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Huang G, Zhang X, Yao G, Huang L, Wu S, Li X, Guo J, Wen Y, Wang Y, Shang L, Li N, Xu W. A loss-of-function variant in SSFA2 causes male infertility with globozoospermia and failed oocyte activation. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2022; 20:103. [PMID: 35836265 PMCID: PMC9281110 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-022-00976-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Globozoospermia (OMIM: 102530) is a rare type of teratozoospermia (< 0.1%). The etiology of globozoospermia is complicated and has not been fully revealed. Here, we report an infertile patient with globozoospermia. Variational analysis revealed a homozygous missense variant in the SSFA2 gene (NM_001130445.3: c.3671G > A; p.R1224Q) in the patient. This variant significantly reduced the protein expression of SSFA2. Immunofluorescence staining showed positive SSFA2 expression in the acrosome of human sperm. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and Coimmunoprecipitation (Co-IP) analyses identified that GSTM3 and Actin interact with SSFA2. Further investigation revealed that for the patient, regular intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment had a poor prognosis. However, Artificial oocyte activation (AOA) by a calcium ionophore (A23187) after ICSI successfully rescued the oocyte activation failure for the patient with the SSFA2 variant, and the couple achieved a live birth. This study revealed that SSFA2 plays an important role in acrosome formation, and the homozygous c.3671G > A loss-of-function variant in SSFA2 caused globozoospermia. SSFA2 may represent a new gene in the genetic diagnosis of globozoospermia, especially the successful outcome of AOA-ICSI treatment for couples, which has potential value for clinicians in their treatment regimen selections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gelin Huang
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Joint Lab for Reproductive Medicine(SCU-CUHK), West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xueguang Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Joint Lab for Reproductive Medicine(SCU-CUHK), West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Guanping Yao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Lin Huang
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Joint Lab for Reproductive Medicine(SCU-CUHK), West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Sixian Wu
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Joint Lab for Reproductive Medicine(SCU-CUHK), West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoliang Li
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology of West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Juncen Guo
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Joint Lab for Reproductive Medicine(SCU-CUHK), West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuting Wen
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Joint Lab for Reproductive Medicine(SCU-CUHK), West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology of West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lijun Shang
- School of Human Sciences, London Metropolitan University, London, UK
| | - Na Li
- Laboratory of Medical Systems Biology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Wenming Xu
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Joint Lab for Reproductive Medicine(SCU-CUHK), West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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2
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Kaya A, Dogan S, Vargovic P, Kutchy NA, Ross P, Topper E, Oko R, van der Hoorn F, Sutovsky P, Memili E. Sperm proteins ODF2 and PAWP as markers of fertility in breeding bulls. Cell Tissue Res 2022; 387:159-171. [PMID: 34762184 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-021-03529-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Low fertility is the single most important factor limiting livestock reproductive performance, adversely affecting the cattle industry and causing millions of dollars of economic loss. In the livestock industry, male fertility is of crucial importance for the reproductive performance of livestock. However, there is a lack of reliable biomarkers to predict bull fertility in artificial insemination service. The objective of this study was to identify sperm proteins as biomarkers for bull fertility. To discover candidate sperm quality biomarkers, sperm proteome profiling was conducted in extreme high- and extreme low-fertile bulls selected from a pool of 1000 AI sires with varied fertility. Thirty-two differentially expressed proteins were identified. Among them, high levels of sperm outer dense fiber of sperm tails 2 (ODF2) and post-acrosomal assembly of sperm head protein (PAWP/WBP2NL) represented the most extreme differences in quantity between high- and low-fertility bulls. Protein immunodetection and flow cytometry used to validate these putative fertility markers in a combined cohort of 154 AI sires. Both ODF2 and PAWP correlated significantly with fertility. In conclusion, ODF2 and PAWP can be used to assess semen quality and predict sire fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Kaya
- Department of Artificial Insemination and Reproduction, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Sule Dogan
- Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, 39762, USA
| | - Peter Vargovic
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Naseer Ahmad Kutchy
- Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, 39762, USA
- St. George's University, St. George's, Grenada
| | - Pablo Ross
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | | | | | - Frans van der Hoorn
- Department of Biochemistry Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Peter Sutovsky
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Erdogan Memili
- Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, 39762, USA.
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3
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Unnikrishnan V, Kastelic J, Thundathil J. Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection in Cattle. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:198. [PMID: 33572865 PMCID: PMC7911995 DOI: 10.3390/genes12020198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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: 01/02/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) involves the microinjection of sperm into a matured oocyte. Although this reproductive technology is successfully used in humans and many animal species, the efficiency of this procedure is low in the bovine species mainly due to failed oocyte activation following sperm microinjection. This review discusses various reasons for the low efficiency of ICSI in cattle, potential solutions, and future directions for research in this area, emphasizing the contributions of testis-specific isoforms of Na/K-ATPase (ATP1A4) and phospholipase C zeta (PLC ζ). Improving the efficiency of bovine ICSI would benefit the cattle breeding industries by effectively utilizing semen from elite sires at their earliest possible age.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jacob Thundathil
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N4N1, Canada; (V.U.); (J.K.)
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4
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Zafar MI, Lu S, Li H. Sperm-oocyte interplay: an overview of spermatozoon's role in oocyte activation and current perspectives in diagnosis and fertility treatment. Cell Biosci 2021; 11:4. [PMID: 33407934 PMCID: PMC7789549 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-020-00520-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The fertilizing spermatozoon is a highly specialized cell that selects from millions along the female tract until the oocyte. The paternal components influence the oocyte activation during fertilization and are fundamental for normal embryo development; however, the sperm-oocyte interplay is in a continuous debate. This review aims to analyze the available scientific information related to the role of the male gamete in the oocyte activation during fertilization, the process of the interaction of sperm factors with oocyte machinery, and the implications of any alterations in this interplay, as well as the advances and limitations of the reproductive techniques and diagnostic tests. At present, both PLCζ and PAWP are the main candidates as oocyte activated factors during fertilization. While PLCζ mechanism is via IP3, how PAWP activates the oocyte still no clear, and these findings are important to study and treat fertilization failure due to oocyte activation, especially when one of the causes is the deficiency of PLCζ in the sperm. However, no diagnostic test has been developed to establish the amount of PLCζ, the protocol to treat this type of pathologies is broad, including treatment with ionophores, sperm selection improvement, and microinjection with PLCζ protein or RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Ishraq Zafar
- Institute of Reproductive Health/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hang Kong Road, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Shi Lu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jeifang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022, People's Republic of China
| | - Honggang Li
- Institute of Reproductive Health/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hang Kong Road, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China. .,Wuhan Tongji Reproductive Medicine Hospital, 128 Sanyang Road, Wuhan, 430013, People's Republic of China.
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5
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Nakai M, Ito J, Suyama A, Kageyama A, Tobari Y, Kashiwazaki N. Phospholipase Cζ (PLCζ) versus postacrosomal sheath WW domain-binding protein (PAWP): Which molecule will survive as a sperm factor? Anim Sci J 2020; 91:e13345. [PMID: 32219949 PMCID: PMC7140179 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Revised: 12/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
During mammalian fertilization, sperm is fused with the oocyte's membrane, triggering the resumption of meiosis from the metaphase II arrest, the extrusion of the second polar body, and the exocytosis of cortical granules; these events are collectively called 'oocyte activation.' In all species studied to date, the transient rise in the cytosolic level of calcium (in particular, the repeated calcium increases called 'calcium oscillations' in mammals) is required for these events. Researchers have focused on identifying the factor(s) that can induce calcium oscillations during fertilization. Sperm‐specific phospholipase C, i.e., PLC zeta (PLCζ), is a strong candidate of the factor(s), and several research groups using different species obtained evidence that PLCζ is a sperm factor that can induce calcium oscillations during fertilization. However, postacrosomal sheath Tryptophan‐Tryptophan (WW)—domain‐binding protein (PAWP) was recently shown to have a pivotal role in inducing calcium oscillations in some species. In this review, we focus on PLCζ and PAWP as sperm factors, and we discuss this controversy: Which of these two molecules survives as a sperm factor?
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Affiliation(s)
- Michiko Nakai
- Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Junya Ito
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan.,Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Ayumi Suyama
- Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Atsuko Kageyama
- Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Yasuko Tobari
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Naomi Kashiwazaki
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan.,Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan
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6
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Kashir J. Increasing associations between defects in phospholipase C zeta and conditions of male infertility: not just ICSI failure? J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:1273-1293. [PMID: 32285298 PMCID: PMC7311621 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01748-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Oocyte activation is a fundamental event at mammalian fertilization. In mammals, this process is initiated by a series of characteristic calcium (Ca2+) oscillations, induced by a sperm-specific phospholipase C (PLC) termed PLCzeta (PLCζ). Dysfunction/reduction/deletion of PLCζ is associated with forms of male infertility where the sperm is unable to initiate Ca2+ oscillations and oocyte activation, specifically in cases of fertilization failure. This review article aims to systematically summarize recent advancements and controversies in the field to update expanding clinical associations between PLCζ and various male factor conditions. This article also discusses how such associations may potentially underlie defective embryogenesis and recurrent implantation failure following fertility treatments, alongside potential diagnostic and therapeutic PLCζ approaches, aiming to direct future research efforts to utilize such knowledge clinically. METHODS An extensive literature search was performed using literature databases (PubMed/MEDLINE/Web of Knowledge) focusing on phospholipase C zeta (PLCzeta; PLCζ), oocyte activation, and calcium oscillations, as well as specific male factor conditions. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Defective PLCζ or PLCζ-induced Ca2+ release can be linked to multiple forms of male infertility including abnormal sperm parameters and morphology, sperm DNA fragmentation and oxidation, and abnormal embryogenesis/pregnancies. Such sperm exhibit absent/reduced levels, and abnormal localization patterns of PLCζ within the sperm head. CONCLUSIONS Defective PLCζ and abnormal patterns of Ca2+ release are increasingly suspected a significant causative factor underlying abnormalities or insufficiencies in Ca2+ oscillation-driven early embryogenic events. Such cases could potentially strongly benefit from relevant therapeutic and diagnostic applications of PLCζ, or even alternative mechanisms, following further focused research efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junaid Kashir
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. .,School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK. .,Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
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7
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Saleh A, Kashir J, Thanassoulas A, Safieh-Garabedian B, Lai FA, Nomikos M. Essential Role of Sperm-Specific PLC-Zeta in Egg Activation and Male Factor Infertility: An Update. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:28. [PMID: 32064262 PMCID: PMC7000359 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm-specific phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ) is widely considered to be the physiological stimulus responsible for generating calcium (Ca2+) oscillations that induce egg activation and early embryonic development during mammalian fertilization. In the mammalian testis, PLCζ expression is detected at spermiogenesis following elongated spermatid differentiation. Sperm-delivered PLCζ induces Ca2+ release via the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3) signaling pathway. PLCζ is the smallest known mammalian PLC isoform identified to date, with the simplest domain organization. However, the distinctive biochemical properties of PLCζ compared with other PLC isoforms contribute to its unique potency in stimulating cytosolic Ca2+ oscillations within mammalian eggs. Moreover, studies describing PLCζ “knockout” mouse phenotypes confirm the supreme importance of PLCζ at egg activation and monospermic fertilization in mice. Importantly, a number of clinical reports have highlighted the crucial importance of PLCζ in human fertilization by associating PLCζ deficiencies with certain forms of male factor infertility. Herein, we give an update on recent advances that have refined our understanding of how sperm PLCζ triggers Ca2 + oscillations and egg activation in mammals, while also discussing the nature of a potential “alternative” sperm factor. We summarise PLCζ localization in mammalian sperm, and the direct links observed between defective PLCζ protein in sperm and documented cases of male infertility. Finally, we postulate how this sperm protein can be used as a potential diagnostic marker, and also as a powerful therapeutic agent for treatment of certain types of male infertility due to egg activation failure or even in more general cases of male subfertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaaeldin Saleh
- Member of QU Health, College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Junaid Kashir
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - F Anthony Lai
- Member of QU Health, College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.,Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Michail Nomikos
- Member of QU Health, College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
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8
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Hamilton LE, Suzuki J, Acteau G, Shi M, Xu W, Meinsohn MC, Sutovsky P, Oko R. WBP2 shares a common location in mouse spermatozoa with WBP2NL/PAWP and like its descendent is a candidate mouse oocyte-activating factor. Biol Reprod 2019; 99:1171-1183. [PMID: 30010725 PMCID: PMC6299249 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The sperm-borne oocyte-activating factor (SOAF) resides in the sperm perinuclear theca (PT). A consensus has been reached that SOAF most likely resides in the postacrosomal sheath (PAS), which is the first region of the PT to solubilize upon sperm–oocyte fusion. There are two SOAF candidates under consideration: PLCZ1 and WBP2NL. A mouse gene germline ablation of the latter showed that mice remain fertile with no observable phenotype despite the fact that a competitive inhibitor of WBP2NL, derived from its PPXY motif, blocks oocyte activation when coinjected with WBP2NL or spermatozoa. This suggested that the ortholog of WBP2NL, WBP2, containing the same domain and motifs associated with WBP2NL function, might compensate for its deficiency in oocyte activation. Our objectives were to examine whether WBP2 meets the developmental criteria established for SOAF and whether it has oocyte-activating potential. Immunoblotting detected WBP2 in mice testis and sperm and immunofluorescence localized WBP2 to the PAS and perforatorium of the PT. Immunohistochemistry of the testes revealed that WBP2 reactivity was highest in round spermatids and immunofluorescence detected WBP2 in the cytoplasmic lobe of elongating spermatids and colocalized it with the microtubular manchette during PT assembly. Microinjection of the recombinant forms of WBP2 and WBP2NL into metaphase II mouse oocytes resulted in comparable rates of oocyte activation. This study shows that WBP2 shares a similar testicular developmental pattern and location with WBP2NL and a shared ability to activate the oocyte, supporting its consideration as a mouse SOAF component that can compensate for a WBP2NL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E Hamilton
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joao Suzuki
- Centre de recherche en reproduction fertilité, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, St. Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
| | - Genevieve Acteau
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mengqi Shi
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marie-Charlotte Meinsohn
- Centre de recherche en reproduction fertilité, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, St. Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
| | - Peter Sutovsky
- Division of Animal Sciences, College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Richard Oko
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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9
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Azad N, Nazarian H, Ghaffari Novin M, Masteri Farahani R, Piryaei A, Heidari MH, Abdollahpour Alitappeh M. Oligoasthenoteratozoospermic (OAT) men display altered phospholipase C ζ (PLCζ) localization and a lower percentage of sperm cells expressing PLCζ and post-acrosomal sheath WW domain-binding protein (PAWP). Bosn J Basic Med Sci 2018; 18:178-184. [PMID: 28954204 DOI: 10.17305/bjbms.2017.2208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Revised: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) is demonstrated to be one of the most common causes of male subfertility. Phospholipase C ζ (PLCζ), a sperm-specific protein, is considered to be one of the sperm-borne oocyte activating factors (SOAFs), which play a vital role in fertilization. The post-acrosomal sheath WW domain-binding protein (PAWP) is another candidate for SOAF. The aim of this study was to compare the PLCζ localization patterns and percentage of PLCζ- and PAWP-positive sperm cells in patients with OAT and fertile men with normozoospermia. A total of 40 men included in this study were classified into two groups: OAT (n = 25) and control group (n = 15). Semen samples were collected and analyzed using conventional semen analysis according to the World Health Organization guidelines. The percentage of PLCζ- and PAWP-positive sperm cells and localization patterns of PLCζ were evaluated using immunofluorescence staining. The mean percentage of sperm cells expressing PAWP and PLCζ was significantly lower in OAT compared to control group (52.8 ± 4.2 vs. 76.8 ± 5 and 63.4 ± 3.5 vs. 86.7 ± 2.1, respectively). In addition, statistically significant differences were found with regard to the PLCζ localization patterns, including equatorial, acrosomal + equatorial, and equatorial + post-acrosomal pattern, between the two groups (p < 0.01). The present study showed a lower percentage of sperm cells expressing PLCζ and PAWP, as well as altered localization patterns of PLCζ in men with OAT. Given the role of PLCζ and PAWP in fertilization, as two major candidates for SOAFs, our findings indicate that PLCζ and PAWP impairments may be one of the possible etiologies of decreased fertility in OAT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahid Azad
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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10
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Marchak A, Grant PA, Neilson KM, Datta Majumdar H, Yaklichkin S, Johnson D, Moody SA. Wbp2nl has a developmental role in establishing neural and non-neural ectodermal fates. Dev Biol 2017; 429:213-224. [PMID: 28663133 PMCID: PMC5554722 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2017.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2017] [Revised: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
In many animals, maternally synthesized mRNAs are critical for primary germ layer formation. In Xenopus, several maternal mRNAs are enriched in the animal blastomere progenitors of the embryonic ectoderm. We previously identified one of these, WW-domain binding protein 2 N-terminal like (wbp2nl), that others previously characterized as a sperm protein (PAWP) that promotes meiotic resumption. Herein we demonstrate that it has an additional developmental role in regionalizing the embryonic ectoderm. Knock-down of Wbp2nl in the dorsal ectoderm reduced cranial placode and neural crest gene expression domains and expanded neural plate domains; knock-down in ventral ectoderm reduced epidermal gene expression. Conversely, increasing levels of Wbp2nl in the neural plate induced ectopic epidermal and neural crest gene expression and repressed many neural plate and cranial placode genes. The effects in the neural plate appear to be mediated, at least in part, by down-regulating chd, a BMP antagonist. Because the cellular function of Wbp2nl is not known, we mutated several predicted motifs. Expressing mutated proteins in embryos showed that a putative phosphorylation site at Thr45 and an α-helix in the PH-G domain are required to ectopically induce epidermal and neural crest genes in the neural plate. An intact YAP-binding motif also is required for ectopic epidermal gene expression as well as for down-regulating chd. This work reveals novel developmental roles for a cytoplasmic protein that promotes epidermal and neural crest formation at the expense of neural ectoderm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Marchak
- Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Biology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington DC, USA
| | - Paaqua A Grant
- Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Biology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington DC, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, George Washington University, Washington DC, USA
| | - Karen M Neilson
- Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Biology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington DC, USA
| | - Himani Datta Majumdar
- Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Biology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington DC, USA
| | - Sergey Yaklichkin
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Diana Johnson
- Department of Biological Sciences, George Washington University, Washington DC, USA
| | - Sally A Moody
- Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Biology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington DC, USA.
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11
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12
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Sutovsky P, Aarabi M, Miranda-Vizuete A, Oko R. Negative biomarker based male fertility evaluation: Sperm phenotypes associated with molecular-level anomalies. Asian J Androl 2016; 17:554-60. [PMID: 25999356 PMCID: PMC4492044 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.153847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomarker-based sperm analysis elevates the treatment of human infertility and ameliorates reproductive performance in livestock. The negative biomarker-based approach focuses on proteins and ligands unique to defective spermatozoa, regardless of their morphological phenotype, lending itself to analysis by flow cytometry (FC). A prime example is the spermatid specific thioredoxin SPTRX3/TXNDC8, retained in the nuclear vacuoles and superfluous cytoplasm of defective human spermatozoa. Infertile couples with high semen SPTRX3 are less likely to conceive by assisted reproductive therapies (ART) and more prone to recurrent miscarriage while low SPTRX3 has been associated with multiple ART births. Ubiquitin, a small, proteolysis-promoting covalent posttranslational protein modifier is found on the surface of defective posttesticular spermatozoa and in the damaged protein aggregates, the aggresomes of spermiogenic origin. Semen ubiquitin content correlates negatively with fertility and conventional semen parameters, and with sperm binding of lectins LCA (Lens culinaris agglutinin; reveals altered sperm surface) and PNA (Arachis hypogaea/peanut agglutinin; reveals acrosomal malformation or damage). The Postacrosomal Sheath WWI Domain Binding Protein (PAWP), implicated in oocyte activation during fertilization, is ectopic or absent from defective human and animal spermatozoa. Consequently, FC-parameters of PAWP correlate with ART outcomes in infertile couples and with fertility in bulls. Assays based on the above biomarkers have been combined into multiplex FC semen screening protocols, and the surface expression of lectins and ubiquitin has been utilized to develop nanoparticle-based bull semen purification method validated by field artificial insemination trials. These advances go hand-in-hand with the innovation of FC-technology and genomics/proteomics-based biomarker discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Sutovsky
- Division of Animal Science and Departments of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA,
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13
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Anifandis G, Messini CI, Dafopoulos K, Daponte A, Messinis IE. Sperm contributions to oocyte activation: more that meets the eye. J Assist Reprod Genet 2016; 33:313-316. [PMID: 26780328 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-016-0653-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2015] [Accepted: 01/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
It is well known that for successful fertilization, oocyte activation is required, which involves a signal transduction cascade leading to the conversion of the oocyte to a diploid embryo. During oocyte activation, intracellular calcium levels oscillate repetitively causing exocytosis of cortical granules, the enzymes which the latter contain are released into the perivitelline space, leading to modifications of the zona pellucida (ZP), which prevent the penetration of the ZP by further spermatozoa. The necessary element that initiates oocyte activation is apparently the release of intracellular calcium (Ca(2+)) stored in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The exact mechanism via which Ca(2+) is released within the oocyte has not been yet clarified, and has been a matter of an ongoing debate. Today, the sperm factor hypothesis has gained general acceptance, according to which a sperm molecule, either phospholipase C (PLCζ) or a post-acrosomal sheath WW domain-binding protein (PAWP), diffuses into the ooplasm initiating a molecular cascade involving mainly the phosphoinositide pathway. Mounting evidence now indicates that these calcium oscillations are caused by a testis-specific PLC termed PLCζ, released into the oocyte following gamete fusion. Also, recently, PAWP has been proposed as an alternative sperm factor candidate. These different sperm candidates have led to a significant debate. This raises important questions as regards to the relative importance of these two proteins as diagnostic tools in reproductive medicine with therapeutic potential, indicating the need for further research. In the present mini review, the phenomenon of oocyte activation during fertilization as well as the existing controversy will be highlighted and the possible mechanisms that are involved in this process will be discussed. Finally, an explanation of the existing debate will be attempted.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Anifandis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, ART Unit, University of Thessaly, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Larissa, Greece.
| | - Christina I Messini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, ART Unit, University of Thessaly, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Larissa, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Dafopoulos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, ART Unit, University of Thessaly, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Larissa, Greece
| | - Alexandros Daponte
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, ART Unit, University of Thessaly, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Larissa, Greece
| | - Ioannis E Messinis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, ART Unit, University of Thessaly, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Larissa, Greece
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14
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Machaty Z. Signal transduction in mammalian oocytes during fertilization. Cell Tissue Res 2016; 363:169-183. [PMID: 26453398 PMCID: PMC4700098 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-015-2291-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2015] [Accepted: 08/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian embryo development begins when the fertilizing sperm triggers a series of elevations in the oocyte's intracellular free Ca(2+) concentration. The elevations are the result of repeated release and re-uptake of Ca(2+) stored in the smooth endoplasmic reticulum. Ca(2+) release is primarily mediated by the phosphoinositide signaling system of the oocyte. The system is stimulated when the sperm causes the hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) into inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) and diacylglycerol (DAG); IP3 then binds its receptor on the surface of the endoplasmic reticulum that induces Ca(2+) release. The manner in which the sperm generates IP3, the Ca(2+) mobilizing second messenger, has been the subject of extensive research for a long time. The sperm factor hypothesis has eventually gained general acceptance, according to which it is a molecule from the sperm that diffuses into the ooplasm and stimulates the phosphoinositide cascade. Much evidence now indicates that the sperm-derived factor is phospholipase C-zeta (PLCζ) that cleaves PIP2 and generates IP3, eventually leading to oocyte activation. A recent addition to the candidate sperm factor list is the post-acrosomal sheath WW domain-binding protein (PAWP), whose role at fertilization is currently under debate. Ca(2+) influx across the plasma membrane is also important as, in the absence of extracellular Ca(2+), the oscillations run down prematurely. In pig oocytes, the influx that sustains the oscillations seems to be regulated by the filling status of the stores, whereas in the mouse other mechanisms might be involved. This work summarizes the current understanding of Ca(2+) signaling in mammalian oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoltan Machaty
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, 915 W. State Street, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
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15
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Abstract
Mammalian embryo development is init iated by intracel lular Ca2+ oscillations that result in oocyte activation following gamete membrane fusion. It is widely believed that oocyte Ca2+ oscillations are triggered by a sperm-specific protein, phospholipase C-zeta (PLCζ) that activates InsP3 production leading to repetitive Ca2+ release from intracellular stores. However, a recent report in the FASEB Journal by Aarabi et al. challenges this view by proposing postacrosomal WW domain-binding protein (PAWP) as another sperm-derived protein that can also initiate Ca2+ oscillations and zygotic development at fertilization. Here we discuss these new findings and examine the evidence suggesting PAWP as the "real" sperm factor.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Richard Oko
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, School of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada,
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16
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Nourashrafeddin S, Aarabi M, Modarressi MH, Rahmati M, Nouri M. The Evaluation of WBP2NL-Related Genes Expression in Breast Cancer. Pathol Oncol Res 2014; 21:293-300. [PMID: 25417742 DOI: 10.1007/s12253-014-9820-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2014] [Accepted: 06/26/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most frequent cause of mortality in women all around the world; therefore, study on molecular aspects of breast cancer is necessary for finding new biomarkers. Recent studies have shown that WW Binding Protein 2 (WBP2) is an important protein for the oncogenic property of cancer. We have previously evaluated the WW Binding Protein 2 N-Terminal Like (WBP2NL) gene expression in cancerous cell line and breast tumor tissues, and reported changes in expression, which could increase tumorigenic cell growth. However, the molecular mechanisms of WBP2NL and its clinical relevance have not been investigated. In this study, the expression of WBP2NL-related genes in the invasive breast carcinoma and normal breast tissues was evaluated for the first time. Analysis of WBP2NL-related genes expression was performed with reverse transcription-PCR and real time-PCR detection method. The target genes studied were as follow: WW domain containing E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 1(WWP1), membrane associated guanylatekinase containing WW and PDZ domain-1 (MAGI1), neural precursor cell expressed developmentally down-regulated 4 (NEDD4), formin binding protein-4 (FNBP4), BCL2-associated athanogene-3 (BAG3), WW domain-containing oxidoreductase (WWOX), yes-associated protein-1 (YAP1), WW domain containing transcription regulator (WWTR1), member RAS oncogene family (RAB2A), and small G protein signaling modulator 3 (SGSM3). The expression of WWP1, BAG3, and WWTR1 was significantly increased in breast cancer. In contrast, the expression of WWOX, YAP1, RAB2A, and SGSM3 was significantly decreased. The MAGI1 and NEDD4 expression was increased, while the expression of FNBP4 was unchanged. These findings lead us to suggest that WBP2NL might play roles as an anti-apoptotic factor or co-activator to promote breast cancer cell survival and proliferation.
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MESH Headings
- Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/genetics
- Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/metabolism
- Adult
- Aged
- Apoptosis/genetics
- Apoptosis/physiology
- Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins/genetics
- Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins/metabolism
- Breast/metabolism
- Breast/pathology
- Breast Neoplasms/genetics
- Breast Neoplasms/metabolism
- Breast Neoplasms/pathology
- Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/genetics
- Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/pathology
- Carrier Proteins/genetics
- Carrier Proteins/metabolism
- Case-Control Studies
- Cell Adhesion Molecules
- Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal/genetics
- Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal/metabolism
- Cell Proliferation/genetics
- Cell Proliferation/physiology
- Endosomal Sorting Complexes Required for Transport/genetics
- Endosomal Sorting Complexes Required for Transport/metabolism
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/genetics
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/physiology
- Guanylate Kinases
- Humans
- Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/genetics
- Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/metabolism
- Middle Aged
- Nedd4 Ubiquitin Protein Ligases
- Seminal Plasma Proteins/genetics
- Seminal Plasma Proteins/metabolism
- Trans-Activators
- Transcription Factors
- Transcriptional Coactivator with PDZ-Binding Motif Proteins
- Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases/genetics
- Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases/metabolism
- Up-Regulation/genetics
- Up-Regulation/physiology
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17
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Nomikos M, Sanders JR, Theodoridou M, Kashir J, Matthews E, Nounesis G, Lai FA, Swann K. Sperm-specific post-acrosomal WW-domain binding protein (PAWP) does not cause Ca2+ release in mouse oocytes. Mol Hum Reprod 2014; 20:938-47. [PMID: 25057041 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gau056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Mature mammalian oocytes undergo a prolonged series of cytoplasmic calcium (Ca(2+)) oscillations at fertilization that are the cause of oocyte activation. The Ca(2+) oscillations in mammalian oocytes are driven via inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) generation. Microinjection of the sperm-derived phospholipase C-zeta (PLCζ), which generates IP3, causes the same pattern of Ca(2+) oscillations as observed at mammalian fertilization and it is thought to be the physiological agent that triggers oocyte activation. However, another sperm-specific protein, 'post-acrosomal WW-domain binding protein' (PAWP), has also been reported to elicit activation when injected into mammalian oocytes, and to produce a Ca(2+) increase in frog oocytes. Here we have investigated whether PAWP can induce fertilization-like Ca(2+) oscillations in mouse oocytes. Recombinant mouse PAWP protein was found to be unable to hydrolyse phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate in vitro and did not cause any detectable Ca(2+) release when microinjected into mouse oocytes. Microinjection with cRNA encoding either the untagged PAWP, or yellow fluorescent protein (YFP)-PAWP, or luciferase-PAWP fusion proteins all failed to trigger Ca(2+) increases in mouse oocytes. The lack of response in mouse oocytes was despite PAWP being robustly expressed at similar or higher concentrations than PLCζ, which successfully initiated Ca(2+) oscillations in every parallel control experiment. These data suggest that sperm-derived PAWP is not involved in triggering Ca(2+) oscillations at fertilization in mammalian oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michail Nomikos
- Institute of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Jessica R Sanders
- Institute of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Maria Theodoridou
- Institute of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK National Center for Scientific Research 'Demokritos', 15310 Aghia Paraskevi, Greece
| | - Junaid Kashir
- Institute of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Emily Matthews
- Institute of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - George Nounesis
- National Center for Scientific Research 'Demokritos', 15310 Aghia Paraskevi, Greece
| | - F Anthony Lai
- Institute of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Karl Swann
- Institute of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
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18
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Aarabi M, Balakier H, Bashar S, Moskovtsev SI, Sutovsky P, Librach CL, Oko R. Sperm‐derived WW domain‐binding protein, PAWP, elicits calcium oscillations and oocyte activation in humans and mice. FASEB J 2014; 28:4434-40. [DOI: 10.1096/fj.14-256495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Aarabi
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular SciencesSchool of MedicineQueen's UniversityKingstonOntarioCanada
- Department of Human GeneticsMcGill UniversityMontrealQuebecCanada
| | | | | | - Sergey I. Moskovtsev
- CReATe Fertility CentreTorontoOntarioCanada
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Peter Sutovsky
- Division of Animal SciencesGynecology and Women's HealthSchool of MedicineUniversity of MissouriColumbiaMissouriUSA
- Department of ObstetricsGynecology and Women's HealthSchool of MedicineUniversity of MissouriColumbiaMissouriUSA
| | - Clifford L. Librach
- CReATe Fertility CentreTorontoOntarioCanada
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Richard Oko
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular SciencesSchool of MedicineQueen's UniversityKingstonOntarioCanada
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19
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Absalón-Medina VA, Butler WR, Gilbert RO. Preimplantation embryo metabolism and culture systems: experience from domestic animals and clinical implications. J Assist Reprod Genet 2014; 31:393-409. [PMID: 24682781 PMCID: PMC3969471 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-014-0179-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2013] [Accepted: 01/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite advantages of in vitro embryo production in many species, widespread use of this technology is limited by generally lower developmental competence of in vitro derived embryos compared to in vivo counterparts. Regardless, in vivo or in vitro gametes and embryos face and must adjust to multiple microenvironments especially at preimplantation stages. Moreover, the embryo has to be able to further adapt to environmental cues in utero to result in the birth of live and healthy offspring. Enormous strides have been made in understanding and meeting stage-specific requirements of preimplantation embryos, but interpretation of the data is made difficult due to the complexity of the wide array of culture systems and the remarkable plasticity of developing embryos that seem able to develop under a variety of conditions. Nevertheless, a primary objective remains meeting, as closely as possible, the preimplantation embryo requirements as provided in vivo. In general, oocytes and embryos develop more satisfactorily when cultured in groups. However, optimization of individual culture of oocytes and embryos is an important goal and area of intensive current research for both animal and human clinical application. Successful culture of individual embryos is of primary importance in order to avoid ovarian superstimulation and the associated physiological and psychological disadvantages for patients. This review emphasizes stage specific shifts in embryo metabolism and requirements and research to optimize in vitro embryo culture conditions and supplementation, with a view to optimizing embryo culture in general, and culture of single embryos in particular.
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Affiliation(s)
- V. A. Absalón-Medina
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agricultural Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA
| | - W. R. Butler
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agricultural Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA
| | - R. O. Gilbert
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA
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20
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Ramadan WM, Kashir J, Jones C, Coward K. Oocyte activation and phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ): diagnostic and therapeutic implications for assisted reproductive technology. Cell Commun Signal 2012; 10:12. [PMID: 22591604 PMCID: PMC3393615 DOI: 10.1186/1478-811x-10-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2012] [Accepted: 05/16/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility affects one in seven couples globally and has recently been classified as a disease by the World Health Organisation (WHO). While in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) offers effective treatment for many infertile couples, cases exhibiting severe male infertility (19-57%) often remain difficult, if not impossible to treat. In such cases, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), a technique in which a single sperm is microinjected into the oocyte, is implemented. However, 1-5% of ICSI cycles still fail to fertilise, affecting over 1000 couples per year in the UK alone. Pregnancy and delivery rates for IVF and ICSI rarely exceed 30% and 23% respectively. It is therefore imperative that Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) protocols are constantly modified by associated research programmes, in order to provide patients with the best chances of conception. Prior to fertilisation, mature oocytes are arrested in the metaphase stage of the second meiotic division (MII), which must be alleviated to allow the cell cycle, and subsequent embryogenesis, to proceed. Alleviation occurs through a series of concurrent events, collectively termed 'oocyte activation'. In mammals, oocytes are activated by a series of intracellular calcium (Ca2+) oscillations following gamete fusion. Recent evidence implicates a sperm-specific phospholipase C, PLCzeta (PLCζ), introduced into the oocyte following membrane fusion as the factor responsible. This review summarises our current understanding of oocyte activation failure in human males, and describes recent advances in our knowledge linking certain cases of male infertility with defects in PLCζ expression and activity. Systematic literature searches were performed using PubMed and the ISI-Web of Knowledge. Databases compiled by the United Nations and World Health Organisation databases (UNWHO), and the Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority (HFEA) were also scrutinised. It is clear that PLCζ plays a fundamental role in the activation of mammalian oocytes, and that genetic, molecular, or biochemical perturbation of this key enzyme is strongly linked to human infertility where oocyte activation is deficient. Consequently, there is significant scope for our understanding of PLCζ to be translated to the ART clinic, both as a novel therapeutic agent with which to rescue oocyte activation deficiency (OAD), or as a prognostic/diagnostic biomarker of oocyte activation ability in target sperm samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walaa M Ramadan
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women’s Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3, 9DU, UK
| | - Junaid Kashir
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women’s Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3, 9DU, UK
| | - Celine Jones
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women’s Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3, 9DU, UK
| | - Kevin Coward
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women’s Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3, 9DU, UK
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21
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The testicular and epididymal expression profile of PLCζ in mouse and human does not support its role as a sperm-borne oocyte activating factor. PLoS One 2012; 7:e33496. [PMID: 22428063 PMCID: PMC3299792 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0033496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2012] [Accepted: 02/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ) is a candidate sperm-borne oocyte activating factor (SOAF) which has recently received attention as a potential biomarker of human male infertility. However, important SOAF attributes of PLCζ, including its developmental expression in mammalian spermiogenesis, its compartmentalization in sperm head perinuclear theca (PT) and its release into the ooplasm during fertilization have not been established and are addressed in this investigation. Different detergent extractions of sperm and head/tail fractions were compared for the presence of PLCζ by immunoblotting. In both human and mouse, the active isoform of PLCζ was detected in sperm fractions other than PT, where SOAF is expected to reside. Developmentally, PLCζ was incorporated as part of the acrosome during the Golgi phase of human and mouse spermiogenesis while diminishing gradually in the acrosome of elongated spermatids. Immunofluorescence localized PLCζ over the surface of the postacrosomal region of mouse and bull and head region of human spermatozoa leading us to examine its secretion in the epididymis. While previously thought to have strictly a testicular expression, PLCζ was found to be expressed and secreted by the epididymal epithelial cells explaining its presence on the sperm head surface. In vitro fertilization (IVF) revealed that PLCζ is no longer detectable after the acrosome reaction occurs on the surface of the zona pellucida and thus is not incorporated into the oocyte cytoplasm for activation. In summary, we show for the first time that PLCζ is compartmentalized as part of the acrosome early in human and mouse spermiogenesis and is secreted during sperm maturation in the epididymis. Most importantly, no evidence was found that PLCζ is incorporated into the detergent-resistant perinuclear theca fraction where SOAF resides.
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