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Parkes R, Garcia TX. Bringing proteomics to bear on male fertility: key lessons. Expert Rev Proteomics 2024; 21:181-203. [PMID: 38536015 DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2024.2327553] [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: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Male infertility is a major public health concern globally. Proteomics has revolutionized our comprehension of male fertility by identifying potential infertility biomarkers and reproductive defects. Studies comparing sperm proteome with other male reproductive tissues have the potential to refine fertility diagnostics and guide infertility treatment development. AREAS COVERED This review encapsulates literature using proteomic approaches to progress male reproductive biology. Our search methodology included systematic searches of databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for articles up to 2023. Keywords used included 'male fertility proteomics,' 'spermatozoa proteome,' 'testis proteomics,' 'epididymal proteomics,' and 'non-hormonal male contraception.' Inclusion criteria were robust experimental design, significant contributions to male fertility, and novel use of proteomic technologies. EXPERT OPINION Expert analysis shows a shift from traditional research to an integrative approach that clarifies male reproductive health's molecular intricacies. A gap exists between proteomic discoveries and clinical application. The expert opinions consolidated here not only navigate the current findings but also chart the future proteomic applications for scientific and clinical breakthroughs. We underscore the need for continued investment in proteomic research - both in the technological and collaborative arenas - to further unravel the secrets of male fertility, which will be central to resolving fertility issues in the coming era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Parkes
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
| | - Thomas X Garcia
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
- Scott Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
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2
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Castillo J, de la Iglesia A, Leiva M, Jodar M, Oliva R. Proteomics of human spermatozoa. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:2312-2320. [PMID: 37632247 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteomic methodologies offer a robust approach to identify and quantify thousands of proteins from semen components in both fertile donors and infertile patients. These strategies provide an unprecedented discovery potential, which many research teams are currently exploiting. However, it is essential to follow a suitable experimental design to generate robust data, including proper purification of samples, appropriate technical procedures to increase identification throughput, and data analysis following quality criteria. More than 6000 proteins have been described so far through proteomic analyses in the mature sperm cell, increasing our knowledge on processes involved in sperm function, intercommunication between spermatozoa and seminal fluid, and the transcriptional origin of the proteins. These data have been complemented with comparative studies to ascertain the potential role of the identified proteins on sperm maturation and functionality, and its impact on infertility. By comparing sperm protein profiles, many proteins involved in the acquisition of fertilizing ability have been identified. Furthermore, altered abundance of specific protein groups has been observed in a wide range of infertile phenotypes, including asthenozoospermia, oligozoospermia, and normozoospermia with unsuccessful assisted reproductive techniques outcomes, leading to the identification of potential clinically useful protein biomarkers. Finally, proteomics has been used to evaluate alterations derived from semen sample processing, which might have an impact on fertility treatments. However, the intrinsic heterogeneity and inter-individual variability of the semen samples have resulted in a relatively low overlap among proteomic reports, highlighting the relevance of combining strategies for data validation and applying strict criteria for proteomic data analysis to obtain reliable results. This mini-review provides an overview of the most critical steps to conduct robust sperm proteomic studies, the most relevant results obtained so far, and potential next steps to increase the impact of sperm proteomic data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judit Castillo
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alberto de la Iglesia
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marina Leiva
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Meritxell Jodar
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Biomedical Diagnostic Center (CDB), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rafael Oliva
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Biomedical Diagnostic Center (CDB), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Pacheco RI, Cristo MI, Anjo SI, Silva AF, Sousa MI, Tavares RS, Sousa AP, Almeida Santos T, Moura-Ramos M, Caramelo F, Manadas B, Ramalho-Santos J, Amaral SG. New Insights on Sperm Function in Male Infertility of Unknown Origin: A Multimodal Approach. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1462. [PMID: 37892144 PMCID: PMC10605211 DOI: 10.3390/biom13101462] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The global trend of rising (male) infertility is concerning, and the unidentifiable causes in half of the cases, the so-called unknown origin male infertility (UOMI), demands a better understanding and assessment of both external/internal factors and mechanisms potentially involved. In this work, it was our aim to obtain new insight on UOMI, specifically on idiopathic (ID) and Unexplained male infertility (UMI), relying on a detailed evaluation of the male gamete, including functional, metabolic and proteomic aspects. For this purpose, 1114 semen samples, from males in couples seeking infertility treatment, were collected at the Reproductive Medicine Unit from the Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra (CHUC), from July 2018-July 2022. Based on the couples' clinical data, seminal/hormonal analysis, and strict eligibility criteria, samples were categorized in 3 groups, control (CTRL), ID and UMI. Lifestyle factors and anxiety/depression symptoms were assessed via survey. Sperm samples were evaluated functionally, mitochondrially and using proteomics. The results of Assisted Reproduction Techniques were assessed whenever available. According to our results, ID patients presented the worst sperm functional profile, while UMI patients were similar to controls. The proteomic analysis revealed 145 differentially expressed proteins, 8 of which were specifically altered in ID and UMI samples. Acrosin (ACRO) and sperm acrosome membrane-associated protein 4 (SACA4) were downregulated in ID patients while laminin subunit beta-2 (LAMB2), mannose 6-phosphate isomerase (MPI), ATP-dependent 6-phosphofructokinase liver type (PFKAL), STAR domain-containing protein 10 (STA10), serotransferrin (TRFE) and exportin-2 (XPO2) were downregulated in UMI patients. Using random forest analysis, SACA4 and LAMB2 were identified as the sperm proteins with a higher chance of distinguishing ID and UMI patients, and their function and expression variation were in accordance with the functional results. No alterations were observed in terms of lifestyle and psychological factors among the 3 groups. These findings obtained in an experimental setting based on 3 well-defined groups of subjects, might help to validate new biomarkers for unknown origin male infertility (ID and UMI) that, in the future, can be used to improve diagnostics and treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita I. Pacheco
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria I. Cristo
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- IIIUC—Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sandra I. Anjo
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- IIIUC—Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Andreia F. Silva
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- IIIUC—Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria Inês Sousa
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Renata S. Tavares
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Paula Sousa
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal
- Eugin Coimbra, Rua Filipe Hodart 12, 3000-185 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Teresa Almeida Santos
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal
- Eugin Coimbra, Rua Filipe Hodart 12, 3000-185 Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Mariana Moura-Ramos
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal
- Eugin Coimbra, Rua Filipe Hodart 12, 3000-185 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive and Behavioral Intervention, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3000-115 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Psychology Unit, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | - Bruno Manadas
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- IIIUC—Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João Ramalho-Santos
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sandra Gomes Amaral
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- IIIUC—Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
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Han S, Applewhite S, DeCata J, Jones S, Cummings J, Wang S. Arachidonic acid reverses cholesterol and zinc inhibition of human voltage-gated proton channels. J Biol Chem 2023:104918. [PMID: 37315791 PMCID: PMC10344949 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.104918] [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: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Unlike other members of the voltage-gated ion channel superfamily, voltage-gated proton (Hv) channels are solely composed of voltage sensor domains without separate ion-conducting pores. Due to their unique dependence on both voltage and transmembrane pH gradients, Hv channels normally open to mediate proton efflux. Multiple cellular ligands were also found to regulate the function of Hv channels, including Zn2+, cholesterol, polyunsaturated arachidonic acid, and albumin. Our previous work showed that Zn2+ and cholesterol inhibit the human voltage-gated proton channel hHv1 by stabilizing its S4 segment at resting state conformations. Released from phospholipids by phospholipase A2 in cells upon infection or injury, arachidonic acid regulates the function of many ion channels, including hHv1. In the present work, we examined the effects of arachidonic acid on purified hHv1 channels using liposome flux assays and revealed underlying structural mechanisms using single-molecule Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (smFRET). Our data indicated that arachidonic acid strongly activates hHv1 channels by promoting transitions of the S4 segment towards opening or 'pre-opening' conformations. Moreover, we found that arachidonic acid even activates hHv1 channels inhibited by Zn2+ and cholesterol, providing a biophysical mechanism to activate hHv1 channels in non-excitable cells upon infection or injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Han
- Division of Biological and Biomedical Systems, School of Science and Engineering, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64110 USA
| | - Sarah Applewhite
- Division of Biological and Biomedical Systems, School of Science and Engineering, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64110 USA
| | - Jenna DeCata
- Division of Biological and Biomedical Systems, School of Science and Engineering, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64110 USA
| | - Samuel Jones
- Division of Biological and Biomedical Systems, School of Science and Engineering, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64110 USA
| | - John Cummings
- Division of Biological and Biomedical Systems, School of Science and Engineering, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64110 USA
| | - Shizhen Wang
- Division of Biological and Biomedical Systems, School of Science and Engineering, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64110 USA.
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Nixon B, Schjenken JE, Burke ND, Skerrett-Byrne DA, Hart HM, De Iuliis GN, Martin JH, Lord T, Bromfield EG. New horizons in human sperm selection for assisted reproduction. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1145533. [PMID: 36909306 PMCID: PMC9992892 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1145533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Male infertility is a commonly encountered pathology that is estimated to be a contributory factor in approximately 50% of couples seeking recourse to assisted reproductive technologies. Upon clinical presentation, such males are commonly subjected to conventional diagnostic andrological practices that rely on descriptive criteria to define their fertility based on the number of morphologically normal, motile spermatozoa encountered within their ejaculate. Despite the virtual ubiquitous adoption of such diagnostic practices, they are not without their limitations and accordingly, there is now increasing awareness of the importance of assessing sperm quality in order to more accurately predict a male's fertility status. This realization raises the important question of which characteristics signify a high-quality, fertilization competent sperm cell. In this review, we reflect on recent advances in our mechanistic understanding of sperm biology and function, which are contributing to a growing armory of innovative approaches to diagnose and treat male infertility. In particular we review progress toward the implementation of precision medicine; the robust clinical adoption of which in the setting of fertility, currently lags well behind that of other fields of medicine. Despite this, research shows that the application of advanced technology platforms such as whole exome sequencing and proteomic analyses hold considerable promise in optimizing outcomes for the management of male infertility by uncovering and expanding our inventory of candidate infertility biomarkers, as well as those associated with recurrent pregnancy loss. Similarly, the development of advanced imaging technologies in tandem with machine learning artificial intelligence are poised to disrupt the fertility care paradigm by advancing our understanding of the molecular and biological causes of infertility to provide novel avenues for future diagnostics and treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: Brett Nixon,
| | - John E. Schjenken
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Nathan D. Burke
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - David A. Skerrett-Byrne
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Hanah M. Hart
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Geoffry N. De Iuliis
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Jacinta H. Martin
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Tessa Lord
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Elizabeth G. Bromfield
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
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Translational Bioinformatics for Human Reproductive Biology Research: Examples, Opportunities and Challenges for a Future Reproductive Medicine. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010004. [PMID: 36613446 PMCID: PMC9819745 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010004] [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: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Since 1978, with the first IVF (in vitro fertilization) baby birth in Manchester (England), more than eight million IVF babies have been born throughout the world, and many new techniques and discoveries have emerged in reproductive medicine. To summarize the modern technology and progress in reproductive medicine, all scientific papers related to reproductive medicine, especially papers related to reproductive translational medicine, were fully searched, manually curated and reviewed. Results indicated whether male reproductive medicine or female reproductive medicine all have made significant progress, and their markers have experienced the progress from karyotype analysis to single-cell omics. However, due to the lack of comprehensive databases, especially databases collecting risk exposures, disease markers and models, prevention drugs and effective treatment methods, the application of the latest precision medicine technologies and methods in reproductive medicine is limited.
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Testis-Specific Isoform of Na+-K+ ATPase and Regulation of Bull Fertility. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147936. [PMID: 35887284 PMCID: PMC9317330 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
An advanced understanding of sperm function is relevant for evidence-based male fertility prediction and addressing male infertility. A standard breeding soundness evaluation (BSE) merely identifies gross abnormalities in bulls, whereas selection based on single nucleotide polymorphisms and genomic estimated breeding values overlooks sub-microscopic differences in sperm. Molecular tools are important for validating genomic selection and advancing knowledge on the regulation of male fertility at an interdisciplinary level. Therefore, research in this field is now focused on developing a combination of in vitro sperm function tests and identifying biomarkers such as sperm proteins with critical roles in fertility. The Na+-K+ ATPase is a ubiquitous transmembrane protein and its α4 isoform (ATP1A4) is exclusively expressed in germ cells and sperm. Furthermore, ATP1A4 is essential for male fertility, as it interacts with signaling molecules in both raft and non-raft fractions of the sperm plasma membrane to regulate capacitation-associated signaling, hyperactivation, sperm-oocyte interactions, and activation. Interestingly, ATP1A4 activity and expression increase during capacitation, challenging the widely accepted dogma of sperm translational quiescence. This review discusses the literature on the role of ATP1A4 during capacitation and fertilization events and its prospective use in improving male fertility prediction.
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Targeted Analysis of HSP70 Isoforms in Human Spermatozoa in the Context of Capacitation and Motility. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126497. [PMID: 35742939 PMCID: PMC9224233 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
HSP70s constitute a family of chaperones, some isoforms of which appear to play a role in sperm function. Notably, global proteomic studies analyzing proteins deregulated in asthenozoospermia, a main cause of male infertility characterized by low sperm motility, showed the dysregulation of some HSP70 isoforms. However, to date, no clear trend has been established since the variations in the abundance of HSP70 isoforms differed between studies. The HSPA2 isoform has been reported to play a key role in fertilization, but its dysregulation and possible relocation during capacitation, a maturation process making the spermatozoon capable of fertilizing an oocyte, is debated in the literature. The aim of the present study was to investigate the fate of all sperm HSP70 isoforms during capacitation and in relation to sperm motility. Using Multiple-Reaction Monitoring (MRM) mass spectrometry, we showed that the relative abundance of all detected isoforms was stable between non-capacitated and capacitated spermatozoa. Immunofluorescence using two different antibodies also demonstrated the stability of HSP70 isoform localization during capacitation. We also investigated spermatozoa purified from 20 sperm samples displaying various levels of total and progressive sperm motility. We showed that the abundance of HSP70 isoforms is not correlated to sperm total or progressive motility.
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Skerrett-Byrne DA, Anderson AL, Hulse L, Wass C, Dun MD, Bromfield EG, De Iuliis GN, Pyne M, Nicolson V, Johnston SD, Nixon B. Proteomic analysis of koala (phascolarctos cinereus) spermatozoa and prostatic bodies. Proteomics 2021; 21:e2100067. [PMID: 34411425 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.202100067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The aims of this study were to investigate the proteome of koala spermatozoa and that of the prostatic bodies with which they interact during ejaculation. For this purpose, spermatozoa and prostatic bodies were fractionated from the semen of four male koalas and analysed by HPLC MS/MS. This strategy identified 744 sperm and 1297 prostatic body proteins, which were subsequently attributed to 482 and 776 unique gene products, respectively. Gene ontology curation of the sperm proteome revealed an abundance of proteins mapping to the canonical sirtuin and 14-3-3 signalling pathways. By contrast, protein ubiquitination and unfolded protein response pathways dominated the equivalent analysis of proteins uniquely identified in prostatic bodies. Koala sperm proteins featured an enrichment of those mapping to the functional categories of cellular compromise/inflammatory response, whilst those of the prostatic body revealed an over-representation of molecular chaperone and stress-related proteins. Cross-species comparisons demonstrated that the koala sperm proteome displays greater conservation with that of eutherians (human; 93%) as opposed to reptile (crocodile; 39%) and avian (rooster; 27%) spermatozoa. Together, this work contributes to our overall understanding of the core sperm proteome and has identified biomarkers that may contribute to the exceptional longevity of koala spermatozoa during ex vivo storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Skerrett-Byrne
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Amanda L Anderson
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lyndal Hulse
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
| | - Caillin Wass
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
| | - Matthew D Dun
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Priority Research Centre for Cancer Research Innovation and Translation, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Lambton, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Elizabeth G Bromfield
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Geoffry N De Iuliis
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michael Pyne
- Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Currumbin, Queensland, Australia
| | - Vere Nicolson
- Dreamworld, Dreamworld Parkway, Coomera, Queensland, Australia
| | - Stephen D Johnston
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
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10
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Bernecic NC, de Graaf SP, Leahy T, Gadella BM. HDL mediates reverse cholesterol transport from ram spermatozoa and induces hyperactivated motility. Biol Reprod 2021; 104:1271-1281. [PMID: 33674849 PMCID: PMC8181994 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Reverse cholesterol transport or cholesterol efflux is part of an extensive plasma membrane remodeling process in spermatozoa that is imperative for fertilization. For ram spermatozoa, sheep serum is well known to support in vitro fertilization (IVF), but knowledge of its explicit role is limited. Though, it is postulated to elicit cholesterol efflux owing to the presence of high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) that interact with transmembrane cholesterol transporters, such as adenosinetriphosphate (ATP)-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) and scavenger receptor class B, type I (SR-BI). In this study, we report that both sheep serum and HDLs were able to elicit cholesterol efflux alone by up to 20–40% (as measured by the boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY)-cholesterol assay). Furthermore, when the antagonists glibenclamide and valspodar were used to inhibit the function of ABCA1 and SR-BI or ABCA1 alone, respectively, cholesterol efflux was only marginally reduced (8–15%). Nevertheless, it is likely that in ram spermatozoa, a specific facilitated pathway of cholesterol efflux is involved in the interaction between cholesterol acceptors and transporters. Interestingly, exposure to HDLs also induced hyperactivated motility, another critical event required for successful fertilization. Taken together, this study details the first report of the dual action of HDLs on ram spermatozoa, providing both an insight into the intricacy of events leading up to fertilization in vivo as well as demonstrating the possible application of HDL supplementation in media for IVF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi C Bernecic
- Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Simon P de Graaf
- Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Tamara Leahy
- Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Bart M Gadella
- Department of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Farm Animal Health, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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11
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Gómez-Torres MJ, Huerta-Retamal N, Robles-Gómez L, Sáez-Espinosa P, Aizpurua J, Avilés M, Romero A. Arylsulfatase A Remodeling during Human Sperm In Vitro Capacitation Using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM). Cells 2021; 10:cells10020222. [PMID: 33498624 PMCID: PMC7912702 DOI: 10.3390/cells10020222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Capacitation drives sperm biophysical and biochemical changes for sperm-oocyte interactions. It is a well-known fact that the molecular complex arylsulfatase A (ARSA), hyaluronidase sperm adhesion molecule 1 (SPAM1), and heat shock protein 2 (HSPA2) plays a significant role in sperm-zona pellucida (ZP) binding. However, the time-dependent capacitation effects on the sperm surface ARSA presence and specific topographic distributions remain to be elucidated. Here, we quantified the ARSA density and specific membrane domain locations before (US) and after in vitro capacitation (one and four hours; CS1-CS4) in human sperm using high-resolution field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and immunogold labeling. Our results showed a significant and progressive capacitation-mediated increase of labeled spermatozoa from the US (37%) to CS4 (100%) physiological conditions. In addition, surface mapping revealed a close relationship between the ARSA residues and their acrosomal repositioning. Compared with the ARSA surface heterogeneous distribution found in US, the CS1-4 conditions exhibited clustering on the peri-acrosomal region, showing that time-dependent capacitation also induced a ARSA residue dramatic translocation on sperm surfaces. Our findings provide novel insights into the molecular remodeling events preceding sperm-oocyte interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- María José Gómez-Torres
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Universidad de Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain; (N.H.-R.); (L.R.-G.); (P.S.-E.); (A.R.)
- Cátedra Human Fertility, Universidad de Alicante, 03080 Alicante, Spain;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-965-90-38-78
| | - Natalia Huerta-Retamal
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Universidad de Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain; (N.H.-R.); (L.R.-G.); (P.S.-E.); (A.R.)
| | - Laura Robles-Gómez
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Universidad de Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain; (N.H.-R.); (L.R.-G.); (P.S.-E.); (A.R.)
| | - Paula Sáez-Espinosa
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Universidad de Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain; (N.H.-R.); (L.R.-G.); (P.S.-E.); (A.R.)
| | - Jon Aizpurua
- Cátedra Human Fertility, Universidad de Alicante, 03080 Alicante, Spain;
- IVF Spain, Medicina Reproductiva, 03540 Alicante, Spain
| | - Manuel Avilés
- Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología, Universidad de Murcia, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Sociosanitaria (IMIB), 30003 Murcia, Spain;
| | - Alejandro Romero
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Universidad de Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain; (N.H.-R.); (L.R.-G.); (P.S.-E.); (A.R.)
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12
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Membrane-Mediated Regulation of Sperm Fertilization Potential in Poultry. J Poult Sci 2021; 59:114-120. [PMID: 35528376 PMCID: PMC9039145 DOI: 10.2141/jpsa.0210104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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13
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Walters JLH, Anderson AL, Martins da Silva SJ, Aitken RJ, De Iuliis GN, Sutherland JM, Nixon B, Bromfield EG. Mechanistic Insight into the Regulation of Lipoxygenase-Driven Lipid Peroxidation Events in Human Spermatozoa and Their Impact on Male Fertility. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 10:antiox10010043. [PMID: 33396527 PMCID: PMC7823465 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10010043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
A prevalent cause of sperm dysfunction in male infertility patients is the overproduction of reactive oxygen species, an attendant increase in lipid peroxidation and the production of cytotoxic reactive carbonyl species such as 4-hydroxynonenal. Our previous studies have implicated arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase (ALOX15) in the production of 4-hydroxynonenal in developing germ cells. Here, we have aimed to develop a further mechanistic understanding of the lipoxygenase-lipid peroxidation pathway in human spermatozoa. Through pharmacological inhibition studies, we identified a protective role for phospholipase enzymes in the liberation of peroxidised polyunsaturated fatty acids from the human sperm membrane. Our results also revealed that arachidonic acid, linoleic acid and docosahexanoic acid are key polyunsaturated fatty acid substrates for ALOX15. Upon examination of ALOX15 in the spermatozoa of infertile patients compared to their normozoospermic counterparts, we observed significantly elevated levels of ALOX15 protein abundance in the infertile population and an increase in 4-hydroxynonenal adducts. Collectively, these data confirm the involvement of ALOX15 in the oxidative stress cascade of human spermatozoa and support the notion that increased ALOX15 abundance in sperm cells may accentuate membrane lipid peroxidation and cellular dysfunction, ultimately contributing to male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L. H. Walters
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Schools of Biomedical Science & Pharmacy and Environmental & Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (J.L.H.W.); (A.L.A.); (R.J.A.); (G.N.D.I.); (J.M.S.); (B.N.)
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Amanda L. Anderson
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Schools of Biomedical Science & Pharmacy and Environmental & Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (J.L.H.W.); (A.L.A.); (R.J.A.); (G.N.D.I.); (J.M.S.); (B.N.)
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Sarah J. Martins da Silva
- Reproductive Medicine Research Group, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK;
- Assisted Conception Unit, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
| | - R. John Aitken
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Schools of Biomedical Science & Pharmacy and Environmental & Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (J.L.H.W.); (A.L.A.); (R.J.A.); (G.N.D.I.); (J.M.S.); (B.N.)
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Geoffry N. De Iuliis
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Schools of Biomedical Science & Pharmacy and Environmental & Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (J.L.H.W.); (A.L.A.); (R.J.A.); (G.N.D.I.); (J.M.S.); (B.N.)
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Jessie M. Sutherland
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Schools of Biomedical Science & Pharmacy and Environmental & Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (J.L.H.W.); (A.L.A.); (R.J.A.); (G.N.D.I.); (J.M.S.); (B.N.)
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Schools of Biomedical Science & Pharmacy and Environmental & Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (J.L.H.W.); (A.L.A.); (R.J.A.); (G.N.D.I.); (J.M.S.); (B.N.)
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Elizabeth G. Bromfield
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Schools of Biomedical Science & Pharmacy and Environmental & Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (J.L.H.W.); (A.L.A.); (R.J.A.); (G.N.D.I.); (J.M.S.); (B.N.)
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
- Discipline of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Correspondence:
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14
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Gahlay GK, Rajput N. The enigmatic sperm proteins in mammalian fertilization: an overview†. Biol Reprod 2020; 103:1171-1185. [PMID: 32761117 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian fertilization involves a physical interaction between a sperm and an egg followed by molecular interactions amongst their various cell surface molecules. These interactions are initially mediated on the egg's outermost matrix, zona pellucida (ZP), and then its plasma membrane. To better understand this process, it is pertinent to find the corresponding molecules on sperm that interact with ZP or the egg's plasma membrane. Although currently, we have some knowledge about the binding partners for egg's plasma membrane on sperm, yet the ones involved in an interaction with ZP have remained remarkably elusive. This review provides comprehensive knowledge about the various sperm proteins participating in mammalian fertilization and discusses the possible reasons for not being able to identify the strong sperm surface candidate (s) for ZP adhesion. It also hypothesizes the existence of a multi-protein complex(s), members of which participate in oviduct transport, cumulus penetration, zona adhesion, and adhesion/fusion with the egg's plasma membrane; with some protein(s) having multiple roles during this process. Identification of these proteins is crucial as it improves our understanding of the process and allows us to successfully treat infertility, develop contraceptives, and improve artificial reproductive technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gagandeep Kaur Gahlay
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar 143005, India
| | - Neha Rajput
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar 143005, India
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15
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Panner Selvam MK, Finelli R, Agarwal A, Henkel R. Proteomics and metabolomics - Current and future perspectives in clinical andrology. Andrologia 2020; 53:e13711. [PMID: 32598566 DOI: 10.1111/and.13711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteomics and metabolomics are emerging as promising tools to investigate the molecular mechanisms associated with male infertility. Proteins and metabolites play a pivotal role in regulating the molecular pathways associated with physiological functions of spermatozoa. Semen analysis, physical examination and laboratory work up cannot identify the etiology of infertility in 30%-40% of cases, which are classified as idiopathic. Therefore, the application of proteomics and metabolomics in the field of andrology will aid to overcome the limitations of the standard semen analysis. Understanding the molecular pathways associated with male infertility will help in planning ad hoc treatments, contributing to the clinical management of infertile patients. In this review, proteomics and metabolomics studies on spermatozoa and seminal plasma are discussed with a focus on molecular biomarkers associated with male infertility-related conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Renata Finelli
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ralf Henkel
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
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16
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Human Sperm Capacitation Involves the Regulation of the Tyr-Phosphorylation Level of the Anion Exchanger 1 (AE1). Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21114063. [PMID: 32517126 PMCID: PMC7311965 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21114063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Bicarbonate uptake is one of the early steps of capacitation, but the identification of proteins regulating anion fluxes remains elusive. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of sperm solute carrier 4 (SLC4) A1 (spAE1) in the capacitation process. The expression, location, and tyrosine-phosphorylation (Tyr-P) level of spAE1 were assessed. Thereby, it was found that 4,4′-Diisothiocyano-2,2′-stilbenedisulfonic acid (DIDS), an SLC4 family channel blocker, inhibited capacitation in a dose-dependent manner by decreasing acrosome reaction (ARC% 24.5 ± 3.3 vs. 64.9 ± 4.3, p < 0.05) and increasing the percentage of not viable cells (NVC%), comparable to the inhibition by I-172, a cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) blocker (AR% 30.5 ± 4.4 and NVC% 18.6 ± 2.2). When used in combination, a synergistic inhibitory effect was observed with a remarkable increase of the percentage of NVC (45.3 ± 4.1, p < 0.001). spAE1 was identified in sperm membrane as a substrate for Tyr-protein kinases Lyn and Syk, which were identified as both soluble and membrane-bound pools. spAE1-Tyr-P level increased in the apical region of sperm under capacitating conditions and was negatively affected by I-172 or DIDS, and, to a far greater extent, by a combination of both. In conclusion, we demonstrated that spAE1 is expressed in sperm membranes and it is phosphorylated by Syk, but above all by Lyn on Tyr359, which are involved in sperm viability and capacitation.
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17
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López-Salguero JB, Fierro R, Michalski JC, Jiménez-Morales I, Lefebvre T, Mondragón-Payne O, Baldini SF, Vercoutter-Edouart AS, González-Márquez H. Identification of lipid raft glycoproteins obtained from boar spermatozoa. Glycoconj J 2020; 37:499-509. [PMID: 32367480 DOI: 10.1007/s10719-020-09924-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The surface of the spermatozoa is coated with glycoproteins the redistribution of which during in vitro capacitation plays a key role in the subsequent fertilization process. Lipid rafts are membrane microdomains involved in signal transduction through receptors and include or recruit specific types of proteins and glycoproteins. Few studies have focused on identifying glycoproteins resident in the lipid rafts of spermatozoa. Proteins associated with lipid rafts modify their localization during capacitation. The objective of the study was to identify the glycoproteins associated with lipid rafts of capacitated boar spermatozoa through a lectin-binding assay coupled to mass spectrometry approach. From the proteomic profiles generated by the raft proteins extractions, we observed that after capacitation the intensity of some bands increased while that of others decreased. To determine whether the proteins obtained from lipid rafts are glycosylated, lectin blot assays were performed. Protein bands with a good resolution and showing significant glycosylation modifications after capacitation were analyzed by mass spectrometry. The bands of interest had an apparent molecular weight of 64, 45, 36, 34, 24, 18 and 15 kDa. We sequenced the 7 bands and 20 known or potential glycoproteins were identified. According to us, for ten of them this is the first time that their association with sperm lipid rafts is described (ADAM5, SPMI, SPACA1, Seminal plasma protein pB1, PSP-I, MFGE8, tACE, PGK2, SUCLA2, MDH1). Moreover, LYDP4, SPAM-1, HSP60, ZPBP1, AK1 were previously reported in lipid rafts of mouse and human spermatozoa but not in boar spermatozoa. We also found and confirmed the presence of ACR, ACRBP, AWN, AQN3 and PRDX5 in lipid rafts of boar spermatozoa. This paper provides an overview of the glycosylation pattern in lipid rafts of boar spermatozoa before and after capacitation. Further glycomic analysis is needed to determine the type and the variation of glycan chains of the lipid rafts glycoproteins on the surface of spermatozoa during capacitation and acrosome reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Benito López-Salguero
- Doctorado en Ciencias Biológicas y de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Reyna Fierro
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud. D.C.B.S, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, San Rafael Atlixco 186, Col. Vicentina, C.P, 09340, Ciudad de México, México.
| | - Jean-Claude Michalski
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 8576 - UGSF - Unité de Glycobiologie Structurale et Fonctionnelle, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Irma Jiménez-Morales
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud. D.C.B.S, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, San Rafael Atlixco 186, Col. Vicentina, C.P, 09340, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Tony Lefebvre
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 8576 - UGSF - Unité de Glycobiologie Structurale et Fonctionnelle, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Oscar Mondragón-Payne
- Maestría en Biología Experimental, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Steffi F Baldini
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 8576 - UGSF - Unité de Glycobiologie Structurale et Fonctionnelle, F-59000, Lille, France
| | | | - Humberto González-Márquez
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud. D.C.B.S, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, San Rafael Atlixco 186, Col. Vicentina, C.P, 09340, Ciudad de México, México
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18
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Agarwal A, Baskaran S, Panner Selvam MK, Barbăroșie C, Master K. Unraveling the Footsteps of Proteomics in Male Reproductive Research: A Scientometric Approach. Antioxid Redox Signal 2020; 32:536-549. [PMID: 31861964 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2019.7945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Significance: Male reproductive research at molecular level has gained more attention as it offers the cellular mechanisms and biological pathways implicated in the reproductive physiology. Several researchers across the world have used global proteomic approach in conjunction with advanced bioinformatics software to identify putative biomarkers for various male infertility conditions. Recent Advances: Introduction of advance proteomic platforms has made it easier to generate enormous amount of data in a short period of time. In this article, we have reviewed the functional and comparative proteomic studies in the area of male reproductive research. We have discussed the key proteins and associated cellular pathways such as oxidative phosphorylation and mitochondrial dysfunction implicated in the various male infertility conditions. Furthermore, for the first time scientometric approach was used to analyze the publication trends and hot topics in proteomics of male reproductive research. Critical Issues: Analysis of publication trends revealed that majority of the published studies were focused on varicocele and asthenozoospermia, while very limited research has been conducted on assisted reproductive technology (ART). This area of research requires more attention as it would facilitate identification of novel biomarkers to catalogue proteomic characteristics of spermatozoa for achieving better results in ART. Future Directions: Future research should be focused on the development and validation of a biomarker panel for specific male infertility scenarios based on etiology. Translation of validated proteomic biomarkers into tests or assays for male infertility conditions would enable the physician to provide better management for the patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Saradha Baskaran
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | | | - Cătălina Barbăroșie
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio.,Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Kruyanshi Master
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
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19
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Agarwal A, Panner Selvam MK, Baskaran S. Proteomic Analyses of Human Sperm Cells: Understanding the Role of Proteins and Molecular Pathways Affecting Male Reproductive Health. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21051621. [PMID: 32120839 PMCID: PMC7084638 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21051621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Human sperm proteomics research has gained increasing attention lately, which provides complete information about the functional state of the spermatozoa. Changes in the sperm proteome are evident in several male infertility associated conditions. Global proteomic tools, such as liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight, are used to profile the sperm proteins to identify the molecular pathways that are defective in infertile men. This review discusses the use of proteomic techniques to analyze the spermatozoa proteome. It also highlights the general steps involved in global proteomic approaches including bioinformatic analysis of the sperm proteomic data. Also, we have presented the findings of major proteomic studies and possible biomarkers in the diagnosis and therapeutics of male infertility. Extensive research on sperm proteome will help in understanding the role of fertility associated sperm proteins. Validation of the sperm proteins as biomarkers in different male infertility conditions may aid the physician in better clinical management.
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20
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Walters JL, Gadella BM, Sutherland JM, Nixon B, Bromfield EG. Male Infertility: Shining a Light on Lipids and Lipid-Modulating Enzymes in the Male Germline. J Clin Med 2020; 9:E327. [PMID: 31979378 PMCID: PMC7073900 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9020327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the prevalence of male factor infertility, most cases are defined as idiopathic, thus limiting treatment options and driving increased rates of recourse to assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). Regrettably, our current armory of ARTs does not constitute therapeutic treatments for male infertility, thus highlighting an urgent need for novel intervention strategies. In our attempts to fill this void, we have come to appreciate that the production of pathological levels of oxygen radicals within the male germline are a defining etiology of many idiopathic infertility cases. Indeed, an imbalance of reactive oxygen species can precipitate a cascade of deleterious sequelae, beginning with the peroxidation of membrane lipids and culminating in cellular dysfunction and death. Here, we shine light on the importance of lipid homeostasis, and the impact of lipid stress in the demise of the male germ cell. We also seek to highlight the utility of emerging lipidomic technologies to enhance our understanding of the diverse roles that lipids play in sperm function, and to identify biomarkers capable of tracking infertility in patient cohorts. Such information should improve our fundamental understanding of the mechanistic causes of male infertility and find application in the development of efficacious treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L.H. Walters
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Schools of Environmental and Life Sciences and Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Bart M. Gadella
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jessie M. Sutherland
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Schools of Environmental and Life Sciences and Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Schools of Environmental and Life Sciences and Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Elizabeth G. Bromfield
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Schools of Environmental and Life Sciences and Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
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21
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Pinto TMF, Moreira RF, Matos MNC, Soares VVM, Aguiar MVDA, de Aragão PDTTD, Alves JG, Moreno FBMB, Monteiro-Moreira ACDO, Costa CRR, de Lima JL, Eloy AMX, da Cunha RMS. Evaluation of the proteomic profiles of ejaculated spermatozoa from Saanen bucks ( Capra hircus ). Anim Reprod 2019; 16:902-913. [PMID: 32368270 PMCID: PMC7189512 DOI: 10.21451/1984-3143-ar2019-0001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The Saanen goat breed has been widely explored in breeding programmes; however, there are few reports about the breed's genetic and molecular composition. Thus, this study aimed to characterize the proteomic profile of spermatozoa from Saanen breeding goats. Five breeding animals with proven fertility were selected, the spermatozoa were collected, and the protein was extracted. Subsequently, the proteins were separated and analysed by two-dimensional electrophoresis and mass spectrometry; the proteins were then identified with the SwissProt database. A total of 31 proteins involved in reproduction were identified, including binding proteins on spermatozoa for fusion with the egg, acrosomal membrane proteins, metabolic enzymes, heat shock proteins, cytoskeletal proteins and spermatozoa motility proteins. The characterization of such proteins clarifies the molecular mechanisms of spermatogenesis and the modifications that ensure the success of fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Maria Farias Pinto
- Universidade Estadual Vale do AcaraúLaboratorio de Biologia MolecularSobralBrasilUniversidade Estadual Vale do Acaraú, Laboratorio de Biologia Molecular, Sobral, Brasil
| | - Raulzito Fernandes Moreira
- Universidade Estadual Vale do AcaraúLaboratorio de Biologia MolecularSobralBrasilUniversidade Estadual Vale do Acaraú, Laboratorio de Biologia Molecular, Sobral, Brasil
| | - Maria Nagila Carneiro Matos
- Universidade Estadual Vale do AcaraúLaboratorio de Biologia MolecularSobralBrasilUniversidade Estadual Vale do Acaraú, Laboratorio de Biologia Molecular, Sobral, Brasil
| | - Vitória Virginia Magalhães Soares
- Universidade Estadual Vale do AcaraúLaboratorio de Biologia MolecularSobralBrasilUniversidade Estadual Vale do Acaraú, Laboratorio de Biologia Molecular, Sobral, Brasil
| | - Mônica Valeria de Almeida Aguiar
- Universidade Estadual Vale do AcaraúLaboratorio de Biologia MolecularSobralBrasilUniversidade Estadual Vale do Acaraú, Laboratorio de Biologia Molecular, Sobral, Brasil
| | - Paulo de Tarso Teles Dourado de Aragão
- Universidade Estadual Vale do AcaraúLaboratorio de Biologia MolecularSobralBrasilUniversidade Estadual Vale do Acaraú, Laboratorio de Biologia Molecular, Sobral, Brasil
| | - João Garcia Alves
- Universidade Estadual Vale do AcaraúLaboratorio de Biologia MolecularSobralBrasilUniversidade Estadual Vale do Acaraú, Laboratorio de Biologia Molecular, Sobral, Brasil
| | - Frederico Bruno Mendes Batista Moreno
- Universidade de FortalezaNúcleo de Biologia ExperimentalFortalezaBrasilUniversidade de Fortaleza, Núcleo de Biologia Experimental, Fortaleza, Brasil
| | | | - Cíntia Renata Rocha Costa
- Universidade Federal de Pernambuco FederalDepartamento de BioquímicaLaboratório de Imunopatologia Keizo AsamiRecifeBrasilUniversidade Federal de Pernambuco Federal, Departamento de Bioquímica, Laboratório de Imunopatologia Keizo Asami, Recife, Brasil
| | - José Luiz de Lima
- Universidade Federal de Pernambuco FederalDepartamento de BioquímicaLaboratório de Imunopatologia Keizo AsamiRecifeBrasilUniversidade Federal de Pernambuco Federal, Departamento de Bioquímica, Laboratório de Imunopatologia Keizo Asami, Recife, Brasil
| | - Angela Maria Xavier Eloy
- Centro de Pesquisa Caprinos e OvinosEmpresa Brasileira de Pesquisa AgropecuáriaSobralBrasilCentro de Pesquisa Caprinos e Ovinos, Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária, Sobral, Brasil
| | - Rodrigo Maranguape Silva da Cunha
- Universidade Estadual Vale do AcaraúLaboratorio de Biologia MolecularSobralBrasilUniversidade Estadual Vale do Acaraú, Laboratorio de Biologia Molecular, Sobral, Brasil
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22
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Gaikwad AS, Anderson AL, Merriner DJ, O'Connor AE, Houston BJ, Aitken RJ, O'Bryan MK, Nixon B. GLIPR1L1 is an IZUMO-binding protein required for optimal fertilization in the mouse. BMC Biol 2019; 17:86. [PMID: 31672133 PMCID: PMC6824042 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-019-0701-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The sperm protein IZUMO1 (Izumo sperm-egg fusion 1) and its recently identified binding partner on the oolemma, IZUMO1R, are among the first ligand-receptor pairs shown to be essential for gamete recognition and adhesion. However, the IZUMO1-IZUMO1R interaction does not appear to be directly responsible for promoting the fusion of the gamete membranes, suggesting that this critical phase of the fertilization cascade requires the concerted action of alternative fusogenic machinery. It has therefore been proposed that IZUMO1 may play a secondary role in the organization and/or stabilization of higher-order heteromeric complexes in spermatozoa that are required for membrane fusion. Results Here, we show that fertilization-competent (acrosome reacted) mouse spermatozoa harbor several high molecular weight protein complexes, a subset of which are readily able to adhere to solubilized oolemmal proteins. At least two of these complexes contain IZUMO1 in partnership with GLI pathogenesis-related 1 like 1 (GLIPR1L1). This interaction is associated with lipid rafts and is dynamically remodeled upon the induction of acrosomal exocytosis in preparation for sperm adhesion to the oolemma. Accordingly, the selective ablation of GLIPR1L1 leads to compromised sperm function characterized by a reduced ability to undergo the acrosome reaction and a failure of IZUMO1 redistribution. Conclusions Collectively, this study characterizes multimeric protein complexes on the sperm surface and identifies GLIPRL1L1 as a physiologically relevant regulator of IZUMO1 function and the fertilization process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avinash S Gaikwad
- The School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Amanda L Anderson
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - D Jo Merriner
- The School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Anne E O'Connor
- The School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Brendan J Houston
- The School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - R John Aitken
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Moira K O'Bryan
- The School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia.
| | - Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.
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23
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Walters JLH, De Iuliis GN, Dun MD, Aitken RJ, McLaughlin EA, Nixon B, Bromfield EG. Pharmacological inhibition of arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase protects human spermatozoa against oxidative stress. Biol Reprod 2019; 98:784-794. [PMID: 29546268 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the leading causes of male infertility is defective sperm function, a pathology that commonly arises from oxidative stress in the germline. Lipid peroxidation events in the sperm plasma membrane result in the generation of cytotoxic aldehydes such as 4-hydroxynonenal (4HNE), which accentuate the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cause cellular damage. One of the key enzymes involved in the metabolism of polyunsaturated fatty acids to 4HNE in somatic cells is arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase (ALOX15). Although ALOX15 has yet to be characterized in human spermatozoa, our previous studies have revealed a strong link between ALOX15 activity and the levels of oxidative stress and 4HNE in mouse germ cell models. In view of these data, we sought to assess the function of ALOX15 in mature human spermatozoa and determine whether the pharmacological inhibition of this enzyme could influence the level of oxidative stress experienced by these cells. By driving oxidative stress in vitro with exogenous H2O2, our data reveal that 6,11-dihydro[1]benzothiopyrano[4,3-b]indole (PD146176; a selective ALOX15 inhibitor) was able to significantly reduce several deleterious, oxidative insults in spermatozoa. Indeed, PD146176 attenuated the production of ROS, as well as membrane lipid peroxidation and 4HNE production in human spermatozoa. Accordingly, ALOX15 inhibition also protected the functional competence of these cells to acrosome react and bind homologous human zonae pellucidae. Together, these results implicate ALOX15 in the propagation of oxidative stress cascades within human spermatozoa and offer insight into potential therapeutic avenues to address male in fertility that arises from oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L H Walters
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Geoffry N De Iuliis
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Matthew D Dun
- Priority Research Centre for Cancer Research, Innovation and Translation, Hunter Medical Research Institute, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Robert John Aitken
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Eileen A McLaughlin
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Elizabeth G Bromfield
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
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24
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BODIPY-cholesterol can be reliably used to monitor cholesterol efflux from capacitating mammalian spermatozoa. Sci Rep 2019; 9:9804. [PMID: 31285440 PMCID: PMC6614389 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-45831-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Capacitation is the final maturation step spermatozoa undergo prior to fertilisation. The efflux of cholesterol from the sperm membrane to the extracellular environment is a crucial step during capacitation but current methods to quantify this process are suboptimal. In this study, we validate the use of a BODIPY-cholesterol assay to quantify cholesterol efflux from spermatozoa during in vitro capacitation, using the boar as a model species. The novel flow cytometric BODIPY-cholesterol assay was validated with endogenous cholesterol loss as measured by mass spectrometry and compared to filipin labelling. Following exposure to a range of conditions, the BODIPY-cholesterol assay was able to detect and quantify cholesterol efflux akin to that measured with mass spectrometry. The ability to counterstain for viability is a unique feature of this assay that allowed us to highlight the importance of isolating viable cells only for a reliable measure of cholesterol efflux. Finally, the BODIPY-cholesterol assay proved to be the superior method to quantify cholesterol efflux relative to filipin labelling, though filipin remains useful for assessing cholesterol redistribution. Taken together, the BODIPY-cholesterol assay is a simple, inexpensive and reliable flow cytometric method for the measurement of cholesterol efflux from spermatozoa during in vitro capacitation.
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25
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Yukselten Y, Aydos OSE, Sunguroglu A, Aydos K. Investigation of CD133 and CD24 as candidate azoospermia markers and their relationship with spermatogenesis defects. Gene 2019; 706:211-221. [PMID: 31054360 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2019.04.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Revised: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yunus Yukselten
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, Ankara University, 06100 Ankara, Turkey; Research Laboratories for Health Science, Y Gen Biotechnology Company Ltd., 06110 Ankara, Turkey
| | - O Sena E Aydos
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, Ankara University, 06100 Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Asuman Sunguroglu
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, Ankara University, 06100 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Kaan Aydos
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Ankara University 06100, Ankara, Turkey
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26
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Bernecic NC, Gadella BM, Leahy T, de Graaf SP. Novel methods to detect capacitation-related changes in spermatozoa. Theriogenology 2019; 137:56-66. [PMID: 31230703 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.05.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Prior to interaction with the oocyte, spermatozoa must undergo capacitation, which involves a series of physio-chemical transformations that occur in the female tract. As capacitation is a pre-requisite for successful fertilisation, it is a topic of great interest for sperm biologists, but the complexity of the numerous biochemical and biophysical processes involved make it difficult to measure. Capacitation is an extremely complex event that encompasses numerous integrated processes that can occur concurrently during this window of time. The identification of techniques to accurately assess and quantify capacitation is therefore crucial to gain a meaningful insight into this fascinating sperm maturation event. Whilst there are extensive reviews in the literature that focus on the functional changes to spermatozoa during capacitation, few have examined the methods required to measure these changes. The aim of this review is to highlight frequently used methods to quantify different stages of capacitation and identify promising novel techniques. Factors that are able to modulate various capacitation processes will also be discussed. The overall outcome is to provide researchers with a toolbox of methods that can be used to gain a deeper understanding of the intricacies of capacitation in spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi C Bernecic
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, NSW, 2006, Australia.
| | - Bart M Gadella
- Department of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, Utrecht University, the Netherlands; Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
| | - Tamara Leahy
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Simon P de Graaf
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, NSW, 2006, Australia
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27
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Nixon B, De Iuliis GN, Hart HM, Zhou W, Mathe A, Bernstein IR, Anderson AL, Stanger SJ, Skerrett-Byrne DA, Jamaluddin MFB, Almazi JG, Bromfield EG, Larsen MR, Dun MD. Proteomic Profiling of Mouse Epididymosomes Reveals their Contributions to Post-testicular Sperm Maturation. Mol Cell Proteomics 2019; 18:S91-S108. [PMID: 30213844 PMCID: PMC6427233 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.ra118.000946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Revised: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The functional maturation of spermatozoa that is necessary to achieve fertilization occurs as these cells transit through the epididymis, a highly specialized region of the male reproductive tract. A defining feature of this maturation process is that it occurs in the complete absence of nuclear gene transcription or de novo, protein translation in the spermatozoa. Rather, it is driven by sequential interactions between spermatozoa and the complex external milieu in which they are bathed within lumen of the epididymal tubule. A feature of this dynamic microenvironment are epididymosomes, small membrane encapsulated vesicles that are secreted from the epididymal soma. Herein, we report comparative proteomic profiling of epididymosomes isolated from different segments of the mouse epididymis using multiplexed tandem mass tag (TMT) based quantification coupled with high resolution LC-MS/MS. A total of 1640 epididymosome proteins were identified and quantified via this proteomic method. Notably, this analysis revealed pronounced segment-to-segment variation in the encapsulated epididymosome proteome. Thus, 146 proteins were identified as being differentially accumulated between caput and corpus epididymosomes, and a further 344 were differentially accumulated between corpus and cauda epididymosomes (i.e., fold change of ≤ -1.5 or ≥ 1.5; p, < 0.05). Application of gene ontology annotation revealed a substantial portion of the epididymosome proteins mapped to the cellular component of extracellular exosome and to the biological processes of transport, oxidation-reduction, and metabolism. Additional annotation of the subset of epididymosome proteins that have not previously been identified in exosomes revealed enrichment of categories associated with the acquisition of sperm function (e.g., fertilization and binding to the zona pellucida). In tandem with our demonstration that epididymosomes are able to convey protein cargo to the head of maturing spermatozoa, these data emphasize the fundamental importance of epididymosomes as key elements of the epididymal microenvironment responsible for coordinating post-testicular sperm maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett Nixon
- From the ‡Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Geoffry N De Iuliis
- From the ‡Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Hanah M Hart
- From the ‡Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Wei Zhou
- From the ‡Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Andrea Mathe
- From the ‡Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia;; School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Ilana R Bernstein
- From the ‡Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Amanda L Anderson
- From the ‡Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Simone J Stanger
- From the ‡Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - David A Skerrett-Byrne
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - M Fairuz B Jamaluddin
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia;; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Cancer Research Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Juhura G Almazi
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia;; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Cancer Research Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Elizabeth G Bromfield
- From the ‡Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Martin R Larsen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, DK-5230 Odense M, Denmark
| | - Matthew D Dun
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia;; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Cancer Research Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia.
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28
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Panner Selvam MK, Baskaran S, Agarwal A. Proteomics of reproduction: Prospects and perspectives. Adv Clin Chem 2019; 92:217-243. [PMID: 31472755 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acc.2019.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, proteomics has been used widely in reproductive research in order to understand the molecular mechanisms related to gametes at the cellular level and the role of proteins involved in fertilization. Network and pathway analysis using bioinformatic tools have paved way to obtain a wider picture on the possible pathways associated with the key differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and its implication in various infertility scenarios. A brief overview of advanced techniques and bioinformatic tools used for reproductive proteomics is presented. Key findings of proteomic-based studies on male and female reproduction are also presented. Furthermore, the chapter sheds light on the cellular pathways and potential biomarkers associated with male and female infertility. Proteomics coupled with bioinformatic analysis provides an ideal platform for non-invasive management of infertility in couples.
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29
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Xu F, Zhu H, Zhu W, Fan L. Human sperm acrosomal status, acrosomal responsiveness, and acrosin are predictive of the outcomes of in vitro fertilization: A prospective cohort study. Reprod Biol 2018; 18:344-354. [PMID: 30420163 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2018.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Revised: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The sperm acrosome reaction (AR) is a physiological secretory course of membrane fusion and hydrolytic enzymes, as well as matrix protein release, enabling spermatozoa to penetrate the egg surroundings. An instable acrosomal status before a specific stimulus, insufficient acrosomal responsiveness, or inadequate enzymatic activity of acrosomal content can be detrimental to male fertility. This prospective cohort study was designed to determine whether three human sperm acrosome evaluation parameters-including spontaneous AR rate, AR after calcium ionophore A23187 challenge (ARIC) rate, and modified Kennedy acrosin activity-can predict fertilization outcomes in vitro and are correlated with male characteristics. A total of 485 eligible couples undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) therapy were included in two phases of this study. In a 'construction phase', three acrosome evaluation parameters were determined simultaneously in 132 cases, whereas in a 'validation phase', the spontaneous AR rate was determined in 353 cases. The results of the 'construction phase' revealed that the spontaneous AR rate was the only significant predictor of fertilization outcome (unadjusted odds ratio [OR] = 0.68, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.53-0.88, P = 0.003; adjusted OR = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.43-0.95, P = 0.03), and the cut-off value for total fertilization failure (TFF) prediction, determined by ROC curve analysis, was 9.91%; higher acrosin activity was shown to predict a higher fertilization rate only when patients were divided into groups (≥25 μIU/106 spermatozoa, 14-25 μIU/106 spermatozoa, <14 μIU/106 spermatozoa). The spontaneous AR rate was negatively correlated with sperm motility, forward progression motility, and normal morphology; modified Kennedy acrosin activity was positively correlated with normal morphology; and the ARIC rate was not correlated with any of the male characteristics. A similar result was obtained for the spontaneous AR rate in the 'validation phase', and the cut-off value in predicting TFF was calibrated for 9.52%. Clinically, patients can voluntarily choose spontaneous AR rate alone or in combination with modified Kennedy acrosin activity to predict TFF, and early rescue intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), half ICSI, or full ICSI should be considered in advance for men with spontaneous AR rates ≥9.52% or spontaneous AR rates ≥9.52% and AE activities <25 μIU/106 spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Xu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hailun Zhu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wenbing Zhu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, China; Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Liqing Fan
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medicine Science, Central South University, Changsha, China; Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China.
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30
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Donà G, Andrisani A, Tibaldi E, Brunati AM, Sabbadin C, Armanini D, Ambrosini G, Ragazzi E, Bordin L. Astaxanthin Prevents Human Papillomavirus L1 Protein Binding in Human Sperm Membranes. Mar Drugs 2018; 16:md16110427. [PMID: 30400141 PMCID: PMC6266165 DOI: 10.3390/md16110427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2018] [Revised: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Astaxanthin (Asta), red pigment of the carotenoid family, is known for its anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, we evaluated the effects of Asta on isolated human sperm in the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 capsid protein, L1. Sperm, purified by gradient separation, were treated with HPV16-L1 in both a dose and time-dependent manner in the absence or presence of 30 min-Asta pre-incubation. Effects of HPV16-L1 alone after Asta pre-incubation were evaluated by rafts (CTB) and Lyn dislocation, Tyr-phosphorylation (Tyr-P) of the head, percentages of acrosome-reacted cells (ARC) and endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Sperm membranes were also analyzed for the HPV16-L1 content. Results show that HPV16-L1 drastically reduced membrane rearrangement with percentage of sperm showing head CTB and Lyn displacement decreasing from 72% to 15.8%, and from 63.1% to 13.9%, respectively. Accordingly, both Tyr-P of the head and ARC decreased from 68.4% to 10.2%, and from 65.7% to 14.6%, respectively. Asta pre-incubation prevented this drop and restored values of the percentage of ARC up to 40.8%. No alteration was found in either the ROS generation curve or sperm motility. In conclusion, Asta is able to preserve sperm by reducing the amount of HPV16-L1 bound onto membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Donà
- Department of Molecular Medicine-Biological Chemistry, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Andrisani
- Department of Women's and Chilren's Health, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy.
| | - Elena Tibaldi
- Department of Molecular Medicine-Biological Chemistry, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy.
| | - Anna Maria Brunati
- Department of Molecular Medicine-Biological Chemistry, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy.
| | - Chiara Sabbadin
- Department of Medicine-Endocrinology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy.
| | - Decio Armanini
- Department of Medicine-Endocrinology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy.
| | - Guido Ambrosini
- Department of Women's and Chilren's Health, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy.
| | - Eugenio Ragazzi
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy.
| | - Luciana Bordin
- Department of Molecular Medicine-Biological Chemistry, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy.
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31
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Human sperm proteins identified by 2-dimensional electrophoresis and mass spectrometry and their relevance to a transcriptomic analysis. Reprod Biol 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2018.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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32
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Castillo J, Jodar M, Oliva R. The contribution of human sperm proteins to the development and epigenome of the preimplantation embryo. Hum Reprod Update 2018; 24:535-555. [DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmy017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Judit Castillo
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Group, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Casanova, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Meritxell Jodar
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Group, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Casanova, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rafael Oliva
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Group, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Casanova, Barcelona, Spain
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clínic, Villarroel, Barcelona, Spain
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33
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Ushiyama A, Tajima A, Ishikawa N, Asano A. Characterization of the functions and proteomes associated with membrane rafts in chicken sperm. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0186482. [PMID: 29095853 PMCID: PMC5667776 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0186482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular membranes are heterogeneous, and this has a great impact on cellular function. Despite the central role of membrane functions in multiple cellular processes in sperm, their molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. Membrane rafts are specific membrane domains enriched in cholesterol, ganglioside GM1, and functional proteins, and they are involved in the regulation of a variety of cellular functions. Studies of the functional characterization of membrane rafts in mammalian sperm have demonstrated roles in sperm-egg binding and the acrosomal reaction. Recently, our biochemical and cell biological studies showed that membrane rafts are present and might play functional roles in chicken sperm. In this study, we isolated membrane rafts from chicken sperm as a detergent-resistant membranes (DRM) floating on a density gradient in the presence of 1% Triton X-100, and characterized the function and proteomes associated with these domains. Biochemical comparison of the DRM between fresh and cryopreserved sperm demonstrated that cryopreservation induces cholesterol loss specifically from membrane rafts, indicating the functional connection with reduced post-thaw fertility in chicken sperm. Furthermore, using an avidin-biotin system, we found that sperm DRM is highly enriched in a 60 KDa single protein able to bind to the inner perivitelline layer. To identify possible roles of membrane rafts, quantitative proteomics, combined with a stable isotope dimethyl labeling approach, identified 82 proteins exclusively or relatively more associated with membrane rafts. Our results demonstrate the functional distinctions between membrane domains and provide compelling evidence that membrane rafts are involved in various cellular pathways inherent to chicken sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai Ushiyama
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Atsushi Tajima
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Naoto Ishikawa
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Atsushi Asano
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
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Free cholesterol and cholesterol esters in bovine oocytes: Implications in survival and membrane raft organization after cryopreservation. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0180451. [PMID: 28686720 PMCID: PMC5501518 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0180451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2016] [Accepted: 05/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Part of the damage caused by cryopreservation of mammalian oocytes occurs at the plasma membrane. The addition of cholesterol to cell membranes as a strategy to make it more tolerant to cryopreservation has been little addressed in oocytes. In order to increase the survival of bovine oocytes after cryopreservation, we proposed not only to increase cholesterol level of oocyte membranes before vitrification but also to remove the added cholesterol after warming, thus recovering its original level. Results from our study showed that modulation of membrane cholesterol by methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MβCD) did not affect the apoptotic status of oocytes and improved viability after vitrification yielding levels of apoptosis closer to those of fresh oocytes. Fluorometric measurements based on an enzyme-coupled reaction that detects both free cholesterol (membrane) and cholesteryl esters (stored in lipid droplets), revealed that oocytes and cumulus cells present different levels of cholesterol depending on the seasonal period. Variations at membrane cholesterol level of oocytes were enough to account for the differences found in total cholesterol. Differences found in total cholesterol of cumulus cells were explained by the differences found in both the content of membrane cholesterol and of cholesterol esters. Cholesterol was incorporated into the oocyte plasma membrane as evidenced by comparative labeling of a fluorescent cholesterol. Oocytes and cumulus cells increased membrane cholesterol after incubation with MβCD/cholesterol and recovered their original level after cholesterol removal, regardless of the season. Finally, we evaluated the effect of vitrification on the putative raft molecule GM1. Cholesterol modulation also preserved membrane organization by maintaining ganglioside level at the plasma membrane. Results suggest a distinctive cholesterol metabolic status of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) among seasons and a dynamic organizational structure of cholesterol homeostasis within the COC. Modulation of membrane cholesterol by MβCD improved survival of bovine oocytes and preserved integrity of GM1-related rafts after vitrification.
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Kosteria I, Anagnostopoulos AK, Kanaka-Gantenbein C, Chrousos GP, Tsangaris GT. The Use of Proteomics in Assisted Reproduction. In Vivo 2017; 31:267-283. [PMID: 28438852 PMCID: PMC5461434 DOI: 10.21873/invivo.11056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2017] [Revised: 03/01/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Despite the explosive increase in the use of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) over the last 30 years, their success rates remain suboptimal. Proteomics is a rapidly-evolving technology-driven science that has already been widely applied in the exploration of human reproduction and fertility, providing useful insights into its physiology and leading to the identification of numerous proteins that may be potential biomarkers and/or treatment targets of a successful ART pregnancy. Here we present a brief overview of the techniques used in proteomic analyses and attempt a comprehensive presentation of recent data from mass spectrometry-based proteomic studies in humans, regarding all components of ARTs, including the male and female gamete, the derived zygote and embryo, the endometrium and, finally, the ART offspring both pre- and postnatally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioanna Kosteria
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, First Department of Pediatrics, University of Athens, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Christina Kanaka-Gantenbein
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, First Department of Pediatrics, University of Athens, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - George P Chrousos
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, First Department of Pediatrics, University of Athens, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
- Proteomics Research Unit, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - George T Tsangaris
- Proteomics Research Unit, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Heat Shock Protein A2 (HSPA2): Regulatory Roles in Germ Cell Development and Sperm Function. ADVANCES IN ANATOMY, EMBRYOLOGY, AND CELL BIOLOGY 2017; 222:67-93. [PMID: 28389751 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-51409-3_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Among the numerous families of heat shock protein (HSP) that have been implicated in the regulation of reproductive system development and function, those belonging to the 70 kDa HSP family have emerged as being indispensable for male fertility. In particular, the testis-enriched heat shock 70 kDa protein 2 (HSPA2) has been shown to be critical for the progression of germ cell differentiation during spermatogenesis in the mouse model. Beyond this developmentally important window, mounting evidence has also implicated HSPA2 in the functional transformation of the human sperm cell during their ascent of the female reproductive tract. Specifically, HSPA2 appears to coordinate the remodelling of specialised sperm domains overlying the anterior region of the sperm head compatible with their principle role in oocyte recognition. The fact that levels of the HSPA2 protein in mature spermatozoa tightly correlate with the efficacy of oocyte binding highlight its utility as a powerful prognostic biomarker of male fertility. In this chapter, we consider the unique structural and biochemical characteristics of HSPA2 that enable this heat shock protein to fulfil its prominent roles in orchestrating the morphological differentiation of male germ cells during spermatogenesis as well as their functional transformation during post-testicular sperm maturation.
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Fertility management of bulls to improve beef cattle productivity. Theriogenology 2016; 86:397-405. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.04.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2016] [Revised: 02/18/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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Abstract
The members of the ADAM (a disintegrin and metalloprotease) family are membrane-anchored multi-domain proteins that play prominent roles in male reproduction. ADAM2, which was one of the first identified ADAMs, is the best studied ADAM in reproduction. In the male germ cells of mice, ADAM2 and other ADAMs form complexes that contribute to sperm-sperm adhesion, sperm-egg interactions, and the migration of sperm in the female reproductive tract. Here, we generated specific antibodies against mouse and human ADAM2, and investigated various features of ADAM2 in mice, monkeys and humans. We found that the cytoplasmic domain of ADAM2 might enable the differential association of this protein with other ADAMs in mice. Western blot analysis with the anti-human ADAM2 antibodies showed that ADAM2 is present in the testis and sperm of monkeys. Monkey ADAM2 was found to associate with chaperone proteins in testis. In humans, we identified ADAM2 as a 100-kDa protein in the testis, but failed to detect it in sperm. This is surprising given the results in mice and monkeys, but it is consistent with the failure of ADAM2 identification in the previous proteomic analyses of human sperm. These findings suggest that the reproductive functions of ADAM2 differ between humans and mice. Our protein analysis showed the presence of potential ADAM2 complexes involving yet-unknown proteins in human testis. Taken together, our results provide new information regarding the characteristics of ADAM2 in mammalian species, including humans.
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Choi H, Jin S, Kwon JT, Kim J, Jeong J, Kim J, Jeon S, Park ZY, Jung KJ, Park K, Cho C. Characterization of Mammalian ADAM2 and Its Absence from Human Sperm. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0158321. [PMID: 27341348 PMCID: PMC4920383 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0158321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2016] [Accepted: 06/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The members of the ADAM (a disintegrin and metalloprotease) family are membrane-anchored multi-domain proteins that play prominent roles in male reproduction. ADAM2, which was one of the first identified ADAMs, is the best studied ADAM in reproduction. In the male germ cells of mice, ADAM2 and other ADAMs form complexes that contribute to sperm-sperm adhesion, sperm-egg interactions, and the migration of sperm in the female reproductive tract. Here, we generated specific antibodies against mouse and human ADAM2, and investigated various features of ADAM2 in mice, monkeys and humans. We found that the cytoplasmic domain of ADAM2 might enable the differential association of this protein with other ADAMs in mice. Western blot analysis with the anti-human ADAM2 antibodies showed that ADAM2 is present in the testis and sperm of monkeys. Monkey ADAM2 was found to associate with chaperone proteins in testis. In humans, we identified ADAM2 as a 100-kDa protein in the testis, but failed to detect it in sperm. This is surprising given the results in mice and monkeys, but it is consistent with the failure of ADAM2 identification in the previous proteomic analyses of human sperm. These findings suggest that the reproductive functions of ADAM2 differ between humans and mice. Our protein analysis showed the presence of potential ADAM2 complexes involving yet-unknown proteins in human testis. Taken together, our results provide new information regarding the characteristics of ADAM2 in mammalian species, including humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heejin Choi
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, Korea
| | - 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
| | - Suyeon Jeon
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Zee Yong Park
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Kang-Jin Jung
- The National Primate Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Kwangsung Park
- Department of Urology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Chunghee Cho
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, Korea
- * E-mail:
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Nixon B, Bromfield EG, Dun MD, Redgrove KA, McLaughlin EA, Aitken RJ. The role of the molecular chaperone heat shock protein A2 (HSPA2) in regulating human sperm-egg recognition. Asian J Androl 2016; 17:568-73. [PMID: 25865850 PMCID: PMC4492046 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.151395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the most common lesions present in the spermatozoa of human infertility patients is an idiopathic failure of sperm-egg recognition. Although this unique cellular interaction can now be readily by-passed by assisted reproductive strategies such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), recent large-scale epidemiological studies have encouraged the cautious use of this technology and highlighted the need for further research into the mechanisms responsible for defective sperm-egg recognition. Previous work in this field has established that the sperm domains responsible for oocyte interaction are formed during spermatogenesis prior to being dynamically modified during epididymal maturation and capacitation in female reproductive tract. While the factors responsible for the regulation of these sequential maturational events are undoubtedly complex, emerging research has identified the molecular chaperone, heat shock protein A2 (HSPA2), as a key regulator of these events in human spermatozoa. HSPA2 is a testis-enriched member of the 70 kDa heat shock protein family that promotes the folding, transport, and assembly of protein complexes and has been positively correlated with in vitro fertilization (IVF) success. Furthermore, reduced expression of HSPA2 from the human sperm proteome leads to an impaired capacity for cumulus matrix dispersal, sperm-egg recognition and fertilization following both IVF and ICSI. In this review, we consider the evidence supporting the role of HSPA2 in sperm function and explore the potential mechanisms by which it is depleted in the spermatozoa of infertile patients. Such information offers novel insights into the molecular mechanisms governing sperm function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre in Reproductive Science; Priority Research Centre in Chemical Biology, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
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Leahy T, Gadella BM. New insights into the regulation of cholesterol efflux from the sperm membrane. Asian J Androl 2016; 17:561-7. [PMID: 25926609 PMCID: PMC4492045 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.153309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholesterol is an essential component of the mammalian plasma membrane because it promotes membrane stability without comprising membrane fluidity. Given this important cellular role, cholesterol levels are tightly controlled at multiple levels. It has been clearly shown that cholesterol redistribution and depletion from the sperm membrane is a key part of the spermatozoon's preparation for fertilization. Some factors that regulate these events are described (e.g., bicarbonate, calcium) but the mechanisms underlying cholesterol export are poorly understood. How does a hydrophobic cholesterol molecule inserted in the sperm plasma membrane enter the energetically unfavorable aqueous surroundings? This review will provide an overview of knowledge in this area and highlight our gaps in understanding. The overall aim is to better understand cholesterol redistribution in the sperm plasma membrane, its relation to the possible activation of a cholesterol transporter and the role of cholesterol acceptors. Armed with such knowledge, sperm handling techniques can be adapted to better prepare spermatozoa for in vitro and in vivo fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bart M Gadella
- Department of Farm Animal Health and of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Abstract
The hypothesis that the Golgi apparatus is capable of sorting proteins and sending them to the plasma membrane through "lipid rafts," membrane lipid domains highly enriched in glycosphingolipids, sphingomyelin, ceramide, and cholesterol, was formulated by van Meer and Simons in 1988 and came to a turning point when it was suggested that lipid rafts could be isolated thanks to their resistance to solubilization by some detergents, namely Triton X-100. An incredible number of papers have described the composition and properties of detergent-resistant membrane fractions. However, the use of this method has also raised the fiercest criticisms. In this chapter, we would like to discuss the most relevant methodological aspects related to the preparation of detergent-resistant membrane fractions, and to discuss the importance of discriminating between what is present on a cell membrane and what we can prepare from cell membranes in a laboratory tube.
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Bromfield EG, McLaughlin EA, Aitken RJ, Nixon B. Heat Shock Protein member A2 forms a stable complex with angiotensin converting enzyme and protein disulfide isomerase A6 in human spermatozoa. Mol Hum Reprod 2015; 22:93-109. [DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gav073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2015] [Accepted: 12/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
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van Gestel RA, Brouwers JF, Ultee A, Helms JB, Gadella BM. Ultrastructure and lipid composition of detergent-resistant membranes derived from mammalian sperm and two types of epithelial cells. Cell Tissue Res 2015; 363:129-145. [PMID: 26378009 PMCID: PMC4700079 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-015-2272-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2015] [Accepted: 08/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Lipid rafts are micro-domains of ordered lipids (Lo phase) in biological membranes. The Lo phase of cellular membranes can be isolated from disordered lipids (Ld phase) after treatment with 1 % Triton X-100 at 4 °C in which the Lo phase forms the detergent-resistant membrane (DRM) fraction. The lipid composition of DRM derived from Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells, McArdle cells and porcine sperm is compared with that of the whole cell. Remarkably, the unsaturation and chain length degree of aliphatic chains attached to phospholipids is virtually the same between DRM and whole cells. Cholesterol and sphingomyelin were enriched in DRMs but to a cell-specific molar ratio. Sulfatides (sphingolipids from MDCK cells) were enriched in the DRM while a seminolipid (an alkylacylglycerolipid from sperm) was depleted from the DRM. Treatment with <5 mM methyl-ß-cyclodextrin (MBCD) caused cholesterol removal from the DRM without affecting the composition and amount of the phospholipid while higher levels disrupted the DRM. The substantial amount of (poly)unsaturated phospholipids in DRMs as well as a low stoichiometric amount of cholesterol suggest that lipid rafts in biological membranes are more fluid and dynamic than previously anticipated. Using negative staining, ultrastructural features of DRM were monitored and in all three cell types the DRMs appeared as multi-lamellar vesicular structures with a similar morphology. The detergent resistance is a result of protein–cholesterol and sphingolipid interactions allowing a relatively passive attraction of phospholipids to maintain the Lo phase. For this special issue, the relevance of our findings is discussed in a sperm physiological context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renske A van Gestel
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jos F Brouwers
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Anton Ultee
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - J Bernd Helms
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Bart M Gadella
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Bromfield EG, Aitken RJ, Anderson AL, McLaughlin EA, Nixon B. The impact of oxidative stress on chaperone-mediated human sperm-egg interaction. Hum Reprod 2015; 30:2597-613. [PMID: 26345691 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dev214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2015] [Accepted: 08/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION How does oxidative stress impact upon human sperm-egg interaction and in particular the formation of zona pellucida-receptor complexes on the sperm surface? SUMMARY ANSWER Oxidative stress during human sperm capacitation resulted in the chemical alkylation of the molecular chaperone heat shock protein A2 (HSPA2), a concomitant reduction in surface expression of the zona pellucida-receptor arylsulphatase A (ARSA) and a severe loss of zona pellucida binding ability. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY An inability to bind to the zona pellucida is commonly encountered in the defective spermatozoa generated by male infertility patients; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unresolved. Recent studies have revealed that zona pellucida binding is mediated by molecular chaperones, particularly HSPA2, that facilitate the formation of multimeric zona pellucida-receptor complexes on the surface of mammalian spermatozoa during capacitation. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Spermatozoa were collected from healthy normozoospermic donors (n = 15). Low levels of oxidative stress were induced in populations of non-capacitated spermatozoa by a 1 h treatment with 4-hydroxynonenal (4HNE) or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and then these insults were removed and cells were capacitated for 3 h. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Motility, membrane fluidity, protein tyrosine phosphorylation and lipid raft distribution were evaluated after sperm capacitation to determine the impact of oxidative stress on this process. The surface expression of ARSA and sperm adhesion molecule 1 (SPAM1) was observed using fluorescence microscopy, and the ability of treated cells to interact with homologous human zonae pellucidae was assessed through gamete co-incubation. Proximity ligation was used to evaluate the state of the HSPA2-laden zona pellucida-receptor complex and an immunoprecipitation approach was taken to establish the chemical alkylation of HSPA2 by the cytotoxic lipid aldehyde 4HNE. The validity of these findings was then tested through treatment of oxidatively stressed cells with the nucleophile penicillamine in order to scavenge lipid aldehydes and limit their ability to interact with HSPA2. All experiments were performed on samples pooled from two or more donors per replicate, with a minimum of three replicates. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The oxidative treatments employed in this study did not influence sperm motility or capacitation-associated changes in membrane fluidity, tyrosine phosphorylation and lipid raft redistribution. However, they did significantly impair zona pellucida binding compared with the capacitated control (P < 0.01). The reduction in zona pellucida binding was associated with the impaired surface expression (P < 0.02) of a zona pellucida-receptor complex comprising HSPA2, SPAM1 and ARSA. Proximity ligation and immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated that impaired zona pellucida binding was, in turn, associated with the chemical alkylation of HSPA2 with 4HNE and the concomitant disruption of this zona pellucida-receptor complex. The use of penicillamine enabled a partial recovery of ARSA surface expression and zona pellucida adherence in H2O2-treated cells. These data suggest that the ability of low levels of oxidative stress to disrupt sperm function is mediated by the production of lipid aldehydes as a consequence of lipid peroxidation and their adduction to the molecular chaperone HSPA2 that is responsible for co-ordinating the assembly of functional zona pellucida-receptor complexes during sperm capacitation. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION While these results extend only to one particular zona pellucida-receptor complex, we postulate that oxidative stress may more broadly impact upon sperm surface architecture. In this light, further study is required to assess the impact of oxidative stress on additional HSPA2-laden protein complexes. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These findings link low levels of oxidative stress to a severe loss of sperm function. In doing so, this work suggests a potential cause of male infertility pertaining to a loss of zona pellucida recognition ability and will contribute to the more accurate diagnosis and treatment of such conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth G Bromfield
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Biology, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - R John Aitken
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Biology, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Amanda L Anderson
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Biology, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Eileen A McLaughlin
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Biology, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Biology, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
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Astaxanthin Improves Human Sperm Capacitation by Inducing Lyn Displacement and Activation. Mar Drugs 2015; 13:5533-51. [PMID: 26308013 PMCID: PMC4584338 DOI: 10.3390/md13095533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Revised: 08/08/2015] [Accepted: 08/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Astaxanthin (Asta), a photo-protective red pigment of the carotenoid family, is known for its multiple beneficial properties. In this study, the effects of Asta on isolated human sperm were evaluated. Capacitation involves a series of transformations to let sperm acquire the correct features for potential oocyte fertilization, including the generation of a controlled amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS), cholesterol depletion of the sperm outer membrane, and protein tyrosine phosphorylation (Tyr-P) process in the head region. Volunteers, with normal spermiogram values, were divided in two separate groups on the basis of their ability to generate the correct content of endogenous ROS. Both patient group (PG) and control group (CG) were analysed for Tyr-phosphorylation (Tyr-P) pattern and percentages of acrosome-reacted cells (ARC) and non-viable cells (NVC), in the presence or absence of Asta. In addition, the involvement of ROS on membrane reorganization and the presence of Lyn, a Src family kinase associated with lipid rafts, were investigated. Results show that Lyn is present in the membranes of human sperm, mainly confined in midpiece in resting conditions. Following capacitation, Lyn translocated to the head concomitantly with raft relocation, thus allowing the Tyr-P of head proteins. Asta succeeded to trigger Lyn translocation in PG sperm thus bypassing the impaired ROS-related mechanism for rafts and Lyn translocation. In this study, we showed an interdependence between ROS generation and lipid rafts and Lyn relocation leading the cells to undergo the successive acrosome reaction (AR). Asta, by ameliorating PG sperm functioning, may be utilised to decrease male idiopathic infertility.
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Silva JV, Freitas MJ, Correia BR, Korrodi-Gregório L, Patrício A, Pelech S, Fardilha M. Profiling signaling proteins in human spermatozoa: biomarker identification for sperm quality evaluation. Fertil Steril 2015. [PMID: 26209830 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2015.06.039] [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] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the correlation between semen basic parameters and the expression and activity of signaling proteins. DESIGN In vitro studies with human spermatozoa. SETTING Academic research institute. PATIENT(S) Thirty-seven men provided semen samples for routine analysis. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Basic semen parameters tracked included sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF), the expression levels of 75 protein kinases, and the phosphorylation/cleavage patterns of 18 signaling proteins in human spermatozoa. RESULT(S) The results indicated that the phosphorylated levels of several proteins (Bad, GSK-3β, HSP27, JNK/SAPK, mTOR, p38 MAPK, and p53), as well as cleavage of PARP (at D214) and Caspase-3 (at D175), were significantly correlated with motility parameters. Additionally, the percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa demonstrated a significant positive correlation with the phosphorylated levels of p70 S6 kinase and, in turn, head defects and the teratozoospermia index (TZI) showed a significant negative correlation with the phosphorylated levels of Stat3. There was a significant positive correlation between SDF and the teratozoospermia index, as well as the presence of head defects. In contrast, SDF negatively correlated with the percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa and the phosphorylation of Akt and p70 S6 kinase. Subjects with varicocele demonstrated a significant negative correlation between head morphological defects and the phosphorylated levels of Akt, GSK3β, p38 MAPK, and Stat1. Additionally, 34 protein kinases were identified as expressed in their total protein levels in normozoospermic samples. CONCLUSION(S) This study contributed toward establishing a biomarker "fingerprint" to assess sperm quality on the basis of molecular parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Vieira Silva
- Laboratory of Signal Transduction, Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Health Sciences Program, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Maria João Freitas
- Laboratory of Signal Transduction, Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Health Sciences Program, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Bárbara Regadas Correia
- Laboratory of Signal Transduction, Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Health Sciences Program, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Luís Korrodi-Gregório
- Laboratory of Signal Transduction, Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Health Sciences Program, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal
| | | | - Steven Pelech
- Kinexus Bioinformatics Corporation, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Margarida Fardilha
- Laboratory of Signal Transduction, Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Health Sciences Program, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal.
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Bromfield E, Aitken RJ, Nixon B. Novel characterization of the HSPA2-stabilizing protein BAG6 in human spermatozoa. Mol Hum Reprod 2015; 21:755-69. [DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gav041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2015] [Accepted: 07/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Codina M, Estanyol JM, Fidalgo MJ, Ballescà JL, Oliva R. Advances in sperm proteomics: best-practise methodology and clinical potential. Expert Rev Proteomics 2015; 12:255-77. [PMID: 25921224 DOI: 10.1586/14789450.2015.1040769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The recent application of mass spectrometry to the study of the sperm cell has led to an unprecedented capacity for identification of sperm proteins in a variety of species. Knowledge of the proteins that make up the sperm cell represents the first step towards understanding its normal function and the molecular anomalies associated with male infertility. The present review starts with an introduction of the sperm cell biology and is followed by the consideration of the methodological key aspects to be aware of during sample sourcing and preparation, including data interpretation. It then overviews the initiatives developed so far towards the completion of the sperm proteome, with a particular focus in human but with the inclusion of some comments on different model species. Finally, all studies performing differential proteomics in infertile patients are reviewed, pointing to future potential applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Montserrat Codina
- Human Genetics Research Group, IDIBAPS, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Casanova 143, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
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