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Howard SA, Benhabbour SR. Non-Hormonal Contraception. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4791. [PMID: 37510905 PMCID: PMC10381146 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12144791] [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: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
While hormonal contraceptives are efficacious and available in several forms for women, perception of safety and concern over side effects are a deterrent for many. Existing non-hormonal contraceptives include permanent sterilization, copper intrauterine devices (IUDs), chemical/physical barriers such as spermicides and condoms, as well as traditional family planning methods including withdrawal and the rhythm method. Individuals who wish to retain their fertility in the future can achieve highest adherence and efficacy with long-acting, reversible contraceptives (LARCs), though there is only one, the copper IUD, that is non-hormonal. As rates of unintended pregnancies remain high with existing contraceptive options, it is becoming increasingly attractive to develop novel pregnancy prevention methods for both women and men. Non-hormonal contraceptives can target a variety of critical reproductive processes discussed here. This review focuses on identified non-hormonal contraceptive targets and subsequent drug candidates in development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Anne Howard
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Soumya Rahima Benhabbour
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University and The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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Epithelial and Neural Cadherin in Mammalian Fertilization: Studies in the Mouse Model. Cells 2021; 11:cells11010102. [PMID: 35011663 PMCID: PMC8750299 DOI: 10.3390/cells11010102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful mammalian fertilization requires a well-orchestrated sequence of molecular events leading to gamete fusion. Since this interaction involves Ca2+-dependent adhesion events, the participation of the Ca+2-dependent cell-cell adhesion proteins Epithelial (E-cad) and Neural (N-cad) cadherin is envisaged. We have previously reported the expression of E-cad and N-cad in human gametes and showed evidence of their involvement in sperm-oocyte adhesion events leading to fertilization. To overcome ethical limitations associated with the use of human gametes in fertilization-related studies, the mouse has been selected worldwide as the experimental model for over 4 decades. Herein, we report a detailed study aimed at characterizing the expression of E-cad and N-cad in murine gametes and their involvement in murine fertilization using specific antibodies and blocking peptides towards both adhesion proteins. E-cad and N-cad protein forms, as well as other members of the adhesion complex, specifically β-catenin and actin, were identified in spermatozoa, cumulus cells and oocytes protein extracts by means of Western immunoblotting. In addition, subcellular localization of these proteins was determined in whole cells using optical fluorescent microscopy. Gamete pre-incubation with anti-E-cad (ECCD-1) or N-cad (H-63) antibodies resulted in decreased (p < 0.05) In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) rates, when using both cumulus-oocytes complexes and cumulus-free oocytes. Moreover, IVF assays done with denuded oocytes and either antibodies or blocking peptides against E-cad and N-cad led to lower (p < 0.05) fertilization rates. When assessing each step, penetration of the cumulus mass was lower (p < 0.05) when spermatozoa were pre-incubated with ECCD-1 or blocking peptides towards E-cad or towards both E- and N-cad. Moreover, sperm-oolemma binding was impaired (p < 0.0005) after sperm pre-incubation with E-cad antibody or blocking peptide towards E-cad, N-cad or both proteins. Finally, sperm-oocyte fusion was lower (p < 0.05) after sperm pre-incubation with either antibody or blocking peptide against E-cad or N-cad. Our studies demonstrate the expression of members of the adherent complex in the murine model, and the use of antibodies and specific peptides revealed E-cad and N-cad participation in mammalian fertilization.
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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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A. S. V, Dhama K, Chakraborty S, Abdul Samad H, K. Latheef S, Sharun K, Khurana SK, K. A, Tiwari R, Bhatt P, K. V, Chaicumpa W. Role of Antisperm Antibodies in Infertility, Pregnancy, and Potential forContraceptive and Antifertility Vaccine Designs: Research Progress and Pioneering Vision. Vaccines (Basel) 2019; 7:E116. [PMID: 31527552 PMCID: PMC6789593 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines7030116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm of humans, non-human primates, and other mammalian subjects is considered to be antigenic. The effect of changes in autoimmunity on reproductive cells such as spermatozoa and oocytes play a critical but indistinct role in fertility. Antisperm antibodies (ASAs) are invariably present in both females and males. However, the degree of ASA occurrence may vary according to individual and gender. Although the extent of infertility due to ASAs alone is yet to be determined, it has been found in almost 9-12% of patients who are infertile due to different causes. Postcoital presence of spermatozoa in the reproductive tract of women is not a contributory factor in ASA generation. However, ASA generation may be induced by trauma to the vaginal mucosa, or by anal or oral sex resulting in the deposition of sperm inside the digestive tract. It is strongly believed that, in humans and other species, at least some antibodies may bind to sperm antigens, causing infertility. This form of infertility is termed as immunological infertility, which may be accompanied by impairment of fertility, even in individuals with normozoospermia. Researchers target ASAs for two major reasons: (i) to elucidate the association between ASAs and infertility, the reason ASAs causes infertility, and the mechanism underlying ASA-mediated infertility; and (ii) to assess the potential of ASAs as a contraceptive in humans in case ASAs influences infertility. Therefore, this review explores the potential application of ASAs in the development of anti-spermatozoa vaccines for contraceptive purposes. The usefulness of ASAs for diagnosing obstructive azoospermia, salpingitis, and oligoasthenoteratozoospermia has been reviewed extensively. Important patents pertaining to potential candidates for spermatozoa-derived vaccines that may be utilized as contraceptives are discussed in depth. Antifertility vaccines, as well as treatments for ASA-related infertility, are also highlighted. This review will address many unresolved issues regarding mechanisms involving ASAs in the diagnosis, as well as prognoses, of male infertility. More documented scientific reports are cited to support the mechanisms underlying the potential role of ASA in infertility. The usefulness of sperm antigens or ASAs (recombinant) in human and wild or captive animal contraceptive vaccines has been revealed through research but is yet to be validated via clinical testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vickram A. S.
- Department of Biotechnology, Saveetha School of Engineering, Young Scientist DST-SERB, Govt. of India, Saveetha Institute of Technical and Medical Sciences, Chennai 600077, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Kuldeep Dhama
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly 243122, Uttar Pradesh, India;
| | - Sandip Chakraborty
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, R.K. Nagar, West Tripura 799008, India;
| | - Hari Abdul Samad
- Division of Physiology and Climatology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly 243122, Uttar Pradesh, India;
| | - Shyma K. Latheef
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly 243122, Uttar Pradesh, India;
| | - Khan Sharun
- Division of Surgery, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly 243122, Uttar Pradesh, India;
| | - Sandip Kumar Khurana
- ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes, Sirsa Road, Hisar 125001, Haryana, India;
| | - Archana K.
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India; (A.K.); (V.K.)
| | - Ruchi Tiwari
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Sciences, Deen Dayal Upadhayay Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalay Evum Go-Anusandhan Sansthan (DUVASU), Mathura 281001, India;
| | - Prakash Bhatt
- Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar 263145 (Udham Singh Nagar), Uttarakhand, India;
| | - Vyshali K.
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India; (A.K.); (V.K.)
| | - Wanpen Chaicumpa
- Center of Research Excellence on Therapeutic Proteinsand Antibody Engineering, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
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Vazquez-Levin MH, Marín-Briggiler CI, Veaute C. Antisperm antibodies: invaluable tools toward the identification of sperm proteins involved in fertilization. Am J Reprod Immunol 2014; 72:206-18. [PMID: 24863647 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2014] [Accepted: 04/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification of sperm proteins involved in fertilization has been the subject of numerous investigations. Much interest has been dedicated to naturally occurring antisperm antibodies (ASA) and their impact in fertility. Their presence in men and women has been associated with 2-50% of infertility cases. ASA may impair pre- and post-fertilization steps. Experimental models have been developed using sperm proteins as immunogens to evaluate their involvement in sperm function. Our team has pursued investigations to assess ASA presence in biological fluids from patients consulting for infertility and their effect on fertilization. We found ASA in follicular fluids with ability of inducing the acrosome reaction and blocking sperm-zona pellucida interaction and used them to identify sperm entities involved in these events. We generated and utilized antibodies against proacrosin/acrosin to characterize the sperm protease system. We implemented an ELISA to detect proacrosin/acrosin antibodies in human sera and evaluated their impact upon fertility by developing in vitro assays and a gene immunization model. This review presents a summary of ASA history, etiology, current approaches for detection and effects upon fertility. ASA (naturally occurring, generated by animal immunization and/or of commercial origin) are invaluable tools to understand the molecular basis of fertilization, better diagnose/treat immunoinfertility and develop immunocontraceptive methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica H Vazquez-Levin
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), National Research Council of Argentina (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Barbonetti A, Vassallo MRC, Cordeschi G, Venetis D, Carboni A, Sperandio A, Felzani G, Francavilla S, Francavilla F. Protein tyrosine phosphorylation of the human sperm head during capacitation: immunolocalization and relationship with acquisition of sperm-fertilizing ability. Asian J Androl 2010; 12:853-61. [PMID: 20694019 DOI: 10.1038/aja.2010.52] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The occurrence of tyrosine phosphorylation (TP) in the sperm head during capacitation has been poorly investigated, and no data exist on the relationship of its dynamics with the acquisition of sperm fertilizing ability. This study localized TP of head proteins in human spermatozoa during capacitation and explored its relationship with acquisition of the ability to display progesterone (P)-stimulated acrosome reactions (ARs) and to penetrate zona-free hamster oocytes. By immunofluorescence, TP immunoreactivity was revealed in the acrosomal region of formaldehyde-fixed/unpermeabilized samples, whereas it was abolished in fixed/permeabilized samples, in which TP immunoreactivity was high in the principal piece. No TP immunoreactivity was detectable in unfixed spermatozoa. Head TP immunoreactivity was localized externally to the acrosome, close to the cytoplasmic membrane, as assessed by transmission electron microscopy. The increase in head TP was an early event during capacitation, occurring within 1 h in capacitating conditions. At this time, the P-stimulated ARs were also increased, whereas egg penetration was as poor as in uncapacitated spermatozoa. At 5 h of capacitation, the extent of neither head TP nor the P-induced ARs were greater than that at 1 h, whereas egg penetration had significantly increased. Seminal plasma inhibited head TP, P-induced ARs and egg penetration. None of these inhibitory effects, unlike those on tail TP, were prevented by the cAMP analogue dbcAMP (N,2-O-dibutyryladenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate). In conclusion, head TP is a subsurface event occurring early during capacitation and is closely related to acquisition of the ability to display P-stimulated ARs, whereas the ability to fuse with oolemma and to decondense is a later capacitation-related event.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arcangelo Barbonetti
- Andrology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of L'Aquila, Coppito 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
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Naz RK, Dhandapani L. Identification of human sperm proteins that interact with human zona pellucida3 (ZP3) using yeast two-hybrid system. J Reprod Immunol 2010; 84:24-31. [PMID: 19945174 PMCID: PMC2819281 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2009.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2009] [Revised: 09/30/2009] [Accepted: 10/10/2009] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Sperm proteins that interact with zona pellucida 3 (ZP3) have not been clearly identified in humans. In the present study, the yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) system was used to identify human sperm proteins that interact with human ZP3. Human ZP3 cDNA was cloned into pAS2-1 yeast vector and used as bait to find reactive proteins in the human testis cDNA library. Six specific clones were obtained that were further confirmed for interaction using the mammalian two-hybrid system. These six clones showed homologies with several proteins in the GenBank database. Of these, the strongest ZP3-interacting protein, that shows 97% homology with ubiquitin associated protein-2 like (UBAP2L), was tested in the hemizona assay. UBAP2L antibodies significantly (p<0.001) inhibited human sperm-zona binding in this assay. We conclude that the Y2H system is a useful strategy for identifying novel genes encoding proteins that interact with ZP proteins. To our knowledge, this is the first study using the Y2H system to identify sperm proteins that interact with human oocyte ZP3. Novel proteins identified using this system may find applications in elucidating the fertilization cascade, development of a new generation of non-steroidal contraceptives, and specific diagnosis and treatment of human infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh K Naz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West Virginia University, School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV 26505-9186, USA.
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8
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Abstract
It has been estimated that 500 million couples world-wide have no access to contraception and that approximately 20% of births between 1995 and 2000 will be unwanted. Such statistics have important implications for the rate of world population growth and the possibility of maintaining a sustainable population. Although political change and the empowerment of women across the world will help address these issues, it will also be important to increase the availability of contraceptives; not only the modalities that are in current use, but also novel methods that will satisfy needs that are presently unfulfilled. One such alternative could be a vaccine targeting the human spermatozoon.
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Veaute C, Furlong LI, Cameo M, Harris JD, Vazquez-Levin MH. Antiacrosin antibodies and infertility. II. Gene immunization with human proacrosin to assess the effect of immunity toward proacrosin/acrosin upon protein activities and animal fertility. Fertil Steril 2009; 91:1256-68. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2008.01.082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2007] [Revised: 01/22/2008] [Accepted: 01/22/2008] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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10
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Chirinos M, Caballero Campo P, Martín Rodrigo MD, González González ME, Larrea F, Núñez Calonge R, Caballero Peregrín P. Nuevos enfoques en el estudio y diagnóstico de la infertilidad masculina. Aportaciones de la investigación básica al conocimiento de la función espermática. Rev Int Androl 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/s1698-031x(07)74069-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Abstract
Sperm have been known to be antigenic for more than a century. There is a strong body of evidence that in humans and in other species at least some antibodies that bind to sperm antigens can cause infertility. Therefore, these antibodies are of interest today for two practical reasons. Firstly, the association of the antibodies with infertility means that they must be detected and then the couples treated appropriately. Secondly, because these antibodies can induce infertility they have the potential to be developed for contraceptive purposes in humans and also for the control of feral animal populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- L W Chamley
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
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12
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Asquith KL, Baleato RM, McLaughlin EA, Nixon B, Aitken RJ. Tyrosine phosphorylation activates surface chaperones facilitating sperm-zona recognition. J Cell Sci 2004; 117:3645-57. [PMID: 15252132 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.01214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian spermatozoa undergo a series of molecular and biochemical changes collectively termed capacitation prior to acquiring the ability to fertilise the oocyte. Although phosphorylation of sperm proteins on tyrosine residues has been recognised as an important component of this process, the precise relationship between the phosphorylation status of mammalian spermatozoa and their capacity for fertilisation has remained unclear. In this study we demonstrate a causal relationship between tyrosine phosphorylation in spermatozoa and sperm-zona interaction. The phosphotyrosine expression associated with sperm capacitation localised to internal flagellar structures in permeabilised cells but could also be detected on the exterior surface of the sperm head in live cells. Importantly, almost all spermatozoa bound to the zona pellucida demonstrated this pattern of phosphoprotein localisation, compared to fewer than 15% of the free-swimming population. These data suggest that tyrosine phosphorylation plays a significant role in remodelling the sperm surface, so that these cells are able to recognise the zona pellucida. Phosphoproteome analysis yielded the first evidence of molecular chaperones, endoplasmin (erp99) and heat shock protein 60 (hsp60), as targets for phosphorylation on the surface of mouse spermatozoa, whereas immunofluorescence localised these proteins to the precise region of the sperm head that participates in zona recognition. Based on these results, we propose a novel mechanism for mammalian gamete interaction whereby the activation of sperm-surface chaperones by tyrosine phosphorylation during capacitation may trigger conformational changes facilitating the formation of a functional zona pellucida receptor complex on the surface of mammalian spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly L Asquith
- Reproductive Science Group, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
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Lasserre A, González-Echeverría F, Moules C, Tezón JG, Miranda PV, Vazquez-Levin MH. Identification of human sperm proteins involved in the interaction with homologous zona pellucida. Fertil Steril 2003; 79 Suppl 3:1606-15. [PMID: 12801567 DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(03)00251-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify human sperm proteins involved in homologous zona pellucida (ZP) interaction. DESIGN Prospective study. SETTINGS Basic research laboratory. PATIENT(S) Semen samples from normozoospermic donors, tissue sections from surgical pieces, and ZP from nonfertilized oocytes. INTERVENTION(S) Antibodies for sperm proteins (HSE; high salt extract) were developed (anti-HSE) and partially characterized. Participation of sperm proteins on ZP-interaction was tested with the hemizona assay (HZA). Antigens were immunolocalized in sperm and tissues. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Sperm and tissue immunostaining; Western blotting; and number of sperm bound to the ZP. RESULT(S) Anti-HSE antibodies recognized several polypeptides in HSE (9 to 200 kd). Specific antibodies for 49 and 66 kd proteins (p49, p66) were obtained. Both (anti-p49 and anti-p66) stained the head of ejaculated and capacitated sperm. In the HZA, sperm preincubation with a mixture of anti-p49 and anti-p66 (100 micro g/mL) resulted in a decrease in the number of spermatozoa bound to the ZP. Presence of p66 (10 micro g/mL) inhibited sperm-ZP interaction. In contrast, p49 did not alter sperm binding to the ZP. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that p66 is present in the epididymis. No staining was observed in testicular sections. CONCLUSION(S) We found that p66 is an epididymal protein that participates in human sperm interaction with homologous ZP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Lasserre
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, CONICET-UBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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14
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Chiu PCN, Koistinen R, Koistinen H, Seppala M, Lee KF, Yeung WSB. Binding of zona binding inhibitory factor-1 (ZIF-1) from human follicular fluid on spermatozoa. J Biol Chem 2003; 278:13570-7. [PMID: 12571233 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m212086200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies showed that zona binding inhibitory factor-1 (ZIF-1) was the glycoprotein mainly responsible for the spermatozoa zona binding inhibitory activity of human follicular fluid. ZIF-1 has a number of properties similar to glycodelin-A. A binding kinetics experiment in the present study demonstrated the presence of two binding sites of ZIF-1 on human spermatozoa. These binding sites were saturable, reversible, and bound to (125)I-ZIF-1 in a time-, concentration-, and temperature-dependent manner. Glycodelin-A shared one common binding site with ZIF-1 on spermatozoa, and it could displace only 70% of the (125)I-ZIF-1 bound on human spermatozoa. ZIF-1 and glycodelin-A formed complexes with the soluble extract of human spermatozoa. Coincubation of solubilized zona pellucida proteins reduced the binding of ZIF-1 to two complexes of the extract, suggesting that the ZIF-1 binding sites and zona pellucida protein receptors on human spermatozoa were closely related. ZIF-1, but not glycodelin-A, significantly suppressed progesterone-induced acrosome reaction of human spermatozoa. The carbohydrate moieties derived from ZIF-1 reduced the binding of native ZIF-1 on human spermatozoa as well as the zona binding inhibitory activity of the glycoprotein, although the intensity of the effects are lower when compared with the native protein. These effects are not due to the action of the molecules on the motility, viability, and acrosomal status of the treated spermatozoa. Deglycosylated ZIF-1 had no inhibitory effect on both ZIF-1 binding and zona binding capacity of spermatozoa. We concluded that the carbohydrate part of ZIF-1 was critical for the functioning of the glycoprotein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip C N Chiu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region China
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15
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Abstract
Development of a vaccine(s) based on sperm antigens represents a promising approach to contraception. The utility of an antigen in immunocontraception is contingent upon sperm/testis-specificity and its involvement in the fertilization process. Since, the sperm-zona pellucida (ZP) recognition and binding constitutes the most important event in the fertilization process, molecules involved at this site are attractive candidates for immunocontraception. Using hybridoma technology, subtractive hybridization, and differential display technology, our laboratory has delineated several sperm antigens. These antigens have testis-specific expression and have a role in the fertilization process. The cDNAs encoding for the antigens have been cloned and sequenced. Among these, the fertilization antigen (FA-1) is particularly interesting, because it is involved in immuno-infertility in humans. Using the phage peptide display technique, a novel dodecamer sequence of a approximately 72+/-5 kD antigen, designated as YLP(12), that is testis-specific and involved in human sperm-ZP recognition/binding, was identified. A synthetic 12-mer peptide was generated based on this sequence. In the hemizona assay, YLP(12) peptide and its monovalent Fab' antibodies specifically and significantly inhibited human sperm-ZP binding. Furthermore, the presence of specific antibodies reactive with YLP(12) peptide, were identified in the serum and seminal plasma of immuno-infertile men. Thus, FA-1 and YLP(12) are promising target antigens for the development of contraceptive vaccines as well as for specific diagnosis and treatment of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh K Naz
- Room 211, Division of Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Health Education Building, Medical College of Ohio, 3055 Arlington Avenue, Toledo, OH 43614-5806, USA.
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Naz RK, Zhu X, Kadam AL. Cloning and sequencing of cDNA encoding for a novel human testis-specific contraceptive vaccinogen: role in immunocontraception. Mol Reprod Dev 2001; 60:116-27. [PMID: 11550275 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.1068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Sperm-specific antigens are attractive candidates for the development of a contraceptive vaccine. Using the subtractive cDNA hybridization technology, the present study was conducted to obtain a human sperm-specific antigen. The 32P-labeled single stranded cDNA of human testis, subtracted with poly(A)+ RNA of human peripheral white blood cells, was used to screen the human testis cDNA-ZAP II library. The putative positive clones were further screened for binding with the solubilized human oocyte zona pellucida preparation (HZP). After screening 10(7) colonies, one positive clone, designated contraceptive vaccinogen (CV), was obtained. It had an insert of approximately 1.3 kb, that was cloned and sequenced. The sense strand was identified by using the in vitro transcription and translation procedures, and the full-length sequence was obtained by using the 5' rapid amplification of 5' -cDNA ends (5'-RACE) procedure. The full-length CV cDNA has an ORF of 312 amino acids (aa) with the first ATG Met start codon at nucleotide (nt) 35 and the stop codon TAA, at nt 959. The translated protein has a calculated molecular mass of 35.3 kD and four potential N-linked glycosylation and several phosphorylation sites. Hydropathy plot generated from the deduced aa sequence showed it to be a membrane-anchored peptide. Extensive computer search in the database did not find any homology of existing sequences with CV both for nt and aa. Northern blot analysis indicated the human testis-specific expression of CV antigen. The coding region of CV cDNA was subcloned into pET22b(+) vector and expressed. The expressed recombinant (r)CV protein had a molecular size of approximately 44 kD, and it specifically reacted with the ZP3 component of HZP. Rabbit rCV antibodies recognized the rCV, and a cognate antigen of approximately 64 kD in the human sperm extract. The antibodies showed binding with the live and methanol-fixed human sperm, and significantly (P < 0.001) inhibited human sperm penetration of zona-free hamster oocytes, as well as human sperm binding to human oocyte zona pellucida. These findings indicate that the testis/sperm- specific CV antigen has a role in human sperm function and may find clinical applications in the contraceptive vaccine development and in the specific diagnosis and treatment of male infertility.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Antibodies/immunology
- Antigens, Surface/chemistry
- Antigens, Surface/genetics
- Antigens, Surface/immunology
- Antigens, Surface/metabolism
- Base Sequence
- Blotting, Western
- Cloning, Molecular
- Contraception, Immunologic/methods
- DNA, Complementary/genetics
- Female
- Gene Expression Profiling
- Humans
- Infertility/immunology
- Infertility/therapy
- Male
- Microscopy, Fluorescence
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Molecular Weight
- Organ Specificity
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Recombinant Proteins/chemistry
- Recombinant Proteins/immunology
- Recombinant Proteins/metabolism
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Testis/metabolism
- Vaccines, Contraceptive/genetics
- Zona Pellucida/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- R K Naz
- Division of Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Ohio, Toledo, Ohio 43614-5806, USA.
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17
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Flesch FM, Wijnand E, van de Lest CH, Colenbrander B, van Golde LM, Gadella BM. Capacitation dependent activation of tyrosine phosphorylation generates two sperm head plasma membrane proteins with high primary binding affinity for the zona pellucida. Mol Reprod Dev 2001; 60:107-15. [PMID: 11550274 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.1067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The recognition and binding of sperm cells to the zona pellucida (the extracellular matrix of the oocyte) are essential for fertilization and are believed to be species specific. Freshly ejaculated sperm cells do not bind to the zona pellucida. Physiologically this interaction is initiated after sperm activation in the female genital tract (capacitation) via a yet unknown mechanism, resulting in the binding of a receptor in the apical sperm plasma membrane to the zona pellucida. In order to mimic this biochemically, we isolated zona pellucida fragments from gilt ovaries to prepare an affinity column with the intact zona pellucida structure and loaded this column with solubilized apical plasma membranes of boar sperm cells before and after in vitro capacitation. With this technique we demonstrated that two plasma membrane proteins of capacitated boar sperm cells showed high affinity for zona pellucida fragments. Further analysis showed that these proteins were tyrosine phosphorylated. Plasma membrane proteins from freshly ejaculated sperm cells did not exhibit any zona pellucida binding proteins, likely because these proteins were not tyrosine phosphorylated.
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Affiliation(s)
- F M Flesch
- Institute of Biomembranes, Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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18
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Rattanachaiyanont M, Weerachatyanukul W, Léveillé MC, Taylor T, D'Amours D, Rivers D, Leader A, Tanphaichitr N. Anti-SLIP1-reactive proteins exist on human spermatozoa and are involved in zona pellucida binding. Mol Hum Reprod 2001; 7:633-40. [PMID: 11420386 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/7.7.633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sulpholipid immobilizing protein 1 (SLIP1) is an evolutionarily conserved 68 kDa plasma membrane protein, present selectively in germ cells. We have previously shown that mouse sperm SLIP1 is involved in sperm-zona pellucida (ZP) binding. In this report, we extended our study to the human system. Immunoblotting demonstrated that anti-SLIP1-reactive proteins (mol. wt 68 and 48 kDa) could be extracted from human spermatozoa by an ATP-containing solution, a result that is consistent with observations in other species. Direct immunofluorescence, using Cy3-conjugated anti-SLIP1 IgG, revealed SLIP1 staining over the acrosomal region, with higher intensity at the posterior area. Using the human sperm-ZP binding assay, we demonstrated that pretreatment of human spermatozoa from three donors with anti-SLIP1 IgG revealed lower numbers of zona-bound spermatozoa, as compared to the corresponding control spermatozoa treated with normal rabbit serum IgG. This decrease in zona pellucida binding was not from an antibody-induced decline in sperm motility or an increase in the premature acrosome reaction. The results strongly suggest that anti-SLIP-reactive proteins on human spermatozoa play an important role in ZP binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Rattanachaiyanont
- Hormones/Growth/Development Research Group, Loeb Health Research Institute, Ottawa Hospital-Civic Campus, University of Ottawa, 1053 Carling Ave., Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 4E9, Canada
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19
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Flesch FM, Gadella BM. Dynamics of the mammalian sperm plasma membrane in the process of fertilization. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 2000; 1469:197-235. [PMID: 11063883 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-4157(00)00018-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 350] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Sexual reproduction requires the fusion of sperm cell and oocyte during fertilization to produce the diploid zygote. In mammals complex changes in the plasma membrane of the sperm cell are involved in this process. Sperm cells have unusual membranes compared to those of somatic cells. After leaving the testes, sperm cells cease plasma membrane lipid and protein synthesis, and vesicle mediated transport. Biophysical studies reveal that lipids and proteins are organized into lateral regions of the sperm head surface. A delicate reorientation and modification of plasma membrane molecules take place in the female tract when sperm cells are activated by so-called capacitation factors. These surface changes enable the sperm cell to bind to the extra cellular matrix of the egg (zona pellucida, ZP). The ZP primes the sperm cell to initiate the acrosome reaction, which is an exocytotic process that makes available the enzymatic machinery required for sperm penetration through the ZP. After complete penetration the sperm cell meets the plasma membrane of the egg cell (oolemma). A specific set of molecules is involved in a disintegrin-integrin type of anchoring of the two gametes which is completed by fusion of the two gamete plasma membranes. The fertilized egg is activated and zygote formation preludes the development of a new living organism. In this review we focus on the involvement of processes that occur at the sperm plasma membrane in the sequence of events that lead to successful fertilization. For this purpose, dynamics in adhesive and fusion properties, molecular composition and architecture of the sperm plasma membrane, as well as membrane derived signalling are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- F M Flesch
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, and Department of Farm Animal Health, Graduate School of Animal Health and Institute for Biomembranes, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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20
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Naz RK, Zhu X, Kadam AL. Identification of human sperm peptide sequence involved in egg binding for immunocontraception. Biol Reprod 2000; 62:318-24. [PMID: 10642568 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod62.2.318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Development of a vaccine based on sperm antigens represents a promising approach to contraception. The sperm-zona pellucida (ZP) interaction constitutes the most important event in the fertilization process, and the molecular sequences involved at this site may provide the most attractive candidates for immunocontraception. In the present study, using the phase peptide display technique, a novel dodecamer sequence, designated as YLP(12), was identified that is involved in sperm-ZP recognition/binding. The synthetic 12-mer peptide based on this sequence and its monovalent Fab' antibodies specifically and significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited human sperm-ZP binding. In Western blot and immunoprecipitation procedures, the YLP(12) peptide recognized the ZP3 component of solubilized human ZP proteins. In the Western blot procedure involving 10 different human tissue extracts, the anti-YLP(12) Fab' antibodies recognized a protein band of approximately 72 +/- 2 kDa only in the testis lane. The peptide sequence was localized on the acrosomal region of the human sperm cell. These findings indicate that the novel testis-specific 12-mer YLP(12) that is present in the acrosomal region and is involved in human sperm-ZP interaction may find applications in contraceptive vaccine development, as well as in diagnosis and treatment of male infertility mediated through sperm dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- R K Naz
- Division of Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Ohio, Toledo, Ohio 43614, USA.
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21
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Abstract
Development of a vaccine(s) based on sperm antigens represents a promising approach to contraception. The utility of a sperm antigen in immunocontraception is contingent upon its tissue specificity, involvement in fertility and on raising high antibody titer, especially locally in the genital tract, that is capable of inducing reversible infertility. Several sperm antigens, such as lactate dehydrogenase C4, PH-20, sperm protein (SP)-10, fertilization antigen (FA)-1, FA-2, cleavage signal (CS)-1, NZ-1, and NZ-2 have been proposed as potential candidates for the vaccine development. Spermzona pellucida (ZP) binding is a pivotal tissue- and mostly species-specific event in the fertilization process, and the molecules involved in this site constitute the most exciting candidates for immuno-contraception. FA-1 is a sperm-specific glycoprotein having receptor activity for ZP recognition and binding. Complementary DNA encoding for FA-1 antigen has been cloned and sequenced. Active immunization of animals with recombinant FA-1 antigen causes a long-lasting reversible inhibition in fertility by raising a sperm-specific immune response. This antigen is also involved in human immunoinfertility. The exciting findings from the recent trial in immunoinfertile couples indicate that the FA-1 antigen may have clinical application in the treatment of male infertility. A vaccine having most appropriate tissue-specific and effective recombinant and/or synthetic epitopes of various sperm antigens, such as the FA-1 antigen, in a single formulation may provide a highly immunogenic and efficacious antisperm vaccine for contraception. The advances made during the last 5 years suggest that it may be a realistic proposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- R K Naz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Ohio, Toledo 43614-5806, USA.
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22
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Abstract
The involvement of serine and threonine phosphorylation in human sperm capacitation was investigated. Anti-phosphoserine monoclonal antibody (mAb) recognized six protein bands in the 43-55-kDa, 94 +/- 2-kDa, 110-kDa, and 190-kDa molecular regions, in addition to a faint band each in the 18-kDa and 35-kDa regions. Anti-phosphothreonine mAb recognized protein bands in six similar regions, except that the 18-kDa, 35-kDa, and 94 +/- 2-kDa protein bands were sharper and thicker, and an additional band was observed in the 110-kDa molecular region. In the 43-55-kDa molecular region, there was a well-characterized glycoprotein, designated fertilization antigen, that showed a further increase in serine/threonine phosphorylation after exposure to solubilized human zona pellucida. In a cell-free in vitro kinase assay carried out on beads or in solution, four to eight proteins belonging to similar molecular regions, namely 20 +/- 2 kDa, 43-55 kDa, 94 +/- 2 kDa, and 110 +/- 10 kDa, as well as in 80 +/- 4 and 210 +/- 10 kDa regions, were phosphorylated at dual residues (serine/tyrosine and threonine/tyrosine). Capacitation increased the intensity of serine/threonine phosphorylation per sperm cell, increased the number of sperm cells that were phosphorylated, and induced a subcellular shift in the serine/threonine-specific fluorescence. These findings indicate that protein serine/threonine phosphorylation is involved and may have a physiological role in sperm capacitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- R K Naz
- Division of Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Ohio, Toledo, Ohio 43614, USA.
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23
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Menge AC, Christman GM, Ohl DA, Naz RK. Fertilization antigen-1 removes antisperm autoantibodies from spermatozoa of infertile men and results in increased rates of acrosome reaction. Fertil Steril 1999; 71:256-60. [PMID: 9988394 DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(98)00468-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine if fertilization antigen (FA)-1 will remove autoantibodies from the surface of sperm cells of immunoinfertile men by immune adsorption and permit an increased acrosome reaction (AR). DESIGN Prospective analytic study. SETTING University medical center. PATIENT(S) Men from 18 infertile couples with autoantibodies present on their spermatozoa. INTERVENTION(S) Sperm samples after processing were examined for antibody binding and AR before and after adsorption with control medium or FA-1. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Sperm-bound antibody was assessed by the immunobead assay (immunoglobulin [Ig] A and IgG) and the AR by induction with ionophore A23187. RESULT(S) Adsorption with FA-1 compared with control medium increased immunobead-free swimming sperm an average of 50% and 76% for IgA and IgG antisperm antibodies, respectively, with 78% and 100% of the 18 semen specimens increasing significantly. The AR rate increased an average of 10.3% compared with control medium and showed improvement in 78% of the sperm samples after FA-1 adsorption. CONCLUSION(S) The FA-1 sperm antigen appears to significantly free sperm cells coated with autoantibodies in the semen of most infertile men examined. Reducing sperm-bound antibodies that inhibited the AR allowed the sperm cells to undergo successful AR induction by calcium ionophore.
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Affiliation(s)
- A C Menge
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor 48109-0272, USA.
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24
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Naz RK, Zhu X. Recombinant fertilization antigen-1 causes a contraceptive effect in actively immunized mice. Biol Reprod 1998; 59:1095-100. [PMID: 9780314 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod59.5.1095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Recombinant (r) fertilization antigen (FA)-1 was investigated for its immunocontraceptive effect using the mouse as a model. Active immunization with the murine rFA-1 antigen raised high antibody titers in all the immunized mice (n = 16 in two trials); these titers were long lasting and reached preimmunization levels by the 255th day. There was a significant (p < 0.0001) effect (64% reduction in trial I and 70% reduction in trial II) in fertility of immunized animals compared to PBS-control animals (n = 22 in two trials). The effect on fertility was reversible. When the antibody titers declined to control levels, all the animals conceived and delivered healthy babies without a significant (p > 0.05) effect on the litter size compared to that of controls. There was a significant (p = 0.025) correlation (r = 0.76) between the reduction in fertility and the circulating rFA-1 antibody titers. Anti-rFA-1 antibodies from immunized mice, and not the immunoglobulins from the PBS-control mice, significantly (p < 0.001) blocked murine sperm binding to zona pellucida and in vitro fertilization of murine oocytes. In a Western blot procedure, the anti-rFA-1 antibodies specifically recognized the protein band of approximately 47 kDa (dimeric form of cognate FA-1 antigen) only in the protein extract of testes and not in the extracts of somatic tissues tested, namely kidney, liver, intestine, spleen, muscle, heart, lung, brain, and ovary. In conclusion, our data indicate that active immunization with rFA-1 antigen induces a strong and sperm/testis-specific antibody response that causes a reversible inhibition of fertility by affecting sperm-zona binding and the fertilization process. These findings suggest that rFA-1 antigen is an exciting candidate for the development of a contraceptive vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- R K Naz
- Division of Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Ohio, Toledo, Ohio 43614, USA. rnaz@gemini/mco.edu
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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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26
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Zhu X, Naz RK. Fertilization antigen-1: cDNA cloning, testis-specific expression, and immunocontraceptive effects. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1997; 94:4704-9. [PMID: 9114055 PMCID: PMC20788 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.94.9.4704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/1996] [Accepted: 02/25/1997] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
cDNA encoding for a sperm antigen, designated fertilization antigen (FA-1), was cloned and sequenced from murine testis cDNA-lambdagt11 expression library using FA-1 mAb. Computer-generated translation analysis of 649-bp cDNA yielded an ORF of 164 amino acids with the first ATG Met start codon at nucleotide 81 and the stop codon TAA at nucleotide 577 and a polyadenylylation tail following the stop codon. The translated protein has a calculated molecular mass of 18.2 kDa and a potential N-linked glycosylation site at amino acids 158-160, besides at least two O-linked glycosylation sites. The hydropathy plot generated from the deduced amino acid sequence indicated it to be a membrane-anchored peptide. Extensive computer search in the GenBank, National Biomedical Research Foundation, and Swiss sequence banks did not identify any known nucleotide/amino acid sequence having homology with FA-1 cDNA or deduced amino acids, indicating it to be a novel protein. Northern blot analysis and reverse transcription-PCR indicated testis-specific expression of FA-1 antigen. The FA-1 cDNA was subcloned into pGEX-2T vector and expressed in glutathione S-transferase gene fusion system to obtain the recombinant protein. The recombinant protein specifically reacted with ZP3 of oocyte zona pellucida and its affinity-purified antibodies completely blocked sperm-zona pellucida interaction in mice. These findings suggest that the sperm-specific recombinant FA-1 antigen is an attractive candidate for the development of a contraceptive vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Zhu
- Division of Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Ohio, Toledo, OH 43699, USA
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27
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Naz RK. Protein tyrosine phosphorylation and signal transduction during capacitation-acrosome reaction and zona pellucida binding in human sperm. ARCHIVES OF ANDROLOGY 1996; 37:47-55. [PMID: 8827347 DOI: 10.3109/01485019608988501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
During capacitation and acrosome reaction of human sperm, 7-14 proteins are phosphorylated, and two of these proteins (95 and 51 kD) are phosphorylated at tyrosine resides. The sperm proteins that bind ZP3 in humans have molecular identities of 95, 63, 51 (FA-1 antigen), and 14-18 kD, respectively. Three of these molecules, 95-, 51-, and 14-18-kD proteins, undergo tyrosine phosphorylation, and 51 kD (FA-1 antigen) also undergoes autophosphorylation. Many of the sperm proteins that participate in ZP binding are also involved in capacitation/acrosome reaction. These findings indicate a vital role of protein tyrosine phosphorylation and tyrosine receptor kinases in sperm capacitation, acrosome reaction, and ZP binding. Since tyrosine phosphorylation is the primary, or even exclusive, indication of signal transduction, it would appear that a signal transduction pathway is involved in these processes. However, the exact mechanism requires further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- R K Naz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10641, USA
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