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Pan M, Luo X, Zhang Z, Li J, Shahzad K, Danba Z, Caiwang G, Chilie W, Chen X, Zhao W. The expression spectrum of yak epididymal epithelial cells reveals the functional diversity of caput, corpus and cauda regions. Genomics 2024; 116:110912. [PMID: 39117249 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2024.110912] [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: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Sperm undergo a series of changes in the epididymis region before acquiring the ability to move and fertilize, and the identification of genes expressed in a region-specific manner in the epididymis provides a valuable insight into functional differences between regions. We collected epididymal tissue from three yaks and cultured epithelial cells from the caput, corpus and cauda regions of the yak epididymis using the tissue block method. RNA sequencing analysis (RNA-seq) technology was used to detect gene expression in yak epididymal caput, corpus and cauda epithelial cells. The results showed that the DEGs were highest in the caput vs. corpus comparison, and lowest in the corpus vs. cauda comparison. Six DEGs were verified by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR), consistent with transcriptome sequencing results. The significantly enriched DNA replication pathway in the caput vs. corpus was coordinated with cell proliferation, while upregulated DEGs such as POLD1 and MCM4 were found in the DNA replication pathway. The AMPK signaling pathway was found significantly enriched in the caput vs cauda, suggesting its involvement in sperm maturation and capacitation. The TGF beta signaling pathway was screened in the corpus vs cauda and is crucial for mammalian reproductive regulation. Upregulated DEGs (TGFB3, INHBA, INHBB) are involved in the TGF beta signaling pathway. This study provides a reference for culturing yak epididymal epithelial cells in vitro, and elucidates the transcriptional profiles of epithelial cells in different segments of the epididymis, revealing the regulatory and functional differences between different segments, providing basic data for exploring the molecular mechanism of yak sperm maturation and improving the reproductive capacity of high-altitude mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meilan Pan
- College of Life Sciences and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, Sichuan 621000, China
| | - Xiaofeng Luo
- College of Life Sciences and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, Sichuan 621000, China
| | - Zhenzhen Zhang
- College of Life Sciences and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, Sichuan 621000, China
| | - Jingjing Li
- College of Life Sciences and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, Sichuan 621000, China
| | - Khuram Shahzad
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Park Road, Islamabad 45550, Pakistan
| | - Zhaxi Danba
- Science and Technology Research and Promotion Center, Agricultural and Animal Husbandry (Grass Industry), Naqu, Tibet 852200, China
| | - Gongbu Caiwang
- Tibet Naqu Municipal Agriculture and Rural Affairs Bureau, Naqu, Tibet 852000, China
| | - Wangmu Chilie
- Science and Technology Research and Promotion Center, Agricultural and Animal Husbandry (Grass Industry), Naqu, Tibet 852200, China
| | - Xiaoying Chen
- Institute of Animal Science, Tibet Academy of Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Science, Lhasa 850009, China.
| | - Wangsheng Zhao
- College of Life Sciences and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, Sichuan 621000, China.
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2
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Balu R, Ramachandran SS, Mathimaran A, Jeyaraman J, Paramasivam SG. Functional significance of mouse seminal vesicle sulfhydryl oxidase on sperm capacitation in vitro. Mol Hum Reprod 2022; 29:6637520. [PMID: 35809071 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaac025] [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: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
During ejaculation, cauda epididymal spermatozoa are suspended in a protein-rich solution of seminal plasma which is composed of proteins mostly secreted from the seminal vesicle. These seminal proteins interact with the sperm cells and bring about changes in their physiology, so that they can become capacitated in order for the fertilization to take place. Sulfhydryl oxidase (SOX) is a member of the QSOX family and its expression is found to be high in the seminal vesicle secretion of mouse. Previously, it has been reported to cross-link thiol containing amino acids among major seminal vesicle secretion (SVS) proteins. However, its role in male reproduction is unclear. In this study, we determined the role of SOX on epididymal sperm maturation and also disclosed the binding effect of SOX on the sperm fertilizing ability in vitro. In order to achieve the above two objectives, we constructed a Sox clone (1.7 kb) using a pET-30a vector. His-tagged recombinant Sox was over expressed in Shuffle Escherichia coli cells and purified using His-Trap column affinity chromatography along with hydrophobic interaction chromatography. The purified SOX was confirmed by Western blot analysis and by its activity with DTT as a substrate. Results obtained from immunocytochemical staining clearly indicated that SOX possesses a binding site on the sperm acrosome. The influence of SOX on oxidation of sperm sulfhydryl to disulfides during epididymal sperm maturation was evaluated by a thiol labelling agent, mBBr. The SOX protein binds on to the sperm cells and increases their progressive motility. The effect of SOX binding on reducing the [Ca2+]i concentration in sperm head, was determined using a calcium probe, Fluo-3 AM. The inhibitory influence of SOX on sperm acrosome reaction was shown by using calcium ionophore A32187 to induce the acrosome reaction. The acrosome-reacted sperm were examined by staining with FITC-conjugated Arachis hypogaea (peanut) lectin. Furthermore, immunocytochemical analysis revealed that SOX remains bound to the sperm cells in the uterus but disappears in the oviduct during their transit in the female reproductive tract. The results from the above experiment revealed that SOX binding on to the sperm acrosome prevents sperm capacitation by affecting the [Ca2+]i concentration in the sperm head and the ionophore-induced acrosome reaction. Thus, the binding of SOX on to the sperm acrosome may possibly serve as a decapacitation factor in the uterus to prevent premature capacitation and acrosome reaction, thus preserving their fertilizing ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubhadevi Balu
- Department of Biotechnology, BIT-Campus, Anna University, Tiruchirappalli-620024, Tamil Nadu India
| | | | - Amala Mathimaran
- Department of Bioinformatics, Alagappa University, Karaikudi-630 004, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Jeyakanthan Jeyaraman
- Department of Bioinformatics, Alagappa University, Karaikudi-630 004, Tamil Nadu, India
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3
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Wang TE, Yeh LY, Kuo-Kuang Lee R, Lu CH, Yang TH, Kuo YW, Joshi R, Tsai PS, Li SH. Secretory mouse quiescin sulfhydryl oxidase 1 aggregates defected human and mouse spermatozoa in vitro and in vivo. iScience 2021; 24:103167. [PMID: 34667943 PMCID: PMC8506963 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
A flavin-dependent enzyme quiescin Q6 sulfhydryl oxidase 1 (QSOX1) catalyzes the oxidation of thiol groups into disulfide bonds. QSOX1 is prominently expressed in the seminal plasma. However, its role in male reproduction is elusive. Here, we purified the secreted form of QSOX1, i.e., QSOX1c, from mouse seminal vesicle secretions and revealed for the first time its function involved in sperm physiology. Exogenous addition of QSOX1c time-dependently promoted the in vitro aggregation of thiol-rich, oxidative stressed, and apoptotic mouse and human sperm cells. Also, in vivo aggregated sperm cells collected from mouse uterine and human ejaculates also showed high levels of QSOX1c, intracellular reactive oxygen species, annexin V, and free thiols. In summary, our studies demonstrated that QSOX1c could agglutinate spermatozoa susceptible to free radical attack and apoptosis. This characteristic may provide an opportunity to separate defective sperm cells and improve sperm quality before artificial insemination in humans and animals. QSOX1c is expressed in the seminal vesicle and presented in the seminal plasma QSOX1c agglutinates thiol-rich, oxidatively stressed, and apoptotic sperm QSOX1c aggregates impaired sperm presented in the mouse uterine and human ejaculates QSOX1c-treated semen may improve the sperm quality for artificial insemination
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Affiliation(s)
- Tse-En Wang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, USA
| | - Ling-Yu Yeh
- Department of Medical Research, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Tamsui, Taiwan
| | - Robert Kuo-Kuang Lee
- Department of Medical Research, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Tamsui, Taiwan.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Hao Lu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Hsien Yang
- Department of Medical Research, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Tamsui, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Wen Kuo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Radhika Joshi
- Graduate Institute of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Shiue Tsai
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Research Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Hsiang Li
- Department of Medical Research, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Tamsui, Taiwan.,MacKay Junior College of Medicine, Nursing, and Management, Taipei, Taiwan
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4
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Skerrett-Byrne DA, Nixon B, Bromfield EG, Breen J, Trigg NA, Stanger SJ, Bernstein IR, Anderson AL, Lord T, Aitken RJ, Roman SD, Robertson SA, Schjenken JE. Transcriptomic analysis of the seminal vesicle response to the reproductive toxicant acrylamide. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:728. [PMID: 34625024 PMCID: PMC8499523 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-07951-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The seminal vesicles synthesise bioactive factors that support gamete function, modulate the female reproductive tract to promote implantation, and influence developmental programming of offspring phenotype. Despite the significance of the seminal vesicles in reproduction, their biology remains poorly defined. Here, to advance understanding of seminal vesicle biology, we analyse the mouse seminal vesicle transcriptome under normal physiological conditions and in response to acute exposure to the reproductive toxicant acrylamide. Mice were administered acrylamide (25 mg/kg bw/day) or vehicle control daily for five consecutive days prior to collecting seminal vesicle tissue 72 h following the final injection. RESULTS A total of 15,304 genes were identified in the seminal vesicles with those encoding secreted proteins amongst the most abundant. In addition to reproductive hormone pathways, functional annotation of the seminal vesicle transcriptome identified cell proliferation, protein synthesis, and cellular death and survival pathways as prominent biological processes. Administration of acrylamide elicited 70 differentially regulated (fold-change ≥1.5 or ≤ 0.67) genes, several of which were orthogonally validated using quantitative PCR. Pathways that initiate gene and protein synthesis to promote cellular survival were prominent amongst the dysregulated pathways. Inflammation was also a key transcriptomic response to acrylamide, with the cytokine, Colony stimulating factor 2 (Csf2) identified as a top-ranked upstream driver and inflammatory mediator associated with recovery of homeostasis. Early growth response (Egr1), C-C motif chemokine ligand 8 (Ccl8), and Collagen, type V, alpha 1 (Col5a1) were also identified amongst the dysregulated genes. Additionally, acrylamide treatment led to subtle changes in the expression of genes that encode proteins secreted by the seminal vesicle, including the complement regulator, Complement factor b (Cfb). CONCLUSIONS These data add to emerging evidence demonstrating that the seminal vesicles, like other male reproductive tract tissues, are sensitive to environmental insults, and respond in a manner with potential to exert impact on fetal development and later offspring health.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Skerrett-Byrne
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Elizabeth G Bromfield
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - James Breen
- The Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia.,South Australian Genomics Centre (SAGC), South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.,Computational & Systems Biology Program, Precision Medicine Theme, South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.,Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - Natalie A Trigg
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Simone J Stanger
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Ilana R Bernstein
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Amanda L Anderson
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Tessa Lord
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - R John Aitken
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Shaun D Roman
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Sarah A Robertson
- The Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia.,Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - John E Schjenken
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia. .,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia.
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5
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Ou CM, Lee RKK, Lin MH, Lu CH, Yang TH, Yeh LY, Tsai PSJ, Li SH. A mouse seminal vesicle-secreted lysozyme c-like protein modulates sperm capacitation. J Cell Biochem 2021; 122:653-666. [PMID: 33469950 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.29894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Lysozyme (LYZ) c-like proteins are primarily present in the testis and epididymis of male reproductive tissues. Here, we report a novel member of the c-type LYZ family, the seminal vesicle-secreted LYZ c-like protein (SVLLP). Three forms of SVLLP were purified from mouse seminal vesicle secretions and characterized as glycoproteins with the same protein core but different N-linked glycans. SVLLP is structurally similar to c-type LYZ proteins. Only one of the 20 invariant residues was altered in the consensus sequence of c-type LYZs; however, the changed residue (N53S) is one of two essential catalytic residues. LYZ activity assays demonstrated that the three glycoforms of SVLLP lacked enzyme activity. SVLLP is primarily expressed in seminal vesicles. Immunohistochemistry revealed that it occurs in the luminal fluid and mucosal epithelium of the seminal vesicles. Testosterone is not the primary regulator for its expression in the seminal vesicle. SVLLP binds to sperm and suppresses bovine serum albumin-induced sperm capacitation, inhibits the acrosome reaction, and blocks sperm-oocyte interactions in vitro, suggesting that SVLLP is a sperm capacitation inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chung-Mao Ou
- Chemistry Division, Institute of Nuclear Energy Research, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Robert Kuo-Kuang Lee
- Department of Medical Research, MacKay Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Huei Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,MacKay Junior College of Medicine, Nursing, and Management, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Hao Lu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Hsien Yang
- Department of Medical Research, MacKay Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Ling-Yu Yeh
- Department of Medical Research, MacKay Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Shiue Jason Tsai
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Hsiang Li
- Department of Medical Research, MacKay Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan.,MacKay Junior College of Medicine, Nursing, and Management, Taipei, Taiwan
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6
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Bayram HL, Franco C, Brownridge P, Claydon AJ, Koch N, Hurst JL, Beynon RJ, Stockley P. Social status and ejaculate composition in the house mouse. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2020; 375:20200083. [PMID: 33070725 PMCID: PMC7661446 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2020.0083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm competition theory predicts that males should tailor ejaculates according to their social status. Here, we test this in a model vertebrate, the house mouse (Mus musculus domesticus), combining experimental data with a quantitative proteomics analysis of seminal fluid composition. Our analyses reveal that both sperm production and the composition of proteins found in seminal vesicle secretions differ according to social status. Dominant males invested more in ejaculate production overall. Their epididymides contained more sperm than those of subordinate or control males, despite similar testes size between the groups. Dominant males also had larger seminal vesicle glands than subordinate or control males, despite similar body size. However, the seminal vesicle secretions of subordinate males had a significantly higher protein concentration than those of dominant males. Moreover, detailed proteomic analysis revealed subtle but consistent differences in the composition of secreted seminal vesicle proteins according to social status, involving multiple proteins of potential functional significance in sperm competition. These findings have significant implications for understanding the dynamics and outcome of sperm competition, and highlight the importance of social status as a factor influencing both sperm and seminal fluid investment strategies. This article is part of the theme issue 'Fifty years of sperm competition'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen L. Bayram
- Mammalian Behaviour and Evolution Group, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston CH64 7TE, UK
- Centre for Proteome Research, University of Liverpool, Biosciences Building, Crown Street, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Catarina Franco
- Centre for Proteome Research, University of Liverpool, Biosciences Building, Crown Street, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Philip Brownridge
- Centre for Proteome Research, University of Liverpool, Biosciences Building, Crown Street, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Amy J. Claydon
- Mammalian Behaviour and Evolution Group, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston CH64 7TE, UK
- Centre for Proteome Research, University of Liverpool, Biosciences Building, Crown Street, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Natalie Koch
- Mammalian Behaviour and Evolution Group, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston CH64 7TE, UK
- Centre for Proteome Research, University of Liverpool, Biosciences Building, Crown Street, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Jane L. Hurst
- Mammalian Behaviour and Evolution Group, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Robert J. Beynon
- Centre for Proteome Research, University of Liverpool, Biosciences Building, Crown Street, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Paula Stockley
- Mammalian Behaviour and Evolution Group, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston CH64 7TE, UK
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7
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Wong J, Damdimopoulos A, Damdimopoulou P, Gasperoni JG, Tran SC, Grommen SVH, De Groef B, Dworkin S. Transcriptome analysis of the epididymis from Plag1 deficient mice suggests dysregulation of sperm maturation and extracellular matrix genes. Dev Dyn 2020; 249:1500-1513. [PMID: 32959928 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The transcription factor pleomorphic adenoma gene 1 (PLAG1) is required for male fertility. Mice deficient in PLAG1 exhibit decreased sperm motility and abnormal epididymal tubule elongation and coiling, indicating impaired sperm maturation during epididymal transit. However, the downstream transcriptomic profile of the Plag1 knockout (KO; Plag1-/- ) murine epididymis is currently unknown. RESULTS In this study, the PLAG1-dependent epididymal transcriptome was characterised using RNA sequencing. Several genes important for the control of sperm maturation, motility, capacitation and the acrosome reaction were dysregulated in Plag1-/- mice. Surprisingly, several cell proliferation genes were upregulated, and Ki67 analysis indicated that cell proliferation is aberrantly upregulated in the cauda epididymis stroma of Plag1-/- mice. Gene ontology analysis showed an overall upregulation of genes encoding extracellular matrix components, and an overall downregulation of genes encoding metalloendopeptidases in the epididymides from Plag1-/- mice. CONCLUSION Together, these results suggest a defect in the epididymal extracellular matrix in Plag1-/- mice. These results imply that in addition to maintaining epididymal integrity directly, PLAG1 may also regulate several genes involved in the regulation of sperm maturation and capacitation. Moreover, PLAG1 may also be involved in regulating tissue homeostasis and ensuring proper structure and maintenance of the extracellular matrix in the epididymis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Wong
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anastasios Damdimopoulos
- Bioinformatics and Expression Analysis core facility, Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Pauliina Damdimopoulou
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jemma G Gasperoni
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stephanie C Tran
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sylvia V H Grommen
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bert De Groef
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sebastian Dworkin
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
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8
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Leahy T, Rickard JP, Bernecic NC, Druart X, de Graaf SP. Ram seminal plasma and its functional proteomic assessment. Reproduction 2020; 157:R243-R256. [PMID: 30844754 DOI: 10.1530/rep-18-0627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Ejaculation results in the confluence of epididymal spermatozoa with secretions of the accessory sex glands. This interaction is not a prerequisite for fertilisation success, but seminal factors do play a crucial role in prolonging the survival of spermatozoa both in vitro and in vivo by affording protection from handling induced stress and some selective mechanisms of the female reproductive tract. Reproductive biologists have long sought to identify specific factors in seminal plasma that influence sperm function and fertility in these contexts. Many seminal plasma proteins have been identified as diagnostic predictors of sperm function and have been isolated and applied in vitro to prevent sperm damage associated with the application of artificial reproductive technologies. Proteomic assessment of the spermatozoon, and its surroundings, has provided considerable advances towards these goals and allowed for greater understanding of their physiological function. In this review, the importance of seminal plasma will be examined through a proteomic lens to provide comprehensive analysis of the ram seminal proteome and detail the use of proteomic studies that correlate seminal plasma proteins with ram sperm function and preservation ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Leahy
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, New South Wales, Australia
| | - J P Rickard
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, New South Wales, Australia
| | - N C Bernecic
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, New South Wales, Australia
| | - X Druart
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et du Comportement, INRA, CNRS, IFCE, Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | - S P de Graaf
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, New South Wales, Australia
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9
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Zhu W, Cheng X, Ren C, Chen J, Zhang Y, Chen Y, Jia X, Wang S, Sun Z, Zhang R, Zhang Z. Proteomic characterization and comparison of ram (Ovis aries) and buck (Capra hircus) spermatozoa proteome using a data independent acquisition mass spectometry (DIA-MS) approach. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0228656. [PMID: 32053710 PMCID: PMC7018057 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0228656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Fresh semen is most commonly used in an artificial insemination of small ruminants, because of low fertility rates of frozen sperm. Generally, when developing and applying assisted reproductive technologies, sheep and goats are classified as one species. In order to optimize sperm cryopreservation protocols in sheep and goat, differences in sperm proteomes between ram and buck are necessary to investigate, which may contribute to differences in function and fertility of spermatozoa. In the current work, a data-independent acquisition-mass spectrometry proteomic approach was used to characterize and make a comparison of ram (Ovis aries) and buck (Capra hircus) sperm proteomes. A total of 2,109 proteins were identified in ram and buck spermatozoa, with 238 differentially abundant proteins. Proteins identified in ram and buck spermatozoa are mainly involved in metabolic pathways for generation of energy and diminishing oxidative stress. Specifically, there are greater abundance of spermatozoa proteins related to the immune protective and capacity activities in ram, while protein that inhibit sperm capacitation shows greater abundance in buck. Our results not only provide novel insights into the characteristics and potential activities of spermatozoa proteins, but also expand the potential direction for sperm cryopreservation in ram and buck.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Zhu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Xiao Cheng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Chunhuan Ren
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Jiahong Chen
- New Rural Develop Research Institute, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Yan Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Yale Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Xiaojiao Jia
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Shijia Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Zhipeng Sun
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Renzheng Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Zijun Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, P. R. China
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10
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Lin PH, Kuo TH, Chen CC, Jian CY, Chen CW, Wang KL, Kuo YC, Shen HY, Hsia SM, Wang PS, Lieu FK, Wang SW. Downregulation of testosterone production through luteinizing hormone receptor regulation in male rats exposed to 17α-ethynylestradiol. Sci Rep 2020; 10:1576. [PMID: 32005928 PMCID: PMC6994641 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-58125-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The pharmaceutical 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE2) is considered as an endocrine-disrupting chemical that interferes with male reproduction and hormonal activation. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanism underlying EE2-regulatory testosterone release in vitro and in vivo. The results show that EE2 treatment decreased testosterone release from rat Leydig cells. Treatment of rats with EE2 reduced plasma testosterone levels and decreased the sensitivity of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). EE2 reduced luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) expression associated with decreased cAMP generation by downregulation of adenylyl cyclase activity and decreased intracellular calcium-mediated pathways. The expression levels of StAR and P450scc were decreased in Leydig cells by treatment of rats with EE2 for 7 days. The sperm motility in the vas deferens and epididymis was reduced, but the histopathological features of the testis and the total sperm number of the vas deferens were not affected. Moreover, the serum dihydrotestosterone (DHT) level was decreased by treatment with EE2. The prostate gland and seminal vesicle atrophied significantly, and their expression level of 5α-reductase type II was reduced after EE2 exposure. Taken together, these results demonstrate an underlying mechanism of EE2 to downregulate testosterone production in Leydig cells, explaining the damaging effects of EE2 on male reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Han Lin
- Institute and Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, 11221, Taiwan
- School of Nutrition and Health Sciences, College of Nutrition, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, 11221, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Hsien Kuo
- Institute and Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, 11221, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Chieh Chen
- Institute and Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, 11221, Taiwan
- Department of Nutrition, China Medical University, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan
| | - Cai-Yun Jian
- Institute and Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, 11221, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Wei Chen
- Institute and Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, 11221, Taiwan
- College of Human Development and Health, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei, 11219, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Lee Wang
- Institute and Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, 11221, Taiwan
- Department of Nursing, Ching Kuo Institute of Management and Health, Keelung, 20301, Taiwan
| | - Yuh-Chen Kuo
- Department of Urology, Yangming Branch of Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, 11146, Taiwan
| | - Heng-Yi Shen
- Department of Rehabilitation, Cheng Hsin General Hospital, Taipei, 11212, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Min Hsia
- School of Nutrition and Health Sciences, College of Nutrition, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Metabolism and Obesity Sciences, College of Nutrition, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 11031, Taiwan
| | - Paulus S Wang
- Institute and Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, 11221, Taiwan.
- Medical Center of Aging Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan.
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Health Science, Asia University, Taichung, 41354, Taiwan.
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, 11217, Taiwan.
| | - Fu-Kong Lieu
- Department of Rehabilitation, Cheng Hsin General Hospital, Taipei, 11212, Taiwan.
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, 11490, Taiwan.
| | - Shyi-Wu Wang
- Aesthetic Medical Center, Department of Dermatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, 33378, Taiwan.
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 33302, Taiwan.
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11
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Noda T, Ikawa M. Physiological function of seminal vesicle secretions on male fecundity. Reprod Med Biol 2019; 18:241-246. [PMID: 31312102 PMCID: PMC6613004 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A mixture of spermatozoa and accessory gland secretions (from seminal vesicles, prostates, and coagulating glands) is ejaculated into the female reproductive tract at copulation. However, the physiological function of accessory glands on male fecundity remains unclear. METHODS Publications regarding the physiological functions of male accessory glands were summarized. MAIN FINDINGS RESULTS The functions of accessory glands have been studied using male rodents surgically removed coagulating glands (CG), prostates (PR), or seminal vesicles (SV). CG-removed males are fertile or subfertile, while the fecundity of PR-removed males is controversial. SV-removed males show copulatory plug defects, leading to fewer sperm in the uterus and severe subfertility. TGM4, SVS2, and PATE4 were identified as essential factors for copulatory plug formation. When the sufficient number of epididymal spermatozoa was artificially injected into a uterus (AI method), they could efficiently fertilize oocytes, implicating that accessory gland secretions are not essential. Seminal vesicle secretions (SVSs) improved fertilization rates only when low numbers of spermatozoa were used for AI. The changes of uterine environment by SVSs could not improve the pregnancy rate. CONCLUSION Accessory gland factors are critical for copulatory plug formation and support sperm fertilizing ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taichi Noda
- Research Institute for Microbial DiseasesOsaka UniversitySuitaJapan
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Research Institute for Microbial DiseasesOsaka UniversitySuitaJapan
- Institute of Medical ScienceThe University of TokyoMinato‐kuJapan
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12
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Thélie A, Rehault-Godbert S, Poirier JC, Govoroun M, Fouchécourt S, Blesbois E. The seminal acrosin-inhibitor ClTI1/SPINK2 is a fertility-associated marker in the chicken. Mol Reprod Dev 2019; 86:762-775. [PMID: 31033055 PMCID: PMC6767445 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Revised: 03/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The seminal plasma is a very complex fluid, which surrounds sperm in semen. It contains numerous proteins including proteases and protease inhibitors that regulate proteolytic processes associated with protein activation and degradation. We previously identified a seminal protein, chicken liver trypsin inhibitor 1 (ClTI-1) over expressed in semen of roosters with high fertility, suggesting a role in male fertility. In the present study, we showed that ClTI-1 gene is actually SPINK2. Using normal healthy adult roosters, we showed that SPINK2 amount in seminal plasma was positively correlated with male fertility in chicken lines with highly contrasted genetic backgrounds (broiler and layer lines). Using affinity chromatography combined to mass spectrometry analysis and kinetic assays, we demonstrated for the first time that two chicken acrosin isoforms (acrosin and acrosin-like proteins) are the physiological serine protease targets of SPINK2 inhibitor. SPINK2 transcript was overexpressed all along the male tract, and the protein was present in the lumen as expected for secreted proteins. Altogether, these data emphasize the role of seminal SPINK2 Kazal-type inhibitor as an important actor of fertility in birds through its inhibitory action on acrosin isoforms proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurore Thélie
- PRC, INRA, CNRS, IFCE, Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | | | | | - Marina Govoroun
- PRC, INRA, CNRS, IFCE, Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
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13
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Yu H, Hackenbroch L, Meyer FRL, Reiser J, Razzazi-Fazeli E, Nöbauer K, Besenfelder U, Vogl C, Brem G, Mayrhofer C. Identification of Rabbit Oviductal Fluid Proteins Involved in Pre-Fertilization Processes by Quantitative Proteomics. Proteomics 2019; 19:e1800319. [PMID: 30637940 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201800319] [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: 08/12/2018] [Revised: 12/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Oviductal fluid (ODF) proteins modulate and support reproductive processes in the oviduct. In the present study, proteins involved in the biological events that precede fertilization have been identified in the rabbit ODF proteome, isolated from the ampulla and isthmus of the oviduct at different time points within 8 h after intrauterine insemination. A workflow is used that integrates lectin affinity capture with stable-isotope dimethyl labeling prior to nanoLC-MS/MS analysis. In total, over 400 ODF proteins, including 214 lectin enriched glycoproteins, are identified and quantified. Selected data are validated by Western blot analysis. Spatiotemporal alterations in the abundance of ODF proteins in response to insemination are detected by global analysis. A subset of 63 potentially biologically relevant ODF proteins is identified, including extracellular matrix components, chaperones, oxidoreductases, and immunity proteins. Functional enrichment analysis reveals an altered peptidase regulator activity upon insemination. In addition to protein identification and abundance changes, N-glycopeptide analysis further identifies 281 glycosites on 199 proteins. Taken together, these results show, for the first time, the evolving oviductal milieu early upon insemination. The identified proteins are likely those that modulate in vitro processes, including spermatozoa function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Yu
- Institute of Biotechnology in Animal Production, Interuniversity Department for Agrobiotechnology (IFA Tulln), University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences Vienna, 3430, Tulln, Austria.,Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Department for Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lena Hackenbroch
- Institute of Biotechnology in Animal Production, Interuniversity Department for Agrobiotechnology (IFA Tulln), University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences Vienna, 3430, Tulln, Austria.,Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Department for Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Florian R L Meyer
- Institute of Biotechnology in Animal Production, Interuniversity Department for Agrobiotechnology (IFA Tulln), University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences Vienna, 3430, Tulln, Austria.,Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Department for Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Judith Reiser
- Institute of Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Ludwig-Maximilian University, 85764, Munich, Germany
| | - Ebrahim Razzazi-Fazeli
- VetCore Facility for Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Katharina Nöbauer
- VetCore Facility for Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Urban Besenfelder
- Reproduction Centre Wieselburg, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 3250, Vienna, Austria
| | - Claus Vogl
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Department for Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gottfried Brem
- Institute of Biotechnology in Animal Production, Interuniversity Department for Agrobiotechnology (IFA Tulln), University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences Vienna, 3430, Tulln, Austria.,Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Department for Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Corina Mayrhofer
- Institute of Biotechnology in Animal Production, Interuniversity Department for Agrobiotechnology (IFA Tulln), University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences Vienna, 3430, Tulln, Austria.,Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Department for Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210, Vienna, Austria
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14
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Jeong J, Lee B, Kim J, Kim J, Hong SH, Kim D, Choi S, Cho BN, Cho C. Expressional and functional analyses of epididymal SPINKs in mice. Gene Expr Patterns 2019; 31:18-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gep.2018.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Revised: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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15
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Li SH, Hwu YM, Lu CH, Lin MH, Yeh LY, Lee RKK. Serine Protease Inhibitor SERPINE2 Reversibly Modulates Murine Sperm Capacitation. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19051520. [PMID: 29783741 PMCID: PMC5983788 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19051520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Revised: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
SERPINE2 (serpin peptidase inhibitor, clade E, member 2), predominantly expressed in the seminal vesicle, can inhibit murine sperm capacitation, suggesting its role as a sperm decapacitation factor (DF). A characteristic of DF is its ability to reverse the capacitation process. Here, we investigated whether SERPINE2 can reversibly modulate sperm capacitation. Immunocytochemical staining revealed that SERPINE2 was bound onto both capacitated and uncapacitated sperm. It reversed the increase in BSA-induced sperm protein tyrosine phosphorylation levels. The effective dose and incubation time were found to be >0.1 mg/mL and >60 min, respectively. Calcium ion levels in the capacitated sperm were reduced to a level similar to that in uncapacitated sperm after 90 min of incubation with SERPINE2. In addition, the acrosome reaction of capacitated sperm was inhibited after 90 min of incubation with SERPINE2. Oviductal sperm was readily induced to undergo the acrosome reaction using the A23187 ionophore; however, the acrosome reaction was significantly reduced after incubation with SERPINE2 for 60 and 120 min. These findings suggested that SERPINE2 prevented as well as reversed sperm capacitation in vitro. It also prevented the acrosome reaction in in vivo-capacitated sperm isolated from the oviduct. Thus, SERPINE2 could reversibly modulate murine sperm capacitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Hsiang Li
- Department of Medical Research, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Tamsui District, New Taipei City 251, Taiwan.
- Mackay Junior College of Medicine, Nursing, and Management, Beitou District, Taipei City 112, Taiwan.
| | - Yuh-Ming Hwu
- Department of Medical Research, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Tamsui District, New Taipei City 251, Taiwan.
- Mackay Junior College of Medicine, Nursing, and Management, Beitou District, Taipei City 112, Taiwan.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei City 104, Taiwan.
- Mackay Medical College, Sanzhi District, New Taipei City 252, Taiwan.
| | - Chung-Hao Lu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei City 104, Taiwan.
| | - Ming-Huei Lin
- Mackay Junior College of Medicine, Nursing, and Management, Beitou District, Taipei City 112, Taiwan.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei City 104, Taiwan.
| | - Ling-Yu Yeh
- Department of Medical Research, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Tamsui District, New Taipei City 251, Taiwan.
| | - Robert Kuo-Kuang Lee
- Department of Medical Research, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Tamsui District, New Taipei City 251, Taiwan.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei City 104, Taiwan.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei City 110, Taiwan.
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16
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Luna C, Mendoza N, Casao A, Pérez-Pé R, Cebrián-Pérez JA, Muiño-Blanco T. c-Jun N-terminal kinase and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways link capacitation with apoptosis and seminal plasma proteins protect sperm by interfering with both routes†. Biol Reprod 2018; 96:800-815. [PMID: 28379343 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/iox017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 MAP kinase (p38) signaling cascades are involved in triggering apoptosis in somatic cells. Given that spermatozoa are able to undergo apoptosis, we tested the hypothesis that these pathways might be functional in ram spermatozoa as two signal transduction mechanisms that contribute to the modulation of capacitation and apoptosis. Indirect immunofluorescence and western blot analysis evidenced the presence of JNK and p38 in ram spermatozoa. To verify the involvement of these enzymes in sperm physiology, we determined the effect of specific inhibitors of JNK or p38 on in vitro capacitation induced with either cAMP-elevating agents or epidermal growth factor (EGF). Both inhibitions reduced the EGF-induced capacitation with a decrease in the chlortetracycline capacitated-sperm pattern, protein tyrosine phosphorylation, phosphatidylserine externalization, caspase-3 and -7 activation, and the proportion of DNA-damaged spermatozoa. No significant changes were found in the high-cAMP capacitated samples. The addition of 3.4 mg/ml seminal plasma proteins (SPPs) to the EGF-containing samples, either alone or together with each inhibitor, resulted in a decreased proportion of capacitated sperm pattern, protein tyrosine phosphorylation, loss of plasma membrane integrity, and apoptotic alterations. Furthermore, SPPs significantly reduced the phosphorylation level of JNK and p38 MAPK (active forms). These findings show a relationship between capacitation and apoptosis, and represent a step forward in the knowledge of the SPP protective mechanism in spermatozoa.
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17
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Lee RKK, Tseng HC, Hwu YM, Fan CC, Lin MH, Yu JJ, Yeh LY, Li SH. Expression of cystatin C in the female reproductive tract and its effect on human sperm capacitation. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2018; 16:8. [PMID: 29378615 PMCID: PMC5789661 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-018-0327-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cystatin C (CST3), a cysteine protease inhibitor in seminal plasma, is expressed in animal uteri. However, its expression in the human female reproductive tract and its effect on human sperm capacitation are unclear. METHODS The cellular localization of CST3 was observed using immunohistochemistry. The binding of CST3 to sperm was examined using immunocytochemistry. Sperm motility parameters were analyzed using computer-assisted sperm analysis. Sperm capacitation was evaluated by analyzing cholesterol content, protein tyrosine phosphorylation levels, and the acrosome reaction. RESULTS Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated that CST3 is prominently expressed in the female reproductive tract, including the epithelial lining and cervix and endometrium fluids, particularly at times near ovulation. It can bind to human sperm on the post-acrosomal head region and the mid and principal piece of the tail. CST3 enhances sperm motility and inhibits the signal initiating sperm capacitation, i.e., efflux of cholesterol from the sperm plasma membrane and a late sperm capacitation event, i.e., the increase in the sperm protein tyrosine phosphorylation. The suppressive trend on sperm acrosome reaction further supports CST3's ability to inhibit sperm capacitation. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that cervical CST3 may prevent precocious capacitation and acrosome reaction, thus preserving sperm fertilizing ability before it reaches the fallopian tube. Additionally, CST3 may help sperm enter the upper reproductive tract by enhancing sperm motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Kuo-Kuang Lee
- 0000 0004 0573 007Xgrid.413593.9Department of Medical Research, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Tamsui District, New Taipei City, 251 Taiwan
- 0000 0004 0573 007Xgrid.413593.9Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei City, 104 Taiwan
- 0000 0000 9337 0481grid.412896.0Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei City, 110 Taiwan
| | - Huan-Chin Tseng
- 0000 0004 0573 007Xgrid.413593.9Department of Medical Research, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Tamsui District, New Taipei City, 251 Taiwan
| | - Yuh-Ming Hwu
- 0000 0004 0573 007Xgrid.413593.9Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei City, 104 Taiwan
- 0000 0004 1762 5613grid.452449.aMackay Medical College, Sanzhi District, New Taipei City, 252 Taiwan
- Mackay Junior College of Medicine, Nursing, and Management, Beitou District, Taipei City, 112 Taiwan
| | - Chi-Chen Fan
- 0000 0004 0573 007Xgrid.413593.9Office of Superintendent, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei City, Taiwan
- 0000 0004 0444 7352grid.413051.2Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Yuanpei University, Hsinchu, 300 Taiwan
| | - Ming-Huei Lin
- 0000 0004 0573 007Xgrid.413593.9Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei City, 104 Taiwan
- Mackay Junior College of Medicine, Nursing, and Management, Beitou District, Taipei City, 112 Taiwan
| | - Jhih-Jie Yu
- 0000 0004 0573 007Xgrid.413593.9Department of Medical Research, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Tamsui District, New Taipei City, 251 Taiwan
| | - Ling-Yu Yeh
- 0000 0004 0573 007Xgrid.413593.9Department of Medical Research, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Tamsui District, New Taipei City, 251 Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Hsiang Li
- 0000 0004 0573 007Xgrid.413593.9Department of Medical Research, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Tamsui District, New Taipei City, 251 Taiwan
- Mackay Junior College of Medicine, Nursing, and Management, Beitou District, Taipei City, 112 Taiwan
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18
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Dietrich MA, Słowińska M, Karol H, Adamek M, Steinhagen D, Hejmej A, Bilińska B, Ciereszko A. Serine protease inhibitor Kazal-type 2 is expressed in the male reproductive tract of carp with a possible role in antimicrobial protection. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2017; 60:150-163. [PMID: 27867114 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2016.11.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2016] [Revised: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The presence of the low-molecular-mass serine protease inhibitor Kazal-type (Spink) is a characteristic feature of vertebrate semen. Its main function is control of the serine protease in the acrosome, acrosin. Here we showed for the first time that Spink is present in the seminal plasma of carp, which have anacrosomal spermatozoa. Using a three-step isolation procedure that consisted in gel filtration and RP-HPLC and re-RP-HPLC, we isolated this inhibitor and identified it as serine protease inhibitor Kazal-type 2 (Spink2), a reproductive-derived member of the Spink family. The cDNA sequence of this inhibitor obtained from carp testis encoded 77 amino acids, including a 17 amino acids signal peptide; this sequence was distinct from fish Kazal-type inhibitors. The mRNA expression analysis showed that Spink2 is expressed predominantly in carp testis and spermatic duct. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated its localization in testis in Sertoli, Leydig and germ cells at all developmental stages (with the exception of spermatozoa) and in the epithelium of the spermatic duct. Aside from strong inhibition of trypsin, this inhibitor acts strongly against subtilisin and possesses bacteriostatic activities against Lactobacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Aeromonas hydrophila. The localization of Spink2 in carp reproductive tract suggests an important function in spermatogenesis and in maintenance of the microenvironment in which sperm maturation occurs and sperm are stored. Our results suggest that Spink2 from carp seminal plasma may play a role in antibacterial semen defense, protecting semen against unwanted proteolysis within the reproductive tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariola A Dietrich
- Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - Mariola Słowińska
- Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Halina Karol
- Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Mikołaj Adamek
- Fish Disease Research Unit, University of Veterinary Medicine in Hanover, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Dieter Steinhagen
- Fish Disease Research Unit, University of Veterinary Medicine in Hanover, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Anna Hejmej
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Barbara Bilińska
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Andrzej Ciereszko
- Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland
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19
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Araki N, Kawano N, Kang W, Miyado K, Yoshida K, Yoshida M. Seminal vesicle proteins SVS3 and SVS4 facilitate SVS2 effect on sperm capacitation. Reproduction 2016; 152:313-21. [PMID: 27486266 DOI: 10.1530/rep-15-0551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian spermatozoa acquire their fertilizing ability in the female reproductive tract (sperm capacitation). On the other hand, seminal vesicle secretion, which is a major component of seminal plasma, inhibits the initiation of sperm capacitation (capacitation inhibition) and reduces the fertility of the capacitated spermatozoa (decapacitation). There are seven major proteins involved in murine seminal vesicle secretion (SVS1-7), and we have previously shown that SVS2 acts as both a capacitation inhibitor and a decapacitation factor, and is indispensable for in vivo fertilization. However, the effects of SVSs other than SVS2 on the sperm have not been elucidated. Since mouse Svs2-Svs6 genes evolved by gene duplication belong to the same gene family, it is possible that SVSs other than SVS2 also have some effects on sperm capacitation. In this study, we examined the effects of SVS3 and SVS4 on sperm capacitation. Our results showed that both SVS3 and SVS4 are able to bind to spermatozoa, but SVS3 alone showed no effects on sperm capacitation. On the other hand, SVS4 acted as a capacitation inhibitor, although it did not show decapacitation abilities. Interestingly, SVS3 showed an affinity for SVS2 and it facilitated the effects of SVS2. Interaction of SVS2 and spermatozoa is mediated by the ganglioside GM1 in the sperm membrane; however, both SVS3 and SVS4 had weaker affinities for GM1 than SVS2. Therefore, we suggest that separate processes may cause capacitation inhibition and decapacitation, and SVS3 and SVS4 act on sperm capacitation cooperatively with SVS2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoya Araki
- Misaki Marine Biological StationSchool of Science, The University of Tokyo, Miura, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Natsuko Kawano
- Department of AgricultureMeiji University, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan Department of Reproductive BiologyNational Center for Child Health and Development, Setagaya, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Woojin Kang
- Department of AgricultureMeiji University, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan Department of Reproductive BiologyNational Center for Child Health and Development, Setagaya, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenji Miyado
- Department of Reproductive BiologyNational Center for Child Health and Development, Setagaya, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kaoru Yoshida
- Biomedical Engineering CenterToin University of Yokohama, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Manabu Yoshida
- Misaki Marine Biological StationSchool of Science, The University of Tokyo, Miura, Kanagawa, Japan Center for Marine BiologyThe University of Tokyo, Miura, Kanagawa, Japan
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Li H, Hung PH, Suarez SS. Ejaculated mouse sperm enter cumulus-oocyte complexes more efficiently in vitro than epididymal sperm. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0127753. [PMID: 25996155 PMCID: PMC4440731 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0127753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2014] [Accepted: 04/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The mouse is an established and popular animal model for studying reproductive biology. Epididymal mouse sperm, which lack exposure to secretions of male accessory glands and do not precisely represent ejaculated sperm for the study of sperm functions, have been almost exclusively used in studies. We compared ejaculated and epididymal sperm in an in vitro fertilization setting to examine whether ejaculated sperm enter cumulus-oocyte complexes more efficiently. In order to prepare sperm for fertilization, they were incubated under capacitating conditions. At the outset of incubation, ejaculated sperm stuck to the glass surfaces of slides and the incidences of sticking decreased with time; whereas, very few epididymal sperm stuck to glass at any time point, indicating differences in surface charge. At the end of the capacitating incubation, when sperm were added to cumulus-oocyte complexes, the form of flagellar movement differed dramatically; specifically, ejaculated sperm predominantly exhibited increased bending on one side of the flagellum (a process termed pro-hook hyperactivation), while epididymal sperm equally exhibited increased bending on one or the other side of the flagellum (pro-hook or anti-hook hyperactivation). This indicates that accessory sex gland secretions might have modified Ca2+ signaling activities in sperm, because the two forms of hyperactivation are reported to be triggered by different Ca2+ signaling patterns. Lastly, over time, more ejaculated than epididymal sperm entered the cumulus oocyte complexes. We concluded that modification of sperm by male accessory gland secretions affects the behavior of ejaculated sperm, possibly providing them with an advantage over epididymal sperm for reaching the eggs in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honggang Li
- Family Planning Research Institute, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Wuhan Tongji Reproductive Medicine Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Pei-hsuan Hung
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Susan S. Suarez
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Araki N, Trencsényi G, Krasznai ZT, Nizsalóczki E, Sakamoto A, Kawano N, Miyado K, Yoshida K, Yoshida M. Seminal vesicle secretion 2 acts as a protectant of sperm sterols and prevents ectopic sperm capacitation in mice. Biol Reprod 2014; 92:8. [PMID: 25395676 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.114.120642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Seminal vesicle secretion 2 (SVS2) is a protein secreted by the mouse seminal vesicle. We previously demonstrated that SVS2 regulates fertilization in mice; SVS2 is attached to a ganglioside GM1 on the plasma membrane of the sperm head and inhibits sperm capacitation in in vitro fertilization as a decapacitation factor. Furthermore, male mice lacking SVS2 display prominently reduced fertility in vivo, which indicates that SVS2 protects spermatozoa from some spermicidal attack in the uterus. In this study, we tried to investigate the mechanisms by which SVS2 controls in vivo sperm capacitation. SVS2-deficient males that mated with wild-type partners resulted in decreased cholesterol levels on ejaculated sperm in the uterine cavity. SVS2 prevented cholesterol efflux from the sperm plasma membrane and incorporated liberated cholesterol in the sperm plasma membrane, thereby reversibly preventing the induction of sperm capacitation by bovine serum albumin and methyl-beta-cyclodextrin in vitro. SVS2 enters the uterus and the uterotubal junction, arresting sperm capacitation in this area. Therefore, our results show that SVS2 keeps sterols on the sperm plasma membrane and plays a key role in unlocking sperm capacitation in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoya Araki
- Misaki Marine Biological Station, School of Science, University of Tokyo, Miura, Japan
| | - György Trencsényi
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Zoárd T Krasznai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Enikő Nizsalóczki
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Ayako Sakamoto
- Misaki Marine Biological Station, School of Science, University of Tokyo, Miura, Japan
| | - Natsuko Kawano
- Department of Reproductive Biology, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenji Miyado
- Department of Reproductive Biology, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kaoru Yoshida
- Biomedical Engineering Center, Toin University of Yokohama, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Manabu Yoshida
- Misaki Marine Biological Station, School of Science, University of Tokyo, Miura, Japan Center for Marine Biology, University of Tokyo, Miura, Japan
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