1
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Martín-Hidalgo D, Izquierdo M, Garrido N, Bartolomé-García P, Macías-García B, González-Fernández L. Induction of acrosome reaction by 4-Br-A23187 alters the glycoproteomic profile of boar spermatozoa. Theriogenology 2024; 223:108-114. [PMID: 38703550 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.04.006] [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: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Protein glycosylation is a post-translational modification involved in wide range of biological processes. In mammalian spermatozoa this modification has been identified in numerous proteins, and membrane glycoproteins are involved in the fertilization process. The objective of the present study was to identify changes in protein glycosylation after acrosome reaction (AR) induction using the 4-Br-A23187 ionophore. Our results showed that treatment with 10 μM of 4-Br-A23187 for 20 min significantly increased the percentage of live acrosome-reacted spermatozoa compared to the control (69.8 ± 0.8 vs. 6.4 ± 0.5; mean % ± SEM, respectively). Also, we observed an increase in 32 kDa tyrosine-phosphorylated protein (p32) and a decrease in serine/threonine phosphorylation of the protein kinase A substrates (phospho-PKA-substrates) after ionophore treatment. Furthermore, changes in glycosylated proteins following AR induction were analyzed using different HRP-conjugated lectins (GNA, DSA, and SNA), revealing changes in mannose and sialic acid residues. Proteomic analysis of isolated proteins using GNA lectin revealed that 50 proteins exhibited significantly different abundance (q-value < 0.01). Subsequent analysis using Uniprot database identified 39 downregulated and 11 upregulated proteins in the presence of 4-Br-A23187. Notably, six of these proteins were classified as transmembrane proteins, namely LRRC37A/B like protein 1 C-terminal domain-containing protein, Membrane metalloendopeptidase like 1, VWFA domain-containing protein, Syndecan, Membrane spanning 4-domains A14 and Serine protease 54. This study shows a novel protocol to induce acrosome reaction in boar spermatozoa and identifies new transmembrane proteins containing mannose residues. Further work is needed to elucidate the role of these proteins in sperm-oocyte fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Martín-Hidalgo
- Departamento de Fisiología, Grupo de Investigación Señalización Intracelular y Tecnología de la Reproducción (SINTREP), Instituto de Investigación INBIO G+C, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Mercedes Izquierdo
- Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas de Extremadura (CICYTEX), Badajoz, Spain
| | - Nicolás Garrido
- MED-Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development & CHANGE-Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Escola Superior Agrária de Elvas, Departamento de Ciência Agrárias e Veterinárias, Elvas, Portugal
| | | | - Beatriz Macías-García
- Departamento de Medicina Animal, Grupo de Investigación Medicina Interna Veterinaria (MINVET), Instituto de Investigación INBIO G+C, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Lauro González-Fernández
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Grupo de Investigación Señalización Intracelular y Tecnología de la Reproducción (SINTREP), Instituto de Investigación INBIO G+C, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain.
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2
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Elofsson A, Han L, Bianchi E, Wright GJ, Jovine L. Deep learning insights into the architecture of the mammalian egg-sperm fusion synapse. eLife 2024; 13:RP93131. [PMID: 38666763 PMCID: PMC11052572 DOI: 10.7554/elife.93131] [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] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
A crucial event in sexual reproduction is when haploid sperm and egg fuse to form a new diploid organism at fertilization. In mammals, direct interaction between egg JUNO and sperm IZUMO1 mediates gamete membrane adhesion, yet their role in fusion remains enigmatic. We used AlphaFold to predict the structure of other extracellular proteins essential for fertilization to determine if they could form a complex that may mediate fusion. We first identified TMEM81, whose gene is expressed by mouse and human spermatids, as a protein having structural homologies with both IZUMO1 and another sperm molecule essential for gamete fusion, SPACA6. Using a set of proteins known to be important for fertilization and TMEM81, we then systematically searched for predicted binary interactions using an unguided approach and identified a pentameric complex involving sperm IZUMO1, SPACA6, TMEM81 and egg JUNO, CD9. This complex is structurally consistent with both the expected topology on opposing gamete membranes and the location of predicted N-glycans not modeled by AlphaFold-Multimer, suggesting that its components could organize into a synapse-like assembly at the point of fusion. Finally, the structural modeling approach described here could be more generally useful to gain insights into transient protein complexes difficult to detect experimentally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arne Elofsson
- Science for Life Laboratory and Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm UniversitySolnaSweden
| | - Ling Han
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska InstitutetHuddingeSweden
| | - Enrica Bianchi
- Department of Biology, Hull York Medical School, York Biomedical Research Institute, University of YorkYorkUnited Kingdom
| | - Gavin J Wright
- Department of Biology, Hull York Medical School, York Biomedical Research Institute, University of YorkYorkUnited Kingdom
| | - Luca Jovine
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska InstitutetHuddingeSweden
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3
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Bianchi E, Jiménez-Movilla M, Cots-Rodríguez P, Viola C, Wright GJ. No evidence for a direct extracellular interaction between human Fc receptor-like 3 (MAIA) and the sperm ligand IZUMO1. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadk6352. [PMID: 38381819 PMCID: PMC10881024 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk6352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Fertilization involves the recognition and fusion of sperm and egg to form a previously unidentified organism. In mammals, surface molecules on the sperm and egg have central roles, and while adhesion is mediated by the IZUMO1-JUNO sperm-egg ligand-receptor pair, the molecule/s responsible for membrane fusion remain mysterious. Recently, MAIA/FCRL3 was identified as a mammalian egg receptor, which bound IZUMO1 and JUNO and might therefore have a bridging role in gamete recognition and fusion. Here, we use sensitive assays designed to detect extracellular protein binding to investigate the interactions between MAIA and both IZUMO1 and JUNO. Despite using reagents with demonstrable biochemical activity, we did not identify any direct binding between MAIA/FCRL3 and either IZUMO1 or JUNO. We also observed no fusogenic activity of MAIA/FCRL3 in a cell-based membrane fusion assay. Our findings encourage caution in further investigations on the role played by MAIA/FCRL3 in fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrica Bianchi
- Department of Biology, Hull York Medical School, York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, York, UK
| | - Maria Jiménez-Movilla
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Medical School, University of Murcia, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Paula Cots-Rodríguez
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Medical School, University of Murcia, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Cristina Viola
- Department of Biology, Hull York Medical School, York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, York, UK
| | - Gavin J. Wright
- Department of Biology, Hull York Medical School, York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, York, UK
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4
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Brukman NG, Valansi C, Podbilewicz B. Sperm induction of somatic cell-cell fusion as a novel functional test. eLife 2024; 13:e94228. [PMID: 38265078 PMCID: PMC10883674 DOI: 10.7554/elife.94228] [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: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The fusion of mammalian gametes requires the interaction between IZUMO1 on the sperm and JUNO on the oocyte. We have recently shown that ectopic expression of mouse IZUMO1 induces cell-cell fusion and that sperm can fuse to fibroblasts expressing JUNO. Here, we found that the incubation of mouse sperm with hamster fibroblasts or human epithelial cells in culture induces the fusion between these somatic cells and the formation of syncytia, a pattern previously observed with some animal viruses. This sperm-induced cell-cell fusion requires a species-matching JUNO on both fusing cells, can be blocked by an antibody against IZUMO1, and does not rely on the synthesis of new proteins. The fusion is dependent on the sperm's fusogenic capacity, making this a reliable, fast, and simple method for predicting sperm function during the diagnosis of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas G Brukman
- Department of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Clari Valansi
- Department of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
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5
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Lai X, Liu R, Li M, Fan Y, Li H, Han G, Guo R, Ma H, Su H, Xing W. Participation of WD repeat-containing protein 54 (WDR54) in rat sperm-oocyte fusion through interaction with both IZUMO1 and JUNO. Theriogenology 2024; 214:286-297. [PMID: 37951137 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.10.031] [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: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/13/2023]
Abstract
Fertilization is a complex process that depends on the fusion of the cell membrane of sperm with that of oocyte, and it involves sperm-oocyte recognition, binding, and fusion, which are mediated by multiple proteins. Among those proteins, IZUMO1 and its receptor JUNO have been identified as essential factors for sperm-oocyte recognition and fusion. However, the interaction between IZUMO1 and JUNO alone does not lead to cell membrane fusion, suggesting the involvement of additional proteins in sperm-oocyte membrane fusion. In this study, we have discovered that a protein called WDR54, which consists of WD-repeat modules, is located on the cell membrane of sperm, as well as on the cell membrane and in the cytoplasm of the oocyte. We have found that WDR54 is involved in sperm-oocyte fertilization. When sperm and oocyte were treated with anti-WDR54 ascites, the in vitro fertilization (IVF) rate significantly decreased. Furthermore, our research has shown that WDR54 interacts with both IZUMO1 and JUNO, and it colocalizes with IZUMO1 on the surface of the sperm head and with JUNO on the oocyte surface. Through structural analysis of the putative complexes of WDR54-IZUMO1 and WDR54-JUNO, we infer that these three proteins could form a complex of JUNO-WDR54-IZUMO1-JUNO (referred to as the "JWIJ complex") on the oocyte surface. Our findings suggest that WDR54 is an important factor involved in sperm-oocyte adhesion and fusion. This discovery provides new insight into the mechanisms of mammalian sperm-oocyte adhesion and fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiong Lai
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory for Molecular Regulation of the Cell, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, PR China
| | - Ruizhuo Liu
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory for Molecular Regulation of the Cell, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, PR China
| | - Mengyu Li
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory for Molecular Regulation of the Cell, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, PR China
| | - Yaochun Fan
- Inner Mongolia Comprehensive Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hohhot, PR China
| | - Hongxia Li
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, PR China
| | - Guotao Han
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory for Molecular Regulation of the Cell, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, PR China
| | - Ruijie Guo
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory for Molecular Regulation of the Cell, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, PR China
| | - Hairui Ma
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory for Molecular Regulation of the Cell, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, PR China
| | - Huimin Su
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory for Molecular Regulation of the Cell, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, PR China.
| | - Wanjin Xing
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory for Molecular Regulation of the Cell, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, PR China.
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6
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Gómez-Torres MJ, Hernández-Falcó M, López-Botella A, Huerta-Retamal N, Sáez-Espinosa P. IZUMO1 Receptor Localization during Hyaluronic Acid Selection in Human Spermatozoa. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2872. [PMID: 38001873 PMCID: PMC10669769 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11112872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
IZUMO1 is an acrosome transmembrane protein implicated in the adhesion and fusion of gametes. This study aims to describe the distribution of IZUMO1 in human sperm under different physiological conditions: before capacitation (NCS), at one-hour capacitation (CS1), after a hyaluronic acid (HA) selection test (mature, MS1 and immature, IS1), and induced acrosome reaction from one-hour-capacitated sperm (ARS1). The data obtained in NCS, CS1, and MS1 significantly highlight dotted fluorescence in the acrosomal region (P1) as the major staining pattern (~70%). Moreover, we describe a new distribution pattern (P2) with a dotted acrosomal region and a labelled equatorial region that significantly increases in HA-bound spermatozoa, suggesting the onset of the migration of IZUMO1. In contrast, unbound spermatozoa presented an increase in P3 (equatorial region labelled) and P4 (not labelled). Finally, costaining to observe IZUMO1 distribution and acrosome status was performed in ARS1. Interestingly, we reported a variety of combinations between the IZUMO1 staining patterns and the acrosomal stages. In conclusion, these data show as a novelty the diffusion of the IZUMO1 protein during different physiological conditions that could contribute to the improvement in sperm selection techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- María José Gómez-Torres
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain; (M.J.G.-T.); (M.H.-F.)
- Human Fertility Cathedra, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
| | - Miranda Hernández-Falcó
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain; (M.J.G.-T.); (M.H.-F.)
| | - Andrea López-Botella
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain; (M.J.G.-T.); (M.H.-F.)
| | - Natalia Huerta-Retamal
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain; (M.J.G.-T.); (M.H.-F.)
| | - Paula Sáez-Espinosa
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain; (M.J.G.-T.); (M.H.-F.)
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7
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Mei X, Maniates KA, Looper A, Krauchunas AR, Druzhinina M, Dharia S, Ni J, Singaravelu G, Gu SG, Shakes DC, Grant BD, Singson AW. SPE-51, a sperm-secreted protein with an immunoglobulin-like domain, is required for fertilization in C. elegans. Curr Biol 2023; 33:3048-3055.e6. [PMID: 37453427 PMCID: PMC10528068 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.06.029] [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: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Fertilization is a fundamental process in sexual reproduction during which gametes fuse to combine their genetic material and start the next generation in their life cycle. Fertilization involves species-specific recognition, adhesion, and fusion between the gametes.1,2 In mammals and other model species, some proteins are known to be required for gamete interactions and have been validated with loss-of-function fertility phenotypes.3,4 Yet, the molecular basis of sperm-egg interaction is not well understood. In a forward genetic screen for fertility mutants in Caenorhabditis elegans, we identified spe-51. Mutant worms make sperm that are unable to fertilize the oocyte but otherwise normal by all available measurements. The spe-51 gene encodes a secreted protein that includes an immunoglobulin (Ig)-like domain and a hydrophobic sequence of amino acids. The SPE-51 protein acts cell autonomously and localizes to the surface of the spermatozoa. We further show that the gene product of the mammalian sperm function gene Sof1 is likewise secreted. This is the first example of a secreted protein required for the interactions between the sperm and egg with genetic validation for a specific function in fertilization in C. elegans (also see spe-365). This is also the first experimental evidence that mammalian SOF1 is secreted. Our analyses of these genes begin to build a paradigm for sperm-secreted or reproductive-tract-secreted proteins that coat the sperm surface and influence their survival, motility, and/or the ability to fertilize the egg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Mei
- Waksman Institute and Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, St. John's University, Jamaica, NY 11439, USA.
| | - Katherine A Maniates
- Waksman Institute and Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - A'maya Looper
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Amber R Krauchunas
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Marina Druzhinina
- Waksman Institute and Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Sunny Dharia
- Waksman Institute and Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Julie Ni
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | | | - Sam Guoping Gu
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Diane C Shakes
- Department of Biology, College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA 23187, USA
| | - Barth D Grant
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Andrew W Singson
- Waksman Institute and Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
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8
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Krauchunas AR, Marcello MR, Looper A, Mei X, Putiri E, Singaravelu G, Ahmed II, Singson A. The EGF-motif-containing protein SPE-36 is a secreted sperm protein required for fertilization in C. elegans. Curr Biol 2023; 33:3056-3064.e5. [PMID: 37453426 PMCID: PMC10529607 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.06.051] [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: 08/21/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Identified through forward genetics, spe-9 was the first gene to be identified in C. elegans as necessary for fertilization.1 Since then, genetic screens in C. elegans have led to the identification of nine additional sperm genes necessary for fertilization (including spe-51 reported by Mei et al.2 and the spe-36 gene reported here).3,4,5,6,7,8,9 This includes spe-45, which encodes an immunoglobulin-containing protein similar to the mammalian protein IZUMO1, and spe-42 and spe-49, which are homologous to vertebrate DCST2 and DCST1, respectively.4,7,8,10,11,12,13 Mutations in any one of these genes result in healthy adult animals that are sterile. Sperm from these mutants have normal morphology, migrate to and maintain their position at the site of fertilization in the reproductive tract, and make contact with eggs but fail to fertilize the eggs. This same phenotype is observed in mammals lacking Izumo1, Spaca6, Tmem95, Sof1, FIMP, or Dcst1 and Dcst2.10,14,15,16,17,18,19 Here we report the discovery of SPE-36 as a sperm-derived secreted protein that is necessary for fertilization. Mutations in the Caenorhabditis elegans spe-36 gene result in a sperm-specific fertilization defect. Sperm from spe-36 mutants look phenotypically normal, are motile, and can migrate to the site of fertilization. However, sperm that do not produce SPE-36 protein cannot fertilize. Surprisingly, spe-36 encodes a secreted EGF-motif-containing protein that functions cell autonomously. The genetic requirement for secreted sperm-derived proteins for fertilization sheds new light on the complex nature of fertilization and represents a paradigm-shifting discovery in the molecular understanding of fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber R Krauchunas
- Waksman Institute and Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA.
| | | | - A'Maya Looper
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Xue Mei
- Waksman Institute and Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Emily Putiri
- Waksman Institute and Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | | | - Iqra I Ahmed
- Department of Biology, Pace University, New York, NY 11231, USA
| | - Andrew Singson
- Waksman Institute and Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
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9
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Lu Y, Shimada K, Tang S, Zhang J, Ogawa Y, Noda T, Shibuya H, Ikawa M. 1700029I15Rik orchestrates the biosynthesis of acrosomal membrane proteins required for sperm-egg interaction. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023. [PMID: 36787362 DOI: 10.1101/2022.04.15.488448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm acrosomal membrane proteins, such as Izumo sperm-egg fusion 1 (IZUMO1) and sperm acrosome-associated 6 (SPACA6), play essential roles in mammalian gamete binding or fusion. How their biosynthesis is regulated during spermiogenesis has largely remained elusive. Here, we show that 1700029I15Rik knockout male mice are severely subfertile and their spermatozoa do not fuse with eggs. 1700029I15Rik is a type-II transmembrane protein expressed in early round spermatids but not in mature spermatozoa. It interacts with proteins involved in N-linked glycosylation, disulfide isomerization, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-Golgi trafficking, suggesting a potential role in nascent protein processing. The ablation of 1700029I15Rik destabilizes non-catalytic subunits of the oligosaccharyltransferase (OST) complex that are pivotal for N-glycosylation. The knockout testes exhibit normal expression of sperm plasma membrane proteins, but decreased abundance of multiple acrosomal membrane proteins involved in fertilization. The knockout sperm show upregulated chaperones related to ER-associated degradation (ERAD) and elevated protein ubiquitination; strikingly, SPACA6 becomes undetectable. Our results support for a specific, 1700029I15Rik-mediated pathway underpinning the biosynthesis of acrosomal membrane proteins during spermiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonggang Lu
- Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Kentaro Shimada
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Shaogeng Tang
- Sarafan ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg SE-41390, Sweden
| | - Yo Ogawa
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Taichi Noda
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Division of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Resource Development and Analysis, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
- Priority Organization for Innovation and Excellence, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-8555, Japan
| | - Hiroki Shibuya
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg SE-41390, Sweden
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Laboratory of Reproductive Systems Biology, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
- Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
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10
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Brukman NG, Nakajima KP, Valansi C, Flyak K, Li X, Higashiyama T, Podbilewicz B. A novel function for the sperm adhesion protein IZUMO1 in cell-cell fusion. J Cell Biol 2022; 222:213693. [PMID: 36394541 PMCID: PMC9671554 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202207147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian sperm-egg adhesion depends on the trans-interaction between the sperm-specific type I glycoprotein IZUMO1 and its oocyte-specific GPI-anchored receptor JUNO. However, the mechanisms and proteins (fusogens) that mediate the following step of gamete fusion remain unknown. Using live imaging and content mixing assays in a heterologous system and structure-guided mutagenesis, we unveil an unexpected function for IZUMO1 in cell-to-cell fusion. We show that IZUMO1 alone is sufficient to induce fusion, and that this ability is retained in a mutant unable to bind JUNO. On the other hand, a triple mutation in exposed aromatic residues prevents this fusogenic activity without impairing JUNO interaction. Our findings suggest a second function for IZUMO1 as a unilateral mouse gamete fusogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas G. Brukman
- Department of Biology, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Kohdai P. Nakajima
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Clari Valansi
- Department of Biology, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Kateryna Flyak
- Department of Biology, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Xiaohui Li
- Department of Biology, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Tetsuya Higashiyama
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan,Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan,Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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11
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Vance TDR, Yip P, Jiménez E, Li S, Gawol D, Byrnes J, Usón I, Ziyyat A, Lee JE. SPACA6 ectodomain structure reveals a conserved superfamily of gamete fusion-associated proteins. Commun Biol 2022; 5:984. [PMID: 36115925 PMCID: PMC9482655 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03883-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
SPACA6 is a sperm-expressed surface protein that is critical for gamete fusion during mammalian sexual reproduction. Despite this fundamental role, little is known about how SPACA6 specifically functions. We elucidated the crystal structure of the SPACA6 ectodomain at 2.2-Å resolution, revealing a two-domain protein containing a four-helix bundle and Ig-like β-sandwich connected via a quasi-flexible linker. This structure is reminiscent of IZUMO1, another gamete fusion-associated protein, making SPACA6 and IZUMO1 founding members of a superfamily of fertilization-associated proteins, herein dubbed the IST superfamily. The IST superfamily is defined structurally by its distorted four-helix bundle and a pair of disulfide-bonded CXXC motifs. A structure-based search of the AlphaFold human proteome identified more protein members to this superfamily; remarkably, many of these proteins are linked to gamete fusion. The SPACA6 structure and its connection to other IST-superfamily members provide a missing link in our knowledge of mammalian gamete fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler D R Vance
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Patrick Yip
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Elisabet Jiménez
- Institute of Molecular Biology of Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sheng Li
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Diana Gawol
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - James Byrnes
- National Synchrotron Light Source II, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY, USA
| | - Isabel Usón
- Institute of Molecular Biology of Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), 08028, Barcelona, Spain
- ICREA, Pg. Lluís Companys 23, 08010, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ahmed Ziyyat
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Cochin, F-75014, Paris, France
- Service d'Histologie, d'Embryologie, Biologie de la Reproduction, AP-HP, Hôpital Cochin, F-75014, Paris, France
| | - Jeffrey E Lee
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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12
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Mechanisms of Sperm–Egg Interactions: What Ascidian Fertilization Research Has Taught Us. Cells 2022; 11:cells11132096. [PMID: 35805180 PMCID: PMC9265791 DOI: 10.3390/cells11132096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Revised: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Fertilization is an essential process in terrestrial organisms for creating a new organism with genetic diversity. Before gamete fusion, several steps are required to achieve successful fertilization. Animal spermatozoa are first activated and attracted to the eggs by egg-derived chemoattractants. During the sperm passage of the egg’s extracellular matrix or upon the sperm binding to the proteinaceous egg coat, the sperm undergoes an acrosome reaction, an exocytosis of acrosome. In hermaphrodites such as ascidians, the self/nonself recognition process occurs when the sperm binds to the egg coat. The activated or acrosome-reacted spermatozoa penetrate through the proteinaceous egg coat. The extracellular ubiquitin–proteasome system, the astacin-like metalloproteases, and the trypsin-like proteases play key roles in this process in ascidians. In the present review, we summarize our current understanding and perspectives on gamete recognition and egg coat lysins in ascidians and consider the general mechanisms of fertilization in animals and plants.
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13
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L GB, JG H, I LT, M JM, P BÁ. The Sperm Olfactory Receptor OLFR601 is Dispensable for Mouse Fertilization. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:854115. [PMID: 35721474 PMCID: PMC9204177 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.854115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Fertilization involves the fusion of two gametes by means of yet unknown membrane binding and fusion events. Over the last years, many sperm proteins have been uncovered to play essential roles in sperm-egg fusion in mammals, but their precise role in fertilization remains unknown, being unclear how these proteins interact with each other or with other yet unknown sperm proteins. The aim of this study has been to identify possible sperm proteins interacting with TMEM95, a protein essential for fertilization located in the sperm membrane. A list of 41 sperm proteins that were pulled down with TMEM95 and identified by mass spectrometry did not include other sperm proteins known to play a role in fertilization, suggesting an independent role of TMEM95 in fertilization. Between these lists, OLFR601 is allocated to the acrosomal region and may mediate affinity for an odorant involved in fertilization. However, Olfr601 disruption did not impair the sperm fertilization ability, suggesting that its function may be redundant with that of other sperm proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hamzé JG
- Animal Reproduction Department, INIA-CSIC, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Medical School, IMIB, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | | | - Jiménez-Movilla M
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Medical School, IMIB, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- *Correspondence: Jiménez-Movilla M, ; Bermejo-Álvarez P,
| | - Bermejo-Álvarez P
- Animal Reproduction Department, INIA-CSIC, Madrid, Spain
- *Correspondence: Jiménez-Movilla M, ; Bermejo-Álvarez P,
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14
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The Role of Sperm Proteins IZUMO1 and TMEM95 in Mammalian Fertilization: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073929. [PMID: 35409288 PMCID: PMC8999778 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Gamete membrane fusion is a critical cellular event in sexual reproduction. In addition, the generation of knockout models has provided a powerful tool for testing the functional relevance of proteins thought to be involved in mammalian fertilization, suggesting IZUMO1 and TMEM95 (transmembrane protein 95) as essential proteins. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the process remain largely unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to summarize the current knowledge about IZUMO1 and TMEM95 during mammalian fertilization. Hence, three distinct databases were consulted—PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science—using single keywords. As a result, a total of 429 articles were identified. Based on both inclusion and exclusion criteria, the final number of articles included in this study was 103. The results showed that IZUMO1 is mostly studied in rodents whereas TMEM95 is studied primarily in bovines. Despite the research, the topological localization of IZUMO1 remains controversial. IZUMO1 may be involved in organizing or stabilizing a multiprotein complex essential for the membrane fusion in which TMEM95 could act as a fusogen due to its possible interaction with IZUMO1. Overall, the expression of these two proteins is not sufficient for sperm–oocyte fusion; therefore, other molecules must be involved in the membrane fusion process.
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15
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Satouh Y, Inoue N. Involvement of cellular protrusions in gamete interactions. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2022; 129:93-102. [PMID: 35370088 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.03.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Gamete fusion is of considerable importance in reproductive events, as it determines the gamete pairs or chromosomes that the next generation will inherit. To preserve species specificity with an appropriate karyotype, the fusion between gametes requires regulatory mechanisms to ensure limited fusion competency. In many organisms, gamete surfaces are not smooth, but present constitutive or transient cellular protrusions suggested to be involved in gamete fusion. However, the molecular mechanisms and the factors essential for the membrane-membrane fusion process and cellular protrusion involvement have remained unclear. Recent advances in the identification and functional analysis of the essential factors for gamete interaction have revealed the molecular mechanisms underlying their activity regulation and dynamics. In homogametic fertilization, dynamic regulation of the fusion core machinery on cellular protrusions was precisely uncovered. In heterogametic fertilization, oocyte fusion competency was suggested to correlate with the compartmentalization of the fusion essential factor and protrusion formation. These findings shed light on the significance of cellular protrusions in gamete fusion as a physically and functionally specialized site for cellular fusion. In this review, we consider the developments in gamete interaction research in various species with different fertilization modes, highlighting the commonalities in the relationship between gamete fusion and cellular protrusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhkoh Satouh
- Laboratory of Molecular Traffic, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation, Gunma University, Maebashi, Gunma, Japan.
| | - Naokazu Inoue
- Department of Cell Science, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Fukushima, Japan.
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16
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Matsumura T, Noda T, Satouh Y, Morohoshi A, Yuri S, Ogawa M, Lu Y, Isotani A, Ikawa M. Sperm IZUMO1 Is Required for Binding Preceding Fusion With Oolemma in Mice and Rats. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:810118. [PMID: 35096839 PMCID: PMC8790511 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.810118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Fertilization occurs as the culmination of multi-step complex processes. First, mammalian spermatozoa undergo the acrosome reaction to become fusion-competent. Then, the acrosome-reacted spermatozoa penetrate the zona pellucida and adhere to and finally fuse with the egg plasma membrane. IZUMO1 is the first sperm protein proven to be essential for sperm-egg fusion in mammals, as Izumo1 knockout mouse spermatozoa adhere to but fail to fuse with the oolemma. However, the IZUMO1 function in other species remains largely unknown. Here, we generated Izumo1 knockout rats by CRISPR/Cas9 and found the male rats were infertile. Unlike in mice, Izumo1 knockout rat spermatozoa failed to bind to the oolemma. Further investigation revealed that the acrosome-intact sperm binding conceals a decreased number of the acrosome-reacted sperm bound to the oolemma in Izumo1 knockout mice. Of note, we could not see any apparent defects in the binding of the acrosome-reacted sperm to the oolemma in the mice lacking recently found fusion-indispensable genes, Fimp, Sof1, Spaca6, or Tmem95. Collectively, our data suggest that IZUMO1 is required for the sperm-oolemma binding prior to fusion at least in rat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takafumi Matsumura
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Taichi Noda
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Division of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Resource Development and Analysis, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
- Priority Organization for Innovation and Excellence, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yuhkoh Satouh
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Akane Morohoshi
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Yuri
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Ikoma, Japan
| | - Masaki Ogawa
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Yonggang Lu
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Ayako Isotani
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Ikoma, Japan
- Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Laboratory of Reproductive Systems Biology, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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17
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Pinello JF, Liu Y, Snell WJ. MAR1 links membrane adhesion to membrane merger during cell-cell fusion in Chlamydomonas. Dev Cell 2021; 56:3380-3392.e9. [PMID: 34813735 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2021.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Union of two gametes to form a zygote is a defining event in the life of sexual eukaryotes, yet the mechanisms that underlie cell-cell fusion during fertilization remain poorly characterized. Here, in studies of fertilization in the green alga, Chlamydomonas, we report identification of a membrane protein on minus gametes, Minus Adhesion Receptor 1 (MAR1), that is essential for the membrane attachment with plus gametes that immediately precedes lipid bilayer merger. We show that MAR1 forms a receptor pair with previously identified receptor FUS1 on plus gametes, whose ectodomain architecture we find is identical to a sperm adhesion protein conserved throughout plant lineages. Strikingly, before fusion, MAR1 is biochemically and functionally associated with the ancient, evolutionarily conserved eukaryotic Class II fusion protein HAP2 on minus gametes. Thus, the integral membrane protein MAR1 provides a molecular link between membrane adhesion and bilayer merger during fertilization in Chlamydomonas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer F Pinello
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Yanjie Liu
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390-9039, USA
| | - William J Snell
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA.
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18
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Inoue N. Gamete Fusion Assay in Mice. Bio Protoc 2021; 11:e4233. [PMID: 34909454 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.4233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Gamete fusion, which is the final event of fertilization, is a crucial physiological event in the creation of a new fetus. In mammals, sperm IZUMO1 and oocyte IZUMO1R (JUNO) recognition play a role in triggering this process. Gamete fusion occurs through a complex but steady and unfailing intermolecular reaction because fertilization must ensure species specificity, in which fusion takes place between gametes of the same species only. Although many factors involved in this process have recently been identified, their specific contributions remain largely unknown. The current article describes detailed methods for assessment of gamete fusion in mice, visualized by fluorescent dye transfer, from unfertilized oocyte to spermatozoa. These methods are applicable not only for fixed cells but also live imaging of gametes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naokazu Inoue
- Department of Cell Science, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
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19
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Merc V, Frolikova M, Komrskova K. Role of Integrins in Sperm Activation and Fertilization. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11809. [PMID: 34769240 PMCID: PMC8584121 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, integrins are heterodimeric transmembrane glycoproteins that represent a large group of cell adhesion receptors involved in cell-cell, cell-extracellular matrix, and cell-pathogen interactions. Integrin receptors are an important part of signalization pathways and have an ability to transmit signals into and out of cells and participate in cell activation. In addition to somatic cells, integrins have also been detected on germ cells and are known to play a crucial role in complex gamete-specific physiological events, resulting in sperm-oocyte fusion. The main aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on integrins in reproduction and deliver novel perspectives and graphical interpretations presenting integrin subunits localization and their dynamic relocation during sperm maturation in comparison to the oocyte. A significant part of this review is devoted to discussing the existing view of the role of integrins during sperm migration through the female reproductive tract; oviductal reservoir formation; sperm maturation processes ensuing capacitation and the acrosome reaction, and their direct and indirect involvement in gamete membrane adhesion and fusion leading to fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Merc
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic; (V.M.); (M.F.)
| | - Michaela Frolikova
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic; (V.M.); (M.F.)
| | - Katerina Komrskova
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic; (V.M.); (M.F.)
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Vinicna 7, 128 44 Prague, Czech Republic
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20
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Siu KK, Serrão VHB, Ziyyat A, Lee JE. The cell biology of fertilization: Gamete attachment and fusion. J Cell Biol 2021; 220:e202102146. [PMID: 34459848 PMCID: PMC8406655 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202102146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Fertilization is defined as the union of two gametes. During fertilization, sperm and egg fuse to form a diploid zygote to initiate prenatal development. In mammals, fertilization involves multiple ordered steps, including the acrosome reaction, zona pellucida penetration, sperm-egg attachment, and membrane fusion. Given the success of in vitro fertilization, one would think that the mechanisms of fertilization are understood; however, the precise details for many of the steps in fertilization remain a mystery. Recent studies using genetic knockout mouse models and structural biology are providing valuable insight into the molecular basis of sperm-egg attachment and fusion. Here, we review the cell biology of fertilization, specifically summarizing data from recent structural and functional studies that provide insights into the interactions involved in human gamete attachment and fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen K. Siu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Vitor Hugo B. Serrão
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ahmed Ziyyat
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Paris, France
- Service d’Histologie, d’Embryologie, Biologie de la Reproduction, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Cochin, Paris, France
| | - Jeffrey E. Lee
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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21
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Fujihara Y, Herberg S, Blaha A, Panser K, Kobayashi K, Larasati T, Novatchkova M, Theussl HC, Olszanska O, Ikawa M, Pauli A. The conserved fertility factor SPACA4/Bouncer has divergent modes of action in vertebrate fertilization. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2108777118. [PMID: 34556579 PMCID: PMC8488580 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2108777118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Fertilization is the fundamental process that initiates the development of a new individual in all sexually reproducing species. Despite its importance, our understanding of the molecular players that govern mammalian sperm-egg interaction is incomplete, partly because many of the essential factors found in nonmammalian species do not have obvious mammalian homologs. We have recently identified the lymphocyte antigen-6 (Ly6)/urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) protein Bouncer as an essential fertilization factor in zebrafish [S. Herberg, K. R. Gert, A. Schleiffer, A. Pauli, Science 361, 1029-1033 (2018)]. Here, we show that Bouncer's homolog in mammals, Sperm Acrosome Associated 4 (SPACA4), is also required for efficient fertilization in mice. In contrast to fish, in which Bouncer is expressed specifically in the egg, SPACA4 is expressed exclusively in the sperm. Male knockout mice are severely subfertile, and sperm lacking SPACA4 fail to fertilize wild-type eggs in vitro. Interestingly, removal of the zona pellucida rescues the fertilization defect of Spaca4-deficient sperm in vitro, indicating that SPACA4 is not required for the interaction of sperm and the oolemma but rather of sperm and the zona pellucida. Our work identifies SPACA4 as an important sperm protein necessary for zona pellucida penetration during mammalian fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshitaka Fujihara
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan
- Department of Bioscience and Genetics, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Suita 564-8565, Japan
| | - Sarah Herberg
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna BioCenter, Campus-Vienna-Biocenter 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Andreas Blaha
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna BioCenter, Campus-Vienna-Biocenter 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria
- Vienna BioCenter PhD Program, Doctoral School of the University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Karin Panser
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna BioCenter, Campus-Vienna-Biocenter 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Kiyonori Kobayashi
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan
| | - Tamara Larasati
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan
| | - Maria Novatchkova
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna BioCenter, Campus-Vienna-Biocenter 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Hans-Christian Theussl
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna BioCenter, Campus-Vienna-Biocenter 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Olga Olszanska
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna BioCenter, Campus-Vienna-Biocenter 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan;
- The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
| | - Andrea Pauli
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna BioCenter, Campus-Vienna-Biocenter 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria;
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22
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Hamze JG, Jiménez-Movilla M, Romar R. Sperm-Binding Assay Using an In Vitro 3D Model of the Mammalian Cumulus-Oocyte Complex. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 86:e100. [PMID: 33331693 DOI: 10.1002/cptx.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
We have recently described a new model to study gamete interaction in mammalian species. The model recreates the spherical surface of the oocyte by using magnetic Sepharose beads coated with a layer of a recombinant protein involved in gamete interaction (such as ZP2, or the IZUMO1 receptor JUNO) and an external layer of cumulus oophorus cells, thus mimicking, to some extent, a native cumulus-oocyte complex. Once generated, this 3D model can be used in a sperm-binding assay to obtain valuable information about the molecular basis of gamete interaction, since different recombinant proteins can be used to coat the bead surface, thus generating a variety of models to be used for several species. Furthermore, thanks to the ability of the model to decoy sperm, the physiological status of the bound sperm can be studied, making this a powerful tool to select sperm with high fertilizing capacity, to unmask subfertile animals in livestock breeding centers, or for toxicological studies. Here, we describe how to generate and use this model for sperm-binding assays, using porcine sperm as an example, and ZP2, a protein from zona pellucida, as the recombinant protein of interest. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Generation of the in vitro 3D model Alternate Protocol 1: Binding cumulus oophorus cells to the model Basic Protocol 2: Quality control of the model by SDS-PAGE electrophoresis and western blot Support Protocol 1: Immunochemistry to confirm proper protein distribution on surface of beads Support Protocol 2: Elution of recombinant conjugated proteins Basic Protocol 3: Sperm-binding assay Alternate Protocol 2: Sperm preparation by the swim-up method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julieta Gabriela Hamze
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, School of Medicine, University of Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum and IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - María Jiménez-Movilla
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, School of Medicine, University of Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum and IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Raquel Romar
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum and IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
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23
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Long JE, Lee MS, Blithe DL. Update on Novel Hormonal and Nonhormonal Male Contraceptive Development. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 106:e2381-e2392. [PMID: 33481994 PMCID: PMC8344836 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The advent of new methods of male contraception would increase contraceptive options for men and women and advance male contraceptive agency. Pharmaceutical R&D for male contraception has been dormant since the 1990s. The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) has supported a contraceptive development program since 1969 and supports most ongoing hormonal male contraceptive development. Nonhormonal methods are in earlier stages of development. CONTENT Several hormonal male contraceptive agents have entered clinical trials. Novel single agent products being evaluated include dimethandrolone undecanoate, 11β-methyl-nortestosterone dodecylcarbonate, and 7α-methyl-19-nortestosterone. A contraceptive efficacy trial of Nestorone®/testosterone gel is underway. Potential nonhormonal methods are at preclinical stages of development. Many nonhormonal male contraceptive targets that affect sperm production, sperm function, or sperm transport have been identified. SUMMARY NICHD supports development of reversible male contraceptive agents. Other organizations such as the World Health Organization, the Population Council, and the Male Contraception Initiative are pursuing male contraceptive development, but industry involvement remains limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill E Long
- Contraceptive Development Program, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Correspondence: Dr. Jill Long, 6710B Rockledge Drive, Room 3243, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Min S Lee
- Contraceptive Development Program, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Diana L Blithe
- Contraceptive Development Program, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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24
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Inoue N, Hagihara Y, Wada I. Evolutionarily conserved sperm factors, DCST1 and DCST2, are required for gamete fusion. eLife 2021; 10:66313. [PMID: 33871360 PMCID: PMC8055269 DOI: 10.7554/elife.66313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
To trigger gamete fusion, spermatozoa need to activate the molecular machinery in which sperm IZUMO1 and oocyte JUNO (IZUMO1R) interaction plays a critical role in mammals. Although a set of factors involved in this process has recently been identified, no common factor that can function in both vertebrates and invertebrates has yet been reported. Here, we first demonstrate that the evolutionarily conserved factors dendrocyte expressed seven transmembrane protein domain-containing 1 (DCST1) and dendrocyte expressed seven transmembrane protein domain-containing 2 (DCST2) are essential for sperm–egg fusion in mice, as proven by gene disruption and complementation experiments. We also found that the protein stability of another gamete fusion-related sperm factor, SPACA6, is differently regulated by DCST1/2 and IZUMO1. Thus, we suggest that spermatozoa ensure proper fertilization in mammals by integrating various molecular pathways, including an evolutionarily conserved system that has developed as a result of nearly one billion years of evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naokazu Inoue
- Department of Cell Science, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Hagihara
- Biomedical Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Ikeda, Japan
| | - Ikuo Wada
- Department of Cell Science, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
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25
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Comparison of Gonadal Transcriptomes Uncovers Reproduction-Related Genes with Sexually Dimorphic Expression Patterns in Diodon hystrix. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11041042. [PMID: 33917262 PMCID: PMC8068034 DOI: 10.3390/ani11041042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Diodon hystrix is a new and emerging aquaculture species in south China. However, due to the lack of understanding of reproductive regulation, the management of breeding and reproduction under captivity remains a barrier for the commercial aquaculture of D. hystrix. More genetic information is needed to identify genes critical for gonadal development. Here, the first gonadal transcriptomes of D. hystrix were analyzed and 151.89 million clean reads were generated. All reads were assembled into 57,077 unigenes, and 24,574 could be annotated. By comparing the gonad transcriptomes, 11,487 differentially expressed genes were obtained, of which 4599 were upregulated and 6888 were downregulated in the ovaries. Using enrichment analyses, many functional pathways were found to be associated with reproduction regulation. A set of sex-biased genes putatively involved in gonad development and gametogenesis were identified and their sexually dimorphic expression patterns were characterized. The detailed transcriptomic data provide a useful resource for further research on D. hystrix reproductive manipulation.
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26
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Takayama J, Tajima T, Onami S, Nishimura H. C. elegans spermatozoa lacking spe-45 are incapable of fusing with the oocyte plasma membrane. MICROPUBLICATION BIOLOGY 2021; 2021. [PMID: 33644705 PMCID: PMC7900825 DOI: 10.17912/micropub.biology.000372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
C. elegans spe-9 class genes encode sperm proteins with indispensable roles during fertilization. We have previously reported that spe-45 belongs to the spe-9 class, based on the finding that self-sperm of spe-45(tm3715) hermaphrodites were not consumed by fertilization. In this study, we directly observed live fertilization in the spermatheca of fem-1(hc17) females after mating with spe-45(tm3715) males. As expected, it was clearly shown that spe-45 mutant spermatozoa failed to fuse with the oocyte plasma membrane. Thus, our live imaging system for C. elegans fertilization seems to be useful for evaluation of the functions of male and female gametes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Takayama
- Laboratory for Developmental Dynamics, RIKEN Quantitative Biology Center, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan.,Department of Frontier Studies of Medical AI, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Tajima
- Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Setsunan University, Neyagawa, Osaka 572-8508, Japan.,Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan
| | - Shuichi Onami
- Laboratory for Developmental Dynamics, RIKEN Quantitative Biology Center, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan.,Laboratory for Developmental Dynamics, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Nishimura
- Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Setsunan University, Neyagawa, Osaka 572-8508, Japan
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27
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Gahlay GK, Rajput N. The enigmatic sperm proteins in mammalian fertilization: an overview†. Biol Reprod 2020; 103:1171-1185. [PMID: 32761117 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian fertilization involves a physical interaction between a sperm and an egg followed by molecular interactions amongst their various cell surface molecules. These interactions are initially mediated on the egg's outermost matrix, zona pellucida (ZP), and then its plasma membrane. To better understand this process, it is pertinent to find the corresponding molecules on sperm that interact with ZP or the egg's plasma membrane. Although currently, we have some knowledge about the binding partners for egg's plasma membrane on sperm, yet the ones involved in an interaction with ZP have remained remarkably elusive. This review provides comprehensive knowledge about the various sperm proteins participating in mammalian fertilization and discusses the possible reasons for not being able to identify the strong sperm surface candidate (s) for ZP adhesion. It also hypothesizes the existence of a multi-protein complex(s), members of which participate in oviduct transport, cumulus penetration, zona adhesion, and adhesion/fusion with the egg's plasma membrane; with some protein(s) having multiple roles during this process. Identification of these proteins is crucial as it improves our understanding of the process and allows us to successfully treat infertility, develop contraceptives, and improve artificial reproductive technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gagandeep Kaur Gahlay
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar 143005, India
| | - Neha Rajput
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar 143005, India
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28
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Brandies PA, Wright BR, Hogg CJ, Grueber CE, Belov K. Characterization of reproductive gene diversity in the endangered Tasmanian devil. Mol Ecol Resour 2020; 21:721-732. [PMID: 33188658 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.13295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Interindividual variation at genes known to play a role in reproduction may impact reproductive fitness. The Tasmanian devil is an endangered Australian marsupial with low genetic diversity. Recent work has shown concerning declines in productivity in both wild and captive populations over time. Understanding whether functional diversity exists at reproductive genes in the Tasmanian devil is a key first step in identifying genes that may influence productivity. We characterized single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at 214 genes involved in reproduction in 37 Tasmanian devils. Twenty genes contained nonsynonymous substitutions, with genes involved in embryogenesis, fertilization and hormonal regulation of reproduction displaying greater numbers of nonsynonymous SNPs than synonymous SNPs. Two genes, ADAMTS9 and NANOG, showed putative signatures of balancing selection indicating that natural selection is maintaining diversity at these genes despite the species exhibiting low overall levels of genetic diversity. We will use this information in future to examine the interplay between reproductive gene variation and reproductive fitness in Tasmanian devil populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parice A Brandies
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Belinda R Wright
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Carolyn J Hogg
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Catherine E Grueber
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,San Diego Zoo Global, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Katherine Belov
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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29
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Mei X, Singson AW. The molecular underpinnings of fertility: Genetic approaches in Caenorhabditis elegans. ADVANCED GENETICS (HOBOKEN, N.J.) 2020; 2:e10034. [PMID: 34322672 PMCID: PMC8315475 DOI: 10.1002/ggn2.10034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The study of mutations that impact fertility has a catch-22. Fertility mutants are often lost since they cannot simply be propagated and maintained. This has hindered progress in understanding the genetics of fertility. In mice, several molecules are found to be required for the interactions between the sperm and egg, with JUNO and IZUMO1 being the only known receptor pair on the egg and sperm surface, respectively. In Caenorhabditis elegans, a total of 12 proteins on the sperm or oocyte have been identified to mediate gamete interactions. Majority of these genes were identified through mutants isolated from genetic screens. In this review, we summarize the several key screening strategies that led to the identification of fertility mutants in C. elegans and provide a perspective about future research using genetic approaches. Recently, advancements in new technologies such as high-throughput sequencing and Crispr-based genome editing tools have accelerated the molecular, cell biological, and mechanistic analysis of fertility genes. We review how these valuable tools advance our understanding of the molecular underpinnings of fertilization. We draw parallels of the molecular mechanisms of fertilization between worms and mammals and argue that our work in C. elegans complements fertility research in humans and other species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Mei
- Department of GeneticsWaksman Institute, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
| | - Andrew W. Singson
- Department of GeneticsWaksman Institute, Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
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30
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Carlisle JA, Swanson WJ. Molecular mechanisms and evolution of fertilization proteins. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART B-MOLECULAR AND DEVELOPMENTAL EVOLUTION 2020; 336:652-665. [PMID: 33015976 DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.23004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Sexual reproduction involves a cascade of molecular interactions between the sperm and the egg culminating in cell-cell fusion. Vital steps mediating fertilization include chemoattraction of the sperm to the egg, induction of the sperm acrosome reaction, dissolution of the egg coat, and sperm-egg plasma membrane binding and fusion. Despite decades of research, only a handful of interacting gamete recognition proteins (GRPs) have been identified across taxa mediating each of these steps, most notably in abalone, sea urchins, and mammals. This review outlines and compares notable GRP pairs mediating sperm-egg recognition in these three significant model systems and discusses the molecular basis of species-specific fertilization driven by GRP function. In addition, we explore the evolutionary theory behind the rapid diversification of GRPs between species. In particular, we focus on how the coevolution between interacting sperm and egg proteins may contribute to the formation of boundaries to hybridization. Finally, we discuss how pairing structural information with evolutionary insights can improve our understanding of mechanisms of fertilization and their origins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolie A Carlisle
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington Medical School, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Willie J Swanson
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington Medical School, Seattle, Washington, USA
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31
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Di Palo A, Siniscalchi C, Mosca N, Russo A, Potenza N. A Novel ceRNA Regulatory Network Involving the Long Non-Coding Antisense RNA SPACA6P-AS, miR-125a and its mRNA Targets in Hepatocarcinoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21145068. [PMID: 32709089 PMCID: PMC7404396 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21145068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNA), and more recently long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA), are emerging as a driving force for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one of the leading causes of cancer-related death. In this work, we investigated a possible RNA regulatory network involving two oncosuppressive miRNAs, miR-125a and let-7e, and a long non-coding antisense RNA, SPACA6P-AS (SP-AS), all transcribed from the same locus, with SP-AS in the opposite direction and thus carrying complementary sequences to the miRNAs. In vitro experiments validated the binding of the miRNAs to SP-AS. Then, the boosting of either the miRNAs or SP-AS levels demonstrated their reciprocal inhibition. In addition, overexpression of SP-AS resulted in a reduced silencing activity of miR-125a and let-7e toward their key oncogenic targets, i.e., Lin28b, MMP11, SIRT7, Zbtb7a, Cyclin D1, CDC25B, HMGA2, that resulted significantly upregulated. Finally, the analysis of 374 HCC samples in comparison to 50 normal liver tissues showed an upregulation of SP-AS and a reverse expression of miR-125a, not observed for let-7e; consistently, miR-125a oncogenic targets were upregulated. Overall, the data depict a novel competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network, ceRNET, whereby miR-125a can regulate the expression of SP-AS, which in turn regulates the miRNA by competing with the binding to the mRNA targets. We speculate that the unbalancing of any network component may contribute to hepatocarcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armando Di Palo
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (A.D.P.); (C.S.); (A.R.)
| | - Chiara Siniscalchi
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (A.D.P.); (C.S.); (A.R.)
| | - Nicola Mosca
- Inserm, BMGIC, U1035, University of Bordeaux, 33076 Bordeaux, France;
| | - Aniello Russo
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (A.D.P.); (C.S.); (A.R.)
| | - Nicoletta Potenza
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (A.D.P.); (C.S.); (A.R.)
- Correspondence:
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32
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Lamas-Toranzo I, Hamze JG, Bianchi E, Fernández-Fuertes B, Pérez-Cerezales S, Laguna-Barraza R, Fernández-González R, Lonergan P, Gutiérrez-Adán A, Wright GJ, Jiménez-Movilla M, Bermejo-Álvarez P. TMEM95 is a sperm membrane protein essential for mammalian fertilization. eLife 2020; 9:53913. [PMID: 32484434 PMCID: PMC7295574 DOI: 10.7554/elife.53913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The fusion of gamete membranes during fertilization is an essential process for sexual reproduction. Despite its importance, only three proteins are known to be indispensable for sperm-egg membrane fusion: the sperm proteins IZUMO1 and SPACA6, and the egg protein JUNO. Here we demonstrate that another sperm protein, TMEM95, is necessary for sperm-egg interaction. TMEM95 ablation in mice caused complete male-specific infertility. Sperm lacking this protein were morphologically normal exhibited normal motility, and could penetrate the zona pellucida and bind to the oolemma. However, once bound to the oolemma, TMEM95-deficient sperm were unable to fuse with the egg membrane or penetrate into the ooplasm, and fertilization could only be achieved by mechanical injection of one sperm into the ooplasm, thereby bypassing membrane fusion. These data demonstrate that TMEM95 is essential for mammalian fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julieta G Hamze
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Medical School, University of Murcia, IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Enrica Bianchi
- Cell Surface Signalling Laboratory, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Beatriz Fernández-Fuertes
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Pat Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Gavin J Wright
- Cell Surface Signalling Laboratory, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - María Jiménez-Movilla
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Medical School, University of Murcia, IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
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33
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Sperm proteins SOF1, TMEM95, and SPACA6 are required for sperm-oocyte fusion in mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:11493-11502. [PMID: 32393636 PMCID: PMC7261011 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1922650117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm-oocyte membrane fusion is one of the most important events for fertilization. So far, IZUMO1 and Fertilization Influencing Membrane Protein (FIMP) on the sperm membrane and CD9 and JUNO (IZUMO1R/FOLR4) on the oocyte membrane have been identified as fusion-required proteins. However, the molecular mechanisms for sperm-oocyte fusion are still unclear. Here, we show that testis-enriched genes, sperm-oocyte fusion required 1 (Sof1/Llcfc1/1700034O15Rik), transmembrane protein 95 (Tmem95), and sperm acrosome associated 6 (Spaca6), encode sperm proteins required for sperm-oocyte fusion in mice. These knockout (KO) spermatozoa carry IZUMO1 but cannot fuse with the oocyte plasma membrane, leading to male sterility. Transgenic mice which expressed mouse Sof1, Tmem95, and Spaca6 rescued the sterility of Sof1, Tmem95, and Spaca6 KO males, respectively. SOF1 and SPACA6 remain in acrosome-reacted spermatozoa, and SPACA6 translocates to the equatorial segment of these spermatozoa. The coexpression of SOF1, TMEM95, and SPACA6 in IZUMO1-expressing cultured cells did not enhance their ability to adhere to the oocyte membrane or allow them to fuse with oocytes. SOF1, TMEM95, and SPACA6 may function cooperatively with IZUMO1 and/or unknown fusogens in sperm-oocyte fusion.
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34
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Spermatozoa lacking Fertilization Influencing Membrane Protein (FIMP) fail to fuse with oocytes in mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:9393-9400. [PMID: 32295885 PMCID: PMC7196805 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1917060117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
As the human body is composed of 60 trillion cells that originate from a fertilized egg, sperm–oocyte fusion is the initial event of our life. Few sperm–oocyte fusion factors have been unveiled to date, and only IZUMO1 has been identified as a sperm-specific fusion-mediating protein. Here, we identified the testis-specific 4930451I11Rik gene important for male fertility, playing a role in sperm–oocyte fusion during fertilization. Based on its functional role, we renamed this gene fertilization influencing membrane protein (Fimp). We discovered a factor responsible for sperm–oocyte fusion in mammals, and this knowledge could be used to develop in vitro and in vivo infertility treatments as well as male contraceptives. Sperm–oocyte fusion is a critical event in mammalian fertilization, categorized by three indispensable proteins. Sperm membrane protein IZUMO1 and its counterpart oocyte membrane protein JUNO make a protein complex allowing sperm to interact with the oocyte, and subsequent sperm–oocyte fusion. Oocyte tetraspanin protein CD9 also contributes to sperm–oocyte fusion. However, the fusion process cannot be explained solely by these three essential factors. In this study, we focused on analyzing a testis-specific gene 4930451I11Rik and generated mutant mice using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Although IZUMO1 remained in 4930451I11Rik knockout (KO) spermatozoa, the KO spermatozoa were unable to fuse with oocytes and the KO males were severely subfertile. 4930451I11Rik encodes two isoforms: a transmembrane (TM) form and a secreted form. Both CRISPR/Cas9-mediated TM deletion and transgenic (Tg) rescue with the TM form revealed that only the TM form plays a critical role in sperm–oocyte fusion. Thus, we renamed this TM form Fertilization Influencing Membrane Protein (FIMP). The mCherry-tagged FIMP TM form was localized to the sperm equatorial segment where the sperm–oocyte fusion event occurs. Thus, FIMP is a sperm-specific transmembrane protein that is necessary for the sperm–oocyte fusion process.
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35
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Sperm SPACA6 protein is required for mammalian Sperm-Egg Adhesion/Fusion. Sci Rep 2020; 10:5335. [PMID: 32210282 PMCID: PMC7093486 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-62091-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Three genes are known to be essential for gamete adhesion/fusion (Cd9, Izumo1 and Juno). Here, we confirmed that Spaca6 null males are infertile and showed that their sperm accumulate in the perivitelline space but are unable to fuse with oocyte. Like IZUMO1, SPACA6 which is expressed by human sperm, is remained on the equatorial segment after acrosomal reaction and is involved in human fertilization since an anti-SPACA6 antibody inhibited it. Despite the similarity of the phenotypes caused by Spaca6 and Izumo1 knockouts, these are not redundant and the essential relocation of IZUMO1 is not affected by the lack of SPACA6. We propose a model in which IZUMO1 and SPACA6 would be part of a molecular complex necessary for gamete fusion and that their concomitant presence would be required for the recruitment of another essential molecular actor, such as a fusogen, for the fusion to take place.
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36
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Zigo M, Maňásková-Postlerová P, Zuidema D, Kerns K, Jonáková V, Tůmová L, Bubeníčková F, Sutovsky P. Porcine model for the study of sperm capacitation, fertilization and male fertility. Cell Tissue Res 2020; 380:237-262. [PMID: 32140927 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-020-03181-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian fertilization remains a poorly understood event with the vast majority of studies done in the mouse model. The purpose of this review is to revise the current knowledge about semen deposition, sperm transport, sperm capacitation, gamete interactions and early embryonic development with a focus on the porcine model as a relevant, alternative model organism to humans. The review provides a thorough overview of post-ejaculation events inside the sow's reproductive tract including comparisons with humans and implications for human fertilization and assisted reproductive therapy (ART). Porcine methodology for sperm handling, preservation, in vitro capacitation, oocyte in vitro maturation, in vitro fertilization and intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection that are routinely used in pig research laboratories can be successfully translated into ART to treat human infertility. Last, but not least, new knowledge about mitochondrial inheritance in the pig can provide an insight into human mitochondrial diseases and new knowledge on polyspermy defense mechanisms could contribute to the development of new male contraceptives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Zigo
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
| | - Pavla Maňásková-Postlerová
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 25250, Vestec, Czech Republic.,Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences, 16521, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Dalen Zuidema
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Karl Kerns
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Věra Jonáková
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 25250, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Tůmová
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences, 16521, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Filipa Bubeníčková
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences, 16521, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Peter Sutovsky
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
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37
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Ríos N, Casanova A, Hermida M, Pardo BG, Martínez P, Bouza C, García G. Population Genomics in Rhamdia quelen (Heptapteridae, Siluriformes) Reveals Deep Divergence and Adaptation in the Neotropical Region. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11010109. [PMID: 31963477 PMCID: PMC7017130 DOI: 10.3390/genes11010109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhamdia quelen, a Neotropical fish with hybridization between highly divergent mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) lineages, represents an interesting evolutionary model. Previous studies suggested that there might be demographic differences between coastal lagoons and riverine environments, as well as divergent populations that could be reproductively isolated. Here, we investigated the genetic diversity pattern of this taxon in the Southern Neotropical Basin system that includes the La Plata Basin, Patos-Merin lagoon basin and the coastal lagoons draining to the SW Atlantic Ocean, through a population genomics approach using 2b-RAD-sequencing-derived single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The genomic scan identified selection footprints associated with divergence and suggested local adaptation environmental drivers. Two major genomic clusters latitudinally distributed in the Northern and Southern basins were identified, along with consistent signatures of divergent selection between them. Population structure based on the whole set of loci and on the presumptive neutral vs. adaptive loci showed deep genomic divergence between the two major clusters. Annotation of the most consistent SNPs under divergent selection revealed some interesting candidate genes for further functional studies. Moreover, signals of adaptation to a coastal lagoon environment mediated by purifying selection were found. These new insights provide a better understanding of the complex evolutionary history of R. quelen in the southernmost basin of the Neotropical region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Néstor Ríos
- Sección Genética Evolutiva, Facultad de Ciencias, UdelaR, Iguá 4225, Montevideo 11400, Uruguay;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +598-25258618 (ext. 140)
| | - Adrián Casanova
- Departamento de Zoología, Genética y Antropología Física, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Lugo, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Avenida Carballo Calero s/n, E-27002 Lugo, Spain; (A.C.); (M.H.); (B.G.P.); (P.M.); (C.B.)
| | - Miguel Hermida
- Departamento de Zoología, Genética y Antropología Física, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Lugo, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Avenida Carballo Calero s/n, E-27002 Lugo, Spain; (A.C.); (M.H.); (B.G.P.); (P.M.); (C.B.)
| | - Belén G. Pardo
- Departamento de Zoología, Genética y Antropología Física, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Lugo, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Avenida Carballo Calero s/n, E-27002 Lugo, Spain; (A.C.); (M.H.); (B.G.P.); (P.M.); (C.B.)
- Instituto de Acuicultura, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus Vida s/n, E-15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Paulino Martínez
- Departamento de Zoología, Genética y Antropología Física, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Lugo, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Avenida Carballo Calero s/n, E-27002 Lugo, Spain; (A.C.); (M.H.); (B.G.P.); (P.M.); (C.B.)
- Instituto de Acuicultura, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus Vida s/n, E-15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Carmen Bouza
- Departamento de Zoología, Genética y Antropología Física, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Lugo, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Avenida Carballo Calero s/n, E-27002 Lugo, Spain; (A.C.); (M.H.); (B.G.P.); (P.M.); (C.B.)
- Instituto de Acuicultura, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus Vida s/n, E-15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Graciela García
- Sección Genética Evolutiva, Facultad de Ciencias, UdelaR, Iguá 4225, Montevideo 11400, Uruguay;
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Pinto TMF, Moreira RF, Matos MNC, Soares VVM, Aguiar MVDA, de Aragão PDTTD, Alves JG, Moreno FBMB, Monteiro-Moreira ACDO, Costa CRR, de Lima JL, Eloy AMX, da Cunha RMS. Evaluation of the proteomic profiles of ejaculated spermatozoa from Saanen bucks ( Capra hircus ). Anim Reprod 2019; 16:902-913. [PMID: 32368270 PMCID: PMC7189512 DOI: 10.21451/1984-3143-ar2019-0001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The Saanen goat breed has been widely explored in breeding programmes; however, there are few reports about the breed's genetic and molecular composition. Thus, this study aimed to characterize the proteomic profile of spermatozoa from Saanen breeding goats. Five breeding animals with proven fertility were selected, the spermatozoa were collected, and the protein was extracted. Subsequently, the proteins were separated and analysed by two-dimensional electrophoresis and mass spectrometry; the proteins were then identified with the SwissProt database. A total of 31 proteins involved in reproduction were identified, including binding proteins on spermatozoa for fusion with the egg, acrosomal membrane proteins, metabolic enzymes, heat shock proteins, cytoskeletal proteins and spermatozoa motility proteins. The characterization of such proteins clarifies the molecular mechanisms of spermatogenesis and the modifications that ensure the success of fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Maria Farias Pinto
- Universidade Estadual Vale do AcaraúLaboratorio de Biologia MolecularSobralBrasilUniversidade Estadual Vale do Acaraú, Laboratorio de Biologia Molecular, Sobral, Brasil
| | - Raulzito Fernandes Moreira
- Universidade Estadual Vale do AcaraúLaboratorio de Biologia MolecularSobralBrasilUniversidade Estadual Vale do Acaraú, Laboratorio de Biologia Molecular, Sobral, Brasil
| | - Maria Nagila Carneiro Matos
- Universidade Estadual Vale do AcaraúLaboratorio de Biologia MolecularSobralBrasilUniversidade Estadual Vale do Acaraú, Laboratorio de Biologia Molecular, Sobral, Brasil
| | - Vitória Virginia Magalhães Soares
- Universidade Estadual Vale do AcaraúLaboratorio de Biologia MolecularSobralBrasilUniversidade Estadual Vale do Acaraú, Laboratorio de Biologia Molecular, Sobral, Brasil
| | - Mônica Valeria de Almeida Aguiar
- Universidade Estadual Vale do AcaraúLaboratorio de Biologia MolecularSobralBrasilUniversidade Estadual Vale do Acaraú, Laboratorio de Biologia Molecular, Sobral, Brasil
| | - Paulo de Tarso Teles Dourado de Aragão
- Universidade Estadual Vale do AcaraúLaboratorio de Biologia MolecularSobralBrasilUniversidade Estadual Vale do Acaraú, Laboratorio de Biologia Molecular, Sobral, Brasil
| | - João Garcia Alves
- Universidade Estadual Vale do AcaraúLaboratorio de Biologia MolecularSobralBrasilUniversidade Estadual Vale do Acaraú, Laboratorio de Biologia Molecular, Sobral, Brasil
| | - Frederico Bruno Mendes Batista Moreno
- Universidade de FortalezaNúcleo de Biologia ExperimentalFortalezaBrasilUniversidade de Fortaleza, Núcleo de Biologia Experimental, Fortaleza, Brasil
| | | | - Cíntia Renata Rocha Costa
- Universidade Federal de Pernambuco FederalDepartamento de BioquímicaLaboratório de Imunopatologia Keizo AsamiRecifeBrasilUniversidade Federal de Pernambuco Federal, Departamento de Bioquímica, Laboratório de Imunopatologia Keizo Asami, Recife, Brasil
| | - José Luiz de Lima
- Universidade Federal de Pernambuco FederalDepartamento de BioquímicaLaboratório de Imunopatologia Keizo AsamiRecifeBrasilUniversidade Federal de Pernambuco Federal, Departamento de Bioquímica, Laboratório de Imunopatologia Keizo Asami, Recife, Brasil
| | - Angela Maria Xavier Eloy
- Centro de Pesquisa Caprinos e OvinosEmpresa Brasileira de Pesquisa AgropecuáriaSobralBrasilCentro de Pesquisa Caprinos e Ovinos, Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária, Sobral, Brasil
| | - Rodrigo Maranguape Silva da Cunha
- Universidade Estadual Vale do AcaraúLaboratorio de Biologia MolecularSobralBrasilUniversidade Estadual Vale do Acaraú, Laboratorio de Biologia Molecular, Sobral, Brasil
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Sperm IZUMO1-Dependent Gamete Fusion Influences Male Fertility in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20194809. [PMID: 31569716 PMCID: PMC6801368 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20194809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm–egg fusion is accomplished through the interaction of a specific set of membrane proteins in each gamete: sperm IZUMO1 and oocyte JUNO. Recently, we found that alternative splicing of the Izumo1 gene generates a novel IZUMO1 isoform (IZUMO1_v2). Here, we obtained four mouse lines, having graded different levels of IZUMO1 protein by combining an original IZUMO1 (IZUMO1_v1) knockout with IZUMO1-null (both IZUMO1_v1 and _v2 disrupted) genetic background, in order to determine how the quantity of IZUMO1 influences male fertility. Subsequently, we clarified that the signal intensity from two quantitative assays, western blot and immunostaining analyses with a monoclonal antibody against mouse IZUMO1, were strongly correlated with average litter size. These results suggest that evaluating IZUMO1 protein levels is useful for predicting fecundity, and is a suitable test for male fertility.
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40
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Bhakta HH, Refai FH, Avella MA. The molecular mechanisms mediating mammalian fertilization. Development 2019; 146:146/15/dev176966. [PMID: 31375552 DOI: 10.1242/dev.176966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Fertilization is a key biological process in which the egg and sperm must recognize one another and fuse to form a zygote. Although the process is a continuum, mammalian fertilization has been studied as a sequence of steps: sperm bind and penetrate through the zona pellucida of the egg, adhere to the egg plasma membrane and finally fuse with the egg. Following fusion, effective blocks to polyspermy ensure monospermic fertilization. Here, we review how recent advances obtained using genetically modified mouse lines bring new insights into the molecular mechanisms regulating mammalian fertilization. We discuss models for these processes and we include studies showing that these mechanisms may be conserved across different mammalian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanisha H Bhakta
- Department of Biological Science, College of Engineering and Natural Sciences, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK 74104, USA
| | - Fares H Refai
- Department of Biological Science, College of Engineering and Natural Sciences, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK 74104, USA
| | - Matteo A Avella
- Department of Biological Science, College of Engineering and Natural Sciences, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK 74104, USA
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41
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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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42
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Brukman NG, Uygur B, Podbilewicz B, Chernomordik LV. How cells fuse. J Cell Biol 2019; 218:1436-1451. [PMID: 30936162 PMCID: PMC6504885 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201901017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Brukman et al. review cell–cell fusion mechanisms, focusing on the identity of the fusogens that mediate these processes and the regulation of their activities. Cell–cell fusion remains the least understood type of membrane fusion process. However, the last few years have brought about major advances in understanding fusion between gametes, myoblasts, macrophages, trophoblasts, epithelial, cancer, and other cells in normal development and in diseases. While different cell fusion processes appear to proceed via similar membrane rearrangements, proteins that have been identified as necessary and sufficient for cell fusion (fusogens) use diverse mechanisms. Some fusions are controlled by a single fusogen; other fusions depend on several proteins that either work together throughout the fusion pathway or drive distinct stages. Furthermore, some fusions require fusogens to be present on both fusing membranes, and in other fusions, fusogens have to be on only one of the membranes. Remarkably, some of the proteins that fuse cells also sculpt single cells, repair neurons, promote scission of endocytic vesicles, and seal phagosomes. In this review, we discuss the properties and diversity of the known proteins mediating cell–cell fusion and highlight their different working mechanisms in various contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas G Brukman
- Department of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Berna Uygur
- Section on Membrane Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | | | - Leonid V Chernomordik
- Section on Membrane Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
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43
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Alternative splicing of the Izumo1 gene ensures triggering gamete fusion in mice. Sci Rep 2019; 9:3151. [PMID: 30816314 PMCID: PMC6395798 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-40130-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
IZUMO1 is a sperm acrosomal membrane protein that is essential for mammalian fertilization through recognition of JUNO on the oocyte surface and accompanying IZUMO1-JUNO complex formation. Here, we report a new Izumo1 gene splicing variant (IZUMO1_v2) with a unique 52-amino-acid-long signal sequence transcribed from Exon 1b. Although the mRNA amount of Izumo1_v2 is 76 times lower than that of the original Izumo1 (IZUMO1_v1) in the testis, the cell-oocyte assay indicates that IZUMO1_v2-expressing COS-7 cells have the ability to attach to the oocyte equivalent of IZUMO1_v1. To clarify the physiological function of IZUMO1_v2, we produced an IZUMO1_v1-specific knockout mouse line with a nine-base deletion adjacent to the initial methionine codon of IZUMO1_v1 by the CRISPR/Cas9 system. The IZUMO1_v1 knockout male mice carry 0.19-fold lower level of IZUMO1 protein in the spermatozoon; however, reduction in fertility was only minimally affected compared to the wild-type mice, suggesting that only a small fraction of IZUMO1 is sufficient for triggering sperm-egg fusion. We propose that the alternative splicing generating IZUMO1_v2 might function as a fail-safe in mouse for when splicing is disturbed.
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Tian C, Li Z, Dong Z, Huang Y, Du T, Chen H, Jiang D, Deng S, Zhang Y, Wanida S, Shi H, Wu T, Zhu C, Li G. Transcriptome Analysis of Male and Female Mature Gonads of Silver Sillago ( Sillago sihama). Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:E129. [PMID: 30754713 PMCID: PMC6409516 DOI: 10.3390/genes10020129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Silver sillago (Sillago sihama) is an emerging commercial marine aquaculture species in China. To date, fundamental information on S. sihama, such as genomic information, is lacking, and no data are available on the gonad transcriptome of S. sihama. Here, the first gonadal transcriptomes of S. sihama have been constructed and genes potentially involved in gonadal development and reproduction identified. Illumina sequencing generated 60.18 million clean reads for the testis and 59.10 million for the ovary. All reads were assembled into 74,038 unigenes with a mean length of 1,004 bp and N50 value of 2,190 bp. Among all the predictable unigenes, a total of 34,104 unigenes (46%) were searched against multiple databases, including 33,244 unigenes annotated in the RefSeq Non- Redundant database at NCBI, and 28,924 in Swiss-Prot. By comparing the ovary and testis, 35,367 unigenes were identified as being differentially expressed between males and females, of which 29,127 were upregulated in the testis and 6,240 were upregulated in the ovary. Numerous differentially expressed genes (DEGs) known to be involved in gonadal development and gametogenesis were identified, including amh, dmrt1, gsdf, cyp19a1a, gnrhr, and zps. Using gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses, the top 20 KEGG pathways with highest number of DEGs were found to be involved in regulating gonadal development and gametogenesis in S. sihama. Moreover, 22,666 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were identified in 14,577 SSR-containing sequences. The findings provide a valuable dataset for future functional analyses of sex-associated genes and molecular marker assisted selection in S. sihama.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changxu Tian
- Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Aquaculture Environment of Zhanjiang, Key Laboratory of Aquaculture in South China Sea for Aquatic Economic Animal of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China.
| | - Zhiyuan Li
- Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Aquaculture Environment of Zhanjiang, Key Laboratory of Aquaculture in South China Sea for Aquatic Economic Animal of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China.
| | - Zhongdian Dong
- Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Aquaculture Environment of Zhanjiang, Key Laboratory of Aquaculture in South China Sea for Aquatic Economic Animal of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China.
| | - Yang Huang
- Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Aquaculture Environment of Zhanjiang, Key Laboratory of Aquaculture in South China Sea for Aquatic Economic Animal of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China.
| | - Tao Du
- Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Aquaculture Environment of Zhanjiang, Key Laboratory of Aquaculture in South China Sea for Aquatic Economic Animal of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China.
| | - Huapu Chen
- Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Aquaculture Environment of Zhanjiang, Key Laboratory of Aquaculture in South China Sea for Aquatic Economic Animal of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China.
| | - Dongneng Jiang
- Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Aquaculture Environment of Zhanjiang, Key Laboratory of Aquaculture in South China Sea for Aquatic Economic Animal of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China.
| | - Siping Deng
- Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Aquaculture Environment of Zhanjiang, Key Laboratory of Aquaculture in South China Sea for Aquatic Economic Animal of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China.
| | - Yulei Zhang
- Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Aquaculture Environment of Zhanjiang, Key Laboratory of Aquaculture in South China Sea for Aquatic Economic Animal of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China.
| | - Saetan Wanida
- Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Aquaculture Environment of Zhanjiang, Key Laboratory of Aquaculture in South China Sea for Aquatic Economic Animal of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China.
| | - Hongjuan Shi
- Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Aquaculture Environment of Zhanjiang, Key Laboratory of Aquaculture in South China Sea for Aquatic Economic Animal of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China.
| | - Tianli Wu
- Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Aquaculture Environment of Zhanjiang, Key Laboratory of Aquaculture in South China Sea for Aquatic Economic Animal of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China.
| | - Chunhua Zhu
- Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Aquaculture Environment of Zhanjiang, Key Laboratory of Aquaculture in South China Sea for Aquatic Economic Animal of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China.
| | - Guangli Li
- Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Aquaculture Environment of Zhanjiang, Key Laboratory of Aquaculture in South China Sea for Aquatic Economic Animal of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China.
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45
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Russo A, Potenza N. Antiproliferative Activity of microRNA-125a and its Molecular Targets. Microrna 2018; 8:173-179. [PMID: 30394225 DOI: 10.2174/2211536608666181105114739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Revised: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND MicroRNA-125a is present in all animals with bilateral symmetry and displays a conserved nucleotide sequence with a section of 11 bases including the seed region that is identical in all considered species. It primarily downregulates the expression of LIN28, thereby promoting cell differentiation and larval phase transitions in nematodes, mammals and insects. OBJECTIVE In this review, we focus on the cellular control of miR-125a expression and its antiproliferative activity. RESULTS In mammalians, microRNA-125a is present in most adult organs and tissues in which it targets proteins involved in the mitogenic response, such as membrane receptors, intracellular signal transducers, or transcription factors, with the overall effect of inhibiting cell proliferation. Tissue levels of miR-125a generally raise during differentiation but it is often downregulated in cancers, e.g. colon, cervical, gastric, ovarian, lung, and breast cancers, osteosarcoma, neuroblastoma, glioblastoma, medulloblastoma, retinoblastoma and hepatocellular carcinoma. CONCLUSION The antiproliferative activity of miR-125a, demonstrated in many cell types, together with the notion that this miRNA is downregulated in several kinds of cancers, give a substantial support to the concept that miR-125a plays an oncosuppressive role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aniello Russo
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Potenza
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
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46
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Satouh Y, Ikawa M. New Insights into the Molecular Events of Mammalian Fertilization. Trends Biochem Sci 2018; 43:818-828. [PMID: 30170889 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2018.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2018] [Revised: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Currently, infertility affects ∼16% of couples worldwide. The causes are reported to involve both male and female factors, including fertilization failure between mature spermatozoa and eggs. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in each step of mammalian fertilization are yet to be fully elucidated. Although some of these steps can be rescued with assisted reproductive technologies, it is important to clarify the molecular mechanisms involved for the treatment and diagnosis of infertile couples. This review illustrates recent findings in mammalian fertilization, discovered by combining gene modification techniques with other new approaches, and aims to show how these findings will guide future research in mammalian fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhkoh Satouh
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 5650871, Japan.
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 5650871, Japan; The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 1088639, Japan.
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47
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Inoue N, Wada I. Monitoring dimeric status of IZUMO1 during the acrosome reaction in living spermatozoon. Cell Cycle 2018; 17:1279-1285. [PMID: 29954238 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2018.1489181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The acrosome reaction (AR) is indispensable for successful spermatozoon-oocyte fusion. Recent studies have indicated that sperm IZUMO1 gradually gathers in the equatorial segment (EQ), which is the initiation site of sperm-egg fusion, after the AR. In addition, by examining the binding process of oocytes and Izumo1-expressing cultured cells to reconstitute the early steps of fertilization, we previously demonstrated that robust IZUMO1-dependent adhesion specifically occurs at the contact site along with the dimerization of IZUMO1. However, when IZUMO1 dimerizes after the AR in living spermatozoon is unknown. Here, we report dynamics of IZUMO1 dimerization during the AR in spermatozoa by combining transgenic mice and time-lapse imaging using a set of bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) probes. Surprisingly, dimeric IZUMO1 was already formed at the acrosomal cap region before the AR and redistributed into the EQ after the AR. We categorized the translocation of the dimer into two types: Type 1, the near-simultaneous appearance of BiFC signals with IZUMO1-mCherry; and Type 2, the delayed formation of dimer in the EQ. Those findings suggest that, before encountering oocytes, spermatozoa are prepared to boost their affinity with JUNO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naokazu Inoue
- a Department of Cell Science , Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University , Fukushima City , Japan
| | - Ikuo Wada
- a Department of Cell Science , Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University , Fukushima City , Japan
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48
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Potenza N, Panella M, Castiello F, Mosca N, Amendola E, Russo A. Molecular mechanisms governing microRNA-125a expression in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Sci Rep 2017; 7:10712. [PMID: 28878257 PMCID: PMC5587745 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-11418-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 08/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNA-125a-5p (miR-125a) is a vertebrate homolog of lin-4, the first discovered microRNA, and plays a fundamental role in embryo development by downregulating Lin-28 protein. MiR-125a is also expressed in differentiated cells where it generally acts as an antiproliferative factor by targeting membrane receptors or intracellular transductors of mitogenic signals. MiR-125a expression is downregulated in several tumors, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) where it targets sirtuin-7, matrix metalloproteinase-11, VEGF-A, Zbtb7a, and c-Raf. In this study, we have isolated the transcription promoter of human miR-125a and characterized its activity in HCC cells. It is a TATA-less Pol II promoter provided with an initiator element and a downstream promoter element, located 3939 bp upstream the genomic sequence of the miRNA. The activity of the promoter is increased by the transcription factor NF-kB, a master regulator of inflammatory response, and miR-125a itself was found to strengthen this activation through inhibition of TNFAIP3, a negative regulator of NF-kB. This finding contributes to explain the increased levels of miR-125a observed in the liver of patients with chronic hepatitis B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoletta Potenza
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via Vivaldi 43, 81100, Caserta, Italy
| | - Marta Panella
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via Vivaldi 43, 81100, Caserta, Italy
| | - Filomena Castiello
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via Vivaldi 43, 81100, Caserta, Italy
| | - Nicola Mosca
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via Vivaldi 43, 81100, Caserta, Italy
| | - Elena Amendola
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Pansini 5, 80131, Napoli, Italy
| | - Aniello Russo
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via Vivaldi 43, 81100, Caserta, Italy.
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Inoue N. Novel insights into the molecular mechanism of sperm-egg fusion via IZUMO1. JOURNAL OF PLANT RESEARCH 2017; 130:475-478. [PMID: 27995377 DOI: 10.1007/s10265-016-0895-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 11/24/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
When a spermatozoon fertilizes an oocyte in mammals, there must be an extremely precise regulation system for successful gamete fusion to occur, which is the final step of fertilization. Using gene-modified animals, IZUMO1 on the sperm side and its receptor, JUNO, on the ovum side, have been unveiled as indispensable factors for triggering membrane fusion. We recently analyzed the detailed molecular machinery of the IZUMO1-JUNO recognition system and clarified the tertiary architecture of the IZUMO1-JUNO complex based on the crystal structure. Over the past 2 years, important discoveries have successively emerged, presenting a new perspective on fertilization. In this mini-review, I will initially explain the historical background of the molecular mechanism study of gamete fusion, and go on to describe our latest study data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naokazu Inoue
- Department of Cell Science, School of Medicine, Institutes for Biomedical Sciences, Fukushima Medical University, Hikarigaoka 1, Fukushima-City, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan.
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Sabetian S, Shamsir MS. Deficiency in Sperm-Egg Protein Interaction as a Major Cause of Fertilization Failure. J Membr Biol 2017; 250:133-144. [PMID: 28280854 DOI: 10.1007/s00232-017-9954-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Complete elucidation of fertilization process at molecular level is one of the unresolved challenges in sexual reproduction studies, and understanding the molecular mechanism is crucial in overcoming difficulties in infertility and unsuccessful in vitro fertilization. Sperm-oocyte interaction is one of the most remarkable events in fertilization process, and deficiency in protein-protein interactions which mediate this interaction is a major cause of unexplained infertility. Due to detection of how the various defects of sperm-oocyte interaction can affect fertilization failure, different experimental methods have been applied. This review summarizes the current understanding of sperm-egg interaction mechanism during fertilization and also accumulates the different types of sperm-egg interaction abnormalities and their association with infertility. Several detection approaches regarding sperm-egg protein interactions and the associated defects are reviewed in this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soudabeh Sabetian
- Department of Biological and Health Sciences, Faculty of Bioscience & Medical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, Johor, Malaysia.
| | - Mohd Shahir Shamsir
- Department of Biological and Health Sciences, Faculty of Bioscience & Medical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, Johor, Malaysia.
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