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Kiyozumi D. Distinct actions of testicular endocrine and lumicrine signaling on the proximal epididymal transcriptome. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2024; 22:40. [PMID: 38600586 PMCID: PMC11005294 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-024-01213-x] [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: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The epididymal function and gene expression in mammals are under the control of the testis. Sex steroids are secreted from the testis and act on the epididymis in an endocrine manner. There is another, non-sex steroidal secreted signaling, named lumicrine signaling, in which testis-derived secreted proteins go through the male reproductive tract and act on the epididymis. The effects of such multiple regulations on the epididymis by the testis have been investigated for many genes. The recent development of high-throughput next-generation sequencing now enables us a further comparative survey of endocrine and lumicrine action-dependent gene expression. In the present study, testis-derived endocrine and lumicrine actions on epididymal gene expression were comparatively investigated by RNA-seq transcriptomic analyses. This investigation utilized experimental animal models in which testis-derived endocrine and/or lumicrine actions were interfered with, such as unilateral or bilateral orchidectomy. By bilateral orchidectomy, which interferes with both endocrine and lumicrine actions, 431 genes were downregulated. By unilateral orchidectomy, which also interferes with endocrine and lumicrine actions by the unilateral testis, but the endocrine action was compensated by the contralateral testis, 283 genes were downregulated. The content of such genes downregulated by unilateral orchidectomy was like those of lumicrine action-interfered efferent duct-ligation, W/Wv, and Nell2-/- mice. When genes affected by unilateral and bilateral orchidectomy were compared, 154 genes were commonly downregulated, whereas 217 genes were specifically downregulated only by bilateral orchidectomy, indicating the distinction between endocrine and lumicrine actions on the proximal epididymal transcriptome. Comparative transcriptome analyses also showed that the expressions of genes emerging since Amniota were notably impacted by bilateral orchidectomy, unilateral orchidectomy, and lumicrine action-interfering treatments; the degree of influence from these treatments varied based on the evolutionary stage beyond Amniota. These findings unveil an evolutional transition of regulated gene expression in the proximal epididymis by two different testis-derived signaling mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiji Kiyozumi
- Japan Science and Technology Agency, 7, Gobancho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 102-0076, Japan.
- Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan.
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, 3-2, Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
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2
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Kiyozumi D. Busulfan administration replicated the characteristics of the epididymal initial segment observed in mice lacking testis-epididymis lumicrine signaling. J Reprod Dev 2024; 70:104-114. [PMID: 38346723 PMCID: PMC11017096 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2023-102] [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: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The physiological functions of the mammalian epididymis are typically regulated by the testes. In addition to sex steroids secreted by testicular Leydig cells, which act on the epididymis in an endocrine manner, there is a non-sex-steroidal signaling pathway known as the lumicrine pathway. This lumicrine signaling pathway involves ligand proteins secreted from germ cells within the testicular seminiferous tubules traversing the male reproductive tract, which induce epithelial differentiation in the epididymis. These findings prompted an inquiry into whether treatments influencing testis physiology can disrupt epididymal function by interfering with testis-epididymis communication. Busulfan, an alkylating agent commonly used to deplete testicular germ cells in reproductive biology, has not been sufficiently explored because of its effects on the epididymis. This study investigated the effects of busulfan administration on the proximal epididymis using histological and transcriptomic analyses. Notably, busulfan, as opposed to the vehicle dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), altered the morphology of the initial segment of the epididymis, leading to a reduction in the cell height of the luminal epithelium. RNA sequencing identified 185 significantly downregulated genes in the proximal epididymis of busulfan-administered mice compared to DMSO-administered mice. Comparative transcriptome analyses revealed similarities between the epididymal transcriptome of busulfan-administered mice and lumicrine-deficient mice, such as efferent-duct-ligated W/Wv and Nell2-/- mice. However, this differed from that of bilaterally orchidectomized mice, in which both the endocrine and lumicrine signaling pathways were simultaneously ablated. Collectively, these results suggested that the harmful effects of busulfan on the proximal epididymis are secondary consequences of the ablation of testis-epididymis lumicrine signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiji Kiyozumi
- Japan Science and Technology Agency, Tokyo 102-0076, Japan
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
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Hashim M, Al-Attar AM, Alomar MY, Shaikh Omar AM, Alkenani NA, Abu Zeid IM. Alleviation of carbendazim toxicity effect by Moringa oleifera oil and Linum usitatissimum L . oil on testes of male rats: Physiological, histological and in silico study. Saudi J Biol Sci 2024; 31:103921. [PMID: 38268782 PMCID: PMC10806130 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2023.103921] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Carbendazim (CBZ) is a widely used fungicide that is used to control the unwanted growth of fungi on fruits and vegetables. Sixty male rats were divided into six groups, each having ten. Group one served as control, animals belonging to group two were exposed to CBZ in the measure of 200 mg/kg body weight (BW). In the third and fourth groups, rats were administered 800 mg/kg BW of Moringa oleifera (moringa oil) and Linum usitatissimum L. (flaxseed oil), plus CBZ with the same dose given to group two. Groups five and six were administered with moringa and flaxseed oils respectively for six weeks. A marked decline was seen in oxidative stress markers, reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and a rise in malondialdehyde (MDA) level in group two with severe histological disruptions. Moringa oil and flaxseed oil were used to alleviate these changes. In addition, a biocomputational molecular docking analysis of three proteins found in male rats was performed. In relation to CBZ (CID:10584007) the screened proteins namely testis-expressed protein (TX101_RAT), EPPI_RAT, and glutathione peroxidase 5 (GPX5_RAT) were docked, and their docking score were obtained (-5.9 kcal/mol), (-5.8 kcal/mol) and (-5.6 kcal/mol) respectively. By examining these interactions in 2D and 3D structures, a detailed understanding of the unique and specific binding affinity, hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic interactions, ionic bonds, and water bonds were obtained. Structure-based virtual screening (SBVS) molecular docking analysis showed that protein interaction with CBZ causes reproductive complications in protein expression and functions by hampering their normal function and blocking active sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Hashim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Atef M. Al-Attar
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Princess Dr. Najla Bint Saud Al-Saud Center for Excellence Research in Biotechnology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Y. Alomar
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulkader M. Shaikh Omar
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Princess Dr. Najla Bint Saud Al-Saud Center for Excellence Research in Biotechnology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Naser A. Alkenani
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Isam M. Abu Zeid
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Princess Dr. Najla Bint Saud Al-Saud Center for Excellence Research in Biotechnology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Mariani NAP, Silva JV, Fardilha M, Silva EJR. Advances in non-hormonal male contraception targeting sperm motility. Hum Reprod Update 2023; 29:545-569. [PMID: 37141450 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmad008] [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: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The high rates of unintended pregnancy and the ever-growing world population impose health, economic, social, and environmental threats to countries. Expanding contraceptive options, including male methods, are urgently needed to tackle these global challenges. Male contraception is limited to condoms and vasectomy, which are unsuitable for many couples. Thus, novel male contraceptive methods may reduce unintended pregnancies, meet the contraceptive needs of couples, and foster gender equality in carrying the contraceptive burden. In this regard, the spermatozoon emerges as a source of druggable targets for on-demand, non-hormonal male contraception based on disrupting sperm motility or fertilization. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE A better understanding of the molecules governing sperm motility can lead to innovative approaches toward safe and effective male contraceptives. This review discusses cutting-edge knowledge on sperm-specific targets for male contraception, focusing on those with crucial roles in sperm motility. We also highlight challenges and opportunities in male contraceptive drug development targeting spermatozoa. SEARCH METHODS We conducted a literature search in the PubMed database using the following keywords: 'spermatozoa', 'sperm motility', 'male contraception', and 'drug targets' in combination with other related terms to the field. Publications until January 2023 written in English were considered. OUTCOMES Efforts for developing non-hormonal strategies for male contraception resulted in the identification of candidates specifically expressed or enriched in spermatozoa, including enzymes (PP1γ2, GAPDHS, and sAC), ion channels (CatSper and KSper), transmembrane transporters (sNHE, SLC26A8, and ATP1A4), and surface proteins (EPPIN). These targets are usually located in the sperm flagellum. Their indispensable roles in sperm motility and male fertility were confirmed by genetic or immunological approaches using animal models and gene mutations associated with male infertility due to sperm defects in humans. Their druggability was demonstrated by the identification of drug-like small organic ligands displaying spermiostatic activity in preclinical trials. WIDER IMPLICATIONS A wide range of sperm-associated proteins has arisen as key regulators of sperm motility, providing compelling druggable candidates for male contraception. Nevertheless, no pharmacological agent has reached clinical developmental stages. One reason is the slow progress in translating the preclinical and drug discovery findings into a drug-like candidate adequate for clinical development. Thus, intense collaboration among academia, private sectors, governments, and regulatory agencies will be crucial to combine expertise for the development of male contraceptives targeting sperm function by (i) improving target structural characterization and the design of highly selective ligands, (ii) conducting long-term preclinical safety, efficacy, and reversibility evaluation, and (iii) establishing rigorous guidelines and endpoints for clinical trials and regulatory evaluation, thus allowing their testing in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemia A P Mariani
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Joana V Silva
- Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
- QOPNA & LAQV, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
- Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Margarida Fardilha
- Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Erick J R Silva
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil
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Myers C, Hastert MC, Cornwall GA. Host defense functions of the epididymal amyloid matrix. Mol Hum Reprod 2022; 28:6823549. [PMID: 36367296 PMCID: PMC9709822 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaac038] [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: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The epididymal lumen is an immunologically distinct environment. It maintains tolerance for the naturally antigenic spermatozoa to allow their maturation into functional cells while simultaneously defending against pathogens that can ascend the male tract and cause infertility. We previously demonstrated that a nonpathological amyloid matrix that includes several cystatin-related epididymal spermatogenic (CRES) subgroup family members is distributed throughout the mouse epididymal lumen but its function was unknown. Here, we reveal a role for the epididymal amyloid matrix in host defense and demonstrate that the CRES amyloids and CD-1 mouse epididymal amyloid matrix exhibit potent antimicrobial activity against bacterial strains that commonly cause epididymal infections in men. We show the CRES and epididymal amyloids use several defense mechanisms including bacterial trapping, disruption of bacterial membranes and promotion of unique bacterial ghost-like structures. Remarkably, these antimicrobial actions varied depending on the bacterial strain indicating CRES amyloids and the epididymal amyloids elicit strain-specific host defense responses. We also demonstrate that the CRES monomer and immature assemblies of the epididymal amyloid transitioned into advanced structures in the presence of bacteria, suggesting their amyloid-forming/shape-shifting properties allows for a rapid reaction to a pathogen and provides an inherent plasticity in their host defense response. Together, our studies reveal new mechanistic insight into how the male reproductive tract defends against pathogens. Future studies using a mouse model for human epididymitis are needed to establish the epididymal amyloid responses to pathogens in vivo. Broadly, our studies provide an example of why nature has maintained the amyloid fold throughout evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlyn Myers
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | | | - Gail A Cornwall
- Correspondence address. Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; E-mail:
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Wang JM, Li ZF, Yang WX. What Does Androgen Receptor Signaling Pathway in Sertoli Cells During Normal Spermatogenesis Tell Us? Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:838858. [PMID: 35282467 PMCID: PMC8908322 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.838858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Androgen receptor signaling pathway is necessary to complete spermatogenesis in testes. Difference between androgen binding location in Sertoli cell classifies androgen receptor signaling pathway into classical signaling pathway and non-classical signaling pathway. As the only somatic cell type in seminiferous tubule, Sertoli cells are under androgen receptor signaling pathway regulation via androgen receptor located in cytoplasm and plasma membrane. Androgen receptor signaling pathway is able to regulate biological processes in Sertoli cells as well as germ cells surrounded between Sertoli cells. Our review will summarize the major discoveries of androgen receptor signaling pathway in Sertoli cells and the paracrine action on germ cells. Androgen receptor signaling pathway regulates Sertoli cell proliferation and maturation, as well as maintain the integrity of blood-testis barrier formed between Sertoli cells. Also, Spermatogonia stem cells achieve a balance between self-renewal and differentiation under androgen receptor signaling regulation. Meiotic and post-meiotic processes including Sertoli cell - Spermatid attachment and Spermatid development are guaranteed by androgen receptor signaling until the final sperm release. This review also includes one disease related to androgen receptor signaling dysfunction named as androgen insensitivity syndrome. As a step further ahead, this review may be conducive to develop therapies which can cure impaired androgen receptor signaling in Sertoli cells.
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Silva AAS, Raimundo TRF, Mariani NAP, Kushima H, Avellar MCW, Buffone MG, Paula-Lopes FF, Moura MT, Silva EJR. Dissecting EPPIN protease inhibitor domains in sperm motility and fertilizing ability: repercussions for male contraceptive development. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 27:gaab066. [PMID: 34792600 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaab066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
EPPIN (epididymal protease inhibitor) is a mammalian conserved sperm-binding protein displaying an N-terminal WFDC (whey-acidic protein four-disulfide core) and a C-terminal Kunitz protease inhibitor domains. EPPIN plays a key role in regulating sperm motility after ejaculation via interaction with the seminal plasma protein SEMG1 (semenogelin-1). EPPIN ligands targeting the SEMG1 binding site in the Kunitz domain are under development as male contraceptive drugs. Nevertheless, the relative contributions of EPPIN WFDC and Kunitz domains to sperm function remain obscure. Here, we evaluated the effects of antibodies targeting specific epitopes in EPPIN's WFDC (Q20E antibody, Gln20-Glu39 epitope) and Kunitz (S21C and F21C antibodies, Ser103-Cys123 and Phe90-C110 epitopes, respectively) domains on mouse sperm motility and fertilizing ability. Computer-assisted sperm analysis showed that sperm co-incubation with S21C antibody (but not F21C antibody) lowered progressive and hyperactivated motilities and impaired kinematic parameters describing progressive (straight-line velocity; VSL, average path velocity; VAP and straightness; STR) and vigorous sperm movements (curvilinear velocity; VCL, amplitude of lateral head movement; ALH, and linearity; LIN) compared with control. Conversely, Q20E antibody-induced milder inhibition of progressive motility and kinematic parameters (VAP, VCL and ALH). Sperm co-incubation with S21C or Q20E antibodies affected in vitro fertilization as revealed by reduced cleavage rates, albeit without changes in capacitation-induced tyrosine phosphorylation. In conclusion, we show that targeting specific epitopes in EPPIN Kunitz and WFDC domains inhibits sperm motility and capacitation-associated events, which decrease their fertilizing ability; nevertheless, similar observations in vivo remain to be demonstrated. Simultaneously targeting residues in S21C and Q20E epitopes is a promising approach for the rational design of EPPIN-based ligands with spermostatic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan A S Silva
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University, Botucatu-SP, Brazil
| | - Tamiris R F Raimundo
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University, Botucatu-SP, Brazil
| | - Noemia A P Mariani
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University, Botucatu-SP, Brazil
| | - Hélio Kushima
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University, Botucatu-SP, Brazil
| | - Maria Christina W Avellar
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo-Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo-SP, Brazil
| | - Mariano G Buffone
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fabíola F Paula-Lopes
- Department of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de São Paulo-Campus Diadema, Diadema-SP, Brazil
| | - Marcelo T Moura
- Department of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de São Paulo-Campus Diadema, Diadema-SP, Brazil
| | - Erick J R Silva
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University, Botucatu-SP, Brazil
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Xu J, He M, Wang W, Hou J, Chen X, Ding X, Zhang J. siRNA-mediated Eppin testicular silencing causes changes in sperm motility and calcium currents in mice. Reprod Biol 2021; 21:100485. [PMID: 33607572 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2021.100485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Epididymal protease inhibitor (EPPIN) is differentially expressed in the reproductive tissues (such as testicles, outlet tubes, epididymis, vas deferens, and seminal vesicles). Its critical role in sperm function and male reproduction has shed light on EPPIN as a candidate target for male contraceptive vaccines. In this study, we endeavored to further reveal the mechanism through which EPPIN exerts its function. We created a mouse model of reduced Eppin expression by microinjecting small interfering RNA targeting Eppin expression into seminiferous tubules of mice. This mouse model was then used to explore the effects of low Eppin expression on sperm function, which was assessed by Computer Assisted Semen Analysis and patch clamp recording of T-type Ca2+ current in spermatogenic cells. We found that the sperm motility significantly declined when Eppin was downregulated. Further investigation demonstrated that Eppin downregulation significantly affected T-type Ca2+ currents and messenger RNA expression of three subtypes of T-type Ca2+ channels in spermatogenic cells. These findings indicate that low Eppin gene expression induces decreased T-type Ca2+ currents and mRNA expression, which in turn results in the reduced sperm motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Xu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Mengting He
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jiaojiao Hou
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyi Chen
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xinliang Ding
- Department of Public Health, Wuxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuxi, China.
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Preventive and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Diseases, School of Public Health, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
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9
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Andrade AD, Almeida PGC, Mariani NAP, Freitas GA, Kushima H, Filadelpho AL, Spadella MA, Avellar MCW, Silva EJR. Lipopolysaccharide-induced epididymitis modifies the transcriptional profile of Wfdc genes in mice†. Biol Reprod 2020; 104:144-158. [PMID: 33034631 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Whey-acidic protein four-disulfide core domain (WFDC) genes display putative roles in innate immunity and fertility. In mice, a locus on chromosome 2 contains 5 and 11 Wfdc genes in its centromeric and telomeric subloci, respectively. Although Wfdc genes are highly expressed in the epididymis, their contributions to epididymal function remain elusive. Here, we investigated whether Wfdc genes are regulated in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced epididymitis, an inflammatory condition that impairs male fertility. We induced epididymitis in mice via (i) interstitial LPS injection into epididymal initial segment and (ii) intravasal LPS injection into the vas deferens towards cauda epididymis. Interstitial and intravasal LPS induced a differential upregulation of inflammatory mediators (interleukin 1 beta, interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor, interferon gamma, and interleukin 10) in the initial segment and cauda epididymis within 72 h post-treatment. These changes were accompanied by a time-dependent endotoxin clearance from the epididymis. In the initial segment, interstitial LPS upregulated all centromeric (Slpi, Wfdc5, Wfdc12, Wfdc15a, and Wfdc15b) and five telomeric (Wfdc2, Wfdc3, Wfdc6b, Wfdc10, and Wfdc13) Wfdc transcripts at 24 and 72 h. In the cauda epididymis, intravasal LPS upregulated Wfdc5 and Wfdc2 transcripts at 24 h, followed by a downregulation of Wfdc15b and three telomeric (Wfdc6a, Wfdc11, and Wfdc16) gene transcripts at 72 h. Pharmacological inhibition of nuclear factor kappa B activation prevented LPS-induced upregulation of centromeric and telomeric Wfdc genes depending on the epididymal region. We show that LPS-induced inflammation differentially regulated the Wfdc locus in the proximal and distal epididymis, indicating region-specific roles for the Wfdc family in innate immune responses during epididymitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre D Andrade
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Instituto de Biociências de Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Priscila G C Almeida
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Instituto de Biociências de Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Noemia A P Mariani
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Instituto de Biociências de Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Geanne A Freitas
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Hélio Kushima
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Instituto de Biociências de Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - André L Filadelpho
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Instituto de Biociências de Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Maria Christina W Avellar
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Erick J R Silva
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Instituto de Biociências de Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Botucatu, SP, Brazil
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10
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Mariani NAP, Camara AC, Silva AAS, Raimundo TRF, Andrade JJ, Andrade AD, Rossini BC, Marino CL, Kushima H, Santos LD, Silva EJR. Epididymal protease inhibitor (EPPIN) is a protein hub for seminal vesicle-secreted protein SVS2 binding in mouse spermatozoa. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 506:110754. [PMID: 32044375 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
EPPIN is a sperm-surface drug target for male contraception. Here we investigated EPPIN-interacting proteins in mouse spermatozoa. We showed that EPPIN is an androgen-dependent gene, expressed in the testis and epididymis, but also present in the vas deferens, seminal vesicle and adrenal gland. Mature spermatozoa presented EPPIN staining on the head and flagellum. Immunoprecipitation of EPPIN from spermatozoa pre-incubated with seminal vesicle fluid (SVF) followed by LC-MS/MS or Western blot revealed the co-immunoprecipitation of SVS2, SVS3A, SVS5 and SVS6. In silico and Far-Western blot approaches demonstrated that EPPIN binds SVS2 in a protein network with other SVS proteins. Immunofluorescence using spermatozoa pre-incubated with SVF or recombinant SVS2 demonstrated the co-localization of EPPIN and SVS2 both on sperm head and flagellum. Our data show that EPPIN's roles in sperm function are conserved between mouse and human, demonstrating that the mouse is a suitable experimental model for translational studies on EPPIN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemia A P Mariani
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu-SP, Brazil
| | - Aline C Camara
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu-SP, Brazil
| | - Alan Andrew S Silva
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu-SP, Brazil
| | - Tamiris R F Raimundo
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu-SP, Brazil
| | - Juliana J Andrade
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu-SP, Brazil
| | - Alexandre D Andrade
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu-SP, Brazil
| | - Bruno C Rossini
- Biotechnology Institute (IBTEC), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu-SP, Brazil; Department of Genetics, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu-SP, Brazil
| | - Celso L Marino
- Biotechnology Institute (IBTEC), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu-SP, Brazil; Department of Genetics, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu-SP, Brazil
| | - Hélio Kushima
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu-SP, Brazil
| | - Lucilene D Santos
- Center for the Study of Venoms of Venomous Animals (CEVAP), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu-SP, Brazil; Graduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu-SP, Brazil
| | - Erick J R Silva
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu-SP, Brazil.
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11
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Kent K, Johnston M, Strump N, Garcia TX. Toward Development of the Male Pill: A Decade of Potential Non-hormonal Contraceptive Targets. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:61. [PMID: 32161754 PMCID: PMC7054227 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
With the continued steep rise of the global human population, and the paucity of safe and practical contraceptive options available to men, the need for development of effective and reversible non-hormonal methods of male fertility control is widely recognized. Currently there are several contraceptive options available to men, however, none of the non-hormonal alternatives have been clinically approved. To advance progress in the development of a safe and reversible contraceptive for men, further identification of novel reproductive tract-specific druggable protein targets is required. Here we provide an overview of genes/proteins identified in the last decade as specific or highly expressed in the male reproductive tract, with deletion phenotypes leading to complete male infertility in mice. These phenotypes include arrest of spermatogenesis and/or spermiogenesis, abnormal spermiation, abnormal spermatid morphology, abnormal sperm motility, azoospermia, globozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, and/or teratozoospermia, which are all desirable outcomes for a novel male contraceptive. We also consider other associated deletion phenotypes that could impact the desirability of a potential contraceptive. We further discuss novel contraceptive targets underscoring promising leads with the objective of presenting data for potential druggability and whether collateral effects may exist from paralogs with close sequence similarity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Kent
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.,Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Houston-Clear Lake, Houston, TX, United States.,Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Madelaine Johnston
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.,Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Natasha Strump
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.,Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Thomas X Garcia
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.,Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Houston-Clear Lake, Houston, TX, United States.,Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
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12
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Roan NR, Sandi-Monroy N, Kohgadai N, Usmani SM, Hamil KG, Neidleman J, Montano M, Ständker L, Röcker A, Cavrois M, Rosen J, Marson K, Smith JF, Pilcher CD, Gagsteiger F, Sakk O, O'Rand M, Lishko PV, Kirchhoff F, Münch J, Greene WC. Semen amyloids participate in spermatozoa selection and clearance. eLife 2017; 6. [PMID: 28653619 PMCID: PMC5487211 DOI: 10.7554/elife.24888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2017] [Accepted: 05/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Unlike other human biological fluids, semen contains multiple types of amyloid fibrils in the absence of disease. These fibrils enhance HIV infection by promoting viral fusion to cellular targets, but their natural function remained unknown. The similarities shared between HIV fusion to host cell and sperm fusion to oocyte led us to examine whether these fibrils promote fertilization. Surprisingly, the fibrils inhibited fertilization by immobilizing sperm. Interestingly, however, this immobilization facilitated uptake and clearance of sperm by macrophages, which are known to infiltrate the female reproductive tract (FRT) following semen exposure. In the presence of semen fibrils, damaged and apoptotic sperm were more rapidly phagocytosed than healthy ones, suggesting that deposition of semen fibrils in the lower FRT facilitates clearance of poor-quality sperm. Our findings suggest that amyloid fibrils in semen may play a role in reproduction by participating in sperm selection and facilitating the rapid removal of sperm antigens. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.24888.001 Seminal plasma, the fluid portion of semen, helps to transport sperm cells to the egg during sexual reproduction. Seminal plasma contains numerous proteins that help the sperm to survive and, in recent years, researchers discovered that it also harbours protein deposits known as amyloid fibrils. Such protein deposits are generally associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s disease, where a build-up of fibrils can damage the nervous system. Semen amyloids, however, are present in the absence of disease, but can boost infection by HIV and other sexually transmitted viruses, by shuttling virus particles to their target cells. Despite these damaging effects, some researchers had suggested that amyloids in semen could be beneficial for humans, though it was unclear what these benefits might be. Roan et al. now set out to assess how semen amyloids affect human sperm activity. The results show that semen amyloids bind to damaged sperm cells and immobilize them, which are then quickly cleared away by immune cells. This could ensure that only the fittest sperm cells reach the egg. These findings suggest that amyloids can potentially serve beneficial roles for reproduction. A next step will be to investigate how semen amyloids trap unwanted sperm and how immune cells know when to remove it. More research is needed to investigate if problems in these processes could lead to infertility in men. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.24888.002
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia R Roan
- Department or Urology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, United States.,Gladstone Institute of Virology and Immunology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Nathallie Sandi-Monroy
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany.,Kinderwunsch-Zentrum, Ulm, Germany
| | - Nargis Kohgadai
- Department or Urology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, United States.,Gladstone Institute of Virology and Immunology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Shariq M Usmani
- The Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States
| | - Katherine G Hamil
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, United States
| | - Jason Neidleman
- Department or Urology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, United States.,Gladstone Institute of Virology and Immunology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Mauricio Montano
- Gladstone Institute of Virology and Immunology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Ludger Ständker
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany.,Core Facility Functional Peptidomics, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Annika Röcker
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Marielle Cavrois
- Gladstone Institute of Virology and Immunology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, United States.,Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Jared Rosen
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, United States
| | - Kara Marson
- HIV / AIDS Division, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - James F Smith
- Department or Urology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Christopher D Pilcher
- HIV / AIDS Division, San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | | | - Olena Sakk
- Core Facility Transgenic Mice, Medical Faculty, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Michael O'Rand
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, United States
| | - Polina V Lishko
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, United States
| | - Frank Kirchhoff
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jan Münch
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Warner C Greene
- Gladstone Institute of Virology and Immunology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, United States.,Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, United States.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, United States
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13
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Dietrich MA, Słowińska M, Karol H, Adamek M, Steinhagen D, Hejmej A, Bilińska B, Ciereszko A. Serine protease inhibitor Kazal-type 2 is expressed in the male reproductive tract of carp with a possible role in antimicrobial protection. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2017; 60:150-163. [PMID: 27867114 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2016.11.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2016] [Revised: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The presence of the low-molecular-mass serine protease inhibitor Kazal-type (Spink) is a characteristic feature of vertebrate semen. Its main function is control of the serine protease in the acrosome, acrosin. Here we showed for the first time that Spink is present in the seminal plasma of carp, which have anacrosomal spermatozoa. Using a three-step isolation procedure that consisted in gel filtration and RP-HPLC and re-RP-HPLC, we isolated this inhibitor and identified it as serine protease inhibitor Kazal-type 2 (Spink2), a reproductive-derived member of the Spink family. The cDNA sequence of this inhibitor obtained from carp testis encoded 77 amino acids, including a 17 amino acids signal peptide; this sequence was distinct from fish Kazal-type inhibitors. The mRNA expression analysis showed that Spink2 is expressed predominantly in carp testis and spermatic duct. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated its localization in testis in Sertoli, Leydig and germ cells at all developmental stages (with the exception of spermatozoa) and in the epithelium of the spermatic duct. Aside from strong inhibition of trypsin, this inhibitor acts strongly against subtilisin and possesses bacteriostatic activities against Lactobacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Aeromonas hydrophila. The localization of Spink2 in carp reproductive tract suggests an important function in spermatogenesis and in maintenance of the microenvironment in which sperm maturation occurs and sperm are stored. Our results suggest that Spink2 from carp seminal plasma may play a role in antibacterial semen defense, protecting semen against unwanted proteolysis within the reproductive tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariola A Dietrich
- Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - Mariola Słowińska
- Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Halina Karol
- Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Mikołaj Adamek
- Fish Disease Research Unit, University of Veterinary Medicine in Hanover, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Dieter Steinhagen
- Fish Disease Research Unit, University of Veterinary Medicine in Hanover, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Anna Hejmej
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Barbara Bilińska
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Andrzej Ciereszko
- Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland
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14
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Hepatocyte growth factor activator is a potential target proteinase for Kazal-type inhibitor in turkey ( Meleagris gallopavo ) seminal plasma. Theriogenology 2015; 84:425-436.e3. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2014] [Revised: 03/24/2015] [Accepted: 03/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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15
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Ribeiro CM, Queiróz DBC, Patrão MTCC, Denadai-Souza A, Romano RM, Silva EJR, Avellar MCW. Dynamic changes in the spatio-temporal expression of the β-defensin SPAG11C in the developing rat epididymis and its regulation by androgens. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2015; 404:141-50. [PMID: 25657045 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2015.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2014] [Revised: 01/02/2015] [Accepted: 01/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Herein, we characterized the spatio-temporal expression, cellular distribution and regulation by androgens of the β-defensin SPAG11C, the rat ortholog of the human SPAG11B isoform C, in the developing epididymis by using RT-PCR, in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. We observed that Spag11c mRNA was ubiquitously expressed in rat fetuses, but preferentially detected in male reproductive tissues at adulthood. SPAG11C (mRNA and protein) was prenatally mainly detected in the mesenchyme of the Wolffian duct, switching gradually after birth to a predominant localization in the epididymis epithelium during postnatal development. In the adult epididymis, smooth muscle and interstitial cells were also identified as sources of SPAG11C. Furthermore, SPAG11C was differentially immunolocalized on spermatozoa surface during their transit from testis throughout caput and cauda epididymis. Developmental and surgical castration studies suggested that androgens contribute to the epididymal cell type- and region-specific modulation of SPAG11C mRNA levels and immunolocalization. Together our findings provide novel insights into the potential role of β-defensins in the epididymis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla M Ribeiro
- Section of Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 04044-020, Brazil
| | - Daniel B C Queiróz
- Section of Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 04044-020, Brazil
| | - Marília T C C Patrão
- Section of Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 04044-020, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Denadai-Souza
- Section of Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 04044-020, Brazil
| | - Renata M Romano
- Section of Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 04044-020, Brazil
| | - Erick J R Silva
- Section of Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 04044-020, Brazil
| | - Maria Christina W Avellar
- Section of Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 04044-020, Brazil.
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16
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Schillebeeckx M, Pihlajoki M, Gretzinger E, Yang W, Thol F, Hiller T, Löbs AK, Röhrig T, Schrade A, Cochran R, Jay PY, Heikinheimo M, Mitra RD, Wilson DB. Novel markers of gonadectomy-induced adrenocortical neoplasia in the mouse and ferret. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2015; 399:122-30. [PMID: 25289806 PMCID: PMC4262703 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2014.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2014] [Revised: 07/18/2014] [Accepted: 09/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Gonadectomy (GDX) induces sex steroid-producing adrenocortical tumors in certain mouse strains and in the domestic ferret. Transcriptome analysis and DNA methylation mapping were used to identify novel genetic and epigenetic markers of GDX-induced adrenocortical neoplasia in female DBA/2J mice. Markers were validated using a combination of laser capture microdissection, quantitative RT-PCR, in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry. Microarray expression profiling of whole adrenal mRNA from ovariectomized vs. intact mice demonstrated selective upregulation of gonadal-like genes including Spinlw1 and Insl3 in GDX-induced adrenocortical tumors of the mouse. A complementary candidate gene approach identified Foxl2 as another gonadal-like marker expressed in GDX-induced neoplasms of the mouse and ferret. That both "male-specific" (Spinlw1) and "female-specific" (Foxl2) markers were identified is noteworthy and implies that the neoplasms exhibit mixed characteristics of male and female gonadal somatic cells. Genome-wide methylation analysis showed that two genes with hypomethylated promoters, Igfbp6 and Foxs1, are upregulated in GDX-induced adrenocortical neoplasms. These new genetic and epigenetic markers may prove useful for studies of steroidogenic cell development and for diagnostic testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximiliaan Schillebeeckx
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Marjut Pihlajoki
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki 00290, Finland
| | - Elisabeth Gretzinger
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Hochschule Mannheim, University of Applied Sciences, Mannheim 68163, Germany
| | - Wei Yang
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Franziska Thol
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Hochschule Mannheim, University of Applied Sciences, Mannheim 68163, Germany
| | - Theresa Hiller
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Hochschule Mannheim, University of Applied Sciences, Mannheim 68163, Germany
| | - Ann-Kathrin Löbs
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Hochschule Mannheim, University of Applied Sciences, Mannheim 68163, Germany
| | - Theresa Röhrig
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Hochschule Mannheim, University of Applied Sciences, Mannheim 68163, Germany
| | - Anja Schrade
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki 00290, Finland
| | - Rebecca Cochran
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Patrick Y Jay
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Markku Heikinheimo
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki 00290, Finland
| | - Robi D Mitra
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - David B Wilson
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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17
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Słowińska M, Liszewska E, Nynca J, Bukowska J, Hejmej A, Bilińska B, Szubstarski J, Kozłowski K, Jankowski J, Ciereszko A. Isolation and Characterization of an Ovoinhibitor, a Multidomain Kazal-Like Inhibitor from Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) Seminal Plasma1. Biol Reprod 2014; 91:108. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.114.118836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
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18
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De Gendt K, Verhoeven G, Amieux PS, Wilkinson MF. Genome-wide identification of AR-regulated genes translated in Sertoli cells in vivo using the RiboTag approach. Mol Endocrinol 2014; 28:575-91. [PMID: 24606126 DOI: 10.1210/me.2013-1391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
An understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which androgens drive spermatogenesis has been thwarted by the fact that few consistent androgen receptor (AR) target genes have been identified. Here, we addressed this issue using next-generation sequencing coupled with the RiboTag approach, which purifies translated mRNAs expressed in cells that express cyclic recombinase (CRE). Using RiboTag mice expressing CRE in Sertoli cells (SCs), we identified genes expressed specifically in SCs in both prepubertal and adult mice. Unexpectedly, this analysis revealed that the SC-specific gene program is already largely defined at the initiation of spermatogenesis despite the subsequent dramatic maturational changes known to occur in SCs. To identify AR-regulated genes, we generated triple-mutant mice in which the SCs express the RiboTag but lack ARs. RNA sequencing analysis revealed hundreds of SC-expressed AR-regulated genes that had previously gone unnoticed, including suppressed genes involved in ovarian development. Comparison of the SC-enriched dataset with that from the whole testes allowed us to classify genes in terms of their degree of expression in SCs. This revealed that a greater fraction of AR-up-regulated genes than AR-down-regulated genes were expressed predominantly in SCs. Our results also revealed that AR signaling in SCs causes a large number of genes not detectably expressed in SCs to undergo altered expression, thereby providing genome-wide evidence for wide-scale communication between SCs and other cells. Taken together, our results identified novel classes of genes expressed in a hormone-dependent manner in different testicular cell subsets and highlight a new approach to analyze cell type-specific gene regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karel De Gendt
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Institute of Genomic Medicine (M.F.W.), University of California, La Jolla, California 92093 (K.D.G., M.F.W.); Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium (K.D.G., G.V.); and Department of Biology, Western Washington University, Bellingham, Washington 98225 (P.S.A.)
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19
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Gupta SK, Shrestha A, Minhas V. Milestones in contraceptive vaccines development and hurdles in their application. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2013; 10:911-25. [PMID: 24262991 DOI: 10.4161/hv.27202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Contraceptive vaccines have been proposed for controlling the growing human population and wildlife population management. Multiple targets such as gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, gonadotropin receptors, sperm-specific proteins and zona pellucida glycoproteins have been exploited to develop contraceptive vaccine and their efficacy investigated and shown in various experimental animal models. Vaccines based on GnRH have found application in immuno-castration of male pigs for prevention of boar-taint. Vaccines based on zona pellucida glycoproteins have shown promising results for population management of wild horses and white-tailed deer. Phase II clinical trials in women with β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG)-based contraceptive vaccine established proof of principle that these can be developed for human application. Block in fertility by β-hCG contraceptive vaccine was reversible. Further research inputs are required to establish the safety of contraceptive vaccines, improve their immunogenicity and to develop novel vaccine delivery platforms for providing long lasting immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satish Kumar Gupta
- Reproductive Cell Biology Laboratory; National Institute of Immunology; Aruna Asaf Ali Marg; New Delhi, India
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20
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Pujianto DA, Loanda E, Sari P, Midoen YH, Soeharso P. Sperm-associated antigen 11A is expressed exclusively in the principal cells of the mouse caput epididymis in an androgen-dependent manner. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2013; 11:59. [PMID: 23815807 PMCID: PMC3710511 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-11-59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2012] [Accepted: 06/26/2013] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epididymal sperm maturation occurs via interactions between sperm and proteins secreted by the epididymal epithelium. Although this is an important process, the genes that encode the involved proteins remain largely uncharacterized. Previous studies have demonstrated that the genes involved in sperm maturation are regulated by androgen. Spag11a is an epididymal gene that is influenced by androgen. However, little is known about the putative role of this gene in the sperm maturation process. The objective of this study was to characterize Spag11a in the mouse epididymis. METHODS In silico analyses were performed to predict signal peptides and functional domains. Spag11a expression was measured by quantitative real-time RT-PCR. Western blots and immunocytochemistry were performed to determine protein expression. RESULTS SPAG11A is a member of the beta defensin protein family and constitutes a secretory protein. Spag11a was expressed exclusively in the epididymis. Moreover, it exhibited region-specific expression in the caput, which is typical for genes that are involved in creating a suitable microenvironment for sperm maturation. Mouse Spag11a was regulated by androgen. A significant decrease of Spag11a expression was observed at third day following a gonadectomy (P < 0.001). Interestingly, testosterone replacement therapy was able to maintain the expression almost at the normal level, indicating a dependency on androgen. Besides androgen, testicular factors influenced Spag11a expression in a different way. This was revealed by efferent duct ligation in which Spag11a was transiently up-regulated at the third day following the ligation before returning to the normal level at day 5. Spag11a regional expression was also observed at protein level detected by western immunoblotting which revealed a clear band in the caput but not in other regions. The prediction that SPAG11A is a secretory protein was confirmed by immunocytochemical analyses indicating cell-specific expression mainly in the caput principal cells and detection of the protein in epididymal luminal fluid and spermatozoa. CONCLUSIONS Based on the characteristics of Spag11a, it is likely that this gene has a specific role in epididymal sperm maturation. Further studies using functional assays are necessary to confirm this finding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dwi A Pujianto
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, Jl. Salemba Raya 6, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia
| | - Evelyn Loanda
- Master Program for Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, Jl. Salemba Raya 6, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Atma Jaya Catholic University, Jl. Pluit Raya 2, Jakarta 14440, Indonesia
| | - Puji Sari
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, Jl. Salemba Raya 6, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia
| | - Yurnadi H Midoen
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, Jl. Salemba Raya 6, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia
| | - Purnomo Soeharso
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, Jl. Salemba Raya 6, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia
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