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Karoii DH, Azizi H, Skutella T. Whole transcriptome analysis to identify non-coding RNA regulators and hub genes in sperm of non-obstructive azoospermia by microarray, single-cell RNA sequencing, weighted gene co-expression network analysis, and mRNA-miRNA-lncRNA interaction analysis. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:583. [PMID: 38858625 PMCID: PMC11165898 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10506-9] [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: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The issue of male fertility is becoming increasingly common due to genetic differences inherited over generations. Gene expression and evaluation of non-coding RNA (ncRNA), crucial for sperm development, are significant factors. This gene expression can affect sperm motility and, consequently, fertility. Understanding the intricate protein interactions that play essential roles in sperm differentiation and development is vital. This knowledge could lead to more effective treatments and interventions for male infertility. MATERIALS AND METHODS Our research aim to identify new and key genes and ncRNA involved in non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), improving genetic diagnosis and offering more accurate estimates for successful sperm extraction based on an individual's genotype. RESULTS We analyzed the transcript of three NOA patients who tested negative for genetic sperm issues, employing comprehensive genome-wide analysis of approximately 50,000 transcript sequences using microarray technology. This compared gene expression profiles between NOA sperm and normal sperm. We found significant gene expression differences: 150 genes were up-regulated, and 78 genes were down-regulated, along with 24 ncRNAs up-regulated and 13 ncRNAs down-regulated compared to normal conditions. By cross-referencing our results with a single-cell genomics database, we identified overexpressed biological process terms in differentially expressed genes, such as "protein localization to endosomes" and "xenobiotic transport." Overrepresented molecular function terms in up-regulated genes included "voltage-gated calcium channel activity," "growth hormone-releasing hormone receptor activity," and "sialic acid transmembrane transporter activity." Analysis revealed nine hub genes associated with NOA sperm: RPL34, CYB5B, GOL6A6, LSM1, ARL4A, DHX57, STARD9, HSP90B1, and VPS36. CONCLUSIONS These genes and their interacting proteins may play a role in the pathophysiology of germ cell abnormalities and infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danial Hashemi Karoii
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Amol University of Special Modern Technologies, Amol, Iran
| | - Hossein Azizi
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Amol University of Special Modern Technologies, Amol, Iran.
| | - Thomas Skutella
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 307, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
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Jalalabadi FN, Cheraghi E, Janatifar R, Momeni HR. The Detection of CatSper1 and CatSper3 Expression in Men with Normozoospermia and Asthenoteratozoospermia and Its Association with Sperm Parameters, Fertilization Rate, Embryo Quality. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:704-713. [PMID: 37957468 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01397-4] [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: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
CatSper affects sperm function and male fertilization capacity markers, including sperm motility and egg penetration. The study has aimed to evaluate the mRNA expression of CatSper1, and CatSper3 in the spermatozoa of men with normozoospermia and Asthenoteratozoospermia, and to assess the correlation between genes expression and sperm parameters, fertilization rate, and embryo quality in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was utilized to evaluate the mRNA expression of CatSper1 and CatSper3 in sperm in two patient groups: Normozoospermia (NOR; n = 32), and Asthenoteratozoospermia (AT; n = 22). In all patients receiving intracytoplasmic sperm injection, the fertilization rate and embryo quality were evaluated. CatSper1, and CatSper3 mRNA expression in sperm was significantly lower in AT males than in NOR (P < 0.05). Levels of these genes demonstrated a significant positive correlation with sperm motility, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), capacitation, fertilization rate, cleavage rate, and embryo quality (P < 0.05) following ICSI. However, a negative correlation was found between mRNA expression of CatSper1, 3 and sperm DNA fragmentation (P < 0.05). Findings indicate low levels of CatSper1 and CatSper3 mRNA expression in men with Asthenoteratozoospermia, which resulted in poor sperm quality and impaired embryo development following ICSI therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ebrahim Cheraghi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Qom, Qom, Iran
| | - Rahil Janatifar
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Academic Center for Education Culture and Research (ACECR), Qom, Iran
| | - Hamid Reza Momeni
- Biology Department, Faculty of Science, Arak University, Arak, Iran.
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3
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Swain N, Samanta L, Goswami C, Kar S, Majhi RK, Kumar S, Dixit A. TRPV1 channel in spermatozoa is a molecular target for ROS-mediated sperm dysfunction and differentially expressed in both natural and ART pregnancy failure. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:867057. [PMID: 36211461 PMCID: PMC9538505 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.867057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bi-directional crosstalk between Ca2+ signaling and ROS modulates physiological processes as a part of a regulatory circuit including sperm function. The role of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) in this regard cannot be undermined. This is the first report demonstrating the Ca2+-sensitive TRPV1 channel to be under-expressed in spermatozoa of subfertile men, idiopathic infertile men, and normozoospermic infertile males with high ROS (idiopathic infertility and unilateral varicocele). To study the effect of TRPV1 in determining the fertility outcome, we compared the expression profile of TRPV1 in spermatozoa of male partners who achieved pregnancy by natural conception (NC+, n = 10), IVF (IVF+, n = 23), or ICSI (ICSI +, n = 9) and their respective counterparts with failed pregnancy NC (n = 7), IVF (n = 23), or ICSI (n = 10), by both immunocytochemistry and flow-cytometry. Reduced expression of TRPV1 in sperm of IVF ± and ICSI ± men with respect to that NC+ men imply its role in mediating successful fertilization. Unsuccessful pregnancy outcome with an underexpression of TRPV1 in sperm of NC-/IVF-/ICSI-men suggests its role in conception and maintenance of pregnancy. Since ROS is regarded as one of the major contributors to sperm dysfunction, the effect of H2O2 +/- TRPV1 modulators (RTX/iRTX) on acrosomal reaction and calcium influx was evaluated to confirm TRPV1 as a redox sensor in human sperm. A significant increment in the percentage of acrosome reacted spermatozoa along with augmented Ca2+-influx was observed after H2O2 treatment, both in the presence or absence of TRPV1 agonist resiniferatoxin (RTX). The effect was attenuated by the TRPV1 antagonist iodoresiniferatoxin (iRTX), indicating the involvement of TRPV1 in mediating H2O2 response. Enhancement of motility and triggering of acrosomal reaction post TRPV1 activation suggested that disruption of these signaling cascades in vivo, possibly due to down-regulation of TRPV1 in these subfertile males. Bioinformatic analysis of the crosstalk between TRPV1 with fertility candidate proteins (reported to influence IVF outcome) revealed cell death and survival, cellular compromise, and embryonic development to be the primary networks affected by anomalous TRPV1 expression. We therefore postulate that TRPV1 can act as a redox sensor, and its expression in spermatozoa may serve as a fertility marker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirlipta Swain
- Redox Biology & Proteomics Laboratory, Department of Zoology, School of Life Sciences, Ravenshaw University, Cuttack, Odisha, India
- School of Biological Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research, HBNI, Khordha, Odisha, India
| | - Luna Samanta
- Redox Biology & Proteomics Laboratory, Department of Zoology, School of Life Sciences, Ravenshaw University, Cuttack, Odisha, India
- Centre for Excellence in Environment and Public Health, Ravenshaw University, Cuttack, Odisha, India
- *Correspondence: Luna Samanta, ; Chandan Goswami,
| | - Chandan Goswami
- School of Biological Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research, HBNI, Khordha, Odisha, India
- *Correspondence: Luna Samanta, ; Chandan Goswami,
| | - Sujata Kar
- Kar Clinic and Hospital Pvt. Ltd., Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Rakesh Kumar Majhi
- School of Biological Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research, HBNI, Khordha, Odisha, India
| | - Sugandh Kumar
- Computational Biology and Bioinformatics Laboratory, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Anshuman Dixit
- Computational Biology and Bioinformatics Laboratory, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
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4
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Allaeian Jahromi Z, Meshkibaf MH, Naghdi M, Vahdati A, Makoolati Z. Methamphetamine Downregulates the Sperm-Specific Calcium Channels Involved in Sperm Motility in Rats. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:5190-5196. [PMID: 35187334 PMCID: PMC8851642 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c06242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Calcium channels play essential roles in sperm motility. A family of sperm-specific cation channels including CatSper1-4 has been identified as voltage-dependent ion channels that act as sperm motility regulators. Methamphetamine is known to cause apoptosis in seminiferous tubules and affect sperm quality. This research was conducted to investigate the effects of methamphetamine on expression of the CatSper family and Mvh genes. Thirty-six adult Wistar rats were divided into four groups of nine rats each: the control and experimental groups 1, 2, and 3. The control group received no solvents or drugs, but experimental groups 1, 2, and 3 were daily given 0.2 mL of a solution by gavage that contained 0.5, 1, and 2 mg of methamphetamine, respectively, for 45 days. The rats were then anesthetized, and one testis removed from each rat was used in a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's posthoc test were used to analyze the data at the P < 0.05 significance level. Treatment with methamphetamine resulted in decreased testis and epididymis weights compared to the control rats. The results showed that the mRNA fold expression level of the CatSper family and Mvh genes decreased significantly in experimental groups compared to that in the control (P < 0.05). Methamphetamine decreased the expression levels of the CatSper and Mvh genes, and thus, it seemed that it can increase the probability of infertility through sperm motility reduction by lowering the expression levels of these genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Allaeian Jahromi
- Department
of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Fars 11341-73631, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hassan Meshkibaf
- Department
of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa 74616-86688, Iran
| | - Majid Naghdi
- Department
of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa 74616-86688, Iran
| | - Akbar Vahdati
- Department
of Biology, Shiraz Branch, Islamic Azad
University, Shiraz 71937-1135, Iran
| | - Zohreh Makoolati
- Department
of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa 74616-86688, Iran
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5
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Chen C, Li B, Huang R, Dong S, Zhou Y, Song J, Zeng X, Zhang X. Involvement of Ca 2+ and ROS signals in nickel-impaired human sperm function. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 231:113181. [PMID: 35026585 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
As one of the main environmental pollutants and occupational hazards, nickel has been reported to have mutagenic, carcinogenic, and teratogenic properties, as well as reproductive toxicity. However, how nickel affects human reproduction is still unclear. In this study, the toxicity of nickel on human sperm and the underlying mechanisms were evaluated in vitro. We found that NiCl2 (10, 50, and 250 μM) impaired sperm total motility and progressive motility in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In addition, sperm hyperactivation and the ability of human sperm to penetrate a viscous medium were found to be compromised after nickel exposure. Mechanically, NiCl2 significantly inhibited the basal intracellular Ca2+ signaling. Besides, reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide, and malondialdehyde levels were increased in human sperm after exposure to different concentrations of NiCl2. Consistently, eliminating excess ROS by N-acetyl-L-cysteine or tocopherol significantly alleviated nickel-impaired sperm motility. Taken together, these results revealed that nickel could compromise sperm functions by interfering with Ca2+ signaling and inducing excessive oxidative stress. These findings suggest that, in the high and occupational nickel exposure environments, the contribution of nickel toxicity to the males who wish to preserve their fertility is worthy of careful evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Chen
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, PR China
| | - Bingqian Li
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, PR China
| | - Rongzu Huang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, PR China
| | - Shijue Dong
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, PR China
| | - Yang Zhou
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, PR China
| | - Jian Song
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, PR China
| | - Xuhui Zeng
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, PR China.
| | - Xiaoning Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, PR China.
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6
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Risk compounds, potential mechanisms and biomarkers of Traditional Chinese medicine‐induced reproductive toxicity. J Appl Toxicol 2022; 42:1734-1756. [DOI: 10.1002/jat.4290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Abstract
Fertilization, a crucial event for species preservation, in sea urchins, as in many other organisms, requires sperm motility regulation. In Strongylocentrotus purpuratus sea urchins, speract, a sperm chemoattractant component released to seawater from the outer egg layer, attracts sperm after binding to its receptor in the sperm flagellum. Previous experiments performed in demembranated sperm indicated that motility regulation in these cells involved protein phosphorylation mainly due to the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA). However, little information is known about the involvement of protein kinase C (PKC) in this process. In this work, using intact S. purpuratus sea urchin sperm, we show that: (i) the levels of both phosphorylated PKA (PKA substrates) and PKC (PKC substrates) substrates change between immotile, motile and speract-stimulated sperm, and (ii) the non-competitive PKA (H89) and PKC (chelerythrine) inhibitors diminish the circular velocity of sperm and alter the phosphorylation levels of PKA substrates and PKC substrates, while the competitive inhibitors Rp-cAMP and bisindolylmaleimide (BIM) do not. Altogether, our results show that both PKA and PKC participate in sperm motility regulation through a crosstalk in the signalling pathway. These results contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms that govern motility in sea urchin sperm.
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8
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Loyo-Celis V, Orta G, Beltrán C, Darszon A. CatSper channels in sea urchin sperm. Cell Calcium 2021; 99:102466. [PMID: 34509139 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2021.102466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Sea urchin sperm swimming is regulated by speract, a decapeptide released from egg jelly that induces chemotaxis and triggers membrane potential (Em) changes, intracellular increases in cyclic nucleotides (cGMP, cAMP), pH (pHi) and calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i). The identity of the ionic transporters associated with the [Ca2+]i changes required for chemotaxis is not fully known. CatSper, a sperm exclusive Ca2+ channel has been detected by proteomic analysis and immunofluorescence in sea urchin sperm and there is evidence for its involvement in chemotaxis. This work presents an electrophysiological characterization of a CatSper channel in sea urchin sperm. By swelling sperm suspending them in 10-fold diluted artificial sea water (ASW) we achieve on-cell patch-clamp recordings that document a mildly voltage and pHi dependent Na+ permeable channel (in absence of divalent ions in the pipette), sensitive to speract, and blocked by Mibefradil (Mibe), NNC55-0396 (NNC) and RU1968 (RU) resembling CatSper. We also recorded a voltage dependent Cl- channel inhibited by Niflumic Acid and the TMEM16A blocker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verónica Loyo-Celis
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Gerardo Orta
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Carmen Beltrán
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Alberto Darszon
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México.
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9
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Momeni HR, Etemadi T, Alyasin A, Eskandari N. A novel role for involvement of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptors in sperm acrosome reaction. Andrologia 2021; 53:e14203. [PMID: 34378215 DOI: 10.1111/and.14203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Ionotropic glutamate receptors are expressed in mouse and human spermatozoa. However, the possible role of these receptors has not been reported in the sperm acrosome reaction. This study was conducted to demonstrate the function of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptors in the acrosome reaction of mouse spermatozoa. Epididymal spermatozoa from adult mice were release in a culture medium. The sperm suspension was then divided into six groups: (1) spermatozoa at 0 min, (2) spermatozoa at 60 min (control), (3) spermatozoa treated with NMDA glutamate receptor agonist (L-glutamate, LG), (4) spermatozoa treated with α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA)/kainite glutamate receptor agonist (kainic acid), (5) spermatozoa treated with NMDA glutamate receptor antagonist (MK-801)+LG and (6) spermatozoa treated with ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid (EGTA, as a calcium chelator)+ LG. The sperm samples were examined for the acrosome reaction and intracellular calcium concentration. After 60 min, LG but not kainic acid significantly increased both the acrosome reaction and intracellular calcium levels in the spermatozoa compared with the control group. Co-administration of MK-801 or EGTA+LG could significantly reverse the effect of LG in the acrosome reaction and the level of intracellular calcium as compared to the LG group. The possibility that LG induced the acrosome reaction and elevated inter-cellular calcium concentration in mouse spermatozoa and that MK-801 could reverse the effects of LG, may suggest the involvement of NMDA glutamate receptors, at least in the initiation of the acrosome reaction in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tahereh Etemadi
- Biology Department, Faculty of Science, Arak University, Arak, Iran
| | - Atieh Alyasin
- Biology Department, Faculty of Science, Arak University, Arak, Iran
| | - Najmeh Eskandari
- Biology Department, Faculty of Science, Arak University, Arak, Iran
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10
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Sánchez-Cárdenas C, Romarowski A, Orta G, De la Vega-Beltrán JL, Martín-Hidalgo D, Hernández-Cruz A, Visconti PE, Darszon A. Starvation induces an increase in intracellular calcium and potentiates the progesterone-induced mouse sperm acrosome reaction. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21528. [PMID: 33742713 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202100122r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
We have recently reported two different methodologies that improve sperm functionality. The first method involved transient exposure to the Ca2+ ionophore A23187 , and the second required sperm incubation in the absence of energy nutrients (starvation). Both methods were associated with an initial loss of motility followed by a rescue step involving ionophore removal or addition of energy metabolites, respectively. In this work, we show that starvation is accompanied by an increase in intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+ ]i ). Additionally, the starved cells acquire a significantly enhanced capacity to undergo a progesterone-induced acrosome reaction. Electrophysiological measurements show that CatSper channel remains active in starvation conditions. However, the increase in [Ca2+ ]i was also observed in sperm from CatSper null mice. Upon starvation, addition of energy nutrients reversed the effects on [Ca2+ ]i and decreased the effect of progesterone on the acrosome reaction to control levels. These data indicate that both methods have common molecular features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Sánchez-Cárdenas
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, UNAM, Cuernavaca, México
| | - Ana Romarowski
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Gerardo Orta
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, UNAM, Cuernavaca, México
| | - José Luis De la Vega-Beltrán
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, UNAM, Cuernavaca, México
| | - David Martín-Hidalgo
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA.,Research Group of Intracellular Signalling and Technology of Reproduction (Research Institute INBIO G+C), University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Arturo Hernández-Cruz
- Departamento de Neurociencia Cognitiva and Laboratorio Nacional de Canalopatías, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, UNAM, Ciudad Universitaria, México, México
| | - Pablo E Visconti
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Alberto Darszon
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, UNAM, Cuernavaca, México
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11
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Mata-Martínez E, Sánchez-Tusie AA, Darszon A, Mayorga LS, Treviño CL, De Blas GA. Epac activation induces an extracellular Ca 2+ -independent Ca 2+ wave that triggers acrosome reaction in human spermatozoa. Andrology 2021; 9:1227-1241. [PMID: 33609309 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The signaling pathways of the intracellular second messengers cAMP and Ca2+ play a crucial role in numerous physiological processes in human spermatozoa. One such process is the acrosome reaction (AR), which is necessary for spermatozoa to traverse the egg envelope and to expose a fusogenic membrane allowing the egg-sperm fusion. Progesterone and zona pellucida elicit an intracellular Ca2+ increase that is needed for the AR in the mammalian spermatozoa. This increase is mediated by an initial Ca2+ influx but also by a release from intracellular Ca2+ stores. It is known that intracellular Ca2+ stores play a central role in the regulation of [Ca2+ ]i and in the generation of complex Ca2+ signals such as oscillations and waves. In the human spermatozoa, it has been proposed that the cAMP analog and specific agonist of Epac 8-(p-chlorophenylthio)-2'-O-methyladenosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (2'-O-Me-cAMP) elicits an intracellular Ca2+ release involved in the AR. OBJECTIVE To identify the molecular entities involved in the Ca2+ mobilization triggered by 2'-O-Me-cAMP in human spermatozoa. MATERIALS AND METHODS In capacitated human spermatozoa, we monitored Ca2+ dynamics and the occurrence of the AR in real time using Fluo 3-AM and FM4-64 in a Ca2+ -free medium. RESULTS Epac activation by 2'-O-Me-cAMP induced a Ca2+ wave that started in the midpiece and propagated to the acrosome region. This Ca2+ response was sensitive to rotenone, CGP, xestospongin, NED-19, and thapsigargin, suggesting the participation of different ion transporters (mitochondrial complex I and Na+ /Ca2+ exchanger, inositol 3-phosphate receptors, two-pore channels and internal store Ca2+ -ATPases). DISCUSSION Our results suggest that Epac activation promotes a dynamic crosstalk between three different intracellular Ca2+ stores: the mitochondria, the redundant nuclear envelope, and the acrosome. CONCLUSION The Ca2+ wave triggered by Epac activation is necessary to induce the AR and to enhance the flagellar beat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esperanza Mata-Martínez
- Laboratorio de Fusión de Membranas y Exocitosis Acrosomal, Instituto de Histología y Embriología Dr. Mario H. Burgos (IHEM), Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, CONICET, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Ana Alicia Sánchez-Tusie
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Celular y Molecular, Departamento de Investigación Biomédica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, México
| | - Alberto Darszon
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Morelos, México
| | - Luis S Mayorga
- Laboratorio de Fusión de Membranas y Exocitosis Acrosomal, Instituto de Histología y Embriología Dr. Mario H. Burgos (IHEM), Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, CONICET, Mendoza, Argentina.,Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Claudia L Treviño
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Morelos, México
| | - Gerardo A De Blas
- Laboratorio de Fusión de Membranas y Exocitosis Acrosomal, Instituto de Histología y Embriología Dr. Mario H. Burgos (IHEM), Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, CONICET, Mendoza, Argentina.,Laboratorio de Teleanálisis e Investigación Traslacional, Área Farmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
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12
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Polyamines Influence Mouse Sperm Channels Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22010441. [PMID: 33406808 PMCID: PMC7795802 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Polyamines are ubiquitous polycationic compounds that are highly charged at physiological pH. While passing through the epididymis, sperm lose their capacity to synthesize the polyamines and, upon ejaculation, again come into contact with the polyamines contained in the seminal fluid, unleashing physiological events that improve sperm motility and capacitation. In the present work, we hypothesize about the influence of polyamines, namely, spermine, spermidine, and putrescine, on the activity of sperm channels, evaluating the intracellular concentrations of chloride [Cl−]i, calcium [Ca2+]i, sodium [Na+]i, potassium [K+]i, the membrane Vm, and pHi. The aim of this is to identify the possible regulatory mechanisms mediated by the polyamines on sperm-specific channels under capacitation and non-capacitation conditions. The results showed that the presence of polyamines did not directly influence the activity of calcium and chloride channels. However, the results suggested an interaction of polyamines with sodium and potassium channels, which may contribute to the membrane Vm during capacitation. In addition, alkalization of the pHi revealed the possible activation of sperm-specific Na+/H+ exchangers (NHEs) by the increased levels of cyclic AMP (cAMP), which were produced by soluble adenylate cyclase (sAC) and interact with the polyamines, evidence that is supported by in silico analysis.
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Wang J, Tang H, Zou Q, Zheng A, Li H, Yang S, Xiang J. Patient with CATSPER3 mutations-related failure of sperm acrosome reaction with successful pregnancy outcome from intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Mol Genet Genomic Med 2020; 9:e1579. [PMID: 33350607 PMCID: PMC8077087 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.1579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study is intended to investigate the candidate pathogenic gene in a patient with primary infertility but without the defect in routine semen parameters from a consanguineous family and explore the potential impacts of mutations on assisted reproductive technology outcome. Methods Whole‐exome sequencing (WES) was carried out. A variant in his family found by WES was verified by Sanger sequencing. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was applied to obtain a successful outcome. Results A Cation Channel of Sperm 3(CATSPER3) homozygous variant (NM_ 178019.3:exon5:c.707T>A, p.L236*) was identified for the first time. The anti‐CD46 immunofluorescence analysis revealed the failure of sperm acrosome reaction (AR) caused by the mutation. ICSI treatment was successful. Conclusion This is the first report of a homozygous pathogenic CATSPER3 mutation. This mutation may cause male infertility with the failure of AR but without the defect in routine semen parameters. ICSI was supposed to be the most appropriate therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxiong Wang
- Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Hui Tang
- Suzhou Center Affiliated to State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Suzhou Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Qinyan Zou
- Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Aiyan Zheng
- Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Hong Li
- Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Shenmin Yang
- Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jingjing Xiang
- Suzhou Center Affiliated to State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Suzhou Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
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Hidalgo DM, Romarowski A, Gervasi MG, Navarrete F, Balbach M, Salicioni AM, Levin LR, Buck J, Visconti PE. Capacitation increases glucose consumption in murine sperm. Mol Reprod Dev 2020; 87:1037-1047. [PMID: 32914502 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian sperm acquire fertilization capacity in the female reproductive tract in a process known as capacitation. During capacitation, sperm change their motility pattern (i.e., hyperactivation) and become competent to undergo the acrosome reaction. We have recently shown that, in the mouse, sperm capacitation is associated with increased uptake of fluorescently labeled deoxyglucose and with extracellular acidification suggesting enhanced glycolysis. Consistently, in the present work we showed that glucose consumption is enhanced in media that support mouse sperm capacitation suggesting upregulation of glucose metabolic pathways. The increase in glucose consumption was modulated by bicarbonate and blocked by protein kinase A and soluble adenylyl cyclase inhibitors. Moreover, permeable cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) agonists increase glucose consumption in sperm incubated in conditions that do not support capacitation. Also, the increase in glucose consumption was reduced when sperm were incubated in low calcium conditions. Interestingly, this reduction was not overcome with cAMP agonists. Despite these findings, glucose consumption of sperm from Catsper1 knockout mice was similar to the one from wild type suggesting that other sources of calcium are also relevant. Altogether, these results suggest that cAMP and calcium pathways are involved in the regulation of glycolytic energy pathways during murine sperm capacitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Hidalgo
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA.,Research Group of Intracellular Signaling and Technology of Reproduction (SINTREP), Institute of Biotechnology in Agriculture and Livestock (INBIO G+C), University of Extremadura, Caceres, Spain
| | - Ana Romarowski
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - María G Gervasi
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Felipe Navarrete
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Melanie Balbach
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell New York, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Ana M Salicioni
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lonny R Levin
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell New York, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Jochen Buck
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell New York, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Pablo E Visconti
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
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Darszon A, Nishigaki T, López-González I, Visconti PE, Treviño CL. Differences and Similarities: The Richness of Comparative Sperm Physiology. Physiology (Bethesda) 2020; 35:196-208. [PMID: 32293232 DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00033.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Species preservation depends on the success of fertilization. Sperm are uniquely equipped to fulfill this task, and, although several mechanisms are conserved among species, striking functional differences have evolved to contend with particular sperm-egg environmental characteristics. This review highlights similarities and differences in sperm strategies, with examples within internal and external fertilizers, pointing out unresolved issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Darszon
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca Morelos, México
| | - Takuya Nishigaki
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca Morelos, México
| | - Ignacio López-González
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca Morelos, México
| | - Pablo E Visconti
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts
| | - Claudia L Treviño
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca Morelos, México
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Vaquer CC, Suhaiman L, Pavarotti MA, De Blas GA, Belmonte SA. Ceramide induces a multicomponent intracellular calcium increase triggering the acrosome secretion in human sperm. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2020; 1867:118704. [PMID: 32194132 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2020.118704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Exocytosis of spermatozoon's secretory vesicle, named acrosome reaction (AR), is a regulated event that plays a central role in fertilization. It is coupled to a complex calcium signaling. Ceramide is a multitasking lipid involved in exocytosis. Nevertheless, its effect on secretion is controversial and the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms remain unknown. Human spermatozoa are useful to dissect the role of ceramide in secretion given that the gamete is not capable to undergo any trafficking mechanisms other than exocytosis. We report for the first time, the presence of sphingolipid metabolism enzymes such as neutral-sphingomyelinase and ceramide synthase in sperm. Ceramidases are also present and active. Both the addition of cell-permeable ceramide and the rise of the endogenous one, increase intracellular calcium acting as potent inducers of exocytosis. Ceramide triggers AR in capacitated spermatozoa and enhances the gamete response to progesterone. The lipid induces physiological ultrastructural changes in the acrosome and triggers an exocytosis-signaling cascade involving protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B and VAMP2. Real-time imaging showed an increment of calcium in the cytosol upon ceramide treatment either in the absence or in the presence of extracellular calcium. Pharmacological experiments demonstrate that at early stages the process involves ryanodine receptors, CatSper (calcium channel of sperm), and store-operated calcium channels. We set out the signaling sequence of events that connect ceramide to internal calcium mobilization and external calcium signals during secretion. These results allow the coordination of lipids and proteins in a pathway that accomplishes secretion. Our findings contribute to the understanding of ceramide's role in regulated exocytosis and fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cintia Celina Vaquer
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM) "Dr. Mario H. Burgos", CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, 5500 Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Laila Suhaiman
- Instituto Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Básicas (ICB), CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, 5500 Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Martín Alejandro Pavarotti
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM) "Dr. Mario H. Burgos", CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, 5500 Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Gerardo Andrés De Blas
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM) "Dr. Mario H. Burgos", CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, 5500 Mendoza, Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Silvia Alejandra Belmonte
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM) "Dr. Mario H. Burgos", CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, 5500 Mendoza, Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina.
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Shahrokhi SZ, Salehi P, Alyasin A, Taghiyar S, Deemeh MR. Asthenozoospermia: Cellular and molecular contributing factors and treatment strategies. Andrologia 2019; 52:e13463. [DOI: 10.1111/and.13463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Revised: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Seyedeh Zahra Shahrokhi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine School of Allied Medical Sciences Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Peyman Salehi
- Infertility Center Shahid Beheshti Hospital Isfahan Iran
| | | | | | - Mohammad Reza Deemeh
- Andrology Department Nobel Laboratory Isfahan Iran
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry Faculty of Medical Sciences Tarbiat Modares University Tehran Iran
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18
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Okabe M. Sperm-egg interaction and fertilization: past, present, and future. Biol Reprod 2019; 99:134-146. [PMID: 29462236 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2017] [Accepted: 02/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Fifty years have passed since the findings of capacitation and acrosome reaction. These discoveries and the extensive effort of researchers led to the success of in vitro fertilization, which has become a top choice for patients at infertility clinics today. The effort to understand the mechanism of fertilization is ongoing, but the small number of eggs and similarly small quantity of spermatozoa continue to hinder biochemical experiments. The emergence of transgenic animals and gene disruption techniques has had a significant effect on fertilization research. Factors considered important in the early years were shown not to be essential and were replaced by newly found proteins. However, there is much about sperm-egg interaction which remains to be learned before we can outline the mechanism of fertilization. In fact, our understanding of sperm-egg interaction is entering a new stage. Progress in transgenic spermatozoa helped us to observe the behavior of spermatozoa in vivo and/or at the moment of sperm-egg fusion. These advancements are discussed together with the paradigm-shifting research in related fields to help us picture the direction which fertilization research may take in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaru Okabe
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
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Deficiency of MTMR14 impairs male fertility in Mus musculus. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0206224. [PMID: 30412589 PMCID: PMC6226155 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0206224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcium signalling is critical for successful fertilization. In spermatozoa, capacitation, hyperactivation of motility and acrosome reactions are all mediated by increases in intracellular Ca2+. Our previous reports have shown that deficiency of MTMR14, a novel phosphoinositide phosphatase, induces a muscle disorder by disrupting Ca2+ homeostasis. Recently, we found that MTMR14 is also expressed in the testes; however, whether deficiency of MTMR14 in the testes also alters the Ca2+ concentration and impairs male fertility remains entirely unknown. In the present study, we found that MTMR14 is also expressed in the testes and mature sperm cells, suggesting that deficiency of MTMR14 might have some effect on male fertility. Both in vivo fertility and in vitro fertilization tests were then performed, and we found that MTMR14-/- male mice showed decreased fertility. A series of experiments were then arranged to test the testis and sperm parameters; we found that MTMR14 deficiency caused small size of the testes, small numbers of both total and immotile sperm, expanded membrane of sperm tail, a decreased proportion of acrosome reaction, and in contrast, an increased proportion of abnormal sperm and augmented apoptosis, etc. Further study also found that the muscle force of the vas deferens decreased significantly in KO mice. Intracellular calcium homeostasis in the testes and epididymis was impaired by MTMR14 deletion; moreover, the relative mRNA expression levels of Itpr1, Itpr2, and Ryr3 were dramatically decreased in MTMR14 KO mice. Thus, MTMR14 deletion impairs male fertility by causing decreased muscle force of the vas deferens and intracellular calcium imbalance.
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20
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De Clercq K, Vriens J. Establishing life is a calcium-dependent TRiP: Transient receptor potential channels in reproduction. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2018; 1865:1815-1829. [PMID: 30798946 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2018.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Calcium plays a key role in many different steps of the reproduction process, from germ cell maturation to placental development. However, the exact function and regulation of calcium throughout subsequent reproductive events remains rather enigmatic. Successful pregnancy requires the establishment of a complex dialogue between the implanting embryo and the endometrium. On the one hand, endometrial cell will undergo massive changes to support an implanting embryo, including stromal cell decidualization. On the other hand, trophoblast cells from the trophectoderm surrounding the inner cell mass will differentiate and acquire new functions such as hormone secretion, invasion and migration. The need for calcium in the different gestational processes implicates the presence of specialized ion channels to regulate calcium homeostasis. The superfamily of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels is a class of calcium permeable ion channels that is involved in the transformation of extracellular stimuli into the influx of calcium, inducing and coordinating underlying signaling pathways. Although the necessity of calcium throughout reproduction cannot be negated, the expression and functionality of TRP channels throughout gestation remains elusive. This review provides an overview of the current evidence regarding the expression and function of TRP channels in reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrien De Clercq
- Laboratory of Endometrium, Endometriosis & Reproductive Medicine, Department Development & Regeneration, KU Leuven, G-PURE, Leuven, Belgium; Laboratory of Ion Channel Research, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, VIB Centre for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Joris Vriens
- Laboratory of Endometrium, Endometriosis & Reproductive Medicine, Department Development & Regeneration, KU Leuven, G-PURE, Leuven, Belgium.
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Localization of epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) and CFTR in the germinal epithelium of the testis, Sertoli cells, and spermatozoa. J Mol Histol 2018; 49:195-208. [PMID: 29453757 DOI: 10.1007/s10735-018-9759-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis starts within the seminiferous tubules of the testis by mitotic division of spermatogonia that produces spermatocytes. Meiotic division of these spermatocytes produces haploid spermatids that differentiate into spermatozoa. In this study, we examined the expression of ENaC and CFTR (a Cl- channel) in rat testicular sections using confocal microscopic immunofluorescence. The structural integrity of the seminiferous tubule sections was verified by precise phalloidin staining of the actin fibers located abundantly at both basal and adluminal tight junctions. The acrosome forming regions in the round spermatids were stained using an FITC coupled lectin (wheat germ agglutinin). In all phases of the germ cells (spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and spermatids) ENaC was localized in cytoplasmic pools. Prior to spermiation, ENaC immunofluorescence appeared along the tails of the spermatids. In spermatozoa isolated from the epididymis, ENaC was localized at the acrosome and a central region of the sperm flagellum. The mature sperm are transcriptionally silent. Hence, we suggest that ENaC subunits in cytoplasmic pools in germ cells serve as the source of ENaC subunits located along the tail of spermatozoa. The locations of ENaC is compatible with a possible role in the acrosomal reaction and sperm mobility. In contrast to ENaC, CFTR immunofluorescence was most strongly observed specifically within the Sertoli cell nuclei. Based on the nuclear localization of CFTR we suggest that, in addition to its role as an ion channel, CFTR may have an independent role in gene regulation within the nuclei.
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22
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Bustos MA, Lucchesi O, Ruete MC, Tomes CN. Membrane-permeable Rab27A is a regulator of the acrosome reaction: Role of geranylgeranylation and guanine nucleotides. Cell Signal 2018; 44:72-81. [PMID: 29337043 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2018.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2017] [Revised: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The acrosome reaction is the regulated exocytosis of mammalian sperm's single secretory granule, essential for fertilization. It relies on small GTPases, the cAMP binding protein Epac, and the SNARE complex, among other components. Here, we describe a novel tool to investigate Rab27-related signaling pathways: a hybrid recombinant protein consisting of human Rab27A fused to TAT, a cell penetrating peptide. With this tool, we aimed to unravel the connection between Rab3, Rab27 and Rap1 in sperm exocytosis and to deepen our understanding about how isoprenylation and guanine nucleotides influence the behaviour of Rab27 in exocytosis. Our results show that TAT-Rab27A-GTP-γ-S permeated into live sperm and triggered acrosomal exocytosis per se when geraylgeranylated but inhibited it when not lipid-modified. Likewise, an impermeant version of Rab27A elicited exocytosis in streptolysin O-permeabilized - but not in non-permeabilized - cells when geranylgeranylated and active. When GDP-β-S substituted for GTP-γ-S, isoprenylated TAT-Rab27A inhibited the acrosome reaction triggered by progesterone and an Epac-selective cAMP analogue, whereas the non-isoprenylated protein did not. Geranylgeranylated TAT-Rab27A-GTP-γ-S promoted the exchange of GDP for GTP on Rab3 and Rap1 detected by far-immunofluorescence with Rab3-GTP and Rap1-GTP binding cassettes. In contrast, TAT-Rab27A lacking isoprenylation or loaded with GDP-β-S prevented the activation of Rab3 and Rap1 elicited by progesterone. Challenging streptolysin O-permeabilized human sperm with calcium increased the population of sperm with Rap1-GTP, Rab3-GTP and Rab27-GTP in the acrosomal region; pretreatment with anti-Rab27 antibodies prevented the activation of all three. The novel findings reported here include: the description of membrane permeant TAT-Rab27A as a trustworthy tool to unveil the regulation of the human sperm acrosome reaction by Rab27 under physiological conditions; that the activation of endogenous Rab27 is required for that of Rab3 and Rap1; and the connection between Epac and Rab27 and between Rab27 and the configuration of the SNARE complex. Moreover, we present direct evidence that Rab27A's lipid modification, and activation/inactivation status correlate with its stimulatory or inhibitory roles in exocytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matías A Bustos
- Instituto de Histologia y Embriologia de Mendoza (IHEM) Dr. Mario H. Burgos-CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, casilla de correo 56, 5500 Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Ornella Lucchesi
- Instituto de Histologia y Embriologia de Mendoza (IHEM) Dr. Mario H. Burgos-CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, casilla de correo 56, 5500 Mendoza, Argentina
| | - María C Ruete
- Instituto de Histologia y Embriologia de Mendoza (IHEM) Dr. Mario H. Burgos-CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, casilla de correo 56, 5500 Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Claudia N Tomes
- Instituto de Histologia y Embriologia de Mendoza (IHEM) Dr. Mario H. Burgos-CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, casilla de correo 56, 5500 Mendoza, Argentina.
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Chávez JC, De la Vega-Beltrán JL, José O, Torres P, Nishigaki T, Treviño CL, Darszon A. Acrosomal alkalization triggers Ca 2+ release and acrosome reaction in mammalian spermatozoa. J Cell Physiol 2018; 233:4735-4747. [PMID: 29135027 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.26262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The sperm acrosome reaction (AR), an essential event for mammalian fertilization, involves Ca2+ permeability changes leading to exocytosis of the acrosomal vesicle. The acrosome, an intracellular Ca2+ store whose luminal pH is acidic, contains hydrolytic enzymes. It is known that acrosomal pH (pHacr ) increases during capacitation and this correlates with spontaneous AR. Some AR inducers increase intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+ ]i ) through Ca2+ release from internal stores, mainly the acrosome. Catsper, a sperm specific Ca2+ channel, has been suggested to participate in the AR. Curiously, Mibefradil and NNC55-0396, two CatSper blockers, themselves elevate [Ca2+ ]i by unknown mechanisms. Here we show that these compounds, as other weak bases, can elevate pHacr , trigger Ca2+ release from the acrosome, and induce the AR in both mouse and human sperm. To our surprise, μM concentrations of NNC55-0396 induced AR even in nominally Ca2+ free media. Our findings suggest that alkalization of the acrosome is critical step for Ca2+ release from the acrosome that leads to the acrosome reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio C Chávez
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, CP, México
| | - José L De la Vega-Beltrán
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, CP, México
| | - Omar José
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, CP, México
| | - Paulina Torres
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, CP, México
| | - Takuya Nishigaki
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, CP, México
| | - Claudia L Treviño
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, CP, México
| | - Alberto Darszon
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, CP, México
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Bellezza I, Minelli A. Adenosine in sperm physiology. Mol Aspects Med 2017; 55:102-109. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2016.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2016] [Revised: 11/23/2016] [Accepted: 11/23/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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25
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Wozniak KL, Mayfield BL, Duray AM, Tembo M, Beleny DO, Napolitano MA, Sauer ML, Wisner BW, Carlson AE. Extracellular Ca2+ Is Required for Fertilization in the African Clawed Frog, Xenopus laevis. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0170405. [PMID: 28114360 PMCID: PMC5256882 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0170405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The necessity of extracellular Ca2+ for fertilization and early embryonic development in the African clawed frog, Xenopus laevis, is controversial. Ca2+ entry into X. laevis sperm is reportedly required for the acrosome reaction, yet fertilization and embryonic development have been documented to occur in high concentrations of the Ca2+ chelator BAPTA. Here we sought to resolve this controversy. Methodology/principal finding Using the appearance of cleavage furrows as an indicator of embryonic development, we found that X. laevis eggs inseminated in a solution lacking added divalent cations developed normally. By contrast, eggs inseminated in millimolar concentrations of BAPTA or EGTA failed to develop. Transferring embryos to varying solutions after sperm addition, we found that extracellular Ca2+ is specifically required for events occurring within the first 30 minutes after sperm addition, but not after. We found that the fluorescently stained sperm were not able to penetrate the envelope of eggs inseminated in high BAPTA, whereas several had penetrated the vitelline envelope of eggs inseminated without a Ca2+ chelator, or with BAPTA and saturating CaCl2. Together these results indicate that fertilization does not occur in high concentrations of Ca2+ chelators. Finally, we found that the jelly coat includes >5 mM of readily diffusible Ca2+. Conclusions/Significance Taken together, these data are consistent with requirement of extracellular Ca2+ for fertilization. Based on our findings, we hypothesize that the jelly coat surrounding the egg acts as a reserve of readily available Ca2+ ions to foster fertilization in changing extracellular milieu.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine L. Wozniak
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Brianna L. Mayfield
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Alexis M. Duray
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Maiwase Tembo
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - David O. Beleny
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Marc A. Napolitano
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Monica L. Sauer
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Bennett W. Wisner
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Anne E. Carlson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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