1
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Weiss N, Zamponi GW. The T-type calcium channelosome. Pflugers Arch 2024; 476:163-177. [PMID: 38036777 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-023-02891-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
T-type calcium channels perform crucial physiological roles across a wide spectrum of tissues, spanning both neuronal and non-neuronal system. For instance, they serve as pivotal regulators of neuronal excitability, contribute to cardiac pacemaking, and mediate the secretion of hormones. These functions significantly hinge upon the intricate interplay of T-type channels with interacting proteins that modulate their expression and function at the plasma membrane. In this review, we offer a panoramic exploration of the current knowledge surrounding these T-type channel interactors, and spotlight certain aspects of their potential for drug-based therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norbert Weiss
- Department of Pathophysiology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Gerald W Zamponi
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
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2
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Mata-Martínez E, Sánchez-Cárdenas C, Chávez JC, Guerrero A, Treviño CL, Corkidi G, Montoya F, Hernandez-Herrera P, Buffone MG, Balestrini PA, Darszon A. Role of calcium oscillations in sperm physiology. Biosystems 2021; 209:104524. [PMID: 34453988 DOI: 10.1016/j.biosystems.2021.104524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Intracellular Ca2+ is a key regulator of cell signaling and sperm are not the exception. Cells often use cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) oscillations as a means to decodify external and internal information. [Ca2+]i oscillations faster than those usually found in other cells and correlated with flagellar beat were the first to be described in sperm in 1993 by Susan Suarez, in the boar. More than 20 years passed before similar [Ca2+]i oscillations were documented in human sperm, simultaneously examining their flagellar beat in three dimensions by Corkidi et al. 2017. On the other hand, 10 years after the discovery of the fast boar [Ca2+]i oscillations, slower ones triggered by compounds from the egg external envelope were found to regulate cell motility and chemotaxis in sperm from marine organisms. Today it is known that sperm display fast and slow spontaneous and agonist triggered [Ca2+]i oscillations. In mammalian sperm these Ca2+ transients may act like a multifaceted tool that regulates fundamental functions such as motility and acrosome reaction. This review covers the main sperm species and experimental conditions where [Ca2+]i oscillations have been described and discusses what is known about the transporters involved, their regulation and the physiological purpose of these oscillations. There is a lot to be learned regarding the origin, regulation and physiological relevance of these Ca2+ oscillations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esperanza Mata-Martínez
- Laboratorio de Fusión de Membranas y Exocitosis Acrosomal, Instituto de Histología y Embriología Dr. Mario H. Burgos (IHEM) Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, CONICET, Mendoza, Argentina.
| | - Claudia Sánchez-Cárdenas
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología (IBT), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico.
| | - Julio C Chávez
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología (IBT), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico.
| | - Adán Guerrero
- Laboratorio Nacional de Microscopía Avanzada, IBT, UNAM, Mexico.
| | - Claudia L Treviño
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología (IBT), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico.
| | - Gabriel Corkidi
- Departamento de Ingeniería Celular y Biocatálisis, Laboratorio de Imágenes y Visión por Computadora, IBT, UNAM, Mexico.
| | - Fernando Montoya
- Departamento de Ingeniería Celular y Biocatálisis, Laboratorio de Imágenes y Visión por Computadora, IBT, UNAM, Mexico.
| | - Paul Hernandez-Herrera
- Departamento de Ingeniería Celular y Biocatálisis, Laboratorio de Imágenes y Visión por Computadora, IBT, UNAM, Mexico.
| | - Mariano G Buffone
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Paula A Balestrini
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Alberto Darszon
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología (IBT), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico.
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3
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Papazoglou A, Henseler C, Broich K, Daubner J, Weiergräber M. Breeding of Ca v2.3 deficient mice reveals Mendelian inheritance in contrast to complex inheritance in Ca v3.2 null mutant breeding. Sci Rep 2021; 11:13972. [PMID: 34234221 PMCID: PMC8263769 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93391-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
High voltage-activated Cav2.3 R-type Ca2+ channels and low voltage-activated Cav3.2 T-type Ca2+ channels were reported to be involved in numerous physiological and pathophysiological processes. Many of these findings are based on studies in Cav2.3 and Cav3.2 deficient mice. Recently, it has been proposed that inbreeding of Cav2.3 and Cav3.2 deficient mice exhibits significant deviation from Mendelian inheritance and might be an indication for potential prenatal lethality in these lines. In our study, we analyzed 926 offspring from Cav3.2 breedings and 1142 offspring from Cav2.3 breedings. Our results demonstrate that breeding of Cav2.3 deficient mice shows typical Mendelian inheritance and that there is no indication of prenatal lethality. In contrast, Cav3.2 breeding exhibits a complex inheritance pattern. It might be speculated that the differences in inheritance, particularly for Cav2.3 breeding, are related to other factors, such as genetic specificities of the mutant lines, compensatory mechanisms and altered sperm activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Papazoglou
- Experimental Neuropsychopharmacology, Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte, BfArM), Kurt-Georg-Kiesinger-Allee 3, 53175, Bonn, Germany
| | - Christina Henseler
- Experimental Neuropsychopharmacology, Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte, BfArM), Kurt-Georg-Kiesinger-Allee 3, 53175, Bonn, Germany
| | - Karl Broich
- Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte, BfArM), Kurt-Georg-Kiesinger-Allee 3, 53175, Bonn, Germany
| | - Johanna Daubner
- Experimental Neuropsychopharmacology, Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte, BfArM), Kurt-Georg-Kiesinger-Allee 3, 53175, Bonn, Germany
| | - Marco Weiergräber
- Experimental Neuropsychopharmacology, Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte, BfArM), Kurt-Georg-Kiesinger-Allee 3, 53175, Bonn, Germany.
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Itzhakov D, Nitzan Y, Breitbart H. Protein kinase A inhibition induces EPAC-dependent acrosomal exocytosis in human sperm. Asian J Androl 2020; 21:337-344. [PMID: 30632486 PMCID: PMC6628745 DOI: 10.4103/aja.aja_99_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
To interact with the egg, the spermatozoon must undergo several biochemical and motility modifications in the female reproductive tract, collectively called capacitation. Only capacitated sperm can undergo acrosomal exocytosis, near or on the egg, a process that allows the sperm to penetrate and fertilize the egg. In the present study, we investigated the involvement of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent processes on acrosomal exocytosis. Inhibition of protein kinase A (PKA) at the end of capacitation induced acrosomal exocytosis. This process is cAMP-dependent; however, the addition of relatively high concentration of the membrane-permeable 8-bromo-cAMP (8Br-cAMP, 0.1 mmol l−1) analog induced significant inhibition of the acrosomal exocytosis. The induction of acrosomal exocytosis by PKA inhibition was significantly inhibited by an exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (EPAC) ESI09 inhibitor. The EPAC selective substrate activated AE at relatively low concentrations (0.02–0.1 μmol l−1), whereas higher concentrations (>5 μmol l−1) were inhibitory to the AE induced by PKA inhibition. Inhibition of PKA revealed about 50% increase in intracellular cAMP levels, conditions under which EPAC can be activated to induce the AE. Induction of AE by activating the actin severing-protein, gelsolin, which causes F-actin dispersion, was inhibited by the EPAC inhibitor. The AE induced by PKA inhibition was mediated by phospholipase C activity but not by the Ca2+-channel, CatSper. Thus, inhibition of PKA at the end of the capacitation process induced EPAC/phospholipase C-dependent acrosomal exocytosis. EPAC mediates F-actin depolymerization and/or activation of effectors downstream to F-actin breakdown that lead to acrosomal exocytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Itzhakov
- The Mina and Everard Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Yeshayahu Nitzan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, Zefat Academic College, Zefat 1320611, Israel
| | - Haim Breitbart
- The Mina and Everard Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 5290002, Israel
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Stival C, Ritagliati C, Xu X, Gervasi MG, Luque GM, Baró Graf C, De la Vega-Beltrán JL, Torres N, Darszon A, Krapf D, Buffone MG, Visconti PE, Krapf D. Disruption of protein kinase A localization induces acrosomal exocytosis in capacitated mouse sperm. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:9435-9447. [PMID: 29700114 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.002286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Revised: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein kinase A (PKA) is a broad-spectrum Ser/Thr kinase involved in the regulation of several cellular activities. Thus, its precise activation relies on being localized at specific subcellular places known as discrete PKA signalosomes. A-Kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs) form scaffolding assemblies that play a pivotal role in PKA regulation by restricting its activity to specific microdomains. Because one of the first signaling events observed during mammalian sperm capacitation is PKA activation, understanding how PKA activity is restricted in space and time is crucial to decipher the critical steps of sperm capacitation. Here, we demonstrate that the anchoring of PKA to AKAP is not only necessary but also actively regulated during sperm capacitation. However, we find that once capacitated, the release of PKA from AKAP promotes a sudden Ca2+ influx through the sperm-specific Ca2+ channel CatSper, starting a tail-to-head Ca2+ propagation that triggers the acrosome reaction. Three-dimensional super-resolution imaging confirmed a redistribution of PKA within the flagellar structure throughout the capacitation process, which depends on anchoring to AKAP. These results represent a new signaling event that involves CatSper Ca2+ channels in the acrosome reaction, sensitive to PKA stimulation upon release from AKAP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cintia Stival
- From the Laboratoty of Cell Signal Transduction Networks, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), CONICET-UNR, Rosario 2000, Argentina
| | - Carla Ritagliati
- From the Laboratoty of Cell Signal Transduction Networks, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), CONICET-UNR, Rosario 2000, Argentina
| | - Xinran Xu
- the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523
| | - Maria G Gervasi
- the Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003
| | - Guillermina M Luque
- the Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires C1428ADN, Argentina
| | - Carolina Baró Graf
- From the Laboratoty of Cell Signal Transduction Networks, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), CONICET-UNR, Rosario 2000, Argentina
| | - José Luis De la Vega-Beltrán
- the Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología (IBT), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, México, and
| | - Nicolas Torres
- the Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires C1428ADN, Argentina
| | - Alberto Darszon
- the Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología (IBT), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, México, and
| | - Diego Krapf
- the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523.,the School of Biomedical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523
| | - Mariano G Buffone
- the Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires C1428ADN, Argentina
| | - Pablo E Visconti
- the Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003
| | - Dario Krapf
- From the Laboratoty of Cell Signal Transduction Networks, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), CONICET-UNR, Rosario 2000, Argentina,
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Ritagliati C, Baro Graf C, Stival C, Krapf D. Regulation mechanisms and implications of sperm membrane hyperpolarization. Mech Dev 2018; 154:33-43. [PMID: 29694849 DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2018.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Revised: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian sperm are unable to fertilize the egg immediately after ejaculation. In order to gain fertilization competence, they need to undergo a series of biochemical and physiological modifications inside the female reproductive tract, known as capacitation. Capacitation correlates with two essential events for fertilization: hyperactivation, an asymmetric and vigorous flagellar motility, and the ability to undergo the acrosome reaction. At a molecular level, capacitation is associated to: phosphorylation cascades, modification of membrane lipids, alkalinization of the intracellular pH, increase in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration and hyperpolarization of the sperm plasma membrane potential. Hyperpolarization is a crucial event in capacitation since it primes the sperm to undergo the exocytosis of the acrosome content, essential to achieve fertilization of the oocyte.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Ritagliati
- Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction Networks, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR-CONICET-UNR), Rosario 2000, Argentina.
| | - Carolina Baro Graf
- Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction Networks, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR-CONICET-UNR), Rosario 2000, Argentina
| | - Cintia Stival
- Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction Networks, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR-CONICET-UNR), Rosario 2000, Argentina
| | - Dario Krapf
- Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction Networks, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR-CONICET-UNR), Rosario 2000, Argentina; Laboratorio de Especialidades Reproductivas, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquimicas y Farmacéuticas, UNR, Rosario 2000, Argentina.
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7
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Gervasi MG, Visconti PE. Chang's meaning of capacitation: A molecular perspective. Mol Reprod Dev 2018; 83:860-874. [PMID: 27256723 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2015] [Accepted: 05/31/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Dr. Min Chue Chang's contributions to the field of reproductive biology set the stage for the development of the contraceptive pill and in vitro fertilization. Throughout his publications, Dr. Chang was also able to transmit his view of the fertilization process in ways that organized research for newer generations of reproductive biologists. Particularly relevant for the achievement of in vitro fertilization in mammals was the discovery that the sperm required a period of residence in the female tract to become fertilization-competent; Dr. Chang and Dr. Austin, in Australia, independently reported this process, now known as sperm capacitation. This review discusses Dr. Chang's views on capacitation, and puts them in the context of recent advances in the understanding of the molecular basis of this process. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 83: 860-874, 2016 © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Gracia Gervasi
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, ISB, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts
| | - Pablo E Visconti
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, ISB, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts.
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López-González I, Treviño CL, Darszon A. Regulation of Spermatogenic Cell T-Type Ca(2+) Currents by Zn(2+): Implications in Male Reproductive Physiology. J Cell Physiol 2016. [PMID: 26222306 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Zn(2+) is a trace metal which is important for spermatogenesis progression; its deficiency causes atrophy or malignant growth of the testis. Although testis, epididymis, and prostate contain high Zn(2+) concentrations, the molecular entities which are modulated by this metal are still under study. Interestingly, spermatogenic cells mainly express CaV 3.2-encoded T-type Ca(2+) currents (ICaT) which are positively or negatively modulated by Zn(2+) in other tissues. To explore whether ICaT could be regulated by Zn(2+) and albumin, its main physiological carrier, we performed whole cell electrophysiological recordings of spermatogenic cell ICaT in the absence or presence of different Zn(2+) concentrations. Zn(2+) decreased ICaT in a concentration-dependent manner (IC50 = 2 μM) and this inhibition could only be completely removed in presence of albumin. Differently to previous reports, ICaT did not show a tonic inhibition by Zn(2+) . Further analysis showed that Zn(2+) did not affect the voltage dependency or the kinetics of current activation, but right shifted the steady-state inactivation curve and slowed inactivation and deactivation kinetics. Recovery from inactivation was also altered. However, these apparent alterations in gating properties are not enough to explain the strong ICaT reduction. Using non-stationary fluctuation analysis, we found that Zn(2+) mainly reduced the number of available Ca(2+) channels without changing the single channel current amplitude. ICaT modulation by Zn(2+) could be relevant for spontaneous Ca(2+) oscillations during spermatogenesis and in pathophysiological conditions such as diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio López-González
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca Morelos, México
| | - Claudia L Treviño
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca Morelos, México
| | - Alberto Darszon
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca Morelos, México
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Beltrán C, Treviño CL, Mata-Martínez E, Chávez JC, Sánchez-Cárdenas C, Baker M, Darszon A. Role of Ion Channels in the Sperm Acrosome Reaction. SPERM ACROSOME BIOGENESIS AND FUNCTION DURING FERTILIZATION 2016; 220:35-69. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-30567-7_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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10
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Sperm Capacitation and Acrosome Reaction in Mammalian Sperm. SPERM ACROSOME BIOGENESIS AND FUNCTION DURING FERTILIZATION 2016; 220:93-106. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-30567-7_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Miller MR, Mansell SA, Meyers SA, Lishko PV. Flagellar ion channels of sperm: similarities and differences between species. Cell Calcium 2015; 58:105-13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2014.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2014] [Revised: 10/16/2014] [Accepted: 10/20/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Watanabe M, Ueda T, Shibata Y, Kumamoto N, Shimada S, Ugawa S. Expression and Regulation of Cav3.2 T-Type Calcium Channels during Inflammatory Hyperalgesia in Mouse Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0127572. [PMID: 25974104 PMCID: PMC4431781 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0127572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2014] [Accepted: 04/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The Cav3.2 isoform of the T-type calcium channel is expressed in primary sensory neurons of the dorsal root ganglion (DRG), and these channels contribute to nociceptive and neuropathic pain in rats. However, there are conflicting reports on the roles of these channels in pain processing in rats and mice. In addition, the function of T-type channels in persistent inflammatory hyperalgesia is poorly understood. We performed behavioral and comprehensive histochemical analyses to characterize Cav3.2-expressing DRG neurons and examined the regulation of T-type channels in DRGs from C57BL/6 mice with carrageenan-induced inflammatory hyperalgesia. We show that approximately 20% of mouse DRG neurons express Cav3.2 mRNA and protein. The size of the majority of Cav3.2-positive DRG neurons (69 ± 8%) ranged from 300 to 700 μm2 in cross-sectional area and 20 to 30 μm in estimated diameter. These channels co-localized with either neurofilament-H (NF-H) or peripherin. The peripherin-positive cells also overlapped with neurons that were positive for isolectin B4 (IB4) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) but were distinct from transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1)-positive neurons during normal mouse states. In mice with carrageenan-induced inflammatory hyperalgesia, Cav3.2 channels, but not Cav3.1 or Cav3.3 channels, were upregulated in ipsilateral DRG neurons during the sub-acute phase. The increased Cav3.2 expression partially resulted from an increased number of Cav3.2-immunoreactive neurons; this increase in number was particularly significant for TRPV1-positive neurons. Finally, preceding and periodic intraplantar treatment with the T-type calcium channel blockers mibefradil and NNC 55-0396 markedly reduced and reversed mechanical hyperalgesia during the acute and sub-acute phases, respectively, in mice. These data suggest that Cav3.2 T-type channels participate in the development of inflammatory hyperalgesia, and this channel might play an even greater role in the sub-acute phase of inflammatory pain due to increased co-localization with TRPV1 receptors compared with that in the normal state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaya Watanabe
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Takashi Ueda
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Yasuhiro Shibata
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Natsuko Kumamoto
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Shoichi Shimada
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Shinya Ugawa
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan
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Escoffier J, Navarrete F, Haddad D, Santi CM, Darszon A, Visconti PE. Flow cytometry analysis reveals that only a subpopulation of mouse sperm undergoes hyperpolarization during capacitation. Biol Reprod 2015; 92:121. [PMID: 25855261 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.114.127266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2014] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
To gain fertilizing capacity, mammalian sperm should reside in the female tract for a period of time. The physiological changes that render the sperm able to fertilize are known as capacitation. Capacitation is associated with an increase in intracellular pH, an increase in intracellular calcium, and phosphorylation of different proteins. This process is also accompanied by the hyperpolarization of the sperm plasma membrane potential (Em). In the present work, we used flow cytometry to analyze changes in sperm Em during capacitation in individual cells. Our results indicate that a subpopulation of hyperpolarized mouse sperm can be clearly distinguished by sperm flow cytometry analysis. Using sperm bearing green fluorescent protein in their acrosomes, we found that this hyperpolarized subpopulation is composed of sperm with intact acrosomes. In addition, we show that the capacitation-associated hyperpolarization is blocked by high extracellular K(+), by PKA inhibitors, and by SLO3 inhibitors in CD1 mouse sperm, and undetectable in Slo3 knockout mouse sperm. On the other hand, in sperm incubated in conditions that do not support capacitation, sperm membrane hyperpolarization can be induced by amiloride, high extracellular NaHCO3, and cAMP agonists. Altogether, our observations are consistent with a model in which sperm Em hyperpolarization is downstream of a cAMP-dependent pathway and is mediated by the activation of SLO3 K(+) channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Escoffier
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts
| | - Felipe Navarrete
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts
| | - Doug Haddad
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts
| | - Celia M Santi
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology. Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Alberto Darszon
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnologia-Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, México
| | - Pablo E Visconti
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts
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Cohen R, Buttke DE, Asano A, Mukai C, Nelson JL, Ren D, Miller RJ, Cohen-Kutner M, Atlas D, Travis AJ. Lipid modulation of calcium flux through CaV2.3 regulates acrosome exocytosis and fertilization. Dev Cell 2014; 28:310-21. [PMID: 24525187 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2014.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2012] [Revised: 10/23/2013] [Accepted: 01/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Membrane lipid regulation of cell function is poorly understood. In early development, sterol efflux and the ganglioside GM1 regulate sperm acrosome exocytosis (AE) and fertilization competence through unknown mechanisms. Here, we show that sterol efflux and focal enrichment of GM1 trigger Ca(2+) influx necessary for AE through CaV2.3, whose activity has been highly controversial in sperm. Sperm lacking CaV2.3's pore-forming α1E subunit showed altered Ca(2+) responses, reduced AE, and a strong subfertility phenotype. Surprisingly, AE depended on spatiotemporal information encoded by flux through CaV2.3, not merely the presence/amplitude of Ca(2+) waves. Using studies in both sperm and voltage clamp of Xenopus oocytes, we define a molecular mechanism for GM1/CaV2.3 regulatory interaction, requiring GM1's lipid and sugar components and CaV2.3's α1E and α2δ subunits. Our results provide a mechanistic understanding of membrane lipid regulation of Ca(2+) flux and therefore Ca(2+)-dependent cellular and developmental processes such as exocytosis and fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy Cohen
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Hungerford Hill Road, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Danielle E Buttke
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Hungerford Hill Road, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Atsushi Asano
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Hungerford Hill Road, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Chinatsu Mukai
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Hungerford Hill Road, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Jacquelyn L Nelson
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Hungerford Hill Road, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Dongjun Ren
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Northwestern University Medical School, 303 E. Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Richard J Miller
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Northwestern University Medical School, 303 E. Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Moshe Cohen-Kutner
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91904, Israel
| | - Daphne Atlas
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91904, Israel
| | - Alexander J Travis
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Hungerford Hill Road, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
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15
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T-type Ca2+ channels in spermatogenic cells and sperm. Pflugers Arch 2014; 466:819-31. [DOI: 10.1007/s00424-014-1478-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2014] [Accepted: 02/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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16
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Parodi
- Laboratorio de Fisiología de la Reproducción, Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Núcleo de Investigación en Producción Alimentaria, Facultad de Recursos Naturales, Universidad Católica de Temuco
TemucoChile
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17
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T-type Cav3.2 Ca2+ channel is predominantly expressed in Xenopus laevis testis and involved in the fertilization process. Genes Genomics 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s13258-013-0072-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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18
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Abstract
To succeed in fertilization, spermatozoa must decode environmental cues which require a set of ion channels. Recent findings have revealed that K(+) and Cl(-) channels participate in some of the main sperm functions. This work reviews the evidence indicating the involvement of K(+) and Cl(-) channels in motility, maturation, and the acrosome reaction, and the advancement in identifying their molecular identity and modes of regulation. Improving our insight on how these channels operate will strengthen our ability to surmount some infertility problems, improve animal breeding, preserve biodiversity, and develop selective and secure male contraceptives.
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19
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De La Vega-Beltran JL, Sánchez-Cárdenas C, Krapf D, Hernandez-González EO, Wertheimer E, Treviño CL, Visconti PE, Darszon A. Mouse sperm membrane potential hyperpolarization is necessary and sufficient to prepare sperm for the acrosome reaction. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:44384-93. [PMID: 23095755 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.393488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian sperm are unable to fertilize the egg immediately after ejaculation; they acquire this capacity during migration in the female reproductive tract. This maturational process is called capacitation and in mouse sperm it involves a plasma membrane reorganization, extensive changes in the state of protein phosphorylation, increases in intracellular pH (pH(i)) and Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](i)), and the appearance of hyperactivated motility. In addition, mouse sperm capacitation is associated with the hyperpolarization of the cell membrane potential. However, the functional role of this process is not known. In this work, to dissect the role of this membrane potential change, hyperpolarization was induced in noncapacitated sperm using either the ENaC inhibitor amiloride, the CFTR agonist genistein or the K(+) ionophore valinomycin. In this experimental setting, other capacitation-associated processes such as activation of a cAMP-dependent pathway and the consequent increase in protein tyrosine phosphorylation were not observed. However, hyperpolarization was sufficient to prepare sperm for the acrosome reaction induced either by depolarization with high K(+) or by addition of solubilized zona pellucida (sZP). Moreover, K(+) and sZP were also able to increase [Ca(2+)](i) in non-capacitated sperm treated with these hyperpolarizing agents but not in untreated cells. On the other hand, in conditions that support capacitation-associated processes blocking hyperpolarization by adding valinomycin and increasing K(+) concentrations inhibited the agonist-induced acrosome reaction as well as the increase in [Ca(2+)](i). Altogether, these results suggest that sperm hyperpolarization by itself is key to enabling mice sperm to undergo the acrosome reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Luis De La Vega-Beltran
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, México
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20
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Jaldety Y, Glick Y, Orr-Urtreger A, Ickowicz D, Gerber D, Breitbart H. Sperm epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mediates α7 acetylcholine receptor (AChR) activation to promote fertilization. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:22328-40. [PMID: 22577141 PMCID: PMC3381193 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.292292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2011] [Revised: 05/09/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
To attain fertilization the spermatozoon binds to the egg zona pellucida (ZP) via sperm receptor(s) and undergoes an acrosome reaction (AR). Several sperm receptors have been described in the literature; however, the identity of this receptor is not yet certain. In this study, we suggest that the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) might be a sperm receptor activated by ZP to induce epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mediated AR. We found that isolated ZP or α7 agonists induced the AR in sperm from WT but not α7-null spermatozoa, and the induced AR was inhibited by α7 or EGFR antagonists. Moreover, α7-null sperm showed very little binding to the egg, and microfluidic affinity in vitro assay clearly showed that α7nAChR, as well as EGFR, interacted with ZP3. Induction of EGFR activation and the AR by an α7 agonist was inhibited by a Src family kinase (SFK) inhibitor. In conclusion we suggest that activation of α7 by ZP leads to SFK-dependent EGFR activation, Ca(2+) influx, and the acrosome reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yael Jaldety
- From The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 52900, Israel
| | - Yair Glick
- From The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 52900, Israel
| | - Avi Orr-Urtreger
- the Genetics Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel, and
- the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Debby Ickowicz
- From The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 52900, Israel
| | - Doron Gerber
- From The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 52900, Israel
| | - Haim Breitbart
- From The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 52900, Israel
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21
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Balderas E, Ateaga-Tlecuitl R, Rivera M, Gomora JC, Darszon A. Niflumic acid blocks native and recombinant T-type channels. J Cell Physiol 2012; 227:2542-55. [PMID: 21898399 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.22992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Voltage-dependent calcium channels are widely distributed in animal cells, including spermatozoa. Calcium is fundamental in many sperm functions such as: motility, capacitation, and the acrosome reaction (AR), all essential for fertilization. Pharmacological evidence has suggested T-type calcium channels participate in the AR. Niflumic acid (NA), a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug commonly used as chloride channel blocker, blocks T-currents in mouse spermatogenic cells and Cl(-) channels in testicular sperm. Here we examine the mechanism of NA blockade and explore if it can be used to separate the contribution of different Ca(V)3 members previously detected in these cells. Electrophysiological patch-clamp recordings were performed in isolated mouse spermatogenic cells and in HEK cells heterologously expressing Ca(V)3 channels. NA blocks mouse spermatogenic cell T-type currents with an IC(50) of 73.5 µM, without major voltage-dependent effects. The NA blockade is more potent in the open and in the inactivated state than in the closed state of the T-type channels. Interestingly, we found that heterologously expressed Ca(V)3.1 and Ca(V)3.3 channels were more sensitive to NA than Ca(V)3.2 channels, and this drug substantially slowed the recovery from inactivation of the three isoforms. Molecular docking modeling of drug-channel binding predicts that NA binds preferentially to the extracellular face of Ca(V)3.1 channels. The biophysical characteristics of mouse spermatogenic cell T-type currents more closely resemble those from heterologously expressed Ca(V)3.1 channels, including their sensitivity to NA. As Ca(V)3.1 null mice maintain their spermatogenic cell T-currents, it is likely that a novel Ca(V)3.2 isoform is responsible for them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Balderas
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Avenida Universidad 2001, Col. Chamilpa, Cuernavaca Mor., Mexico
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22
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23
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Escoffier J, Krapf D, Navarrete F, Darszon A, Visconti PE. Flow cytometry analysis reveals a decrease in intracellular sodium during sperm capacitation. J Cell Sci 2012; 125:473-85. [PMID: 22302997 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.093344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian sperm require time in the female tract in order to be able to fertilize an egg. The physiological changes that render the sperm able to fertilize are known as capacitation. Capacitation is associated with an increase in intracellular pH, an increase in intracellular calcium and phosphorylation of different proteins. This process is also accompanied by the hyperpolarization of the sperm plasma membrane potential. Recently, we presented evidence showing that epithelial Na+ channels (ENaC) are present in mature sperm and that ENaCs are blocked during capacitation. In the present work, we used flow cytometry to analyze changes in intracellular Na+ concentration ([Na+](i)) during capacitation in individual cells. Our results indicate that capacitated sperm have lower Na+ concentrations. Using sperm with green fluorescent protein in their acrosomes, it was shown that the lower [Na+](i) concentration only occurs in sperm having intact acrosomes. ENaC inhibition has been shown in other cell types to depend on the activation of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). In non-capacitated sperm, amiloride, an ENaC inhibitor, and genistein, a CFTR activator, caused a decrease in [Na+](i), suggesting that also in these cells [Na+](i) is dependent on the crosstalk between ENaC and CFTR. In addition, PKA inhibition blocked [Na+](i) decrease in capacitated sperm. Altogether, these data are consistent with the hypothesis that the capacitation-associated hyperpolarization involves a decrease in [Na+](i) mediated by inhibition of ENaC and regulated by PKA through activation of CFTR channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Escoffier
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
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24
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Buffone MG, Ijiri TW, Cao W, Merdiushev T, Aghajanian HK, Gerton GL. Heads or tails? Structural events and molecular mechanisms that promote mammalian sperm acrosomal exocytosis and motility. Mol Reprod Dev 2011; 79:4-18. [PMID: 22031228 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.21393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2010] [Accepted: 08/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Sperm structure has evolved to be very compact and compartmentalized to enable the motor (the flagellum) to transport the nuclear cargo (the head) to the egg. Furthermore, sperm do not exhibit progressive motility and are not capable of undergoing acrosomal exocytosis immediately following their release into the lumen of the seminiferous tubules, the site of spermatogenesis in the testis. These cells require maturation in the epididymis and female reproductive tract before they become competent for fertilization. Here we review aspects of the structural and molecular mechanisms that promote forward motility, hyperactivated motility, and acrosomal exocytosis. As a result, we favor a model articulated by others that the flagellum senses external signals and communicates with the head by second messengers to affect sperm functions such as acrosomal exocytosis. We hope this conceptual framework will serve to stimulate thinking and experimental investigations concerning the various steps of activating a sperm from a quiescent state to a gamete that is fully competent and committed to fertilization. The three themes of compartmentalization, competence, and commitment are key to an understanding of the molecular mechanisms of sperm activation. Comprehending these processes will have a considerable impact on the management of fertility problems, the development of contraceptive methods, and, potentially, elucidation of analogous processes in other cell systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariano G Buffone
- Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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25
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Darszon A, Nishigaki T, Beltran C, Treviño CL. Calcium Channels in the Development, Maturation, and Function of Spermatozoa. Physiol Rev 2011; 91:1305-55. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00028.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 243] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A proper dialogue between spermatozoa and the egg is essential for conception of a new individual in sexually reproducing animals. Ca2+ is crucial in orchestrating this unique event leading to a new life. No wonder that nature has devised different Ca2+-permeable channels and located them at distinct sites in spermatozoa so that they can help fertilize the egg. New tools to study sperm ionic currents, and image intracellular Ca2+ with better spatial and temporal resolution even in swimming spermatozoa, are revealing how sperm ion channels participate in fertilization. This review critically examines the involvement of Ca2+ channels in multiple signaling processes needed for spermatozoa to mature, travel towards the egg, and fertilize it. Remarkably, these tiny specialized cells can express exclusive channels like CatSper for Ca2+ and SLO3 for K+, which are attractive targets for contraception and for the discovery of novel signaling complexes. Learning more about fertilization is a matter of capital importance; societies face growing pressure to counteract rising male infertility rates, provide safe male gamete-based contraceptives, and preserve biodiversity through improved captive breeding and assisted conception initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Darszon
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Takuya Nishigaki
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Carmen Beltran
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Claudia L. Treviño
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
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26
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Kirichok Y, Lishko PV. Rediscovering sperm ion channels with the patch-clamp technique. Mol Hum Reprod 2011; 17:478-99. [PMID: 21642646 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gar044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Upon ejaculation, mammalian spermatozoa have to undergo a sequence of physiological transformations within the female reproductive tract that will allow them to reach and fertilize the egg. These include initiation of motility, hyperactivation of motility and perhaps chemotaxis toward the egg, and culminate in the acrosome reaction that permits sperm to penetrate the protective vestments of the egg. These physiological responses are triggered through the activation of sperm ion channels that cause elevations of sperm intracellular pH and Ca(2+) in response to certain cues within the female reproductive tract. Despite their key role in sperm physiology and their absolute requirement for the process of fertilization, sperm ion channels remain poorly understood due to the extreme difficulty in application of the patch-clamp technique to spermatozoa. This review covers the topic of sperm ion channels in the following order: first, we discuss how the intracellular Ca(2+) and pH signaling mediated by sperm ion channels controls sperm behavior during the process of fertilization. Then, we briefly cover the history of the methodology to study sperm ion channels, which culminated in the recent development of a reproducible whole-cell patch-clamp technique for mouse and human cells. We further discuss the main approaches used to patch-clamp mature mouse and human spermatozoa. Finally, we focus on the newly discovered sperm ion channels CatSper, KSper (Slo3) and HSper (H(v)1), identified by the sperm patch-clamp technique. We conclude that the patch-clamp technique has markedly improved and shifted our understanding of the sperm ion channels, in addition to revealing significant species-specific differences in these channels. This method is critical for identification of the molecular mechanisms that control sperm behavior within the female reproductive tract and make fertilization possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuriy Kirichok
- Department of Physiology, University of California San Francisco UCSF Mail Code 2140, Genentech Hall Room N272F 600 16th Street, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.
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27
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Visconti PE, Krapf D, de la Vega-Beltrán JL, Acevedo JJ, Darszon A. Ion channels, phosphorylation and mammalian sperm capacitation. Asian J Androl 2011; 13:395-405. [PMID: 21540868 PMCID: PMC3739340 DOI: 10.1038/aja.2010.69] [Citation(s) in RCA: 227] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2011] [Revised: 03/11/2011] [Accepted: 03/14/2011] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexually reproducing animals require an orchestrated communication between spermatozoa and the egg to generate a new individual. Capacitation, a maturational complex phenomenon that occurs in the female reproductive tract, renders spermatozoa capable of binding and fusing with the oocyte, and it is a requirement for mammalian fertilization. Capacitation encompasses plasma membrane reorganization, ion permeability regulation, cholesterol loss and changes in the phosphorylation state of many proteins. Novel tools to study sperm ion channels, image intracellular ionic changes and proteins with better spatial and temporal resolution, are unraveling how modifications in sperm ion transport and phosphorylation states lead to capacitation. Recent evidence indicates that two parallel pathways regulate phosphorylation events leading to capacitation, one of them requiring activation of protein kinase A and the second one involving inactivation of ser/thr phosphatases. This review examines the involvement of ion transporters and phosphorylation signaling processes needed for spermatozoa to achieve capacitation. Understanding the molecular mechanisms leading to fertilization is central for societies to deal with rising male infertility rates, to develop safe male gamete-based contraceptives and to preserve biodiversity through better assisted fertilization strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo E Visconti
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Paige Labs, University of Massachusets, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
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28
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Ren D, Xia J. Calcium signaling through CatSper channels in mammalian fertilization. Physiology (Bethesda) 2010; 25:165-75. [PMID: 20551230 DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00049.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms underlying Ca(2+) entry into sperm are now much more well defined thanks to direct recordings of mature sperm cells. This article reviews the function of a sperm-specific ion channel, CatSper. CatSpers have a clearly defined function in sperm's hyperactivated motility and are essential for male fertility. We propose that physiological stimuli such as zona pellucida and cyclic nucleotides induce Ca(2+) entry through CatSper channels instead of acting on Ca(V) and CNG channels as previously thought.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dejian Ren
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
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29
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Hermo L, Pelletier RM, Cyr DG, Smith CE. Surfing the wave, cycle, life history, and genes/proteins expressed by testicular germ cells. Part 4: intercellular bridges, mitochondria, nuclear envelope, apoptosis, ubiquitination, membrane/voltage-gated channels, methylation/acetylation, and transcription factors. Microsc Res Tech 2010; 73:364-408. [PMID: 19941288 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.20785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
As germ cells divide and differentiate from spermatogonia to spermatozoa, they share a number of structural and functional features that are common to all generations of germ cells and these features are discussed herein. Germ cells are linked to one another by large intercellular bridges which serve to move molecules and even large organelles from the cytoplasm of one cell to another. Mitochondria take on different shapes and features and topographical arrangements to accommodate their specific needs during spermatogenesis. The nuclear envelope and pore complex also undergo extensive modifications concomitant with the development of germ cell generations. Apoptosis is an event that is normally triggered by germ cells and involves many proteins. It occurs to limit the germ cell pool and acts as a quality control mechanism. The ubiquitin pathway comprises enzymes that ubiquitinate as well as deubiquitinate target proteins and this pathway is present and functional in germ cells. Germ cells express many proteins involved in water balance and pH control as well as voltage-gated ion channel movement. In the nucleus, proteins undergo epigenetic modifications which include methylation, acetylation, and phosphorylation, with each of these modifications signaling changes in chromatin structure. Germ cells contain specialized transcription complexes that coordinate the differentiation program of spermatogenesis, and there are many male germ cell-specific differences in the components of this machinery. All of the above features of germ cells will be discussed along with the specific proteins/genes and abnormalities to fertility related to each topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Hermo
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, 3640 University Street, Montreal, QC Canada H3A 2B2.
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30
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Escoffier J, Jemel I, Tanemoto A, Taketomi Y, Payre C, Coatrieux C, Sato H, Yamamoto K, Masuda S, Pernet-Gallay K, Pierre V, Hara S, Murakami M, De Waard M, Lambeau G, Arnoult C. Group X phospholipase A2 is released during sperm acrosome reaction and controls fertility outcome in mice. J Clin Invest 2010; 120:1415-28. [PMID: 20424324 DOI: 10.1172/jci40494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2009] [Accepted: 02/10/2010] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ejaculated mammalian sperm must undergo a maturation process called capacitation before they are able to fertilize an egg. Several studies have suggested a role for members of the secreted phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) family in capacitation, acrosome reaction (AR), and fertilization, but the molecular nature of these enzymes and their specific roles have remained elusive. Here, we have demonstrated that mouse group X sPLA2 (mGX) is the major enzyme present in the acrosome of spermatozoa and that it is released in an active form during capacitation through spontaneous AR. mGX-deficient male mice produced smaller litters than wild-type male siblings when crossed with mGX-deficient females. Further analysis revealed that spermatozoa from mGX-deficient mice exhibited lower rates of spontaneous AR and that this was associated with decreased in vitro fertilization (IVF) efficiency due to a drop in the fertilization potential of the sperm and an increased rate of aborted embryos. Treatment of sperm with sPLA2 inhibitors and antibodies specific for mGX blocked spontaneous AR of wild-type sperm and reduced IVF success. Addition of lysophosphatidylcholine, a catalytic product of mGX, overcame these deficiencies. Finally, recombinant mGX triggered AR and improved IVF outcome. Taken together, our results highlight a paracrine role for mGX during capacitation in which the enzyme primes sperm for efficient fertilization and boosts premature AR of a likely phospholipid-damaged sperm subpopulation to eliminate suboptimal sperm from the pool available for fertilization.
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31
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José O, Hernández-Hernández O, Chirinos M, González-González ME, Larrea F, Almanza A, Felix R, Darszon A, Treviño CL. Recombinant human ZP3-induced sperm acrosome reaction: evidence for the involvement of T- and L-type voltage-gated calcium channels. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2010; 395:530-4. [PMID: 20394732 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2010.04.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2010] [Accepted: 04/09/2010] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
For successful fertilization mammalian spermatozoa must undergo the acrosome reaction (AR), an exocytotic event that allows this cell to penetrate the outer layer of the oocyte, the zona pellucida (ZP). Four glycoproteins (ZP1-ZP4) compose the human ZP, being ZP3 the physiological inductor of the AR. This process requires changes in intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) involving not fully understood mechanisms. Even in mouse sperm, the pharmacologically documented participation of voltage-gated Ca(2+) (Ca(V)) channels and store-operated channels (SOCs) in the ZP-induced AR is being debated. The situation in human sperm is even less clear due to the limited availability of human ZP. Here, we used recombinant human ZP3 (rhZP3) produced in baculovirus-infected Sf9 cells to investigate the involvement of Ca(V) channels in the human sperm AR. Our findings showed that Ni(2+) and mibefradil at concentrations that block T-type or Ca(V)3 channels, and nimodipine and diltiazem that block L-type or Ca(V)1 channels, significantly inhibited the rhZP3-initiated AR. On the other hand, the AR was insensitive to concentrations of omega-Agatoxin IVA, omega-Conotoxin GVIA and SNX-482 that block P/Q, N and R-type channels, respectively (Ca(V)2 channels). Our overall findings suggest that Ca(V)1 and Ca(V)3 channels participate in human sperm AR. Consistent with this, we detected in human sperm transcripts for the Ca(V)1 auxiliary subunits, alpha(2)delta, beta(1), beta(2) and beta(4), but not the neuronal specific isoforms beta(3) and gamma(2).
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar José
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca, Mexico
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Wang H, Liu J, Cho KH, Ren D. A novel, single, transmembrane protein CATSPERG is associated with CATSPER1 channel protein. Biol Reprod 2009; 81:539-44. [PMID: 19516020 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.109.077107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
All four CATSPER channel pore-forming subunits (CATSPER1-4) are localized in the sperm principal piece. They form an alkalization-activated Ca2+-permeable channel and are required for sperm-hyperactivated motility, egg coat penetration, and male fertility. Unlike many other ion channels, the composition of the CATSPER protein complex is poorly defined. Herein, we describe the novel protein CATSPERG associated with the CATSPER complex. CATSPERG is predicted to be a single transmembrane-spanning protein with a large extracellular domain and a short intracellular tail. Like all the CATSPERs and the previously identified CATSPER-associated protein CATSPERB, CATSPERG is only expressed in testis and is localized in the sperm principal piece. In CATSPER1-deficient sperm, the CATSPERG protein (but not the K+ channel protein KCNU1) is also lost. Together with previous findings, our data suggest that the CATSPER protein complex contains pore-forming proteins and two additional proteins (CATSPERB and CATSPERG) and that the trafficking and/or assembly of these proteins depends on CATSPER1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haikun Wang
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
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Xia J, Ren D. Egg coat proteins activate calcium entry into mouse sperm via CATSPER channels. Biol Reprod 2009; 80:1092-8. [PMID: 19211808 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.108.074039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
During mammalian fertilization, the contact between sperm and egg triggers increases in intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) in sperm. Voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels (Ca(V)s) are believed to mediate the initial phase of [Ca(2+)](i) increases in sperm induced by egg coat (zona pellucida [ZP]) glycoproteins, while store depletion-activated Ca(2+) entry is thought to mediate the sustained phase. Using patch-clamp recording and Ca(2+) imaging, we show herein that Ca(V) channel currents, while found in spermatogenic cells, are not detectable in epididymal sperm and are not essential for the ZP-induced [Ca(2+)](i) changes. Instead, CATSPER channels localized in the distal portion of sperm (the principal piece) are required for the ZP-induced [Ca(2+)](i) increases. Furthermore, the ZP-induced [Ca(2+)](i) increase starts from the sperm tail and propagates toward the head.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingsheng Xia
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
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Navarro B, Kirichok Y, Chung JJ, Clapham DE. Ion channels that control fertility in mammalian spermatozoa. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2008; 52:607-13. [PMID: 18649274 DOI: 10.1387/ijdb.072554bn] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Whole-cell voltage clamp of mammalian spermatozoa was first achieved in 2006. This technical advance, combined with genetic deletion strategies, makes unambiguous identification of sperm ion channel currents possible. This review summarizes the ion channel currents that have been directly measured in mammalian sperm, and their physiological roles in fertilization. The predominant currents are a Ca2+-selective current requiring expression of the 4 mCatSper genes, and a rectifying K+ current with properties most similar to mSlo3. Intracellular alkalinization activates both channels and induces hyperactivated motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betsy Navarro
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Cardiology, Children's Hospital, Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Enders 1309, Children's Hospital Boston, 320 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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