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Qu M, Lu P, Lifshitz LM, Moore Simas TA, Delpapa E, ZhuGe R. Phenanthroline relaxes uterine contractions induced by diverse contractile agents by decreasing cytosolic calcium concentration. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 968:176343. [PMID: 38281680 PMCID: PMC10939717 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176343] [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: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Uterine contractions during labor and preterm labor are influenced by a complex interplay of factors, including hormones and inflammatory mediators. This complexity may contribute to the limited efficacy of current tocolytics for preterm labor, a significant challenge in obstetrics with 15 million cases annually and approximately 1 million resulting deaths worldwide. We have previously shown that the myometrium expresses bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs) and that their activation leads to uterine relaxation. Here, we investigated whether the selective TAS2R5 agonist phenanthroline can induce relaxation across a spectrum of human uterine contractions and whether the underlying mechanism involves changes in intracellular Ca2+ signaling. We performed experiments using samples from pregnant women undergoing scheduled cesarean delivery, assessing responses to various inflammatory mediators and oxytocin with and without phenanthroline. Our results showed that phenanthroline concentration-dependently inhibited contractions induced by PGF2α, U46619, 5-HT, endothelin-1 and oxytocin. Furthermore, in hTERT-infected human myometrial cells exposed to uterotonics, phenanthroline effectively suppressed the increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration induced by PGF2α, U46619, oxytocin, and endothelin-1. These results suggest that the selective TAS2R5 agonist may not only significantly reduce uterine contractions but also decrease intracellular Ca2+ levels. This study highlights the potential development of TAS2R5 agonists as a new class of uterine relaxants, providing a novel avenue for improving the management of preterm labor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingzi Qu
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, UMass Chan Medical School, 363 Plantation St., Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Ping Lu
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, UMass Chan Medical School, 363 Plantation St., Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Lawrence M Lifshitz
- Program in Molecular Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, 373 Plantation St., Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Tiffany A Moore Simas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UMass Chan Medical School/UMass Memorial Health, 119 Belmont St, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Ellen Delpapa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UMass Chan Medical School/UMass Memorial Health, 119 Belmont St, Worcester, MA, USA.
| | - Ronghua ZhuGe
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, UMass Chan Medical School, 363 Plantation St., Worcester, MA, USA.
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Lu P, Simas TAM, Delpapa E, ZhuGe R. Bitter taste receptors in the reproductive system: Function and therapeutic implications. J Cell Physiol 2024; 239:e31179. [PMID: 38219077 PMCID: PMC10922893 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Type 2 taste receptors (TAS2Rs), traditionally known for their role in bitter taste perception, are present in diverse reproductive tissues of both sexes. This review explores our current understanding of TAS2R functions with a particular focus on reproductive health. In males, TAS2Rs are believed to play potential roles in processes such as sperm chemotaxis and male fertility. Genetic insights from mouse models and human polymorphism studies provide some evidence for their contribution to male infertility. In female reproduction, it is speculated that TAS2Rs influence the ovarian milieu, shaping the functions of granulosa and cumulus cells and their interactions with oocytes. In the uterus, TAS2Rs contribute to uterine relaxation and hold potential as therapeutic targets for preventing preterm birth. In the placenta, they are proposed to function as vigilant sentinels, responding to infection and potentially modulating mechanisms of fetal protection. In the cervix and vagina, their analogous functions to those in other extraoral tissues suggest a potential role in infection defense. In addition, TAS2Rs exhibit altered expression patterns that profoundly affect cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis in reproductive cancers. Notably, TAS2R agonists show promise in inducing apoptosis and overcoming chemoresistance in these malignancies. Despite these advances, challenges remain, including a lack of genetic and functional studies. The application of techniques such as single-cell RNA sequencing and clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated endonuclease 9 gene editing could provide deeper insights into TAS2Rs in reproduction, paving the way for novel therapeutic strategies for reproductive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Lu
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological System, UMass Chan Medical School, 363 Plantation St., Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Tiffany A. Moore Simas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UMass Chan Medical School/UMass Memorial Health, Memorial Campus 119 Belmont St., Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Ellen Delpapa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UMass Chan Medical School/UMass Memorial Health, Memorial Campus 119 Belmont St., Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Ronghua ZhuGe
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological System, UMass Chan Medical School, 363 Plantation St., Worcester, MA, USA
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3
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Luongo FP, Passaponti S, Haxhiu A, Raeispour M, Belmonte G, Governini L, Casarini L, Piomboni P, Luddi A. Bitter Taste Receptors and Endocrine Disruptors: Cellular and Molecular Insights from an In Vitro Model of Human Granulosa Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415540. [PMID: 36555195 PMCID: PMC9779643 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are compounds that interfere with the synthesis, transport and binding action of hormones responsible for reproduction and homeostasis. Some EDCs compounds are activators of Taste bitter Receptors, a subclass of taste receptors expressed in many extraoral locations, including sperm and follicular somatic cells. This makes TAS2Rs attractive molecules to study and investigate to shed light on the effect of EDCs on female reproduction and fertility. This study aims to assess the effect of selected EDCs [namely Biochanin A (BCA), caffeine, Daidzein, Genistein and Isoflavone] on hGL5, an immortalized cell line exhibiting characteristics coherent with primary follicular granulosa cells. After demonstrating that this model expresses all the TAS2Rs (TAS2R3, TAS2R4, TAS2R14, TAS2R19, TAS2R43) specifically expressed by the primary human granulosa cells, we demonstrated that BCA and caffeine significantly affect mitochondrial footprint and intracellular lipid content, indicating their contribution in steroidogenesis. Our results showed that bitter taste receptors may be involved in steroidogenesis, thus suggesting an appealing mechanism by which these compounds affect the female reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Paola Luongo
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Siena University, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Sofia Passaponti
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Alesandro Haxhiu
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Siena University, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Maryam Raeispour
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Siena University, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Belmonte
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Siena University, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Laura Governini
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Siena University, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Livio Casarini
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Paola Piomboni
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Siena University, 53100 Siena, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0577586632
| | - Alice Luddi
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Siena University, 53100 Siena, Italy
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Liu W, Gong T, Shi F, Xu H, Chen X. Taste receptors affect male reproduction by influencing steroid synthesis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:956981. [PMID: 36035992 PMCID: PMC9407969 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.956981] [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: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
For the male genetic materials to reach and fertilize the egg, spermatozoa must contend with numerous environmental changes in a complex and highly sophisticated process from generation in the testis, and maturation in the epididymis to capacitation and fertilization. Taste is an ancient chemical sense that has an essential role in the animal's response to carbohydrates in the external environment and is involved in the body's energy perception. In recent years, numerous studies have confirmed that taste signaling factors (taste receptor families 1, 2 and their downstream molecules, Gα and PLCβ2) are distributed in testes and epididymis tissues outside the oral cavity. Their functions are directly linked to spermatogenesis, maturation, and fertilization, which are potential targets for regulating male reproduction. However, the specific signaling mechanisms of the taste receptors during these processes remain unknown. Herein, we review published literature and experimental results from our group to establish the underlying signaling mechanism in which the taste receptor factors influence testosterone synthesis in the male reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjiao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in the Plateau Mountainous Region, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China,Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China,College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Ting Gong
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in the Plateau Mountainous Region, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China,Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China,College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China,*Correspondence: Ting Gong,
| | - Fangxiong Shi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Houqiang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in the Plateau Mountainous Region, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China,Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China,College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Xiang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction in the Plateau Mountainous Region, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China,Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China,College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
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Ali MA, Wang Y, Qin Z, Yuan X, Zhang Y, Zeng C. Odorant and Taste Receptors in Sperm Chemotaxis and Cryopreservation: Roles and Implications in Sperm Capacitation, Motility and Fertility. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12040488. [PMID: 33801624 PMCID: PMC8065900 DOI: 10.3390/genes12040488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm chemotaxis, which guide sperm toward oocyte, is tightly associated with sperm capacitation, motility, and fertility. However, the molecular mechanism of sperm chemotaxis is not known. Reproductive odorant and taste receptors, belong to G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) super-family, cause an increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration which is pre-requisite for sperm capacitation and acrosomal reaction, and result in sperm hyperpolarization and increase motility through activation of Ca2+-dependent Cl¯ channels. Recently, odorant receptors (ORs) in olfactory transduction pathway were thought to be associated with post-thaw sperm motility, freeze tolerance or freezability and cryo-capacitation-like change during cryopreservation. Investigation of the roles of odorant and taste receptors (TRs) is important for our understanding of the freeze tolerance or freezability mechanism and improve the motility and fertility of post-thaw sperm. Here, we reviewed the roles, mode of action, impact of odorant and taste receptors on sperm chemotaxis and post-thaw sperm quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malik Ahsan Ali
- College of Animal Science and Technology and Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China; (Y.W.); (Z.Q.); (X.Y.); (Y.Z.)
- Department of Theriogenology, Riphah College of Veterinary Sciences, Lahore 54000, Punjab, Pakistan;
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Yihan Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology and Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China; (Y.W.); (Z.Q.); (X.Y.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Ziyue Qin
- College of Animal Science and Technology and Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China; (Y.W.); (Z.Q.); (X.Y.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Xiang Yuan
- College of Animal Science and Technology and Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China; (Y.W.); (Z.Q.); (X.Y.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Yan Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology and Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China; (Y.W.); (Z.Q.); (X.Y.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Changjun Zeng
- College of Animal Science and Technology and Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China; (Y.W.); (Z.Q.); (X.Y.); (Y.Z.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +86-28-86291010
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Governini L, Semplici B, Pavone V, Crifasi L, Marrocco C, De Leo V, Arlt E, Gudermann T, Boekhoff I, Luddi A, Piomboni P. Expression of Taste Receptor 2 Subtypes in Human Testis and Sperm. J Clin Med 2020; 9:E264. [PMID: 31963712 PMCID: PMC7019805 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9010264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Taste receptors (TASRs) are expressed not only in the oral cavity but also throughout the body, thus suggesting that they may play different roles in organ systems beyond the tongue. Recent studies showed the expression of several TASRs in mammalian testis and sperm, indicating an involvement of these receptors in male gametogenesis and fertility. This notion is supported by an impaired reproductive phenotype of mouse carrying targeted deletion of taste receptor genes, as well as by a significant correlation between human semen parameters and specific polymorphisms of taste receptor genes. To better understand the biological and thus clinical significance of these receptors for human reproduction, we analyzed the expression of several members of the TAS2Rs family of bitter receptors in human testis and in ejaculated sperm before and after in vitro selection and capacitation. Our results provide evidence for the expression of TAS2R genes, with TAS2R14 being the most expressed bitter receptor subtype in both testis tissue and sperm cells, respectively. In addition, it was observed that in vitro capacitation significantly affects both the expression and the subcellular localization of these receptors in isolated spermatozoa. Interestingly, α-gustducin and α-transducin, two Gα subunits expressed in taste buds on the tongue, are also expressed in human spermatozoa; moreover, a subcellular redistribution of both G protein α-subunits to different sub-compartments of sperm was registered upon in vitro capacitation. Finally, we shed light on the possible downstream transduction pathway initiated upon taste receptor activation in the male reproductive system. Performing ultrasensitive droplets digital PCR assays to quantify RNA copy numbers of a distinct gene, we found a significant correlation between the expression of TAS2Rs and TRPM5 (r = 0.87), the cation channel involved in bitter but also sweet and umami taste transduction in taste buds on the tongue. Even if further studies are needed to clarify the precise functional role of taste receptors for successful reproduction, the presented findings significantly extend our knowledge of the biological role of TAS2Rs for human male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Governini
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Siena University, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.G.); (B.S.); (V.P.); (L.C.); (C.M.); (V.D.L.); (P.P.)
| | - Bianca Semplici
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Siena University, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.G.); (B.S.); (V.P.); (L.C.); (C.M.); (V.D.L.); (P.P.)
| | - Valentina Pavone
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Siena University, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.G.); (B.S.); (V.P.); (L.C.); (C.M.); (V.D.L.); (P.P.)
| | - Laura Crifasi
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Siena University, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.G.); (B.S.); (V.P.); (L.C.); (C.M.); (V.D.L.); (P.P.)
| | - Camilla Marrocco
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Siena University, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.G.); (B.S.); (V.P.); (L.C.); (C.M.); (V.D.L.); (P.P.)
| | - Vincenzo De Leo
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Siena University, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.G.); (B.S.); (V.P.); (L.C.); (C.M.); (V.D.L.); (P.P.)
| | - Elisabeth Arlt
- Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, LMU Munich, 80336 Muenchen, Germany; (E.A.); (T.G.); (I.B.)
| | - Thomas Gudermann
- Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, LMU Munich, 80336 Muenchen, Germany; (E.A.); (T.G.); (I.B.)
| | - Ingrid Boekhoff
- Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, LMU Munich, 80336 Muenchen, Germany; (E.A.); (T.G.); (I.B.)
| | - Alice Luddi
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Siena University, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.G.); (B.S.); (V.P.); (L.C.); (C.M.); (V.D.L.); (P.P.)
| | - Paola Piomboni
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Siena University, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.G.); (B.S.); (V.P.); (L.C.); (C.M.); (V.D.L.); (P.P.)
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Luddi A, Governini L, Wilmskötter D, Gudermann T, Boekhoff I, Piomboni P. Taste Receptors: New Players in Sperm Biology. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E967. [PMID: 30813355 PMCID: PMC6413048 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20040967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Taste receptors were first described as sensory receptors located on the tongue, where they are expressed in small clusters of specialized epithelial cells. However, more studies were published in recent years pointing to an expression of these proteins not only in the oral cavity but throughout the body and thus to a physiological role beyond the tongue. The recent observation that taste receptors and components of the coupled taste transduction cascade are also expressed during the different phases of spermatogenesis as well as in mature spermatozoa from mouse to humans and the overlap between the ligand spectrum of taste receptors with compounds in the male and female reproductive organs makes it reasonable to assume that sperm "taste" these different cues in their natural microenvironments. This assumption is assisted by the recent observations of a reproductive phenotype of different mouse lines carrying a targeted deletion of a taste receptor gene as well as the finding of a significant correlation between human male infertility and some polymorphisms in taste receptors genes. In this review, we depict recent findings on the role of taste receptors in male fertility, especially focusing on their possible involvement in mechanisms underlying spermatogenesis and post testicular sperm maturation. We also highlight the impact of genetic deletions of taste receptors, as well as their polymorphisms on male reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Luddi
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Siena University, 53100 Siena, Italy.
| | - Laura Governini
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Siena University, 53100 Siena, Italy.
| | - Dorke Wilmskötter
- Walther-Straub-Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 80539 Munich, Germany.
| | - Thomas Gudermann
- Walther-Straub-Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 80539 Munich, Germany.
| | - Ingrid Boekhoff
- Walther-Straub-Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 80539 Munich, Germany.
| | - Paola Piomboni
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Siena University, 53100 Siena, Italy.
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Gentiluomo M, Crifasi L, Luddi A, Locci D, Barale R, Piomboni P, Campa D. Taste receptor polymorphisms and male infertility. Hum Reprod 2018; 32:2324-2331. [PMID: 29040583 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dex305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Accepted: 09/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are polymorphisms of taste receptor genes associated with male infertility? SUMMARY ANSWER This study has showed the associations between three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in taste receptors genes (TASR) and male infertility. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Recent studies showed the expression of taste receptors in the testis and in spermatozoa, suggesting their possible role in infertility. The vast genetic variability in taste genes results in a large degree of diversity in various human phenotypes. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION In this study, we genotyped 19 SNPs in 12 taste related genes in a total of 494 Caucasian male patients undergoing semen evaluation at the Centre of Couple Sterility of the Siena University Hospital. Consecutive patients were enrolled during infertility investigations from October 2014 to February 2016. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Median age of the patients was 36 years (18-58) and 141 were smokers. Genotyping was performed using the allele-specific PCR. The statistical analysis was carried out using generalized linear model (GLM) to explore the association between age, smoking, the genetic polymorphisms and sperm parameters. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE We observed that the homozygous carriers of the (G) allele of the TAS2R14-rs3741843 polymorphism showed a decreased sperm progressive motility compared to heterozygotes and (A) homozygotes (P = 0.003). Moreover, the homozygous carriers of the (T) allele of the TAS2R3-rs11763979 SNP showed fewer normal acrosome compared with the heterozygous and the homozygous carriers of the (G) allele (P = 0.002). Multiple comparisons correction was applied and the Bonferroni-corrected critical P-value was = 0.003. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The analysis is restricted to SNPs within genes and to men of Caucasian ancestry. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS In silico analyses strongly point towards a functional effect of the two SNPs: TAS2R14-rs3741843 regulates TAS2R43 expression, a gene that is involved in cilia motility and therefore could influences sperm mobility; the (T) allele of TAS2R3-rs11763979 increases the expression of the WEE2 antisense RNA one gene (WEE2-AS1). According to Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) project the WEE2 gene is expressed in the testes where presumably it has the role of down regulating meiotic cell division. It is plausible to hypothesize that the WEE2-AS1 increased expression may down regulate WEE2 which in turn can alter the natural timing of sperm maturation increasing the number of abnormal sperm cells. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) None.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Gentiluomo
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via Luca Ghini, 13, Pisa 56126, Italy
| | - L Crifasi
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Viale Bracci 16, Siena 53100, Italy
| | - A Luddi
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Viale Bracci 16, Siena 53100, Italy
| | - D Locci
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via Luca Ghini, 13, Pisa 56126, Italy
| | - R Barale
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via Luca Ghini, 13, Pisa 56126, Italy
| | - P Piomboni
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Viale Bracci 16, Siena 53100, Italy
| | - D Campa
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via Luca Ghini, 13, Pisa 56126, Italy
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Zhang T, Wu J, Liao C, Ni Z, Zheng J, Yu F. System analysis of teratozoospermia mRNA profile based on integrated bioinformatics tools. Mol Med Rep 2018; 18:1297-1304. [PMID: 29901159 PMCID: PMC6072217 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2018.9112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
mRNA has an important role in spermatogenesis and the maintenance of fertility, and may act as a potential biomarker for the clinical diagnosis of infertility. In the present study, potential biomarkers associated with teratozoospermia were screened through systemic bioinformatics analysis. Initially, genome-wide expression profiles were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus and primary analysis was conducted using R software, which included preprocessing of raw microarray data, transformation between probe ID and gene symbol and identification of differentially expressed genes. Subsequently, a functional enrichment analysis was conducted using the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery to investigate the biological processes involved in the development of teratozoospermia. Finally, a protein-protein interaction network of notable differentially expressed genes was constructed and cross-analysis performed for multiple datasets, to obtain a potential biomarker for teratozoospermia. It was observed that G protein subunit β 3, G protein subunit α o1 and G protein subunit g transducin 1 were upregulated and enriched using Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) in the network and in cross analysis. Furthermore, ribosomal protein S3 (RPS3), RPS5, RPS6, RPS16 and RPS23 were downregulated and enriched using KEGG in teratozoospermia. In conclusion, the results of the present study identified several mRNAs involved in sperm morphological development, which may aid in the understanding and treatment of infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiancheng Zhang
- Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai 300000, P.R. China
| | - Jun Wu
- Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai 300000, P.R. China
| | - Caihua Liao
- College of Biotechnology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 541004, P.R. China
| | - Zhong Ni
- Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, P.R. China
| | - Jufen Zheng
- Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai 300000, P.R. China
| | - Fudong Yu
- Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai 300000, P.R. China
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Ekstrand B, Young JF, Rasmussen MK. Taste receptors in the gut - A new target for health promoting properties in diet. Food Res Int 2017; 100:1-8. [PMID: 28888429 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2017.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2017] [Revised: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In this review we describe a new target for food functionality, the taste receptors in the gastrointestinal tract. These receptors are involved in an intricate signalling network for monitoring of taste and nutrient intake, homeostasis and energy metabolism, and they are also an early warning system for toxic substances in our diet. Especially the receptors for bitter taste provide a new possibility to activate a number of health related signalling pathways, already at low concentrations of the active substance, without requiring uptake into the body and transport via the circulation. When ligands bind to these receptors, signalling is induced either via peptide hormones into the circulation to other organs in the body, or via nerve fibers directly to the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Ekstrand
- Chalmers University of Technology, Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Food and Nutrition Science, SE-412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden
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Pig sperm preincubation and gamete coincubation with glutamate enhance sperm-oocyte binding and in vitro fertilization. Theriogenology 2017; 95:149-153. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2016] [Revised: 03/18/2017] [Accepted: 03/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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12
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Avau B, Depoortere I. The bitter truth about bitter taste receptors: beyond sensing bitter in the oral cavity. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2016; 216:407-20. [PMID: 26493384 DOI: 10.1111/apha.12621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Revised: 09/28/2015] [Accepted: 10/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The bitter taste receptor (TAS2R)-family of G-protein-coupled receptors has been identified on the tongue as detectors of bitter taste over a decade ago. In the last few years, they have been discovered in an ever growing number of extra-oral tissues, including the airways, the gut, the brain and even the testis. In tissues that contact the exterior, protective functions for TAS2Rs have been proposed, in analogy to their function on the tongue as toxicity detector. However, TAS2Rs have also been found in internal organs, suggesting other roles for these receptors, perhaps involving as yet unidentified endogenous ligands. The current review gives an overview of the different proposed functions for TAS2Rs in tissues other than the oral cavity; from appetite regulation to the treatment of asthma, regulation of gastrointestinal motility and control of airway innate immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- B. Avau
- Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID); Gut Peptide Research Lab; University of Leuven; Leuven Belgium
| | - I. Depoortere
- Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID); Gut Peptide Research Lab; University of Leuven; Leuven Belgium
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Gong T, Wei Q, Mao D, Shi F. Expression patterns of taste receptor type 1 subunit 3 and α-gustducin in the mouse testis during development. Acta Histochem 2016; 118:20-30. [PMID: 26589384 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2015.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2015] [Revised: 10/30/2015] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Taste receptor type 1 subunit 3 (T1R3) and its associated heterotrimeric G protein α-gustducin (Gα) are involved in sweet and umami sensing in taste cells. They are also strongly expressed in the testis and sperm, but their expression patterns and potential roles involved were previously unknown. In present study, we investigated the expression patterns of T1R3 and Gα in the mouse testis at critical stages of postnatal life, and throughout the spermatogenic cycle. Our results indicated that T1R3 and Gα exhibited a stage-dependent expression pattern during mouse development, and a cell-specific pattern during the spermatogenic cycle. Their expressions have been increased significantly from prepubertal to pubertal periods (P<005), and decreased significantly in aged mice (P<005). The changes were mainly attributed to the differential expression of T1R3 or Gα in elongated spermatids and Leydig cells at different stages of the spermatogenic cycle. In addition, the expression of T1R3 and Gα were first observed in residual bodies of spermatozoa and endothelial cells of blood vessels at post-pubertal mice, while Gα was located in apoptotic spermatogonia of postnatal mice. These novel expression patterns suggest a role of T1R3 and Gα in the onset of spermatogenesis, pace of spermatogenic cycle, and aging of the testis.
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Shpakov AO, Derkach KV. Functional role of membrane-bound adenylyl cyclases and coupled to them receptors and G-proteins in regulation of fertility of spermatozoa. J EVOL BIOCHEM PHYS+ 2014. [DOI: 10.1134/s0022093014040024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Vegezzi G, Anselmi L, Huynh J, Barocelli E, Rozengurt E, Raybould H, Sternini C. Diet-induced regulation of bitter taste receptor subtypes in the mouse gastrointestinal tract. PLoS One 2014; 9:e107732. [PMID: 25238152 PMCID: PMC4169553 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0107732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2014] [Accepted: 08/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Bitter taste receptors and signaling molecules, which detect bitter taste in the mouth, are expressed in the gut mucosa. In this study, we tested whether two distinct bitter taste receptors, the bitter taste receptor 138 (T2R138), selectively activated by isothiocyanates, and the broadly tuned bitter taste receptor 108 (T2R108) are regulated by luminal content. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis showed that T2R138 transcript is more abundant in the colon than the small intestine and lowest in the stomach, whereas T2R108 mRNA is more abundant in the stomach compared to the intestine. Both transcripts in the stomach were markedly reduced by fasting and restored to normal levels after 4 hours re-feeding. A cholesterol-lowering diet, mimicking a diet naturally low in cholesterol and rich in bitter substances, increased T2R138 transcript, but not T2R108, in duodenum and jejunum, and not in ileum and colon. Long-term ingestion of high-fat diet increased T2R138 RNA, but not T2R108, in the colon. Similarly, α-gustducin, a bitter taste receptor signaling molecule, was reduced by fasting in the stomach and increased by lowering cholesterol in the small intestine and by high-fat diet in the colon. These data show that both short and long term changes in the luminal contents alter expression of bitter taste receptors and associated signaling molecules in the mucosa, supporting the proposed role of bitter taste receptors in luminal chemosensing in the gastrointestinal tract. Bitter taste receptors might serve as regulatory and defensive mechanism to control gut function and food intake and protect the body from the luminal environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaia Vegezzi
- CURE Digestive Diseases Research Center, Digestive Diseases Division, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Laura Anselmi
- CURE Digestive Diseases Research Center, Digestive Diseases Division, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Jennifer Huynh
- CURE Digestive Diseases Research Center, Digestive Diseases Division, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | | | - Enrique Rozengurt
- CURE Digestive Diseases Research Center, Digestive Diseases Division, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Veterans Administration, Greater Los Angeles Health system, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Helen Raybould
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, & Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Catia Sternini
- CURE Digestive Diseases Research Center, Digestive Diseases Division, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Veterans Administration, Greater Los Angeles Health system, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Spinaci M, Bucci D, Mazzoni M, Giaretta E, Bernardini C, Vallorani C, Tamanini C, Clavenzani P, Galeati G. Expression of α-gustducin and α-transducin, G proteins coupled with taste receptors, in boar sperm. Theriogenology 2014; 82:144-51.e1. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2014.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2013] [Revised: 03/12/2014] [Accepted: 03/13/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Taste Receptor Gene Expression Outside the Gustatory System. TOPICS IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/7355_2014_79] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Mosinger B, Redding KM, Parker MR, Yevshayeva V, Yee KK, Dyomina K, Li Y, Margolskee RF. Genetic loss or pharmacological blockade of testes-expressed taste genes causes male sterility. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2013; 110:12319-24. [PMID: 23818598 PMCID: PMC3725061 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1302827110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
TAS1R taste receptors and their associated heterotrimeric G protein gustducin are involved in sugar and amino acid sensing in taste cells and in the gastrointestinal tract. They are also strongly expressed in testis and sperm, but their functions in these tissues were previously unknown. Using mouse models, we show that the genetic absence of both TAS1R3, a component of sweet and amino acid taste receptors, and the gustducin α-subunit GNAT3 leads to male-specific sterility. To gain further insight into this effect, we generated a mouse model that expressed a humanized form of TAS1R3 susceptible to inhibition by the antilipid medication clofibrate. Sperm formation in animals without functional TAS1R3 and GNAT3 is compromised, with malformed and immotile sperm. Furthermore, clofibrate inhibition of humanized TAS1R3 in the genetic background of Tas1r3(-/-), Gnat3(-/-) doubly null mice led to inducible male sterility. These results indicate a crucial role for these extraoral "taste" molecules in sperm development and maturation. We previously reported that blocking of human TAS1R3, but not mouse TAS1R3, can be achieved by common medications or chemicals in the environment. We hypothesize that even low levels of these compounds can lower sperm count and negatively affect human male fertility, which common mouse toxicology assays would not reveal. Conversely, we speculate that TAS1R3 and GNAT3 activators may help infertile men, particularly those that are affected by some of the mentioned inhibitors and/or are diagnosed with idiopathic infertility involving signaling pathway of these receptors.
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Xu J, Cao J, Iguchi N, Riethmacher D, Huang L. Functional characterization of bitter-taste receptors expressed in mammalian testis. Mol Hum Reprod 2012; 19:17-28. [PMID: 22983952 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gas040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian spermatogenesis and sperm maturation are susceptible to the effects of internal and external factors. However, how male germ cells interact with and respond to these elements including those potentially toxic substances is poorly understood. Here, we show that many bitter-taste receptors (T2rs), which are believed to function as gatekeepers in the oral cavity to detect and innately prevent the ingestion of poisonous bitter-tasting compounds, are expressed in mouse seminiferous tubules. Our in situ hybridization results indicate that Tas2r transcripts are expressed postmeiotically. Functional analysis showed that mouse spermatids and spermatozoa responded to both naturally occurring and synthetic bitter-tasting compounds by increasing intracellular free calcium concentrations, and individual male germ cells exhibited different ligand-activation profiles, indicating that each cell may express a unique subset of T2r receptors. These calcium responses could be suppressed by a specific bitter-tastant blocker or abolished by the knockout of the gene for the G protein subunit α-gustducin. Taken together, our data strongly suggest that male germ cells, like taste bud cells in the oral cavity and solitary chemosensory cells in the airway, utilize T2r receptors to sense chemicals in the milieu that may affect sperm behavior and fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Xu
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, 3500 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Meyer D, Voigt A, Widmayer P, Borth H, Huebner S, Breit A, Marschall S, de Angelis MH, Boehm U, Meyerhof W, Gudermann T, Boekhoff I. Expression of Tas1 taste receptors in mammalian spermatozoa: functional role of Tas1r1 in regulating basal Ca²⁺ and cAMP concentrations in spermatozoa. PLoS One 2012; 7:e32354. [PMID: 22427794 PMCID: PMC3303551 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0032354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2011] [Accepted: 01/25/2012] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During their transit through the female genital tract, sperm have to recognize and discriminate numerous chemical compounds. However, our current knowledge of the molecular identity of appropriate chemosensory receptor proteins in sperm is still rudimentary. Considering that members of the Tas1r family of taste receptors are able to discriminate between a broad diversity of hydrophilic chemosensory substances, the expression of taste receptors in mammalian spermatozoa was examined. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS The present manuscript documents that Tas1r1 and Tas1r3, which form the functional receptor for monosodium glutamate (umami) in taste buds on the tongue, are expressed in murine and human spermatozoa, where their localization is restricted to distinct segments of the flagellum and the acrosomal cap of the sperm head. Employing a Tas1r1-deficient mCherry reporter mouse strain, we found that Tas1r1 gene deletion resulted in spermatogenic abnormalities. In addition, a significant increase in spontaneous acrosomal reaction was observed in Tas1r1 null mutant sperm whereas acrosomal secretion triggered by isolated zona pellucida or the Ca²⁺ ionophore A23187 was not different from wild-type spermatozoa. Remarkably, cytosolic Ca²⁺ levels in freshly isolated Tas1r1-deficient sperm were significantly higher compared to wild-type cells. Moreover, a significantly higher basal cAMP concentration was detected in freshly isolated Tas1r1-deficient epididymal spermatozoa, whereas upon inhibition of phosphodiesterase or sperm capacitation, the amount of cAMP was not different between both genotypes. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Since Ca²⁺ and cAMP control fundamental processes during the sequential process of fertilization, we propose that the identified taste receptors and coupled signaling cascades keep sperm in a chronically quiescent state until they arrive in the vicinity of the egg - either by constitutive receptor activity and/or by tonic receptor activation by gradients of diverse chemical compounds in different compartments of the female reproductive tract.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Blotting, Western
- Calcium/metabolism
- Cyclic AMP/metabolism
- Female
- Gene Expression
- Humans
- Luminescent Proteins/genetics
- Luminescent Proteins/metabolism
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, 129 Strain
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Mice, Transgenic
- Microscopy, Confocal
- Models, Biological
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Rats
- Rats, Wistar
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/genetics
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/metabolism
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/physiology
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Sperm Head/metabolism
- Spermatozoa/metabolism
- Testis/cytology
- Testis/metabolism
- Red Fluorescent Protein
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorke Meyer
- Walther-Straub Institute of Pharmacology and
Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Anja Voigt
- German Institute of Nutrition,
Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Germany
- Institute for Neural Signal Transduction,
Center for Molecular Neurobiology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Patricia Widmayer
- Institute of Physiology, University of
Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Heike Borth
- Walther-Straub Institute of Pharmacology and
Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Sandra Huebner
- German Institute of Nutrition,
Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Germany
| | - Andreas Breit
- Walther-Straub Institute of Pharmacology and
Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Susan Marschall
- Institute of Experimental Genetics,
Helmholtz-Zentrum, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Ulrich Boehm
- Institute for Neural Signal Transduction,
Center for Molecular Neurobiology, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Thomas Gudermann
- Walther-Straub Institute of Pharmacology and
Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Ingrid Boekhoff
- Walther-Straub Institute of Pharmacology and
Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
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Li F, Zhou M. Depletion of bitter taste transduction leads to massive spermatid loss in transgenic mice. Mol Hum Reprod 2012; 18:289-97. [PMID: 22266327 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gas005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Bitter taste perception is an important sensory input warning against the ingestion of toxic and noxious substances. Bitter receptors, a family of ~30 highly divergent G-protein-coupled receptors, are exclusively expressed in taste receptor cells that contain the G-protein α-subunit gustducin, bind to α-gustducin in vitro, and respond to bitter tastes in functional expression assays. We generated a taste receptor type 2 member 5 (T2R5)-Cre/green fluorescent protein reporter transgenic mouse to investigate the tissue distribution of T2R5. Our results showed that Cre gene expression in these mice was faithful to the expression of T2R5 in taste tissue. More surprisingly, immunostaining and X-gal staining revealed T2R5 expression in the testis. Ablation of T2R5 + cells led to a smaller testis and removed the spermatid phase from most of the seminiferous tubules. The entire taste transduction cascade (α-gustducin, Ggamma13, phospholipase Cβ2) was detected in spermatogenesis, whereas transient receptor potential, cation channel subfamily M member 5 (Trpm5), was observed only in the later spermatid phase. In short, our results indicate that the taste transduction cascade may be involved in spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Li
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200092, People's Republic of China.
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23
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Gustatory and extragustatory functions of mammalian taste receptors. Physiol Behav 2011; 105:4-13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2011.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2010] [Revised: 02/01/2011] [Accepted: 02/07/2011] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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McMullen MK, Whitehouse JM, Shine G, Whitton PA, Towell A. The immediate and short-term chemosensory impacts of coffee and caffeine on cardiovascular activity. Food Funct 2011; 2:547-54. [DOI: 10.1039/c1fo10102a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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25
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Hermo L, Pelletier RM, Cyr DG, Smith CE. Surfing the wave, cycle, life history, and genes/proteins expressed by testicular germ cells. Part 3: developmental changes in spermatid flagellum and cytoplasmic droplet and interaction of sperm with the zona pellucida and egg plasma membrane. Microsc Res Tech 2010; 73:320-63. [PMID: 19941287 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.20784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Spermiogenesis constitutes the steps involved in the metamorphosis of spermatids into spermatozoa. It involves modification of several organelles in addition to the formation of several structures including the flagellum and cytoplasmic droplet. The flagellum is composed of a neck region and middle, principal, and end pieces. The axoneme composed of nine outer microtubular doublets circularly arranged to form a cylinder around a central pair of microtubules is present throughout the flagellum. The middle and principal pieces each contain specific components such as the mitochondrial sheath and fibrous sheath, respectively, while outer dense fibers are common to both. A plethora of proteins are constituents of each of these structures, with each playing key roles in functions related to the fertility of spermatozoa. At the end of spermiogenesis, a portion of spermatid cytoplasm remains associated with the released spermatozoa, referred to as the cytoplasmic droplet. The latter has as its main feature Golgi saccules, which appear to modify the plasma membrane of spermatozoa as they move down the epididymal duct and hence may be partly involved in male gamete maturation. The end product of spermatogenesis is highly streamlined and motile spermatozoa having a condensed nucleus equipped with an acrosome. Spermatozoa move through the female reproductive tract and eventually penetrate the zona pellucida and bind to the egg plasma membrane. Many proteins have been implicated in the process of fertilization as well as a plethora of proteins involved in the development of spermatids and sperm, and these are high lighted in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Hermo
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3A 2B2.
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Ackermann F, Zitranski N, Borth H, Buech T, Gudermann T, Boekhoff I. CaMKIIalpha interacts with multi-PDZ domain protein MUPP1 in spermatozoa and prevents spontaneous acrosomal exocytosis. J Cell Sci 2009; 122:4547-57. [PMID: 19934217 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.058263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The success of acrosomal exocytosis, a complex process with a variety of inter-related steps, relies on the coordinated interaction of participating signaling molecules. Since the acrosome reaction resembles Ca(2+)-regulated exocytosis in neurons, we investigated whether cognate neuronal binding partners of the multi-PDZ domain protein MUPP1, which recruits molecules that control the initial tethering and/or docking between the acrosomal vesicle and the plasma membrane, are also expressed in spermatozoa, and whether they contribute to the regulation of acrosomal secretion. We observed that CaMKIIalpha colocalizes with MUPP1 in the acrosomal region of epididymal spermatozoa where the kinase selectively binds to a region encompassing PDZ domains 10-11 of MUPP1. Furthermore, we found that pre-treating mouse spermatozoa with a CaMKII inhibitor that directly blocks the catalytic region of the kinase, as well as a competitive displacement of CaMKIIalpha from PDZ domains 10-11, led to a significant increase in spontaneous acrosomal exocytosis. Since Ca(2+)-calmodulin releases CaMKIIalpha from the PDZ scaffolding protein, MUPP1 represents a central signaling platform to dynamically regulate the assembly and disassembly of binding partners pertinent to acrosomal secretion, thereby precisely adjusting an increase in Ca(2+) to synchronized fusion pore formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frauke Ackermann
- Karolinska Institute, Department of Neuroscience, Stockholm, Sweden
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Abstract
Bitter taste in mammals is achieved by a family of approximately 30 bitter taste receptor genes. The main function of bitter taste is to protect the organism against the ingestion of, frequently bitter, toxic food metabolites. The field of taste research has advanced rapidly during the last several years. This is especially true for the G-protein-coupled-receptor-mediated taste qualities, sweet, umami, and bitter. This review summarizes current knowledge of bitter taste receptor gene expression, signal transduction, the structure-activity relationship of bitter taste receptor proteins, as well as their variability leading to a high degree of individualization of this taste quality in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Behrens
- German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Arthur-Scheunert-Allee 114-116, Nuthetal, 14558, Germany.
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28
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Affiliation(s)
- U. Benjamin Kaupp
- Forschungszentrum Jülich, Institut für Neurowissenschaften und Biophysik 1, D-52425 Jülich, Germany;
| | - Nachiket D. Kashikar
- Forschungszentrum Jülich, Institut für Neurowissenschaften und Biophysik 1, D-52425 Jülich, Germany;
| | - Ingo Weyand
- Forschungszentrum Jülich, Institut für Neurowissenschaften und Biophysik 1, D-52425 Jülich, Germany;
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29
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Ackermann F, Zitranski N, Heydecke D, Wilhelm B, Gudermann T, Boekhoff I. The Multi-PDZ domain protein MUPP1 as a lipid raft-associated scaffolding protein controlling the acrosome reaction in mammalian spermatozoa. J Cell Physiol 2007; 214:757-68. [PMID: 17894389 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.21272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The success of acrosomal exocytosis, a complex process with a variety of interrelated steps, relies on the coordinated interaction of participating signaling molecules. Since scaffolding proteins are known to spatially organize sequential signaling pathways, we examined whether the Multi-PDZ domain protein MUPP1, recently identified in mammalian spermatozoa, is functionally active in controlling acrosomal secretion in mammalian sperm cells. To address this question, permeabilized mouse sperm were loaded with inhibitory antibodies against MUPP1 as well as with a photosensitive Ca(2+) chelator which allows a controlled release of acrosomal Ca(2+). The results revealed that MUPP1 controls initial tethering and docking of the acrosomal vesicle, whereas syntaxin 2, a t-SNARE protein also expressed in the acrosomal cap of mammalian spermatozoa, appears to take part in the final process of acrosomal fusion. Interestingly, using immunogold electron microscopy, it was found that MUPP1 is detectable in the region of the periacrosomal membrane. Furthermore, in isolated detergent-insoluble glycolipid-enriched membrane domains from epididymal spermatozoa, MUPP1 was found to show a striking association with the Triton X-100 insoluble membrane fraction, which did not change significantly upon sperm capacitation or partial chemical extraction of cholesterol. This evidence points to a role of MUPP1 as a membrane raft-associated molecular organizer, and suggests that mammalian spermatozoa may use a scaffolding protein and distinct membrane subdomains to spatially organize components involved in the process of acrosomal exocytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frauke Ackermann
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Philipps-University Marburg, Germany
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