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Mogielnicka-Brzozowska M, Cichowska AW. Molecular Biomarkers of Canine Reproductive Functions. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:6139-6168. [PMID: 38921038 PMCID: PMC11202846 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46060367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of the current study is to review potential molecular biomarker substances selected so far as useful for assessing the quality of dog semen. Proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and ions can serve as molecular biomarkers of reproductive functions (BRFs) for evaluating male reproductive health and identifying potential risk factors for infertility or reproductive disorders. Evaluation of BRF levels in semen samples or reproductive tissues may provide insights into the underlying causes of infertility, such as impaired sperm function, abnormal sperm-egg interaction, or dysfunction of the male reproductive tract. Molecular biomarker proteins may be divided into two groups: proteins that are well-studied, such as A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs), albumins (ALBs), alkaline phosphatase (ALPL), clusterin (CLU), canine prostate-specific esterase (CPSE), cysteine-rich secretory protein 2 (CRISP2), lactotransferrin (LTF), metalloproteinases (MMPs), and osteopontin (OPN) and proteins that are not well-studied. Non-protein markers include lipid-based substances (fatty acids, phosphatidylcholine), carbohydrates (glycosaminoglycans), and ions (zinc, calcium). Assessing the levels of BRFs in semen samples may provide valuable information for breeding management and reproductive assessments in dogs. This review systematizes current knowledge that could serve as a starting point for developing practical tests with the use of biomarkers of canine reproductive functions and their predictive value for assisted reproductive technique outcomes and semen preservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzena Mogielnicka-Brzozowska
- Department of Animal Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 5, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
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Hernández-Avilés C, Ramírez-Agámez L, Varner DD, Love CC. Lactate-induced spontaneous acrosomal exocytosis as a method to study acrosome function in stallion sperm. Theriogenology 2023; 210:169-181. [PMID: 37517302 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.07.024] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Evaluation of acrosome function in stallion sperm is mostly based on the use of inducers of acrosomal exocytosis (AE), such as the calcium ionophore A23187 or progesterone. Recently, it has been reported that incubation of stallion sperm under presumed capacitating conditions (i.e., medium formulated with calcium, bicarbonate, and bovine serum albumin) using a lactate-only containing medium (Lac-MW) results in a high rate of spontaneous AE in viable sperm (AE/Viable). In the current study, we developed an alternative assay of acrosome function for stallion sperm following the incubation of sperm in a medium formulated only with lactate as an energy substrate (Lac-MW). In Experiment 1, freshly ejaculated stallion sperm was incubated with 10 μM A23187, Lac-MW, or Control, for up to 6 h under capacitating conditions. The percentages of motile sperm, viable sperm, total AE (Total AE), and AE in viable sperm (AE/Viable) were compared among treatment groups. Incubation in Lac-MW, but not with Control or A23187, resulted in a time-dependent increase in the percentage of AE/Viable, as determined by flow cytometry, particularly at 4 and 6 h of incubation (P < 0.05). In Experiment 2, freshly ejaculated sperm was incubated in Lac-MW for up to 6 h, and the occurrence of protein tyrosine phosphorylation and AE/Viable were determined. At 4h and 6h of incubation in Lac-MW, ∼40% of the sperm displayed a protein tyrosine phosphorylation immunofluorescence pattern that coincides with that recently associated with stallion sperm capacitation (i.e., immunofluorescence signal at the acrosome and midpiece). In Experiment 3, the rate of AE/Viable sperm was compared among freshly ejaculated, cool-stored, and frozen/thawed stallion sperm. Except at 2h incubation in Lac-MW, differences in mean AE/Viable among fresh, cool-stored, and frozen/thawed sperm were not observed (P > 0.05). In Experiment 4, the relationship between Total AE (A23187), or AE/Viable (Lac-MW), and in vivo fertility of 5 stallions was determined. A linear relationship was observed between mean AE/Viable and the per-cycle (r = 0.93; P < 0.05) and seasonal (r = 0.66; P < 0.05) pregnancy rates of five stallions used for artificial insemination with cool-stored semen. In Experiment 5, frozen/thawed sperm from subfertile Thoroughbred (TB) stallions, known to carry the susceptibility genotype for Impaired Acrosomal Exocytosis (IAE; FKBP6 A/A-A/A) was evaluated following incubation in Lac-MW. Sperm from subfertile TB stallions with IAE had lower mean AE/Viable, at both 4h and 6h incubation in Lac-MW, when compared to that of fertile control stallions (P < 0.05). Overall, the Lac-MW model validated in the current study may be a useful complementary assay to evaluate the ability of stallion sperm to physiologically undergo AE and to study stallion fertility potential. This acrosome function assay can be used to evaluate fresh, cool-stored, or frozen/thawed stallion sperm, and describes a strong linear relationship with in vivo-fertility of stallions used in artificial insemination programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilo Hernández-Avilés
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-4475, USA.
| | - Luisa Ramírez-Agámez
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-4475, USA
| | - Dickson D Varner
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-4475, USA
| | - Charles C Love
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-4475, USA
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The stallion sperm acrosome: Considerations from a research and clinical perspective. Theriogenology 2023; 196:121-149. [PMID: 36413868 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.11.012] [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: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
During the fertilization process, the interaction between the sperm and the oocyte is mediated by a process known as acrosomal exocytosis (AE). Although the role of the sperm acrosome on fertilization has been studied extensively over the last 70 years, little is known about the molecular mechanisms that govern acrosomal function, particularly in species other than mice or humans. Even though subfertility due to acrosomal dysfunction is less common in large animals than in humans, the evaluation of sperm acrosomal function should be considered not only as a complementary but a routine test when individuals are selected for breeding potential. This certainly holds true for stallions, which might display lower levels of fertility in the face of "acceptable" sperm quality parameters determined by conventional sperm assays. Nowadays, the use of high throughput technologies such as flow cytometry or mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis is commonplace in the research arena. Such techniques can also be implemented in clinical scenarios of males with "idiopathic" subfertility. The current review focuses on the sperm acrosome, with particular emphasis on the stallion. We aim to describe the physiological events that lead to the acrosome formation within the testis, the role of very specific acrosomal proteins during AE, the methods to study the occurrence of AE under in vitro conditions, and the potential use of molecular biology techniques to discover new markers of acrosomal function and subfertility associated with acrosomal dysfunction in stallions.
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Talluri TR, Kumaresan A, Paul N, Sinha MK, Ebenezer Samuel King JP, Elango K, Sharma A, Raval K, Legha RA, Pal Y. High throughput deep proteomic analysis of seminal plasma from stallions with contrasting semen quality. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2022; 68:272-285. [PMID: 35484763 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2022.2057257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Seminal plasma proteins and pathways associated with sperm motility have not been elucidated in stallions. Therefore, in the current study, using the high throughput LC/MS-MS approach, we profiled stallion seminal plasma proteins and identified the proteins and pathways associated with sperm motility. Seminal plasma from six stallions producing semen with contrasting sperm motility (n = 3 each high-and low-motile group) was utilized for proteomic analysis. We identified a total of 1687 proteins in stallion seminal plasma, of which 1627 and 1496 proteins were expressed in high- (HM) and low- motile (LM) sperm of stallions, respectively. A total number of 1436 proteins were co-expressed in both the groups; 191 (11%) and 60 (3.5%) proteins were exclusively detected in HM and LM groups, respectively. A total of 220 proteins were upregulated (>1-fold change) and 386 proteins were downregulated in SP from LM group stallions as compared to HM group stallions, while 830 proteins were neutrally expressed in both the groups. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis revealed dysregulation of the important proteins related to mitochondrial function, acrosome, and sperm cytoskeleton in the seminal plasma of stallions producing ejaculates with low sperm motility. High abundance of peroxiredoxins and low abundance of seminal Chaperonin Containing TCP1 Complex (CCT) complex and Annexins indicate dysregulated oxidative metabolism, which might be the underlying etiology for poor sperm motility in LM group stallions. In conclusion, the current study identified the seminal plasma proteomic alterations associated with poor sperm motility in stallions; the results indicate that poor sperm motility in stallions could be associated with altered expression of seminal plasma proteins involved in oxidative metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thirumala Rao Talluri
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India.,ICAR-National Research Centre on Equines, Hisar, India
| | - Arumugam Kumaresan
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Nilendu Paul
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Manish Kumar Sinha
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | | | - Kamaraj Elango
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Ankur Sharma
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Kathan Raval
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | | | - Yash Pal
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Equines, Hisar, India
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Ma D, Marey MA, Shimada M, Miyamoto A. Toll-like Receptor 2 is Involved in Calcium Influx and Acrosome Reaction to Facilitate Sperm Penetration to Oocytes During in vitro Fertilization in Cattle. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:810961. [PMID: 35281105 PMCID: PMC8907135 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.810961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cumulus cells of ovulated cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) express Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), pathogen recognition receptors, to recognize and react to sperm signals during fertilization. Sperm also express TLR2, but its contribution to the sperm-oocytes crosstalk is still unclear. Here, we adapted the in vitro fertilization (IVF) model to characterize the potential relevance of sperm TLR2 in sperm-oocytes interactions during fertilization in bovine. The IVF results showed that the ligation of sperm TLR2 with its specific antagonist/agonist resulted in down/up-regulation of the cleavage and blastocyst rates either in COCs or cumulus-free oocytes, but not in zona pellucida (ZP)-free oocytes. The computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system revealed that sperm motility parameters were not affected in TLR2 antagonist/agonist-treated sperm. However, fluorescence imaging of sperm-ZP interactions revealed that the blockage or activation of the TLR2 system in sperm reduced or enhanced both binding and penetration abilities of sperm to ZP compared to control, respectively. Flow cytometrical analysis of acrosome reaction (AR) demonstrated that the TLR2 system adjusted the occurrence of AR in ZP-attached sperm, suggesting that sperm TLR2 plays physiological impacts on the sperm-oocyte crosstalk via regulating ZP-triggered AR in sperm. Given that calcium (Ca2+) influx is a pre-requisite step for the induction of AR, we investigated the impact of the TLR2 system on the ionophore A23187-induced Ca2+ influx into sperm. Notably, the exposure of sperm to TLR2 antagonist/agonist reduced/increased the intracellular Ca2+ level in sperm. Together, these findings shed new light that the TLR2 system is involved in sperm AR induction which enables sperm to penetrate and fertilize oocytes during the fertilization, at least in vitro, in cows. This suggests that sperm possibly developed a quite flexible sensing mechanism simultaneously against pathogens as well as COCs toward fertilization with the same TLR2 of the innate immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongxue Ma
- Global Agromedicine Research Center (GAMRC), Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan
| | - Mohamed Ali Marey
- Global Agromedicine Research Center (GAMRC), Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhur University, Behera, Egypt
| | - Masayuki Shimada
- Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Akio Miyamoto
- Global Agromedicine Research Center (GAMRC), Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan
- *Correspondence: Akio Miyamoto,
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Siu KK, Serrão VHB, Ziyyat A, Lee JE. The cell biology of fertilization: Gamete attachment and fusion. J Cell Biol 2021; 220:e202102146. [PMID: 34459848 PMCID: PMC8406655 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202102146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Fertilization is defined as the union of two gametes. During fertilization, sperm and egg fuse to form a diploid zygote to initiate prenatal development. In mammals, fertilization involves multiple ordered steps, including the acrosome reaction, zona pellucida penetration, sperm-egg attachment, and membrane fusion. Given the success of in vitro fertilization, one would think that the mechanisms of fertilization are understood; however, the precise details for many of the steps in fertilization remain a mystery. Recent studies using genetic knockout mouse models and structural biology are providing valuable insight into the molecular basis of sperm-egg attachment and fusion. Here, we review the cell biology of fertilization, specifically summarizing data from recent structural and functional studies that provide insights into the interactions involved in human gamete attachment and fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen K. Siu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Vitor Hugo B. Serrão
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ahmed Ziyyat
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Paris, France
- Service d’Histologie, d’Embryologie, Biologie de la Reproduction, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Cochin, Paris, France
| | - Jeffrey E. Lee
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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7
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Ligands and Receptors Involved in the Sperm-Zona Pellucida Interactions in Mammals. Cells 2021; 10:cells10010133. [PMID: 33445482 PMCID: PMC7827414 DOI: 10.3390/cells10010133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm-zona pellucida (ZP) interaction, involving the binding of sperm surface ligands to complementary carbohydrates of ZP, is the first direct gamete contact event crucial for subsequent gamete fusion and successful fertilization in mammals. It is a complex process mediated by the coordinated engagement of multiple ZP receptors forming high-molecular-weight (HMW) protein complexes at the acrosomal region of the sperm surface. The present article aims to review the current understanding of sperm-ZP binding in the four most studied mammalian models, i.e., murine, porcine, bovine, and human, and summarizes the candidate ZP receptors with established ZP affinity, including their origins and the mechanisms of ZP binding. Further, it compares and contrasts the ZP structure and carbohydrate composition in the aforementioned model organisms. The comprehensive understanding of sperm-ZP interaction mechanisms is critical for the diagnosis of infertility and thus becomes an integral part of assisted reproductive therapies/technologies.
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Souza-Fabjan JMG, Batista RITP, Correia LFL, Paramio MT, Fonseca JF, Freitas VJF, Mermillod P. In vitro production of small ruminant embryos: latest improvements and further research. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 33:31-54. [PMID: 38769678 DOI: 10.1071/rd20206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
This review presents the latest advances in and main obstacles to the application of invitro embryo production (IVEP) systems in small ruminants. This biotechnology is an extremely important tool for genetic improvement for livestock and is essential for the establishment of other biotechnologies, such as cloning and transgenesis. At present, the IVEP market is almost non-existent for small ruminants, in contrast with the trends observed in cattle. This is probably related to the lower added value of small ruminants, lower commercial demand and fewer qualified professionals interested in this area. Moreover, there are fewer research groups working on small ruminant IVEP than those working with cattle and pigs. The heterogeneity of oocytes collected from growing follicles in live females or from ovaries collected from abattoirs remains a challenge for IVEP dissemination in goats and sheep. Of note, although the logistics of oocyte collection from live small ruminant females are more complex than in the bovine, in general the IVEP outcomes, in terms of blastocyst production, are similar. We anticipate that after appropriate training and repeatable results, the commercial demand for small ruminant invitro -produced embryos may increase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna M G Souza-Fabjan
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Vital Brazil Filho, 64, Niterói-RJ, CEP 24230-340, Brazil; and Corresponding author
| | - Ribrio I T P Batista
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Vital Brazil Filho, 64, Niterói-RJ, CEP 24230-340, Brazil
| | - Lucas F L Correia
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Vital Brazil Filho, 64, Niterói-RJ, CEP 24230-340, Brazil
| | - Maria Teresa Paramio
- Departament de Ciencia Animal i dels Aliments, Facultat de Veterinaria, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Valles, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jeferson F Fonseca
- Embrapa Caprinos e Ovinos, Rodovia MG 133, km 42, Campo Experimental Coronel Pacheco, Coronel Pacheco-MG, CEP 36155-000, Brazil
| | - Vicente J F Freitas
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Controle da Reprodução, Universidade Estadual do Ceará, Fortaleza-CE, CEP 60714-903, Brazil
| | - Pascal Mermillod
- Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'Alimentation et l'Environnement (INRAE), UMR7247, Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Nouzilly, France
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9
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Balbach M, Hamzeh H, Jikeli JF, Brenker C, Schiffer C, Hansen JN, Neugebauer P, Trötschel C, Jovine L, Han L, Florman HM, Kaupp UB, Strünker T, Wachten D. Molecular Mechanism Underlying the Action of Zona-pellucida Glycoproteins on Mouse Sperm. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:572735. [PMID: 32984353 PMCID: PMC7487327 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.572735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian oocytes are enveloped by the zona pellucida (ZP), an extracellular matrix of glycoproteins. In sperm, stimulation with ZP proteins evokes a rapid Ca2+ influx via the sperm-specific, pH-sensitive Ca2+ channel CatSper. However, the physiological role and molecular mechanisms underlying ZP-dependent activation of CatSper are unknown. Here, we delineate the sequence of ZP-signaling events in mouse sperm. We show that ZP proteins evoke a rapid intracellular pHi increase that rests predominantly on Na+/H+ exchange by NHA1 and requires cAMP synthesis by the soluble adenylyl cyclase sAC as well as a sufficiently negative membrane potential set by the spem-specific K+ channel Slo3. The alkaline-activated CatSper channel translates the ZP-induced pHi increase into a Ca2+ response. Our findings reveal the molecular components underlying ZP action on mouse sperm, opening up new avenues for understanding the basic principles of sperm function and, thereby, mammalian fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Balbach
- Center of Advanced European Studies and Research, Department of Molecular Sensory Systems, Bonn, Germany
| | - Hussein Hamzeh
- Center of Advanced European Studies and Research, Department of Molecular Sensory Systems, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jan F Jikeli
- Institute of Innate Immunity, Department of Biophysical Imaging, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Christoph Brenker
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Christian Schiffer
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Jan N Hansen
- Institute of Innate Immunity, Department of Biophysical Imaging, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Pia Neugebauer
- Institute of Innate Immunity, Department of Biophysical Imaging, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Luca Jovine
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Ling Han
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Harvey M Florman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Massachusetts Medical School Worcester, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - U Benjamin Kaupp
- Center of Advanced European Studies and Research, Department of Molecular Sensory Systems, Bonn, Germany.,Life and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Timo Strünker
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Dagmar Wachten
- Institute of Innate Immunity, Department of Biophysical Imaging, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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Hirohashi N, Yanagimachi R. Sperm acrosome reaction: its site and role in fertilization. Biol Reprod 2019; 99:127-133. [PMID: 29462288 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Manner and roles of sperm acrosome reaction in a variety of animals were compared.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noritaka Hirohashi
- Oki Marine Biological Station, Education and Research Center for Biological Resources, Shimane University, Oki, Japan
| | - Ryuzo Yanagimachi
- Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology, Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
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Abstract
Transcriptional activity is repressed due to the packaging of sperm chromatins during spermiogenesis. The detection of numerous transcripts in sperm, however, raises the question whether transcriptional events exist in sperm,
which has been the central focus of the recent studies. To summarize the transcriptional activity during spermiogenesis and in sperm, we reviewed the documents on transcript differences during spermiogenesis, in sperm with
differential motility, before and after capacitation and cryopreservation. This will lay a theoretical foundation for studying the mechanism(s) of gene expression in sperm, and would be invaluable in making better use of animal
sires and developing reproductive control technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxia Ren
- The Key Laboratory for Farm Animal Genetic Resources and Utilization of Ministry of Agriculture of China, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agriculture Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xiaoli Chen
- The Key Laboratory for Farm Animal Genetic Resources and Utilization of Ministry of Agriculture of China, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agriculture Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zhenling Wang
- Beijing Agricultural Vocation College, Beijing 102442, China
| | - Dong Wang
- The Key Laboratory for Farm Animal Genetic Resources and Utilization of Ministry of Agriculture of China, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agriculture Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
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Evaluation of α-linolenic acid for freezability and in vivo fertility of Nili Ravi (Bubalus bubalis) buffalo semen. Theriogenology 2017; 104:1-6. [PMID: 28802112 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Revised: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Alpha linolenic acid (ALA) is integral component of cell membrane that protects the cell in stressful events and involves in many metabolic pathways. It was hypothesized that ALA have the ability to protect the structural and functional integrity of buffalo spermatozoa during freeze-thawing. Therefore, study was designed to evaluate ALA supplementation (0, 5, 10 and 20 ng/mL) in extender on freezability and in vivo fertility of buffalo bull spermatozoa. Semen from three adult Nili-Ravi buffalo bulls of similar age was collected with artificial vagina (42 °C) for five weeks (replicates; N = 30). Qualified semen ejaculates (>1 mL volume, >60% motility; >0.5 billion/mL concentration) were diluted with tris-citric acid extender containing 0.0 (control), 5.0, 10.0 and 20.0 ng/mL ALA at 37 °C and cryopreserved following established protocol. Sperm motility and plasma membrane integrity were recorded higher (P < 0.05) in extender containing 5.0 ng/mL of ALA compared to control. Nevertheless, sperm viability, live dead ratio and chromatin integrity were observed higher (P < 0.05) in all experimental extenders with ALA compared to control. The number of abnormal sperm reduced significantly in all experimental extenders having ALA. A total of 539 artificial inseminations were performed with the best evolved extender having ALA (5.0 ng/mL; 272 inseminations) and control (267 inseminations). In vivo fertility rates of buffalo semen were recorded higher (P < 0.05) with extender containing ALA (5.0 ng/mL) (58%) compared to control (46%). In conclusion, supplementing 5.0 ng/mL ALA in extender improved the post-thaw quality and in vivo fertility of cryopreserved Nili-Ravi buffalo bull semen.
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13
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Fernandez-Fuertes B, Laguna-Barraza R, Fernandez-Gonzalez R, Gutierrez-Adan A, Blanco-Fernandez A, O’Doherty AM, Di Fenza M, Kelly AK, Kölle S, Lonergan P. Subfertility in bulls carrying a nonsense mutation in transmembrane protein 95 is due to failure to interact with the oocyte vestments†. Biol Reprod 2017; 97:50-60. [DOI: 10.1093/biolre/iox065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Coutinho da Silva MA, Seidel GE, Squires EL, Graham JK, Carnevale EM. Effects of milk proteins on sperm binding to the zona pellucida and intracellular Ca(2+) concentration in stallion sperm. Anim Reprod Sci 2014; 150:24-9. [PMID: 25213434 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2014.08.010] [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: 03/12/2014] [Revised: 07/30/2014] [Accepted: 08/08/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Objectives were to determine the effects of extracellular Ca(2+) and milk proteins on intracellular Ca(2+) concentrations in stallion sperm; and to determine the effects of single caseins on sperm binding to the zona pellucida (ZP). In Experiment I, sperm were incubated in media containing 2 or 4mM Ca(2+) and intracellular Ca(2+) concentration was determined after ionomycin treatment and long-term incubation (3h). Extracellular Ca(2+) concentrations (2 compared with 4mM) did not affect baseline intracellular Ca(2+) concentration of sperm. However, incubating sperm in a medium containing 4 compared with 2mM Ca(2+) resulted in greater (P<0.05) influx of Ca(2+) into sperm. In Experiment II, sperm incubated in media containing 1mg/mL of native phosphocaseinate (NP) or sodium caseinate (SC) showed similar baseline intracellular Ca(2+) and influx of Ca(2+) than control (TALP). In Experiment III, sperm-ZP binding assays were performed in TALP medium containing: no additions (TALP); 1mg/mL SC; 1 or 3mg/mL of α-casein; 1 or 3mg/mL of β-casein; and 1 or 3mg/mL of κ-casein. The number of stallion sperm bound to bovine ZP was greatest (P<0.05) when SC was used. Co-incubation in media containing single caseins (α-, β- or κ-casein) resulted in similar results to TALP; however, a dose effect (P<0.05) was observed for β- and κ-caseins. In conclusion, extracellular Ca(2+) concentration and milk proteins did not affect baseline intracellular calcium in stallion sperm. It appears that β- and κ-caseins may be responsible for enhancing sperm binding to ZP, but the mechanism remains unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - George E Seidel
- Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Edward L Squires
- Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA
| | - James K Graham
- Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Elaine M Carnevale
- Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
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15
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Parrish JJ. Bovine in vitro fertilization: in vitro oocyte maturation and sperm capacitation with heparin. Theriogenology 2014; 81:67-73. [PMID: 24274411 PMCID: PMC3886814 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2013.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2013] [Revised: 08/06/2013] [Accepted: 08/07/2013] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
As a result of research in the 1980s on in vitro maturation, sperm capacitation, and in vitro fertilization, the bovine is now one of the important models for development. Further, the current production of bovine embryos in vitro rivals that of in vivo embryo production for commercial applications. Researchers of today may be unaware of why decisions were made in the procedures. This review addresses the state of the art at the time of the work by Parrish et al. (Bovine in vitro fertilization with frozen thawed semen. Theriogenology 1986;25:591-600), and how later work would explain success or failure of competing procedures. Important was the use of frozen semen and heparin capacitation, because this allowed future researchers/practitioners to change sperm numbers and capacitation conditions to adjust for variations among bulls. The large numbers of citation of the original work stand the testament of time in the repeatability and success of the procedures. The work was done within the environment of the N.L. First laboratory and the unique interactions with a large number of talented graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and technicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- John J Parrish
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.
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16
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Sanchez MC, Alvarez Sedo C, Julianelli VL, Romanato M, Calvo L, Calvo JC, Fontana VA. Dermatan sulfate synergizes with heparin in murine sperm chromatin decondensation. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2013; 59:82-90. [DOI: 10.3109/19396368.2012.756952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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17
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Clark GF. The mammalian zona pellucida: a matrix that mediates both gamete binding and immune recognition? Syst Biol Reprod Med 2011; 56:349-64. [PMID: 20662591 DOI: 10.3109/19396360903524812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The crucial cell adhesion events required for mammalian fertilization commence when spermatozoa bind to the specialized extracellular matrix of the oocyte, known as the zona pellucida (ZP). Bound gametes then undergo a signal transduction cascade known as acrosomal exocytosis that enables them to penetrate this matrix and fuse with the oocyte to create a new individual. The ZP is therefore the target of intense investigation in the mouse, pig, bovine, and human models. Major goals in such studies are to define the adhesion molecules, signal transduction pathways, and the molecular basis for the species-restricted binding of gametes. Evidence exists indicating that protein-carbohydrate and to a lesser extent protein-protein interactions play a role in the initial gamete binding. More recent findings in an unusual sperm-somatic cell adhesion system indicate that tri- and tetraantennary N-glycans mediate initial sperm-oocyte binding in both the murine and porcine models, but conflicting data exist. A novel paradigm designated the "domain specific model" will be presented that could explain these inconsistencies. Another potential functional role of the ZP is immune recognition. Both spermatozoa and oocytes lack major histocompatibility (MHC) class I molecules that mediate the recognition of self in the immune system. This absence makes gametes less susceptible to class I restricted cytotoxic T lymphocytes, but more vulnerable to natural killer (NK) cells. Therefore a "fail safe" system for NK cell recognition should exist on both types of gametes. Another issue is that oocytes could begin to express paternal major histocompatibility antigens during the blastocyst stage prior to hatching, and thus mechanisms could also be in place to block the development of maternal adaptive immune responses. An enhanced understanding of these issues could facilitate the development of superior infertility treatments and contraceptive strategies, and define central operating principles of immune recognition in the female reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary F Clark
- Division of Reproductive and Perinatal Research, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA.
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18
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19
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Effects of nonylphenol on motility and subcellular elements of epididymal rat sperm. Reprod Toxicol 2009; 28:542-9. [PMID: 19539023 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2009.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2008] [Revised: 05/20/2009] [Accepted: 06/05/2009] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Nonylphenol (NP) is an important environmental toxicant and potential endocrine disrupting chemical. The objective of these studies was to determine the effects of NP on epididymal rat sperm in vitro. Epididymal sperm samples from Sprague-Dawley rats were incubated in 1, 10, 100, 250, and 500 microg/ml NP for 1, 2, 3, or 4h. Computer-assisted sperm analysis was used to determine motility. Epifluorescent microscopy was used to determine acrosomal status and flow cytometry was used to determine mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and chromatin integrity. Exposure of epididymal rat sperm to 250 or 500 microg/ml NP was highly detrimental to motility (P<0.05), with complete loss of motility observed after exposure to 500 microg/ml NP (P<0.05). The acrosomal integrity of sperm was significantly reduced with the lowest concentration (1 microg/ml) of NP, and higher concentrations resulted in a dose-dependent induction of the acrosomal reaction (P<0.05). Similarly, the percentage of sperm with high MMP declined dramatically after exposure to 100, 250, and 500 microg/ml NP (P<0.05). Duration of NP exposure did not have any effect on motility or MMP and NP did not appear to have detrimental effects on chromatin integrity (P>0.05). These results indicate that major mechanism of action of NP on rat sperm is by adversely affecting their acrosomal integrity. However, NP-induced impaired sperm motility, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential also likely to play an important role in destruction of sperm function.
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20
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Effect of serum albumin supplementation on in vitro capacitation and fertilization of caprine oocytes. Small Rumin Res 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2008.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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21
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Gibbs GM, Roelants K, O'Bryan MK. The CAP superfamily: cysteine-rich secretory proteins, antigen 5, and pathogenesis-related 1 proteins--roles in reproduction, cancer, and immune defense. Endocr Rev 2008; 29:865-97. [PMID: 18824526 DOI: 10.1210/er.2008-0032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 364] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The cysteine-rich secretory proteins, antigen 5, and pathogenesis-related 1 proteins (CAP) superfamily members are found in a remarkable range of organisms spanning each of the animal kingdoms. Within humans and mice, there are 31 and 33 individual family members, respectively, and although many are poorly characterized, the majority show a notable expression bias to the reproductive tract and immune tissues or are deregulated in cancers. CAP superfamily proteins are most often secreted and have an extracellular endocrine or paracrine function and are involved in processes including the regulation of extracellular matrix and branching morphogenesis, potentially as either proteases or protease inhibitors; in ion channel regulation in fertility; as tumor suppressor or prooncogenic genes in tissues including the prostate; and in cell-cell adhesion during fertilization. This review describes mammalian CAP superfamily gene expression profiles, phylogenetic relationships, protein structural properties, and biological functions, and it draws into focus their potential role in health and disease. The nine subfamilies of the mammalian CAP superfamily include: the human glioma pathogenesis-related 1 (GLIPR1), Golgi associated pathogenesis related-1 (GAPR1) proteins, peptidase inhibitor 15 (PI15), peptidase inhibitor 16 (PI16), cysteine-rich secretory proteins (CRISPs), CRISP LCCL domain containing 1 (CRISPLD1), CRISP LCCL domain containing 2 (CRISPLD2), mannose receptor like and the R3H domain containing like proteins. We conclude that overall protein structural conservation within the CAP superfamily results in fundamentally similar functions for the CAP domain in all members, yet the diversity outside of this core region dramatically alters target specificity and, therefore, the biological consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard M Gibbs
- Monash Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, 27-31 Wright Street, Clayton 3168, Australia.
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22
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Chatterjee M, Das P, Mazumder A, Nagdas SK, Sen PC. Localization and expression of a 70 kDa protein in goat spermatozoa having Na(+),K(+)-ATPase inhibitory and arylsulphatase A activities. Mol Cell Biochem 2008; 321:85-94. [PMID: 18820837 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-008-9922-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2008] [Accepted: 09/15/2008] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We have previously isolated and purified a goat sperm protein of 70 kDa molecular weight designated as P70 and characterized it as an inhibitor of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase. Our study reveals that the first 10 amino acid residues from the N-terminal end of P70 has high degree of homology with arylsulphatase A from mice, pig and human. Indirect immunofluorescence study shows the presence of the protein on goat sperm surface. Furthermore, live goat sperm and the extract of peripheral sperm plasma membrane proteins exhibit arylsulphatase A's desulphation activity. The P70 remains on the head surface of in vitro capacitated cauda epididymal sperm as shown by positive immunofluorescence staining of cauda sperm. Immunoblot and flow cytometric studies corroborate the above findings. The presence of P70 on capacitated cauda sperm surface suggest a possible role of this protein in sperm zona pellucida binding. In the present report we demonstrate arylsulphatase A like activity in P70 and describe its localization and expression in goat sperm.
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23
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A polycystin-1 controls postcopulatory reproductive selection in mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2008; 105:8661-6. [PMID: 18562295 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0800603105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Pkdrej, a member of the polycystin-1 gene family, is expressed only in the male germ line. Male mice that are homozygous for a targeted mutation in the Pkdrej allele (Pkdrej(tm/tm)) are fertile in unrestricted mating trials, but exhibit lower reproductive success when competing with wild-type males in sequential mating trials and in artificial insemination of mixed-sperm populations. Following mating, sperm from Pkdrej(tm/tm) mice require >2 h longer than those of wild-type males to be detected within the egg/cumulus complex in the oviduct. Sperm from mice of both genotypes are able to capacitate in vitro. However, one of the component processes of capacitation, the ability to undergo a zona pellucida-evoked acrosome reaction, develops more slowly in sperm from Pkdrej(tm/tm) animals than in sperm from wild-type males. In contrast, a second component process of capacitation, the transition to hyperactivated flagellar motility, develops with a similar time course in both genotypes. These two behavioral consequences of capacitation, exocytotic competence and altered motility, are therefore differentially regulated. These data suggest that Pkdrej controls the timing of fertilization in vivo through effects on sperm transport and exocytotic competence and is a factor in postcopulatory sexual selection.
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24
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Kanai S, Yonezawa N, Ishii Y, Tanokura M, Nakano M. Recombinant bovine zona pellucida glycoproteins ZP3 and ZP4 coexpressed in Sf9 cells form a sperm-binding active hetero-complex. FEBS J 2007; 274:5390-405. [PMID: 17894824 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-4658.2007.06065.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The zona pellucida (ZP) is a transparent envelope that surrounds the mammalian oocyte and mediates species-selective sperm-egg interactions. Porcine and bovine ZPs are composed of the glycoproteins ZP2, ZP3, and ZP4. We previously established an expression system for porcine ZP glycoproteins (ZPGs) using baculovirus in insect Sf9 cells. Here we established a similar method for expression of bovine ZPGs. The recombinant ZPGs were secreted into the medium and purified by metal-chelating column chromatography. A mixture of bovine recombinant ZP3 (rZP3) and rZP4 coexpressed in Sf9 cells exhibited inhibitory activity for bovine sperm-ZP binding similar to that of a native bovine ZPG mixture, whereas neither bovine rZP3 nor rZP4 inhibited binding. An immunoprecipitation assay revealed that the coexpressed rZP3/rZP4 formed a hetero-complex. We examined the functional domain structure of bovine rZP4 by constructing ZP4 mutants lacking the N-terminal domain or lacking both the N-terminal and trefoil domains. When either of these mutant proteins was coexpressed with bovine rZP3, the resulting mixtures exhibited inhibitory activity comparable to that of the bovine rZP3/rZP4 complex. Hetero-complexes of bovine rZP3 and porcine rZP4, or porcine rZP3 and bovine rZP4, also inhibited bovine sperm-ZP binding. Our results demonstrate that the N-terminal and trefoil domains of bovine rZP4 are dispensable for formation of the sperm-binding active bovine rZP3/rZP4 complex and, furthermore, that the molecular interactions between rZP3 and rZP4 are conserved in the bovine and porcine systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeko Kanai
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Chiba University, Japan
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25
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Meyers SA, Liu IK, Overstreet JW, Vadas S, Drobnis EZ. Zona pellucida binding and zona-induced acrosome reactions in horse spermatozoa: comparisons between fertile and subfertile stallions. Theriogenology 2007; 46:1277-88. [PMID: 16727991 DOI: 10.1016/s0093-691x(96)00299-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/1995] [Accepted: 03/11/1996] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Diagnostic tests that probe sperm function are needed to determine the potential etiologies of subfertility and to explore treatments of subfertility in stallions. Using epifluorescence and phase contrast microscopy, a comparison was made between ejaculates from 3 fertile and 3 subfertile stallions in which sperm-zona pellucida binding and acrosomal status were measured. Motile spermatozoa were selected by Percoll gradient centrifugation and were capacitated in vitro using TEST:TALP capacitation medium at 39 degrees C under humidified air containing 5% CO2. Concentration of motile spermatozoa was held constant during co-incubation with oocytes for fertile and subfertile ejaculates. The total number of zona pellucida-bound spermatozoa was higher for fertile stallions than for subfertile stallions (P < 0.05). Similarly, the percentage of acrosome reactions in zona pellucida-bound spermatozoa was higher for the 3 fertile stallions than for the 3 subfertile stallions (P < 0.05). These results indicate that spermatozoa from fertile stallions may interact with female gametes differently from that of subfertile stallions and suggest that sperm functions are measurable and may vary with fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Meyers
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California--Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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26
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Bergqvist AS, Ballester J, Johannisson A, Hernandez M, Lundeheim N, Rodríguez-Martínez H. In vitrocapacitation of bull spermatozoa by oviductal fluid and its components. ZYGOTE 2006; 14:259-73. [PMID: 16822337 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199406003777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2006] [Accepted: 03/06/2006] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
SummarySperm capacitation is crucial for fertilization. However, debate continues on exactly how, where and when capacitation is elicited in the bovine female genital tract. In this study we used merocyanine-540 and the chlortetracycline (CTC) assay to test how capacitation of bull spermatozoa is affectedin vitroby exposure to oviductal fluid (ODF) collectedin vivo, various glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) or bicarbonate. Following different durations of exposure, spermatozoa were stained with CTC or merocyanine-540, and evaluated with epifluorescent light microscopy or flow cytometry, respectively. Incubation time did not significantly affect capacitation. Exposure (30–120 min) to ODF capacitated (p< 0.05) bull spermatozoa as measured by either merocyanine-540 or CTC. Hyaluronan was the only GAG that induced a significant increase in B-pattern spermatozoa (capacitated;p= 0.012) compared with controls. Dermatan sulphate also induced capacitation (merocyanine-540 high fluorescence;p= 0.035). Exposure to bicarbonate-enriched media also yielded an increase in merocyanine-540 high fluorescence (p< 0.0001). When bicarbonate was added to the other treatments (ODF or GAGs) an equal increase in merocyanine-540 high fluorescence was noted (p< 0.0001), compared with before addition of bicarbonate and independent of the treatment before exposure. There was no significant difference in the number of B-pattern spermatozoa when bicarbonate was added, but an significant increase in spermatozoa with an acrosome-reacted (AR)-pattern (p< 0.0001) was observed. Exposure of spermatozoa to solubilized zonae pellucidae significantly increased the AR-pattern spermatozoa (p= 0.016). In conclusion, ODF was more potent in inducing capacitation of bull spermatozoa than the individual GAGs. Our results also indicate that bicarbonate is an effector of bull sperm capacitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Sofi Bergqvist
- Division of Comparative Reproduction, Obstetrics and Udder Health, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden.
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27
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Buttke DE, Nelson JL, Schlegel PN, Hunnicutt GR, Travis AJ. Visualization of GM1 with cholera toxin B in live epididymal versus ejaculated bull, mouse, and human spermatozoa. Biol Reprod 2006; 74:889-95. [PMID: 16452464 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.105.046219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The organization of membrane subdomains in mammalian sperm has recently generated controversy, with several reports describing widely differing localization patterns for the ganglioside GM1. Using the pentameric B subunit of cholera toxin (CTB), we found GM1 to be restricted to the plasma membrane overlying the acrosome in the heads of live murine sperm. Interestingly, CTB had minimal binding to live bovine and human sperm. To investigate whether this difference in GM1 localization was because of species differences or differences between collection from the epididymis (mouse) or an ejaculate (bull, human), we examined epididymal bovine and human sperm. We found that GM1 localized to the plasma membrane overlying the acrosome in sperm from these species. To determine whether some component of seminal plasma was interfering with the ability of CTB to access GM1, we incubated epididymal mouse sperm with fluid from murine seminal vesicles and epididymal bull sperm with bovine seminal plasma. This treatment largely abolished the ability of the CTB to bind to GM1, producing a fluorescence pattern similar to that reported for the human. The most abundant seminal plasma protein, PDC-109, was not responsible for this loss. As demonstration that the seminal plasma was not removing GM1, sperm exposed to seminal plasma were fixed before CTB addition, and again displayed fluorescence over the acrosome. These observations reconcile inconsistencies reported for the localization of GM1 in sperm of different species, and provide evidence for the segregation of GM1 to a stable subdomain in the plasma membrane overlying the acrosome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle E Buttke
- The James A. Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
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28
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Way AL, Killian GJ. Sperm binding, in vitro fertilization, and in vitro embryonic development of bovine oocytes fertilized with spermatozoa incubated with norepinephrine. Anim Reprod Sci 2005; 96:1-9. [PMID: 16303266 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2005.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2005] [Accepted: 10/19/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The final stages of sperm maturation, fertilization, and early embryonic development occur within the oviduct and are essential for successful reproduction in mammals. Norepinephrine was previously identified in native bovine oviductal fluid and its in vitro effects on bull sperm capacitation and the acrosome reaction have been determined. It was unknown how physiological concentrations of norepinephrine influence sperm binding, fertilization, and embryo development. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine if pre-incubating bovine spermatozoa with physiological concentrations of norepinephrine prior to insemination of bovine oocytes would improve sperm-oocyte binding, fertilization, and embryonic development in vitro. Norepinephrine, in concentrations representing those measured in bovine oviductal fluid, was used to treat bovine spermatozoa prior to insemination. Spermatozoa incubated in norepinephrine were used to inseminate bovine oocytes matured in vitro, and oocytes were evaluated for sperm binding and fertilization. Additional experiments were conducted to evaluate how early in the co-incubation period oocytes were fertilized by spermatozoa pre-incubated with norepinephrine, and to test the developmental competence of those oocytes fertilized with norepinephrine-treated sperm. Sperm binding to the zona pellucida was reduced by pre-incubation with norepinephrine. Rates of fertilization and embryo development did not increase as a result of pre-incubating spermatozoa with norepinephrine, but as early as 4h after insemination, spermatozoa treated with 20 ng/ml norepinephrine fertilized more oocytes than spermatozoa incubated in medium alone. Interestingly, this concentration of norepinephrine was found to capacitate spermatozoa in previous studies. These data suggest that oocytes fertilized by spermatozoa incubated in 20 ng/ml norepinephrine fertilize earlier in vitro than sperm pre-incubated in medium alone, and provide additional support for the role of norepinephrine in sperm capacitation and the acrosome reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- A L Way
- Lock Haven University, Health Science, Clearfield Campus, 201 University Dr., Clearfield, PA 16830, USA.
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29
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Töpfer-Petersen E, Ekhlasi-Hundrieser M, Kirchhoff C, Leeb T, Sieme H. The role of stallion seminal proteins in fertilisation. Anim Reprod Sci 2005; 89:159-70. [PMID: 16125345 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2005.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Seminal plasma proteins are secretory proteins originating mainly from the epididymis and the accessory sex glands. They are involved in the remodelling of the sperm surface which occurs during sperm transit through the male genital tract and continues later at ejaculation. During this process, collectively called post-testicular sperm maturation, the spermatozoa acquire the ability to fertilise an egg. Seminal plasma proteins have been shown to contribute to early and central steps of the fertilisation sequence, e.g. the establishment of the oviductal sperm reservoir, modulation of capacitation and gamete interaction. The major equine seminal plasma proteins belong to three protein classes, which contain widely occurring protein modules. Fn-2 type proteins are characterised by two or four tandemly arranged Fn-2 modules and have been implicated in the modulation of sperm capacitation. Multiple members of the cysteine-rich secretory proteins (CRISP) have been identified in the male genital tract of a number of species. CRISP proteins have been shown to be involved in various functions related to sperm-oocyte fusion, innate host defense function and ion channel blockage. Spermadhesins occur only in ungulate species. Their carbohydrate- and zona pellucida-binding properties would suggest a role of these proteins in gamete recognition. The major proteins of equine seminal plasma have been isolated and characterised regarding their expression along the male genital tract, protein structure and their functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edda Töpfer-Petersen
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 15, 30559 Hannover, Germany.
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30
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Thérien I, Bergeron A, Bousquet D, Manjunath P. Isolation and characterization of glycosaminoglycans from bovine follicular fluid and their effect on sperm capacitation. Mol Reprod Dev 2005; 71:97-106. [PMID: 15736127 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.20287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The majority of published studies have reported the use of commercial heparin to capacitate bovine sperm. However, heparin is not present in the female genital tract fluids. In this study, we purified large amounts of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) from bovine follicular fluid (FF), characterized them and determined their potential to capacitate sperm. FF-GAGs were isolated by protease digestion, lipid extraction, and by different precipitation conditions and then purified by ion exchange chromatography. Two GAGs, heparan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate B, were present in FF. To determine the capacitation potential of FF-GAGs, bovine ejaculated sperm were incubated 5 hr with or without 12 or 24 microg/ml of each of the FF-GAG fractions or with heparin (12 microg/ml). The purified FF-GAGs and heparin did not stimulate sperm acrosome reaction (AR), but stimulated sperm capacitation. Fractions 1 and 2 (heparan sulfate) were more active to promote capacitation (stimulated up to 3.2-fold) than fractions 3 and 4 (mostly chondroitin sulfate B). Fractions 3 and 4 stimulated capacitation two times more than the control (without FF-GAGs or heparin). When the heparan sulfate impurity was removed from fractions 3 and 4 by acid hydrolysis, the capacitation-promoting activity associated with these fractions did not change significantly. When 24 microg/ml of fraction 1 or 2 were used, the percentage of sperm capacitation observed was similar to the capacitation with 12 microg/ml of heparin. Our results also indicated that the FF-GAGs interact strongly with the BSP proteins. Therefore, it is concluded that heparan sulfate is the GAG that is the most potent capacitating factor present in bovine FF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Thérien
- Department of Medicine, University of Montreal and Guy-Bernier Research Center, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Tartaglione CM, Ritta MN. Prognostic value of spermatological parameters as predictors of in vitro fertility of frozen-thawed bull semen. Theriogenology 2004; 62:1245-52. [PMID: 15325551 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2004.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2002] [Accepted: 01/15/2004] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Cryopreservation imposes irreversible damage to sperm membranes, such as swelling and disruption of plasma and acrosome membranes, changes in membrane fluidity, altered influx of calcium, and changes in enzyme activity. Morphological integrity of the sperm plasma membrane has been widely studied using different techniques, including exposure of spermatozoa to hypoosmotic solutions (provides information concerning the biochemical activity of the sperm tail membrane), supravital test using eosin stain (yields information regarding sperm head membrane integrity), and Trypan-blue Giemsa stain (TBG; reveals both sperm plasma membrane and acrosome integrity). The objective of this study was to combine these tests in order to provide information about the integrity of the whole sperm surface, as well as acrosome status, and determine if the results of these tests were associated with sperm in vitro fertilizing ability. Stepwise regression analyses yielded a model in which fertility (maintain variable) was expressed as a combination of the results of different spermatological parameters (independent variables). The results of a test combining supravital eosin staining of samples previously submitted to hypoosmotic swelling test (STHOS) accounted for the greatest proportion of variation in fertilization rates (78%). Inclusion of the results of dual staining with TBG increased the proportion of variation in fertility rate that could be accounted for to 82%. Therefore, sperm plasma membrane integrity and function, and acrosome integrity can be considered important variables for normal sperm function and STHOST and TBG could be used for the prognosis of the potential fertility of bovine semen samples used for IVF or AI.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M Tartaglione
- School of Agrarian Sciences, University of Lomas de Zamora, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Lefièvre L, Barratt CLR, Harper CV, Conner SJ, Flesch FM, Deeks E, Moseley FLC, Pixton KL, Brewis IA, Publicover SJ. Physiological and proteomic approaches to studying prefertilization events in the human. Reprod Biomed Online 2003; 7:419-27. [PMID: 14753177 DOI: 10.1016/s1472-6483(10)61885-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
This research aims firstly to understand, in cellular and molecular terms, how a mature human spermatozoon is prepared for fertilization, and secondly, to identify what factors are involved in the initial signalling interactions between the egg and spermatozoon. In order to achieve these objectives, a combination of approaches is being used, including single-cell imaging, patch clamping and proteomics. Single-cell imaging reveals hidden complexity and heterogeneity in signalling responses in spermatozoa. Characterization of cell physiology at the single-cell level must be a future aim, including the study of ion channel expression and function by patch clamping. Proteomic experiments are aimed at identifying defects in protein expression in specific subgroups of men, e.g. those with globozoospermia. A better understanding of prefertilization events will allow the development of non-assisted reproductive therapy, drug-based treatments for male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Lefièvre
- Reproductive Biology and Genetics Research Group, The Medical School, University of Birmingham, UK
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Tanghe S, Van Soom A, Nauwynck H, Coryn M, de Kruif A. Minireview: Functions of the cumulus oophorus during oocyte maturation, ovulation, and fertilization. Mol Reprod Dev 2002; 61:414-24. [PMID: 11835587 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.10102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 329] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sofie Tanghe
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Merelbeke, Belgium.
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34
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Abstract
The penetration of the zona pellucida is a crucial step during fertilization. Spermatozoa that are unable to recognize and bind to the zona pellucida glycoproteins or respond to the zona pellucida by undergoing the acrosome reaction fail to fertilize the egg. In most mammalian species, after entering the fallopian tube sperm are stored in the isthmic part of the oviduct under conditions that maintain sperm viability and synchronize both sperm transport and the process of acquisition of fertilizing ability, called capacitation. Only capacitated sperm are enabled to recognize the oocyte and respond to the oocyte signals in an appropriate manner. Close to time of ovulation sperm are released from the oviductal epithelium and swim to site of fertilization. The oviduct and the oocyte itself appear to coordinate sperm function and gamete interaction. The gamete recognition and the next levels of interaction are probably granted by the carbohydrate-protein interactions. Upon binding the signal cascade leading to acrosomal exocytosis is activated, eventually initiated by aggregation of zona pellucida receptor molecules. These signal transducing mechanisms are primed during the capacitation process. Tyrosine phosphorylation, tightly connected to the cholesterol efflux from the plasma membrane, and hyperpolarization seem be involved in this priming by activation of Ca(2+) pathways. Further preparational steps of the acrosome reaction may be mediated by osmosensitive signal transducing mechanisms. The current perspective focuses on the molecules involved in the complex hierarchy of sperm-egg interactions and regulative events priming sperm cell during capacitation for the acrosome reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Töpfer-Petersen
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany.
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Gil J, Januskauskas A, Haard MC, Haard M, Johanisson A, Soderquist L, Rodriguez-Martinez H. Functional Sperm Parameters and Fertility of Bull Semen Extended in Biociphos-PlusR and TriladylR. Reprod Domest Anim 2000. [DOI: 10.1046/j.1439-0531.2000.00197.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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36
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Januskauskas A, Gil J, Söderquist L, Håård MG, Håård MC, Johannisson A, Rodriguez-Martinez H. Effect of cooling rates on post-thaw sperm motility, membrane integrity, capacitation status and fertility of dairy bull semen used for artificial insemination in Sweden. Theriogenology 1999; 52:641-58. [PMID: 10734363 DOI: 10.1016/s0093-691x(99)00159-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
We studied the effects of 2 different cooling rates during equilibration of semen from room temperature to 4 degrees C, at 4.2 degrees C/min (control split sample) or at 0.1 degree C/min (treatment split sample) on in vitro sperm viability post thawing and fertility after AI. Forty batches of split-frozen semen from 14 dairy bulls (Swedish Red and White breed) aged 14 to 16 m.o. or 66 to 79 m.o. were evaluated post-thawing for sperm motility (visual and computer-assisted sperm analysis [CASA], membrane integrity (fluorescent microscopy and flow cytometry post-loading with the combined fluorophores Calcein AM/EthD-1 and SYBR-14/PI); acrosomal status (with Pisum sativum agglutinin [PSA] staining); and capacitation status (CTC-assay). Fertility values (56-d nonreturn rate) of the slow cooling batches (treatment) were 0.4% units higher than for faster cooled (control) batches, but the difference was not statistically significant. Fertility values for the older bulls were 1.6% units higher than for the group of younger sires. No statistically significant correlations were found between semen viability parameters assessed in vitro and 56-d nonreturn rate. Visually assessed sperm motility, membrane integrity, capacitation and acrosomal status post-thawing did not differ significantly between cooling procedures, however the percentage of motile spermatozoa and the kinetic characteristics of spermatozoa--average path velocity (VAP), straight path velocity (VSL) and curvilinear velocity (VCL)--assessed by CASA differed significantly between cooling procedures. The results indicate that most of the in vitro sperm viability parameters post-thawing and the fertility results for bulls after AI did not differ significantly between the 2 semen cooling procedures tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Januskauskas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden
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37
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Abstract
Effects of bovine plasmin and plasminogen activator recovered from bovine embryo-conditioned medium (bePA) on the polypeptide profile and solubility of bovine zonae pellucidae (ZP) were evaluated. ZP were isolated from bovine ovarian oocytes and incubated at 39 degrees C with 0, 100, or 200 microg/ml plasmin for 0, 24, or 48 hr or bePA with 0 or 100 microg/ml human plasminogen for 0 or 48 hr. ZP were evaluated either by SDS-PAGE or for changes in solubility using a zona pellucida dissolution time (ZPDT) assay. Two prominent polypeptides, molecular weight (MW) 76,000 and 65,000, and two minor polypeptides, MW 23,000 and 22,000, were resolved by SDS-PAGE. No changes occurred in the polypeptide profile for ZP incubated with 0 microg/ml plasmin for 0, 24, or 48 hr, and ZPDT did not differ (P > 0.10). Treatment with 100 or 200 microg/ml plasmin induced reductions in the MW 76,000, 23,000, and 22,000 polypeptides and the appearance of MW 45,000 and <10,000 polypeptides. ZPDT were less (P < 0.05) in 100 and 200 microg/ml compared with 0 microg/ml plasmin. Polypeptide profiles and ZPDT for ZP incubated with bePA were similar (P > 0.10) to ZP incubated with unconditioned medium. Addition of human plasminogen to ZP incubated with bePA reduced the MW 76,000, 23,000, and 22,000 polypeptides, caused the appearance of MW 45,000 and 20,000 polypeptides, and decreased ZPDT (P < 0.05). These results demonstrate that bovine plasmin is capable of proteolytically degrading the bovine ZP and that bePA can indirectly affect the ZP by converting plasminogen to plasmin.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Cannon
- Department of Animal Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis 97331-6702, USA
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38
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Gur Y, Breitbart H, Lax Y, Rubinstein S, Zamir N. Angiotensin II induces acrosomal exocytosis in bovine spermatozoa. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY 1998; 275:E87-93. [PMID: 9688878 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.1998.275.1.e87] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Ejaculated mammalian spermatozoa must reside in the female genital tract for some time before gaining the ability to fertilize the egg. During this time, spermatozoa undergo some physiological changes that collectively are called capacitation. Capacitation of mammalian spermatozoa is a prerequisite for acrosome reaction, which is an exocytotic event occurring before fertilization. The specific biophysical and biochemical changes that accompany sperm capacitation and the agonists inducing acrosome reaction are not fully understood. Using SDS-gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting, we demonstrate the existence of a class of angiotensin receptors (AT1) in bovine spermatozoa. In capacitated sperm, we show that angiotensin II (ANG II) AT1 receptors are localized in the head and tail, whereas in noncapacitated cells the receptors are localized in the tail only. We find that ANG II markedly stimulates acrosomal exocytosis of capacitated bovine spermatozoa in vitro in a concentration range of 0.1-10 nM. No effect of ANG II was found in noncapacitated cells. The ability of ANG II to stimulate the acrosome reaction depends on the presence of calcium ions in the incubation medium. The ANG II-induced acrosome reaction was markedly inhibited by a selective AT1 receptor antagonist, losartan (DUP 753). PD-123319, a selective antagonist of the ANG II AT2 receptor, had no effect on the ANG II-induced acrosome reaction. Thus ANG II via activation of AT1 receptors may play a regulatory role in the induction of the acrosome reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Gur
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 69978, Israel
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39
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Turner J, Arns M. Effect of density gradient composition on in vitro maturation of stallion sperm. J Equine Vet Sci 1998. [DOI: 10.1016/s0737-0806(98)80143-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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40
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Wassarman PM, Florman HM. Cellular Mechanisms During Mammalian Fertilization. Compr Physiol 1997. [DOI: 10.1002/cphy.cp140124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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41
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McLeskey SB, Dowds C, Carballada R, White RR, Saling PM. Molecules involved in mammalian sperm-egg interaction. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CYTOLOGY 1997; 177:57-113. [PMID: 9378618 DOI: 10.1016/s0074-7696(08)62231-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
To achieve fertilization, sperm and egg are equipped with specific molecules which mediate the steps of gamete interaction. In mammals, the first interaction between sperm and egg occurs at an egg-specific extracellular matrix, the zona pellucida (zp). The three glycoproteins, ZP1, ZP2, and ZP3, that comprise the zp have been characterized from many species and assigned different roles in gamete interaction. A large number of candidate-binding partners for the zp proteins have been described; a subset of these have been characterized structurally and functionally. Galactosyltransferase, sp56, zona receptor kinase, and spermadhesins are thought to participate in the primary binding between sperm and zp and may initiate the exocytotic release of hydrolytic enzymes in the sperm head, the acrosome reaction. Digestion of the zp by these enzymes enables sperm to traverse the zp, at which time the proteins PH20, proacrosin, sp38, and Sp17 are thought to participate in secondary binding between the acrosome-reacted sperm and zp. Once through the zp, sperm and egg plasma membranes meet and fuse in a process reported to involve the egg integrin alpha 6 beta 1 and the sperm proteins DE and fertilin. These molecules and the processes involved in gamete interaction are reviewed in this chapter within a physiological context.
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Affiliation(s)
- S B McLeskey
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
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42
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Arnoult C, Lemos JR, Florman HM. Voltage-dependent modulation of T-type calcium channels by protein tyrosine phosphorylation. EMBO J 1997; 16:1593-9. [PMID: 9130704 PMCID: PMC1169763 DOI: 10.1093/emboj/16.7.1593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
A T-type Ca2+ channel is expressed during differentiation of the male germ lineage in the mouse and is retained in sperm, where is it activated by contact with the the egg's extracellular matrix and controls sperm acrosomal exocytosis. Here, we examine the regulation of this Ca2+ channel in dissociated spermatogenic cells from the mouse using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. T currents were enhanced, or facilitated, after strong depolarizations or high frequency stimulation. Voltage-dependent facilitation increased the Ca2+ current by an average of 50%. The same facilitation is produced by antagonists of protein tyrosine kinase activity. Conversely, antagonists of tyrosine phosphatase activity block voltage-dependent facilitation of the current. These data are consistent with the presence of a two-state model, in which T channels are maintained in a low (or zero) conductance state by tonic tyrosine phosphorylation and can be activated to a high conductance state by a tyrosine phosphatase activity. The positive and negative modulation of this channel by the tyrosine phosphorylation state provides a plausible mechanism for the control of sperm activity during the early stages of mammalian fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Arnoult
- Department of Anatomy and Cellular Biology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA
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43
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Abstract
Despite the economical importance of in vitro gamete technologies in cattle, only little is known about the molecular mechanisms of binding of spermatozoa to the zona pellucida (ZP) of the oocyte. The aim of the present work was to identify proteins from the bovine zona pellucida (bZP) and to investigate which bZP proteins play a role in sperm-egg binding. High resolution 2-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of bZP proteins under reducing conditions showed that the bovine ZP could be separated into 4 glycoprotein spots, provisionally named bZP1, bZP2, bZP3, and bZP4, with different molecular masses and isoelectrical points. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of bZP1, bZP2, and bZP4 could be determined. The N-terminal amino acid sequences of bZP1 and bZP4 were identical and were homologous to that of pZP4. Comparison of our data to that of Noguchi et al., 1994 (Biochim Biophys Acta 1201:7-14) revealed that bZP2 and bZP4 are fragments of bZP1. Immunoblot analysis showed that, respectively, anti-porcine-ZP3alpha and -ZP3beta antibodies recognized 2 distinct regions of the bZP3 spot. Both antibodies inhibited sperm-egg binding in the bovine. We conclude that the bovine ZP consists of 3 proteins that correspond by size, N-terminal amino acid sequence, and antigenic determinants of pZP1, pZP3alpha, and pZP3beta, respectively, that are encoded by the porcine ZPA, ZPB, and ZPC genes (Harris et al., 1994: J Seq Map 4:6331-393), respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- E K Topper
- DLO-Institute for Animal Science and Health (ID-DLO), Department of Reproduction, Lelystad, the Netherlands
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44
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Leclerc P, de Lamirande E, Gagnon C. Regulation of protein-tyrosine phosphorylation and human sperm capacitation by reactive oxygen derivatives. Free Radic Biol Med 1997; 22:643-56. [PMID: 9013127 DOI: 10.1016/s0891-5849(96)00379-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 213] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Spermatozoa undergoing capacitation, a necessary prerequisite event to successful fertilization that can be induced in vitro by reactive oxygen species (ROS), generate superoxide anion (O2.-). Because, in neutrophils, the generation of O2.- is associated with tyrosine phosphorylation of several proteins, the aim of the present study was to investigate the association between protein-tyrosine phosphorylation and ROS-induced human sperm capacitation. Human spermatozoa express two major phosphotyrosine-containing proteins of 105 and 81 kDa, the phosphotyrosine content of which is increased when spermatozoa are incubated under capacitating conditions. Superoxide dismutase and catalase abolish both sperm capacitation and tyrosine phosphorylation of p105 and p81, suggesting the involvement of O2.- and hydrogen peroxide in these two processes. Inhibitors of NADPH oxidase, the enzyme responsible for the neutrophil's respiratory burst, decrease both p105 and p81 tyrosine phosphorylation and sperm capacitation while hydrogen peroxide stimulates these two processes. Tyrosine phosphorylation of p105 and p81 occurs through a herbimycin A-sensitive tyrosine kinase, and sperm incubation with phosphotyrosine-protein phosphatase inhibitors results in an increase in phosphotyrosine content of these two proteins. Indirect immunocytochemical studies reveal phosphotyrosine-containing proteins mostly in the principal piece of the flagellum, in agreement with the localization of p105 and p81 in the human sperm fibrous sheath. Although tyrosine phosphorylation of p105 and p81 and sperm capacitation are related in a time-dependent fashion, some discrepancies are observed in the regulation of these two processes according to the redox status of the spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Leclerc
- Urology Research Laboratory, Royal Victoria Hospital, Montréal, Canada
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45
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Arnoult C, Zeng Y, Florman HM. ZP3-dependent activation of sperm cation channels regulates acrosomal secretion during mammalian fertilization. J Biophys Biochem Cytol 1996; 134:637-45. [PMID: 8707844 PMCID: PMC2120933 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.134.3.637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The sperm acrosome reaction is a Ca(2+)-dependent secretory event required for fertilization. Adhesion to the egg's zona pellucida promotes Ca2+ influx through voltage-sensitive channels, thereby initiating secretion. We used potentiometric fluorescent probes to determine the role of sperm membrane potential in regulating Ca2+ entry. ZP3, the glycoprotein agonist of the zona pellucida, depolarizes sperm membranes by activating a pertussis toxin-insensitive mechanism with the characteristics of a poorly selective cation channel. ZP3 also activates a pertussis toxin-sensitive pathway that produces a transient rise in internal pH. The concerted effects of depolarization and alkalinization open voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels. These observations suggest that mammalian sperm utilize membrane potential-dependent signal transduction mechanisms and that a depolarization pathway is an upstream transducing element coupling adhesion to secretion during fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Arnoult
- Department of Anatomy and Cellular Biology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, USA
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46
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47
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Töpfer-Petersen E, Calvete JJ, Sanz L, Sinowatz F. Carbohydrate-and heparin-binding proteins in mammalian fertilization. Andrologia 1995; 27:303-24. [PMID: 8597302 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0272.1995.tb01366.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- E Töpfer-Petersen
- Institut für Reproduktionsmedizin, Tierärztliche Hochschule Hannover, Germany
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48
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Dalvit GC, Miragaya MH, Chaves MG, Beconi MT. Energy requirement of bovine spermatozoa for in vitro capacitation. Theriogenology 1995; 44:1051-8. [PMID: 16727799 DOI: 10.1016/0093-691x(95)00291-f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/1994] [Accepted: 05/17/1995] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
The oxidative energy requirements of bovine spermatozoa capacitated with dilauroil-phosphatidylcholine liposomes (PC 12) and the effect of these liposomes on acrosome reaction necessary for in vitro fertilization were studied. Mitochondrial respiration was measured using 3 different substrates (pyruvate-lactate-glucose) and endogenous substrates. The samples were either treated with PC 12 or were left untreated and used as the control. A 2.8-fold increase in the consumption of oxygen was observed in the PC 12 treated spermatozoa in the presence of the 3 combined substrates (pyruvate-lactate-glucose). Respiration changes were not observed when the spermatozoa were capacitated with only 2 of the 3 substrates or with glucose alone. When endogenous substrates were used, the consumption of oxygen increased 1.7 times, and mitochondrial uncoupling was observed in the treated samples. The hypermotility characteristic of the capacitation process was not observed when glucose or endogenous substrates were used. When the percentage of intact acrosomes was determined using differential-interferential contrast (DIC) microscopy, it was found that in the presence of oxidative substrates there was a 26% decrease compared with that of the control sample. The proportion of reacted acrosomes was in the range of 41.3 to 49.6%, as measured by the chlortetracycline epifluorescence method in the presence of calcium ionophore A23187. Only 4% of the spermatozoa showed acrosome reaction with endogenous substrates. A higher percentage of fertilized oocytes were observed when the spermatozoa were capacitated in the presence of the 3 substrates (pyruvate-lactate-glucose), confirming that the success of in vitro fertilization depends on the energy conditions associated with the capacitation process. The results of these experiments indicate that the presence of oxidative energy is necessary to produce capacitation and the hyperactivation characteristic in frozen-thawed bovine spermatozoa treated with liposomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- G C Dalvit
- Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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49
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Cox JF, Saravia F, Briones M, María AS. Dose-dependent effect of heparin on fertilizing ability of goat spermatozoa. Theriogenology 1995; 44:451-60. [PMID: 16727744 DOI: 10.1016/0093-691x(95)00199-i] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/1994] [Accepted: 03/20/1995] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Intact bovine oocytes were used to study the effect of heparin on goat IVF. Oocytes were matured in Medium 199 plus estrous sheep serum. Fresh semen was incubated for 4 h at room temperature, and spermatozoa were then resuspended in medium Talp plus serum and incubated further for 1 h at 39 degrees C in 5% CO(2) in air. Later, spermatozoa were resuspended in Talp plus serum and heparin and were then incubated in microdrops until the oocytes were matured. In Experiment 1, the effect of heparin on spermatozoa from individual males was studied by a dose-response curve. In Experiment 2, the timing of sperm penetration in matured oocytes was studied to assess the stage at which the action of heparin could be expressed in the fertilization process. In Experiment 3, heparin from the same source but at different grades of bioactivity was adjusted for bioactivity and its effect on spermatozoa was compared in terms of penetration rates in order to identify heparin-dependent variations on goat IVF. In Experiment 4, the influence of calcium on the effect of heparin at different levels of bioactivity on the fertilizing ability spermatozoa was assessed as in Experiment 3. In Experiment 5, different batches of heparin from the same source and grade of bioactivity were compared as above. The results suggest that 1) heparin stimulates fertilization rates following a comparable pattern between males; 2) the most probable site of action is at the stage of sperm capacitation; and 3) provided that the source and grade of bioactivity is preserved, heparin maintains the efficiency of sperm penetration into matured oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- J F Cox
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Concepción, Casilla 537, Chillán, Chile
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50
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Bercegeay S, Jean M, Lucas H, Barriere P. Composition of human zona pellucida as revealed by SDS-PAGE after silver staining. Mol Reprod Dev 1995; 41:355-9. [PMID: 8588935 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.1080410311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The macromolecular composition of zona pellucida (ZP) isolated from human oocytes and embryos was characterized by one- and two-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (1-D- and 2-D-SDS-PAGE) under reducing conditions after silver staining. ZP specimens obtained after in vitro fertilization were removed from pools of heavily fragmented embryos and inseminated oocytes that failed to fertilize. For unfertilized oocytes, two major bands with an apparent molecular weight of, respectively, 96 and 76-54 kDa were observed after 1-D-SDS-PAGE and silver staining. When ZP were isolated from fragmented embryos, the electrophoretic pattern showed a marked attenuation of the 96-kDa band. Silver-stained 2-D-SDS-PAGE analysis of ZP components from unfertilized oocytes revealed the presence of four protein trains: ZP1 (Mr = 92-80 kDa, pl = 4.9-5.9), ZP2 (Mr = 66-58 kDa, pl = 5.0-6.0), ZP3H (high) (Mr = 72-58 kDa, pl = 3.5-5.1), and ZP3L (low) (Mr = 62-54 kDa, pl = 3.5-5.1). The human ZP3 family (ZP3H and ZP3L) showed marked heterogeneity. Fertilization-associated changes were apparent in the electrophoretic pattern. ZP1 (Mr = 92-86 kDa, pl = 5.0-5.8) displayed a dramatic decrease in intensity, and a new component had migrated to a position similar to that of ZP2. This modification may have been responsible for one aspect of the zona reaction, and could have contributed to a zona block to polysperma.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Bercegeay
- Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction, Hôpital de la Mère et de l'Enfant, CHU, Nantes, France
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