vitro and in vivo growth of Ewing sarcoma cells. We conclude that these antibody-protamine-siRNA nanocarriers provide a novel platform technology to specifically target different cell types and yet undruggable targets in cancer therapy by RNAi.
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10
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Nagaki CAP, Hamilton TRDS, Assumpção MEODÁ. What is known so far about bull sperm protamination: a review. Anim Reprod 2022; 19:e20210109. [DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2021-0109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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11
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Mukherjee A, Saurabh S, Olive E, Jang YH, Lansac Y. Protamine Binding Site on DNA: Molecular Dynamics Simulations and Free Energy Calculations with Full Atomistic Details. J Phys Chem B 2021; 125:3032-3044. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.0c09166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Arnab Mukherjee
- GREMAN, CNRS UMR 7347, Université de Tours, 37200 Tours, France
| | - Suman Saurabh
- GREMAN, CNRS UMR 7347, Université de Tours, 37200 Tours, France
| | - Enrick Olive
- GREMAN, CNRS UMR 7347, Université de Tours, 37200 Tours, France
| | - Yun Hee Jang
- Department of Energy Science and Engineering, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Korea
| | - Yves Lansac
- GREMAN, CNRS UMR 7347, Université de Tours, 37200 Tours, France
- Department of Energy Science and Engineering, DGIST, Daegu 42988, Korea
- Laboratoire de Physique des Solides, CNRS UMR 8502, Université Paris-Saclay, 91405 Orsay, France
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12
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Lopera A, Aguilar JA, Belda R, Verdejo B, Steed JW, García-España E. Hybrid GMP-polyamine hydrogels as new biocompatible materials for drug encapsulation. SOFT MATTER 2020; 16:6514-6522. [PMID: 32597453 DOI: 10.1039/d0sm00704h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Here we present the preparation and characterization of new biocompatible materials for drug encapsulation. These new gels are based on positively charged [1+1] 1H-pyrazole-based azamacrocycles which minimise the electrostatic repulsions between the negatively charged GMP molecules. Rheological measurements confirm the electroneutral hydrogel structure as the most stable for all the GMP-polyamine systems. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) was employed to investigate the kinetics of the hydrogel formation and cryo-scanning electron microscopy (cryo-SEM) was used to obtain information about the hydrogel morphology, which exhibited a non-homogeneous structure with a high degree of cross-linking. It is possible to introduce isoniazid, which is the most employed antibiotic for tuberculosis treatment, into the hydrogels without disrupting the hydrogel structure at appropriate concentrations for oral administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Lopera
- Departamento de Química Inorgánica, Instituto de Ciencia Molecular, Universidad de Valencia, Calle Catedrático José Beltrán 2, 46980 Paterna, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Juan A Aguilar
- Department of Chemistry, Durham University, South Road, DH1 3LE Durham, UK.
| | - Raquel Belda
- Department of Chemistry, Durham University, South Road, DH1 3LE Durham, UK.
| | - Begoña Verdejo
- Departamento de Química Inorgánica, Instituto de Ciencia Molecular, Universidad de Valencia, Calle Catedrático José Beltrán 2, 46980 Paterna, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Jonathan W Steed
- Department of Chemistry, Durham University, South Road, DH1 3LE Durham, UK.
| | - Enrique García-España
- Departamento de Química Inorgánica, Instituto de Ciencia Molecular, Universidad de Valencia, Calle Catedrático José Beltrán 2, 46980 Paterna, Valencia, Spain.
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13
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Razavi S, Hashemi F, Khadivi F, Bakhtiari A, Mokhtarian A, Mirzaei H. Improvement of Rat Sperm Chromatin Integrity and Spermatogenesis with Omega 3 following Bleomycin, Etoposide and Cisplatin Treatment. Nutr Cancer 2020; 73:514-522. [DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2020.1757128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shahnaz Razavi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Hashemi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Farnaz Khadivi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Abbas Bakhtiari
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Hamedan University of Medical Sciences, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Amir Mokhtarian
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hamed Mirzaei
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Basic Sciences Research Institute, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
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Yoshizawa T, Nozawa RS, Jia TZ, Saio T, Mori E. Biological phase separation: cell biology meets biophysics. Biophys Rev 2020; 12:519-539. [PMID: 32189162 PMCID: PMC7242575 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-020-00680-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Progress in development of biophysical analytic approaches has recently crossed paths with macromolecule condensates in cells. These cell condensates, typically termed liquid-like droplets, are formed by liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). More and more cell biologists now recognize that many of the membrane-less organelles observed in cells are formed by LLPS caused by interactions between proteins and nucleic acids. However, the detailed biophysical processes within the cell that lead to these assemblies remain largely unexplored. In this review, we evaluate recent discoveries related to biological phase separation including stress granule formation, chromatin regulation, and processes in the origin and evolution of life. We also discuss the potential issues and technical advancements required to properly study biological phase separation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Yoshizawa
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu, Shiga, Japan
| | - Ryu-Suke Nozawa
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Cancer Institute of the Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research (JFCR), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tony Z Jia
- Earth-Life Science Institute, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo, Japan
- Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Tomohide Saio
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Eiichiro Mori
- Department of Future Basic Medicine, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, Japan.
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15
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Xavier MJ, Nixon B, Roman SD, Scott RJ, Drevet JR, Aitken RJ. Paternal impacts on development: identification of genomic regions vulnerable to oxidative DNA damage in human spermatozoa. Hum Reprod 2019; 34:1876-1890. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Revised: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION
Do all regions of the paternal genome within the gamete display equivalent vulnerability to oxidative DNA damage?
SUMMARY ANSWER
Oxidative DNA damage is not randomly distributed in mature human spermatozoa but is instead targeted, with particular chromosomes being especially vulnerable to oxidative stress.
WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY
Oxidative DNA damage is frequently encountered in the spermatozoa of male infertility patients. Such lesions can influence the incidence of de novo mutations in children, yet it remains to be established whether all regions of the sperm genome display equivalent susceptibility to attack by reactive oxygen species.
STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION
Human spermatozoa obtained from normozoospermic males (n = 8) were split into equivalent samples and subjected to either hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) treatment or vehicle controls before extraction of oxidized DNA using a modified DNA immunoprecipitation (MoDIP) protocol. Specific regions of the genome susceptible to oxidative damage were identified by next-generation sequencing and validated in the spermatozoa of normozoospermic males (n = 18) and in patients undergoing infertility evaluation (n = 14).
PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS
Human spermatozoa were obtained from normozoospermic males and divided into two identical samples prior to being incubated with either H2O2 (5 mm, 1 h) to elicit oxidative stress or an equal volume of vehicle (untreated controls). Alternatively, spermatozoa were obtained from fertility patients assessed as having high basal levels of oxidative stress within their spermatozoa. All semen samples were subjected to MoDIP to selectively isolate oxidized DNA, prior to sequencing of the resultant DNA fragments using a next-generation whole-genomic sequencing platform. Bioinformatic analysis was then employed to identify genomic regions vulnerable to oxidative damage, several of which were selected for real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) validation.
MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE
Approximately 9000 genomic regions, 150–1000 bp in size, were identified as highly vulnerable to oxidative damage in human spermatozoa. Specific chromosomes showed differential susceptibility to damage, with chromosome 15 being particularly sensitive to oxidative attack while the sex chromosomes were protected. Susceptible regions generally lay outside protamine- and histone-packaged domains. Furthermore, we confirmed that these susceptible genomic sites experienced a dramatic (2–15-fold) increase in their burden of oxidative DNA damage in patients undergoing infertility evaluation compared to normal healthy donors.
LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION
The limited number of samples analysed in this study warrants external validation, as do the implications of our findings. Selection of male fertility patients was based on high basal levels of oxidative stress within their spermatozoa as opposed to specific sub-classes of male factor infertility.
WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS
The identification of genomic regions susceptible to oxidation in the male germ line will be of value in focusing future analyses into the mutational load carried by children in response to paternal factors such as age, the treatment of male infertility using ART and paternal exposure to environmental toxicants.
STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)
Project support was provided by the University of Newcastle’s (UoN) Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science. M.J.X. was a recipient of a UoN International Postgraduate Research Scholarship. B.N. is the recipient of a National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia Senior Research Fellowship. Authors declare no conflict of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Xavier
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - B Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - S D Roman
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Drug Development, Faculty of Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - R J Scott
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Medical Genetics, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Pathology North, John Hunter Hospital, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - J R Drevet
- GReD Laboratory, CNRS UMR6293—INSERM U1103—Clermont Université, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - R J Aitken
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Medical Genetics, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
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16
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Xavier MJ, Roman SD, Aitken RJ, Nixon B. Transgenerational inheritance: how impacts to the epigenetic and genetic information of parents affect offspring health. Hum Reprod Update 2019; 25:518-540. [DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmz017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Revised: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
BACKGROUND
A defining feature of sexual reproduction is the transmission of genomic information from both parents to the offspring. There is now compelling evidence that the inheritance of such genetic information is accompanied by additional epigenetic marks, or stable heritable information that is not accounted for by variations in DNA sequence. The reversible nature of epigenetic marks coupled with multiple rounds of epigenetic reprogramming that erase the majority of existing patterns have made the investigation of this phenomenon challenging. However, continual advances in molecular methods are allowing closer examination of the dynamic alterations to histone composition and DNA methylation patterns that accompany development and, in particular, how these modifications can occur in an individual’s germline and be transmitted to the following generation. While the underlying mechanisms that permit this form of transgenerational inheritance remain unclear, it is increasingly apparent that a combination of genetic and epigenetic modifications plays major roles in determining the phenotypes of individuals and their offspring.
OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE
Information pertaining to transgenerational inheritance was systematically reviewed focusing primarily on mammalian cells to the exclusion of inheritance in plants, due to inherent differences in the means by which information is transmitted between generations. The effects of environmental factors and biological processes on both epigenetic and genetic information were reviewed to determine their contribution to modulating inheritable phenotypes.
SEARCH METHODS
Articles indexed in PubMed were searched using keywords related to transgenerational inheritance, epigenetic modifications, paternal and maternal inheritable traits and environmental and biological factors influencing transgenerational modifications. We sought to clarify the role of epigenetic reprogramming events during the life cycle of mammals and provide a comprehensive review of how the genomic and epigenomic make-up of progenitors may determine the phenotype of its descendants.
OUTCOMES
We found strong evidence supporting the role of DNA methylation patterns, histone modifications and even non-protein-coding RNA in altering the epigenetic composition of individuals and producing stable epigenetic effects that were transmitted from parents to offspring, in both humans and rodent species. Multiple genomic domains and several histone modification sites were found to resist demethylation and endure genome-wide reprogramming events. Epigenetic modifications integrated into the genome of individuals were shown to modulate gene expression and activity at enhancer and promoter domains, while genetic mutations were shown to alter sequence availability for methylation and histone binding. Fundamentally, alterations to the nuclear composition of the germline in response to environmental factors, ageing, diet and toxicant exposure have the potential to become hereditably transmitted.
WIDER IMPLICATIONS
The environment influences the health and well-being of progeny by working through the germline to introduce spontaneous genetic mutations as well as a variety of epigenetic changes, including alterations in DNA methylation status and the post-translational modification of histones. In evolutionary terms, these changes create the phenotypic diversity that fuels the fires of natural selection. However, rather than being adaptive, such variation may also generate a plethora of pathological disease states ranging from dominant genetic disorders to neurological conditions, including spontaneous schizophrenia and autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel João Xavier
- Reproductive Science Group, Faculty of Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Shaun D Roman
- Reproductive Science Group, Faculty of Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Chemical Biology and Clinical Pharmacology, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - R John Aitken
- Reproductive Science Group, Faculty of Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Reproductive Science Group, Faculty of Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
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17
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The dynamics and regulation of chromatin remodeling during spermiogenesis. Gene 2019; 706:201-210. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2019.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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18
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Arabzadeh S, Amiri Tehranizadeh Z, Moalemzadeh Haghighi H, Charbgoo F, Ramezani M, Soltani F. Design, Synthesis, and In Vitro Evaluation of Low Molecular Weight Protamine (LMWP)-Based Amphiphilic Conjugates as Gene Delivery Carriers. AAPS PharmSciTech 2019; 20:111. [PMID: 30756255 DOI: 10.1208/s12249-018-1235-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Development of efficient non-viral carriers is one of the major challenges of gene delivery. In the current study, we designed, synthesized, and evaluated the in vitro gene delivery efficiency of novel amphiphilic constructs composed of cholesterol and low molecular weight protamine (LMWP: VSRRRRRRGGRRRR) peptide. Vectors having both hydrophobic and hydrophilic moieties were evaluated in terms of particle size and charge, DNA condensation ability, cytotoxicity, and gene transfection efficiency. The prepared vectors spontaneity self-assembled into the liposome-like particles with a high local positive density. The nano-vehicle A (H5-LMWP-Cholestrol) and nano-vehicle B (LMWP-Cholesterol) could form micelles at concentrations above 50 μg/mL and 65 μg/mL, respectively. The gel retardation assay showed that nano-vehicles A and B could condense pDNA more efficiently than the corresponding unconjugated peptides. The mean of size and zeta potential of complexed nano-vehicle A at N/P ratios of 5, 15, and 30 were 151 nm and 23 mv, and those of nano-vehicle B were 224 nm and 19 mv, respectively. In terms of transfection efficiency, the designed nano-vehicles showed almost two-fold higher gene expression level compared to PEI 25 kDa at optimal N/P ratios, and also exhibited negligible cytotoxicity on a model cancer cell, Neuro 2a. The findings of the present study revealed that these cationic micelles can be promising candidates as non-viral gene delivery vehicles.
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19
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Muratori M, De Geyter C. Chromatin condensation, fragmentation of DNA and differences in the epigenetic signature of infertile men. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2019; 33:117-126. [PMID: 30420311 DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2018.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies report an increase of pathologies of male reproductive tracts and suggest a link between this trend and the increased exposure of men to endocrine disruptors (EDs). The mechanisms by which EDs impact male fertility are far to be elucidated although DNA, chromatin and epigenome of spermatozoa appear to be relevant targets for these molecules. Indeed, many studies report associations between increased levels of sperm DNA fragmentation (sDF) or aberrant chromatin condensation or epigenetic modifications and poor semen quality and/or infertile phenotype. In this scenario, therapies able to reduce sperm damage to DNA, chromatin and epigenome are sought. Currently, antioxidants and FSH administration is proposed for treating high levels of sDF, but whether or not such therapies are really effective is still debated. Further studies are necessary to understand the link between endocrine disruptor exposure and damage to sperm function and/or structure and thus to define effective therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Muratori
- Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Sexual Medicine and Andrology, Center of Excellence DeNothe, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini, 6, I-50139, Firenze, Italy.
| | - Christian De Geyter
- Reproductive Medicine and Gynecological Endocrinology (RME), University Hospital, University of Basel, Vogesenstrasse 134, CH-4031, Basel, Switzerland.
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20
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Hanna CW, Demond H, Kelsey G. Epigenetic regulation in development: is the mouse a good model for the human? Hum Reprod Update 2018; 24:556-576. [PMID: 29992283 PMCID: PMC6093373 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmy021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Revised: 05/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over the past few years, advances in molecular technologies have allowed unprecedented mapping of epigenetic modifications in gametes and during early embryonic development. This work is allowing a detailed genomic analysis, which for the first time can answer long-standing questions about epigenetic regulation and reprogramming, and highlights differences between mouse and human, the implications of which are only beginning to be explored. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE In this review, we summarise new low-cell molecular methods enabling the interrogation of epigenetic information in gametes and early embryos, the mechanistic insights these have provided, and contrast the findings in mouse and human. SEARCH METHODS Relevant studies were identified by PubMed search. OUTCOMES We discuss the levels of epigenetic regulation, from DNA modifications to chromatin organisation, during mouse gametogenesis, fertilisation and pre- and post-implantation development. The recently characterised features of the oocyte epigenome highlight its exceptionally unique regulatory landscape. The chromatin organisation and epigenetic landscape of both gametic genomes are rapidly reprogrammed after fertilisation. This extensive epigenetic remodelling is necessary for zygotic genome activation, but the mechanistic link remains unclear. While the vast majority of epigenetic information from the gametes is erased in pre-implantation development, new insights suggest that repressive histone modifications from the oocyte may mediate a novel mechanism of imprinting. To date, the characterisation of epigenetics in human development has been almost exclusively limited to DNA methylation profiling; these data reinforce that the global dynamics are conserved between mouse and human. However, as we look closer, it is becoming apparent that the mechanisms regulating these dynamics are distinct. These early findings emphasise the importance of investigations of fundamental epigenetic mechanisms in both mouse and humans. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Failures in epigenetic regulation have been implicated in human disease and infertility. With increasing maternal age and use of reproductive technologies in countries all over the world, it is becoming ever more important to understand the necessary processes required to establish a developmentally competent embryo. Furthermore, it is essential to evaluate the extent to which these epigenetic patterns are sensitive to such technologies and other adverse environmental exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney W Hanna
- Epigenetics programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Hannah Demond
- Epigenetics programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Gavin Kelsey
- Epigenetics programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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21
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Intracellular oligonucleotide delivery using the cell penetrating peptide Xentry. Sci Rep 2018; 8:11256. [PMID: 30050146 PMCID: PMC6062516 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-29556-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The current study investigated the use of two cationic peptides, Xentry-KALA (XK) and Xentry-Protamine (XP), for intracellular delivery of Connexin43 antisense oligonucleotides (Cx43AsODN). The charge and size of Cx43AsODN:XK and Cx43AsODN:XP complexes was determined by Zetasizer analysis. The earliest positive zeta potential reading was obtained at a 1:2 and 1:1.2 charge ratio of Cx43AsODN:XK and Cx43AsODN:XP respectively, with Cx43AsODN:XK resulting in overall larger complexes than Cx43AsODN:XP. Gel shift mobility assays revealed complete complex formation at a 1:2.5 and 1:2.2 charge ratio of Cx43AsODN:XK and Cx43AsODN:XP, respectively. Cellular uptake studies were carried out in ARPE-19 cells. While both complexes were able to enter the cells, Cx43AsODN:XK uptake appeared punctate and circular indicative of endosomal containment. Cx43AsODN:XP uptake, in contrast, resulted in diffuse appearance inside the cell suggesting endosomal escape of the cargo. Finally, western blot analysis confirmed that Cx43AsODN:XP was able to knockdown Cx43 expression in these cells under normal and hypoxic conditions.
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22
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Arginine homopeptides for plasmid DNA purification using monolithic supports. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2018; 1087-1088:149-157. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2018.04.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Revised: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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23
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Improved methods of DNA extraction from human spermatozoa that mitigate experimentally-induced oxidative DNA damage. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0195003. [PMID: 29579126 PMCID: PMC5868848 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0195003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Current approaches for DNA extraction and fragmentation from mammalian spermatozoa provide several challenges for the investigation of the oxidative stress burden carried in the genome of male gametes. Indeed, the potential introduction of oxidative DNA damage induced by reactive oxygen species, reducing agents (dithiothreitol or beta-mercaptoethanol), and DNA shearing techniques used in the preparation of samples for chromatin immunoprecipitation and next-generation sequencing serve to cofound the reliability and accuracy of the results obtained. Here we report optimised methodology that minimises, or completely eliminates, exposure to DNA damaging compounds during extraction and fragmentation procedures. Specifically, we show that Micrococcal nuclease (MNase) digestion prior to cellular lysis generates a greater DNA yield with minimal collateral oxidation while randomly fragmenting the entire paternal genome. This modified methodology represents a significant improvement over traditional fragmentation achieved via sonication in the preparation of genomic DNA from human spermatozoa for downstream applications, such as next-generation sequencing. We also present a redesigned bioinformatic pipeline framework adjusted to correctly analyse this form of data and detect statistically relevant targets of oxidation.
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24
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Tvrdá E, López-Fernández C, Sánchez-Martín P, Gosálvez J. Sperm DNA fragmentation in donors and normozoospermic patients attending for a first spermiogram: Static and dynamic assessment. Andrologia 2018; 50:e12986. [PMID: 29392785 DOI: 10.1111/and.12986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Static assessment of sperm DNA Fragmentation (SDF at the time of ejaculation or sperm thawing when cryopreserved) and the dynamic assessment of SDF (SDF assessed after T2 hr, T6 hr and T24 hr of sperm thawing) were used to establish cut-off values associated with sperm donors when compared with closely related normozoospermic patients. Cryopreserved samples from donors revealed SDF levels two times lower in comparison with the patients. Donor sperm DNA exhibited a 2.5 times higher longevity when compared with the patients. Static values of SDF after thawing of approximately 11% identify the donors with a 71% of sensitivity and 84% specificity. With respect to the dynamic assessment, SDF increases of 2.3 per hr during the first 2 hr of incubation identify the donors with 70% of sensitivity and 66% of specificity. Creating the Rate of Combined Damage (RCD) defined as the product of SDF-T0 by the increase in the damage registered during the first 2 hr of incubation (r-SDF-T0-2 ), an index of RCD = 22.2 units has an identification capacity of donors with a 78% sensitivity and 77% specificity. Such cut-off values could be used to characterise donors with high chromatin resistance to damage when meeting the above-established criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Tvrdá
- Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Nitra, Slovakia
| | - C López-Fernández
- Unit of Genetics, Department of Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - P Sánchez-Martín
- Clinica Ginemed, C/Farmacéutico Murillo Herrera 3, Sevilla, Spain
| | - J Gosálvez
- Unit of Genetics, Department of Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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25
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Hutchison JM, Rau DC, DeRouchey JE. Role of Disulfide Bonds on DNA Packaging Forces in Bull Sperm Chromatin. Biophys J 2017; 113:1925-1933. [PMID: 29117517 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2017.08.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Revised: 08/25/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Short arginine-rich proteins called protamines mediate the near crystalline DNA packaging in most vertebrate sperm cells. Protamines are synthesized during spermiogenesis and condense the paternal genome into a transcriptionally inactive state in late-stage spermatids. Protamines from eutherian mammals, including bulls and humans, also contain multiple cysteine residues that form intra- and interprotamine sulfur-sulfur bonds during the final stages of sperm maturation. Although the cross-linked protamine network is known to stabilize the resulting nucleoprotamine structure, little is known about the role of disulfide bonds on DNA condensation in the mammalian sperm. Using small angle x-ray scattering, we show that isolated bull nuclei achieve slightly lower DNA packing densities compared to salmon nuclei despite salmon protamine lacking cysteine residues. Surprisingly, reduction of the intermolecular sulfur-sulfur bonds of bull protamine results in tighter DNA packing. Complete reduction of the intraprotamine disulfide bonds ultimately leads to decondensation, suggesting that disulfide-mediated secondary structure is also critical for proper protamine function. Lastly, comparison of multiple bull collections showed some to have aberrant x-ray scattering profiles consistent with incorrect disulfide bond formation. Together, these observations shed light on the biological functions of disulfide linkages for in vivo DNA packaging in sperm chromatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M Hutchison
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky; Program in Physical Biology, National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Donald C Rau
- Program in Physical Biology, National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Jason E DeRouchey
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky.
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26
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Nematollahi MH, Torkzadeh-Mahanai M, Pardakhty A, Ebrahimi Meimand HA, Asadikaram G. Ternary complex of plasmid DNA with NLS-Mu-Mu protein and cationic niosome for biocompatible and efficient gene delivery: a comparative study with protamine and lipofectamine. ARTIFICIAL CELLS NANOMEDICINE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY 2017; 46:1781-1791. [PMID: 29081256 DOI: 10.1080/21691401.2017.1392316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Non-viral gene delivery methods are considered due to safety and simplicity in human gene therapy. Since the use of cationic peptide and niosome represent a promising approach for gene delivery purposes we used recombinant fusion protein and cationic niosome as a gene carrier. A multi-domain fusion protein including nuclear localization motif (NLS) and two DNA-binding (Mu) domains, namely NLS-Mu-Mu (NMM) has been designed, cloned and expressed in E. coli DE3 strain. Afterward, the interested protein was purified by affinity chromatography. Binary vectors based on protein/DNA and ternary vectors based on protein/DNA/niosome were prepared. Protamine was used as a control. DNA condensing properties of NMM and protamine were evaluated by various experiments. Furthermore, we examined cytotoxicity, hemolysis and transfection potential of the binary and ternary complexes in HEK293T and MCF-7 cell lines. Protamine and Lipofectamine™2000 were used as positive controls, correspondingly. The recombinant NMM was expressed and purified successfully and DNA was condensed efficiently at charge ratios that were not harmful to cells. Peptidoplexes showed transfection efficiency (TE) but ternary complexes had higher TE. Additionally, NMM ternary complex was more efficient compared to protamine ternary vectors. Our results showed that niosomal ternary vector of NMM is a promising non-viral gene carrier to achieve an effective and safe carrier system for gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Hadi Nematollahi
- a Neurology Research Center , Kerman University of Medical Sciences , Kerman , Iran.,b Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine , Kerman University of Medical Sciences , Kerman , Iran
| | - Masoud Torkzadeh-Mahanai
- c Biotechnology Department, Institute of Science and High Technology and Environmental Sciences , Graduate University of Advanced Technology , Kerman , Iran
| | - Abbas Pardakhty
- d Pharmaceutics Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology , Kerman University of Medical Science , Kerman , Iran
| | | | - Gholamreza Asadikaram
- b Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine , Kerman University of Medical Sciences , Kerman , Iran.,e Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology , Kerman University of Medical Sciences , Kerman , Iran
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An M, Tonga GY, Parkin SR, Rotello VM, DeRouchey JE. Tuning DNA Condensation with Zwitterionic Polyamidoamine (zPAMAM) Dendrimers. Macromolecules 2017; 50:8202-8211. [PMID: 30700915 DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.7b01470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Cationic dendrimers are promising vectors for non-viral gene due to their well-defined size and chemistry. We have synthesized a series of succinylated fourth generation (G4) PAMAM dendrimers to control the DNA packaging in dendriplexes, allowing us to probe the role of charge on DNA packaging. The self-assembly of DNA induced by these zwitterionic PAMAM (zPAMAM) was investigated using small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS). We demonstrate that changing the degree of modification in zPAMAM-DNA significantly alters the packing density of the resulting dendriplexes. Salt sensitivities and pH dependence on the inter-DNA spacing were also examined. The swelling and stability to salt is reduced with increasing degree of PAMAM modification. Lowering the pH leads to significantly tighter hexagonal DNA packaging. In combination, these results show zPAMAM is an effective means to modulate nucleic acid packaging in a deterministic manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min An
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
| | | | - Sean R Parkin
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
| | - Vincent M Rotello
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Jason E DeRouchey
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
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Wieczorek R, Adamala K, Gasperi T, Polticelli F, Stano P. Small and Random Peptides: An Unexplored Reservoir of Potentially Functional Primitive Organocatalysts. The Case of Seryl-Histidine. Life (Basel) 2017; 7:E19. [PMID: 28397774 PMCID: PMC5492141 DOI: 10.3390/life7020019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2017] [Revised: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Catalysis is an essential feature of living systems biochemistry, and probably, it played a key role in primordial times, helping to produce more complex molecules from simple ones. However, enzymes, the biocatalysts par excellence, were not available in such an ancient context, and so, instead, small molecule catalysis (organocatalysis) may have occurred. The best candidates for the role of primitive organocatalysts are amino acids and short random peptides, which are believed to have been available in an early period on Earth. In this review, we discuss the occurrence of primordial organocatalysts in the form of peptides, in particular commenting on reports about seryl-histidine dipeptide, which have recently been investigated. Starting from this specific case, we also mention a peptide fragment condensation scenario, as well as other potential roles of peptides in primordial times. The review actually aims to stimulate further investigation on an unexplored field of research, namely one that specifically looks at the catalytic activity of small random peptides with respect to reactions relevant to prebiotic chemistry and early chemical evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafal Wieczorek
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 1, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Katarzyna Adamala
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
| | - Tecla Gasperi
- Department of Science, Roma Tre University, Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy.
| | - Fabio Polticelli
- Department of Science, Roma Tre University, Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy.
- National Institute of Nuclear Physics, Roma Tre Section, Via della Vasca Navale 84, 00146 Rome, Italy.
| | - Pasquale Stano
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DiSTeBA), University of Salento, Campus Ecotekne (S.P. 6 Lecce-Monteroni), 73100 Lecce, Italy.
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Champroux A, Torres-Carreira J, Gharagozloo P, Drevet JR, Kocer A. Mammalian sperm nuclear organization: resiliencies and vulnerabilities. Basic Clin Androl 2016; 26:17. [PMID: 28031843 PMCID: PMC5175393 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-016-0044-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 11/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm cells are remarkably complex and highly specialized compared to somatic cells. Their function is to deliver to the oocyte the paternal genomic blueprint along with a pool of proteins and RNAs so a new generation can begin. Reproductive success, including optimal embryonic development and healthy offspring, greatly depends on the integrity of the sperm chromatin structure. It is now well documented that DNA damage in sperm is linked to reproductive failures both in natural and assisted conception (Assisted Reproductive Technologies [ART]). This manuscript reviews recent important findings concerning - the unusual organization of mammalian sperm chromatin and its impact on reproductive success when modified. This review is focused on sperm chromatin damage and their impact on embryonic development and transgenerational inheritance.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Champroux
- GReD “Genetics, Reproduction & Development” Laboratory, UMR CNRS 6293, INSERM U1103, Clermont Université, BP60026 - TSA60026, 63178 Aubière cedex, France
| | - J. Torres-Carreira
- Centro Universitário Rio Preto, UNIRP, Rodovia Br153, Km 69, CEP15093-450 São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo Brazil
| | - P. Gharagozloo
- CellOxess LLC, 830 Bear Tavern Road, Ewing, NJ 08628 USA
| | - J. R. Drevet
- GReD “Genetics, Reproduction & Development” Laboratory, UMR CNRS 6293, INSERM U1103, Clermont Université, BP60026 - TSA60026, 63178 Aubière cedex, France
| | - A. Kocer
- GReD “Genetics, Reproduction & Development” Laboratory, UMR CNRS 6293, INSERM U1103, Clermont Université, BP60026 - TSA60026, 63178 Aubière cedex, France
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Oligoarginine peptides slow strand annealing and assist non-enzymatic RNA replication. Nat Chem 2016; 8:915-21. [PMID: 27657866 PMCID: PMC5061144 DOI: 10.1038/nchem.2551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2015] [Accepted: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The nonenzymatic replication of RNA is thought to have been a critical process required for the origin of life. One unsolved difficulty with nonenzymatic RNA replication is that template-directed copying of RNA results in a double-stranded product; following strand separation, rapid strand reannealing outcompetes slow nonenzymatic template copying, rendering multiple rounds of RNA replication impossible. Here we show that oligoarginine peptides slow the annealing of complementary oligoribonucleotides by up to several thousand-fold; however, short primers and activated monomers can still bind to template strands, and template-directed primer extension can still occur within a phase-separated condensed state, or coacervate. Furthermore, we show that within this phase, partial template copying occurs even in the presence of full-length complementary strands. This method for enabling further rounds of replication suggests one mechanism by which short, non-coded peptides could have enhanced early cellular fitness, potentially explaining how longer, coded peptides, i.e. proteins, came to prominence in modern biology.
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Bagheri-Sereshki N, Hales BF, Robaire B. The Effects of Chemotherapeutic Agents, Bleomycin, Etoposide, and Cisplatin, on Chromatin Remodeling in Male Rat Germ Cells. Biol Reprod 2016; 94:81. [PMID: 26911428 PMCID: PMC4861167 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.137802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2015] [Revised: 02/03/2016] [Accepted: 02/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The coadministration of bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin (BEP) has increased the survival rate of testicular cancer patients to over 90%. Previous studies have demonstrated that BEP induces germ cell damage during the final stages of spermatogenesis, when major chromatin remodeling occurs. Chromatin remodeling permits histone-protamine exchange, resulting in sperm head chromatin compaction. This process involves different epigenetic modifications of the core histones. The objective of these studies was to investigate the effects of BEP on epigenetic modifications to histones involved in chromatin remodeling. Brown Norway rats were treated with BEP, and their testes were removed to isolate pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids by unit gravity sedimentation. Western blot analyses were conducted on extracted proteins to detect the expression of key modified histones. In a second cohort testes were prepared for immunohistochemical analysis. The stage-specific expression of each modified histone mark in rat spermatogenesis suggests the involvement of these modifications in chromatin remodeling. BEP treatment significantly increased expression of H3K9m and decreased that of tH2B (or Hist1h2ba) in pachytene spermatocytes, suggesting that nucleosomes were not destabilized to allow for transcription of genes involved in chromatin remodeling. Moreover, BEP treatment altered the expression of H4K8ac in round and elongating spermatids, suggesting that histone eviction was compromised, leading to a looser chromatin structure in mature spermatozoa. Less-compacted sperm chromatin, with alterations to the sperm epigenome, may have an adverse effect on male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Negar Bagheri-Sereshki
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Barbara F Hales
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Bernard Robaire
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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Motta S, Rondelli V, Cantu L, Del Favero E, Aureli M, Pozzi D, Caracciolo G, Brocca P. What the cell surface does not see: The gene vector under the protein corona. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2016; 141:170-178. [PMID: 26852100 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2016.01.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2015] [Revised: 01/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The fate of lipid-based nanovectors, used in genetic targeting inside cells, depends on their behavior in biological media. In fact, during both in vitro and in vivo transfection, nanovectors come in contact with proteins that compete for their surface and build the protein corona, their true biological identity while engaging the cell membrane. Nonetheless, after cell internalization, the efficacy of transfection may depend also on structural modifications that occurred under the protein cover, following interaction with biological fluids. Here, based on previous in vivo experiments, two widely used lipid mixtures, namely DOTAP/DOPC and DC-Chol/DOPE, were identified as paradigms to investigate the impact of the inner structure of nanovectors on the transfection efficiency, all being proficiently internalized. The evolution of the inner structure of cationic lipoplexes and nanoparticles based on such lipid mixtures, following interaction with human plasma, could be unraveled. Particles were investigated in high dilution, approaching the biosimilar conditions. Data have demonstrated that the modulation of their inner structure depends on their lipid composition and the plasma concentration, still preserving the genetic payload. Interestingly, protein contact induces a variety of inner structures with different perviousness, including reshaping into cubic phases of different porosity, sometimes observed upon interaction between carrier-lipids and cell-lipids. Cubic reshaping is of biological relevance, as lipid cubic phases have been recently associated to both fusogenicity and to the readiness in releasing the payload to the final target via endosomal escape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Motta
- Dept. Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, University of Milano, LITA, Via F.lli Cervi, 93, 20090, Segrate, Milano, Italy
| | - Valeria Rondelli
- Dept. Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, University of Milano, LITA, Via F.lli Cervi, 93, 20090, Segrate, Milano, Italy
| | - Laura Cantu
- Dept. Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, University of Milano, LITA, Via F.lli Cervi, 93, 20090, Segrate, Milano, Italy
| | - Elena Del Favero
- Dept. Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, University of Milano, LITA, Via F.lli Cervi, 93, 20090, Segrate, Milano, Italy
| | - Massimo Aureli
- Dept. Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, University of Milano, LITA, Via F.lli Cervi, 93, 20090, Segrate, Milano, Italy
| | - Daniela Pozzi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 261, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Giulio Caracciolo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 261, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Brocca
- Dept. Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, University of Milano, LITA, Via F.lli Cervi, 93, 20090, Segrate, Milano, Italy.
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Verma A, Rajput S, Kumar S, De S, Chakravarty AK, Kumar R, Datta TK. Differential histone modification status of spermatozoa in relation to fertility of buffalo bulls. J Cell Biochem 2015; 116:743-53. [PMID: 25501625 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.25029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2014] [Accepted: 12/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
In this study genome-wide di-methylated H3K4 (H3K4me2) and tri-methylated H3K27 (H3K27me3) modification profiles were analyzed in spermatozoa of buffalo bulls having wide fertility differences. The custom designed 4 × 180 K buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) ChIP-on-chip array was fabricated by employing array-based sequential hybridization using bovine and buffalo genomic DNA for comparative hybridization. The buffalo specific array developed had 177,440 features assembled from Coding sequences, Promoter and CpG regions comprising 2967 unique genes. A total of 84 genes for H3K4me2 and 80 genes for H3K27me3 were found differentially enriched in mature sperm of high and sub-fertile buffalo bulls. Gene Ontology analysis of these genes revealed their association with different cellular functions and biological processes. Genes identified as differentially enriched between high and sub-fertile bulls were found to be involved in the processes of germ cell development, spermatogenesis and embryonic development. This study presents the first genome-wide H3K4me2 and H3K27me3 profiling of buffalo bull sperm. Results provide a list of specific genes which could be made responsible for differential bull fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arpana Verma
- Animal Genomics Lab, Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, 132001, Haryana, India
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Solovyev AY, Tarnovskaya SI, Chernova IA, Shataeva LK, Skorik YA. The interaction of amino acids, peptides, and proteins with DNA. Int J Biol Macromol 2015; 78:39-45. [PMID: 25841380 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2015.03.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2015] [Revised: 03/19/2015] [Accepted: 03/20/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Amino acids that carry charges on their side groups can bind to double stranded DNA (dsDNA) and change the strength of the double helix. Measurement of the DNA melting temperature (Tm) confirmed that acidic amino acids (Glu, Asp) weaken the H-bonds between DNA strands, whereas basic amino acids (Arg, Lys) strengthen the interaction between the strands. A rank correlation exists between the amino acid isoelectric points and the observed changes in Tm. A similar dependence of the hyperchromic effect on the isoelectric point of a protein (pepsin, insulin, cortexin, and protamine) was observed for DNA-protein complexes at room temperature. Short peptides (KE, AEDG, and KEDP) containing a mixture of acidic and basic amino acid residues also affect Tm and the stability of the double helix. A model for binding Glu and Lys to dsDNA was explored by a docking simulation. The model shows that Glu, in an untwisted shape, binds to dsDNA in its major groove and disrupts three H-bonds between the strands, thereby destabilizing the double helix. Lys, in an untwisted shape, binds to the external side of the dsDNA and forms two bonds with O atoms of neighboring phosphodiester groups, thereby strengthening the DNA helix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrey Y Solovyev
- Institute of Macromolecular Compounds of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Bolshoy pr. VO 31, St. Petersburg 199004, Russian Federation
| | - Svetlana I Tarnovskaya
- St. Petersburg State Polytechnical University, Polytekhnicheskaya ul. 29, St. Petersburg 195251, Russian Federation
| | - Irina A Chernova
- Institute of Macromolecular Compounds of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Bolshoy pr. VO 31, St. Petersburg 199004, Russian Federation
| | - Larisa K Shataeva
- Institute of Macromolecular Compounds of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Bolshoy pr. VO 31, St. Petersburg 199004, Russian Federation
| | - Yury A Skorik
- Institute of Macromolecular Compounds of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Bolshoy pr. VO 31, St. Petersburg 199004, Russian Federation; St. Petersburg State Chemical Pharmaceutical Academy, ul. Prof. Popova 14, St. Petersburg 197022, Russian Federation.
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Wang S, Cao M, Deng X, Xiao X, Yin Z, Hu Q, Zhou Z, Zhang F, Zhang R, Wu Y, Sheng W, Zeng Y. Degradable hyaluronic acid/protamine sulfate interpolyelectrolyte complexes as miRNA-delivery nanocapsules for triple-negative breast cancer therapy. Adv Healthc Mater 2015; 4:281-90. [PMID: 25044638 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201400222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2014] [Revised: 05/29/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Metastatic relapse is a leading cause of cancer-associated death and one of the major obstacles for effective therapy against triple-negative breast cancer. To address this problem, a miRNA-delivering nanocapsule technology based on hyaluronic acid (HA)/protamine sulfate (PS) interpolyelectrolyte complexes (HP-IPECs) is developed for efficient encapsulation and intracellular delivery microRNA-34a (miR-34a), which is a potent endogenous tumor suppressor of breast cancer. The nanocapsules are successfully generated through a self-assembly approach mediated by an electrostatic interaction. In vitro and in vivo experiments illustrate that miR-34a can be efficiently encapsulated into HP-IPECs and delivered into breast cancer cells or breast cancer tissues. Nanocomplex-assisted delivery of miR-34a induces cell apoptosis and suppresses migration, proliferation, and tumor growth of breast cancer cells via targeting CD44 and a Notch-1-signaling pathway. The obtained results suggest that HP-IPECs have a great potential as a biodegradable vector for microRNA-based therapy against triple-negative breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihua Wang
- College of Life Science and Bioengineering; Beijing University of Technology; No. 100 Pingleyuan Beijing 100124 P. R. China
| | - Minjun Cao
- College of Life Science and Bioengineering; Beijing University of Technology; No. 100 Pingleyuan Beijing 100124 P. R. China
| | - Xiongwei Deng
- College of Life Science and Bioengineering; Beijing University of Technology; No. 100 Pingleyuan Beijing 100124 P. R. China
- National Center for Nanoscience and Technology; No.11 Beiyitiao Zhongguancun Beijing 100190 P. R. China
| | - Xiangqian Xiao
- College of Life Science and Bioengineering; Beijing University of Technology; No. 100 Pingleyuan Beijing 100124 P. R. China
| | - Zhaoxia Yin
- College of Life Science and Bioengineering; Beijing University of Technology; No. 100 Pingleyuan Beijing 100124 P. R. China
| | - Qin Hu
- College of Life Science and Bioengineering; Beijing University of Technology; No. 100 Pingleyuan Beijing 100124 P. R. China
| | - Zhixiang Zhou
- College of Life Science and Bioengineering; Beijing University of Technology; No. 100 Pingleyuan Beijing 100124 P. R. China
| | - Fang Zhang
- College of Life Science and Bioengineering; Beijing University of Technology; No. 100 Pingleyuan Beijing 100124 P. R. China
| | - Ruirui Zhang
- National Center for Nanoscience and Technology; No.11 Beiyitiao Zhongguancun Beijing 100190 P. R. China
| | - Yan Wu
- National Center for Nanoscience and Technology; No.11 Beiyitiao Zhongguancun Beijing 100190 P. R. China
| | - Wang Sheng
- College of Life Science and Bioengineering; Beijing University of Technology; No. 100 Pingleyuan Beijing 100124 P. R. China
| | - Yi Zeng
- College of Life Science and Bioengineering; Beijing University of Technology; No. 100 Pingleyuan Beijing 100124 P. R. China
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Kim NH, Provoda C, Lee KD. Design and characterization of novel recombinant listeriolysin O-protamine fusion proteins for enhanced gene delivery. Mol Pharm 2015; 12:342-50. [PMID: 25521817 PMCID: PMC4319693 DOI: 10.1021/mp5004543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
To improve the efficiency of gene delivery for effective gene therapy, it is essential that the vector carries functional components that can promote overcoming barriers in various steps leading to the transport of DNA from extracellular to ultimately nuclear compartment. In this study, we designed genetically engineered fusion proteins as a platform to incorporate multiple functionalities in one chimeric protein. Prototypes of such a chimera tested here contain two domains: one that binds to DNA; the other that can facilitate endosomal escape of DNA. The fusion proteins are composed of listeriolysin O (LLO), the endosomolytic pore-forming protein from Listeria monocytogenes, and a 22 amino acid sequence of the DNA-condensing polypeptide protamine (PN), singly or as a pair: LLO-PN and LLO-PNPN. We demonstrate dramatic enhancement of the gene delivery efficiency of protamine-condensed DNA upon incorporation of a small amount of LLO-PN fusion protein and further improvement with LLO-PNPN in vitro using cultured cells. Additionally, the association of anionic liposomes with cationic LLO-PNPN/protamine/DNA complexes, yielding a net negative surface charge, resulted in better in vitro transfection efficiency in the presence of serum. An initial, small set of data in mice indicated that the observed enhancement in gene expression could also be applicable to in vivo gene delivery. This study suggests that incorporation of a recombinant fusion protein with multiple functional components, such as LLO-protamine fusion protein, in a nonviral vector is a promising strategy for various nonviral gene delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Hyung Kim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center for Molecular Drug Targeting, University of Michigan , Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
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A simple sperm DNA toroid integrity test and risk of miscarriage. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:780983. [PMID: 25649376 PMCID: PMC4310444 DOI: 10.1155/2015/780983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2014] [Accepted: 09/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Current methods of analyzing sperm chromatin competency overlook the inner sperm compartment which is inaccessible to probes and reagents. By breaking the molecular protamine disulfide bridges, the DNA toroids are exposed to integrity analysis. The aim was to develop a simple nuclear toroid test and determine its association with fertilization, pregnancy, and miscarriage. The approach involved treating washed sperm remaining after ICSI procedures (N=35 cases) with acidified Triton X-100 and dithiothreitol (DTT) before Diff-Quik staining. Percentages of sperm with normal chromatin indicated by light-colored nuclei were assessed. The toroid integrity test showed more sperm with normal chromatin in the pregnant group (73.6±1.7%, mean±SEM) when compared with the miscarriage (51.2±6.6%) or nonpregnant groups (60.9±4.8%). Furthermore, the toroid results were correlated with ICSI fertilization (R=0.32, P=0.04) and pregnancy outcome (pregnant cases 73.6±1.7% versus nonpregnant 58.0±3.9%, P=0.001). ROC calculated cut-off was >70.0% for normal toroid integrity (sensitivity 0.98, specificity 0.33, and diagnostic accuracy 78.3%). An association between normal sperm toroid integrity and miscarriage was evident when the staining procedure included acidified detergent DTT pretreatment.
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Abstract
Sperm RNA has been linked recently to trans-generational, non-Mendelian patterns of inheritance. Originally dismissed as “residual” to spermatogenesis, some sperm RNA may have postfertilization functions including the transmission of acquired characteristics. Sperm RNA may help explain how trans-generational effects are transmitted and it may also have implications for assisted reproductive technologies (ART) where sperm are subjected to considerable, ex vivo manual handling. The presence of sperm RNA was originally a controversial topic because nuclear gene expression is switched off in the mature mammalian spermatozoon. With the recent application of next generation sequencing (NGS), an unexpectedly rich and complex repertoire of RNAs has been revealed in the sperm of several species that makes its residual presence counterintuitive. What follows is a personal survey of the science behind our understanding of sperm RNA and its functional significance based on experimental observations from my laboratory as well as many others who have contributed to the field over the years and are continuing to contribute today. The narrative begins with a historical perspective and ends with some educated speculation on where research into sperm RNA is likely to lead us in the next 10 years or so.
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Bera A, Perkins EM, Zhu J, Zhu H, Desai P. DNA binding and condensation properties of the herpes simplex virus type 1 triplex protein VP19C. PLoS One 2014; 9:e104640. [PMID: 25121591 PMCID: PMC4133253 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0104640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2014] [Accepted: 07/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Herpesvirus capsids are regular icosahedrons with a diameter of a 125 nm and are made up of 162 capsomeres arranged on a T = 16 lattice. The capsomeres (VP5) interact with the triplex structure, which is a unique structural feature of herpesvirus capsid shells. The triplex is a heterotrimeric complex; one molecule of VP19C and two of VP23 form a three-pronged structure that acts to stabilize the capsid shell through interactions with adjacent capsomeres. VP19C interacts with VP23 and with the major capsid protein VP5 and is required for the nuclear localization of VP23. Mutation of VP19C results in the abrogation of capsid shell synthesis. Analysis of the sequence of VP19C showed the N-terminus of VP19C is very basic and glycine rich. It was hypothesized that this domain could potentially bind to DNA. In this study an electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and a DNA condensation assay were performed to demonstrate that VP19C can bind DNA. Purified VP19C was able to bind to both a DNA fragment of HSV-1 origin as well as a bacterial plasmid sequence indicating that this activity is non-specific. Ultra-structural imaging of the nucleo-protein complexes revealed that VP19C condensed the DNA and forms toroidal DNA structures. Both the DNA binding and condensing properties of VP19C were mapped to the N-terminal 72 amino acids of the protein. Mutational studies revealed that the positively charged arginine residues in this N-terminal domain are required for this binding. This DNA binding activity, which resides in a non-conserved region of the protein could be required for stabilization of HSV-1 DNA association in the capsid shell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alakesh Bera
- Viral Oncology Program, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Edward M. Perkins
- Department of Biology and Integrated Imaging Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jian Zhu
- HiT Center and Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Heng Zhu
- HiT Center and Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Prashant Desai
- Viral Oncology Program, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
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Francis S, Yelumalai S, Jones C, Coward K. Aberrant protamine content in sperm and consequential implications for infertility treatment. HUM FERTIL 2014; 17:80-9. [DOI: 10.3109/14647273.2014.915347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Pozzi D, Marchini C, Cardarelli F, Rossetta A, Colapicchioni V, Amici A, Montani M, Motta S, Brocca P, Cantù L, Caracciolo G. Mechanistic understanding of gene delivery mediated by highly efficient multicomponent envelope-type nanoparticle systems. Mol Pharm 2013; 10:4654-65. [PMID: 24188138 DOI: 10.1021/mp400470p] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
We packaged condensed DNA/protamine particles in multicomponent envelope-type nanoparticle systems (MENS) combining different molar fractions of the cationic lipids 1,2-dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium-propane (DOTAP) and 3β-[N-(N,N-dimethylaminoethane)-carbamoyl] cholesterol (DC-Chol) and the zwitterionic lipids dioleoylphosphocholine (DOPC) and dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE). Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and microelectrophoresis allowed us to identify the cationic lipid/DNA charge ratio at which MENS are small sized and positively charged, while synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed that MENS are well-shaped DNA/protamine particles covered by a lipid monobilayer. Transfection efficiency (TE) experiments indicate that a nanoparticle formulation, termed MENS-3, was not cytotoxic and highly efficient to transfect Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. To rationalize TE, we performed a quantitative investigation of cell uptake, intracellular trafficking, endosomal escape, and final fate by laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM). We found that fluid-phase macropinocytosis is the only endocytosis pathway used by MENS-3. Once taken up by the cell, complexes that are actively transported by microtubules frequently fuse with lysosomes, while purely diffusing systems do not. Indeed, spatiotemporal image correlation spectroscopy (STICS) clarified that MENS-3 mostly exploit diffusion to move in the cytosol of CHO cells, thus explaining the high TE levels observed. Also, MENS-3 exhibited a marked endosomal rupture ability resulting in extraordinary DNA release. The lipid-dependent and structure-dependent TE boost suggests that efficient transfection requires both the membrane-fusogenic activity of the nanocarrier envelope and the employment of lipid species with intrinsic endosomal rupture ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Pozzi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome , Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
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Maselli J, Hales BF, Robaire B. The Effects of Chemotherapy with Bleomycin, Etoposide, and Cis-Platinum (BEP) on Rat Sperm Chromatin Remodeling, Fecundity and Testicular Gene Expression in the Progeny1. Biol Reprod 2013; 89:85. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.110759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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Salehi M, Akbari H, Heidari MH, Molouki A, Murulitharan K, Moeini H, Novin MG, Aabed F, Taheri H, Fadaei F, Mohsenzadeh M, Jafari M, Pirouzi A, Heidari R. Correlation between human clusterin in seminal plasma with sperm protamine deficiency and DNA fragmentation. Mol Reprod Dev 2013; 80:718-24. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2012] [Accepted: 05/30/2013] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Salehi
- Department of Biotechnology; Faculty of Medicine; Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences; Tehran Iran
| | - Hakimeh Akbari
- Department of Anatomy and Biology; Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences; Velenjak Tehran Iran
| | - Mohammad Hassan Heidari
- Department of Anatomy and Biology; Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences; Velenjak Tehran Iran
| | - Aidin Molouki
- Institute of Bioscience; Universiti Putra Malaysia; Serdang Selangor DE Malaysia
| | - Kavitha Murulitharan
- Institute of Bioscience; Universiti Putra Malaysia; Serdang Selangor DE Malaysia
| | - Hassan Moeini
- Institute of Bioscience; Universiti Putra Malaysia; Serdang Selangor DE Malaysia
| | - Marefat Ghaffari Novin
- Department of Anatomy and Biology; Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences; Velenjak Tehran Iran
| | - Farhang Aabed
- Department of Anatomy and Biology; Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences; Velenjak Tehran Iran
| | - Hossein Taheri
- Department of Anatomy and Biology; Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences; Velenjak Tehran Iran
| | - Fateme Fadaei
- Department of Anatomy and Biology; Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences; Velenjak Tehran Iran
| | - Mehdi Mohsenzadeh
- Department of Research; Gerash School of Paramedical Sciences; Shiraz University of Medical Sciences; Shiraz Iran
| | - Mohammad Jafari
- Department of Research; Gerash School of Paramedical Sciences; Shiraz University of Medical Sciences; Shiraz Iran
| | - Aliyar Pirouzi
- Department of Research; Gerash School of Paramedical Sciences; Shiraz University of Medical Sciences; Shiraz Iran
| | - Reihane Heidari
- Amiralam Hospital; Tehran University of Medical Sciences; Tehran Iran
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Kim HK, Thompson DH, Jang HS, Chung YJ, Van den Bossche J. pH-responsive biodegradable assemblies containing tunable phenyl-substituted vinyl ethers for use as efficient gene delivery vehicles. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2013; 5:5648-5658. [PMID: 23772824 PMCID: PMC3740352 DOI: 10.1021/am400977t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Novel pH-responsive assemblies (PEG-lipid:DOPE liposomes) containing tunable and bifunctional phenyl-substituted vinyl ether (PIVE) cross-linkers were prepared. The assemblies consisted of 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DOPE), acid-cleavable poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-conjugated lipids, pDNA, and protamine sulfate (PS). The PIVE linkage was designed to hydrolyze under acidic conditions, and the hydrolysis studies of PEG-lipid compounds containing PIVE at pH 4.2, 5.4, and 7.4 indicated that the hydrolysis rates of PIVE linker were influenced by the substitution of electron withdrawing or electron donating groups on the phenyl ring. Acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of PIVE leads to destabilization of the acid labile PEG-PIVE-lipid:DOPE liposomes via dePEGylation, thereby triggering content release. Content release assays showed that dePEGylation was highly pH-dependent and correlated with the PIVE proton affinity of the phenyl group. These results indicated that the dePEGylative triggering based on a new pH-sensitive PIVE linkage can be controlled. In vitro transfection studies on the pH-responsive assemblies containing mPEG-(MeO-PIVE)-conjugated 1,3-dioctadecyl-rac-glycerol lipids (mPEG-(MeO-PIVE])-DOG) showed higher transfection efficiency compared to that of polyethylenimine (PEI), a positive control, on HEK 293 and COS-7 cells. In addition, lower cytotoxicity of PEG-PIVE-lipid:DOPE liposomes/PS/DNA was observed in comparison to PEI. These results suggest that PEG-PIVE-lipid:DOPE liposomes can be considered as nonviral vehicles for drug and gene delivery applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee-Kwon Kim
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, USA.
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Putative molecular mechanism underlying sperm chromatin remodelling is regulated by reproductive hormones. Clin Epigenetics 2012; 4:23. [PMID: 23241214 PMCID: PMC3549752 DOI: 10.1186/1868-7083-4-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2012] [Accepted: 11/22/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The putative regulatory role of the male reproductive hormones in the molecular mechanism underlying chromatin condensation remains poorly understood. In the past decade, we developed two adult male rat models wherein functional deficits of testosterone or FSH, produced after treatments with 20 mg/Kg/d of cyproterone acetate (CPA) per os, for a period of 15 days or 3 mg/Kg/d of fluphenazine decanoate (FD) subcutaneously, for a period of 60 days, respectively, affected the rate of sperm chromatin decondensation in vitro. These rat models have been used in the current study in order to delineate the putative roles of testosterone and FSH in the molecular mechanism underlying remodelling of sperm chromatin. Results We report that deficits of both testosterone and FSH affected the turnover of polyubiquitylated histones and led to their accumulation in the testis. Functional deficits of testosterone reduced expression of MIWI, the 5-methyl cap binding RNA-binding protein (PIWIlike murine homologue of the Drosophila protein PIWI/P-element induced wimpy testis) containing a PAZ/Piwi-Argonaut-Zwille domain and levels of histone deacetylase1 (HDAC1), ubiquitin ligating enzyme (URE-B1/E3), 20S proteasome α1 concomitant with reduced expression of ubiquitin activating enzyme (ube1), conjugating enzyme (ube2d2), chromodomain Y like protein (cdyl), bromodomain testis specific protein (brdt), hdac6 (histone deacetylase6), androgen-dependent homeobox placentae embryonic protein (pem/RhoX5), histones h2b and th3 (testis-specific h3). Functional deficits of FSH reduced the expression of cdyl and brdt genes in the testis, affected turnover of ubiquitylated histones, stalled the physiological DNA repair mechanism and culminated in spermiation of DNA damaged sperm. Conclusions We aver that deficits of both testosterone and FSH differentially affected the process of sperm chromatin remodelling through subtle changes in the ‘chromatin condensation transcriptome and proteome’, thereby stalling the replacement of ‘dynamic’ histones with ‘inert’ protamines, and altering the epigenetic state of condensed sperm chromatin. The inappropriately condensed chromatin affected the sperm chromatin cytoarchitecture, evident from subtle ultrastructural changes in the nuclei of immature caput epididymal sperm of CPA- or FD-treated rats, incubated in vitro with dithiothreitol.
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Perry CC, Urata SM, Lee M, Aguilera JA, Milligan JR. Radioprotective effects produced by the condensation of plasmid DNA with avidin and biotinylated gold nanoparticles. RADIATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL BIOPHYSICS 2012; 51:457-468. [PMID: 22825766 DOI: 10.1007/s00411-012-0429-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2012] [Accepted: 06/28/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The treatment of aqueous solutions of plasmid DNA with the protein avidin results in significant changes in physical, chemical, and biochemical properties. These effects include increased light scattering, formation of micron-sized particles containing both DNA and protein, and plasmid protection against thermal denaturation, radical attack, and nuclease digestion. All of these changes are consistent with condensation of the plasmid by avidin. Avidin can be displaced from the plasmid at higher ionic strengths. Avidin is not displaced from the plasmid by an excess of a tetra-arginine ligand, nor by the presence of biotin. Therefore, this system offers the opportunity to reversibly bind biotin-labeled species to a condensed DNA-protein complex. An example application is the use of biotinylated gold nanoparticles. This system offers the ability to examine in better detail the chemical mechanisms involved in important radiobiological effects. Examples include protein modulation of radiation damage to DNA, and radiosensitization by gold nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher C Perry
- Department of Biochemistry, Loma Linda University, 11085 Campus Street, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA
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Mello MLS, Vidal BC. Changes in the infrared microspectroscopic characteristics of DNA caused by cationic elements, different base richness and single-stranded form. PLoS One 2012; 7:e43169. [PMID: 22937023 PMCID: PMC3427352 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0043169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2012] [Accepted: 07/20/2012] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The infrared (IR) analysis of dried samples of DNA and DNA-polypeptide complexes is still scarce. Here we have studied the FT-IR profiles of these components to further the understanding of the FT-IR signatures of chromatin and cell nuclei. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Calf thymus and salmon testis DNA, and complexes of histone H1, protamine, poly-L-lysine and poly-L-arginine (histone-mimic macromolecules) with DNA were analyzed in an IR microspectroscope equipped with an attenuated total reflection diamond objective and Grams software. Conditions including polypeptides bound to the DNA, DNA base composition, and single-stranded form were found to differently affect the vibrational characteristics of the chemical groups (especially, PO(2)(-)) in the nucleic acid. The antisymmetric stretching (ν(as)) of the DNA PO(2)(-) was greater than the symmetric stretching (ν(s)) of these groups and increased in the polypeptide-DNA complexes. A shift of the ν(as) of the DNA PO(2)(-) to a lower frequency and an increased intensity of this vibration were induced especially by lysine-rich histones. Lysine richness additionally contributed to an increase in the vibrational stretching of the amide I group. Even in simple molecules such as inorganic phosphates, the vibrational characteristics of the phosphate anions were differently affected by different cations. As a result of the optimization of the DNA conformation by binding to arginine-rich polypeptides, enhancements of the vibrational characteristics in the FT-IR fingerprint could be detected. Although different profiles were obtained for the DNA with different base compositions, this situation was no longer verified in the polypeptide-DNA complexes and most likely in isolated chromatin or cell nuclei. However, the ν(as) PO(2)(-)/ν(s) PO(2)(-) ratio could discriminate DNA with different base compositions and DNA in a single-stranded form. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE FT-IR spectral profiles are a valuable tool for establishing the vibrational characteristics of individualized chromatin components, such as DNA and DNA-polypeptide complexes in dried samples.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - B. C. Vidal
- Department of Structural and Physiological Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
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Jung HJ, Lim JS, Choi HJ, Lee MS, Kim JH, Kim SY, Kim S, Kim E, Kwon TH. Vasopressin V2R-targeting peptide carrier mediates siRNA delivery into collecting duct cells. PLoS One 2012; 7:e40010. [PMID: 22761946 PMCID: PMC3386242 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0040010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2012] [Accepted: 05/30/2012] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Internalization of receptor proteins after interacting with specific ligands has been proposed to facilitate siRNA delivery into the target cells via receptor-mediated siRNA transduction. In this study, we demonstrated a novel method of vasopressin V2 receptor (V2R)-mediated siRNA delivery against AQP2 in primary cultured inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) cells of rat kidney. We synthesized the dDAVP conjugated with nine D-arginines (dDAVP-9r) as a peptide carrier for siRNA delivery. The structure of synthetic peptide carrier showed two regions (i.e., ligand domain to V2R (dDAVP) and siRNA carrying domain (nine D-arginine)) bisected with a spacer of four glycines. The results revealed that 1) synthesized dDAVP-9r peptides formed a stable polyplex with siRNA; 2) siRNA/dDAVP-9r polyplex could bind to the V2R of IMCD cells and induced AQP2 phosphorylation (Ser 256); 3) siRNA/dDAVP-9r polyplex was stable in response to the wide range of different osmolalities, pH levels, or to the RNases; 4) fluorescein-labeled siRNA was delivered into V2R-expressing MDCK and LLC-PK1 cells by siRNA/dDAVP-9r polyplex, but not into the V2R-negative Cos-7 cells; and 5) AQP2-siRNA/dDAVP-9r polyplex effectively delivered siRNA into the IMCD cells, resulting in the significant decrease of protein abundance of AQP2, but not AQP4. Therefore, for the first time to our knowledge, we demonstrated that V2R-mediated siRNA delivery could be exploited to deliver specific siRNA to regulate abnormal expression of target proteins in V2R-expressing kidney cells. The methods could be potentially used in vivo to regulate abnormal expression of proteins associated with disease conditions in the V2R-expressing kidney cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Jun Jung
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Taegu Korea
| | - Jung-Suk Lim
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Taegu Korea
| | - Hyo-Jung Choi
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Taegu Korea
| | - Mi Suk Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Taegu Korea
| | - Jong-Ho Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Taegu Korea
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sang-Yeob Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Taegu Korea
| | - Soyoun Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Taegu Korea
| | - Eunjung Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Taegu Korea
| | - Tae-Hwan Kwon
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Taegu Korea
- * E-mail:
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Ahmad G, Moinard N, Esquerré-Lamare C, Mieusset R, Bujan L. Mild induced testicular and epididymal hyperthermia alters sperm chromatin integrity in men. Fertil Steril 2012; 97:546-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2011.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2011] [Revised: 12/06/2011] [Accepted: 12/16/2011] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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DeRouchey JE, Rau DC. Role of amino acid insertions on intermolecular forces between arginine peptide condensed DNA helices: implications for protamine-DNA packaging in sperm. J Biol Chem 2011; 286:41985-41992. [PMID: 21994948 PMCID: PMC3234980 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.295808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2011] [Revised: 10/04/2011] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
In spermatogenesis, chromatin histones are replaced by arginine-rich protamines to densely compact DNA in sperm heads. Tight packaging is considered necessary to protect the DNA from damage. To better understand the nature of the forces condensing protamine-DNA assemblies and their dependence on amino acid content, the effect of neutral and negatively charged amino acids on DNA-DNA intermolecular forces was studied using model peptides containing six arginines. We have previously observed that the neutral amino acids in salmon protamine decrease the net attraction between protamine-DNA helices compared with the equivalent homo-arginine peptide. Using osmotic stress coupled with x-ray scattering, we have investigated the component attractive and repulsive forces that determine the net attraction and equilibrium interhelical distance as a function of the chemistry, position, and number of the amino acid inserted. Neutral amino acids inserted into hexa-arginine increase the short range repulsion while only slightly affecting longer range attraction. The amino acid content alone of salmon protamine is enough to rationalize the forces that package DNA in sperm heads. Inserting a negatively charged amino acid into hexa-arginine dramatically weakens the net attraction. Both of these observations have biological implications for protamine-DNA packaging in sperm heads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason E DeRouchey
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506.
| | - Donald C Rau
- Program in Physical Biology, NICHD, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
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