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Wang Y, Chen J, Huang X, Wu B, Dai P, Zhang F, Li J, Wang L. Gene-knockout by iSTOP enables rapid reproductive disease modeling and phenotyping in germ cells of the founder generation. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2024; 67:1035-1050. [PMID: 38332217 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-023-2408-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Cytosine base editing achieves C•G-to-T•A substitutions and can convert four codons (CAA/CAG/CGA/TGG) into STOP-codons (induction of STOP-codons, iSTOP) to knock out genes with reduced mosaicism. iSTOP enables direct phenotyping in founders' somatic cells, but it remains unknown whether this works in founders' germ cells so as to rapidly reveal novel genes for fertility. Here, we initially establish that iSTOP in mouse zygotes enables functional characterization of known genes in founders' germ cells: Cfap43-iSTOP male founders manifest expected sperm features resembling human "multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella" syndrome (i.e., MMAF-like features), while oocytes of Zp3-iSTOP female founders have no zona pellucida. We further illustrate iSTOP's utility for dissecting the functions of unknown genes with Ccdc183, observing MMAF-like features and male infertility in Ccdc183-iSTOP founders, phenotypes concordant with those of Ccdc183-KO offspring. We ultimately establish that CCDC183 is essential for sperm morphogenesis through regulating the assembly of outer dynein arms and participating in the intra-flagellar transport. Our study demonstrates iSTOP as an efficient tool for direct reproductive disease modeling and phenotyping in germ cells of the founder generation, and rapidly reveals the essentiality of Ccdc183 in fertility, thus providing a time-saving approach for validating genetic defects (like nonsense mutations) for human infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaling Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Jingwen Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
- Institute of Reproduction and Development, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Xueying Huang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Bangguo Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
- Institute of Reproduction and Development, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Peng Dai
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
- Institute of Reproduction and Development, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Jinsong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Lingbo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China.
- Institute of Reproduction and Development, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China.
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2
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Shaikh Qureshi WM, Hentges KE. Functions of cilia in cardiac development and disease. Ann Hum Genet 2024; 88:4-26. [PMID: 37872827 PMCID: PMC10952336 DOI: 10.1111/ahg.12534] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Errors in embryonic cardiac development are a leading cause of congenital heart defects (CHDs), including morphological abnormalities of the heart that are often detected after birth. In the past few decades, an emerging role for cilia in the pathogenesis of CHD has been identified, but this topic still largely remains an unexplored area. Mouse forward genetic screens and whole exome sequencing analysis of CHD patients have identified enrichment for de novo mutations in ciliary genes or non-ciliary genes, which regulate cilia-related pathways, linking cilia function to aberrant cardiac development. Key events in cardiac morphogenesis, including left-right asymmetric development of the heart, are dependent upon cilia function. Cilia dysfunction during left-right axis formation contributes to CHD as evidenced by the substantial proportion of heterotaxy patients displaying complex CHD. Cilia-transduced signaling also regulates later events during heart development such as cardiac valve formation, outflow tract septation, ventricle development, and atrioventricular septa formation. In this review, we summarize the role of motile and non-motile (primary cilia) in cardiac asymmetry establishment and later events during heart development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wasay Mohiuddin Shaikh Qureshi
- Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science CentreUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Kathryn E. Hentges
- Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science CentreUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
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3
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Shimada K, Ikawa M. CCDC183 is essential for cytoplasmic invagination around the flagellum during spermiogenesis and male fertility. Development 2023; 150:dev201724. [PMID: 37882665 PMCID: PMC10629680 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201724] [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: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Sperm flagellum plays a crucial role in male fertility. Here, we generated Ccdc183 knockout mice using the CRISPR/Cas9 system to reveal the protein function of the testis-specific protein CCDC183 in spermiogenesis. We demonstrated that the absence of CCDC183 causes male infertility with morphological and motility defects in spermatozoa. Owing to the lack of CCDC183, centrioles after elongation of axonemal microtubules do not connect the cell surface and nucleus during spermiogenesis, which causes subsequent loss of cytoplasmic invagination around the flagellum. As a result, the flagellar compartment does not form properly and cytosol-exposed axonemal microtubules collapse during spermiogenesis. In addition, ectopic localization of accessory structures, such as the fibrous sheath and outer dense fibers, and abnormal head shape as a result of abnormal sculpting by the manchette are observed in Ccdc183 knockout spermatids. Our results indicate that CCDC183 plays an essential role in cytoplasmic invagination around the flagellum to form functional spermatozoa during spermiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Shimada
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka 5650871, Japan
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka 5650871, Japan
- Regulation of Host Defense Team, Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research, Osaka University, Osaka 5650871, Japan
- Laboratory of Reproductive Systems Biology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
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4
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Fassad MR, Rumman N, Junger K, Patel MP, Thompson J, Goggin P, Ueffing M, Beyer T, Boldt K, Lucas JS, Mitchison HM. Defective airway intraflagellar transport underlies a combined motile and primary ciliopathy syndrome caused by IFT74 mutations. Hum Mol Genet 2023; 32:3090-3104. [PMID: 37555648 PMCID: PMC10586200 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddad132] [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: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Ciliopathies are inherited disorders caused by defective cilia. Mutations affecting motile cilia usually cause the chronic muco-obstructive sinopulmonary disease primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) and are associated with laterality defects, while a broad spectrum of early developmental as well as degenerative syndromes arise from mutations affecting signalling of primary (non-motile) cilia. Cilia assembly and functioning requires intraflagellar transport (IFT) of cargos assisted by IFT-B and IFT-A adaptor complexes. Within IFT-B, the N-termini of partner proteins IFT74 and IFT81 govern tubulin transport to build the ciliary microtubular cytoskeleton. We detected a homozygous 3-kb intragenic IFT74 deletion removing the exon 2 initiation codon and 40 N-terminal amino acids in two affected siblings. Both had clinical features of PCD with bronchiectasis, but no laterality defects. They also had retinal dysplasia and abnormal bone growth, with a narrowed thorax and short ribs, shortened long bones and digits, and abnormal skull shape. This resembles short-rib thoracic dysplasia, a skeletal ciliopathy previously linked to IFT defects in primary cilia, not motile cilia. Ciliated nasal epithelial cells collected from affected individuals had reduced numbers of shortened motile cilia with disarranged microtubules, some misorientation of the basal feet, and disrupted cilia structural and IFT protein distributions. No full-length IFT74 was expressed, only truncated forms that were consistent with N-terminal deletion and inframe translation from downstream initiation codons. In affinity purification mass spectrometry, exon 2-deleted IFT74 initiated from the nearest inframe downstream methionine 41 still interacts as part of the IFT-B complex, but only with reduced interaction levels and not with all its usual IFT-B partners. We propose that this is a hypomorphic mutation with some residual protein function retained, which gives rise to a primary skeletal ciliopathy combined with defective motile cilia and PCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud R Fassad
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Research and Teaching Department, University College London, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom
- Department of Human Genetics, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, 22 El-Guish Road, El-Shatby, Alexandria 21526, Egypt
| | - Nisreen Rumman
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Makassed Hospital and Al-Quds University, East Jerusalem 91220, Palestine
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, 300 Cedar St #441, New Haven, CT 06520, United States
| | - Katrin Junger
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard Karl University of Tübingen, Elfreide-Alhorn-Strasse 5-7, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Mitali P Patel
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Research and Teaching Department, University College London, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, Institute of Prion Diseases, University College London, 33 Cleveland Street, London W1W 7FF, United Kingdom
| | - James Thompson
- Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia Centre, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton SO16 6YD, United Kingdom
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, University Road, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
- Biomedical Imaging Unit, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, University Road, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
| | - Patricia Goggin
- Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia Centre, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton SO16 6YD, United Kingdom
- Biomedical Imaging Unit, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, University Road, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
| | - Marius Ueffing
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard Karl University of Tübingen, Elfreide-Alhorn-Strasse 5-7, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Tina Beyer
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard Karl University of Tübingen, Elfreide-Alhorn-Strasse 5-7, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Karsten Boldt
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard Karl University of Tübingen, Elfreide-Alhorn-Strasse 5-7, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Jane S Lucas
- Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia Centre, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton SO16 6YD, United Kingdom
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, University Road, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
| | - Hannah M Mitchison
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Research and Teaching Department, University College London, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom
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Jin HJ, Wang JL, Geng XY, Wang CY, Wang BB, Chen SR. CFAP70 is a solid and valuable target for the genetic diagnosis of oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia in infertile men. EBioMedicine 2023; 93:104675. [PMID: 37352829 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Male infertility is a worldwide population health concern, but its aetiology remains largely understood. Although CFAP70 variants have already been reported in two oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia (OAT) individuals by sequencing, animal evidence to support CFAP70 as a credible OAT-pathogenic gene is lacking. METHOD Cfap70-KO mice were generated to explore the physiological role of CFAP70. CFAP70 variants were detected in infertile men with OAT by whole exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing confirmation. Cfap70-truncated mice were further generated to explore the pathogenicity of the nonsense variant of CFAP70 identified in the proband. FINDINGS Here, we demonstrate that Cfap70-KO mice are sterile mainly due to OAT and further identify a Chinese infertile man carrying a homozygous nonsense variant (c.2962C > T/p.R988X) of CFAP70. Cfap70-truncated mice lacking 5-8 tetratricopeptide repeats (TPRs) mimic the patient's symptoms. CFAP70 is required for the biogenesis of spermatid flagella partially by regulating the expression of OAT-associated proteins (e.g., QRICH2), assisting the cytoplasmic preassembly of the calmodulin- and radial spoke-associated complex (CSC), and controlling the manchette localization of axoneme-related proteins. Moreover, we suggest that CFAP70-associated male infertility could be overcome by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment. INTERPRETATION Overall, we demonstrate that CFAP70 is necessary to assemble spermatid flagella and that CFAP70 gene could be used as a diagnostic target for male infertility with OAT in the clinic. FUNDING This study was supported by the National Key Research and Development Project (2019YFA0802101 to S.C), Open Fund of Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology, Ministry of Education (to S.C), Central Government to Guide Local Scientific and Technological Development (ZY21195023 to B.W), and Basic Research Projects of Central Scientific Research Institutes (to B.W).
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Juan Jin
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology, Ministry of Education, Department of Biology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Jun-Li Wang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, Guangxi, China; Environmental Health Risk Assessment and Prevention Engineering Center of Ecological Aluminum Industry Base of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, Guangxi, China
| | - Xin-Yan Geng
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology, Ministry of Education, Department of Biology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Chun-Yan Wang
- Center for Genetics, National Research Institute of Family Planning, Beijing, 100081, China; Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Bin-Bin Wang
- Center for Genetics, National Research Institute of Family Planning, Beijing, 100081, China; Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100005, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Engineering Technology Research (NRIFP), National Research Institute for Family Planning, 100081 Beijing, China.
| | - Su-Ren Chen
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology, Ministry of Education, Department of Biology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China.
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6
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Yap YT, Li W, Huang Q, Zhou Q, Zhang D, Sheng Y, Mladenovic-Lucas L, Yee SP, Orwig KE, Granneman JG, Williams DC, Hess RA, Toure A, Zhang Z. DNALI1 interacts with the MEIG1/PACRG complex within the manchette and is required for proper sperm flagellum assembly in mice. eLife 2023; 12:e79620. [PMID: 37083624 PMCID: PMC10185345 DOI: 10.7554/elife.79620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The manchette is a transient and unique structure present in elongating spermatids and required for proper differentiation of the germ cells during spermatogenesis. Previous work indicated that the MEIG1/PACRG complex locates in the manchette and is involved in the transport of cargos, such as SPAG16L, to build the sperm flagellum. Here, using co-immunoprecipitation and pull-down approaches in various cell systems, we established that DNALI1, an axonemal component originally cloned from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, recruits and stabilizes PACRG and we confirm in vivo, the co-localization of DNALI1 and PACRG in the manchette by immunofluorescence of elongating murine spermatids. We next generated mice with a specific deficiency of DNALI1 in male germ cells, and observed a dramatic reduction of the sperm cells, which results in male infertility. In addition, we observed that the majority of the sperm cells exhibited abnormal morphology including misshapen heads, bent tails, enlarged midpiece, discontinuous accessory structure, emphasizing the importance of DNALI1 in sperm differentiation. Examination of testis histology confirmed impaired spermiogenesis in the mutant mice. Importantly, while testicular levels of MEIG1, PACRG, and SPAG16L proteins were unchanged in the Dnali1 mutant mice, their localization within the manchette was greatly affected, indicating that DNALI1 is required for the formation of the MEIG1/PACRG complex within the manchette. Interestingly, in contrast to MEIG1 and PACRG-deficient mice, the DNALI1-deficient mice also showed impaired sperm spermiation/individualization, suggesting additional functions beyond its involvement in the manchette structure. Overall, our work identifies DNALI1 as a protein required for sperm development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Tian Yap
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of MedicineDetroitUnited States
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of MedicineDetroitUnited States
| | - Qian Huang
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of MedicineDetroitUnited States
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Qi Zhou
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of MedicineDetroitUnited States
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - David Zhang
- College of William and MaryWilliamsburgUnited States
| | - Yi Sheng
- Molecular Genetics and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghUnited States
| | - Ljljiana Mladenovic-Lucas
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of MedicineDetroitUnited States
| | - Siu-Pok Yee
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut Health CenterFarmingtonUnited States
| | - Kyle E Orwig
- Molecular Genetics and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghUnited States
| | - James G Granneman
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of MedicineDetroitUnited States
| | - David C Williams
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
| | - Rex A Hess
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of IllinoisUrbanaUnited States
| | - Aminata Toure
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team Physiology and Pathophysiology of Sperm cells, Institute for Advanced BiosciencesGrenobleFrance
| | - Zhibing Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of MedicineDetroitUnited States
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Wayne State UniversityDetroitUnited States
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Hiradate Y, Harima R, Yanai R, Hara K, Nagasawa K, Osada M, Kobayashi T, Matsuyama M, Kanno S, Yasui A, Tanemura K. Loss of
Axdnd1
causes sterility due to impaired spermatid differentiation in mice. Reprod Med Biol 2022; 21:e12452. [PMID: 35386379 PMCID: PMC8968163 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Spermiogenesis, the process of deformation of sperm head morphology and flagella formation, is a phenomenon unique to sperm. Axonemal dynein light chain proteins are localized to sperm flagella and are known to be involved in sperm motility. Here, we focused on the gene axonemal dynein light chain domain containing 1 (Axdnd1) with the aim to determine the function of its protein product AXDND1. Methods To elucidate the role of AXDND1 in spermatogenesis, we generated Axdnd1 knockout (KO) mice using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. The generated mice were subjected to fertility tests and analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Result The Axdnd1 KO mouse exhibited sterility caused by impaired spermiogenesis during the elongation step as well as abnormal nuclear shaping and manchette, which are essential for spermiogenesis. Moreover, AXDND1 showed enriched testicular expression and was localized from the mid‐pachytene spermatocytes to the early spermatids. Conclusion Axdnd1 is essential for spermatogenesis in the mouse testes. These findings improve our understanding of spermiogenesis and related defects. According to a recent report, deleterious heterozygous mutations in AXDND1 were found in non‐obstructive azoospermia (NOA) patients. Therefore, Axdnd1 KO mice could be used as a model system for NOA, which will greatly contribute to future NOA treatment studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Hiradate
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Development Graduate School of Agricultural Science Tohoku University Sendai Japan
| | - Ryua Harima
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Development Graduate School of Agricultural Science Tohoku University Sendai Japan
| | - Rin Yanai
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Development Graduate School of Agricultural Science Tohoku University Sendai Japan
| | - Kenshiro Hara
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Development Graduate School of Agricultural Science Tohoku University Sendai Japan
| | - Kazue Nagasawa
- Laboratory of Aquacultural Biology Graduate School of Agricultural Science Tohoku University Sendai Japan
| | - Makoto Osada
- Laboratory of Aquacultural Biology Graduate School of Agricultural Science Tohoku University Sendai Japan
| | - Tomoe Kobayashi
- Division of Molecular Genetics Shigei Medical Research Institute Okayama Japan
| | - Makoto Matsuyama
- Division of Molecular Genetics Shigei Medical Research Institute Okayama Japan
| | - Shin‐ichiro Kanno
- Division of Dynamic Proteome and IDAC Fellow Research Group for DNA Repair and Dynamic Proteome Institute of Development Aging and Cancer (IDAC) Tohoku University Sendai Japan
| | - Akira Yasui
- Division of Dynamic Proteome and IDAC Fellow Research Group for DNA Repair and Dynamic Proteome Institute of Development Aging and Cancer (IDAC) Tohoku University Sendai Japan
| | - Kentaro Tanemura
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Development Graduate School of Agricultural Science Tohoku University Sendai Japan
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8
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Laseca N, Demyda-Peyrás S, Valera M, Ramón M, Escribano B, Perdomo-González DI, Molina A. A genome-wide association study of mare fertility in the Pura Raza Español horse. Animal 2022; 16:100476. [PMID: 35247706 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2022.100476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the economic importance of fertility for the horse industry, few efforts have been made to achieve a better understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying its control. This is probably due to the difficulty of obtaining reliable phenotypes and the complexity of modelling the environmental and management factors. This work is novel in that we propose to use reproductive efficiency (RE) as an indicator of mare fertility. To achieve this, we performed a genome-wide association study in the Pura Raza Español horse aimed at identifying genomic variants, regions, and candidate genes associated with fertility in mares. The dataset included 819 animals genotyped with the Affymetrix Axiom™ Equine 670 K single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) Genotyping Array and the deregressed breeding values for RE trait, obtained using a ssBLUP model, employed as pseudo-phenotypic data. Our results showed 28 SNPs potentially associated with RE, which explained 87.19% of the genetic variance and 6.61% of the phenotypic variance. Those results were further validated in BayesB, showing a correlation between observed and predicted RE of 0.57. In addition, 15 candidate genes (HTRA3, SPIRE1, APOE, ERCC1, FOXA3, NECTIN-2, KLC3, RSPH6A, PDPK1, MEIOB, PAQR4, NM3, PKD1, PRSS21, IFT140) previously related to fertility in mammals were associated with the markers and genomic regions significantly associated with RE. To our knowledge, this is the first genome-wide association study performed on mare fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Laseca
- Departamento de Genética. Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, CN-IV km 396, 14071 Córdoba, España.
| | - S Demyda-Peyrás
- Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Calle 60 y 118 s/n, La Plata 1900, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET) La Plata, La Plata 1900, Argentina
| | - M Valera
- Departamento de Agronomía, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronómica. Universidad de Sevilla, Ctra. Utrera, Km 1, Sevilla, Spain
| | - M Ramón
- Centro Regional de Selección y Reproducción Animal (CERSYRA), Av. del Vino, 10, 13300 Valdepeñas, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - B Escribano
- Departamento de Fisiología, Universidad de Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, CN-IV km 396, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
| | - D I Perdomo-González
- Departamento de Agronomía, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronómica. Universidad de Sevilla, Ctra. Utrera, Km 1, Sevilla, Spain
| | - A Molina
- Departamento de Genética. Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, CN-IV km 396, 14071 Córdoba, España
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9
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MEIG1 determines the manchette localization of IFT20 and IFT88, two intraflagellar transport components in male germ cells. Dev Biol 2022; 485:50-60. [PMID: 35257720 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2022.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Sperm flagella formation is a complex process that requires cargo transport systems to deliver structural proteins for sperm flagella assembly. Two cargo transport systems, the intramanchette transport (IMT) and intraflagellar transport (IFT), have been shown to play critical roles in spermatogenesis and sperm flagella formation. IMT exists only in elongating spermatids, while IFT is responsible for delivering cargo proteins in the developing cilia/flagella. Our laboratory discovered that mouse meiosis expressed gene 1 (MEIG1), a gene essential for sperm flagella formation, is present in the manchette of elongating spermatids. IFT complex components, IFT20 and IFT88, are also present in the manchette of the elongating spermatids. Given that the three proteins have the same localization in elongating spermatids and are essential for normal spermatogenesis and sperm flagella formation, we hypothesize that they are in the same complex, which is supported by co-immunoprecipitation assay using mouse testis extracts. In the Meig1 knockout mice, neither IFT20 nor IFT88 was present in the manchette in the elongating spermatids even though their localizations were normal in spermatocytes and round spermatids. However, MEIG1 was still present in the manchette in elongating spermatids of the conditional Ift20 knockout mice. In the sucrose gradient assay, both IFT20 and IFT88 proteins drifted from higher density fractions to lighter ones in the Meig1 knockout mice. MEIG1 distribution was not changed in the conditional Ift20 knockout mice. Finally, testicular IFT20 and IFT88 protein and mRNA levels were significantly reduced in Meig1 knockout mice. Our data suggests that MEIG1 is a key protein in determining the manchette localization of certain IFT components, including IFT20 and IFT88, in male germ cells.
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10
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Yogo K. Molecular basis of the morphogenesis of sperm head and tail in mice. Reprod Med Biol 2022; 21:e12466. [PMID: 35619659 PMCID: PMC9126569 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The spermatozoon has a complex molecular apparatus necessary for fertilization in its head and flagellum. Recently, numerous genes that are needed to construct the molecular apparatus of spermatozoa have been identified through the analysis of genetically modified mice. Methods Based on the literature information, the molecular basis of the morphogenesis of sperm heads and flagella in mice was summarized. Main findings (Results) The molecular mechanisms of vesicular trafficking and intraflagellar transport in acrosome and flagellum formation were listed. With the development of cryo‐electron tomography and mass spectrometry techniques, the details of the axonemal structure are becoming clearer. The fine structure and the proteins needed to form the central apparatus, outer and inner dynein arms, nexin‐dynein regulatory complex, and radial spokes were described. The important components of the formation of the mitochondrial sheath, fibrous sheath, outer dense fiber, and the annulus were also described. The similarities and differences between sperm flagella and Chlamydomonas flagella/somatic cell cilia were also discussed. Conclusion The molecular mechanism of formation of the sperm head and flagellum has been clarified using the mouse as a model. These studies will help to better understand the diversity of sperm morphology and the causes of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiichiro Yogo
- Department of Applied Life Sciences Faculty of Agriculture Shizuoka University Shizuoka Japan
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11
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Wei L, Tang Y, Zeng X, Li Y, Zhang S, Deng L, Wang L, Wang D. The transcription factor Sox30 is involved in Nile tilapia spermatogenesis. J Genet Genomics 2021; 49:666-676. [PMID: 34801758 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2021.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complex process in which spermatogonial stem cells differentiate and develop into mature spermatozoa. The transcriptional regulatory network involved in fish spermatogenesis remains poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate in Nile tilapia that the Sox transcription factor family member Sox30 is specifically expressed in the testes and mainly localizes to spermatocytes and spermatids. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated sox30 mutation results in abnormal spermiogenesis, reduction of sperm motility, and male subfertility. Comparative transcriptome analysis shows that sox30 mutation alters the expression of genes involved in spermatogenesis. Further chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by high-throughput sequencing (ChIP-seq), ChIP-PCR, and luciferase reporter assays reveal that Sox30 positively regulates the transcription of ift140 and ptprb, two genes involved in spermiogenesis, by directly binding to their promoters. Taken together, our data indicate that Sox30 plays essential roles in Nile tilapia spermatogenesis by directly regulating the transcription of the spermiogenesis-related genes ift140 and ptprb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Wei
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Yaohao Tang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xianhai Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Yueqin Li
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Song Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Li Deng
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Lingsong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Deshou Wang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
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12
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Ma Q, Cao C, Zhuang C, Luo X, Li X, Wan H, Ye J, Chen F, Cui L, Zhang Y, Wen Y, Yuan S, Gui Y. AXDND1, a novel testis-enriched gene, is required for spermiogenesis and male fertility. Cell Death Discov 2021; 7:348. [PMID: 34759295 PMCID: PMC8580973 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-021-00738-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermiogenesis is a complex process depending on the sophisticated coordination of a myriad of testis-enriched gene regulations. The regulatory pathways that coordinate this process are not well understood, and we demonstrate here that AXDND1, as a novel testis-enriched gene is essential for spermiogenesis and male fertility. AXDND1 is exclusively expressed in the round and elongating spermatids in humans and mice. We identified two potentially deleterious mutations of AXDND1 unique to non‐obstructive azoospermia (NOA) patients through selected exonic sequencing. Importantly, Axdnd1 knockout males are sterile with reduced testis size caused by increased germ cell apoptosis and sloughing, exhibiting phenotypes consistent with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia. Axdnd1 mutated late spermatids showed head deformation, outer doublet microtubules deficiency in the axoneme, and loss of corresponding accessory structures, including outer dense fiber (ODF) and mitochondria sheath. These phenotypes were probably due to the perturbed behavior of the manchette, a dynamic structure where AXDND1 was localized. Our findings establish AXDND1 as a novel testis-enrich gene essential for spermiogenesis and male fertility probably by regulating the manchette dynamics, spermatid head shaping, sperm flagellum assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Ma
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Institute of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen PKU-HKUST Medical Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518036, China
| | - Congcong Cao
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Institute of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen PKU-HKUST Medical Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518036, China
| | - Changshui Zhuang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Institute of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen PKU-HKUST Medical Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518036, China
| | - Xiaomin Luo
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Institute of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen PKU-HKUST Medical Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518036, China
| | - Xiaofeng Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Institute of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen PKU-HKUST Medical Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518036, China
| | - Huijuan Wan
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Institute of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen PKU-HKUST Medical Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518036, China
| | - Jing Ye
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Institute of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen PKU-HKUST Medical Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518036, China
| | - Fangfang Chen
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Institute of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen PKU-HKUST Medical Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518036, China
| | - Lina Cui
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Institute of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen PKU-HKUST Medical Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518036, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Yujiao Wen
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Shuiqiao Yuan
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China. .,Shenzhen Huazhong University of Science and Technology Research Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518057, China. .,Laboratory Animal Center, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China.
| | - Yaoting Gui
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Institute of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen PKU-HKUST Medical Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518036, China.
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13
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Luo X, Guo Y, Huang Y, Cheng M, Wu X, Gong Y. Characterization and proteomics of chicken seminal plasma extracellular vesicles. Reprod Domest Anim 2021; 57:98-110. [PMID: 34717018 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
In mammals, seminal plasma extracellular vesicles (SPEVs) can regulate sperm motility and capacitation. The characteristics and functions of SPEVs in avians have been rarely reported. In this study, chicken SPEVs were isolated and characterized by transmission and scanning electron microscopy (TEM/SEM) and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA); furthermore, seven extracellular vesicle (EVs) marker proteins were detected by Western blot (WB). TEM revealed that chicken SPEVs had a classic bilayer membrane structure. NTA confirmed that the size of SPEVs was 30-250 nm, and concentration ranged from 8.0 E + 11-8.5 E + 11 particles/ml. There were 3073 SPEVs proteins identified by deep sequencing, including 2794 intracellular proteins and 279 extracellular proteins. The overlap rate of proteomes between chicken SPEVs and vesicles reported in the Vesiclepedia database reached 86%, and 360 new proteins that had not been reported by the ExoCarta and Vesiclepedia databases were identified in chicken SPEV proteomes. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis revealed that chicken SPEV proteins were mainly enriched in supplying energy and transporting protein. There were 4 IFT family proteins speculated to play an important role in sperm composition and function. Our data were compared with two previously published studies on the proteomics of chicken seminal plasma (SP) and hen uterine fluid, and some overlapping proteins described in chicken SPEVs had been identified in hen uterine fluid (545) and chicken SP (284). In conclusion, these findings will increase our understanding of the content and composition of proteome in SPEVs and provide new insights into the important role of the SPEV regulation in sperm functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuliang Luo
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, China.,College of Animal Science and Technology and College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Guo
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, China.,College of Animal Science and Technology and College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ying Huang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, China.,College of Animal Science and Technology and College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Manman Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, China.,College of Animal Science and Technology and College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaohui Wu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, China.,College of Animal Science and Technology and College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yanzhang Gong
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, China.,College of Animal Science and Technology and College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
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14
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Cong J, Wang X, Amiri-Yekta A, Wang L, Kherraf ZE, Liu C, Cazin C, Tang S, Hosseini SH, Tian S, Daneshipour A, Wang J, Zhou Y, Zeng Y, Yang S, He X, Li J, Cao Y, Jin L, Ray PF, Zhang F. Homozygous mutations in CCDC34 cause male infertility with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia in humans and mice. J Med Genet 2021; 59:710-718. [PMID: 34348960 DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2021-107919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia is a typical feature of sperm malformations leading to male infertility. Only a few genes have been clearly identified as pathogenic genes of oligoasthenoteratozoospermia. METHODS AND RESULTS Here, we identified a homozygous frameshift variant (c.731dup, p.Asn244Lysfs*3) in CCDC34, which is preferentially expressed in the human testis, using whole-exome sequencing in a cohort of 100 Chinese men with multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF). In an additional cohort of 167 MMAF-affected men from North Africa, Iran and France, we identified a second subject harbouring a homozygous CCDC34 frameshift variant (c.799_817del, p.Glu267Lysfs*72). Both affected men presented a typical MMAF phenotype with an abnormally low sperm concentration (ie, oligoasthenoteratozoospermia). Transmission electron microscopy analysis of the sperm flagella affected by CCDC34 deficiency further revealed dramatic disorganisation of the axoneme. Immunofluorescence assays of the spermatozoa showed that CCDC34 deficiency resulted in almost absent staining of CCDC34 and intraflagellar transport-B complex-associated proteins (such as IFT20 and IFT52). Furthermore, we generated a mouse Ccdc34 frameshift mutant using CRISPR-Cas9 technology. Ccdc34-mutated (Ccdc34mut/mut ) male mice were sterile and presented oligoasthenoteratozoospermia with typical MMAF anomalies. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection has good pregnancy outcomes in both humans and mice. CONCLUSIONS Our findings support that CCDC34 is crucial to the formation of sperm flagella and that biallelic deleterious mutations in CCDC34/Ccdc34 cause male infertility with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia in humans and mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangshan Cong
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiong Wang
- Department of Surgery, Medical College of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Reproductive Medicine Center, Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Amir Amiri-Yekta
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research, Tehran, Iran.,Université Grenoble Alpes, Genetic Epigenetic and Therapies of Infertility, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Grenoble, France
| | - Lingbo Wang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Zine-Eddine Kherraf
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Genetic Epigenetic and Therapies of Infertility, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Grenoble, France.,Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Grenoble, UM GI-DPI, Grenoble, France
| | - Chunyu Liu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Caroline Cazin
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Genetic Epigenetic and Therapies of Infertility, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Grenoble, France.,Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Grenoble, UM GI-DPI, Grenoble, France.,Laboratoire Eurofins Biomnis, Lyon, France
| | - Shuyan Tang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Seyedeh Hanieh Hosseini
- Department of Andrology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shixiong Tian
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Abbas Daneshipour
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jiaxiong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yiling Zhou
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuyan Zeng
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shenmin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaojin He
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jinsong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shangai, China
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,MOE Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Li Jin
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Pierre F Ray
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Genetic Epigenetic and Therapies of Infertility, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Grenoble, France .,Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Grenoble, UM GI-DPI, Grenoble, France
| | - Feng Zhang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China .,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
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15
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Azhar M, Altaf S, Uddin I, Cheng J, Wu L, Tong X, Qin W, Bao J. Towards Post-Meiotic Sperm Production: Genetic Insight into Human Infertility from Mouse Models. Int J Biol Sci 2021; 17:2487-2503. [PMID: 34326689 PMCID: PMC8315030 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.60384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Declined quality and quantity of sperm is currently the major cause of patients suffering from infertility. Male germ cell development is spatiotemporally regulated throughout the whole developmental process. While it has been known that exogenous factors, such as environmental exposure, diet and lifestyle, et al, play causative roles in male infertility, recent progress has revealed abundant genetic mutations tightly associated with defective male germline development. In mammals, male germ cells undergo dramatic morphological change (i.e., nuclear condensation) and chromatin remodeling during post-meiotic haploid germline development, a process termed spermiogenesis; However, the molecular machinery players and functional mechanisms have yet to be identified. To date, accumulated evidence suggests that disruption in any step of haploid germline development is likely manifested as fertility issues with low sperm count, poor sperm motility, aberrant sperm morphology or combined. With the continually declined cost of next-generation sequencing and recent progress of CRISPR/Cas9 technology, growing studies have revealed a vast number of disease-causing genetic variants associated with spermiogenic defects in both mice and humans, along with mechanistic insights partially attained and validated through genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs). In this review, we mainly summarize genes that are functional at post-meiotic stage. Identification and characterization of deleterious genetic variants should aid in our understanding of germline development, and thereby further improve the diagnosis and treatment of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Azhar
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui, China
| | - Saba Altaf
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui, China
| | - Islam Uddin
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui, China
| | - Jinbao Cheng
- The 901th hospital of Joint logistics support Force of PLA, Anhui, China
| | - Limin Wu
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui, China
| | - Xianhong Tong
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui, China
| | - Weibing Qin
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Family Planning Research Institute of Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jianqiang Bao
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui, China
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16
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Zhang S, Liu Y, Huang Q, Yuan S, Liu H, Shi L, Yap YT, Li W, Zhen J, Zhang L, Hess RA, Zhang Z. Murine germ cell-specific disruption of Ift172 causes defects in spermiogenesis and male fertility. Reproduction 2021; 159:409-421. [PMID: 31958312 DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2017] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Intraflagellar transport (IFT) is a conserved mechanism essential for the assembly and maintenance of most eukaryotic cilia and flagella. IFT172 is a component of the IFT complex. Global disruption of mouse Ift172 gene caused typical phenotypes of ciliopathy. Mouse Ift172 gene appears to translate two major proteins; the full-length protein is highly expressed in the tissues enriched in cilia and the smaller 130 kDa one is only abundant in the testis. In male germ cells, IFT172 is highly expressed in the manchette of elongating spermatids. A germ cell-specific Ift172 mutant mice were generated, and the mutant mice did not show gross abnormalities. There was no difference in testis/body weight between the control and mutant mice, but more than half of the adult homozygous mutant males were infertile and associated with abnormally developed germ cells in the spermiogenesis phase. The cauda epididymides in mutant mice contained less developed sperm that showed significantly reduced motility, and these sperm had multiple defects in ultrastructure and bent tails. In the mutant mice, testicular expression levels of some IFT components, including IFT20, IFT27, IFT74, IFT81 and IFT140, and a central apparatus protein SPAG16L were not changed. However, expression levels of ODF2, a component of the outer dense fiber, and AKAP4, a component of fibrous sheath, and two IFT components IFT25 and IFT57 were dramatically reduced. Our findings demonstrate that IFT172 is essential for normal male fertility and spermiogenesis in mice, probably by modulating specific IFT proteins and transporting/assembling unique accessory structural proteins into spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyang Zhang
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Yunhao Liu
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Qian Huang
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Shuo Yuan
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Hong Liu
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Lin Shi
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Yi Tian Yap
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Jingkai Zhen
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Rex A Hess
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Zhibing Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
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17
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Xia M, Xia J, Niu C, Zhong Y, Ge T, Ding Y, Zheng Y. Testis-expressed protein 33 is not essential for spermiogenesis and fertility in mice. Mol Med Rep 2021; 23:317. [PMID: 33760102 PMCID: PMC7974414 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.11956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene expression analyses have revealed that there are >2,300 testis-enriched genes in mice, and gene knockout models have shown that a number of them are responsible for male fertility. However, the functions of numerous genes have yet to be clarified. The aim of the present study was to identify the expression pattern of testis-expressed protein 33 (TEX33) in mice and explore the role of TEX33 in male reproduction. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blot assays were used to investigate the mRNA and protein levels of TEX33 in mouse testes during the first wave of spermatogenesis. Immunofluorescence analysis was also performed to identify the cellular and structural localization of TEX33 protein in the testes. Tex33 knockout mice were generated by CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing. Histological analysis with hematoxylin and eosin or periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining, computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) and fertility testing, were also carried out to evaluate the effect of TEX33 on mouse spermiogenesis and male reproduction. The results showed that Tex33 mRNA and protein were exclusively expressed in mouse testes and were first detected on postnatal days 21–28 (spermiogenesis phase); their expression then remained into adulthood. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed that TEX33 protein was located in the spermatids and sperm within the seminiferous tubules of the mouse testes, and exhibited specific localization to the acrosome, flagellum and manchette during spermiogenesis. These results suggested that TEX33 may play a role in mouse spermiogenesis. However, Tex33 knockout mice presented no detectable difference in testis-to-body weight ratios when compared with wild-type mice. PAS staining and CASA revealed that spermatogenesis and sperm quality were normal in mice lacking Tex33. In addition, fertility testing suggested that the Tex33 knockout mice had normal reproductive functions. In summary, the findings of the present study indicate that TEX33 is associated with spermiogenesis but is not essential for sperm development and male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Xia
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, P.R. China
| | - Jing Xia
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, P.R. China
| | - Changmin Niu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, P.R. China
| | - Yanan Zhong
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, P.R. China
| | - Tingting Ge
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, P.R. China
| | - Yue Ding
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, P.R. China
| | - Ying Zheng
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, P.R. China
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18
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Lorès P, Kherraf ZE, Amiri-Yekta A, Whitfield M, Daneshipour A, Stouvenel L, Cazin C, Cavarocchi E, Coutton C, Llabador MA, Arnoult C, Thierry-Mieg N, Ferreux L, Patrat C, Hosseini SH, Mustapha SFB, Zouari R, Dulioust E, Ray PF, Touré A. A missense mutation in IFT74, encoding for an essential component for intraflagellar transport of Tubulin, causes asthenozoospermia and male infertility without clinical signs of Bardet-Biedl syndrome. Hum Genet 2021; 140:1031-1043. [PMID: 33689014 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-021-02270-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cilia and flagella are formed around an evolutionary conserved microtubule-based axoneme and are required for fluid and mucus clearance, tissue homeostasis, cell differentiation and movement. The formation and maintenance of cilia and flagella require bidirectional transit of proteins along the axonemal microtubules, a process called intraflagellar transport (IFT). In humans, IFT defects contribute to a large group of systemic diseases, called ciliopathies, which often display overlapping phenotypes. By performing exome sequencing of a cohort of 167 non-syndromic infertile men displaying multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagellum (MMAF) we identified two unrelated patients carrying a homozygous missense variant adjacent to a splice donor consensus site of IFT74 (c.256G > A;p.Gly86Ser). IFT74 encodes for a core component of the IFT machinery that is essential for the anterograde transport of tubulin. We demonstrate that this missense variant affects IFT74 mRNA splicing and induces the production of at least two distinct mutant proteins with abnormal subcellular localization along the sperm flagellum. Importantly, while IFT74 deficiency was previously implicated in two cases of Bardet-Biedl syndrome, a pleiotropic ciliopathy with variable expressivity, our data indicate that this missense mutation only results in primary male infertility due to MMAF, with no other clinical features. Taken together, our data indicate that the nature of the mutation adds a level of complexity to the clinical manifestations of ciliary dysfunction, thus contributing to the expanding phenotypical spectrum of ciliopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Lorès
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, 75014, Paris, France
| | - Zine-Eddine Kherraf
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Institut pour l'avancée des Biosciences, INSERM, CNRS, 38000, Grenoble, France.,CHU de Grenoble, UM GI-DPI, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Amir Amiri-Yekta
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marjorie Whitfield
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Institut pour l'avancée des Biosciences, INSERM, CNRS, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Abbas Daneshipour
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Laurence Stouvenel
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, 75014, Paris, France
| | - Caroline Cazin
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Institut pour l'avancée des Biosciences, INSERM, CNRS, 38000, Grenoble, France.,CHU de Grenoble, UM GI-DPI, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Emma Cavarocchi
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Institut pour l'avancée des Biosciences, INSERM, CNRS, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Charles Coutton
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Institut pour l'avancée des Biosciences, INSERM, CNRS, 38000, Grenoble, France.,CHU Grenoble Alpes, UM de Génétique Chromosomique, Grenoble, France
| | - Marie-Astrid Llabador
- Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire Paris Nord Val de Seine, Assistante Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 75018, Paris, France
| | - Christophe Arnoult
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Institut pour l'avancée des Biosciences, INSERM, CNRS, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | | | - Lucile Ferreux
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, 75014, Paris, France.,Laboratoire d'Histologie Embryologie, Biologie de la Reproduction, CECOS Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire Paris Centre, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 75014, Paris, France
| | - Catherine Patrat
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, 75014, Paris, France.,Laboratoire d'Histologie Embryologie, Biologie de la Reproduction, CECOS Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire Paris Centre, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 75014, Paris, France
| | - Seyedeh-Hanieh Hosseini
- Department of Andrology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Raoudha Zouari
- Polyclinique les Jasmins, Centre d'Aide Médicale à la Procréation, Centre Urbain Nord, 1003, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Emmanuel Dulioust
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, 75014, Paris, France.,Laboratoire d'Histologie Embryologie, Biologie de la Reproduction, CECOS Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire Paris Centre, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 75014, Paris, France
| | - Pierre F Ray
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Institut pour l'avancée des Biosciences, INSERM, CNRS, 38000, Grenoble, France.,CHU de Grenoble, UM GI-DPI, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Aminata Touré
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Institut pour l'avancée des Biosciences, INSERM, CNRS, 38000, Grenoble, France.
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19
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Zhang Z. Some thoughts about intraflagellar transport in reproduction. Mol Reprod Dev 2021; 88:115-118. [PMID: 33507597 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhibing Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
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20
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Han F, Dong MZ, Lei WL, Xu ZL, Gao F, Schatten H, Wang ZB, Sun XF, Sun QY. Oligoasthenoteratospermia and sperm tail bending in PPP4C-deficient mice. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 27:gaaa083. [PMID: 33543287 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaaa083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein phosphatase 4 (PPP4) is a protein phosphatase that, although highly expressed in the testis, currently has an unclear physiological role in this tissue. Here, we show that deletion of PPP4 catalytic subunit gene Ppp4c in the mouse causes male-specific infertility. Loss of PPP4C, when assessed by light microscopy, did not obviously affect many aspects of the morphology of spermatogenesis, including acrosome formation, nuclear condensation and elongation, mitochondrial sheaths arrangement and '9 + 2' flagellar structure assembly. However, the PPP4C mutant had sperm tail bending defects (head-bent-back), low sperm count, poor sperm motility and had cytoplasmic remnants attached to the middle piece of the tail. The cytoplasmic remnants were further investigated by transmission electron microscopy to reveal that a defect in cytoplasm removal appeared to play a significant role in the observed spermiogenesis failure and resulting male infertility. A lack of PPP4 during spermatogenesis causes defects that are reminiscent of oligoasthenoteratospermia (OAT), which is a common cause of male infertility in humans. Like the lack of functional PPP4 in the mouse model, OAT is characterized by abnormal sperm morphology, low sperm count and poor sperm motility. Although the causes of OAT are probably heterogeneous, including mutation of various genes and environmentally induced defects, the detailed molecular mechanism(s) has remained unclear. Our discovery that the PPP4C-deficient mouse model shares features with human OAT might offer a useful model for further studies of this currently poorly understood disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Han
- Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510150, China
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - M Z Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - W L Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Z L Xu
- Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510150, China
| | - F Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - H Schatten
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Z B Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - X F Sun
- Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510150, China
| | - Q Y Sun
- Fertility Preservation Lab, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou 501317, China
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21
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Pleuger C, Lehti MS, Dunleavy JE, Fietz D, O'Bryan MK. Haploid male germ cells-the Grand Central Station of protein transport. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 26:474-500. [PMID: 32318721 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The precise movement of proteins and vesicles is an essential ability for all eukaryotic cells. Nowhere is this more evident than during the remarkable transformation that occurs in spermiogenesis-the transformation of haploid round spermatids into sperm. These transformations are critically dependent upon both the microtubule and the actin cytoskeleton, and defects in these processes are thought to underpin a significant percentage of human male infertility. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review is aimed at summarising and synthesising the current state of knowledge around protein/vesicle transport during haploid male germ cell development and identifying knowledge gaps and challenges for future research. To achieve this, we summarise the key discoveries related to protein transport using the mouse as a model system. Where relevant, we anchored these insights to knowledge in the field of human spermiogenesis and the causality of human male infertility. SEARCH METHODS Relevant studies published in English were identified using PubMed using a range of search terms related to the core focus of the review-protein/vesicle transport, intra-flagellar transport, intra-manchette transport, Golgi, acrosome, manchette, axoneme, outer dense fibres and fibrous sheath. Searches were not restricted to a particular time frame or species although the emphasis within the review is on mammalian spermiogenesis. OUTCOMES Spermiogenesis is the final phase of sperm development. It results in the transformation of a round cell into a highly polarised sperm with the capacity for fertility. It is critically dependent on the cytoskeleton and its ability to transport protein complexes and vesicles over long distances and often between distinct cytoplasmic compartments. The development of the acrosome covering the sperm head, the sperm tail within the ciliary lobe, the manchette and its role in sperm head shaping and protein transport into the tail, and the assembly of mitochondria into the mid-piece of sperm, may all be viewed as a series of overlapping and interconnected train tracks. Defects in this redistribution network lead to male infertility characterised by abnormal sperm morphology (teratozoospermia) and/or abnormal sperm motility (asthenozoospermia) and are likely to be causal of, or contribute to, a significant percentage of human male infertility. WIDER IMPLICATIONS A greater understanding of the mechanisms of protein transport in spermiogenesis offers the potential to precisely diagnose cases of male infertility and to forecast implications for children conceived using gametes containing these mutations. The manipulation of these processes will offer opportunities for male-based contraceptive development. Further, as increasingly evidenced in the literature, we believe that the continuous and spatiotemporally restrained nature of spermiogenesis provides an outstanding model system to identify, and de-code, cytoskeletal elements and transport mechanisms of relevance to multiple tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane Pleuger
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Australia.,Institute for Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen 35392, Germany.,Hessian Centre of Reproductive Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen 35392, Germany
| | - Mari S Lehti
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Australia.,Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku 20520, Finland
| | | | - Daniela Fietz
- Institute for Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen 35392, Germany.,Hessian Centre of Reproductive Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen 35392, Germany
| | - Moira K O'Bryan
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Australia
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22
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Abstract
Non-obstructive azoospermia is a distinct diagnosis within male infertility in which no sperm is found in the ejaculate as a result of spermatogenesis failure. Because of the increased prevalence of genetic abnormalities in men with non-obstructive azoospermia, male infertility guidelines recommend screening for karyotype abnormalities and Y chromosome microdeletions in this population. Numerous karyotype abnormalities may be present resulting in impaired spermatogenesis, including: Klinefelter syndrome, translocations, and deletions. Y chromosome microdeletions of the AZFa, AZFb, AZFc subregions all can also result in non-obstructive azoospermia with the possibility of sperm being present if only the AZFc subregion is deleted. While these are the two genetic tests recommended by the guidelines, nearly 50%-80% of non-obstructive azoospermia has no identifiable cause and is deemed idiopathic. Several other genetic defects can lead to non-obstructive azoospermia including Kallmann syndrome, mild androgen insensitivity syndrome, and TEX11. While many additional candidate genes have been proposed, many have yet to be verified or are so infrequent in the population that screening is cost-ineffective. Much research is still required in the genetics of non-obstructive azoospermia and will require multi-institutional initiatives to better understand the genetics of condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa N Peña
- Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Taylor P Kohn
- Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Amin S Herati
- Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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23
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Dlec1 is required for spermatogenesis and male fertility in mice. Sci Rep 2020; 10:18883. [PMID: 33144677 PMCID: PMC7642295 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-75957-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Deleted in lung and esophageal cancer 1 (DLEC1) is a tumour suppressor gene that is downregulated in various cancers in humans; however, the physiological and molecular functions of DLEC1 are still unclear. This study investigated the critical role of Dlec1 in spermatogenesis and male fertility in mice. Dlec1 was significantly expressed in testes, with dominant expression in germ cells. We disrupted Dlec1 in mice and analysed its function in spermatogenesis and male fertility. Dlec1 deletion caused male infertility due to impaired spermatogenesis. Spermatogenesis progressed normally to step 8 spermatids in Dlec1−/− mice, but in elongating spermatids, we observed head deformation, a shortened tail, and abnormal manchette organization. These phenotypes were similar to those of various intraflagellar transport (IFT)-associated gene-deficient sperm. In addition, DLEC1 interacted with tailless complex polypeptide 1 ring complex (TRiC) and Bardet–Biedl Syndrome (BBS) protein complex subunits, as well as α- and β-tubulin. DLEC1 expression also enhanced primary cilia formation and cilia length in A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells. These findings suggest that DLEC1 is a possible regulator of IFT and plays an essential role in sperm head and tail formation in mice.
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24
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Teves ME, Roldan ERS, Krapf D, Strauss III JF, Bhagat V, Sapao P. Sperm Differentiation: The Role of Trafficking of Proteins. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E3702. [PMID: 32456358 PMCID: PMC7279445 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm differentiation encompasses a complex sequence of morphological changes that takes place in the seminiferous epithelium. In this process, haploid round spermatids undergo substantial structural and functional alterations, resulting in highly polarized sperm. Hallmark changes during the differentiation process include the formation of new organelles, chromatin condensation and nuclear shaping, elimination of residual cytoplasm, and assembly of the sperm flagella. To achieve these transformations, spermatids have unique mechanisms for protein trafficking that operate in a coordinated fashion. Microtubules and filaments of actin are the main tracks used to facilitate the transport mechanisms, assisted by motor and non-motor proteins, for delivery of vesicular and non-vesicular cargos to specific sites. This review integrates recent findings regarding the role of protein trafficking in sperm differentiation. Although a complete characterization of the interactome of proteins involved in these temporal and spatial processes is not yet known, we propose a model based on the current literature as a framework for future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria E. Teves
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond VA 23298, USA;
| | - Eduardo R. S. Roldan
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), 28006-Madrid, Spain
| | - Diego Krapf
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA;
| | - Jerome F. Strauss III
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond VA 23298, USA;
| | - Virali Bhagat
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond VA 23298, USA;
| | - Paulene Sapao
- Department of Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond VA, 23298, USA;
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25
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Hiltpold M, Niu G, Kadri NK, Crysnanto D, Fang ZH, Spengeler M, Schmitz-Hsu F, Fuerst C, Schwarzenbacher H, Seefried FR, Seehusen F, Witschi U, Schnieke A, Fries R, Bollwein H, Flisikowski K, Pausch H. Activation of cryptic splicing in bovine WDR19 is associated with reduced semen quality and male fertility. PLoS Genet 2020; 16:e1008804. [PMID: 32407316 PMCID: PMC7252675 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cattle are ideally suited to investigate the genetics of male reproduction, because semen quality and fertility are recorded for all ejaculates of artificial insemination bulls. We analysed 26,090 ejaculates of 794 Brown Swiss bulls to assess ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, sperm motility, sperm head and tail anomalies and insemination success. The heritability of the six semen traits was between 0 and 0.26. Genome-wide association testing on 607,511 SNPs revealed a QTL on bovine chromosome 6 that was associated with sperm motility (P = 2.5 x 10−27), head (P = 2.0 x 10−44) and tail anomalies (P = 7.2 x 10−49) and insemination success (P = 9.9 x 10−13). The QTL harbors a recessive allele that compromises semen quality and male fertility. We replicated the effect of the QTL on fertility (P = 7.1 x 10−32) in an independent cohort of 2481 Brown Swiss bulls. The analysis of whole-genome sequencing data revealed that a synonymous variant (BTA6:58373887C>T, rs474302732) in WDR19 encoding WD repeat-containing protein 19 was in linkage disequilibrium with the fertility-associated haplotype. WD repeat-containing protein 19 is a constituent of the intraflagellar transport complex that is essential for the physiological function of motile cilia and flagella. Bioinformatic and transcription analyses revealed that the BTA6:58373887 T-allele activates a cryptic exonic splice site that eliminates three evolutionarily conserved amino acids from WDR19. Western blot analysis demonstrated that the BTA6:58373887 T-allele decreases protein expression. We make the remarkable observation that, in spite of negative effects on semen quality and bull fertility, the BTA6:58373887 T-allele has a frequency of 24% in the Brown Swiss population. Our findings are the first to uncover a variant that is associated with quantitative variation in semen quality and male fertility in cattle. In cattle farming, artificial insemination is the most common method of breeding. To ensure high fertilization rates, ejaculate quality and insemination success are closely monitored in artificial insemination bulls. We analyse semen quality, insemination success and microarray-called genotypes at more than 600,000 genome-wide SNP markers of 794 bulls to identify a recessive allele that compromises semen quality. We take advantage of whole-genome sequencing to pinpoint a variant in the coding sequence of WDR19 encoding WD repeat-containing protein 19 that activates a novel exonic splice site. Our results indicate that cryptic splicing in WDR19 is associated with reduced male reproductive performance. This is the first report of a variant that contributes to quantitative variation in bovine semen quality.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Guanglin Niu
- Livestock Biotechnology, TU München, Freising, Germany
| | | | | | - Zih-Hua Fang
- Animal Genomics, ETH Zürich, Lindau, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Frauke Seehusen
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Ruedi Fries
- Animal Breeding, TU München, Freising, Germany
| | - Heinrich Bollwein
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Hubert Pausch
- Animal Genomics, ETH Zürich, Lindau, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
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26
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Qu W, Yuan S, Quan C, Huang Q, Zhou Q, Yap Y, Shi L, Zhang D, Guest T, Li W, Yee SP, Zhang L, Cazin C, Hess RA, Ray PF, Kherraf ZE, Zhang Z. The essential role of intraflagellar transport protein IFT81 in male mice spermiogenesis and fertility. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2020; 318:C1092-C1106. [PMID: 32233951 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00450.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Intraflagellar transport (IFT) is an evolutionarily conserved mechanism that is indispensable for the formation and maintenance of cilia and flagella; however, the implications and functions of IFT81 remain unknown. In this study, we disrupted IFT81 expression in male germ cells starting from the spermatocyte stage. As a result, homozygous mutant males were completely infertile and displayed abnormal sperm parameters. In addition to oligozoospermia, spermatozoa presented dysmorphic and nonfunctional flagella. Histological examination of testes from homozygous mutant mice revealed abnormal spermiogenesis associated with sloughing of germ cells and the presence of numerous multinucleated giant germ cells (symblasts) in the lumen of seminiferous tubules and epididymis. Moreover, only few elongated spermatids and spermatozoa were seen in analyzed cross sections. Transmission electron microscopy showed a complete disorganization of the axoneme and para-axonemal structures such as the mitochondrial sheath, fibrous sheath, and outer dense fibers. In addition, numerous vesicles that contain unassembled microtubules were observed within developing spermatids. Acrosome structure analysis showed normal appearance, thus excluding a crucial role of IFT81 in acrosome biogenesis. These observations showed that IFT81 is an important member of the IFT process during spermatogenesis and that its absence is associated with abnormal flagellum formation leading to male infertility. The expression levels of several IFT components in testes, including IFT20, IFT25, IFT27, IFT57, IFT74, and IFT88, but not IFT140, were significantly reduced in homozygous mutant mice. Overall, our study demonstrates that IFT81 plays an essential role during spermatogenesis by modulating the assembly and elongation of the sperm flagella.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Qu
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Shuo Yuan
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Chao Quan
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Qian Huang
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Qi Zhou
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Yitian Yap
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Lin Shi
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
| | - David Zhang
- College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia
| | - Tamia Guest
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Siu-Pok Yee
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut
| | - Ling Zhang
- School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Caroline Cazin
- Team Genetic, Epigenetic and Therapies of Infertility, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Université Grenoble Alpes, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1209, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique Unité Mixte de Recherche 5309, Grenoble, France.,Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Rex A Hess
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Pierre F Ray
- Team Genetic, Epigenetic and Therapies of Infertility, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Université Grenoble Alpes, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1209, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique Unité Mixte de Recherche 5309, Grenoble, France.,Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Zine-Eddine Kherraf
- Team Genetic, Epigenetic and Therapies of Infertility, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Université Grenoble Alpes, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1209, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique Unité Mixte de Recherche 5309, Grenoble, France.,Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Zhibing Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
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27
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Huang Q, Liu H, Zeng J, Li W, Zhang S, Zhang L, Song S, Zhou T, Sutovsky M, Sutovsky P, Pardi R, Hess RA, Zhang Z. COP9 signalosome complex subunit 5, an IFT20 binding partner, is essential to maintain male germ cell survival and acrosome biogenesis†. Biol Reprod 2020; 102:233-247. [PMID: 31373619 PMCID: PMC7443350 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2019] [Revised: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Intraflagellar transport protein 20 (IFT20) is essential for spermatogenesis in mice. We discovered that COPS5 was a major binding partner of IFT20. COPS5 is the fifth component of the constitutive photomorphogenic-9 signalosome (COP9), which is involved in protein ubiquitination and degradation. COPS5 is highly abundant in mouse testis. Mice deficiency in COPS5 specifically in male germ cells showed dramatically reduced sperm numbers and were infertile. Testis weight was about one third compared to control adult mice, and germ cells underwent significant apoptosis at a premeiotic stage. Testicular poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1, a protein that helps cells to maintain viability, was dramatically decreased, and Caspase-3, a critical executioner of apoptosis, was increased in the mutant mice. Expression level of FANK1, a known COPS5 binding partner, and a key germ cell apoptosis regulator was also reduced. An acrosome marker, lectin PNA, was nearly absent in the few surviving spermatids, and expression level of sperm acrosome associated 1, another acrosomal component was significantly reduced. IFT20 expression level was significantly reduced in the Cops5 knockout mice, and it was no longer present in the acrosome, but remained in the Golgi apparatus of spermatocytes. In the conditional Ift20 mutant mice, COPS5 localization and testicular expression levels were not changed. COP9 has been shown to be involved in multiple signal pathways, particularly functioning as a co-factor for protein ubiquitination. COPS5 is believed to maintain normal spermatogenesis through multiple mechanisms, including maintaining male germ cell survival and acrosome biogenesis, possibly by modulating protein ubiquitination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Huang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Hong Liu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jing Zeng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Shiyang Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Ling Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Shizhen Song
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ting Zhou
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Miriam Sutovsky
- Division of Animal Sciences, College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources, and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Peter Sutovsky
- Division of Animal Sciences, College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources, and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Ruggero Pardi
- School of Medicine and Scientific Institute, San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Rex A Hess
- Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Zhibing Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
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28
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Touré A, Martinez G, Kherraf ZE, Cazin C, Beurois J, Arnoult C, Ray PF, Coutton C. The genetic architecture of morphological abnormalities of the sperm tail. Hum Genet 2020; 140:21-42. [PMID: 31950240 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-020-02113-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Spermatozoa contain highly specialized structural features reflecting unique functions required for fertilization. Among them, the flagellum is a sperm-specific organelle required to generate the motility, which is essential to reach the egg. The flagellum integrity is, therefore, critical for normal sperm function and flagellum defects consistently lead to male infertility due to reduced or absent sperm motility defined as asthenozoospermia. Multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella (MMAF), also called short tails, is among the most severe forms of sperm flagellum defects responsible for male infertility and is characterized by the presence in the ejaculate of spermatozoa being short, coiled, absent and of irregular caliber. Recent studies have demonstrated that MMAF is genetically heterogeneous which is consistent with the large number of proteins (over one thousand) localized in the human sperm flagella. In the past 5 years, genomic investigation of the MMAF phenotype allowed the identification of 18 genes whose mutations induce MMAF and infertility. Here we will review information about those genes including their expression pattern, the features of the encoded proteins together with their localization within the different flagellar protein complexes (axonemal or peri-axonemal) and their potential functions. We will categorize the identified MMAF genes following the protein complexes, functions or biological processes they may be associated with, based on the current knowledge in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aminata Touré
- Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 75014, Paris, France.,INSERM U1016, Institut Cochin, 75014, Paris, France.,Centre National de La Recherche Scientifique UMR8104, 75014, Paris, France
| | - Guillaume Martinez
- INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, 38000, Grenoble, France.,CHU Grenoble Alpes, UM de Génétique Chromosomique, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Zine-Eddine Kherraf
- INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, 38000, Grenoble, France.,CHU Grenoble Alpes, UM GI-DPI, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Caroline Cazin
- INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Julie Beurois
- INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Christophe Arnoult
- INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Pierre F Ray
- INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, 38000, Grenoble, France.,CHU Grenoble Alpes, UM GI-DPI, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Charles Coutton
- INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, 38000, Grenoble, France. .,CHU Grenoble Alpes, UM de Génétique Chromosomique, 38000, Grenoble, France.
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29
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Wang Z, Shi Y, Ma S, Huang Q, Yap YT, Shi L, Zhang S, Zhou T, Li W, Hu B, Zhang L, Krawetz SA, Pazour GJ, Hess RA, Zhang Z. Abnormal fertility, acrosome formation, IFT20 expression and localization in conditional Gmap210 knockout mice. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2020; 318:C174-C190. [PMID: 31577511 PMCID: PMC6985835 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00517.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2018] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
GMAP210 (TRIP11) is a cis-Golgi network-associated protein and a Golgi membrane receptor for IFT20, an intraflagellar transport component essential for male fertility and spermiogenesis in mice. To investigate the role of GMAP210 in male fertility and spermatogenesis, floxed Gmap210 mice were bred with Stra8-iCre mice so that the Gmap210 gene is disrupted in spermatocytes and spermatids in this study. The Gmap210flox/flox: Stra8-iCre mutant mice showed no gross abnormalities and survived to adulthood. In adult males, testis and body weights showed no difference between controls and mutant mice. Low-magnification histological examination of the testes revealed normal seminiferous tubule structure, but sperm counts and fertility were significantly reduced in mutant mice compared with controls. Higher resolution examination of the mutant seminiferous epithelium showed that nearly all sperm had more oblong, abnormally shaped heads, while the sperm tails appeared to have normal morphology. Electron microscopy also revealed abnormally shaped sperm heads but normal axoneme core structure; some sperm showed membrane defects in the midpiece. In mutant mice, expression levels of IFT20 and other selective acrosomal proteins were significantly reduced, and their localization was also affected. Peanut-lectin, an acrosome maker, was almost absent in the spermatids and epididymal sperm. Mitochondrion staining was highly concentrated in the heads of sperm, suggesting that the midpieces were coiling around or aggregating near the heads. Defects in acrosome biogenesis were further confirmed by electron microscopy. Collectively, our findings suggest that GMAP210 is essential for acrosome biogenesis, normal mitochondrial sheath formation, and male fertility, and it determines expression levels and acrosomal localization of IFT20 and other acrosomal proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyu Wang
- School of Medicine, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Yuqin Shi
- School of Medicine, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Suheng Ma
- School of Medicine, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Qian Huang
- School of Medicine, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Yi Tian Yap
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Lin Shi
- School of Medicine, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Shiyang Zhang
- School of Medicine, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Ting Zhou
- School of Medicine, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Bo Hu
- Department of Neurology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Ling Zhang
- School of Medicine, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Stephen A Krawetz
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology and Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Gregory J Pazour
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Rex A Hess
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Zhibing Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology and Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
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30
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Liu C, He X, Liu W, Yang S, Wang L, Li W, Wu H, Tang S, Ni X, Wang J, Gao Y, Tian S, Zhang L, Cong J, Zhang Z, Tan Q, Zhang J, Li H, Zhong Y, Lv M, Li J, Jin L, Cao Y, Zhang F. Bi-allelic Mutations in TTC29 Cause Male Subfertility with Asthenoteratospermia in Humans and Mice. Am J Hum Genet 2019; 105:1168-1181. [PMID: 31735294 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2019.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
As a type of severe asthenoteratospermia, multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella (MMAF) are characterized by the presence of immotile spermatozoa with severe flagellar malformations. MMAF is a genetically heterogeneous disorder, and the known MMAF-associated genes can only account for approximately 60% of human MMAF cases. Here we conducted whole-exome sequencing and identified bi-allelic truncating mutations of the TTC29 (tetratricopeptide repeat domain 29) gene in three (3.8%) unrelated cases from a cohort of 80 MMAF-affected Han Chinese men. TTC29 is preferentially expressed in the testis, and TTC29 protein contains the tetratricopeptide repeat domains that play an important role in cilia- and flagella-associated functions. All of the men harboring TTC29 mutations presented a typical MMAF phenotype and dramatic disorganization in axonemal and/or other peri-axonemal structures. Immunofluorescence assays of spermatozoa from men harboring TTC29 mutations showed deficiency of TTC29 and remarkably reduced staining of intraflagellar-transport-complex-B-associated proteins (TTC30A and IFT52). We also generated a Ttc29-mutated mouse model through the use of CRISPR-Cas9 technology. Remarkably, Ttc29-mutated male mice also presented reduced sperm motility, abnormal flagellar ultrastructure, and male subfertility. Furthermore, intracytoplasmic sperm injections performed for Ttc29-mutated mice and men harboring TTC29 mutations consistently acquired satisfactory outcomes. Collectively, our experimental observations in humans and mice suggest that bi-allelic mutations in TTC29, as an important genetic pathogeny, can induce MMAF-related asthenoteratospermia. Our study also provided effective guidance for clinical diagnosis and assisted reproduction treatments.
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31
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Wang X, Sha YW, Wang WT, Cui YQ, Chen J, Yan W, Hou XT, Mei LB, Yu CC, Wang J. Novel IFT140 variants cause spermatogenic dysfunction in humans. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2019; 7:e920. [PMID: 31397098 PMCID: PMC6732298 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The intraflagellar transport protein 140 homolog (IFT140) is involved in the process of intraflagellar transport (IFT), a process that is essential for the formation and maintenance of most eukaryotic cilia and flagella. Variants IFT140 have been reported to account for ciliopathy but association with male fertility has never been described in humans. Here we report the identification of two novel variants of IFT140 which caused spermatogenic dysfunction and male infertility. METHODS Whole-exome sequencing was performed in a 27-year-old infertile man presented with severe oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, and teratozoospermia (OAT) without other physical abnormality. Sanger sequencing was used to verify gene variants in the patient, his healthy brother, and their parents. Morphology and protein expression in the patient's sperm were examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and immunofluorescence staining. Function of gene variants was predicted by online databases. RESULTS Compound heterozygous variants of IFT140: exon16: c.1837G > A: p.Asp613Asn and exon31: c.4247G > A: p.Ser1416Asn were identified in the patient, both of which showed autosomal recessive inheritance in his family, and had extremely low allele frequency in the population. Morphological abnormalities of the head, nucleus, and tails and the absence of IFT140 from the neck and mid-piece of the patient's spermatozoa were observed. Mutation Taster database predicted a high probability of damage-causing by both variations. CONCLUSION This study for the first time reported IFT140 variants that cause infertility in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiong Wang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, 264000, China
| | - Yan-Wei Sha
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Xiamen Maternal and Child Care Hospital, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Wen-Ting Wang
- Central Laboratory, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Yuan-Qing Cui
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, 264000, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, 264000, China
| | - Wei Yan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, 264000, China
| | - Xiao-Tao Hou
- Pathology Department, Guangzhou KingMed Center for Clinical Laboratory Co. Ltd, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Li-Bin Mei
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Xiamen Maternal and Child Care Hospital, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Cui-Cui Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Jiahui Wang
- Central Laboratory, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, Shandong, China
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32
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Girardet L, Augière C, Asselin MP, Belleannée C. Primary cilia: biosensors of the male reproductive tract. Andrology 2019; 7:588-602. [PMID: 31131532 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The primary cilium is a microtubule-based organelle that extends transiently from the apical cell surface to act as a sensory antenna. Initially viewed as a cellular appendage of obscure significance, the primary cilium is now acknowledged as a key coordinator of signaling pathways during development and in tissue homeostasis. OBJECTIVES The aim of this review was to present the structure and function of this overlooked organelle,with an emphasis on its epididymal context and contribution to male infertility issues. MATERIALS AND METHODS A systematic review has been performed in order to include main references relevant to the aforementioned topic. RESULTS Increasing evidence demonstrates that primary cilia dysfunctions are associated with impaired male reproductive system development and male infertility issues. DISCUSSION While a large amount of data exists regarding the role of primary cilia in most organs and tissues, few studies investigated the contribution of these organelles to male reproductive tract development and homeostasis. CONCLUSION Functional studies of primary cilia constitute an emergent and exciting new area in reproductive biology research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Girardet
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Université Laval, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL), Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Céline Augière
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Université Laval, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL), Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Marie-Pier Asselin
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Université Laval, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL), Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Clémence Belleannée
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Université Laval, CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL), Quebec City, QC, Canada
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33
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Liu W, He X, Yang S, Zouari R, Wang J, Wu H, Kherraf ZE, Liu C, Coutton C, Zhao R, Tang D, Tang S, Lv M, Fang Y, Li W, Li H, Zhao J, Wang X, Zhao S, Zhang J, Arnoult C, Jin L, Zhang Z, Ray PF, Cao Y, Zhang F. Bi-allelic Mutations in TTC21A Induce Asthenoteratospermia in Humans and Mice. Am J Hum Genet 2019; 104:738-748. [PMID: 30929735 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2019.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Male infertility is a major concern affecting human reproductive health. Asthenoteratospermia can cause male infertility through reduced motility and abnormal morphology of spermatozoa. Several genes, including DNAH1 and some CFAP family members, are involved in multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF). However, these known genes only account for approximately 60% of human MMAF cases. Here, we conducted further genetic analyses by using whole-exome sequencing in a cohort of 65 Han Chinese men with MMAF. Intriguingly, bi-allelic mutations of TTC21A (tetratricopeptide repeat domain 21A) were identified in three (5%) unrelated, MMAF-affected men, including two with homozygous stop-gain mutations and one with compound heterozygous mutations of TTC21A. Notably, these men consistently presented with MMAF and additional abnormalities of sperm head-tail conjunction. Furthermore, a homozygous TTC21A splicing mutation was identified in two Tunisian cases from an independent MMAF cohort. TTC21A is preferentially expressed in the testis and encodes an intraflagellar transport (IFT)-associated protein that possesses several tetratricopeptide repeat domains that perform functions crucial for ciliary function. To further investigate the potential roles of TTC21A in spermatogenesis, we generated Ttc21a mutant mice by using CRISPR-Cas9 technology and revealed sperm structural defects of the flagella and the connecting piece. Our consistent observations across human populations and in the mouse model strongly support the notion that bi-allelic mutations in TTC21A can induce asthenoteratospermia with defects of the sperm flagella and head-tail conjunction.
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34
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Intraflagellar transport 46 (IFT46) is essential for trafficking IFT proteins between cilia and cytoplasm in Paramecium. Sci Rep 2018; 8:9259. [PMID: 29915351 PMCID: PMC6006156 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-27050-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Intraflagellar transport (IFT) is a bi-directional process by which particles are carried within the cilia or flagella. This process is essential for ciliary growth and functional maintenance. The IFT complex B (IFTB) is linked to a kinesin motor for anterograde transport towards the ciliary tip. The IFT complex A (IFTA) is connected to a dynein motor for retrograde transport towards the ciliary basis. This study focuses on IFT46, an IFTB member that participates in this process. In Paramecium, a GFP-labelled IFT46 protein was found in basal bodies and in some cilia, mostly those undergoing biogenesis. RNA interference against IFT46 in Paramecium triggered severe defects in ciliary growth and architecture, including a decreased cilia number and shortened cilia length. This result differed from that obtained from the cells that were depleted of IFT80, another IFTB protein. Moreover, IFT57-GFP fusion protein abnormally accumulated in the cortex and cytoplasm in IFT46-depleted cells compared with the control. Furthermore, transcriptomic analysis showed that IFT46 depletion induced the abnormal expression of several genes that encodeding kinesin and dynein chains. These findings together indicate that IFT46 plays important roles in trafficking IFT proteins between the cytoplasm and cilia of Paramecium.
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