1
|
Parrella A, Medrano L, Aizpurua J, Gómez-Torres MJ. Phospholipase C Zeta in Human Spermatozoa: A Systematic Review on Current Development and Clinical Application. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1344. [PMID: 38279344 PMCID: PMC10815952 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021344] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
During fertilization, the fusion of the spermatozoa with the oocytes causes the release of calcium from the oocyte endoplasmatic reticulum. This, in turn, triggers a series of calcium ion (Ca2+) oscillations, a process known as oocyte activation. The sperm-specific factor responsible for oocyte activation is phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ). Men undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with their spermatozoa lacking PLCζ are incapable of generating Ca2+ oscillation, leading to fertilization failure. The immunofluorescence assay is the most used technique to assess the expression and localization of PLCζ and to diagnose patients with reduced/absent ability to activate the oocytes. In these patients, the use of assisted oocyte activation (AOA) technique can help to yield successful ICSI results and shorten the time of pregnancy. However, the production of a stable PLCζ recombinant protein represents a new powerful therapeutic approach to treating individuals with this condition. We aim to conduct a systematic review focusing on the expression, level, and localization of PLCζ, discussing the novel genetic mutation associated with its impairment. In addition, we highlight the benefits of AOA, looking at new and less invasive methods to diagnose and treat cases with PLCζ dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Parrella
- IVF Life, Reproductive Medicine, 03540 Alicante, Spain; (A.P.); (L.M.); (J.A.)
| | - Llanos Medrano
- IVF Life, Reproductive Medicine, 03540 Alicante, Spain; (A.P.); (L.M.); (J.A.)
| | - Jon Aizpurua
- IVF Life, Reproductive Medicine, 03540 Alicante, Spain; (A.P.); (L.M.); (J.A.)
- Cátedra Human Fertility, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
| | - María José Gómez-Torres
- Cátedra Human Fertility, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Allahveisi A, Yousefian E. Assessment of Expression Levels and Localization Patterns of Phospholipase C zeta in Different Grades of HOST in Human Sperm. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FERTILITY & STERILITY 2023; 18:26-31. [PMID: 38041456 PMCID: PMC10692739 DOI: 10.22074/ijfs.2023.1973614.1396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phospholipase C zeta (PLC-ζ) deficiency in sperm can underlie oocyte activation failure after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The aim of this study was to determine PLC-ζ expression and location in individual spermatozoa in each host score so that a hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST) may be used to help routine sperm selection for ICSI. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this experimental study, fresh semen samples were randomly obtained from 30 men who were referred to the Andrology Unit of the Infertility Center. Samples were processed by density gradient centrifugation (DGC) and exposed to hypotonic conditions. Seven different tail patterns, classified from 'a' to 'g' can be detected according to World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Then, the PLC-ζ protein localization pattern was assessed by quantitative Immunofluorescence in individual sperm Host grades. Moreover, the sperm content of PLC-ζ protein was evaluated by flow cytometry correlated with semen analysis parameters. RESULTS In the present study, quantitive immunofluorescence analysis indicated that sperm from different host grades exhibited seven localization patterns of PLC-ζ of acrosomal (A); equatorial (EQ), and postacrosomal (PA) patterns. A+EQ=acrosomal and equatorial, A+PA=acrosomal and post-acrosomal, EQ+PA=equatorial and post-crosomal, and A+EQ+PA. The sperm from HOST grade 'd' exhibited significantly higher PLC-ζ (A+PA) and (A+EQ+PA) staining compared to sperm from other grades (P=0.006). The sperm from grade 'd' exhibited higher PLC-ζ (EQ+PA) compared with other grades (P=0.001). However, grade 'd' was not significantly different from 'c' (P=0.087). Analysis of the combined results confirmed that there was a clear reduction in PLC-ζ immunofluorescence in Host grades 'a', 'f' and 'g' sperms. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that HOST may represent a useful diagnostic tool for the selection of sperms exhibiting a higher level of PLC-ζ expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Azra Allahveisi
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sannandaj, Iran
| | - Elham Yousefian
- Department of Midwifery, Falavarjan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Mirsanei JS, Sheibak N, Zandieh Z, Mehdizadeh M, Aflatoonian R, Tabatabaei M, Mousavi AS, Amjadi F. Microfluidic chips as a method for sperm selection improve fertilization rate in couples with fertilization failure. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2022; 306:901-910. [PMID: 35650258 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-022-06618-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Sperm quality plays a vital role in successful fertilization and pregnancy. Patients with fertilization failure (total failure or low-fertilization rate) despite having normal semen parameters are a challenging group whose sperm cannot fertilize the oocyte via the intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) technique. Microfluidics is offered as a new method for proper sperm sorting. METHODS This study aimed to evaluate sperm parameters, DNA fragmentation index (DFI), expression of phospholipase C zeta 1 (PLCZ1), and transition nuclear proteins 1 (TNP1) mRNAs in sperm selected by microfluidic sperm sorting (MSS) chip compared with conventional density gradient centrifugation technique in patients with fertilization failure following ICSI. Subsequence fertilization rate and embryo quality were assayed. RESULTS Normal morphology and total motility were significantly higher, and DFI was significantly lower in sperm selected by the MSS chip in fertilization failure and control groups. The RT-PCR results demonstrated a significant increase in the expression of PLCZ1 and TNP1 genes in sperm of both groups selected by MSS chips compared to the DGC method. In addition, with the selected sperm by MSS chip, an increase in fertilization rate and improvement of embryo quality was obtained. CONCLUSION The present study findings show that sperm sorting by the microfluidic method improves fertilization rate in patients with poor fertilization outcomes following ICSI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jamileh Sadat Mirsanei
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Reproductive Sciences and Technology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Shahid Akbarabadi Clinical Research Development Unit (ShACRDU), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nadia Sheibak
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Reproductive Sciences and Technology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Shahid Akbarabadi Clinical Research Development Unit (ShACRDU), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Zandieh
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Reproductive Sciences and Technology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Shahid Akbarabadi Clinical Research Development Unit (ShACRDU), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Mehdizadeh
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Reproductive Sciences and Technology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Aflatoonian
- Department of Endocrinology and Female Infertility, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryamsadat Tabatabaei
- Shahid Akbarabadi Clinical Research Development Unit (ShACRDU), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atieh Sadat Mousavi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Reproductive Sciences and Technology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Shahid Akbarabadi Clinical Research Development Unit (ShACRDU), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemehsadat Amjadi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Reproductive Sciences and Technology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. .,Shahid Akbarabadi Clinical Research Development Unit (ShACRDU), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wang M, Zhu L, Liu C, He H, Wang C, Xing C, Liu J, Yang L, Xi Q, Li Z, Jin L. A Novel Assisted Oocyte Activation Method Improves Fertilization in Patients With Recurrent Fertilization Failure. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:672081. [PMID: 34368125 PMCID: PMC8334862 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.672081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Total fertilization failure (TFF) occurs in 1–3% of total intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles and can reoccur in subsequent cycles. Despite the high success rate with the application of assisted oocyte activation (AOA), there is still a small number of couples who cannot obtain fertilized eggs after conventional calcium (Ca2+) ionophores-based ICSI-AOA. Six couples experiencing repeated TFF or low fertilization (<10%) after ICSI and conventional ICSI-AOA were enrolled in this study. Compared with the regular ICSI group and the conventional ICSI-AOA group, the new AOA method, a combination of cycloheximide (CHX) and ionomycin, can significantly increase the fertilization rate from less than 10 up to approximately 50% in most cases. The normal distribution of sperm-related oocyte activation factor phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ1) in the sperms of the cases indicated the absence of an aberrant Ca2+ signaling activation. The results of the whole-embryo aneuploidies analysis indicated that oocytes receiving the novel AOA treatment had the potential to develop into blastocysts with normal karyotypes. Our data demonstrated that CHX combined with ionomycin was able to effectively improve the fertilization rate in the majority of patients suffering from TFF. This novel AOA method had a potential therapeutic effect on those couples experiencing TFF, even after conventional AOA, which may surmount the severe fertilization deficiencies in patients with a repeated low fertilization or TFF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meng Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lixia Zhu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hui He
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chenxi Xing
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jinming Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Liu Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qingsong Xi
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhou Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lei Jin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gonzalez-Castro RA, Amoroso-Sanches F, Stokes JE, Graham JK, Carnevale EM. Localisation of phospholipase Cζ1 (PLCZ1) and postacrosomal WW-binding protein (WBP2 N-terminal like) on equine spermatozoa and flow cytometry quantification of PLCZ1 and association with cleavage in vitro. Reprod Fertil Dev 2020; 31:1778-1792. [PMID: 31597592 DOI: 10.1071/rd19217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Oocyte activation is initiated when a fertilising spermatozoon delivers sperm-borne oocyte-activating factor(s) into the oocyte cytoplasm. Candidates for oocyte activation include two proteins, phospholipase Cζ1 (PLCZ1) and postacrosomal WW-binding protein (PAWP; also known as WBP2 N-terminal like (WBP2NL)). We localised PLCZ1 and WBP2NL/PAWP in stallion spermatozoa and investigated the PLCZ1 content and sperm parameters as well as cleavage after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). PLCZ1 was identified as 71-kDa protein in the acrosomal and postacrosomal regions, midpiece and principal piece of the tail. Anti-WBP2NL antibody identified two WBP2NL bands (~28 and ~32kDa) in the postacrosomal region, midpiece and principal piece of the tail. PLCZ1 and WBP2NL expression was positively correlated (P=0.04) in sperm heads. Flow cytometry evaluation of PLCZ1 revealed large variations in fluorescence intensity and the percentage of positively labelled spermatozoa among stallions. PLCZ1 expression was significantly higher in viable than non-viable spermatozoa, and DNA fragmentation was negatively correlated with PLCZ1 expression and the percentage of positively labelled spermatozoa (P<0.05). The use of equine sperm populations considered to have high versus low PLCZ1 content resulted in significantly higher cleavage rates after ICSI of bovine and equine oocytes, supporting the importance of PLCZ1 for oocyte activation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raul A Gonzalez-Castro
- Equine Reproduction Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, 3101 Rampart Rd, Fort Collins, Colorado, 80521, USA
| | - Fabio Amoroso-Sanches
- Equine Reproduction Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, 3101 Rampart Rd, Fort Collins, Colorado, 80521, USA
| | - JoAnne E Stokes
- Equine Reproduction Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, 3101 Rampart Rd, Fort Collins, Colorado, 80521, USA
| | - James K Graham
- Equine Reproduction Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, 3101 Rampart Rd, Fort Collins, Colorado, 80521, USA
| | - Elaine M Carnevale
- Equine Reproduction Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, 3101 Rampart Rd, Fort Collins, Colorado, 80521, USA; and Corresponding author.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
A homozygous nonsense mutation of PLCZ1 cause male infertility with oocyte activation deficiency. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:821-828. [PMID: 32146562 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01719-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To identify the pathogenic PLCZ1 mutation involved in male infertility and fertilization failure. METHODS All coding regions of PLCZ1 were sequenced by Sanger sequencing. The expression and localization of PLCZ1 in sperm was determined by Western blotting and immunofluorescence. To promote the fertilization rate, the infertile man with PLCZ1 mutation was treated with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) accompanied by assisted oocyte activation (AOA) in the following cycle. RESULT We identified a novel homozygous PLCZ1 nonsense mutation, c.588C>A (p.Cys196Ter) in an infertile man from a consanguineous family. No PLCZ1 protein was detected by Western blotting and immunofluorescence in ejaculated sperm from the patient. The treatment of ICSI + AOA avoided fertilization failure but did not result in pregnancy in the following cycle. CONCLUSION Our study confirmed the essential role of PLCZ1 in fertilization and male fertility, which indicated the potential prognostic value of testing for PLCZ1 mutations in primary infertile men with sperm-derived fertilization failure.
Collapse
|
7
|
Rahimizadeh P, Topraggaleh TR, Nasr-Esfahani MH, Ziarati N, Mirshahvaladi S, Esmaeili V, Seifi S, Eftekhari-Yazdi P, Shahverdi A. The alteration of PLCζ protein expression in unexplained infertile and asthenoteratozoospermic patients: A potential effect on sperm fertilization ability. Mol Reprod Dev 2019; 87:115-123. [PMID: 31736165 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Failed oocyte activation has been observed in unexplained infertile (UI) and asthenoteratozoospermic (AT) men. The deficiency of phospholipase C-zeta (PLCζ) could be a possible reason for such failures and has not been studied yet. We investigated the expression and localization of PLCζ protein in the sperms of patients with UI and AT conditions. The relationships between PLCζ-related parameters with male age, sperm characteristics, DNA integrity, and cellular maturity were assessed. Semen samples were collected from fertile (n = 40), UI (n = 40), and AT (n = 40) men. Subsequently, semen analysis, DNA fragmentation, hyaluronic acid-binding ability, and PLCζ level along with its distribution were evaluated using computer-assisted sperm analyzer, sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA), hyaluronic acid-binding assay (HBA), western blot analysis and immunofluorescence microscopy, respectively. Unlike SCSA, the values of HBA, and PLCζ expression were significantly reduced in UI and AT patients compared to fertile men, whereas no significant differences were observed among the experimental groups in terms of PLCζ localization patterns. The regression analysis also showed that HBA is the only variable associated with PLCζ levels. Furthermore, the correlation of male age with PLCζ localization in postacrosomal, equatorial, and acrosomal+postacrosomal+equatorial (A+PA+E) patterns, as well as the relation of normal morphology, with the (A+PA+E) pattern, remained in the regression model. Our findings indicated that reduced PLCζ level along with the increased DNA fragmentation and impaired maturation may be possible etiologies of decreased fertilization in the studied subjects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pegah Rahimizadeh
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences and Advanced Technologies in Biology, University of Science and Culture, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tohid Rezaei Topraggaleh
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Nasr-Esfahani
- Department of Reproductive Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Niloofar Ziarati
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahab Mirshahvaladi
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahid Esmaeili
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Soroush Seifi
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Poopak Eftekhari-Yazdi
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abdolhossein Shahverdi
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.,Reproductive Epidemiology Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Azad N, Nazarian H, Ghaffari Novin M, Masteri Farahani R, Piryaei A, Heidari MH, Abdollahpour Alitappeh M. Oligoasthenoteratozoospermic (OAT) men display altered phospholipase C ζ (PLCζ) localization and a lower percentage of sperm cells expressing PLCζ and post-acrosomal sheath WW domain-binding protein (PAWP). Bosn J Basic Med Sci 2018; 18:178-184. [PMID: 28954204 DOI: 10.17305/bjbms.2017.2208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Revised: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) is demonstrated to be one of the most common causes of male subfertility. Phospholipase C ζ (PLCζ), a sperm-specific protein, is considered to be one of the sperm-borne oocyte activating factors (SOAFs), which play a vital role in fertilization. The post-acrosomal sheath WW domain-binding protein (PAWP) is another candidate for SOAF. The aim of this study was to compare the PLCζ localization patterns and percentage of PLCζ- and PAWP-positive sperm cells in patients with OAT and fertile men with normozoospermia. A total of 40 men included in this study were classified into two groups: OAT (n = 25) and control group (n = 15). Semen samples were collected and analyzed using conventional semen analysis according to the World Health Organization guidelines. The percentage of PLCζ- and PAWP-positive sperm cells and localization patterns of PLCζ were evaluated using immunofluorescence staining. The mean percentage of sperm cells expressing PAWP and PLCζ was significantly lower in OAT compared to control group (52.8 ± 4.2 vs. 76.8 ± 5 and 63.4 ± 3.5 vs. 86.7 ± 2.1, respectively). In addition, statistically significant differences were found with regard to the PLCζ localization patterns, including equatorial, acrosomal + equatorial, and equatorial + post-acrosomal pattern, between the two groups (p < 0.01). The present study showed a lower percentage of sperm cells expressing PLCζ and PAWP, as well as altered localization patterns of PLCζ in men with OAT. Given the role of PLCζ and PAWP in fertilization, as two major candidates for SOAFs, our findings indicate that PLCζ and PAWP impairments may be one of the possible etiologies of decreased fertility in OAT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nahid Azad
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Azad N, Nazarian H, Ghaffari Novin M, Masteri Farahani R, Piryaei A, Heidari MH. Phospholipase C zeta parameters in sperm from polymorphic teratozoospermic men. Ann Anat 2017; 215:63-70. [PMID: 28954206 DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2017.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Revised: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Teratozoospermia is a disorder associated with high abnormal sperm morphology which affects fertility in males. In recent years, it has been described that biomarker-based sperm quality evaluation can alleviate male infertility treatment. Phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ) is a sperm-specific factor which appears to be a predicting biomarker for fertilization potential of males. Following fertilization, PLCζ enters into oocyte cytoplasm and induces oocyte activation, a fundamental stage in initiation of embryo development. Currently, PLCζ parameters, including localization patterns, the proportion of PLCζ-expressing sperm and the expression level, are not defined in polymorphic teratozoospermic men. This study aimed to evaluate PLCζ parameters in polymorphic teratozoospermic men, and compare these parameters with fertile normozoospermic men. Semen samples from thirteen normozoospermic fertile men and twenty-three polymorphic teratozoospermic men were included in this study and evaluated using western blotting and immunofluorescence analyses. Our data indicated significantly lower expression of PLCζ in polymorphic teratozoospermic men, as compared with control men; however, there was no significant difference in localization patterns and the proportion of PLCζ-expressing sperm between polymorphic teratozoospermic patients and control men. Collectively, findings from the present study demonstrated that polymorphic teratozoospermic men did not show abnormal localization patterns or the absence of PLCζ, as compared to the control men; nonetheless, lower expression of PLCζ, considering its role in oocyte activation, might be one of the possible causes of infertility in these patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nahid Azad
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Nazarian
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; IVF Center, Taleghani Educational Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marefat Ghaffari Novin
- Infertility and Reproductive Health Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Reza Masteri Farahani
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Piryaei
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Urogenital Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hassan Heidari
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Tavalaee M, Kiani-Esfahani A, Nasr-Esfahani MH. Relationship between phospholipase C-zeta, semen parameters, and chromatin status. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2017; 63:259-268. [PMID: 28345968 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2017.1298006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The need for additional tests to complement basic sperm analysis in clinics is well appreciated. In this regard, a number of tests such as sperm DNA integrity test as a tool in diagnosis and treatment of infertility are suggested. But recent studies have focused on main sperm factors involved in oocyte activation such as phospholipase C-zeta (PLCζ) that initiate intracellular Ca2+ signaling and embryogenesis. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between PLCζ, basic semen parameters, sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF), and protamine deficiency in men with normal (n=32) and abnormal (n=23) semen parameters. Unlike SDF and protamine deficiency, as negative factors related to fertility, the mean value of PLCζ as positive factor related to infertility was significantly lower in men with abnormal semen parameters compared to men with normal semen parameters. Significant correlations were also observed between sperm concentration, motility, and abnormal morphology with the percentage of PLCζ positive spermatozoa. In addition, logistic regression analysis revealed that sperm morphology is more predictive than sperm motility and concentration for PLCζ presence. In addition, a statistically significant negative relationship was observed between the percentage of PLCζ positive spermatozoa and SDF. These findings suggested during ICSI, selection of sperm based on morphology has a profound effect on its ability to induce oocyte activation based on the likelihood of PLCζ expression. Therefore, assessment of PLCζ as an index for fertilization potential of a semen sample in men with severe teratozoospermia may define individuals who are candidates for artificial oocyte activation (AOA) and may avoid failed fertilization post ICSI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marziyeh Tavalaee
- a Department of Reproductive Biotechnology , Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology , ACECR , Isfahan , Iran
| | - Abbas Kiani-Esfahani
- a Department of Reproductive Biotechnology , Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology , ACECR , Isfahan , Iran
| | - Mohammad H Nasr-Esfahani
- a Department of Reproductive Biotechnology , Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology , ACECR , Isfahan , Iran.,b Isfahan Fertility and Infertility Center , Isfahan , Iran
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Martin JH, Bromfield EG, Aitken RJ, Nixon B. Biochemical alterations in the oocyte in support of early embryonic development. Cell Mol Life Sci 2017; 74:469-485. [PMID: 27604868 PMCID: PMC11107538 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-016-2356-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2016] [Revised: 08/28/2016] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Notwithstanding the enormous reproductive potential encapsulated within a mature mammalian oocyte, these cells present only a limited window for fertilization before defaulting to an apoptotic cascade known as post-ovulatory oocyte aging. The only cell with the capacity to rescue this potential is the fertilizing spermatozoon. Indeed, the union of these cells sets in train a remarkable series of events that endows the oocyte with the capacity to divide and differentiate into the trillions of cells that comprise a new individual. Traditional paradigms hold that, beyond the initial stimulation of fluctuating calcium (Ca2+) required for oocyte activation, the fertilizing spermatozoon plays limited additional roles in the early embryo. While this model has now been drawn into question in view of the recent discovery that spermatozoa deliver developmentally important classes of small noncoding RNAs and other epigenetic modulators to oocytes during fertilization, it is nevertheless apparent that the primary responsibility for oocyte activation rests with a modest store of maternally derived proteins and mRNA accumulated during oogenesis. It is, therefore, not surprising that widespread post-translational modifications, in particular phosphorylation, hold a central role in endowing these proteins with sufficient functional diversity to initiate embryonic development. Indeed, proteins targeted for such modifications have been linked to oocyte activation, recruitment of maternal mRNAs, DNA repair and resumption of the cell cycle. This review, therefore, seeks to explore the intimate relationship between Ca2+ release and the suite of molecular modifications that sweep through the oocyte to ensure the successful union of the parental germlines and ensure embryogenic fidelity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacinta H Martin
- Discipline of Biological Sciences and Priority Research Center for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.
| | - Elizabeth G Bromfield
- Discipline of Biological Sciences and Priority Research Center for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - R John Aitken
- Discipline of Biological Sciences and Priority Research Center for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Discipline of Biological Sciences and Priority Research Center for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Tavalaee M, Kiani-Esfahani A, Nasr-Esfahani MH. Relationship between Potential Sperm Factors Involved in Oocyte Activation and Sperm DNA Fragmentation with Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection Clinical Outcomes. CELL JOURNAL 2016; 18:588-596. [PMID: 28042543 PMCID: PMC5086337 DOI: 10.22074/cellj.2016.4725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2015] [Accepted: 01/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Objective The present study aimed to simultaneously evaluate the association between expression of three potential factors [post-acrosomal sheath WW domain-binding protein (PAWP), phospholipase Cζ (PLCζ), and truncated form of the kit receptor
(TR-KIT)] as candidates of oocyte activation with fertilization rate and early embryonic development.
Materials and Methods In this experimental study, semen samples were collected
from 35 intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) candidates and analyzed according to World Health Organization criteria (2010). Each sample was divided into two
parts. The first part was processed for insemination by density-gradient centrifugation (DGC) and the second part was prepared for assessment of sperm morphology (Papanicolaou staining), DNA fragmentation [transferase dUTP nick end labeling
(TUNEL)], and three Sperm-borne oocyte-activating factor (s) (SOAFs)-PLCζ, PAWP,
and TR-KIT.
Results Significant positive correlations existed between the percentages of PLCζ,
PAWP, and TR-KIT with fertilization rate. In addition, significant negative correlations
existed between the percentage of DNA fragmentation with the percentages of PLCζ
and PAWP. We did not find a relationship between percentages of PLCζ, PAWP, and
TR-KIT with embryo quality and pregnancy rate (P>0.05). There was a significant
negative correlation between percentage of DNA fragmentation with fertilization and
embryo quality.
Conclusion Oocyte activation was associated with the studied sperm factors (PAWP,
PLCζ, and TR-KIT). These factors might hold the potential to be considered as diagnostic
factors in the assessment of semen samples to evaluate their potential to induce oocyte
activation. In addition, we observed a significant association between DNA fragmentation
with fertilization, as well as embryo quality and expression of PAWP and PLCζ, which
indicated that men with high degrees of DNA fragmentation might require artificial oocyte
activation. Whether such action should take place, and its cost and benefits should be
evaluated in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marziyeh Tavalaee
- Department of Reproductive Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Abbas Kiani-Esfahani
- Department of Reproductive Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Nasr-Esfahani
- Department of Reproductive Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran; Isfahan Fertility and Infertility Center, Isfahan, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Yeste M, Jones C, Amdani SN, Yelumalai S, Mounce G, da Silva SJM, Child T, Coward K. Does advancing male age influence the expression levels and localisation patterns of phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ) in human sperm? Sci Rep 2016; 6:27543. [PMID: 27270687 PMCID: PMC4897631 DOI: 10.1038/srep27543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2015] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Socio-economic factors have led to an increasing trend for couples to delay parenthood. However, advancing age exerts detrimental effects upon gametes which can have serious consequences upon embryo viability. While such effects are well documented for the oocyte, relatively little is known with regard to the sperm. One fundamental role of sperm is to activate the oocyte at fertilisation, a process initiated by phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ), a sperm-specific protein. While PLCζ deficiency can lead to oocyte activation deficiency and infertility, it is currently unknown whether the expression or function of PLCζ is compromised by advancing male age. Here, we evaluate sperm motility and the proportion of sperm expressing PLCζ in 71 males (22–54 years; 44 fertile controls and 27 infertile patients), along with total levels and localisation patterns of PLCζ within the sperm head. Three different statistical approaches were deployed with male age considered both as a categorical and a continuous factor. While progressive motility was negatively correlated with male age, all three statistical models concurred that no PLCζ–related parameter was associated with male age, suggesting that advancing male age is unlikely to cause problems in terms of the sperm’s fundamental ability to activate an oocyte.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marc Yeste
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, United Kingdom
| | - Celine Jones
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, United Kingdom
| | - Siti Nornadhirah Amdani
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, United Kingdom.,PAPRSB Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Jalan Tungku Link, Gadong, Brunei Darussalam
| | - Suseela Yelumalai
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, United Kingdom
| | - Ginny Mounce
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah J Martins da Silva
- Medical Research Institute, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, DD1 9SY, UK.,Assisted Conception Unit, NHS Tayside, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, DD1 9SY, UK
| | - Tim Child
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, United Kingdom.,Oxford Fertility, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Oxford Business Park North, Alec Issigonis Way, Oxford, OX4 2HW
| | - Kevin Coward
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Ferrer-Vaquer A, Barragan M, Freour T, Vernaeve V, Vassena R. PLCζ sequence, protein levels, and distribution in human sperm do not correlate with semen characteristics and fertilization rates after ICSI. J Assist Reprod Genet 2016; 33:747-56. [PMID: 27138933 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-016-0718-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2015] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Sperm-borne PLCζ protein induces Ca(2+) oscillations in the oocyte and is believed to play a major role during oocyte activation. However, its implication in fertilization failure following ICSI is still debated. We analyzed PLCζ gene sequence, protein expression level, and localization in both patients with previous failed fertilization by ICSI and sperm donors with proven fertility in order to assess the association of PLCζ with both sperm characteristics and ability to fertilize. METHODS Semen from 15 patients and 13 sperm donors with proven fertility was included in the study. Analysis of the PLCζ gene sequence, protein expression through Western blot, and protein localization by immunofluorescence were performed. RESULTS Two patients with total fertilization failure presented mutations in heterozygosis in the PLCζ gene. Comparison with donor sample sequences displayed comparable SNP allele frequency. Distribution pattern of PLCζ did not vary significantly between donor and patient samples. Levels of PLCζ protein in sperm cells showed an interindividual variability both in patient and donor samples. Several SNPs previously reported in infertile patients were also present in fertile men. CONCLUSION Failed fertilization occurs even when levels and distribution of PLCζ protein are within normal range. PLCζ seems to be a necessary but not sufficient factor in determining the molecular pathway involved in oocyte activation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Thomas Freour
- Clínica EUGIN, Travessera de les Corts 322, 08029, Barcelona, Spain.,Service de médecine et biologie de la reproduction, CHU de Nantes, Nantes, France.,INSERM UMR 1064, Nantes, France
| | - Valérie Vernaeve
- Clínica EUGIN, Travessera de les Corts 322, 08029, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rita Vassena
- Clínica EUGIN, Travessera de les Corts 322, 08029, Barcelona, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Escoffier J, Lee HC, Yassine S, Zouari R, Martinez G, Karaouzène T, Coutton C, Kherraf ZE, Halouani L, Triki C, Nef S, Thierry-Mieg N, Savinov SN, Fissore R, Ray PF, Arnoult C. Homozygous mutation of PLCZ1 leads to defective human oocyte activation and infertility that is not rescued by the WW-binding protein PAWP. Hum Mol Genet 2016; 25:878-91. [PMID: 26721930 PMCID: PMC4754041 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddv617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2015] [Revised: 12/06/2015] [Accepted: 12/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, sperm-oocyte fusion initiates Ca(2+) oscillations leading to a series of events called oocyte activation, which is the first stage of embryo development. Ca(2+) signaling is elicited by the delivery of an oocyte-activating factor by the sperm. A sperm-specific phospholipase C (PLCZ1) has emerged as the likely candidate to induce oocyte activation. Recently, PAWP, a sperm-born tryptophan domain-binding protein coded by WBP2NL, was proposed to serve the same purpose. Here, we studied two infertile brothers exhibiting normal sperm morphology but complete fertilization failure after intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Whole exomic sequencing evidenced a missense homozygous mutation in PLCZ1, c.1465A>T; p.Ile489Phe, converting Ile 489 into Phe. We showed the mutation is deleterious, leading to the absence of the protein in sperm, mislocalization of the protein when injected in mouse GV and MII oocytes, highly abnormal Ca(2+) transients and early embryonic arrest. Altogether these alterations are consistent with our patients' sperm inability to induce oocyte activation and initiate embryo development. In contrast, no deleterious variants were identified in WBP2NL and PAWP presented normal expression and localization. Overall we demonstrate in humans, the absence of PLCZ1 alone is sufficient to prevent oocyte activation irrespective of the presence of PAWP. Additionally, it is the first mutation located in the C2 domain of PLCZ1, a domain involved in targeting proteins to cell membranes. This opens the door to structure-function studies to identify the conserved amino acids of the C2 domain that regulate the targeting of PLCZ1 and its selectivity for its lipid substrate(s).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Escoffier
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Sandra Yassine
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, F-38000, Grenoble, France, Institut Albert Bonniot, INSERM U823, La Tronche F-38700, France
| | - Raoudha Zouari
- Polyclinique les Jasmins, Centre d'Aide Médicale à la Procréation, Centre Urbain Nord, 1003 Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Guillaume Martinez
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, F-38000, Grenoble, France, Institut Albert Bonniot, INSERM U823, La Tronche F-38700, France
| | - Thomas Karaouzène
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, F-38000, Grenoble, France, Institut Albert Bonniot, INSERM U823, La Tronche F-38700, France
| | - Charles Coutton
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, F-38000, Grenoble, France, CHU de Grenoble, UF de Génétique Chromosomique, Grenoble F-38000, France
| | - Zine-Eddine Kherraf
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, F-38000, Grenoble, France, Institut Albert Bonniot, INSERM U823, La Tronche F-38700, France
| | - Lazhar Halouani
- Polyclinique les Jasmins, Centre d'Aide Médicale à la Procréation, Centre Urbain Nord, 1003 Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Chema Triki
- Clinique Hannibal, Centre d'AMP, les berges du lac, 1053 Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Serge Nef
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Thierry-Mieg
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, F-38000, Grenoble, France, Laboratoire TIMC-IMAG, UMR CNRS 5525, Grenoble F-38000, France and
| | - Sergey N Savinov
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | | | - Pierre F Ray
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, F-38000, Grenoble, France, Institut Albert Bonniot, INSERM U823, La Tronche F-38700, France, CHU de Grenoble, UF de Biochimie et Génétique Moléculaire, Grenoble F-38000, France
| | - Christophe Arnoult
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, F-38000, Grenoble, France, Institut Albert Bonniot, INSERM U823, La Tronche F-38700, France,
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Abstract
The most fundamental unresolved issue of fertilization is to define how the sperm activates the egg to begin embryo development. Egg activation at fertilization in all species thus far examined is caused by some form of transient increase in the cytoplasmic free Ca2+ concentration. What has not been clear, however, is precisely how the sperm triggers the large changes in Ca2+ observed within the egg cytoplasm. Here, we review the studies indicating that the fertilizing sperm stimulates a cytosolic Ca2+ increase in the egg specifically by delivering a soluble factor that diffuses into the cytosolic space of the egg upon gamete membrane fusion. Evidence is primarily considered in species of eggs where the sperm has been shown to elicit a cytosolic Ca2+ increase by initiating Ca2+ release from intracellular Ca2+ stores. We suggest that our best understanding of these signaling events is in mammals, where the sperm triggers a prolonged series of intracellular Ca2+ oscillations. The strongest empirical studies to date suggest that mammalian sperm-triggered Ca2+ oscillations are caused by the introduction of a sperm-specific protein, called phospholipase C-zeta (PLCζ) that generates inositol trisphosphate within the egg. We will discuss the role and mechanism of action of PLCζ in detail at a molecular and cellular level. We will also consider some of the evidence that a soluble sperm protein might be involved in egg activation in nonmammalian species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karl Swann
- College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - F. Anthony Lai
- College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Capalbo A, Ottolini CS, Griffin DK, Ubaldi FM, Handyside AH, Rienzi L. Artificial oocyte activation with calcium ionophore does not cause a widespread increase in chromosome segregation errors in the second meiotic division of the oocyte. Fertil Steril 2015; 105:807-814.e2. [PMID: 26658129 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2015.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2015] [Revised: 11/02/2015] [Accepted: 11/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the effect of artificial oocyte activation (AOA) on chromosome segregation errors in the meiotic divisions. DESIGN Prospective cohort study with historical control. SETTING Private/academic IVF centers. PATIENT(S) Fifty-six metaphase II oocytes were donated from 12 patients who had undergone IVF between June 2008 and May 2009. INTERVENTION(S) Oocytes were activated by 40 minutes' exposure to 100 μM calcium-ionophore. The activated oocyte was tubed and analyzed by array comparative genomic hybridization and/or single-nucleotide polymorphism genotyping and maternal haplotyping (meiomapping). A control sample of embryos derived from normally fertilized oocytes was included for comparison. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Incidence of chromosome segregation errors in artificially activated and normally fertilized oocytes in relation to pronuclear evaluation. RESULT(S) Of 49 oocytes that survived the warming procedure, thirty-nine (79.6%) activated. Most activated normally, resulting in extrusion of the second polar body and formation of a single or no pronucleus (2PB1PN: 30 of 39, 76.9%; or 2PB0PN: 5 of 39, 12.8%). Twenty-seven of these were analyzed, and 16 (59.3%) were euploid, showing no effect of AOA on meiotic segregation. Single-nucleotide polymorphism analysis of normally activated oocytes confirmed normal segregation of maternal chromosomes. No difference in the proportion of meiosis II type errors was observed between artificially activated oocytes (28.6%; 95% confidence interval 3.7%-71.0%) compared with embryos obtained from normally fertilized oocytes (44.4%; 95% confidence interval 13.7%-78.8%). The abnormally activated oocytes, with ≥2PN (4 of 39, 10.3%) were diploid, indicating a failure to coordinate telophase of meiosis II with polar body extrusion. CONCLUSION(S) From this preliminary dataset, there is no evidence that AOA causes a widespread increase in chromosome segregation errors in meiosis II. However, we recommend that it be applied selectively to patients with specific indications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Capalbo
- GENERA, Centers for Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy; GENETYX, Marostica, Italy.
| | - Christian S Ottolini
- The Bridge Centre, London, United Kingdom; School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
| | - Darren K Griffin
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
| | - Filippo Maria Ubaldi
- GENERA, Centers for Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy; GENETYX, Marostica, Italy
| | - Alan H Handyside
- The Bridge Centre, London, United Kingdom; School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom; Illumina, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Rienzi
- GENERA, Centers for Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy; GENETYX, Marostica, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Amdani SN, Yeste M, Jones C, Coward K. Phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ) and male infertility: Clinical update and topical developments. Adv Biol Regul 2015; 61:58-67. [PMID: 26700242 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2015.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2015] [Revised: 11/26/2015] [Accepted: 11/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The development of a mammalian embryo is initiated by a sequence of molecular events collectively referred to as 'oocyte activation' and regulated by the release of intracellular calcium in the ooplasm. Over the last decade, phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ), a sperm protein introduced into the oocyte upon gamete fusion, has gained almost universal acceptance as the protein factor responsible for initiating oocyte activation. A large body of consistent and reproducible evidence, from both biochemical and clinical settings, confers support for the role of PLCζ in this fundamental biological context, which has significant ramifications for the management of human male infertility. Oocyte activation deficiency (OAD) and total fertilisation failure (TFF) are known causes of infertility and have both been linked to abnormalities in the structure, expression, and localisation pattern of PLCζ in human sperm. Assisted oocyte activators (AOAs) represent the only therapeutic option available for OAD at present, although these agents have been the source of much debate recently, particularly with regard to their potential epigenetic effects upon the embryo. Consequently, there is much interest in the deployment of sensitive PLCζ assays as prognostic/diagnostic tests and human recombinant PLCζ protein as an alternative form of therapy. Although PLCζ deficiency has been directly linked to a cohort of infertile cases, we have yet to identify the specific causal mechanisms involved. While two genetic mutations have been identified which link defective PLCζ protein to an infertile phenotype, both were observed in the same patient, and have yet to be described in other patients. Consequently, some researchers are investigating the possibility that genetic variations in the form of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) could provide some explanation, especially since >6000 SNPs have been identified in the PLCζ gene. As yet, however, there is no consistent data to suggest that any of these SNPs influence the functional ability of PLCζ. Other laboratories appear to be focussing upon the PLCζ promoter, which is bi-directional and shared with the actin filament capping muscle Z-line alpha 3 gene (CAPZA3), or seeking to identify interacting proteins within the ooplasm. The aim of this review is to provide a synopsis of recent progress in the application of PLCζ in diagnostic and therapeutic medicine, to discuss our current understanding of how the functional ability of PLCζ might be controlled, and thus how PLCζ deficiency might arise, and finally, to consider the potential implications of alternative sperm protein candidates, such as post-acrosomal WW-domain binding protein (PAWP), which has caused much debate and confusion in the field over the last few years.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siti Nornadhirah Amdani
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; PAPRSB Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Jalan Tunku Link, Gadong, Brunei Darussalam
| | - Marc Yeste
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Celine Jones
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Kevin Coward
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Yeste M, Jones C, Amdani SN, Patel S, Coward K. Oocyte activation deficiency: a role for an oocyte contribution? Hum Reprod Update 2015; 22:23-47. [DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmv040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2015] [Accepted: 08/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
|
20
|
Phospholipase C-zeta deficiency as a cause for repetitive oocyte fertilization failure during ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization with ICSI: a case report. J Assist Reprod Genet 2015; 32:1415-9. [PMID: 26174123 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-015-0531-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2015] [Accepted: 06/30/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to describe impaired oocyte fertilization from phospholipase C-zeta (PLC-ζ) deficiency in normal-appearing sperm that was successfully treated using calcium (Ca(2+)) ionophore with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) of oocytes matured in vitro. METHODS An infertile couple undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) experienced failed oocyte fertilization following ICSI with normal-appearing sperm. A semen sample collected from the patient was used to assess the expression of sperm PLC- ζ protein by Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence and PLC-ζ bioactivity by an in vitro model of Ca(2+) release. A second IVF cycle was performed using Ca(2+) ionophore with ICSI to enhance Ca(2+)-induced oocyte activation of oocytes matured in vitro. RESULTS Sperm PLC-ζ protein deficiency was demonstrated by Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence and confirmed by reduced PLC-ζ bioactivity using an in vitro model of Ca(2+) release. Nevertheless, with this sperm and supplementation of Ca(2+) ionophore following ICSI, fertilization of four of six oocytes matured in vitro was obtained. In addition, four embryos underwent cleavage and two of them reached the blastocyst stage. Transfer of these blastocysts into the uterus led to a single pregnancy and live birth. CONCLUSIONS Deficiency of PLC-ζ in normal-appearing human sperm is associated with impaired Ca(2+)-dependent oocyte activation during ICSI. Under this condition, use of Ca(2+) ionophore following ICSI of oocytes matured in vitro improves embryo developmental competence, possibly through the activation of Ca(2+)-dependent mechanisms governing fertilization and preimplantation embryogenesis.
Collapse
|
21
|
Abstract
Infertility remains a significant problem for many couples. Approximately one in seven couples who attempt to conceive will fail to do so within 1 year. In about 65% of these cases, there is a male component of infertility.1 Despite normal semen parameters, the etiology of infertility remains uncertain in more than 50% of couples.2 Defects in sperm proteins and/ or structures may underlie certain cases of male infertility. Although many men would like to be called "Pop", "Dad", or "Papa", those who are classified with idiopathic male infertility have few options for becoming fathers. Recent studies by Aarabi et al.3 may open the door to new therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - George L Gerton
- Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104 6160, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Yelumalai S, Yeste M, Jones C, Amdani SN, Kashir J, Mounce G, Da Silva SJM, Barratt CL, McVeigh E, Coward K. Total levels, localization patterns, and proportions of sperm exhibiting phospholipase C zeta are significantly correlated with fertilization rates after intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Fertil Steril 2015; 104:561-8.e4. [PMID: 26054556 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2015.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2015] [Revised: 04/26/2015] [Accepted: 05/13/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the relationship of total levels, localization patterns, and proportions of sperm exhibiting phospholipase C zeta, with fertilization rates after in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). DESIGN Laboratory study; controls vs. patients after IVF (n = 27) or ICSI (n = 17) treatment. SETTING Fertility center. PATIENT(S) A total of 44 semen samples, subjected to either IVF or ICSI treatment. Oocyte collection, ICSI or IVF, determination of sperm concentration and motility, and immunocytochemical analyses of phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ). INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Percentages of sperm exhibiting PLCζ. RESULT(S) Significant positive correlation between ICSI fertilization rates and total levels, localization patterns, and the proportion (percentage) of sperm exhibiting PLCζ. Total levels, localization patterns, and the proportion of sperm exhibiting PLCζ are correlated with fertilization rates for ICSI, but not for IVF. CONCLUSION(S) Evaluating total levels, localization patterns, and proportions of PLCζ may represent a useful diagnostic tool for clinical purposes in men for whom IVF is not advised or has previously failed. This clinical study further supports the fundamental role of PLCζ in the oocyte activation process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suseela Yelumalai
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Marc Yeste
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Celine Jones
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Siti N Amdani
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Junaid Kashir
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ginny Mounce
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah J Martins Da Silva
- Medical Research Institute, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, United Kingdom; Assisted Conception Unit, National Health Service Tayside, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher L Barratt
- Medical Research Institute, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, United Kingdom; Assisted Conception Unit, National Health Service Tayside, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Enda McVeigh
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin Coward
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
PLCζ disruption with complete fertilization failure in normozoospermia. J Assist Reprod Genet 2015; 32:879-86. [PMID: 25986342 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-015-0496-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2015] [Accepted: 05/06/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is widely used to achieve fertilization in the presence of severe male factor, resulting in high fertilization rates. Nevertheless, 1-3 % of couples experience complete fertilization failure after ICSI. When a male factor is identified, assisted oocyte activation (AOA) can help overcome fertilization failures. The objective of this study is to describe a case of repeated complete fertilization failures after ICSI with donor oocytes, and to investigate the molecular and functional aspects of phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ) protein in the patient semen. METHODS The patient was a normozoospermic male who had previously fathered, through natural conception, four children by a different partner. Molecular and functional analysis of sperm-specific PLCζ in the patient and control samples by means of gene sequencing, immunocytochemistry, Western blot, mouse oocyte activation test (MOAT), and mouse oocyte calcium analysis (MOCA) were used. RESULTS PLCζ expression levels and distribution were significantly disrupted, although MOAT and MOCA did not indicate a decrease in activation ability. CONCLUSIONS Normozoospermic males can have disrupted expression and distribution of PLCζ, and reduced activation ability after ICSI in human oocytes, despite their normal activation potential in functional testing using mouse oocytes. Discrepancy among molecular and functional data might exist, as mutations in the gene sequence may not be the only cause of alteration in PLCζ protein related to activation failures.
Collapse
|
24
|
Escoffier J, Yassine S, Lee HC, Martinez G, Delaroche J, Coutton C, Karaouzène T, Zouari R, Metzler-Guillemain C, Pernet-Gallay K, Hennebicq S, Ray PF, Fissore R, Arnoult C. Subcellular localization of phospholipase Cζ in human sperm and its absence in DPY19L2-deficient sperm are consistent with its role in oocyte activation. Mol Hum Reprod 2014; 21:157-68. [PMID: 25354701 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gau098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We recently identified the DPY19L2 gene as the main genetic cause of human globozoospermia (70%) and described that Dpy19l2 knockout (KO) mice faithfully reproduce the human phenotype of globozoospermia making it an excellent model to characterize the molecular physiopathology of globozoospermia. Recent case studies on non-genetically characterized men with globozoospermia showed that phospholipase C, zeta (PLCζ), the sperm factor thought to induce the Ca(2+) oscillations at fertilization, was absent from their sperm, explaining the poor fertilization potential of these spermatozoa. Since 30% of globozoospermic men remain genetically uncharacterized, the absence of PLCζ in DPY19L2 globozoospermic men remains to be formally established. Moreover, the precise localization of PLCζ and the reasons underlying its loss during spermatogenesis in globozoospermic patients are still not understood. Herein, we show that PLCζ is absent, or its presence highly reduced, in human and mouse sperm with DPY19L2-associated globozoospermia. As a consequence, fertilization with sperm from Dpy19l2 KO mice failed to initiate Ca(2+) oscillations and injected oocytes remained arrested at the metaphase II stage, although a few human oocytes injected with DPY19L2-defective sperm showed formation of 2-pronuclei embryos. We report for the first time the subcellular localization of PLCζ in control human sperm, which is along the inner acrosomal membrane and in the perinuclear theca, in the area corresponding to the equatorial region. Because these cellular components are absent in globozoospermic sperm, the loss of PLCζ in globozoospermic sperm is thus consistent and reinforces the role of PLCζ as an oocyte activation factor necessary for oocyte activation. In our companion article, we showed that chromatin compaction during spermiogenesis in Dpy19l2 KO mouse is defective and leads to sperm DNA damage. Together, these defects explain the poor fertilization potential of DPY19L2-globozoospermic sperm and the compromised developmental potential of embryos obtained using sperm from patients with a deletion of the DPY19L2 gene.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Escoffier
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble F-38000, France Equipe 'Andrologie, Génétique et Cancer' Laboratoire AGIM, CNRS FRE3405, La Tronche F-38700, France
| | - Sandra Yassine
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble F-38000, France Equipe 'Andrologie, Génétique et Cancer' Laboratoire AGIM, CNRS FRE3405, La Tronche F-38700, France
| | - Hoi Chang Lee
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, 661 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Guillaume Martinez
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble F-38000, France Equipe 'Andrologie, Génétique et Cancer' Laboratoire AGIM, CNRS FRE3405, La Tronche F-38700, France
| | - Julie Delaroche
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble F-38000, France Grenoble Institut des Neurosciences, INSERM U.836, F-38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Charles Coutton
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble F-38000, France Equipe 'Andrologie, Génétique et Cancer' Laboratoire AGIM, CNRS FRE3405, La Tronche F-38700, France CHU de Grenoble, UF de Génétique Chromosomique, Grenoble F-38000, France
| | - Thomas Karaouzène
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble F-38000, France Equipe 'Andrologie, Génétique et Cancer' Laboratoire AGIM, CNRS FRE3405, La Tronche F-38700, France
| | - Raoudha Zouari
- Clinique des Jasmins, 23, Av. Louis BRAILLE, 1002 Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Catherine Metzler-Guillemain
- Aix-Marseille Université-Inserm UMR 910, Génétique Médicale et Génomique Fonctionnelle, 13385 Marseille Cedex 5, France APHM Hôpital La Conception, Gynépôle, Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction - CECOS, 13385 Marseille Cedex 5, France
| | - Karin Pernet-Gallay
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble F-38000, France Grenoble Institut des Neurosciences, INSERM U.836, F-38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Sylviane Hennebicq
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble F-38000, France CHU de Grenoble, Centre d'AMP-CECOS, BP217, Grenoble Cedex 9 F-38043, France
| | - Pierre F Ray
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble F-38000, France Equipe 'Andrologie, Génétique et Cancer' Laboratoire AGIM, CNRS FRE3405, La Tronche F-38700, France CHU de Grenoble, UF de Biochimie et Génétique Moléculaire, Grenoble F-38000, France
| | - Rafael Fissore
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, 661 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Christophe Arnoult
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble F-38000, France Equipe 'Andrologie, Génétique et Cancer' Laboratoire AGIM, CNRS FRE3405, La Tronche F-38700, France
| |
Collapse
|