1
|
McGlade EA, Mao J, Stephens KK, Kelleher AM, Maddison LA, Bernhardt ML, DeMayo FJ, Lydon JP, Winuthayanon W. Generation of Oviductal Glycoprotein 1 Cre Mouse Model for the Study of Secretory Epithelial Cells of the Oviduct. Endocrinology 2024; 165:bqae070. [PMID: 38916490 PMCID: PMC11210311 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqae070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
The epithelial cell lining of the oviduct plays an important role in oocyte pickup, sperm migration, preimplantation embryo development, and embryo transport. The oviduct epithelial cell layer comprises ciliated and nonciliated secretory cells. The ciliary function has been shown to support gamete and embryo movement in the oviduct, yet secretory cell function has not been well characterized. Therefore, our goal was to generate a secretory cell-specific Cre recombinase mouse model to study the role of the oviductal secretory cells. A knock-in mouse model, Ovgp1Cre:eGFP, was created by expressing Cre from the endogenous Ovgp1 (oviductal glycoprotein 1) locus, with enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) as a reporter. EGFP signals were strongly detected in the secretory epithelial cells of the oviducts at estrus in adult Ovgp1Cre:eGFP mice. Signals were also detected in the ovarian stroma, uterine stroma, vaginal epithelial cells, epididymal epithelial cells, and elongated spermatids. To validate recombinase activity, progesterone receptor (PGR) expression was ablated using the Ovgp1Cre:eGFP; Pgrf/f mouse model. Surprisingly, the deletion was restricted to the epithelial cells of the uterotubal junction (UTJ) region of Ovgp1Cre:eGFP; Pgrf/f oviducts. Deletion of Pgr in the epithelial cells of the UTJ region had no effect on female fecundity. In summary, we found that eGFP signals were likely specific to secretory epithelial cells in all regions of the oviduct. However, due to a potential target-specific Cre activity, validation of appropriate recombination and expression of the gene(s) of interest is absolutely required to confirm efficient deletion when generating conditional knockout mice using the Ovgp1Cre:eGFP line.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily A McGlade
- Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri–Columbia, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Jiude Mao
- Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri–Columbia, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Kalli K Stephens
- Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri–Columbia, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Andrew M Kelleher
- Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri–Columbia, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Lisette A Maddison
- Center for Reproductive Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Miranda L Bernhardt
- Center for Reproductive Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Francesco J DeMayo
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - John P Lydon
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Wipawee Winuthayanon
- Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri–Columbia, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
- Center for Reproductive Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Toledo-Guardiola SM, Martínez-Díaz P, Martínez-Núñez R, Navarro-Serna S, Soriano-Úbeda C, Romero-Aguirregomezcorta J, Matás C. Sperm functionality is differentially regulated by porcine oviductal extracellular vesicles from the distinct phases of the estrous cycle. Reprod Fertil Dev 2024; 36:RD23239. [PMID: 38713808 DOI: 10.1071/rd23239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Context Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from the oviductal fluid (oEVs) play a critical role in various reproductive processes, including sperm capacitation, fertilisation, and early embryo development. Aims To characterise porcine oEVs (poEVs) from different stages of the estrous cycle (late follicular, LF; early luteal, EL; mid luteal, ML; late luteal, LL) and investigate their impact on sperm functionality. Methods poEVs were isolated, characterised, and labelled to assess their binding to boar spermatozoa. The effects of poEVs on sperm motility, viability, acrosomal status, protein kinase A phosphorylation (pPKAs), tyrosine phosphorylation (Tyr-P), and in in vitro fertility were analysed. Key results poEVs were observed as round or cup-shaped membrane-surrounded vesicles. Statistical analysis showed that poEVs did not significantly differ in size, quantity, or protein concentration among phases of the estrous cycle. However, LF poEVs demonstrated a higher affinity for binding to sperm. Treatment with EL, ML, and LL poEVs resulted in a decrease in sperm progressive motility and total motility. Moreover, pPKA levels were reduced in presence of LF, EL, and ML poEVs, while Tyr-P levels did not differ between groups. LF poEVs also reduced sperm penetration rate and the number of spermatozoa per penetrated oocyte (P Conclusions poEVs from different stages of the estrous cycle play a modulatory role in sperm functionality by interacting with spermatozoa, affecting motility and capacitation, and participating in sperm-oocyte interaction. Implications The differential effects of LF and LL poEVs suggest the potential use of poEVs as additives in IVF systems to regulate sperm-oocyte interaction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S M Toledo-Guardiola
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - P Martínez-Díaz
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - R Martínez-Núñez
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - S Navarro-Serna
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - C Soriano-Úbeda
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery, and Anatomy, University of León, León, Spain
| | - J Romero-Aguirregomezcorta
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain; and Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - C Matás
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain; and Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Reshi QUA, Godakumara K, Ord J, Dissanayake K, Hasan MM, Andronowska A, Heath P, Fazeli A. Spermatozoa, acts as an external cue and alters the cargo and production of the extracellular vesicles derived from oviductal epithelial cells in vitro. J Cell Commun Signal 2023; 17:737-755. [PMID: 36469292 PMCID: PMC10409707 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-022-00715-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The oviduct provides optimum physiological and biochemical milieu essential for successful fertilization, early embryo development and facilitates functional maturation of spermatozoa. A study has revealed that spermatozoa alters the gene expression in bovine oviductal epithelial cells (BOECs) remotely via bio-active particles, thus acting as a cue to the oviduct prior to their arrival. However, very little attention has been paid to the question of whether spermatozoa could alter the cargo of extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from BOECs. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the alterations in small non-coding RNAs in EVs cargo derived from BOECs when incubated with spermatozoa in contact and non-contact co-culture models. After 4 h of incubation the EVs were isolated from the conditioned media, followed by small non-coding sequencing of the BOEC derived EVs. Our results revealed that EVs from both co-culture models contained distinct cargo in form of miRNA, fragmented mRNA versus control. The pathway enrichment analysis revealed that EV miRNA from direct co-culture were involved in the biological processes associated with phagocytosis, macroautophagy, placenta development, cellular responses to TNF and FGF. The mRNA fragments also varied within the different groups and mapped to the exonic regions of the transcriptome providing vital insights regarding the changes in cellular transcriptome on the arrival of spermatozoa. The findings of this study suggest that spermatozoa, in contact as well as remotely, alter the EV cargo of female reproductive tract epithelial cells which might be playing an essential role in pre and post-fertilization events.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qurat Ul Ain Reshi
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 62, 51006, Tartu, Estonia
- Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila St. 19, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kasun Godakumara
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 62, 51006, Tartu, Estonia
- Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila St. 19, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - James Ord
- Institute for Fish and Wildlife Health, University of Bern, Längassstrasse 122, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Keerthie Dissanayake
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Mohammad Mehedi Hasan
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 62, 51006, Tartu, Estonia
- Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila St. 19, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
- Institute for Women's Health, Maternal and Fetal Medicine Department, University College London, 86-96 Chenies Mews, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Aneta Andronowska
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Tuwima St. 10, 10-748, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Paul Heath
- Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience SITraN, University of Sheffield, 385a Glossop Rd, Sheffield, S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Alireza Fazeli
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 62, 51006, Tartu, Estonia.
- Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila St. 19, 50411, Tartu, Estonia.
- Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, Department of Oncology and Metabolism, The Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2SF, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Mahé C, Lavigne R, Com E, Pineau C, Zlotkowska AM, Tsikis G, Mermillod P, Schoen J, Saint-Dizier M. The sperm-interacting proteome in the bovine isthmus and ampulla during the periovulatory period. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2023; 14:30. [PMID: 36797800 PMCID: PMC9936689 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-022-00811-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spermatozoa interact with oviduct secretions before fertilization in vivo but the molecular players of this dialog and underlying dynamics remain largely unknown. Our objectives were to identify an exhaustive list of sperm-interacting proteins (SIPs) in the bovine oviduct fluid and to evaluate the impact of the oviduct anatomical region (isthmus vs. ampulla) and time relative to ovulation (pre-ovulatory vs. post-ovulatory) on SIPs number and abundance. METHODS Pools of oviduct fluid (OF) from the pre-ovulatory ampulla, pre-ovulatory isthmus, post-ovulatory ampulla, and post-ovulatory isthmus in the side of ovulation were collected from the slaughterhouse. Frozen-thawed bull sperm were incubated with OF or phosphate-buffered saline (control) for 60 min at 38.5 °C. After protein extraction and digestion, sperm and OF samples were analyzed by nanoLC-MS/MS and label-free protein quantification. RESULTS A quantitative comparison between proteins identified in sperm and OF samples (2333 and 2471 proteins, respectively) allowed for the identification of 245 SIPs. The highest number (187) were found in the pre-ovulatory isthmus, i.e., time and place of the sperm reservoir. In total, 41 SIPs (17%) were differentially abundant between stages in a given region or between regions at a given stage and 76 SIPs (31%) were identified in only one region × stage condition. Functional analysis of SIPs predicted roles in cell response to stress, regulation of cell motility, fertilization, and early embryo development. CONCLUSION This study provides a comprehensive list of SIPs in the bovine oviduct and evidences dynamic spatio-temporal changes in sperm-oviduct interactions around ovulation time. Moreover, these data provide protein candidates to improve sperm conservation and in vitro fertilization media.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Coline Mahé
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, 37380, Nouzilly, France.
| | - Régis Lavigne
- grid.410368.80000 0001 2191 9284Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement Et Travail) - UMR-S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France ,grid.410368.80000 0001 2191 9284Univ Rennes, CNRS, Inserm, Biosit UAR 3480 US_S 018, Protim Core Facility, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - Emmanuelle Com
- grid.410368.80000 0001 2191 9284Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement Et Travail) - UMR-S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France ,grid.410368.80000 0001 2191 9284Univ Rennes, CNRS, Inserm, Biosit UAR 3480 US_S 018, Protim Core Facility, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - Charles Pineau
- grid.410368.80000 0001 2191 9284Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement Et Travail) - UMR-S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France ,grid.410368.80000 0001 2191 9284Univ Rennes, CNRS, Inserm, Biosit UAR 3480 US_S 018, Protim Core Facility, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - Aleksandra Maria Zlotkowska
- grid.418188.c0000 0000 9049 5051Institute of Reproductive Biology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology, FBN, Dummerstorf, Germany ,grid.418779.40000 0001 0708 0355Present Address: Department of Reproduction Biology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Berlin, Germany
| | - Guillaume Tsikis
- grid.464126.30000 0004 0385 4036CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Pascal Mermillod
- grid.464126.30000 0004 0385 4036CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Jennifer Schoen
- grid.418188.c0000 0000 9049 5051Institute of Reproductive Biology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology, FBN, Dummerstorf, Germany ,grid.418779.40000 0001 0708 0355Present Address: Department of Reproduction Biology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Berlin, Germany
| | - Marie Saint-Dizier
- grid.464126.30000 0004 0385 4036CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Extracellular vesicles-encapsulated microRNA in mammalian reproduction: A review. Theriogenology 2023; 196:174-185. [PMID: 36423512 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.11.022] [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: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanoscale cell-derived lipid vesicles that participate in cell-cell communication by delivering cargo, including mRNAs, proteins and non-coding RNAs, to recipient cells. MicroRNA (miRNA), a non-coding RNA typically 22 nucleotides long, is crucial for nearly all developmental and pathophysiological processes in mammals by regulating recipient cells gene expression. Infertility is a worldwide health issue that affects 10-15% of couples during their reproductive years. Although assisted reproductive technology (ART) gives infertility couples hope, the failure of ART is mainly unknown. It is well accepted that EVs-encapsulated miRNAs have a role in different reproductive processes, implying that these EVs-encapsulated miRNAs could optimize ART, improve reproductive rate, and treat infertility. As a result, in this review, we describe the present understanding of EVs-encapsulated miRNAs in reproduction regulation.
Collapse
|
6
|
Csöbönyeiová M, Varga I, Lapides L, Pavlíková L, Feitscherová C, Klein M. From a Passive Conduit to Highly Dynamic Organ. What are the Roles of Uterine Tube Epithelium in Reproduction? Physiol Res 2022. [DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.934954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
It is well known that the mammalian uterine tube (UT) plays a crucial role in female fertility, where the most important events leading to successful fertilization and pre-implantation embryo development occur. The known functions of these small intra-abdominal organs are: an uptake and transport of oocytes; storage, transportation, and capacitation of spermatozoa, and finally fertilization and transport of the fertilized ovum and early embryo through the isthmus towards the uterotubal junction. The success of all these events depends on the interaction between the uterine tube epithelium (UTE) and gametes/embryo. Besides that, contemporary research revealed that the tubal epithelium provides essential nutritional support and the most suitable environment for early embryo development. Moreover, recent discoveries in molecular biology help understand the role of the epithelium at the cellular and molecular levels, highlighting the factors involved in regulating the UT signaling, that affects different steps in the fertilization process. According to the latest research, the extracellular vesicles, as a major component of tubal secretion, mediate the interaction between gametes/embryo and epithelium. This review aims to provide up-to-date knowledge on various aspects concerning tubal epithelium activity and its cross-talk with spermatozoa, oocytes and preimplantation embryo and how these interactions affect fertilization and early embryo development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - I Varga
- Institute of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovak Republic.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Maitan P, Bromfield EG, Stout TAE, Gadella BM, Leemans B. A stallion spermatozoon's journey through the mare's genital tract: In vivo and in vitro aspects of sperm capacitation. Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 246:106848. [PMID: 34556396 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2021.106848] [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: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Conventional in vitro fertilization is not efficacious when working with equine gametes. Although stallion spermatozoa bind to the zona pellucida in vitro, these gametes fail to initiate the acrosome reaction in the vicinity of the oocyte and cannot, therefore, penetrate into the perivitelline space. Failure of sperm penetration most likely relates to the absence of optimized in vitro fertilization media containing molecules essential to support stallion sperm capacitation. In vivo, the female reproductive tract, especially the oviductal lumen, provides an environmental milieu that appropriately regulates interactions between the gametes and promotes fertilization. Identifying these 'fertilization supporting factors' would be a great contribution for development of equine in vitro fertilization media. In this review, a description of the current understanding of the interactions stallion spermatozoa undergo during passage through the female genital tract, and related specific molecular changes that occur at the sperm plasma membrane is provided. Understanding these molecular changes may hold essential clues to achieving successful in vitro fertilization with equine gametes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paula Maitan
- Departments of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands; Department of Veterinary Sciences, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Elizabeth G Bromfield
- Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, The Netherlands; Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Australia
| | - Tom A E Stout
- Departments of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Bart M Gadella
- Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, The Netherlands; Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
| | - Bart Leemans
- Departments of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Extracellular Vesicles in Veterinary Medicine. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12192716. [PMID: 36230457 PMCID: PMC9559303 DOI: 10.3390/ani12192716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell-derived membrane-bound vesicles involved in many physiological and pathological processes not only in humans but also in all the organisms of the eukaryotic and prokaryotic kingdoms. EV shedding constitutes a fundamental universal mechanism of intra-kingdom and inter-kingdom intercellular communication. A tremendous increase of interest in EVs has therefore grown in the last decades, mainly in humans, but progressively also in animals, parasites, and bacteria. With the present review, we aim to summarize the current status of the EV research on domestic and wild animals, analyzing the content of scientific literature, including approximately 220 papers published between 1984 and 2021. Critical aspects evidenced through the veterinarian EV literature are discussed. Then, specific subsections describe details regarding EVs in physiology and pathophysiology, as biomarkers, and in therapy and vaccines. Further, the wide area of research related to animal milk-derived EVs is also presented in brief. The numerous studies on EVs related to parasites and parasitic diseases are excluded, deserving further specific attention. The literature shows that EVs are becoming increasingly addressed in veterinary studies and standardization in protocols and procedures is mandatory, as in human research, to maximize the knowledge and the possibility to exploit these naturally produced nanoparticles.
Collapse
|
9
|
Cimini C, Moussa F, Taraschi A, Ramal-Sanchez M, Colosimo A, Capacchietti G, Mokh S, Valbonetti L, Tagaram I, Bernabò N, Barboni B. Pre-Treatment of Swine Oviductal Epithelial Cells with Progesterone Increases the Sperm Fertilizing Ability in an IVF Model. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12091191. [PMID: 35565617 PMCID: PMC9103098 DOI: 10.3390/ani12091191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian spermatozoa are infertile immediately after ejaculation and need to undergo a functional modification, called capacitation, in order to acquire their fertilizing ability. Since oviductal epithelial cells (SOECs) and progesterone (P4) are two major modulators of capacitation, here we investigated their impact on sperm functionality by using an IVF swine model. To that, we treated SOECs with P4 at 10, 100, and 1000 ng/mL before the coincubation with spermatozoa, thus finding that P4 at 100 ng/mL does not interfere with the cytoskeleton dynamics nor the cells’ doubling time, but it promotes the sperm capacitation by increasing the number of spermatozoa per polyspermic oocyte (p < 0.05). Moreover, we found that SOECs pre-treatment with P4 100 ng/mL is able to promote an increase in the sperm fertilizing ability, without needing the hormone addition at the time of fertilization. Our results are probably due to the downregulation in the expression of OVGP1, SPP1 and DMBT1 genes, confirming an increase in the dynamism of our system compared to the classic IVF protocols. The results obtained are intended to contribute to the development of more physiological and efficient IVF systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Costanza Cimini
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (C.C.); (F.M.); (A.T.); (M.R.-S.); (A.C.); (G.C.); (L.V.); (I.T.); (B.B.)
| | - Fadl Moussa
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (C.C.); (F.M.); (A.T.); (M.R.-S.); (A.C.); (G.C.); (L.V.); (I.T.); (B.B.)
- Doctoral School of Science, Technology Lebanese University, Beirut 1107, Lebanon
| | - Angela Taraschi
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (C.C.); (F.M.); (A.T.); (M.R.-S.); (A.C.); (G.C.); (L.V.); (I.T.); (B.B.)
- Istituto Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Marina Ramal-Sanchez
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (C.C.); (F.M.); (A.T.); (M.R.-S.); (A.C.); (G.C.); (L.V.); (I.T.); (B.B.)
| | - Alessia Colosimo
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (C.C.); (F.M.); (A.T.); (M.R.-S.); (A.C.); (G.C.); (L.V.); (I.T.); (B.B.)
| | - Giulia Capacchietti
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (C.C.); (F.M.); (A.T.); (M.R.-S.); (A.C.); (G.C.); (L.V.); (I.T.); (B.B.)
| | - Samia Mokh
- National Council for Scientific Research (CNRS), Lebanese Atomic Energy Commission (LAEC), Laboratory for Analysis of Organic Compound (LACO), Beirut 8281, Lebanon;
| | - Luca Valbonetti
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (C.C.); (F.M.); (A.T.); (M.R.-S.); (A.C.); (G.C.); (L.V.); (I.T.); (B.B.)
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (CNRIBBC/EMMA/Infrafrontier/IMPC), National Research Council, 00015 Rome, Italy
| | - Israiel Tagaram
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (C.C.); (F.M.); (A.T.); (M.R.-S.); (A.C.); (G.C.); (L.V.); (I.T.); (B.B.)
| | - Nicola Bernabò
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (C.C.); (F.M.); (A.T.); (M.R.-S.); (A.C.); (G.C.); (L.V.); (I.T.); (B.B.)
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (CNRIBBC/EMMA/Infrafrontier/IMPC), National Research Council, 00015 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Barbara Barboni
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (C.C.); (F.M.); (A.T.); (M.R.-S.); (A.C.); (G.C.); (L.V.); (I.T.); (B.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Thompson RE, Bouma GJ, Hollinshead FK. The Roles of Extracellular Vesicles and Organoid Models in Female Reproductive Physiology. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23063186. [PMID: 35328607 PMCID: PMC8954697 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Culture model systems that can recapitulate the anatomy and physiology of reproductive organs, such as three-dimensional (3D) organoid culture systems, limit the cost and welfare concerns associated with a research animal colony and provide alternative approaches to study specific processes in humans and animals. These 3D models facilitate a greater understanding of the physiological role of individual cell types and their interactions than can be accomplished with traditional monolayer culture systems. Furthermore, 3D culture systems allow for the examination of specific cellular, molecular, or hormonal interactions, without confounding factors that occur with in vivo models, and provide a powerful approach to study physiological and pathological reproductive conditions. The goal of this paper is to review and compare organoid culture systems to other in vitro cell culture models, currently used to study female reproductive physiology, with an emphasis on the role of extracellular vesicle interactions. The critical role of extracellular vesicles for intercellular communication in physiological processes, including reproduction, has been well documented, and an overview of the roles of extracellular vesicles in organoid systems will be provided. Finally, we will propose future directions for understanding the role of extracellular vesicles in normal and pathological conditions of reproductive organs, utilizing 3D organoid culture systems.
Collapse
|
11
|
Yanagimachi R. Mysteries and unsolved problems of mammalian fertilization and related topics. Biol Reprod 2022; 106:644-675. [PMID: 35292804 PMCID: PMC9040664 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian fertilization is a fascinating process that leads to the formation of a new individual. Eggs and sperm are complex cells that must meet at the appropriate time and position within the female reproductive tract for successful fertilization. I have been studying various aspects of mammalian fertilization over 60 years. In this review, I discuss many different aspects of mammalian fertilization, some of my laboratory's contribution to the field, and discuss enigmas and mysteries that remain to be solved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryuzo Yanagimachi
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, University of Hawaii Medical School, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Spatiotemporal profiling of the bovine oviduct fluid proteome around the time of ovulation. Sci Rep 2022; 12:4135. [PMID: 35264682 PMCID: PMC8907256 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-07929-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the composition of the oviduct fluid (OF) is crucial to better comprehend the microenvironment in which sperm capacitation, fertilization and early embryo development take place. Therefore, our aim was to determine the spatiotemporal changes in the OF proteome according to the anatomical region of the oviduct (ampulla vs. isthmus), the proximity of the ovulating ovary (ipsilateral vs. contralateral side) and the peri-ovulatory stage (pre-ovulatory or Pre-ov vs. post-ovulatory or Post-ov). Oviducts from adult cyclic cows were collected at a local slaughterhouse and pools of OF were analyzed by nanoLC-MS/MS and label-free protein quantification (n = 32 OF pools for all region × stage × side conditions). A total of 3760 proteins were identified in the OF, of which 65% were predicted to be potentially secreted. The oviduct region was the major source of variation in protein abundance, followed by the proximity of the ovulating ovary and finally the peri-ovulatory stage. Differentially abundant proteins between regions, stages and sides were involved in a broad variety of biological functions, including protein binding, response to stress, cell-to-cell adhesion, calcium homeostasis and the immune system. This work highlights the dynamic regulation of oviduct secretions and provides new protein candidates for interactions between the maternal environment, the gametes and the early embryo.
Collapse
|
13
|
Kekäläinen J, Hiltunen J, Jokiniemi A, Kuusipalo L, Heikura M, Leppänen J, Malinen M. Female-induced selective modification of sperm protein SUMOylation-potential mechanistic insights into the non-random fertilization in humans. J Evol Biol 2022; 35:254-264. [PMID: 35000241 PMCID: PMC9305144 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.13980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
In many species, mate choice continues after the mating via female‐ or egg‐derived biochemical factors that induce selective changes in sperm pre‐fertilization physiology and behaviour. Recent studies have indicated that gamete‐mediated mate choice likely occurs also in humans, but the mechanistic basis of the process has remained virtually unexplored. Here, we investigated whether female‐induced modifications in sperm protein SUMOylation (post‐translational modification of the proteome) could serve as a novel mechanism for gamete‐mediated mate choice in humans. We treated the sperm of ten males with the oocyte‐surrounding bioactive liquid (follicular fluid) of five females and investigated motility, viability and global protein SUMOylation status of the sperm in all (n = 50) of these male–female combinations (full‐factorial design). All the measured sperm traits were affected by male–female combinations, and sperm protein SUMOylation status was also negatively associated with sperm motility. Furthermore, our results indicate that female‐induced sperm protein SUMOylation is selective, potentially allowing females to increase sperm motility in some males, whereas decreasing it in the others. Consequently, our findings suggest that follicular fluid may non‐randomly modify the structure and function of sperm proteome and in this way facilitate gamete‐mediated mate choice in humans and possibly many other species. However, due to the relatively low number of female subjects and their potential infertility problems, our results should be replicated with larger subset of fully fertile women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jukka Kekäläinen
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland
| | - Johannes Hiltunen
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland
| | - Annalaura Jokiniemi
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland
| | | | - Marjo Heikura
- Eastern Finland Laboratory Centre Joint Authority (ISLAB), North Savonia Regional Laboratory, Kuopio, Finland
| | | | - Marjo Malinen
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Aleksejeva E, Zarovni N, Dissanayake K, Godakumara K, Vigano P, Fazeli A, Jaakma Ü, Salumets A. Extracellular vesicle research in reproductive science- Paving the way for clinical achievements. Biol Reprod 2022; 106:408-424. [PMID: 34982163 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian conception involves a multitude of reciprocal interactions via a molecular dialogue between mother and conceptus. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are secreted membrane-encapsulated particles that mediate cell-to-cell communication in various contexts. EVs, which are present in seminal, follicular, oviductal, and endometrial fluids, as well as in embryo secretions, carry molecular constituents that impact gamete maturation, fertilization, early embryo development, and embryo-maternal communication. The distribution, concentration, and molecular cargo of EVs are regulated by steroid hormones and the health status of the tissue of origin, and thus are influenced by menstrual phase, stage of conception, and the presence of infertility-associated diseases. EVs have been recognized as a novel source of biomarkers and potential reproductive medicine therapeutics, particularly for assisted reproductive technology (ART). There are still many technological and scientific hindrances to be overcome before EVs can be used in clinical diagnostic and therapeutic ART applications. Issues to be resolved include the lack of standardized measurement protocols and an absence of absolute EV quantification technologies. Additionally, clinically suitable and robust EV isolation methods have yet to be developed. In this review, we provide an overview of EV-mediated interactions during the early stages of reproduction from gamete maturation to embryo implantation and then outline the technological progress that must be made for EV applications to be translated to clinical settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elina Aleksejeva
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, 51014 Tartu, Estonia.,Competence Centre on Health Technologies, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | | | - Keerthie Dissanayake
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, 51014 Tartu, Estonia.,Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, 20400 Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.,Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kasun Godakumara
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, 51014 Tartu, Estonia.,Department of Pathophysiology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Paola Vigano
- Reproductive Sciences Laboratory, Gynecology/Obstetrics Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Alireza Fazeli
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, 51014 Tartu, Estonia.,Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, 20400 Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.,Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Medical School, University of Sheffield, S10 2TN Sheffield, UK
| | - Ülle Jaakma
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, 51014 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Andres Salumets
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, 51014 Tartu, Estonia.,Competence Centre on Health Technologies, 50411 Tartu, Estonia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, 50406 Tartu, Estonia.,Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, 14186 Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Cajas YN, Cañón-Beltrán K, de la Blanca MGM, Sánchez JM, Fernandez-Fuertes B, González EM, Rizos D. Role of reproductive fluids and extracellular vesicles in embryo–maternal interaction during early pregnancy in cattle. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 34:117-138. [PMID: 35231231 DOI: 10.1071/rd21275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The coordinated interaction between the developing embryo and the maternal reproductive tract is essential for the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy in mammals. An early cross-talk is established between the oviduct/uterus and the gametes and embryo. This dialogue will shape the microenvironment in which gamete transport, fertilisation, and early embryonic development occur. Due to the small size of the gametes and the early embryo relative to the volume of the oviductal and uterine lumina, collection of tissue and fluid adjacent to these cells is challenging in cattle. Thus, the combination of in vivo and in vitro models seems to be the most appropriate approach to better understand this fine dialogue. In this respect, the aim of this review is to summarise the recent findings in relation to gamete/embryo-maternal interaction during the pre-elongation period.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yulia N Cajas
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Center Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (CSIC-INIA), Ctra de la Coruña KM 5.9, 28040 Madrid, Spain; and Laboratorio de Biotecnología de la Reproducción Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad de Cuenca (UC), EC010205 Cuenca, Ecuador
| | - Karina Cañón-Beltrán
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Center Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (CSIC-INIA), Ctra de la Coruña KM 5.9, 28040 Madrid, Spain; and Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Ambientales, Programa de Medicina Veterinaria, Fundación Universitaria Juan de Castellanos (JdC), 150001 Tunja, Colombia
| | - María Gemma Millán de la Blanca
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Center Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (CSIC-INIA), Ctra de la Coruña KM 5.9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - José M Sánchez
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Center Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (CSIC-INIA), Ctra de la Coruña KM 5.9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Fernandez-Fuertes
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Center Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (CSIC-INIA), Ctra de la Coruña KM 5.9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Encina M González
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Dimitrios Rizos
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Center Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (CSIC-INIA), Ctra de la Coruña KM 5.9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Tateno H, Tamura-Nakano M, Kusakabe H, Hirohashi N, Kawano N, Yanagimachi R. Sperm acrosome status before and during fertilization in the Chinese hamster (Cricetulus griseus), and observation of oviductal vesicles and globules. Mol Reprod Dev 2021; 88:793-804. [PMID: 34845795 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The present study was conducted to determine exact location where the acrosome reaction of fertilizing spermatozoa begins in the oviduct of the Chinese hamster. Unlike spermatozoa of other rodent species, Chinese hamster spermatozoa did not spontaneously undergo the acrosome reaction in fertilization-supporting media. In naturally mated females, spermatozoa in the uterus had intact acrosomes, whereas those in the lower oviductal isthmus had visibly thin acrosomal caps. The acrosomal cap was lost when spermatozoa passed through the cumulus oophorus. Thus, Chinese hamster spermatozoa begin the acrosome reaction in the lower isthmus and complete it in the cumulus oophorus. The mucosal epithelium of the oviductal isthmus released many "transparent" vesicles into the lumen, was very fragile and readily sloughed off by rough handling or rapid flushing with medium. Globular materials that oozed out of the dissected oviduct were most likely mucosa cells destroyed by rough handling. Although the oviducts of Chinese hamsters may be exceptionally delicate, this observation nevertheless warns us to cautiously handle the oviducts of any species when studying oviduct secretions that could be involved in inducing capacitation and the acrosome reaction of spermatozoa within the female genital tract.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Tateno
- Department of Biological Sciences, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Miwa Tamura-Nakano
- Communal Laboratory, Research Institute National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Kusakabe
- Department of Biological Sciences, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Hokkaido, Japan
| | | | - Natsuko Kawano
- Department of Life Sciences, Meiji University, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Ryuzo Yanagimachi
- Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology, Institute for Biogenesis Research, University of Hawaii Medical School, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Ding Y, Ding N, Zhang Y, Xie S, Huang M, Ding X, Dong W, Zhang Q, Jiang L. MicroRNA-222 Transferred From Semen Extracellular Vesicles Inhibits Sperm Apoptosis by Targeting BCL2L11. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:736864. [PMID: 34820370 PMCID: PMC8607813 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.736864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Seminal plasma contains a large number of extracellular vesicles (EVs). However, the roles of these EVs and their interactions with sperm are not clear. To identify the important molecules affecting sperm motility in EVs, we analyzed RNA from seminal plasma EVs of boars with different sperm motility using whole-transcriptome sequencing and proteomic analysis. In total, 7 miRNAs, 67 lncRNAs, 126 mRNAs and 76 proteins were differentially expressed between the two groups. We observed that EV-miR-222 can obviously improve sperm motility. In addition, the results suggested that miR-222 was transferred into sperm by the EVs and that miR-222 affected sperm apoptosis by inhibiting the expression of EGFR, BCL2L11, BAX, CYCs, CASP9 and CASP3. The results of electron microscopy also showed that overexpression of miR-222 in EVs could reduce sperm apoptosis. The study of the whole transcriptomes and proteomes of EVs in boar semen revealed some miRNAs may play an important role in these EVs interactions with Duroc sperm, and the findings suggest that the release of miR-222 by semen EVs is an important mechanism by which sperm viability is maintained and sperm apoptosis is reduced. Our studies provide a new insight of miR-222 in EVs regulation for sperm motility and sperm apoptosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaqun Ding
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Ding
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Shenmin Xie
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Mengna Huang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangdong Ding
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Wuzi Dong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Qin Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.,College of Animal Science and Technology, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, China
| | - Li Jiang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
McDonough-Goldstein CE, Whittington E, McCullough EL, Buel SM, Erdman S, Pitnick S, Dorus S. Pronounced Postmating Response in the Drosophila Female Reproductive Tract Fluid Proteome. Mol Cell Proteomics 2021; 20:100156. [PMID: 34597791 PMCID: PMC9357439 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2021.100156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Fertility depends on the progression of complex and coordinated postmating processes within the extracellular environment of the female reproductive tract (FRT). Molecular interactions between ejaculate and FRT proteins regulate many of these processes, including sperm motility, migration, storage, and modification, along with concurrent changes in the female. Although extensive progress has been made in the proteomic characterization of the male-derived components of sperm and seminal fluid, investigations into the FRT have remained more limited. To achieve a comparable level of knowledge regarding female-derived proteins that comprise the reproductive environment, we utilized semiquantitative MS-based proteomics to study the composition of the FRT tissue and, separately, the luminal fluid, before and after mating in Drosophila melanogaster. Our approach leveraged whole-fly isotopic labeling to delineate female proteins from transferred male ejaculate proteins. Our results revealed several characteristics that distinguish the FRT fluid proteome from the FRT tissue proteome: (1) the fluid proteome is encoded by genes with higher overall levels of FRT gene expression and tissue specificity, including many genes with enriched expression in the fat body, (2) fluid-biased proteins are enriched for metabolic functions, and (3) the fluid exhibits pronounced postmating compositional changes. The dynamic mating-induced proteomic changes in the FRT fluid inform our understanding of secretory mechanisms of the FRT, serve as a foundation for establishing female contributions to the ejaculate-female interactions that regulate fertility, and highlight the importance of applying proteomic approaches to characterize the composition and dynamics of the FRT environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Emma Whittington
- Center for Reproductive Evolution, Department of Biology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Erin L McCullough
- Center for Reproductive Evolution, Department of Biology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Sharleen M Buel
- Center for Reproductive Evolution, Department of Biology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Scott Erdman
- Department of Biology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Scott Pitnick
- Center for Reproductive Evolution, Department of Biology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Steve Dorus
- Center for Reproductive Evolution, Department of Biology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Mahé C, Zlotkowska AM, Reynaud K, Tsikis G, Mermillod P, Druart X, Schoen J, Saint-Dizier M. Sperm migration, selection, survival, and fertilizing ability in the mammalian oviduct†. Biol Reprod 2021; 105:317-331. [PMID: 34057175 PMCID: PMC8335357 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro fertilization (IVF) gives rise to embryos in a number of mammalian species and is currently widely used for assisted reproduction in humans and for genetic purposes in cattle. However, the rate of polyspermy is generally higher in vitro than in vivo and IVF remains ineffective in some domestic species like pigs and horses, highlighting the importance of the female reproductive tract for gamete quality and fertilization. In this review, the way the female environment modulates sperm selective migration, survival, and acquisition of fertilizing ability in the oviduct is being considered under six aspects: (1) the utero-tubal junction that selects a sperm sub-population entering the oviduct; (2) the presence of sperm binding sites on luminal epithelial cells in the oviduct, which prolong sperm viability and plays a role in limiting polyspermic fertilization; (3) the contractions of the oviduct, which promote sperm migration toward the site of fertilization in the ampulla; (4) the regions of the oviduct, which play different roles in regulating sperm physiology and interactions with oviduct epithelial cells; (5) the time of ovulation, and (6) the steroid hormonal environment which regulates sperm release from the luminal epithelial cells and facilitates capacitation in a finely orchestrated manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Coline Mahé
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, Nouzilly, France
| | | | - Karine Reynaud
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, Nouzilly, France
| | | | | | - Xavier Druart
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, Nouzilly, France
| | - Jennifer Schoen
- Institute of Reproductive Biology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology, FBN, Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Marie Saint-Dizier
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, Nouzilly, France.,Tours University, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Agrosciences Department, Tours, France
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Abstract
Within the reproductive tract, distinct cell types must have precisely controlled communication for complex processes such as gamete production, fertilisation and implantation. Intercellular communication in many physiological processes involves extracellular vesicles (EVs). In reproductive systems, EVs have been implicated in many aspects, from gamete maturation to embryo development. Sperm develop within the testis and then exit into the epididymis in an immature form, lacking motility and fertilising capabilities. Due to their small size, compact nature of the nucleus and the lack of specific organelles, sperm are unable to perform de novo protein synthesis, and thus rely on extrinsic signals delivered from the external milieu to gain full function. Mounting evidence points to EVs as being a major provider of these signals, not just within the male reproductive tract but also within the female as the sperm make their way through a seemingly hostile environment to the oocyte. In this chapter, we review the current knowledge on EVs as mediators of sperm maturation and function and highlight their potential roles in male fertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalie J Foot
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
| | - Sharad Kumar
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Selection of Boar Sperm by Reproductive Biofluids as Chemoattractants. Animals (Basel) 2020; 11:ani11010053. [PMID: 33396764 PMCID: PMC7824399 DOI: 10.3390/ani11010053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Both in natural breeding and some assisted reproduction technologies, spermatozoa are deposited into the uterus. The journey the spermatozoa must take from the place of semen deposition to the fertilization site is long, hostile, and selective of the best spermatozoa. For the fertilization to succeed, spermatozoa are guided by chemical stimuli (chemoattractants) to the fertilization site, mainly secreted by the oocyte, cumulus cells, and other substances poured into the oviduct in the periovulatory period. This work studied some sources of chemotactic factors and their action on spermatozoa functionality in vitro, including the fertility. A special chemotactic chamber for spermatozoa selection was designed which consists of two wells communicated by a tube. The spermatozoa are deposited in well A, and the chemoattractants in well B. This study focuses on the use of follicular fluid (FF), periovulatory oviductal fluid (pOF), conditioned medium from the in vitro maturation of oocytes (CM), and progesterone (P4) as chemoattractants to sperm. The chemotactic potential of these substances is also investigated as related to their action on CatSper which is a calcium channel in the spermatozoa known to be sensitive to chemoattractants and essential for motility. Abstract Chemotaxis is a spermatozoa guidance mechanism demonstrated in vitro in several mammalian species including porcine. This work focused on follicular fluid (FF), periovulatory oviductal fluid (pOF), the medium surrounding oocytes during in vitro maturation (conditioned medium; CM), progesterone (P4), and the combination of those biofluids (Σ) as chemotactic agents and modulators of spermatozoa fertility in vitro. A chemotaxis chamber was designed consisting of two independent wells, A and B, connected by a tube. The spermatozoa are deposited in well A, and the chemoattractants in well B. The concentrations of biofluids that attracted a higher proportion of spermatozoa to well B were 0.25% FF, 0.25% OF, 0.06% CM, 10 pM P4 and 0.25% of a combination of biofluids (Σ2), which attracted between 3.3 and 12.3% of spermatozoa (p < 0.05). The motility of spermatozoa recovered in well B was determined and the chemotactic potential when the sperm calcium channel CatSper was inhibited, which significantly reduced the % of spermatozoa attracted (p < 0.05). Regarding the in vitro fertility, the spermatozoa attracted by FF produced higher rates of penetration of oocytes and development of expanded blastocysts. In conclusion, porcine reproductive biofluids show an in vitro chemotactic effect on spermatozoa and modulate their fertilizing potential.
Collapse
|
22
|
Matamoros-Volante A, Castillo-Viveros V, Torres-Rodríguez P, Treviño MB, Treviño CL. Time-Lapse Flow Cytometry: A Robust Tool to Assess Physiological Parameters Related to the Fertilizing Capability of Human Sperm. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010093. [PMID: 33374265 PMCID: PMC7796328 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasma membrane (PM) hyperpolarization, increased intracellular pH (pHi), and changes in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) are physiological events that occur during human sperm capacitation. These parameters are potential predictors of successful outcomes for men undergoing artificial reproduction techniques (ARTs), but methods currently available for their determination pose various technical challenges and limitations. Here, we developed a novel strategy employing time-lapse flow cytometry (TLFC) to determine capacitation-related membrane potential (Em) and pHi changes, and progesterone-induced [Ca2+]i increases. Our results show that TLFC is a robust method to measure absolute Em and pHi values and to qualitatively evaluate [Ca2+]i changes. To support the usefulness of our methodology, we used sperm from two types of normozoospermic donors: known paternity (subjects with self-reported paternity) and no-known paternity (subjects without self-reported paternity and no known fertility problems). We found relevant differences between them. The incidences of membrane hyperpolarization, pHi alkalinization, and increased [Ca2+]i were consistently high among known paternity samples (100%, 100%, and 86%, respectively), while they varied widely among no-known paternity samples (44%, 17%, and 45%, respectively). Our results indicate that TLFC is a powerful tool to analyze key physiological parameters of human sperm, which pending clinical validation, could potentially be employed as fertility predictors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arturo Matamoros-Volante
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca Morelos 62210, Mexico; (A.M.-V.); (V.C.-V.); (P.T.-R.)
| | - Valeria Castillo-Viveros
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca Morelos 62210, Mexico; (A.M.-V.); (V.C.-V.); (P.T.-R.)
| | - Paulina Torres-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca Morelos 62210, Mexico; (A.M.-V.); (V.C.-V.); (P.T.-R.)
| | - Marcela B. Treviño
- Science Department, School of Pure and Applied Sciences, Florida SouthWestern State College, Fort Myers, FL 33919, USA;
| | - Claudia L. Treviño
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca Morelos 62210, Mexico; (A.M.-V.); (V.C.-V.); (P.T.-R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +52-777-329-1611
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Saadeldin IM, Khalil WA, Alharbi MG, Lee SH. The Current Trends in Using Nanoparticles, Liposomes, and Exosomes for Semen Cryopreservation. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E2281. [PMID: 33287256 PMCID: PMC7761754 DOI: 10.3390/ani10122281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryopreservation is an essential tool to preserve sperm cells for zootechnical management and artificial insemination purposes. Cryopreservation is associated with sperm damage via different levels of plasma membrane injury and oxidative stress. Nanoparticles are often used to defend against free radicals and oxidative stress generated through the entire process of cryopreservation. Recently, artificial or natural nanovesicles including liposomes and exosomes, respectively, have shown regenerative capabilities to repair damaged sperm during the freeze-thaw process. Exosomes possess a potential pleiotropic effect because they contain antioxidants, lipids, and other bioactive molecules regulating and repairing spermatozoa. In this review, we highlight the current strategies of using nanoparticles and nanovesicles (liposomes and exosomes) to combat the cryoinjuries associated with semen cryopreservation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Islam M. Saadeldin
- Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wael A. Khalil
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt;
| | - Mona G. Alharbi
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Seok Hee Lee
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Extracellular Vesicles, the Road toward the Improvement of ART Outcomes. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10112171. [PMID: 33233342 PMCID: PMC7700519 DOI: 10.3390/ani10112171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, farm animal industries use assisted reproductive technologies (ART) as a tool to manage herds' reproductive outcomes, for a fast dissemination of genetic improvement as well as to bypass subfertility issues. ART comprise at least one of the following procedures: collection and handling of oocytes, sperm, and embryos in in vitro conditions. Therefore, in these conditions, the interaction with the oviductal environment of gametes and early embryos during fertilization and the first stages of embryo development is lost. As a result, embryos obtained in in vitro fertilization (IVF) have less quality in comparison with those obtained in vivo, and have lower chances to implant and develop into viable offspring. In addition, media currently used for IVF are very similar to those empirically developed more than five decades ago. Recently, the importance of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the fertility process has flourished. EVs are recognized as effective intercellular vehicles for communication as they deliver their cargo of proteins, lipids, and genetic material. Thus, during their transit through the female reproductive tract both gametes, oocyte and spermatozoa (that previously encountered EVs produced by male reproductive tract) interact with EVs produced by the female reproductive tract, passing them important information that contributes to a successful fertilization and embryo development. This fact highlights that the reproductive tract EVs cargo has an important role in reproductive events, which is missing in current ART media. This review aims to recapitulate recent advances in EVs functions on the fertilization process, highlighting the latest proposals with an applied approach to enhance ART outcome through EV utilization as an additive to the media of current ART procedures.
Collapse
|
25
|
Harris EA, Stephens KK, Winuthayanon W. Extracellular Vesicles and the Oviduct Function. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21218280. [PMID: 33167378 PMCID: PMC7663821 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, the oviduct (or the Fallopian tube in humans) can be divided into the infundibulum (responsible for oocyte pick-up), ampulla (site of fertilization), isthmus (where preimplantation embryos develop), and uterotubal junction (where embryos transit to the uterus). The oviductal fluid, as well as extracellular vesicles produced from the oviduct epithelial cells, referred to as oEVs, have been shown to improve the fertilization process, prevent polyspermy, and aid in embryo development. oEVs contain molecular cargos (such as miRNAs, mRNAs, proteins, and lipids) that can be delivered and fuse to recipient cells. oEVs produced from the ampulla appear to be functionally distinct from those produced from the isthmus. In multiple species including mice, cats, dogs, pigs, and cows, oEVs can be incorporated into the oocytes, sperm, and embryos. In this review, we show the positive impact of oEVs on gamete function as well as blastocyst development and how they may improve embryo quality in in vitro conditions in an assisted reproductive technology setting for rodents, domestic animals, farm animals, and humans.
Collapse
|
26
|
The Biological Function of Extracellular Vesicles during Fertilization, Early Embryo-Maternal Crosstalk and Their Involvement in Reproduction: Review and Overview. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10111510. [PMID: 33158009 PMCID: PMC7693816 DOI: 10.3390/biom10111510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Secretory extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-enclosed microparticles that mediate cell to cell communication in proximity to, or distant from, the cell of origin. Cells release a heterogeneous spectrum of EVs depending on their physiologic and metabolic state. Extracellular vesicles are generally classified as either exosomes or microvesicles depending on their size and biogenesis. Extracellular vesicles mediate temporal and spatial interaction during many events in sexual reproduction and supporting embryo-maternal dialogue. Although many omic technologies provide detailed understanding of the molecular cargo of EVs, the difficulty in obtaining populations of homogeneous EVs makes difficult to interpret the molecular profile of the molecules derived from a miscellaneous EV population. Notwithstanding, molecular characterization of EVs isolated in physiological and pathological conditions may increase our understanding of reproductive and obstetric diseases and assist the search for potential non-invasive biomarkers. Moreover, a more precise vision of the cocktail of biomolecules inside the EVs mediating communication between the embryo and mother could provide new insights to optimize the therapeutic action and safety of EV use.
Collapse
|
27
|
Saint-Dizier M, Mahé C, Reynaud K, Tsikis G, Mermillod P, Druart X. Sperm interactions with the female reproductive tract: A key for successful fertilization in mammals. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 516:110956. [PMID: 32712384 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Sperm migration through the female genital tract is not a quiet journey. Uterine contractions quickly operate a drastic selection, leading to a very restrictive number of sperm reaching the top of uterine horns and finally, provided the presence of key molecules on sperm, the oviduct, where fertilization takes place. During hours and sometimes days before fertilization, subpopulations of spermatozoa interact with dynamic and region-specific maternal components, including soluble proteins, extracellular vesicles and epithelial cells lining the lumen of the female tract. Interactions with uterine and oviductal cells play important roles for sperm survival as they modulate the maternal immune response and allow a transient storage before ovulation. The body of work reported here highlights the importance of sperm interactions with proteins originated from both the uterine and oviductal fluids, as well as hormonal signals around the time of ovulation for sperm acquisition of fertilizing competence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie Saint-Dizier
- INRAE, UMR PRC, 37380, Nouzilly, France; University of Tours, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, 37000, Tours, France.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Gebremedhn S, Gad A, Aglan HS, Laurincik J, Prochazka R, Salilew-Wondim D, Hoelker M, Schellander K, Tesfaye D. Extracellular vesicles shuttle protective messages against heat stress in bovine granulosa cells. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15824. [PMID: 32978452 PMCID: PMC7519046 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72706-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Elevated summer temperature is reported to be the leading cause of stress in dairy and beef cows, which negatively affects various reproductive functions. Follicular cells respond to heat stress (HS) by activating the expression of heat shock family proteins (HSPs) and other antioxidants. HS is reported to negatively affect the bi-directional communication between the follicular cells and the oocyte, which is partly mediated by follicular fluid extracellular vesicles (EVs) released from surrounding cells. As carriers of bioactive molecules (DNA, RNA, protein, and lipids), the involvement of EVs in mediating the stress response in follicular cells is not fully understood. Here we used an in vitro model to decipher the cellular and EV-coupled miRNAs of bovine granulosa cells in response to HS. Moreover, the protective role of stress-related EVs against subsequent HS was assessed. For this, bovine granulosa cells from smaller follicles were cultured in vitro and after sub-confluency, cells were either kept at 37 °C or subjected to HS (42 °C). Results showed that granulosa cells exposed to HS increased the accumulation of ROS, total oxidized protein, apoptosis, and the expression of HSPs and antioxidants, while the viability of cells was reduced. Moreover, 14 and 6 miRNAs were differentially expressed in heat-stressed granulosa cells and the corresponding EVs, respectively. Supplementation of stress-related EVs in cultured granulosa cells has induced adaptive response to subsequent HS. However, this potential was not pronounced when the cells were kept under 37 °C. Taking together, EVs generated from granulosa cells exposed to HS has the potential to shuttle bioactive molecules to recipient cells and make them robust to subsequent HS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Gebremedhn
- Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, 1351 Rampart Rd, Fort Collins, CO, 80525, USA.,Animal Breeding and Husbandry Group, Institute of Animal Science, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,Department of Animal, Rangeland and Wildlife Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia
| | - Ahmed Gad
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Liběchov, Czech Republic.,Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Hoda Samir Aglan
- Animal Breeding and Husbandry Group, Institute of Animal Science, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jozef Laurincik
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Liběchov, Czech Republic.,Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Radek Prochazka
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Liběchov, Czech Republic
| | - Dessie Salilew-Wondim
- Animal Breeding and Husbandry Group, Institute of Animal Science, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Michael Hoelker
- Animal Breeding and Husbandry Group, Institute of Animal Science, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Karl Schellander
- Animal Breeding and Husbandry Group, Institute of Animal Science, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Dawit Tesfaye
- Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, 1351 Rampart Rd, Fort Collins, CO, 80525, USA. .,Animal Breeding and Husbandry Group, Institute of Animal Science, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany. .,Department of Animal, Rangeland and Wildlife Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Itze-Mayrhofer C, Brem G. Quantitative proteomic strategies to study reproduction in farm animals: Female reproductive fluids. J Proteomics 2020; 225:103884. [PMID: 32593762 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2020.103884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Reproductive fluids from the female reproductive tract are gaining attention for their potential to support and optimize reproductive processes, including gamete maturation and embryo culture in vitro. Quantitative proteomics is a powerful way to decipher the proteome of reproductive tract fluids and to identify biologically relevant proteins. The present review describes proteomic strategies for analysing female reproductive fluid proteins. In addition, it considers the strategies for the preparation of oviductal, uterine and follicular fluid samples. Finally, it highlights the main results of quantitative proteomic studies, providing insights into the biological processes related to reproductive biology in farm animals. SIGNIFICANCE: Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) have become vitally important for farm animal breeding and much effort is going into the optimization and refinement of the techniques. There are also attempts to imitate physiological conditions by adding reproductive fluids or individual fluid proteins to improve in vitro procedures. A detailed knowledge of the reproductive fluid proteomes is indispensable. The present review summarizes the most widely used quantitative proteomic approaches for the analysis of fluids from the female reproductive tract and highlights the potential of quantitative proteomics to delineate reproductive processes and identify candidate proteins for ARTs in farm animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Corina Itze-Mayrhofer
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Group Molecular Reproduction IFA-Tulln, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Gottfried Brem
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
de Almeida Monteiro Melo Ferraz M, Nagashima JB, Noonan MJ, Crosier AE, Songsasen N. Oviductal Extracellular Vesicles Improve Post-Thaw Sperm Function in Red Wolves and Cheetahs. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E3733. [PMID: 32466321 PMCID: PMC7279450 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Artificial insemination (AI) is a valuable tool for ex situ wildlife conservation, allowing the re-infusion and dissemination of genetic material, even after death of the donor. However, the application of AI to species conservation is still limited, due mainly to the poor survival of cryopreserved sperm. Recent work demonstrated that oviductal extracellular vesicles (oEVs) improved cat sperm motility and reduced premature acrosomal exocytosis. Here, we build on these findings by describing the protein content of dog and cat oEVs and investigating whether the incubation of cryopreserved red wolf and cheetah sperm with oEVs during thawing improves sperm function. Both red wolf and cheetah sperm thawed with dog and cat oEVs, respectively, had more intact acrosomes than the non-EV controls. Moreover, red wolf sperm thawed in the presence of dog oEVs better maintained sperm motility over time (>15%) though such an improvement was not observed in cheetah sperm. Our work demonstrates that dog and cat oEVs carry proteins important for sperm function and improve post-thaw motility and/or acrosome integrity of red wolf and cheetah sperm in vitro. The findings show how oEVs can be a valuable tool for improving the success of AI with cryopreserved sperm in threatened species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jennifer Beth Nagashima
- Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, 1500 Remount Road, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA; (J.B.N.); (M.J.N.); (A.E.C.); (N.S.)
| | - Michael James Noonan
- Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, 1500 Remount Road, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA; (J.B.N.); (M.J.N.); (A.E.C.); (N.S.)
- The Irving K. Barber School of Arts and Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus, 1177 Research Road, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - Adrienne E. Crosier
- Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, 1500 Remount Road, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA; (J.B.N.); (M.J.N.); (A.E.C.); (N.S.)
| | - Nucharin Songsasen
- Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, 1500 Remount Road, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA; (J.B.N.); (M.J.N.); (A.E.C.); (N.S.)
| |
Collapse
|