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Feuz MB, Nelson DC, Miller LB, Zwerdling AE, Meyer RG, Meyer-Ficca ML. Reproductive Ageing: Current insights and a potential role of NAD in the reproductive health of aging fathers and their children. Reproduction 2024; 167:e230486. [PMID: 38471307 PMCID: PMC11075800 DOI: 10.1530/rep-23-0486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
In brief In light of the increasing age of first-time fathers, this article summarizes the current scientific knowledge base on reproductive aging in the male, including sperm quality and health impacts for the offspring. The emerging role of NAD decline in reproductive aging is highlighted. Abstract Over the past decades, the age of first-time fathers has been steadily increasing due to socio-economic pressures. While general mechanisms of aging are subject to intensive research, male reproductive aging has remained an understudied area, and the effects of increased age on the male reproductive system are still only poorly understood, despite new insights into the potential dire consequences of advanced paternal age for the health of their progeny. There is also growing evidence that reproductive aging is linked to overall health in men, but this review mainly focuses on pathophysiological consequences of old age in men, such as low sperm count and diminished sperm genetic integrity, with an emphasis on mechanisms underlying reproductive aging. The steady decline of NAD levels observed in aging men represents one of the emerging concepts in that regard. Because it offers some mechanistic rationale explaining the effects of old age on the male reproductive system, some of the NAD-dependent functions in male reproduction are briefly outlined in this review. The overview also provides many questions that remain open about the basic science of male reproductive aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan B. Feuz
- Department of Veterinary, Clinical and Life Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Utah State University, Logan, UT, United States
- These authors contributed equally
| | - D. Colton Nelson
- Department of Veterinary, Clinical and Life Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Utah State University, Logan, UT, United States
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Laura B. Miller
- Department of Veterinary, Clinical and Life Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Utah State University, Logan, UT, United States
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Alexie E Zwerdling
- Department of Veterinary, Clinical and Life Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Utah State University, Logan, UT, United States
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Ralph G. Meyer
- Department of Veterinary, Clinical and Life Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Utah State University, Logan, UT, United States
| | - Mirella L. Meyer-Ficca
- Department of Veterinary, Clinical and Life Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Utah State University, Logan, UT, United States
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2
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Gaspa-Toneu L, Peters AH. Nucleosomes in mammalian sperm: conveying paternal epigenetic inheritance or subject to reprogramming between generations? Curr Opin Genet Dev 2023; 79:102034. [PMID: 36893482 PMCID: PMC10109108 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2023.102034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
The genome of mammalian sperm is largely packaged by sperm-specific proteins termed protamines. The presence of some residual nucleosomes has, however, emerged as a potential source of paternal epigenetic inheritance between generations. Sperm nucleosomes bear important regulatory histone marks and locate at gene-regulatory regions, functional elements, and intergenic regions. It is unclear whether sperm nucleosomes are retained at specific genomic locations in a deterministic manner or are randomly preserved due to inefficient exchange of histones by protamines. Recent studies indicate heterogeneity in chromatin packaging within sperm populations and an extensive reprogramming of paternal histone marks post fertilization. Obtaining single-sperm nucleosome distributions is fundamental to estimating the potential of sperm-borne nucleosomes in instructing mammalian embryonic development and in the transmission of acquired phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Gaspa-Toneu
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Maulbeerstrasse 66, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; Faculty of Sciences, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Antoine Hfm Peters
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Maulbeerstrasse 66, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; Faculty of Sciences, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland.
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3
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Ozturk N, Dansranjavin T, Gies S, Calay D, Shiplu S, Creppe C, Hendrickx J, Schagdarsurengin U. H4K20me3 marks distal intergenic and repetitive regions in human mature spermatozoa. Development 2021; 148:271169. [PMID: 34345914 DOI: 10.1242/dev.196477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Sperm histones represent an essential part of the paternally transmitted epigenome, but uncertainty exists about the role of those remaining in non-coding and repetitive DNA. We therefore analyzed the genome-wide distribution of the heterochromatic marker H4K20me3 in human sperm and somatic (K562) cells. To specify the function of sperm histones, we compared all H4K20me3-containing and -free loci in the sperm genome. Sperm and somatic cells possessed a very similar H4K20me3 distribution: H4K20me3 peaks occurred mostly in distal intergenic regions and repetitive gene clusters (in particular genes encoding odorant-binding factors and zinc-finger antiviral proteins). In both cell types, H4K20me3 peaks were enriched in LINEs, ERVs, satellite DNA and low complexity repeats. In contrast, H4K20me3-free nucleosomes occurred more frequently in genic regions (in particular promoters, exons, 5'-UTR and 3'-UTR) and were enriched in genes encoding developmental factors (in particular transcription activators and repressors). H4K20me3-free nucleosomes were also detected in substantial quantities in distal intergenic regions and were enriched in SINEs. Thus, evidence suggests that paternally transmitted histones may have a dual purpose: maintenance and regulation of heterochromatin and guidance towards transcription of euchromatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nihan Ozturk
- Clinic of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany.,Working Group Epigenetics of the Urogenital System, Clinic of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Temuujin Dansranjavin
- Clinic of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Sabrina Gies
- Clinic of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany.,Working Group Epigenetics of the Urogenital System, Clinic of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Damien Calay
- Epigenetics and Bioinformatics Services Team, Diagenode SA, 4102 Liège, Belgium
| | - Shanjid Shiplu
- Clinic of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany.,Working Group Epigenetics of the Urogenital System, Clinic of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Catherine Creppe
- Epigenetics and Bioinformatics Services Team, Diagenode SA, 4102 Liège, Belgium
| | - Jan Hendrickx
- Epigenetics and Bioinformatics Services Team, Diagenode SA, 4102 Liège, Belgium
| | - Undraga Schagdarsurengin
- Clinic of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany.,Working Group Epigenetics of the Urogenital System, Clinic of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
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4
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Le Blévec E, Muroňová J, Ray PF, Arnoult C. Paternal epigenetics: Mammalian sperm provide much more than DNA at fertilization. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 518:110964. [PMID: 32738444 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The spermatozoon is a highly differentiated cell with unique characteristics: it is mobile, thanks to its flagellum, and is very compact. The sperm cytoplasm is extremely reduced, containing no ribosomes, and therefore does not allow translation, and its nucleus contains very closed chromatin, preventing transcription. This DNA compaction is linked to the loss of nucleosomes and the replacement of histones by protamines. Based on these characteristics, sperm was considered to simply deliver paternal DNA to the oocyte. However, some parts of the sperm DNA remain organized in a nucleosomal format, and bear epigenetic information. In addition, the nucleus and the cytoplasm contain a multitude of RNAs of different types, including non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) which also carry epigenetic information. For a long time, these RNAs were considered residues of spermatogenesis. After briefly describing the mechanisms of compaction of sperm DNA, we focus this review on the origin and function of the different ncRNAs. We present studies demonstrating the importance of these RNAs in embryonic development and transgenerational adaptation to stress. We also look at other epigenetic marks, such as DNA methylation or post-translational modifications of histones, and show that they are sensitive to environmental stress and transmissible to offspring. The post-fertilization role of certain sperm-borne proteins is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Le Blévec
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, F-38000, France; Institute for Advanced Biosciences INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Grenoble, F-38000, France; IMV Technologies, ZI N° 1 Est, L'Aigle, F-61300, France
| | - Jana Muroňová
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, F-38000, France; Institute for Advanced Biosciences INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Grenoble, F-38000, France
| | - Pierre F Ray
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, F-38000, France; Institute for Advanced Biosciences INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Grenoble, F-38000, France; CHU de Grenoble, UM GI-DPI, Grenoble, F-38000, France
| | - Christophe Arnoult
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, F-38000, France; Institute for Advanced Biosciences INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Grenoble, F-38000, France.
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5
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Yamaguchi K, Hada M, Fukuda Y, Inoue E, Makino Y, Katou Y, Shirahige K, Okada Y. Re-evaluating the Localization of Sperm-Retained Histones Revealed the Modification-Dependent Accumulation in Specific Genome Regions. Cell Rep 2018; 23:3920-3932. [DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.05.094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Revised: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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6
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Meyer RG, Ketchum CC, Meyer-Ficca ML. Heritable sperm chromatin epigenetics: a break to remember†. Biol Reprod 2017; 97:784-797. [DOI: 10.1093/biolre/iox137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
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7
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Das A, Smoak EM, Linares-Saldana R, Lampson MA, Black BE. Centromere inheritance through the germline. Chromosoma 2017; 126:595-604. [PMID: 28791511 DOI: 10.1007/s00412-017-0640-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Revised: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The centromere directs chromosome segregation and genetic inheritance but is not itself heritable in a canonical, DNA-based manner. In most species, centromeres are epigenetically defined by the presence of a histone H3 variant centromere protein A (CENP-A), independent of underlying DNA sequence. Therefore, centromere inheritance depends on maintaining the CENP-A nucleosome mark across generations. Experiments in cycling somatic cells have led to a model in which centromere identity is maintained by a cell cycle-coupled CENP-A chromatin assembly pathway. However, the processes of animal gametogenesis pose unique challenges to centromere inheritance because of the extended cell cycle arrest and the massive genome reorganization in the female and male germline, respectively. Here, we review our current understanding of germline centromere inheritance and highlight outstanding questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arunika Das
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Evan M Smoak
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.,Graduate Program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Ricardo Linares-Saldana
- Graduate Program in Cell and Molecular Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Michael A Lampson
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA. .,Graduate Program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA. .,Graduate Program in Cell and Molecular Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Ben E Black
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA. .,Graduate Program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA. .,Graduate Program in Cell and Molecular Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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8
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Okada Y, Yamaguchi K. Epigenetic modifications and reprogramming in paternal pronucleus: sperm, preimplantation embryo, and beyond. Cell Mol Life Sci 2017; 74:1957-1967. [PMID: 28050628 PMCID: PMC11107594 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-016-2447-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Revised: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Pronuclear/zygotic stage is the very first stage of life. In this period, paternal pronucleus undergoes massive chromatin remodeling called "paternal reprogramming" including protamine-histone replacement and subsequent acquisition of epigenetic modifications. Although these consecutive events are required for the initiation of maternal-zygotic transition, the precise role of paternal reprogramming and its effect on subsequent embryonic development has been largely unknown to date. Recently, various new techniques, especially next-generation sequencing (NGS) and RNAi microinjection contribute to unveil the epigenetic transition from both paternal and maternal to early preimplantation embryos, suggesting not only the simple transcriptional regulation by transcription factors but also dynamic structural alteration of chromatin to initiate the wave of zygotic gene transcription. This review summarizes such recent progress for understanding the epigenetic transition in sperm and preimplantation embryos, and further argue about its transgenerational effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Okada
- Laboratory of Pathology and Development, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0032, Japan.
| | - Kosuke Yamaguchi
- Laboratory of Pathology and Development, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0032, Japan
- Graduate School of Art and Sciences, University of Tokyo, 3-8-1 Komaba, Meguro, Tokyo, 153-8902, Japan
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9
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Champroux A, Torres-Carreira J, Gharagozloo P, Drevet JR, Kocer A. Mammalian sperm nuclear organization: resiliencies and vulnerabilities. Basic Clin Androl 2016; 26:17. [PMID: 28031843 PMCID: PMC5175393 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-016-0044-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 11/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm cells are remarkably complex and highly specialized compared to somatic cells. Their function is to deliver to the oocyte the paternal genomic blueprint along with a pool of proteins and RNAs so a new generation can begin. Reproductive success, including optimal embryonic development and healthy offspring, greatly depends on the integrity of the sperm chromatin structure. It is now well documented that DNA damage in sperm is linked to reproductive failures both in natural and assisted conception (Assisted Reproductive Technologies [ART]). This manuscript reviews recent important findings concerning - the unusual organization of mammalian sperm chromatin and its impact on reproductive success when modified. This review is focused on sperm chromatin damage and their impact on embryonic development and transgenerational inheritance.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Champroux
- GReD “Genetics, Reproduction & Development” Laboratory, UMR CNRS 6293, INSERM U1103, Clermont Université, BP60026 - TSA60026, 63178 Aubière cedex, France
| | - J. Torres-Carreira
- Centro Universitário Rio Preto, UNIRP, Rodovia Br153, Km 69, CEP15093-450 São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo Brazil
| | - P. Gharagozloo
- CellOxess LLC, 830 Bear Tavern Road, Ewing, NJ 08628 USA
| | - J. R. Drevet
- GReD “Genetics, Reproduction & Development” Laboratory, UMR CNRS 6293, INSERM U1103, Clermont Université, BP60026 - TSA60026, 63178 Aubière cedex, France
| | - A. Kocer
- GReD “Genetics, Reproduction & Development” Laboratory, UMR CNRS 6293, INSERM U1103, Clermont Université, BP60026 - TSA60026, 63178 Aubière cedex, France
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10
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Sillaste G, Kaplinski L, Meier R, Jaakma Ü, Eriste E, Salumets A. A novel hypothesis for histone-to-protamine transition in Bos taurus spermatozoa. Reproduction 2016; 153:241-251. [PMID: 27899719 PMCID: PMC5184773 DOI: 10.1530/rep-16-0441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2016] [Revised: 11/23/2016] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
DNA compaction with protamines in sperm is essential for successful fertilization. However, a portion of sperm chromatin remains less tightly packed with histones, which genomic location and function remain unclear. We extracted and sequenced histone-associated DNA from sperm of nine ejaculates from three bulls. We found that the fraction of retained histones varied between samples, but the variance was similar between samples from the same and different individuals. The most conserved regions showed similar abundance across all samples, whereas in other regions, their presence correlated with the size of histone fraction. This may refer to gradual histone–protamine transition, where easily accessible genomic regions, followed by the less accessible regions are first substituted by protamines. Our results confirm those from previous studies that histones remain in repetitive genome elements, such as centromeres, and added new findings of histones in rRNA and SRP RNA gene clusters and indicated histone enrichment in some spermatogenesis-associated genes, but not in genes of early embryonic development. Our functional analysis revealed significant overrepresentation of cGMP-dependent protein kinase G (cGMP-PKG) pathway genes among histone-enriched genes. This pathway is known for its importance in pre-fertilization sperm events. In summary, a novel hypothesis for gradual histone-to-protamine transition in sperm maturation was proposed. We believe that histones may contribute structural information into early embryo by epigenetically modifying centromeric chromatin and other types of repetitive DNA. We also suggest that sperm histones are retained in genes needed for sperm development, maturation and fertilization, as these genes are transcriptionally active shortly prior to histone-to-protamine transition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Riho Meier
- Competence Centre on Health TechnologiesTartu, Estonia.,Institute of Molecular and Cell BiologyChair of Developmental Biology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Ülle Jaakma
- Competence Centre on Health TechnologiesTartu, Estonia.,Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal SciencesEstonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Elo Eriste
- Competence Centre on Health TechnologiesTartu, Estonia
| | - Andres Salumets
- Competence Centre on Health TechnologiesTartu, Estonia .,Women's ClinicInstitute of Clinical Medicine.,Institute of Bio- and Translational MedicineUniversity of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.,Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyUniversity of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
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11
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Rybaczek D. Hydroxyurea-induced replication stress causes poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-2 accumulation and changes its intranuclear location in root meristems of Vicia faba. JOURNAL OF PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2016; 198:89-102. [PMID: 27155387 DOI: 10.1016/j.jplph.2016.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2015] [Revised: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Replication stress induced by 24 and 48h exposure to 2.5mM hydroxyurea (HU) increased the activity of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-2 (PARP-2; EC 2.4.2.30) in root meristem cells of Vicia faba. An increase in the number of PARP-2 foci was accompanied by their delocalization from peripheral areas to the interior of the nucleus. Our results indicate that the increase in PARP-2 was connected with an increase in S139-phosphorylated H2AX histones. The findings suggest the possible role of PARP-2 in replication stress. We also confirm that the intranuclear location of PARP-2 depends on the duration of HU-induced replication stress, confirming the role of PARP-2 as an indicator of stress intensity. Finally, we conclude that the more intense the HU-mediated replication stress, the greater the probability of PARP-2 activation or H2AXS139 phosphorylation, but also the greater the chance of increasing the efficiency of repair processes and a return to normal cell cycle progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorota Rybaczek
- Department of Cytophysiology, Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Łódź, Pomorska 141/143, 90236 Łódź, Poland.
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12
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Dansranjavin T, Schagdarsurengin U. The Rationale of the Inevitable, or Why Is the Consideration of Repetitive DNA Elements Indispensable in Studies of Sperm Nucleosomes. Dev Cell 2016; 37:13-14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2016.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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13
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Castillo J, Estanyol JM, Ballescá JL, Oliva R. Human sperm chromatin epigenetic potential: genomics, proteomics, and male infertility. Asian J Androl 2016; 17:601-9. [PMID: 25926607 PMCID: PMC4492051 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.153302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The classical idea about the function of the mammalian sperm chromatin is that it serves to transmit a highly protected and transcriptionally inactive paternal genome, largely condensed by protamines, to the next generation. In addition, recent sperm chromatin genome-wide dissection studies indicate the presence of a differential distribution of the genes and repetitive sequences in the protamine-condensed and histone-condensed sperm chromatin domains, which could be potentially involved in regulatory roles after fertilization. Interestingly, recent proteomic studies have shown that sperm chromatin contains many additional proteins, in addition to the abundant histones and protamines, with specific modifications and chromatin affinity features which are also delivered to the oocyte. Both gene and protein signatures seem to be altered in infertile patients and, as such, are consistent with the potential involvement of the sperm chromatin landscape in early embryo development. This present work reviews the available information on the composition of the human sperm chromatin and its epigenetic potential, with a particular focus on recent results derived from high-throughput genomic and proteomic studies. As a complement, we provide experimental evidence for the detection of phosphorylations and acetylations in human protamine 1 using a mass spectrometry approach. The available data indicate that the sperm chromatin is much more complex than what it was previously thought, raising the possibility that it could also serve to transmit crucial paternal epigenetic information to the embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Rafael Oliva
- Human Genetics Research Group, IDIBAPS, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Casanova 143; Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Biomedical Diagnostic Centre, Hospital Clinic, Villarroel 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
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14
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Abstract
During spermiogenesis, the postmeiotic phase of mammalian spermatogenesis, transcription is progressively repressed as nuclei of haploid spermatids are compacted through a dramatic chromatin reorganization involving hyperacetylation and replacement of most histones with protamines. Although BRDT functions in transcription and histone removal in spermatids, it is unknown whether other BET family proteins play a role. Immunofluorescence of spermatogenic cells revealed BRD4 in a ring around the nuclei of spermatids containing hyperacetylated histones. The ring lies directly adjacent to the acroplaxome, the cytoskeletal base of the acrosome, previously linked to chromatin reorganization. The BRD4 ring does not form in acrosomal mutant mice. Chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing in spermatids revealed enrichment of BRD4 and acetylated histones at the promoters of active genes. BRD4 and BRDT show distinct and synergistic binding patterns, with a pronounced enrichment of BRD4 at spermatogenesis-specific genes. Direct association of BRD4 with acetylated H4 decreases in late spermatids as acetylated histones are removed from the condensing nucleus in a wave following the progressing acrosome. These data provide evidence of a prominent transcriptional role for BRD4 and suggest a possible removal mechanism for chromatin components from the genome via the progressing acrosome as transcription is repressed and chromatin is compacted during spermiogenesis.
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15
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Meyer-Ficca ML, Ihara M, Bader JJ, Leu NA, Beneke S, Meyer RG. Spermatid head elongation with normal nuclear shaping requires ADP-ribosyltransferase PARP11 (ARTD11) in mice. Biol Reprod 2015; 92:80. [PMID: 25673562 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.114.123661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm are highly differentiated cells characterized by their species-specific nuclear shapes and extremely condensed chromatin. Abnormal head shapes represent a form of teratozoospermia that can impair fertilization capacity. This study shows that poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-11 (ARTD11/PARP11), a member of the ADP-ribosyltransferase (ARTD) family, is expressed preferentially in spermatids undergoing nuclear condensation and differentiation. Deletion of the Parp11 gene results in teratozoospermia and male infertility in mice due to the formation of abnormally shaped fertilization-incompetent sperm, despite normal testis weights and sperm counts. At the subcellular level, PARP11-deficient elongating spermatids reveal structural defects in the nuclear envelope and chromatin detachment associated with abnormal nuclear shaping, suggesting functional relevance of PARP11 for nuclear envelope stability and nuclear reorganization during spermiogenesis. In vitro, PARP11 exhibits mono(ADP-ribosyl)ation activity with the ability to ADP-ribosylate itself. In transfected somatic cells, PARP11 colocalizes with nuclear pore components, such as NUP153. Amino acids Y77, Q86, and R95 in the N-terminal WWE domain, as well as presence of the catalytic domain, are essential for colocalization of PARP11 with the nuclear envelope, but catalytic activity of the protein is not required for colocalization with NUP153. This study demonstrates that PARP11 is a novel enzyme important for proper sperm head shaping and identifies it as a potential factor involved in idiopathic mammalian teratozoospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirella L Meyer-Ficca
- Department of Animal Dairy and Veterinary Sciences, College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, Utah Agricultural Experimental Station, Utah State University, Logan, Utah Department of Animal Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Motomasa Ihara
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jessica J Bader
- Department of Animal Dairy and Veterinary Sciences, College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, Utah Agricultural Experimental Station, Utah State University, Logan, Utah Department of Animal Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - N Adrian Leu
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Sascha Beneke
- Molecular Toxicology Group, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Ralph G Meyer
- Department of Animal Dairy and Veterinary Sciences, College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, Utah Agricultural Experimental Station, Utah State University, Logan, Utah Department of Animal Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Samans B, Yang Y, Krebs S, Sarode GV, Blum H, Reichenbach M, Wolf E, Steger K, Dansranjavin T, Schagdarsurengin U. Uniformity of nucleosome preservation pattern in Mammalian sperm and its connection to repetitive DNA elements. Dev Cell 2014; 30:23-35. [PMID: 24998597 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2014.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2013] [Revised: 03/14/2014] [Accepted: 05/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Nucleosome-to-protamine exchange during mammalian spermiogenesis is essential for compaction and protection of paternal DNA. It is interesting that, depending on the species, 1% to 15% of nucleosomes are retained, but the generalizability and biological function of this retention are unknown. Here, we show concordantly in human and bovine that nucleosomes remained in sperm chromatin predominantly within distal intergenic regions and introns and associated with centromere repeats and retrotransposons (LINE1 and SINEs). In contrast, nucleosome depletion concerned particularly exons, 5'-UTR, 3'-UTR, TSS, and TTS and was associated with simple and low-complexity repeats. Overlap of human and bovine genes exhibiting nucleosome preservation in the promoter and gene body revealed a significant enrichment of signal transduction and RNA- and protein-processing factors. Our study demonstrates the genome-wide uniformity of the nucleosome preservation pattern in mammalian sperm and its connection to repetitive DNA elements and suggests a function in preimplantation processes for paternally derived nucleosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birgit Samans
- Research Centre for Biosystems, Land Use and Nutrition, IFZ, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Yang Yang
- Clinic and Polyclinic of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Department of Molecular Andrology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Stefan Krebs
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Gaurav Vilas Sarode
- Clinic and Polyclinic of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Department of Molecular Andrology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Helmut Blum
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Myriam Reichenbach
- Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Eckhard Wolf
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Klaus Steger
- Clinic and Polyclinic of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Department of Molecular Andrology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Temuujin Dansranjavin
- Clinic and Polyclinic of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Department of Molecular Andrology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Undraga Schagdarsurengin
- Clinic and Polyclinic of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Department of Molecular Andrology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany.
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High-resolution mapping of chromatin packaging in mouse embryonic stem cells and sperm. Dev Cell 2014; 30:11-22. [PMID: 24998598 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2014.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2014] [Revised: 05/28/2014] [Accepted: 05/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and sperm exhibit unusual chromatin packaging that plays important roles in cellular function. Here, we extend a recently developed technique, based on deep paired-end sequencing of lightly digested chromatin, to assess footprints of nucleosomes and other DNA-binding proteins genome-wide in murine ESCs and sperm. In ESCs, we recover well-characterized features of chromatin such as promoter nucleosome depletion and further identify widespread footprints of sequence-specific DNA-binding proteins such as CTCF, which we validate in knockdown studies. We document global differences in nuclease accessibility between ESCs and sperm, finding that the majority of histone retention in sperm preferentially occurs in large gene-poor genomic regions, with only a small subset of nucleosomes being retained over promoters of developmental regulators. Finally, we describe evidence that CTCF remains associated with the genome in mature sperm, where it could play a role in organizing the sperm genome.
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Saitou M, Kurimoto K. Paternal Nucleosomes: Are They Retained in Developmental Promoters or Gene Deserts? Dev Cell 2014; 30:6-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2014.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Paternal poly (ADP-ribose) metabolism modulates retention of inheritable sperm histones and early embryonic gene expression. PLoS Genet 2014; 10:e1004317. [PMID: 24810616 PMCID: PMC4014456 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1004317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2013] [Accepted: 03/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
To achieve the extreme nuclear condensation necessary for sperm function, most histones are replaced with protamines during spermiogenesis in mammals. Mature sperm retain only a small fraction of nucleosomes, which are, in part, enriched on gene regulatory sequences, and recent findings suggest that these retained histones provide epigenetic information that regulates expression of a subset of genes involved in embryo development after fertilization. We addressed this tantalizing hypothesis by analyzing two mouse models exhibiting abnormal histone positioning in mature sperm due to impaired poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR) metabolism during spermiogenesis and identified altered sperm histone retention in specific gene loci genome-wide using MNase digestion-based enrichment of mononucleosomal DNA. We then set out to determine the extent to which expression of these genes was altered in embryos generated with these sperm. For control sperm, most genes showed some degree of histone association, unexpectedly suggesting that histone retention in sperm genes is not an all-or-none phenomenon and that a small number of histones may remain associated with genes throughout the genome. The amount of retained histones, however, was altered in many loci when PAR metabolism was impaired. To ascertain whether sperm histone association and embryonic gene expression are linked, the transcriptome of individual 2-cell embryos derived from such sperm was determined using microarrays and RNA sequencing. Strikingly, a moderate but statistically significant portion of the genes that were differentially expressed in these embryos also showed different histone retention in the corresponding gene loci in sperm of their fathers. These findings provide new evidence for the existence of a linkage between sperm histone retention and gene expression in the embryo. That not all histones are replaced by protamines in the sperm nucleus during spermiogenesis has been known for almost three decades, along with the notion that protamines do not bear any specific epigenetic information whereas histones typically carry posttranslational modifications with epigenetic regulatory functions. The enrichment of histones with distinct epigenetic modifications around transcriptional start sites, as well as unmethylated GC-rich promoter regions and exons in murine and human sperm, has recently been demonstrated by others at high resolution. The evolutionary conservation of the common principles underlying sperm histone retention provides a plausible rationale for epigenetic inheritance by nucleosomes. The present study takes a different approach towards testing the overarching hypothesis that sperm histones are linked to early embryonic gene expression by analyzing expression of genes in 2-cell embryos originating from sperm in which gene histone association of these genes was experimentally altered. The results are consistent with the aforementioned hypothesis and support the view of sperm histones as potential mediators of epigenetic inheritance through the male germ line, which could also contribute to phenotypic variation in mammals in response to environmental or dietary factors that affect sensitive chromatin-modulating pathways such as PAR metabolism.
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