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López-González I, Oseguera-López I, Castillo R, Darszon A. Influence of extracellular ATP on mammalian sperm physiology. Reprod Fertil Dev 2024; 36:RD23227. [PMID: 38870344 DOI: 10.1071/rd23227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
In addition to its central role in cellular metabolism, adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) is an important extracellular signalling molecule involved in various physiological processes. In reproduction, extracellular ATP participates in both autocrine and paracrine paths regulating gametogenesis, gamete maturation and fertilisation. This review focusses on how extracellular ATP modulates sperm physiology with emphasis on the mammalian acrosome reaction. The presence of extracellular ATP in the reproductive tract is primarily determined by the ion channels and transporters that influence its movement within the cells comprising the tract. The main targets of extracellular ATP in spermatozoa are its own transporters, particularly species-specific sperm purinergic receptors. We also discuss notable phenotypes from knock-out mouse models and human Mendelian inheritance related to ATP release mechanisms, along with immunological, proteomic, and functional observations regarding sperm purinergic receptors and their involvement in sperm signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- I López-González
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad # 2001, Col. Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos CP 62210, México
| | - I Oseguera-López
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad # 2001, Col. Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos CP 62210, México
| | - R Castillo
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad # 2001, Col. Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos CP 62210, México
| | - A Darszon
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad # 2001, Col. Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos CP 62210, México
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Liang M, Ji N, Song J, Kang H, Zeng X. Flagellar pH homeostasis mediated by Na+/H+ exchangers regulates human sperm functions through coupling with CatSper and KSper activation. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:674-688. [PMID: 38366201 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Whether and how do Na+/H+ exchangers (NHEs) regulate the physiological functions of human sperm? SUMMARY ANSWER NHE-mediated flagellar intracellular pH (pHi) homeostasis facilitates the activation of the pH-sensitive, sperm-specific Ca2+ channel (CatSper) and the sperm-specific K+ channel (KSper), which subsequently modulate sperm motility, hyperactivation, flagellar tyrosine phosphorylation, and the progesterone (P4)-induced acrosome reaction. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Sperm pHi alkalization is an essential prerequisite for the acquisition of sperm-fertilizing capacity. Different sperm functions are strictly controlled by particular pHi regulatory mechanisms. NHEs are suggested to modulate sperm H+ efflux. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This was a laboratory study that used samples from >50 sperm donors over a period of 1 year. To evaluate NHE action on human sperm function, 5-(N,N-dimethyl)-amiloride (DMA), a highly selective inhibitor of NHEs, was utilized. All experiments were repeated at least five times using different individual sperm samples or cells. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS By utilizing the pH fluorescent indicator pHrodo Red-AM, we detected alterations in single-cell pHi value in human sperm. The currents of CatSper and KSper in human sperm were recorded by the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. Changes in population and single-cell Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) of human sperm loaded with Fluo 4-AM were measured. Membrane potential (Vm) and population pHi were quantitatively examined by a multimode plate reader after sperm were loaded with 3,3'-dipropylthiadicarbocyanine iodide and 2',7'-bis-(2-carboxyethyl)-5-(and-6)-carboxyfluorescein, acetoxymethyl ester, respectively. Sperm motility parameters were assessed by a computer-assisted semen analysis system. Tyrosine phosphorylation was determined by immunofluorescence, and sperm acrosome reaction was evaluated by Pisum sativum agglutinin-FITC staining. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE DMA-induced NHEs inhibition severely acidified the human sperm flagellar pHi from 7.20 ± 0.04 to 6.38 ± 0.12 (mean ± SEM), while the effect of DMA on acrosomal pHi was less obvious (from 5.90 ± 0.13 to 5.57 ± 0.12, mean ± SEM). The whole-cell patch-clamp recordings revealed that NHE inhibition remarkably suppressed alkalization-induced activation of CatSper and KSper. As a consequence, impairment of [Ca2+]i homeostasis and Vm maintenance were detected in the presence of DMA. During the capacitation process, pre-treatment with DMA for 2 h potently decreased sperm pHi, which in turn decreased sperm motility and kinetic parameters. Sperm capacitation-associated functions, including hyperactivation, tyrosine phosphorylation, and P4-induced acrosome reaction, were also compromised by NHE inhibition. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This was an in vitro study. Caution should be taken when extrapolating these results to in vivo applications. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This study revealed that NHEs are important physiological regulators for human CatSper and KSper, which are indispensable for human sperm fertility, suggesting that malfunction of NHEs could be an underlying mechanism for the pathogenesis of male infertility. FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (32271167 and 81871202 to X.Z.), Jiangsu Innovation and Entrepreneurship Talent Plan (JSSCRC20211543 to X.Z.), the Social Development Project of Jiangsu Province (No. BE2022765 to X.Z.), the Society and livelihood Project of Nantong City (No. MS22022087 to X.Z.), and the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province (BK20220608 to H.K.). The authors have no competing interests to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Liang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Nanxi Ji
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Jian Song
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Hang Kang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xuhui Zeng
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
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Schmidt CA, Hale BJ, Bhowmick D, Miller WJ, Neufer PD, Geyer CB. Pyruvate modulation of redox potential controls mouse sperm motility. Dev Cell 2024; 59:79-90.e6. [PMID: 38101411 PMCID: PMC10872278 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2023.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Sperm gain fertilization competence in the female reproductive tract through a series of biochemical changes and a requisite switch from linear progressive to hyperactive motility. Despite being essential for fertilization, regulation of sperm energy transduction is poorly understood. This knowledge gap confounds interpretation of interspecies variation and limits progress in optimizing sperm selection for assisted reproduction. Here, we developed a model of mouse sperm bioenergetics using metabolic phenotyping data, quantitative microscopy, and spectral flow cytometry. The results define a mechanism of motility regulation by microenvironmental pyruvate. Rather than being consumed as a mitochondrial fuel source, pyruvate stimulates hyperactivation by repressing lactate oxidation and activating glycolysis in the flagellum through provision of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)+. These findings provide evidence that the transitions in motility requisite for sperm competence are governed by changes in the metabolic microenvironment, highlighting the unexplored potential of using catabolite combination to optimize sperm selection for fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron A Schmidt
- Department of Biology at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA; East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA.
| | - Benjamin J Hale
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Debajit Bhowmick
- Flow Cytometry Core Facility, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - William J Miller
- Department of Engineering, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - P Darrell Neufer
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA; Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
| | - Christopher B Geyer
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA.
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4
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Suqueli García MF, Gabbanelli N, Ríos GL, Buschiazzo J. Exogenous progesterone during in vitro fertilization improves developmental competence of partially cumulus-denuded bovine oocytes. Theriogenology 2023; 211:11-18. [PMID: 37556930 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.07.036] [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: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
The progesterone (P4) secreted by cumulus cells has gained attention for its role as a possible physiological inducer of sperm acrosome exocytosis. In mammals, it is generally accepted that fertilization rates of oocytes without cumulus are markedly low. This study assessed the integrity of capacitated bovine sperm acrosome when exposed to increasing concentrations of P4, and evaluated whether exogenous P4 during in vitro fertilization (IVF) increases the developmental competence of partially cumulus-denuded oocytes in serum-free conditions. After a 4-h capacitation induction, sperm were incubated with increasing concentrations of P4 (0, 0.1, 10 and 100 μM) and evaluated for viability, caspase activation and acrosome status at three different times (4, 5, and 22 h), including the capacitation induction period. Progesterone induced sperm acrosomal exocytosis without compromising sperm viability or activating sperm caspases. Sperm undergoing acrosome reaction exhibited three differential Concanavalin A patterns, corresponding to early, intermediate and late acrosomal exocytosis. The percentage of these patterns significantly increased over time, regardless of P4 concentration, except for those spermatozoa with late acrosomal exocytosis, which only showed an increase at 22 h of incubation. After incubation for 1 h with 100 μM P4, spermatozoa showing intermediate acrosomal exocytosis significantly increased. At 22 h of incubation, the pattern corresponding to early acrosomal exocytosis evidenced a dose-dependent increase. However, prematurely high levels of acrosome reaction induced by 100 μM P4 led to inefficient IVF outcomes (P < 0.05). Therefore, IVF trials with partially cumulus-denuded oocytes were carried out with lower P4 concentrations (0, 0.1, 1, 5, 10 μM). Cleavage rate significantly increased at 1 μM P4, which translated to increased total embryo production after 7 days of in vitro culture (P < 0.05). Significantly higher percentages of expanded blastocysts were observed at both 1 μM and 10 μM P4 as compared to the other experimental conditions. In conclusion, the different patterns of acrosomal exocytosis identified over time by incubation of live sperm with a fluorescent lectin revealed the existence of sperm subpopulations heterogeneous in their physiological states. Moreover, exogenous P4 at 1 μM during IVF improved the developmental competence of partially cumulus-denuded oocytes in serum-free conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Florencia Suqueli García
- Laboratorio Biotecnología de la Reproducción, Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS Balcarce), Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ruta 226 km 73.5, 7620, Balcarce, Argentina.
| | - Nadia Gabbanelli
- Laboratorio Biotecnología de la Reproducción, Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS Balcarce), Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ruta 226 km 73.5, 7620, Balcarce, Argentina.
| | - Glenda Laura Ríos
- Laboratorio Biotecnología de la Reproducción, Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS Balcarce), Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ruta 226 km 73.5, 7620, Balcarce, Argentina.
| | - Jorgelina Buschiazzo
- Laboratorio Biotecnología de la Reproducción, Instituto de Innovación para la Producción Agropecuaria y el Desarrollo Sostenible (IPADS Balcarce), Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ruta 226 km 73.5, 7620, Balcarce, Argentina.
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5
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Skinner WM, Petersen NT, Unger B, Tang S, Tabarsi E, Lamm J, Jalalian L, Smith J, Bertholet AM, Xu K, Kirichok Y, Lishko PV. Mitochondrial uncouplers impair human sperm motility without altering ATP content†. Biol Reprod 2023; 109:192-203. [PMID: 37294625 PMCID: PMC10427809 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/11/2023] Open
Abstract
In human spermatozoa, the electrochemical potentials across the mitochondrial and plasma membranes are related to sperm functionality and fertility, but the exact role of each potential has yet to be clarified. Impairing sperm mitochondrial function has been considered as an approach to creating male or unisex contraceptives, but it has yet to be shown whether this approach would ultimately block the ability of sperm to reach or fertilize an egg. To investigate whether the mitochondrial and plasma membrane potentials are necessary for sperm fertility, human sperm were treated with two small-molecule mitochondrial uncouplers (niclosamide ethanolamine and BAM15) that depolarize membranes by inducing passive proton flow, and evaluated the effects on a variety of sperm physiological processes. BAM15 specifically uncoupled human sperm mitochondria while niclosamide ethanolamine induced proton current in the plasma membrane in addition to depolarizing the mitochondria. In addition, both compounds significantly decreased sperm progressive motility with niclosamide ethanolamine having a more robust effect. However, these uncouplers did not reduce sperm adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content or impair other physiological processes, suggesting that human sperm can rely on glycolysis for ATP production if mitochondria are impaired. Thus, systemically delivered contraceptives that target sperm mitochondria to reduce their ATP production would likely need to be paired with sperm-specific glycolysis inhibitors. However, since niclosamide ethanolamine impairs sperm motility through an ATP-independent mechanism, and niclosamide is FDA approved and not absorbed through mucosal membranes, it could be a useful ingredient in on-demand, vaginally applied contraceptives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Will M Skinner
- Endocrinology Graduate Group, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Natalie T Petersen
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Bret Unger
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Shaogeng Tang
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
- Sarafan ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Emiliano Tabarsi
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Julianna Lamm
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
- Dewpoint Therapeutics, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Liza Jalalian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, San Francisco Center for Reproductive Health, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - James Smith
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Ambre M Bertholet
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Ke Xu
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Yuriy Kirichok
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Polina V Lishko
- Endocrinology Graduate Group, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
- Department of Cell Biology & Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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6
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Oliver EI, Jabloñski M, Buffone MG, Darszon A. Two-pore channel 1 and Ca 2+ release-activated Ca 2+ channels contribute to the acrosomal pH-dependent intracellular Ca 2+ increase in mouse sperm. J Physiol 2023; 601:2935-2958. [PMID: 37278367 DOI: 10.1113/jp284247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The acrosome is a lysosome-related vesicular organelle located in the sperm head. The acrosomal reaction (AR) is an exocytic process mediated by Ca2+ and essential for mammalian fertilization. Recent findings support the importance of acrosomal alkalinization for the AR. Mibefradil (Mib) and NNC 55-0396 (NNC) are two amphipathic weak bases that block the sperm-specific Ca2+ channel (CatSper) and induce acrosomal pH (pHa ) increase by accumulating in the acrosomal lumen of mammalian sperm. This accumulation and pHa elevation increase the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+ ]i ) and trigger the AR by unknown mechanisms of Ca2+ transport. Here, we investigated the pathways associated with the pHa increase-induced Ca2+ signals using mouse sperm as a model. To address these questions, we used single-cell Ca2+ imaging, the lysosomotropic agent Gly-Phe-β-naphthylamide (GPN) and pharmacological tools. Our findings show that Mib and NNC increase pHa and release acrosomal Ca2+ without compromising acrosomal membrane integrity. Our GPN results indicate that the osmotic component does not significantly contribute to acrosomal Ca2+ release caused by pHa rise. Inhibition of two-pore channel 1 (TPC1) channels reduced the [Ca2+ ]i increase stimulated by acrosomal alkalinization. In addition, blockage of Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channels diminished Ca2+ uptake triggered by pHa alkalinization. Finally, our findings contribute to understanding how pHa controls acrosomal Ca2+ efflux and extracellular Ca2+ entry during AR in mouse sperm. KEY POINTS: The acrosomal vesicle is a lysosome-related organelle located in the sperm head. The acrosome reaction (AR) is a highly regulated exocytic process mediated by Ca2+ , which is essential for fertilization. However, the molecular identity of Ca2+ transporters involved in the AR and their mechanisms to regulate Ca2+ fluxes are not fully understood. In mammalian sperm, acrosomal alkalinization induces intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+ ]i ) increase and triggers the AR by unknown molecular mechanisms of Ca2+ transport. In this study, we explored the molecular mechanisms underlying Ca2+ signals caused by acrosomal alkalinization using mouse sperm as a model. TPC1 and CRAC channels contribute to [Ca2+ ]i elevation during acrosomal alkalinization. Our findings expand our understanding of how the acrosomal pH participates in the physiological induction of the AR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique I Oliver
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
- Centro de Investigación en Dinámica Celular, Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Básicas y Aplicadas, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Martina Jabloñski
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariano G Buffone
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alberto Darszon
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
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7
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Bollwein H, Malama E. Review: Evaluation of bull fertility. Functional and molecular approaches. Animal 2023; 17 Suppl 1:100795. [PMID: 37567681 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2023.100795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
With the term "assisted reproduction technologies" in modern cattle farming, one could imply the collection of techniques that aim at the optimal use of bovine gametes to produce animals of high genetic value in a time- and cost-efficient manner. The accurate characterisation of sperm quality plays a critical role for the efficiency of several assisted reproduction-related procedures, such as sperm processing, in vitro embryo production and artificial insemination. Bull fertility is ultimately a collective projection of the ability of a series of ejaculates to endure sperm processing stress, and achieve fertilisation of the oocyte and production of a viable and well-developing embryo. In this concept, the assessment of sperm functional and molecular characteristics is key to bull fertility diagnostics and prognostics. Among others, functional features linked to sperm plasma membrane, acrosome and DNA integrity are usually assessed as a measure of the ability of sperm to express the phenotypes that will allow them to maintain their homeostasis and orchestrate-in a strict temporal manner-the course of events that will enable the delivery of their genetic content to the oocyte upon fertilisation. Nevertheless, measures of sperm functionality are not always adequate indicators of bull fertility. Nowadays, advancements in the field of molecular biology have facilitated the profiling of several biomolecules in male gametes. The molecular profiling of bovine sperm offers a deeper insight into the mechanisms underlying sperm physiology and, thus, can reveal novel candidate markers for bull fertility prognosis. In this review, the importance of three organelles (the nucleus, the plasma membrane and the acrosome) for the characterisation of sperm fertilising capacity and bull fertility is discussed at functional and molecular levels. In particular, information about sperm head morphometry, chromatin structure, viability as well as the ability of sperm to capacitate and undergo the acrosome reaction are presented in relation to the cryotolerance of male gametes and bull fertility. Finally, major spermatozoal coding and non-coding RNAs, and proteins that are involved in the above-mentioned aspects of sperm functionality are also summarised.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Bollwein
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Department for Farm Animals, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - E Malama
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Department for Farm Animals, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
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8
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The SLC9C2 Gene Product (Na+/H+ Exchanger Isoform 11; NHE11) Is a Testis-Specific Protein Localized to the Head of Mature Mammalian Sperm. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065329. [PMID: 36982403 PMCID: PMC10049371 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Na+/H+ exchangers (NHEs) are a family of ion transporters that regulate the pH of various cell compartments across an array of cell types. In eukaryotes, NHEs are encoded by the SLC9 gene family comprising 13 genes. SLC9C2, which encodes the NHE11 protein, is the only one of the SLC9 genes that is essentially uncharacterized. Here, we show that SLC9C2 exhibits testis/sperm-restricted expression in rats and humans, akin to its paralog SLC9C1 (NHE10). Similar to NHE10, NHE11 is predicted to contain an NHE domain, a voltage sensing domain, and finally an intracellular cyclic nucleotide binding domain. An immunofluorescence analysis of testis sections reveals that NHE11 localizes with developing acrosomal granules in spermiogenic cells in both rat and human testes. Most interestingly, NHE11 localizes to the sperm head, likely the plasma membrane overlaying the acrosome, in mature sperm from rats and humans. Therefore, NHE11 is the only known NHE to localize to the acrosomal region of the head in mature sperm cells. The physiological role of NHE11 has yet to be demonstrated but its predicted functional domains and unique localization suggests that it could modulate intracellular pH of the sperm head in response to changes in membrane potential and cyclic nucleotide concentrations that are a result of sperm capacitation events. If NHE11 is shown to be important for male fertility, it will be an attractive target for male contraceptive drugs due to its exclusive testis/sperm-specific expression.
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9
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Torres-García E, Pinto-Cámara R, Linares A, Martínez D, Abonza V, Brito-Alarcón E, Calcines-Cruz C, Valdés-Galindo G, Torres D, Jabloñski M, Torres-Martínez HH, Martínez JL, Hernández HO, Ocelotl-Oviedo JP, Garcés Y, Barchi M, D’Antuono R, Bošković A, Dubrovsky JG, Darszon A, Buffone MG, Morales RR, Rendon-Mancha JM, Wood CD, Hernández-García A, Krapf D, Crevenna ÁH, Guerrero A. Extending resolution within a single imaging frame. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7452. [PMID: 36460648 PMCID: PMC9718789 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34693-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The resolution of fluorescence microscopy images is limited by the physical properties of light. In the last decade, numerous super-resolution microscopy (SRM) approaches have been proposed to deal with such hindrance. Here we present Mean-Shift Super Resolution (MSSR), a new SRM algorithm based on the Mean Shift theory, which extends spatial resolution of single fluorescence images beyond the diffraction limit of light. MSSR works on low and high fluorophore densities, is not limited by the architecture of the optical setup and is applicable to single images as well as temporal series. The theoretical limit of spatial resolution, based on optimized real-world imaging conditions and analysis of temporal image stacks, has been measured to be 40 nm. Furthermore, MSSR has denoising capabilities that outperform other SRM approaches. Along with its wide accessibility, MSSR is a powerful, flexible, and generic tool for multidimensional and live cell imaging applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esley Torres-García
- grid.412873.b0000 0004 0484 1712Centro de Investigación en Ciencias, Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Básicas y Aplicadas, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Morelos Mexico ,grid.9486.30000 0001 2159 0001Laboratorio Nacional de Microscopía Avanzada, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos Mexico
| | - Raúl Pinto-Cámara
- grid.412873.b0000 0004 0484 1712Centro de Investigación en Ciencias, Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Básicas y Aplicadas, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Morelos Mexico ,grid.9486.30000 0001 2159 0001Laboratorio Nacional de Microscopía Avanzada, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos Mexico
| | - Alejandro Linares
- grid.9486.30000 0001 2159 0001Laboratorio Nacional de Microscopía Avanzada, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos Mexico ,grid.144532.5000000012169920XAnalytical and Quantitative Light Microscopy, Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA USA
| | - Damián Martínez
- grid.9486.30000 0001 2159 0001Laboratorio Nacional de Microscopía Avanzada, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos Mexico
| | - Víctor Abonza
- grid.9486.30000 0001 2159 0001Laboratorio Nacional de Microscopía Avanzada, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos Mexico
| | - Eduardo Brito-Alarcón
- grid.9486.30000 0001 2159 0001Laboratorio Nacional de Microscopía Avanzada, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos Mexico
| | - Carlos Calcines-Cruz
- grid.9486.30000 0001 2159 0001Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Gustavo Valdés-Galindo
- grid.9486.30000 0001 2159 0001Departamento de Química de Biomacromoléculas, Instituto de Química. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - David Torres
- grid.9486.30000 0001 2159 0001Laboratorio Nacional de Microscopía Avanzada, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos Mexico
| | - Martina Jabloñski
- grid.464644.00000 0004 0637 7271Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME‐CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Héctor H. Torres-Martínez
- grid.9486.30000 0001 2159 0001Departamento de Biología Molecular de Plantas, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos Mexico
| | - José L. Martínez
- grid.9486.30000 0001 2159 0001Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos Mexico
| | - Haydee O. Hernández
- grid.9486.30000 0001 2159 0001Instituto de Investigaciones en Matemáticas Aplicadas y en Sistemas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - José P. Ocelotl-Oviedo
- grid.9486.30000 0001 2159 0001Laboratorio Nacional de Microscopía Avanzada, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos Mexico
| | - Yasel Garcés
- grid.9486.30000 0001 2159 0001Laboratorio Nacional de Microscopía Avanzada, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos Mexico ,grid.9486.30000 0001 2159 0001Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos Mexico
| | - Marco Barchi
- grid.6530.00000 0001 2300 0941Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Ana Bošković
- grid.418924.20000 0004 0627 3632Neurobiology and Epigenetics Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Monterotondo, Rome Italy
| | - Joseph G. Dubrovsky
- grid.9486.30000 0001 2159 0001Departamento de Biología Molecular de Plantas, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos Mexico
| | - Alberto Darszon
- grid.9486.30000 0001 2159 0001Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos Mexico
| | - Mariano G. Buffone
- grid.464644.00000 0004 0637 7271Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME‐CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Roberto Rodríguez Morales
- grid.472559.80000 0004 0498 8706Instituto de Cibernética, Matemática y Física, Ciudad de la Habana, Cuba
| | - Juan Manuel Rendon-Mancha
- grid.412873.b0000 0004 0484 1712Centro de Investigación en Ciencias, Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Básicas y Aplicadas, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Morelos Mexico
| | - Christopher D. Wood
- grid.9486.30000 0001 2159 0001Laboratorio Nacional de Microscopía Avanzada, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos Mexico
| | - Armando Hernández-García
- grid.9486.30000 0001 2159 0001Departamento de Química de Biomacromoléculas, Instituto de Química. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Diego Krapf
- grid.47894.360000 0004 1936 8083Electrical and Computer Engineering and School of Biomedical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO USA
| | - Álvaro H. Crevenna
- grid.418924.20000 0004 0627 3632Neurobiology and Epigenetics Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Monterotondo, Rome Italy
| | - Adán Guerrero
- grid.9486.30000 0001 2159 0001Laboratorio Nacional de Microscopía Avanzada, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos Mexico
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10
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Tourmente M, Sanchez-Rodriguez A, Roldan ERS. Effect of Motility Factors D-Penicillamine, Hypotaurine and Epinephrine on the Performance of Spermatozoa from Five Hamster Species. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:526. [PMID: 35453725 PMCID: PMC9032960 DOI: 10.3390/biology11040526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Assessments of sperm performance are valuable tools for the analysis of sperm fertilizing potential and to understand determinants of male fertility. Hamster species constitute important animal models because they produce sperm cells in high quantities and of high quality. Sexual selection over evolutionary time in these species seems to have resulted in the largest mammalian spermatozoa, and high swimming and bioenergetic performances. Earlier studies showed that golden hamster sperm requires motility factors such as D-penicillamine, hypotaurine and epinephrine (PHE) to sustain survival over time, but it is unknown how they affect swimming kinetics or ATP levels and if other hamster species also require them. The objective of the present study was to examine the effect of PHE on spermatozoa of five hamster species (Mesocricetus auratus, Cricetulus griseus, Phodopus campbelli, P. sungorus, P. roborovskii). In sperm incubated for up to 4 h without or with PHE, we assessed motility, viability, acrosome integrity, sperm velocity and trajectory, and ATP content. The results showed differences in the effect of PHE among species. They had a significant positive effect on the maintenance of sperm quality in M. auratus and C. griseus, whereas there was no consistent effect on spermatozoa of the Phodopus species. Differences between species may be the result of varying underlying regulatory mechanisms of sperm performance and may be important to understand how they relate to successful fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximiliano Tourmente
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, Spanish Research Council (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain;
- Centro de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Cordoba X5016GCA, Argentina
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas (IIByT), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científica y Técnicas (CONICET), Cordoba X5016GCA, Argentina
| | - Ana Sanchez-Rodriguez
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, Spanish Research Council (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Eduardo R. S. Roldan
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, Spanish Research Council (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain;
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11
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Matamoros-Volante A, Castillo-Viveros V, Torres-Rodríguez P, Treviño MB, Treviño CL. Time-Lapse Flow Cytometry: A Robust Tool to Assess Physiological Parameters Related to the Fertilizing Capability of Human Sperm. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010093. [PMID: 33374265 PMCID: PMC7796328 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasma membrane (PM) hyperpolarization, increased intracellular pH (pHi), and changes in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) are physiological events that occur during human sperm capacitation. These parameters are potential predictors of successful outcomes for men undergoing artificial reproduction techniques (ARTs), but methods currently available for their determination pose various technical challenges and limitations. Here, we developed a novel strategy employing time-lapse flow cytometry (TLFC) to determine capacitation-related membrane potential (Em) and pHi changes, and progesterone-induced [Ca2+]i increases. Our results show that TLFC is a robust method to measure absolute Em and pHi values and to qualitatively evaluate [Ca2+]i changes. To support the usefulness of our methodology, we used sperm from two types of normozoospermic donors: known paternity (subjects with self-reported paternity) and no-known paternity (subjects without self-reported paternity and no known fertility problems). We found relevant differences between them. The incidences of membrane hyperpolarization, pHi alkalinization, and increased [Ca2+]i were consistently high among known paternity samples (100%, 100%, and 86%, respectively), while they varied widely among no-known paternity samples (44%, 17%, and 45%, respectively). Our results indicate that TLFC is a powerful tool to analyze key physiological parameters of human sperm, which pending clinical validation, could potentially be employed as fertility predictors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arturo Matamoros-Volante
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca Morelos 62210, Mexico; (A.M.-V.); (V.C.-V.); (P.T.-R.)
| | - Valeria Castillo-Viveros
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca Morelos 62210, Mexico; (A.M.-V.); (V.C.-V.); (P.T.-R.)
| | - Paulina Torres-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca Morelos 62210, Mexico; (A.M.-V.); (V.C.-V.); (P.T.-R.)
| | - Marcela B. Treviño
- Science Department, School of Pure and Applied Sciences, Florida SouthWestern State College, Fort Myers, FL 33919, USA;
| | - Claudia L. Treviño
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca Morelos 62210, Mexico; (A.M.-V.); (V.C.-V.); (P.T.-R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +52-777-329-1611
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