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Lyons PJ. Inactive metallopeptidase homologs: the secret lives of pseudopeptidases. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1436917. [PMID: 39050735 PMCID: PMC11266112 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1436917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Inactive enzyme homologs, or pseudoenzymes, are proteins, found within most enzyme families, that are incapable of performing catalysis. Rather than catalysis, they are involved in protein-protein interactions, sometimes regulating the activity of their active enzyme cousins, or scaffolding protein complexes. Pseudoenzymes found within metallopeptidase families likewise perform these functions. Pseudoenzymes within the M14 carboxypeptidase family interact with collagens within the extracellular space, while pseudopeptidase members of the M12 "a disintegrin and metalloprotease" (ADAM) family either discard their pseudopeptidase domains as unnecessary for their roles in sperm maturation or utilize surface loops to enable assembly of key complexes at neuronal synapses. Other metallopeptidase families contain pseudopeptidases involved in protein synthesis at the ribosome and protein import into organelles, sometimes using their pseudo-active sites for these interactions. Although the functions of these pseudopeptidases have been challenging to study, ongoing work is teasing out the secret lives of these proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J. Lyons
- Department of Biology, Andrews University, Berrien Springs, MI, United States
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2
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Song C, Zhang Z, Wei Y, Dou Y, Qi K, Li X, Yang F, Li X, Wang K, Qiao R, Han X. Proteomic analysis of boar sperm with differential ability of liquid preservation at 17 °C. Theriogenology 2024; 215:103-112. [PMID: 38029685 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.11.017] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the liquid preservation ability of boar sperm is pivotal for efficient management and breeding of livestock. Although sperm proteins play an important role in semen quality and freezability, how the levels of protein change in boar sperm with different liquid preservation abilities at 17 °C remains unclear. In this study, two groups of boar sperm with extreme difference in liquid preservation ability, namely the good preservation ability (GPA) and the poor preservation ability (PPA) groups, were selected by evaluating sperm motility parameters on the 7th day of liquid preservation at 17 °C. Quantitative proteomics based on tandem mass tag (TMT) labeling was used, sperm proteomic characteristics from two groups were analyzed, and potentially key proteins related to the fluid preservation ability of sperm were identified. A total of 187 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified among 2791 quantified proteins, including 85 upregulated, and 102 downregulated proteins. Further, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses of the DEPs revealed that they were enriched in GO terms associated with response to oxidative stress, enzyme activity related to oxidative stress or redox reactions, and several metabolic activities. The significant KEGG pathways included peroxisome, metabolic pathways, selenocompound metabolism, and collection duct acid secretion. In addition, analysis of protein-protein interactions further identified 8 proteins that could be used as biomarker candidates, including GPX5, GLRX, ENO4, QPCT, BBS7, OXSR1, DHRS4 and AP2S1, which may play an essential role in indicating the liquid preservation ability of boar sperm. These findings in this study provide new insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms of the liquid preservation ability of boar sperm. Moreover, the selected candidate proteins can serve as a reference for evaluating sperm quality or preservation ability in boars and their application in related biotechnologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenglei Song
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Yilin Wei
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Yaqing Dou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Kunlong Qi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Xiuling Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Feng Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Xinjian Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Kejun Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Ruimin Qiao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Xuelei Han
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.
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Corrêa DEDC, Bargi-Souza P, Oliveira IM, Razera A, Oliveira CA, Romano MA, Romano RM. Quantitative proteomic profile analysis of thyroid dysfunction effects on seminal vesicles and repercussions on male fertility. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2023; 578:112048. [PMID: 37633588 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2023.112048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
Hypothyroidism and thyrotoxicosis are associated with male reproductive disorders, but little is known about the influence of the thyroid hormone milieu on seminal vesicle (SV) function and metabolism. In this sense, we investigated the effects of hypothyroidism and thyrotoxicosis induced in adulthood Wistar male rats on SV function and identified new thyroid hormone targets on male reproduction regulation using novel proteomic approaches. Hypothyroidism reduces SV size and seminal fluid volume, which are directly associated with low testosterone and estradiol levels, while thyrotoxicosis increases Esr2 and Dio1 expression in the SV. We found 116 differentially expressed proteins. Hypothyroidism reduces the expression of molecular protein markers related to sperm viability, capacitation and fertilization, protection against oxidative stress and energetic metabolism in SV, while it increases the expression of proteins related to tissue damage. In conclusion, thyroid dysfunction in the adult phase impairs several morphological, molecular and functional characteristics of SV.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paula Bargi-Souza
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Amanda Razera
- Department of Medicine, State University of Central-West (UNICENTRO), Guarapuava, Parana, Brazil
| | - Claudio Alvarenga Oliveira
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marco Aurelio Romano
- Department of Medicine, State University of Central-West (UNICENTRO), Guarapuava, Parana, Brazil
| | - Renata Marino Romano
- Department of Medicine, State University of Central-West (UNICENTRO), Guarapuava, Parana, Brazil.
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4
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Sun P, Zhang G, Xian M, Zhang G, Wen F, Hu Z, Hu J. Proteomic Analysis of Frozen-Thawed Spermatozoa with Different Levels of Freezability in Dairy Goats. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15550. [PMID: 37958534 PMCID: PMC10648040 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The results of artificial insemination (AI) are adversely affected by changes in sperm motility and function throughout the cryopreservation procedure. The proteome alterations of frozen-thawed spermatozoa with various levels of freezability in dairy goats, however, remain largely unknown. To discover differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and their roles in dairy goat sperm with high or low freezability (HF or LF), we conducted 4D-DIA quantitative proteomics analysis, the results of which are presented in this work. Additionally, we explored the underlying processes that may lead to the variations in sperm freezing resistance. A total of 263 DEPs (Fold Change > 2.0, p-value < 0.05) were identified between the HF group and LF group in frozen-thawed dairy goat spermatozoa. In our Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis, the DEPs were mostly associated with the regulation of biological processes, metabolic processes, and responses to stress and cellular component biogenesis. Our Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis also revealed that the DEPs were predominantly engaged in oxidative phosphorylation, N-Glycan biosythesis, and cysteine and methionien metabolism. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis revealed 14 potential proteins (NUDFB8, SDHC, PDIA4, HSPB1, etc.) that might influence the freezability of dairy goat sperm. These findings shed light on the processes underlying alterations in the proteome and sperm freezability, aiding further research on sperm cryopreservation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jianhong Hu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China; (P.S.); (G.Z.); (M.X.); (G.Z.); (F.W.); (Z.H.)
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Li Y, Chen Y, Wu W, Li N, Hua J. MMPs, ADAMs and ADAMTSs are associated with mammalian sperm fate. Theriogenology 2023; 200:147-154. [PMID: 36842259 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.02.013] [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: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Metalloproteinases include matrix metalloproteinases and disintegrin metalloproteinases. They are important members of the ECM degradation and reconstruction process and are associated with tissue development and disease. The ECM is a three-dimensional network of large molecules consisting of a variety of proteins. It is a physical scaffold for organs, and all types of cells can be found within the ECM. The testicle, where sperm are produced, is an organ that is constantly in dynamic flux. Metalloproteinases can regulate testicular tissue development and the maturation of sperm by affecting the ECM. Metalloproteinase disorders can lead to cryptorchidism, azoospermia, poor semen quality and other diseases. As a member of the metalloproteinase family, ADAMTS plays an important role in testicular slippage to the scrotum. ADAM is involved in the fertilization process, and excessive MMP can damage the BTB. In the testis, metalloproteinase stability represents the stability of the extracellular microenvironment in which germ cells are located and is associated with reproductive function. Metalloproteinases have a definite relationship with male reproduction, but the underlying mechanism is still unclear. This paper summarizes the literature on various metalloproteinases in testicular tissue physiology and pathology to elucidate their role in reproductive function and male reproductive mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunxiang Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine/Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest Agriculture & Forestry University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Livestock Biology, Northwest A&F University, 712100, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuguang Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine/Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest Agriculture & Forestry University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Livestock Biology, Northwest A&F University, 712100, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wenping Wu
- College of Veterinary Medicine/Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest Agriculture & Forestry University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Livestock Biology, Northwest A&F University, 712100, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Na Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine/Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest Agriculture & Forestry University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Livestock Biology, Northwest A&F University, 712100, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Jinlian Hua
- College of Veterinary Medicine/Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest Agriculture & Forestry University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Livestock Biology, Northwest A&F University, 712100, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.
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Goss DM, Vasilescu SA, Sacks G, Gardner DK, Warkiani ME. Microfluidics facilitating the use of small extracellular vesicles in innovative approaches to male infertility. Nat Rev Urol 2023; 20:66-95. [PMID: 36348030 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-022-00660-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Sperm are transcriptionally and translationally quiescent and, therefore, rely on the seminal plasma microenvironment for function, survival and fertilization of the oocyte in the oviduct. The male reproductive system influences sperm function via the binding and fusion of secreted epididymal (epididymosomes) and prostatic (prostasomes) small extracellular vesicles (S-EVs) that facilitate the transfer of proteins, lipids and nucleic acids to sperm. Seminal plasma S-EVs have important roles in sperm maturation, immune and oxidative stress protection, capacitation, fertilization and endometrial implantation and receptivity. Supplementing asthenozoospermic samples with normospermic-derived S-EVs can improve sperm motility and S-EV microRNAs can be used to predict non-obstructive azoospermia. Thus, S-EV influence on sperm physiology might have both therapeutic and diagnostic potential; however, the isolation of pure populations of S-EVs from bodily fluids with current conventional methods presents a substantial hurdle. Many conventional techniques lack accuracy, effectiveness, and practicality; yet microfluidic technology has the potential to simplify and improve S-EV isolation and detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dale M Goss
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- IVF Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Steven A Vasilescu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- NeoGenix Biosciences pty ltd, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Gavin Sacks
- IVF Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - David K Gardner
- Melbourne IVF, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Majid E Warkiani
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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Wen Z, Zhu H, Wang J, Wu B, Zhang A, Zhao H, Song C, Liu S, Cheng Y, Wang H, Li J, Sun D, Fu X, Gao J, Liu M. Conditional deletion of Hspa5 leads to spermatogenesis failure and male infertility in mice. Life Sci 2023; 314:121319. [PMID: 36574945 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.121319] [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: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Heat shock proteins (HSPs) have important roles in different developmental stages of spermatogenesis. The heat shock 70 kDa protein 5 (HSPA5) is an important component of the unfolded protein response that promotes cell survival under endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress conditions. In this study, we explored the function of HSPA5 in spermatogenesis, by generating a germ cell-specific deletion mutant of the Hspa5 gene (conditional knockout of the Hspa5 gene, Hspa5-cKO) using CRISPR/Cas9 technology and the Cre/Loxp system. Hspa5 knockout resulted in severe germ cell loss and vacuolar degeneration of seminiferous tubules, leading to complete arrest of spermatogenesis, testicular atrophy, and male infertility in adult mice. Furthermore, defects occurred in the spermatogenic epithelium of Hspa5-cKO mice as early as Cre recombinase expression. Germ cell ablation of Hspa5 impaired spermatogonia proliferation and differentiation from post-natal day 7 (P7) to P10, which led to a dramatic reduction of differentiated spermatogonia, compromised meiosis, and led to impairment of testis development and the disruption of the first wave of spermatogenesis. Consistent with these results, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis showed that germ cells, especially differentiated spermatogonia, were dramatically reduced in Hspa5-cKO testes compared with controls at P10, further confirming that HSPA5 is crucial for germ cell development. These results suggest that HSPA5 is indispensable for normal spermatogenesis and male reproduction in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongzhuang Wen
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250117, PR China
| | - Haixia Zhu
- School of Life Science and Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, PR China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Basic Medicine, Jinan Vacational College of Nursing, Jinan 250102, PR China
| | - Bin Wu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, PR China
| | - Aizhen Zhang
- School of Life Science and Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, PR China
| | - Hui Zhao
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250117, PR China
| | - Chenyang Song
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250117, PR China
| | - Shuangyuan Liu
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250117, PR China
| | - Yin Cheng
- School of Life Science and Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, PR China
| | - Hongxiang Wang
- School of Life Science and Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, PR China
| | - Jianyuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Health, Institute of Science and Technology, National Health Commission, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Daqing Sun
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300041, PR China
| | - Xiaolong Fu
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250117, PR China.
| | - Jiangang Gao
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250117, PR China; School of Life Science and Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, PR China.
| | - Min Liu
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250117, PR China.
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Barrachina F, Battistone MA, Castillo J, Mallofré C, Jodar M, Breton S, Oliva R. Sperm acquire epididymis-derived proteins through epididymosomes. Hum Reprod 2022; 37:651-668. [PMID: 35137089 PMCID: PMC8971652 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are epididymosomes implicated in protein transfer from the epididymis to spermatozoa? SUMMARY ANSWER We characterized the contribution of epididymal secretions to the sperm proteome and demonstrated that sperm acquire epididymal proteins through epididymosomes. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Testicular sperm are immature cells unable to fertilize an oocyte. After leaving the testis, sperm transit along the epididymis to acquire motility and fertilizing abilities. It is well known that marked changes in the sperm proteome profile occur during epididymal maturation. Since the sperm is a transcriptional and translational inert cell, previous studies have shown that sperm incorporate proteins, RNA and lipids from extracellular vesicles (EVs), released by epithelial cells lining the male reproductive tract. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We examined the contribution of the epididymis to the post-testicular maturation of spermatozoa, via the production of EVs named epididymosomes, released by epididymal epithelial cells. An integrative analysis using both human and mouse data was performed to identify sperm proteins with a potential epididymis-derived origin. Testes and epididymides from adult humans (n = 9) and adult mice (n = 3) were used to experimentally validate the tissue localization of four selected proteins using high-resolution confocal microscopy. Mouse epididymal sperm were co-incubated with carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester (CFSE)-labeled epididymosomes (n = 4 mice), and visualized using high-resolution confocal microscopy. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Adult (12-week-old) C57BL/CBAF1 wild-type male mice and adult humans were used for validation purposes. Testes and epididymides from both mice and humans were obtained and processed for immunofluorescence. Mouse epididymal sperm and mouse epididymosomes were obtained from the epididymal cauda segment. Fluorescent epididymosomes were obtained after labeling the epididymal vesicles with CFSE dye followed by epididymosome isolation using a density cushion. Immunofluorescence was performed following co-incubation of sperm with epididymosomes in vitro. High-resolution confocal microscopy and 3D image reconstruction were used to visualize protein localization and sperm-epididymosomes interactions. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Through in silico analysis, we first identified 25 sperm proteins with a putative epididymal origin that were conserved in both human and mouse spermatozoa. From those, the epididymal origin of four sperm proteins (SLC27A2, EDDM3B, KRT19 and WFDC8) was validated by high-resolution confocal microscopy. SLC27A2, EDDM3B, KRT19 and WFDC8 were all detected in epithelial cells lining the human and mouse epididymis, and absent from human and mouse seminiferous tubules. We found region-specific expression patterns of these proteins throughout the mouse epididymides. In addition, while EDDM3B, KRT19 and WFDC8 were detected in both epididymal principal and clear cells (CCs), SLC27A2 was exclusively expressed in CCs. Finally, we showed that CFSE-fluorescently labeled epididymosomes interact with sperm in vitro and about 12-36% of the epididymosomes contain the targeted sperm proteins with an epididymal origin. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The human and mouse sample size was limited and our results were descriptive. The analyses of epididymal sperm and epididymosomes were solely performed in the mouse model due to the difficulties in obtaining epididymal luminal fluid human samples. Alternatively, human ejaculated sperm and seminal EVs could not be used because ejaculated sperm have already contacted with the fluids secreted by the male accessory sex glands, and seminal EVs contain other EVs in addition to epididymosomes, such as the abundant prostate-derived EVs. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our findings indicate that epididymosomes are capable of providing spermatozoa with a new set of epididymis-derived proteins that could modulate the sperm proteome and, subsequently, participate in the post-testicular maturation of sperm cells. Additionally, our data provide further evidence of the novel role of epididymal CCs in epididymosome production. Identifying mechanisms by which sperm mature to acquire their fertilization potential would, ultimately, lead to a better understanding of male reproductive health and may help to identify potential therapeutic strategies to improve male infertility. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (Ministerio de Economía y Competividad; fondos FEDER 'una manera de hacer Europa' PI13/00699 and PI16/00346 to R.O.; and Sara Borrell Postdoctoral Fellowship, Acción Estratégica en Salud, CD17/00109 to J.C.), by National Institutes of Health (grants HD040793 and HD069623 to S.B., grant HD104672-01 to M.A.B.), by the Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports (Ministerio de Educación, Cultura y Deporte para la Formación de Profesorado Universitario, FPU15/02306 to F.B.), by a Lalor Foundation Fellowship (to F.B. and M.A.B.), by the Government of Catalonia (Generalitat de Catalunya, pla estratègic de recerca i innovació en salut, PERIS 2016-2020, SLT002/16/00337 to M.J.), by Fundació Universitària Agustí Pedro i Pons (to F.B.), and by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (PROLAB Award from ASBMB/IUBMB/PABMB to F.B.). Confocal microscopy and transmission electron microscopy was performed in the Microscopy Core facility of the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Center for Systems Biology/Program in Membrane Biology which receives support from Boston Area Diabetes and Endocrinology Research Center (BADERC) award DK57521 and Center for the Study of Inflammatory Bowel Disease grant DK43351. The Zeiss LSM800 microscope was acquired using an NIH Shared Instrumentation Grant S10-OD-021577-01. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Barrachina
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Program in Membrane Biology, Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - M A Battistone
- Program in Membrane Biology, Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - J Castillo
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - C Mallofré
- Department of Pathology, Universitat de Barcelona, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Jodar
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - S Breton
- Program in Membrane Biology, Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - R Oliva
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
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9
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Transgenerational Transcriptomic and DNA Methylome Profiling of Mouse Fetal Testicular Germline and Somatic Cells after Exposure of Pregnant Mothers to Tributyltin, a Potent Obesogen. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12020095. [PMID: 35208169 PMCID: PMC8874857 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12020095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesogens such as tributyltin (TBT) are xenobiotic compounds that promote obesity, in part by distorting the normal balance of lipid metabolism. The obesogenic effects of TBT can be observed in directly exposed (F1 and F2 generations) and also subsequent generations (F3 and beyond) that were never exposed. To address the effects of TBT exposure on germ cells, we exposed pregnant transgenic OG2 mouse dams (F0), which specifically express EGFP in germline cells, to an environmentally relevant dose of TBT or DMSO throughout gestation through drinking water. When fed with a high-fat diet, F3 male offspring of TBT-exposed F0 dams (TBT-F3) accumulated much more body fat than did DMSO-F3 males. TBT-F3 males also lost more body fluid and lean compositions than did DMSO-F3 males. Expression of genes involved in transcriptional regulation or mesenchymal differentiation was up-regulated in somatic cells of TBT-F1 (but not TBT-F3) E18.5 fetal testes, and promoter-associated CpG islands were hyper-methylated in TBT-F1 somatic cells. Global mRNA expression of protein-coding genes in F1 or F3 fetal testicular cells was unaffected by F0 exposure to TBT; however, expression of a subset of endogenous retroviruses was significantly affected in F1 and F3. We infer that TBT may directly target testicular somatic cells in F1 testes to irreversibly affect epigenetic suppression of endogenous retroviruses in both germline and somatic cells.
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Martins F, Santos I, da Cruz E Silva OAB, Tambaro S, Rebelo S. The role of the integral type II transmembrane protein BRI2 in health and disease. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:6807-6822. [PMID: 34480585 PMCID: PMC11072861 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03932-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BRI2 is a type II transmembrane protein ubiquitously expressed whose physiological function remains poorly understood. Although several recent important advances have substantially impacted on our understanding of BRI2 biology and function, providing valuable information for further studies on BRI2. These findings have contributed to a better understanding of BRI2 biology and the underlying signaling pathways involved. In turn, these might provide novel insights with respect to neurodegeneration processes inherent to BRI2-related pathologies, namely Familial British and Danish dementias, Alzheimer's disease, ITM2B-related retinal dystrophy, and multiple sclerosis. In this review, we provided a state-of-the-art outline of BRI2 biology, both in physiological and pathological conditions, and discuss the proposed molecular underlying mechanisms. Overall, the BRI2 knowledge here reviewed is of extreme importance and may contribute to propose BRI2 and/or BRI2 proteolytic fragments as novel therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipa Martins
- Neuroscience and Signaling Laboratory, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Isabela Santos
- Neuroscience and Signaling Laboratory, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Odete A B da Cruz E Silva
- Neuroscience and Signaling Laboratory, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Simone Tambaro
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, 141 83, Huddinge, Sweden.
| | - Sandra Rebelo
- Neuroscience and Signaling Laboratory, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
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11
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Staicu FD, Martínez-Soto JC, Canovas S, Matás C. Nitric oxide-targeted protein phosphorylation during human sperm capacitation. Sci Rep 2021; 11:20979. [PMID: 34697378 PMCID: PMC8546126 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00494-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Among many other molecules, nitric oxide insures the correct progress of sperm capacitation by mediating phosphorylation events. For a more comprehensive understanding of how this happens, we capacitated human spermatozoa from healthy men in the presence/absence of S-Nitrosoglutathione, a nitric oxide donor, two nitric oxide synthase inhibitors, NG-Nitro-l-arginine Methyl Ester Hydrochloride and Aminoguanidine Hemisulfate salt and, finally, with/without l-Arginine, the substrate for nitric oxide synthesis, and/or human follicular fluid. When analyzing the phosphorylation of protein kinase A substrates and tyrosine residues, we particularly observed how the inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis affects certain protein bands (~ 110, ~ 87, ~ 75 and ~ 62 kD) by lowering their phosphorylation degree, even when spermatozoa were incubated with l-Arginine and/or follicular fluid. Mass spectrometry analysis identified 29 proteins in these species, related to: spermatogenesis, binding to the zona pellucida, energy and metabolism, stress response, motility and structural organization, signaling and protein turnover. Significant changes in the phosphorylation degree of specific proteins could impair their biological activity and result in severe fertility-related phenotypes. These findings provide a deeper understanding of nitric oxide’s role in the capacitation process, and consequently, future studies in infertile patients should determine how nitric oxide mediates phosphorylation events in the species here described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florentin-Daniel Staicu
- Department of Physiology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Murcia, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research (Campus Mare Nostrum), Calle Campus Universitario, 11, 30100, Murcia, Spain.,Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB), Murcia, Spain
| | | | - Sebastian Canovas
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB), Murcia, Spain.,Department of Physiology, Nursery Faculty, University of Murcia, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research (Campus Mare Nostrum), Murcia, Spain
| | - Carmen Matás
- Department of Physiology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Murcia, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research (Campus Mare Nostrum), Calle Campus Universitario, 11, 30100, Murcia, Spain. .,Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB), Murcia, Spain.
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12
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ADAM7 promotes the proliferation and invasion in trophoblast cells. Exp Mol Pathol 2021; 121:104659. [PMID: 34116022 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2021.104659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
ADAMs are members of the metzincin family of zinc-dependent metalloproteinases, which play a key role in the proteolytic degradation of the extracellular matrix to invade cells. It is well known that ADAMs are involved in regulating the invasion of trophoblast cells. But the function and underlying mechanism of ADAM7 in trophoblast cells is still unknown. ADAM7 knockdown strongly inhibited HTR-8 and B6Tert-1 cells proliferation, migration and invasion, while ADAM7 overexpression reversed. The expression of protein pro-caspase 3 and pro-caspase 9 was not affected by either ADAM7 knockdown or overexpression in HTR-8 and B6Tert-1 cells, while the expression of active-caspase 3 and active-caspase 9 was strongly increased in ADAM7 silenced cells and significant decreased in ADAM7 overexpressed cells. We also found that the phosphorylation of p38MAPK was significantly inhibited in ADAM7 silenced cells while it was significantly induced in ADAM7 overexpressed cells. Metformin HCl could reverse the inhibitory effects of ADAM7 knockdown on the p38MAPK signaling pathway and the proliferation of HTR-8 and B6Tert-1 cells. ADAM7 plays a positive role in trophoblast cells, which may be attributed to regulation of the p38MAPK signaling pathway. SIGNIFICANCE: It is necessary to further study the molecular mechanism of trophoblast cells proliferation, migration and invasion, and develop a more effective treatment to preeclampsia. This research might provide a new target for further research in this area.
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13
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Sperm Methylome Profiling Can Discern Fertility Levels in the Porcine Biomedical Model. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052679. [PMID: 33800945 PMCID: PMC7961483 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A combined Genotyping By Sequencing (GBS) and methylated DNA immunoprecipitation (MeDIP) protocol was used to identify—in parallel—genetic variation (Genomic-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) and epigenetic differences of Differentially Methylated Regions (DMR) in the genome of spermatozoa from the porcine animal model. Breeding boars with good semen quality (n = 11) and specific and well-documented differences in fertility (farrowing rate, FR) and prolificacy (litter size, LS) (n = 7) in artificial insemination programs, using combined FR and LS, were categorized as High Fertile (HF, n = 4) or Low Fertile (LF, n = 3), and boars with Unknown Fertility (UF, n = 4) were tested for eventual epigenetical similarity with those fertility-proven. We identified 165,944 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) that explained 14–15% of variance among selection lines. Between HF and LF individuals (n = 7, 4 HF and 3 LF), we identified 169 SNPs with p ≤ 0.00015, which explained 58% of the variance. For the epigenetic analyses, we considered fertility and period of ejaculate collection (late-summer and mid-autumn). Approximately three times more DMRs were observed in HF than in LF boars across these periods. Interestingly, UF boars were clearly clustered with one of the other HF or LF groups. The highest differences in DMRs between HF and LF experimental groups across the pig genome were located in the chr 3, 9, 13, and 16, with most DMRs being hypermethylated in LF boars. In both HF and LF boars, DMRs were mostly hypermethylated in late-summer compared to mid-autumn. Three overlaps were detected between SNPs (p ≤ 0.0005, n = 1318) and CpG sites within DMRs. In conclusion, fertility levels in breeding males including FR and LS can be discerned using methylome analyses. The findings in this biomedical animal model ought to be applied besides sire selection for andrological diagnosis of idiopathic sub/infertility.
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14
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Souza JSM, Lisboa ABP, Santos TM, Andrade MVS, Neves VBS, Teles-Souza J, Jesus HNR, Bezerra TG, Falcão VGO, Oliveira RC, Del-Bem LE. The evolution of ADAM gene family in eukaryotes. Genomics 2020; 112:3108-3116. [PMID: 32437852 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2020.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The ADAM (A Disintegrin And Metalloprotease) gene family encodes proteins with adhesion and proteolytic functions. ADAM proteins are associated with diseases like cancers. Twenty ADAM genes have been identified in humans. However, little is known about the evolution of the family. We analyzed the repertoire of ADAM genes in a vast number of eukaryotic genomes to clarify the main gene copy number expansions. For the first time, we provide compelling evidence that early-branching green algae (Mamiellophyceae) have ADAM genes, suggesting that they originated in the last common ancestor of eukaryotes, before the split of plants, fungi and animals. The ADAM family expanded in early metazoans, with the most significative gene expansion happening during the first steps of vertebrate evolution. We concluded that most of mammal ADAM diversity can be explained by gene duplications in early bone fish. Our data suggest that ADAM genes were lost early in green plant evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S M Souza
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology program, Institute of Health Sciences (ICS), Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Salvador 40231-300, Brazil
| | - A B P Lisboa
- Biotechnology program, Institute of Health Sciences (ICS), Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Salvador 40231-300, Brazil; Bioinformatics program, Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB), Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil
| | - T M Santos
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology program, Institute of Health Sciences (ICS), Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Salvador 40231-300, Brazil; Bioinformatics program, Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB), Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil
| | - M V S Andrade
- Biotechnology program, Institute of Health Sciences (ICS), Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Salvador 40231-300, Brazil
| | - V B S Neves
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology program, Institute of Health Sciences (ICS), Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Salvador 40231-300, Brazil
| | - J Teles-Souza
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology program, Institute of Health Sciences (ICS), Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Salvador 40231-300, Brazil
| | - H N R Jesus
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology program, Institute of Health Sciences (ICS), Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Salvador 40231-300, Brazil
| | - T G Bezerra
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology program, Institute of Health Sciences (ICS), Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Salvador 40231-300, Brazil
| | - V G O Falcão
- Biotechnology program, Institute of Health Sciences (ICS), Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Salvador 40231-300, Brazil
| | - R C Oliveira
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology program, Institute of Health Sciences (ICS), Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Salvador 40231-300, Brazil
| | - L E Del-Bem
- Institute of Health Sciences (ICS), Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Salvador 40231-300, Brazil.
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15
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Xiong W, Wang Z, Shen C. An update of the regulatory factors of sperm migration from the uterus into the oviduct by genetically manipulated mice. Mol Reprod Dev 2019; 86:935-955. [PMID: 31131960 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 05/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wenfeng Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental MedicineShanghai Rui‐Jin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Shanghai China
- School of Life Sciences and BiochemistryShanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai China
| | - Zhugang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental MedicineShanghai Rui‐Jin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Shanghai China
| | - Chunling Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental MedicineShanghai Rui‐Jin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Shanghai China
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16
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Jeong J, Jin S, Choi H, Kwon JT, Kim J, Kim J, Park ZY, Cho C. Characterization of MAGEG2 with testis-specific expression in mice. Asian J Androl 2018; 19:659-665. [PMID: 27852984 PMCID: PMC5676425 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.192033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Male germ cell development is a well-defined process occurring in numerous seminiferous tubules of the testis. Uncovering testicular novel genes related to intrinsic regulation of spermatogenesis is essential for the understanding of spermatogenesis. In the present study, we investigated mouse Mageg2, which belongs to a group of melanoma-associated antigens (MAGEs). Mageg2 is transcribed in the testis specifically, and its expression level is increased at the pachytene spermatocyte stage, indicating that Mageg2 is expressed predominantly in germ cells. We generated an antibody against mouse MAGEG2 for further characterization at the protein level. Immunoblot analysis suggested that MAGEG2 has specific testicular expression and the expression primarily occurred in pachytene spermatocytes. Proteomic analyses demonstrated that mouse MAGEG2 binded to testicular germ cell-specific serine/threonine-protein kinase 31 (STK31) and heat shock protein 9 (HSPA9). Direct binding with both interaction partners was confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation. We found that STK31 and HSPA9 bind MAGEG2 directly but not with each other. Interestingly, MAGEG2 reduced the kinase activity of STK31. Our study suggests that mouse MAGEG2 has at least two functions, including chaperone activity related to HSPA9 and regulation of pachytene spermatocyte-specific kinase, STK31. Altogether, our results provide the first information about MAGEG2 at the transcript and protein levels and suggest its potential molecular functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juri Jeong
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju 61005, South Korea
| | - Sora Jin
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju 61005, South Korea
| | - Heejin Choi
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju 61005, South Korea
| | - Jun Tae Kwon
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju 61005, South Korea
| | - Jihye Kim
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju 61005, South Korea
| | - Jaehwan Kim
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju 61005, South Korea
| | - Zee Yong Park
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju 61005, South Korea
| | - Chunghee Cho
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju 61005, South Korea
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17
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Martins F, Marafona AM, Pereira CD, Müller T, Loosse C, Kolbe K, da Cruz E Silva OAB, Rebelo S. Identification and characterization of the BRI2 interactome in the brain. Sci Rep 2018; 8:3548. [PMID: 29476059 PMCID: PMC5824958 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-21453-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BRI family proteins are ubiquitous type II transmembrane proteins but BRI2 is highly expressed in some neuronal tissues. Possible BRI2 functions include neuronal maturation and differentiation. Protein complexes appear to be important in mediating its functions. Previously described BRI2 interactors include the Alzheimer's amyloid precursor protein and protein phosphatase 1, but clearly the identification of novel interactors provides an important tool to understand the role and function of BRI2. To this end three rat brain regions (cerebellum, hippocampus, and cerebral cortex) were processed by BRI2 immunoprecipitation; co-precipitating proteins were identified by Nano-HPLC-MS/MS. The pool of the brain regions resulted in 511 BRI2 interacting proteins (BRI2 brain interactome) of which 120 were brain specific and 49 involved in neuronal differentiation. Brain region-specific analyses were also carried out for cerebellum, hippocampus, and cerebral cortex. Several novel BRI2 interactors were identified among them DLG4/PSD-95, which is singularly important as it places BRI2 in the postsynaptic compartment. This interaction was validated as well as the interaction with GAP-43 and synaptophysin. In essence, the resulting BRI2 brain interactome, associates this protein with neurite outgrowth and neuronal differentiation, as well as synaptic signalling and plasticity. It follows that further studies should address BRI2 particularly given its relevance to neuropathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipa Martins
- Neuroscience and Signalling Laboratory, Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine-iBiMED, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ana M Marafona
- Neuroscience and Signalling Laboratory, Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine-iBiMED, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Cátia D Pereira
- Neuroscience and Signalling Laboratory, Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine-iBiMED, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Thorsten Müller
- Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften -ISAS- e. V., Dortmund, Germany
- Cell Signaling, Department of Molecular Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, 44780, Bochum, Germany
- Institute of Psychiatric Phenomics and Genomics, Clinical Center of the University of Munich, Nussbaumstr. 7, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Christina Loosse
- Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften -ISAS- e. V., Dortmund, Germany
| | - Katharina Kolbe
- Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften -ISAS- e. V., Dortmund, Germany
- Cell Signaling, Department of Molecular Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, 44780, Bochum, Germany
- Institute of Psychiatric Phenomics and Genomics, Clinical Center of the University of Munich, Nussbaumstr. 7, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Odete A B da Cruz E Silva
- Neuroscience and Signalling Laboratory, Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine-iBiMED, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Sandra Rebelo
- Neuroscience and Signalling Laboratory, Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine-iBiMED, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.
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18
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Nixon B, Anderson AL, Smith ND, McLeod R, Johnston SD. The Australian saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) provides evidence that the capacitation of spermatozoa may extend beyond the mammalian lineage. Proc Biol Sci 2017; 283:rspb.2016.0495. [PMID: 27147099 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2016.0495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Although mammalian spermatozoa only acquire functional maturity as they are conveyed through the male (epididymal maturation) and female (capacitation) reproductive tracts, the degree of post-testicular development necessary to achieve fertilization in other vertebrate species remains far less clear. Indeed, despite reports that the epididymis of birds and reptiles is capable of secreting proteins that bind and modify the sperm surface characteristics, it remains unclear whether capacitation is a pre-requisite for fertilization in these species. Using the ancient reptilian Australian saltwater crocodile as a model, this study was undertaken to explore whether reptile sperm do undergo capacitation-like changes following ejaculation. Our studies revealed that crocodile spermatozoa experienced a rapid and sustained, cyclic-AMP mediated increase in progressive motility following incubation under conditions optimized for the induction of capacitation in mammalian species such as the mouse and human. This response was coupled with elevated levels of phosphorylation associated with both protein kinase A and tyrosine kinase substrates, the latter of which were predominantly localized within the sperm flagellum. In findings that also accord with mammalian spermatozoa, we confirmed a homologue of outer dense fibre 2 as one of the principal substrates for tyrosine phosphorylation. Overall, our findings support the concept that crocodile spermatozoa do undergo a process that is homologous to capacitation in preparation for fertilization of an ovum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett Nixon
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - Amanda L Anderson
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - Nathan D Smith
- Analytical and Biomolecular Research Facility, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - Robby McLeod
- Koorana Crocodile Farm, Coowonga, Queensland 4702, Australia
| | - Stephen D Johnston
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland 4343, Australia
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19
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Liu
- Department of Life Science and Graduate Institute of Biotechnology, Chinese Culture University, Taipei, Republic of China
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20
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Choi H, Han C, Jin S, Kwon JT, Kim J, Jeong J, Kim J, Ham S, Jeon S, Yoo YJ, Cho C. Reduced Fertility and Altered Epididymal and Sperm Integrity in Mice Lacking ADAM7. Biol Reprod 2015; 93:70. [PMID: 26246218 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.130252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2015] [Accepted: 07/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian epididymis is a highly convoluted tubule that connects the testis to the vas deferens. Its proper functions in sperm transport, storage, and maturation are essential for male reproduction. One of the genes predominantly expressed in the epididymis is ADAM7 (a disintegrin and metalloprotease 7). Previous studies have shown that ADAM7 synthesized in the epididymis is secreted into the epididymal lumen and is then transferred to sperm membranes, where it forms a chaperone complex that is potentially involved in sperm fertility. In this study, we generated and analyzed mice with a targeted disruption in the Adam7 gene. We found that the fertility of male mice was modestly but significantly reduced by knockout of Adam7. Histological analyses revealed that the cell heights of the epithelium were dramatically decreased in the caput of the epididymis of Adam7-null mice, suggesting a requirement for ADAM7 in maintaining the integrity of the epididymal epithelium. We found that sperm from Adam7-null mice exhibit decreased motility, tail deformation, and altered tyrosine phosphorylation, indicating that the absence of ADAM7 leads to abnormal sperm functions and morphology. Western blot analyses revealed reduced levels of integral membrane protein 2B (ITM2B) and ADAM2 in sperm from Adam7-null mice, suggesting a requirement for ADAM7 in normal expression of sperm membrane proteins involved in sperm functions. Collectively, our study demonstrates for the first time that ADAM7 is required for normal fertility and is important for the maintenance of epididymal integrity and for sperm morphology, motility, and membrane proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heejin Choi
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Cecil Han
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, Korea Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Sora Jin
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Jun Tae Kwon
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Jihye Kim
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Juri Jeong
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Jaehwan Kim
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Sera Ham
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Suyeon Jeon
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Yung Joon Yoo
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Chunghee Cho
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, Korea
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21
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Li Q, Xie J, He L, Wang Y, Duan Z, Yang H, Wang Q. Identification of ADAM10 and ADAM17 with potential roles in the spermatogenesis of the Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis. Gene 2015; 562:117-27. [PMID: 25703701 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2015.02.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2014] [Revised: 02/16/2015] [Accepted: 02/18/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The ADAM (a disintegrin and metalloprotease) family plays an important role in sperm and egg fusion, development, inflammation, adhesion and migration. ADAM10 and ADAM17 are involved in the spermatogenesis. To better understand the role of ADAM10 and ADAM17 in the Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis, the full-length cDNAs of ADAM10 and ADAM17 were cloned, and named Es-ADAM10 and Es-ADAM17, respectively. Sequence and structural analysis showed that Es-ADAM10 and Es-ADAM17 have the typical structure of the ADAM family. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that Es-ADAM10 and Es-ADAM17 mRNAs were distributed in the heart, hepatopancreas, intestines, brain, muscle, thoracic ganglia, hemolymph, stomach, testis, ovary, gill and accessory gland. Both mRNAs were highly expressed in the muscles, and relatively high in the testis, ovary and accessory gland. In addition, the Es-ADAM17 mRNA level was detected in every stage of testis development, being relatively high from July to September, the lowest during October and November, increasing from December to January, and reached a peak in January. By contrast, the expression of Es-ADAM10 mRNA was constant during testis development. Immunofluorescence further showed that Es-ADAM10 and Es-ADAM17 proteins were present in the cytoplasm and cytomembrane of spermatocytes, and both detected in the sperm. Furthermore, etoposide induced upregulation of Es-ADAM17 and Es-ADAM10 at both the mRNA and protein levels. This study first showed that Es-ADAM10 and Es-ADAM17 were also involved in the spermatogenesis and mainly participated in the later germ cell apoptosis in E. sinensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Li
- Laboratory of Immunological Defense & Reproduction, School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Xie
- Laboratory of Immunological Defense & Reproduction, School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin He
- Laboratory of Immunological Defense & Reproduction, School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanli Wang
- Laboratory of Immunological Defense & Reproduction, School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zelin Duan
- Laboratory of Immunological Defense & Reproduction, School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongdan Yang
- Laboratory of Immunological Defense & Reproduction, School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qun Wang
- Laboratory of Immunological Defense & Reproduction, School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.
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22
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Bromfield EG, Nixon B. The function of chaperone proteins in the assemblage of protein complexes involved in gamete adhesion and fusion processes. Reproduction 2013; 145:R31-42. [PMID: 23166368 DOI: 10.1530/rep-12-0316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The remarkable complexity of the molecular events governing adhesion and fusion of the male and female gametes is becoming apparent. Novel research suggests that these highly specific cellular interactions are facilitated by multiprotein complexes that are delivered to and/or assembled on the surface of the gametes by molecular chaperones in preparation for sperm-egg interaction. While the activation of these molecular chaperones and the mechanisms by which they shuttle proteins to the surface of the cell remain the subject of ongoing investigation, a compelling suggestion is that these processes are augmented by dynamic membrane microdomains or lipid rafts that migrate to the apical region of the sperm head after capacitation. Preliminary studies of the oocyte plasma membrane have also revealed the presence of lipid rafts comprising several molecular chaperones, raising the possibility that similar mechanisms may be involved in the activation of maternal fusion machinery and the regulation of oocyte plasma membrane integrity. Despite these findings, the analysis of oocyte surface multiprotein complexes is currently lacking. Further analyses of the intermediary proteins that facilitate the expression of key players in sperm-egg fusion are likely to deliver important insights into this unique event, which culminates in the cytoplasmic continuity of the male and female gametes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth G Bromfield
- Priority Research Centre in Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
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Cho C. Testicular and epididymal ADAMs: expression and function during fertilization. Nat Rev Urol 2012; 9:550-60. [DOI: 10.1038/nrurol.2012.167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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24
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Delivering value from sperm proteomics for fertility. Cell Tissue Res 2012; 349:783-93. [PMID: 22688957 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-012-1452-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2011] [Accepted: 05/14/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Fertilization of an egg by a spermatozoon sets the stage for mammalian development. Viable sperm are a prerequisite for successful fertilization and beyond. Spermatozoa have a unique cell structure where haploid genomic DNA is located in a tiny cytoplasmic space in the head, mitochondria in the midpiece and then the tail, all enclosed by several layers of membrane. Proteins in sperm play vital roles in motility, capacitation, fertilization, egg activation and embryo development. Molecular defects in these proteins are associated with low fertility or in some cases, infertility. This review will first summarize genesis, molecular anatomy and physiology of spermatozoa, fertilization, embryogenesis and then those proteins playing important roles in various aspects of sperm physiology.
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25
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Dun MD, Aitken RJ, Nixon B. The role of molecular chaperones in spermatogenesis and the post-testicular maturation of mammalian spermatozoa. Hum Reprod Update 2012; 18:420-35. [DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dms009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
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26
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Ijiri TW, Merdiushev T, Cao W, Gerton GL. Identification and validation of mouse sperm proteins correlated with epididymal maturation. Proteomics 2011; 11:4047-62. [PMID: 21805633 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201100075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2011] [Revised: 06/03/2011] [Accepted: 07/11/2011] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Sperm need to mature in the epididymis to become capable of fertilization. To understand the molecular mechanisms of mouse sperm maturation, we conducted a proteomic analysis using saturation dye labeling to identify proteins of caput and cauda epididymal sperm that exhibited differences in amounts or positions on two-dimensional gels. Of eight caput epididymal sperm-differential proteins, three were molecular chaperones and three were structural proteins. Of nine cauda epididymal sperm-differential proteins, six were enzymes of energy metabolism. To validate these proteins as markers of epididymal maturation, immunoblotting and immunofluorescence analyses were performed. During epididymal transit, heat shock protein 2 was eliminated with the cytoplasmic droplet and smooth muscle γ-actin exhibited reduced fluorescence from the anterior acrosome while the signal intensity of aldolase A increased, especially in the principal piece. Besides these changes, we observed protein spots, such as glutathione S-transferase mu 5 and the E2 component of pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, shifting to more basic isoelectric points, suggesting post-translational changes such dephosphorylation occur during epididymal maturation. We conclude that most caput epididymal sperm-differential proteins contribute to the functional modification of sperm structures and that many cauda epididymal sperm-differential proteins are involved in ATP production that promotes sperm functions such as motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi W Ijiri
- Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6080, USA
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Moreno RD, Urriola-Muñoz P, Lagos-Cabré R. The emerging role of matrix metalloproteases of the ADAM family in male germ cell apoptosis. SPERMATOGENESIS 2011; 1:195-208. [PMID: 22319668 DOI: 10.4161/spmg.1.3.17894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2011] [Revised: 08/27/2011] [Accepted: 08/29/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Constitutive germ cell apoptosis during mammalian spermatogenesis is a key process for controlling sperm output and to eliminate damaged or unwanted cells. An increase or decrease in the apoptosis rate has deleterious consequences and leads to low sperm production. Apoptosis in spermatogenesis has been widely studied, but the mechanism by which it is induced under physiological or pathological conditions has not been clarified. We have recently identified the metalloprotease ADAM17 (TACE) as a putative physiological inducer of germ cell apoptosis. The mechanisms involved in regulating the shedding of the ADAM17 extracellular domain are still far from being understood, although they are important in order to understand cell-cell communications. Here, we review the available data regarding apoptosis during mammalian spermatogenesis and the localization of ADAM proteins in the male reproductive tract. We propose an integrative working model where ADAM17, p38 MAPK, protein kinase C (PKC) and the tyrosine kinase c-Abl participate in the physiological signalling cascade inducing apoptosis in germ cells. In our model, we also propose a role for the Sertoli cell in regulating the Fas/FasL system in order to induce the extrinsic pathway of apoptosis in germ cells. This working model could be applied to further understand constitutive apoptosis in spermatogenesis and in pathological conditions (e.g., varicocele) or following environmental toxicants exposure (e.g., genotoxicity or xenoestrogens).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo D Moreno
- Departamento de Fisiología; Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile; Santiago, Chile
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Sokolowska I, Woods AG, Wagner J, Dorler J, Wormwood K, Thome J, Darie CC. Mass Spectrometry for Proteomics-Based Investigation of Oxidative Stress and Heat Shock Proteins. ACS SYMPOSIUM SERIES 2011. [DOI: 10.1021/bk-2011-1083.ch013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Izabela Sokolowska
- Department of Chemistry & Biomolecular Science, Biochemistry & Proteomics Group, Clarkson University, 8 Clarkson Avenue, Potsdam, New York, 13699-5810, U.S.A
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rostock, Gehlsheimer Straße 20, D-18147 Rostock, Germany
| | - Alisa G. Woods
- Department of Chemistry & Biomolecular Science, Biochemistry & Proteomics Group, Clarkson University, 8 Clarkson Avenue, Potsdam, New York, 13699-5810, U.S.A
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rostock, Gehlsheimer Straße 20, D-18147 Rostock, Germany
| | - Jessica Wagner
- Department of Chemistry & Biomolecular Science, Biochemistry & Proteomics Group, Clarkson University, 8 Clarkson Avenue, Potsdam, New York, 13699-5810, U.S.A
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rostock, Gehlsheimer Straße 20, D-18147 Rostock, Germany
| | - Jeannette Dorler
- Department of Chemistry & Biomolecular Science, Biochemistry & Proteomics Group, Clarkson University, 8 Clarkson Avenue, Potsdam, New York, 13699-5810, U.S.A
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rostock, Gehlsheimer Straße 20, D-18147 Rostock, Germany
| | - Kelly Wormwood
- Department of Chemistry & Biomolecular Science, Biochemistry & Proteomics Group, Clarkson University, 8 Clarkson Avenue, Potsdam, New York, 13699-5810, U.S.A
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rostock, Gehlsheimer Straße 20, D-18147 Rostock, Germany
| | - Johannes Thome
- Department of Chemistry & Biomolecular Science, Biochemistry & Proteomics Group, Clarkson University, 8 Clarkson Avenue, Potsdam, New York, 13699-5810, U.S.A
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rostock, Gehlsheimer Straße 20, D-18147 Rostock, Germany
| | - Costel C. Darie
- Department of Chemistry & Biomolecular Science, Biochemistry & Proteomics Group, Clarkson University, 8 Clarkson Avenue, Potsdam, New York, 13699-5810, U.S.A
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rostock, Gehlsheimer Straße 20, D-18147 Rostock, Germany
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