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Olszewska M, Malcher A, Stokowy T, Pollock N, Berman AJ, Budkiewicz S, Kamieniczna M, Jackowiak H, Suszynska-Zajczyk J, Jedrzejczak P, Yatsenko AN, Kurpisz M. Effects of Tcte1 knockout on energy chain transportation and spermatogenesis: implications for male infertility. Hum Reprod Open 2024; 2024:hoae020. [PMID: 38650655 PMCID: PMC11035007 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoae020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is the Tcte1 mutation causative for male infertility? SUMMARY ANSWER Our collected data underline the complex and devastating effect of the single-gene mutation on the testicular molecular network, leading to male reproductive failure. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Recent data have revealed mutations in genes related to axonemal dynein arms as causative for morphology and motility abnormalities in spermatozoa of infertile males, including dysplasia of fibrous sheath (DFS) and multiple morphological abnormalities in the sperm flagella (MMAF). The nexin-dynein regulatory complex (N-DRC) coordinates the dynein arm activity and is built from the DRC1-DRC7 proteins. DRC5 (TCTE1), one of the N-DRC elements, has already been reported as a candidate for abnormal sperm flagella beating; however, only in a restricted manner with no clear explanation of respective observations. STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION Using the CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technique, a mouse Tcte1 gene knockout line was created on the basis of the C57Bl/6J strain. The mouse reproductive potential, semen characteristics, testicular gene expression levels, sperm ATP, and testis apoptosis level measurements were then assessed, followed by visualization of N-DRC proteins in sperm, and protein modeling in silico. Also, a pilot genomic sequencing study of samples from human infertile males (n = 248) was applied for screening of TCTE1 variants. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS To check the reproductive potential of KO mice, adult animals were crossed for delivery of three litters per caged pair, but for no longer than for 6 months, in various combinations of zygosity. All experiments were performed for wild-type (WT, control group), heterozygous Tcte1+/- and homozygous Tcte1-/- male mice. Gross anatomy was performed on testis and epididymis samples, followed by semen analysis. Sequencing of RNA (RNAseq; Illumina) was done for mice testis tissues. STRING interactions were checked for protein-protein interactions, based on changed expression levels of corresponding genes identified in the mouse testis RNAseq experiments. Immunofluorescence in situ staining was performed to detect the N-DRC complex proteins: Tcte1 (Drc5), Drc7, Fbxl13 (Drc6), and Eps8l1 (Drc3) in mouse spermatozoa. To determine the amount of ATP in spermatozoa, the luminescence level was measured. In addition, immunofluorescence in situ staining was performed to check the level of apoptosis via caspase 3 visualization on mouse testis samples. DNA from whole blood samples of infertile males (n = 137 with non-obstructive azoospermia or cryptozoospermia, n = 111 samples with a spectrum of oligoasthenoteratozoospermia, including n = 47 with asthenozoospermia) was extracted to perform genomic sequencing (WGS, WES, or Sanger). Protein prediction modeling of human-identified variants and the exon 3 structure deleted in the mouse knockout was also performed. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE No progeny at all was found for the homozygous males which were revealed to have oligoasthenoteratozoospermia, while heterozygous animals were fertile but manifested oligozoospermia, suggesting haploinsufficiency. RNA-sequencing of the testicular tissue showed the influence of Tcte1 mutations on the expression pattern of 21 genes responsible for mitochondrial ATP processing or linked with apoptosis or spermatogenesis. In Tcte1-/- males, the protein was revealed in only residual amounts in the sperm head nucleus and was not transported to the sperm flagella, as were other N-DRC components. Decreased ATP levels (2.4-fold lower) were found in the spermatozoa of homozygous mice, together with disturbed tail:midpiece ratios, leading to abnormal sperm tail beating. Casp3-positive signals (indicating apoptosis) were observed in spermatogonia only, at a similar level in all three mouse genotypes. Mutation screening of human infertile males revealed one novel and five ultra-rare heterogeneous variants (predicted as disease-causing) in 6.05% of the patients studied. Protein prediction modeling of identified variants revealed changes in the protein surface charge potential, leading to disruption in helix flexibility or its dynamics, thus suggesting disrupted interactions of TCTE1 with its binding partners located within the axoneme. LARGE SCALE DATA All data generated or analyzed during this study are included in this published article and its supplementary information files. RNAseq data are available in the GEO database (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/) under the accession number GSE207805. The results described in the publication are based on whole-genome or exome sequencing data which includes sensitive information in the form of patient-specific germline variants. Information regarding such variants must not be shared publicly following European Union legislation, therefore access to raw data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION In the study, the in vitro fertilization performance of sperm from homozygous male mice was not checked. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This study contains novel and comprehensive data concerning the role of TCTE1 in male infertility. The TCTE1 gene is the next one that should be added to the 'male infertility list' because of its crucial role in spermatogenesis and proper sperm functioning. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This work was supported by National Science Centre in Poland, grants no.: 2015/17/B/NZ2/01157 and 2020/37/B/NZ5/00549 (to M.K.), 2017/26/D/NZ5/00789 (to A.M.), and HD096723, GM127569-03, NIH SAP #4100085736 PA DoH (to A.N.Y.). The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Olszewska
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Malcher
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Tomasz Stokowy
- Scientific Computing Group, IT Division, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Nijole Pollock
- Department of OB/GYN and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Andrea J Berman
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Sylwia Budkiewicz
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | | | - Hanna Jackowiak
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | | | - Piotr Jedrzejczak
- Division of Infertility and Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecological Oncology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Alexander N Yatsenko
- Department of OB/GYN and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Maciej Kurpisz
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
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Ismail N, Myint K, Khaing SL, Giribabu N, Salleh N. Cervical fluid pH, electrolytes and osmolarity changes and expression of ion transporters (ENaC, CFTR and AQP) in cervix of women with primary unexplained infertility. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:6729-6737. [PMID: 37382776 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08555-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unexplained infertility could arise from a defect in the cervix. However, the contribution of abnormal cervical fluid microenvironment to this problem still needs to be identified. Therefore, this study identifies the changes in the cervical fluid microenvironment, i.e., pH, electrolytes and osmolarity as well as expression of ion transporters in the cervix including ENaC, CFTR and AQP in fertile women and in women suffering from primary unexplained infertility. METHODS Fertile women and women with unexplained infertility but having regular 28-day menstrual cycles were chosen in this study, Day-22 serum progesterone levels were determined. In the meantime, serum FSH and LH levels were determined on day 2 while, cervical flushing was performed at day 14 to analyse changes in the cervical fluid pH, osmolarity, Na+ and Cl- levels. Meanwhile, cells retrieved from cervical fluid were subjected to mRNA expression and protein distribution analysis for CFTR, AQP and ENaC by qPCR and immunofluorescence, respectively. RESULTS No significant changes in serum progesterone, FSH and LH levels were observed between the two groups. However, cervical fluid pH, osmolarity, Na+ and Cl- levels were significantly lower in primary unexplained infertile group when compared to fertile group. Expression of CFTR and AQP (AQP 1, AQP 2, AQP 5 and AQP 7) in endocervical cells was lower and expression of β-ENaC was higher in primary unexplained infertile women (p < 0.05 when compared to fertile group). CONCLUSIONS Alterations in the cervical fluid microenvironment linked to the defective ion transporter expression in the cervix might contribute towards the unfavourable condition that accounts for unexplained infertility in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurain Ismail
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia
| | - Kyaimon Myint
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia
| | - Si Lay Khaing
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia
- Medical Education Department, University of Medicine, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Nelli Giribabu
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia
| | - Naguib Salleh
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia.
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Huang Y, Li X, Sun X, Yao J, Gao F, Wang Z, Hu J, Wang Z, Ouyang B, Tu X, Zou X, Liu W, Lu M, Deng C, Yang Q, Xie Y. Anatomical Transcriptome Atlas of the Male Mouse Reproductive System During Aging. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:782824. [PMID: 35211476 PMCID: PMC8861499 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.782824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The elderly males undergo degenerative fertility and testicular endocrine function that jeopardize the reproductive health and well-being. However, the mechanisms underlying reproductive aging are unclear. Here, we tried to address this by investigating the phenotypes and transcriptomes of seven regions of the male mouse reproductive tract: the testis, efferent ductules, initial segment, caput, corpus and cauda epididymidis, and vas deferens, in adult (3 months) and aged (21 months) mice. Quantitative PCR, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescent staining, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were performed for the analysis of gene expression in mice, human tissues, and semen samples. Aged male mice showed both systematic and reproductive changes, and remarkable histological changes were detected in the testis and proximal epididymis. Transcriptomes of the male reproductive tract were mapped, and a series of region-specific genes were identified and validated in mouse and/or human tissues, including Protamine 1 (Prm2), ADAM metallopeptidase domain 28 (Adam28), Ribonuclease A family member 13 (Rnase13), WAP four-disulfide core domain 13 (Wfdc13), and Wfdc9. Meanwhile, age-related transcriptome changes of different regions of the male reproductive tract were characterized. Notably, increased immune response was functionally related to the male reproductive aging, especially the T cell activation. An immune response-associated factor, phospholipase A2 group IID (Pla2g2d), was identified as a potential biomarker for reproductive aging in mice. And the PLA2G2D level in human seminal plasma surged at approximately 35 years of age. Furthermore, we highlighted Protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type C (Ptprc), Lymphocyte protein tyrosine kinase (Lck), Microtubule associated protein tau (Mapt), and Interferon induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats 3 (Ifit3) as critical molecules in the aging of initial segment, caput, caput, and cauda epididymidis, respectively. This study provides an RNA-seq resource for the male reproductive system during aging in mice, and is expected to improve our understanding of male reproductive aging and infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanping Huang
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Andrology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangping Li
- Department of Urology and Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiangzhou Sun
- Department of Urology and Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiahui Yao
- Department of Urology and Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fengxin Gao
- Guangzhou Epibiotek Co., Ltd., Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenqing Wang
- Department of Urology and Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiaying Hu
- Department of Ultrasonics, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhu Wang
- Department of Ultrasonics, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bin Ouyang
- Department of Andrology, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiangan Tu
- Department of Urology and Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuenong Zou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Department of Spinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Andrology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mujun Lu
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Andrology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunhua Deng
- Department of Urology and Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiyun Yang
- Department of Urology and Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yun Xie
- Department of Urology and Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Department of Spinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Aquaporins: New markers for male (in)fertility in livestock and poultry? Anim Reprod Sci 2021; 231:106807. [PMID: 34303091 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2021.106807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Improving the methods utilized to facilitate reproduction is associated with a constant need to search for new factors that not only significantly affect reproductive processes, but also create new possibilities when assessing male reproductive potential. Aquaporins (AQPs) belong to a family of small (28-30 kDa) proteins that facilitate the transport of water and other small molecules. There have been 13 AQPs (AQP0-AQP12) discovered in mammals, and these proteins are present in a wide range of cell types. Almost all AQPs, except AQP6 and AQP12 are present in the male reproductive organs and sperm of mammals and birds. Increasing evidence suggests that these proteins are involved in a number of processes responsible for the optimal functioning of the male reproductive system. This review presents the current state of knowledge regarding the abundance and distribution of AQPs in the male reproductive organs and sperm of various livestock and poultry species, including buffalo, cattle, sheep, horses, pigs, turkeys and goose. Furthermore, the possible physiological and pathophysiological significance of AQPs in male reproduction, as well as hormonal regulation of quantities are discussed. It can be concluded from the studies analyzed in this paper that abundance patterns of AQPs may be considered in the future as specific and universal biomarkers of male fertility and infertility in animal husbandry.
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Wawrzkiewicz-Jałowiecka A, Lalik A, Soveral G. Recent Update on the Molecular Mechanisms of Gonadal Steroids Action in Adipose Tissue. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:5226. [PMID: 34069293 PMCID: PMC8157194 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [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: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The gonadal steroids, including androgens, estrogens and progestogens, are involved in the control of body fat distribution in humans. Nevertheless, not only the size and localization of the fat depots depend on the sex steroids levels, but they can also highly affect the functioning of adipose tissue. Namely, the gonadocorticoids can directly influence insulin signaling, lipid metabolism, fatty acid uptake and adipokine production. They may also alter energy balance and glucose homeostasis in adipocytes in an indirect way, e.g., by changing the expression level of aquaglyceroporins. This work presents the recent advances in understanding the molecular mechanism of how the gonadal steroids influence the functioning of adipose tissue leading to a set of detrimental metabolic consequences. Special attention is given here to highlighting the sexual dimorphism of adipocyte functioning in terms of health and disease. Particularly, we discuss the molecular background of metabolic disturbances occurring in consequence of hormonal imbalance which is characteristic of some common endocrinopathies such as the polycystic ovary syndrome. From this perspective, we highlight the potential drug targets and the active substances which can be used in personalized sex-specific management of metabolic diseases, in accord with the patient's hormonal status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Wawrzkiewicz-Jałowiecka
- Department of Physical Chemistry and Technology of Polymers, Silesian University of Technology, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland
| | - Anna Lalik
- Department of Systems Biology and Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, Akademicka 16, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland;
- Biotechnology Center, Silesian University of Technology, B. Krzywoustego 8, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland
| | - Graça Soveral
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal;
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Sharma S, Kumaran GK, Hanukoglu I. High-resolution imaging of the actin cytoskeleton and epithelial sodium channel, CFTR, and aquaporin-9 localization in the vas deferens. Mol Reprod Dev 2020; 87:305-319. [PMID: 31950584 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Vas deferens is a conduit for sperm and fluid from the epididymis to the urethra. The duct is surrounded by a thick smooth muscle layer. To map the actin cytoskeleton of the duct and its epithelium, we reacted sections of the proximal and distal regions with fluorescent phalloidin. Confocal microscopic imaging showed that the cylinder-shaped epithelium of the proximal region has a thick apical border of actin filaments that form microvilli. The epithelium of the distal region is covered with tall stereocilia (13-18 µm) that extend from the apical border into the lumen. In both regions, the lateral and basal cell borders showed a thin lining of actin cytoskeleton. The vas deferens epithelium contains various channels to regulate the fluid composition in the lumen. We mapped the localization of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), aquaporin-9 (AQP9), and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) in the rat and mouse vas deferens. ENaC and AQP9 immunofluorescence were localized on the luminal surface and stereocilia and also in the basal and smooth muscle layers. CFTR immunofluorescence appeared only on the luminal surface and in smooth muscle layers. The localization of all three channels on the apical surface of the columnar epithelial cells provides clear evidence that these channels are involved concurrently in the regulation of fluid and electrolyte balance in the lumen of the vas deferens. ENaC allows the flow of Na+ ions from the lumen into the cytoplasm, and the osmotic gradient generated provides the driving force for the passive flow of water through AQP channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachin Sharma
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
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