1
|
Cicek C, Telkoparan-Akillilar P, Sertyel S, Bilgi C, Ozgun OD. Investigation of endoplasmic reticulum stress-regulated chaperones as biomarkers in idiopathic nonobstructive azoospermia. Cell Stress Chaperones 2024; 29:654-665. [PMID: 39237030 PMCID: PMC11424951 DOI: 10.1016/j.cstres.2024.08.004] [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: 08/11/2024] [Revised: 08/27/2024] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Azoospermia is a condition in which sperm cells are completely absent in a male's ejaculate. Typically, sperm production occurs in the testes and is regulated by a complex series of cellular and molecular interactions. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress arises when there is a deviation from or damage to the normal functions of the ER within cells. In response to this stress, a cascade of response mechanisms is activated to regulate ER stress within cells. This study aims to investigate the role of ER stress-regulated chaperones as potential biomarkers in male infertility. ER stress associated with azoospermia can manifest in cells such as spermatogonia in the testes and can impact sperm production. As a result of ER stress, the expression and activity of a variety of proteins within cells can be altered. Among these proteins are chaperone proteins that regulate the ER stress response. The sample size was calculated to be a minimum of 36 patients in each group. In this preliminary study, we measured and compared serum levels of protein disulfide-isomerase A1, protein disulfide-isomerase A3 (PDIA3), mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (MANF), glucose regulatory protein 78 (GRP78), clusterin (CLU), calreticulin (CRT), and calnexin (CNX) between male subjects with idiopathic nonobstructive azoospermia and a control group of noninfertile males. Serum PDIA1 (P = 0.0004), MANF (P = 0.018), PDIA3 (P < 0.0001), GRP78 (P = 0.0027), and CRT (P = 0.0009) levels were higher in the infertile group compared to the control. In summary, this study presents novel findings in a cohort of male infertile patients, emphasizing the significance of incorporating diverse biomarkers. It underscores the promising role of ER stress-regulated proteins as potential serum indicators for male infertility. By elucidating the impact of ER stress on spermatogenic cells, the research illuminates the maintenance or disruption of cellular health. A deeper understanding of these results could open the door to novel treatment approaches for reproductive conditions, including azoospermia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cigdem Cicek
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Yuksek Ihtisas University, Ankara 06530, Turkey.
| | - Pelin Telkoparan-Akillilar
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara 06500, Turkey; Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Yuksek Ihtisas University, Ankara 06530, Turkey
| | | | - Cumhur Bilgi
- Alife Hospital Biochemistry Laboratory, Ankara 06794, Turkey
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yu J, Liu H, Li X, Ge S, Zhao X, Ji C, Wang Y, Wang Z, Dang R, Zhao F. TMT-based comparative proteomic analysis of Dezhou donkey spermatozoa related to freezability. J Proteomics 2023; 273:104793. [PMID: 36535622 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2022.104793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The freezability difference between donkey ejaculates is a limiting factor of sperm cryopreservation. Our recent study shows that the freezability of donkey semen is related to the seminal plasma proteome. In this study, we aimed to identify the different abundance sperm proteins in good freezability ejaculates (GFEs) and poor freezability ejaculates (PFEs) using a Tandem Mass Tag (TMT) peptide labeling coupled with LC-MS/MS approach. A total of 2682 proteins were identified, among which 58 were significantly up-regulated in GFEs and 16 were down-regulated compared with PFEs. Bioinformatic analysis results revealed that the majority of different abundance proteins (DAPs) participated in copper and calcium binding, regulation of RNA biosynthetic process, positive regulation of innate immune response, and negative regulation of programmed cell death. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed the up-regulated proteins in GF group were mainly involved in N-Glycan biosynthesis and protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum. Our study was the first to analyze the proteome of sperm from donkey ejaculates with different freezabilities. The identified candidate proteins might be used to explore the molecular mechanism related to donkey sperm cryotolerance and might improve the screening of jacks with good sperm freezability. SIGNIFICANCE: Cryopreserved semen has been widely used in assisted reproductive technology. However, semen cryopreservation is a damaging process, which can cause oxidative stress, reduce sperm motility and motility. There are differences in sperm freezability reported to exist between or within breeds, and even between fractions coming from the same ejaculate. The freezability difference between donkey ejaculates is a limiting factor of sperm cryopreservation. The mechanisms that affect the freezing difference in sperm quality remain to be investigated, and freezability differences was found to be related to protein composition of spermatozoa. Some protein markers that can indicate good freezability or poor freezability semen have been identified in mammals. Until now, there is no information about the relationship between donkey spermatozoa proteome and freezability. Additional novel biomarkers of semen freezability in donkey spermatozoa are also needed. The identified candidate proteins might be used to explore the molecular mechanism related to donkey sperm cryotolerance and might improve the screening of jacks with good sperm freezability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Xianyang 712100, Shaanxi Province, China; National Engineering Research Center for Gelatin-based TCM, Dong-E E-Jiao Co., Ltd, 78 E-Jiao Street Donge County, Shandong Province, China
| | - Haibing Liu
- National Engineering Research Center for Gelatin-based TCM, Dong-E E-Jiao Co., Ltd, 78 E-Jiao Street Donge County, Shandong Province, China; College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an City 271018, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xuexian Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Gelatin-based TCM, Dong-E E-Jiao Co., Ltd, 78 E-Jiao Street Donge County, Shandong Province, China
| | - Shihao Ge
- College of Pharmacy, Heze University, 2269 Daxue Road, Heze 274015, China
| | - Xianlin Zhao
- College of Pharmacy, Heze University, 2269 Daxue Road, Heze 274015, China
| | - Chuanliang Ji
- National Engineering Research Center for Gelatin-based TCM, Dong-E E-Jiao Co., Ltd, 78 E-Jiao Street Donge County, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yantao Wang
- National Engineering Research Center for Gelatin-based TCM, Dong-E E-Jiao Co., Ltd, 78 E-Jiao Street Donge County, Shandong Province, China
| | - Zhaofei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Xianyang 712100, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Ruihua Dang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Xianyang 712100, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Fuwei Zhao
- College of Pharmacy, Heze University, 2269 Daxue Road, Heze 274015, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wen Z, Zhu H, Wang J, Wu B, Zhang A, Zhao H, Song C, Liu S, Cheng Y, Wang H, Li J, Sun D, Fu X, Gao J, Liu M. Conditional deletion of Hspa5 leads to spermatogenesis failure and male infertility in mice. Life Sci 2023; 314:121319. [PMID: 36574945 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.121319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Heat shock proteins (HSPs) have important roles in different developmental stages of spermatogenesis. The heat shock 70 kDa protein 5 (HSPA5) is an important component of the unfolded protein response that promotes cell survival under endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress conditions. In this study, we explored the function of HSPA5 in spermatogenesis, by generating a germ cell-specific deletion mutant of the Hspa5 gene (conditional knockout of the Hspa5 gene, Hspa5-cKO) using CRISPR/Cas9 technology and the Cre/Loxp system. Hspa5 knockout resulted in severe germ cell loss and vacuolar degeneration of seminiferous tubules, leading to complete arrest of spermatogenesis, testicular atrophy, and male infertility in adult mice. Furthermore, defects occurred in the spermatogenic epithelium of Hspa5-cKO mice as early as Cre recombinase expression. Germ cell ablation of Hspa5 impaired spermatogonia proliferation and differentiation from post-natal day 7 (P7) to P10, which led to a dramatic reduction of differentiated spermatogonia, compromised meiosis, and led to impairment of testis development and the disruption of the first wave of spermatogenesis. Consistent with these results, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis showed that germ cells, especially differentiated spermatogonia, were dramatically reduced in Hspa5-cKO testes compared with controls at P10, further confirming that HSPA5 is crucial for germ cell development. These results suggest that HSPA5 is indispensable for normal spermatogenesis and male reproduction in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zongzhuang Wen
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250117, PR China
| | - Haixia Zhu
- School of Life Science and Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, PR China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Basic Medicine, Jinan Vacational College of Nursing, Jinan 250102, PR China
| | - Bin Wu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, PR China
| | - Aizhen Zhang
- School of Life Science and Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, PR China
| | - Hui Zhao
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250117, PR China
| | - Chenyang Song
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250117, PR China
| | - Shuangyuan Liu
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250117, PR China
| | - Yin Cheng
- School of Life Science and Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, PR China
| | - Hongxiang Wang
- School of Life Science and Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, PR China
| | - Jianyuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Health, Institute of Science and Technology, National Health Commission, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Daqing Sun
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300041, PR China
| | - Xiaolong Fu
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250117, PR China.
| | - Jiangang Gao
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250117, PR China; School of Life Science and Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, PR China.
| | - Min Liu
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250117, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
GRP78 plays a key role in sperm function via the PI3K/PDK1/AKT pathway. Reprod Toxicol 2022; 113:103-109. [PMID: 35973673 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2022.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), which is commonly found in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), is involved in stabilizing ER proteins and inducing the unfolded protein response. Furthermore, GRP78 is expressed on the surface of most common cancer cells, such as cells of breast, lung, liver, and prostate cancers, and plays a role in apoptosis and cell proliferation via the PI3K/PDK1/AKT signaling pathway. Therefore, various trials have been performed for evaluating cancer treatment by inhibiting GRP78. Moreover, GRP78 is expressed on the surface of spermatozoa; however, its role in spermatozoa physiology remains unclear. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the effects of GRP78 on sperm function during capacitation and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Boar spermatozoa were exposed to various concentrations of HA15, a GRP78 antagonist, and sperm kinematic parameters, capacitation status, cell viability, levels of PI3K/PDK1/AKT-pathway related proteins, and tyrosine phosphorylation were evaluated. GRP78 inhibition significantly decreased sperm motility, kinematic parameters, capacitated and acrosome-reacted spermatozoa counts, and cell viability. Moreover, GRP78 expression was significantly decreased in HA15-treated spermatozoa compared to that in the control group, and levels of PI3K/PDK1/AKT-pathway related proteins changed significantly. Furthermore, tyrosine phosphorylation was significantly altered in the HA15-treated group. The results of this study suggest that GRP78 inhibition in cancer therapy may negatively affect sperm function. These results lay a strong foundation for future studies aiming to identify the molecular mechanisms related to GRP78 in spermatozoa.
Collapse
|
5
|
Yu J, Li M, Ji C, Li X, Li H, Liu G, Wang Y, Liu G, Wang T, Che X, Lei C, Dang R, Zhao F. Comparative proteomic analysis of seminal plasma proteins in relation to freezability of Dezhou donkey semen. Anim Reprod Sci 2021; 231:106794. [PMID: 34147861 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2021.106794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Variation in donkey sperm freezability (capacity to withstand freeze-thawing) between ejaculates is a limitation for sperm cryopreservation. Seminal plasma proteins are essential for sperm function and also related to individual differences in sperm freezability. A Tandem Mass Tag (TMT) peptide labeling combine with a LC-MS/MS approach was conducted to quantitatively identify the seminal plasma proteins differentially abundant in ejaculates with optimal freezability characteristics (GFE) compared with those with suboptimal freezability characteristics (PFE). A total of 866 proteins were identified, and 99 ejaculates were in larger abundance in GFE samples. Differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) were subjected to intensive bioinformatic analysis. The majority of DAPs were involved in metabolic processes, oxidation-reduction processes and biological regulation. Results from functional protein analysis suggested that proteins functioned in oxidoreductase activity and acid phosphatase activity. This is the first report where there were analyses of the proteome of seminal plasma from donkey ejaculates with different freezability and to identify candidate proteins that could be used to explore the molecular mechanism related to donkey sperm cryotolerance. In this study, there also was elucidation of biomarkers for the early identification and selection of donkeys with optimal semen freezability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Xianyang, 712100, Shaanxi Province, China; National Engineering Research Center for Gelatin-based Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dong-E-E-Jiao Co. Ltd., No. 78, E-jiao Street, Dong'e Country, Shandong Province, 252201, China
| | - Min Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Gelatin-based Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dong-E-E-Jiao Co. Ltd., No. 78, E-jiao Street, Dong'e Country, Shandong Province, 252201, China
| | - Chuanliang Ji
- National Engineering Research Center for Gelatin-based Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dong-E-E-Jiao Co. Ltd., No. 78, E-jiao Street, Dong'e Country, Shandong Province, 252201, China
| | - Xuexian Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Gelatin-based Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dong-E-E-Jiao Co. Ltd., No. 78, E-jiao Street, Dong'e Country, Shandong Province, 252201, China
| | - Haijing Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Gelatin-based Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dong-E-E-Jiao Co. Ltd., No. 78, E-jiao Street, Dong'e Country, Shandong Province, 252201, China
| | - Guiqin Liu
- Shandong Donkey Industry, Technology Collaborative Innovation Center, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, 252201, China
| | - Yantao Wang
- National Engineering Research Center for Gelatin-based Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dong-E-E-Jiao Co. Ltd., No. 78, E-jiao Street, Dong'e Country, Shandong Province, 252201, China; Shandong Dong-E Balck Donkey Animal Husbandry Technology Co. LTD, Liaocheng, 252201, China
| | - Guangyuan Liu
- National Engineering Research Center for Gelatin-based Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dong-E-E-Jiao Co. Ltd., No. 78, E-jiao Street, Dong'e Country, Shandong Province, 252201, China
| | - Tao Wang
- National Engineering Research Center for Gelatin-based Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dong-E-E-Jiao Co. Ltd., No. 78, E-jiao Street, Dong'e Country, Shandong Province, 252201, China
| | - Xiaonan Che
- Liaocheng Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Technical Service Center, China
| | - Chuzhao Lei
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Xianyang, 712100, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Ruihua Dang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Xianyang, 712100, Shaanxi Province, China.
| | - Fuwei Zhao
- National Engineering Research Center for Gelatin-based Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dong-E-E-Jiao Co. Ltd., No. 78, E-jiao Street, Dong'e Country, Shandong Province, 252201, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Deferasirox, an Iron-Chelating Agent, Improves Testicular Morphometric and Sperm Functional Parameters in a Rat Model of Varicocele. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:6698482. [PMID: 33897943 PMCID: PMC8052147 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6698482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Varicocele is characterized by testicular dysfunction that originates from hyperthermia and hypoxia, leading to defects in testicular tissue and altered spermatozoa structure and function. The varicocele testis is characterized by the presence of intracellular iron deposits that contribute to the associated oxidative stress. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that administration of an iron-chelating agent, such as deferasirox (DFX), could potentially mitigate the consequences of varicocele on testicular tissue and spermatozoa. Using a well-established rat model of varicocele (VCL), we show that treatment with DFX partially improved the structure and function of the testis and spermatozoa. In particular, sperm motility was markedly restored whereas abnormal sperm morphology was only partially improved. No significant improvement in sperm count was observed that could be associated with the proapoptotic response observed following iron chelation treatment. No reduction in oxidative damage to spermatozoa was observed since lipid peroxidation and DNA integrity were not modified. This was suggested to be a result of increased oxidative stress. Finally, we also saw no indication of attenuation of the endoplasmic reticulum/unfolded protein (ER/UPR) stress response that we recently found associated with the VCL testis in rats.
Collapse
|
7
|
Luo G, Hou M, Wang B, Liu Z, Liu W, Han T, Zhang D, Zhou X, Jia W, Tan Y, Wu Y, Wang J, Zhang X. Tsga10 is essential for arrangement of mitochondrial sheath and male fertility in mice. Andrology 2021; 9:368-375. [PMID: 32790169 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Male infertility is a major issue in human reproduction health, yet known genetic factors are only responsible for a small fraction of cases. TSGA10 is a testis-specific protein that is highly conserved among different species. A previous study has reported a homozygous mutation in TSGA10 in a male infertile patient; however, function analysis of Tsga10 genes in knockout mice has not yet been undertaken. OBJECTIVES The aim of the present work was to analyse the function of TSGA10 protein in the spermatogenesis of Tsga10+/- mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS Tsga10+/- mice were generated by CRISPR/Cas9 technology, in vitro fertilization (IVF), western blot, co-immunoprecipitation and other methods were used to the function analysis. RESULTS Heterozygous Tsga10 male mice created by CRISPR/Cas9 were infertile and presented significantly reduced sperm motility because of disordered mitochondrial sheath formation. Furthermore, TSGA10 can interact with GRP78 and NSUN2, which are associated with peri-implantation lethality and the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) network. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION We demonstrate that deficiency of Tsga10 gene can lead to male infertility in mice. TSGA10 is involved in the correct arrangement of mitochondrial sheath in spermatozoa. Future studies on TSGA10 include an in-depth exploration of the underlying mechanisms of TSGA10 in spermatogenesis, early embryonic development and GnRH network.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Geng Luo
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Meiqi Hou
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhenxing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenqiang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Tiantian Han
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Dazhi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaopei Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Weimin Jia
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yang Tan
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yanling Wu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiarui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xianqin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zhu W, Du J, Chen Q, Zhang Z, Wu B, Xu J, Li T, Bi Y, Shi H, Li R. Association of UHRF1 gene polymorphisms with oligospermia in Chinese males. J Assist Reprod Genet 2019; 36:2563-2573. [PMID: 31802345 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-019-01614-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND UHRF1 plays an important role in maintaining DNA methylation patterns during spermatogenesis. This study was performed to evaluate the association between UHRF1 gene variations and infertility in males with oligozoospermia in a Chinese population. METHODS In this case-control study of 735 Chinese men, single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotypes and alleles in the UHRF1 gene were assessed by direct sequencing. The effects of the mutations on UHRF1 transcription were investigated using a dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. RESULTS We identified 24 SNPs, including nine SNPs in the promoter region, three in the 5' untranslated region, five in introns, and seven in exons. Interestingly, the genotype frequencies of SNP rs2656927 (P = 0.014) and rs8103849 (P < 0.001) significantly differed between men with oligozoospermia in case group 1 and normozoospermic men. Moreover, four variants (three were novel) were detected only in the patient group, with two in introns and the others in the promoter region. The results of the luciferase assay showed that the -1615C>T-C and -1562A>G-A alleles increased luciferase activity compared with the -1615C>T-T and -1562A>G-G alleles. CONCLUSIONS We detected two SNPs in the UHRF1 gene showing a significant difference between the case and control groups. Two screened SNPs affected UHRF1 promoter activity, improving the understanding of the pathophysiology of oligozoospermia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weiqiang Zhu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Reproductive Health, Chongqing Population and Family Planning Science and Technology Research Institute, Chongqing, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Pharmacy School, Fudan University, 2140 Xietu Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jing Du
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Pharmacy School, Fudan University, 2140 Xietu Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Qing Chen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Reproductive Health, Chongqing Population and Family Planning Science and Technology Research Institute, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhaofeng Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Pharmacy School, Fudan University, 2140 Xietu Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Bin Wu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Pharmacy School, Fudan University, 2140 Xietu Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jianhua Xu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Pharmacy School, Fudan University, 2140 Xietu Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Tianqi Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Pharmacy School, Fudan University, 2140 Xietu Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yuan Bi
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Pharmacy School, Fudan University, 2140 Xietu Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Huijuan Shi
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Pharmacy School, Fudan University, 2140 Xietu Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Runsheng Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Pharmacy School, Fudan University, 2140 Xietu Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| |
Collapse
|