1
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Sundaram MV, Pujol N. The Caenorhabditis elegans cuticle and precuticle: a model for studying dynamic apical extracellular matrices in vivo. Genetics 2024:iyae072. [PMID: 38995735 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyae072] [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: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Apical extracellular matrices (aECMs) coat the exposed surfaces of animal bodies to shape tissues, influence social interactions, and protect against pathogens and other environmental challenges. In the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, collagenous cuticle and zona pellucida protein-rich precuticle aECMs alternately coat external epithelia across the molt cycle and play many important roles in the worm's development, behavior, and physiology. Both these types of aECMs contain many matrix proteins related to those in vertebrates, as well as some that are nematode-specific. Extensive differences observed among tissues and life stages demonstrate that aECMs are a major feature of epithelial cell identity. In addition to forming discrete layers, some cuticle components assemble into complex substructures such as ridges, furrows, and nanoscale pillars. The epidermis and cuticle are mechanically linked, allowing the epidermis to sense cuticle damage and induce protective innate immune and stress responses. The C. elegans model, with its optical transparency, facilitates the study of aECM cell biology and structure/function relationships and all the myriad ways by which aECM can influence an organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meera V Sundaram
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Nathalie Pujol
- Aix Marseille University, INSERM, CNRS, CIML, Turing Centre for Living Systems, 13009 Marseille, France
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2
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Zhang X, Shi S, Wan Y, Song W, Jin H, Sun Y. Single-cell RNA sequencing of human oocytes reveals a differential transcriptomic profile associated with agar-like zona pellucida. J Ovarian Res 2024; 17:132. [PMID: 38926883 PMCID: PMC11200816 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-024-01463-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Agar-like zona pellucida (ZP) is the most common type of abnormal ZP, and is one of the causes of low fertility or infertility. However, the molecular mechanism of agar-like ZP is unclear. Single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis was used to assess the cellular and molecular landscape of oocytes with agar-like ZP. METHODS Human metaphase I (MI) oocytes were collected from four patients with agar-like ZP and four healthy donors. Total RNA was isolated, cDNA was synthesized, and libraries were generated and subsequently sequenced on a HiSeq 2500 instrument. The scRNA-seq data were analyzed with R software. RESULTS We identified 1320 genes that were differentially expressed between agar-like ZP oocytes and healthy donor oocytes. Gene Ontology term enrichment results showed that the genes downregulated in agar-like ZP oocytes were significantly related to extracellular matrix organization, while the genes upregulated in agar-like ZP oocytes were significantly related to the regulation of response to DNA damage stimulus. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment results showed that genes were enriched in the ECM-receptor interaction pathway and focal adhesion pathway. Other signaling pathways important in oocyte development were also enriched, such as PI3K-Akt. Differential expression analysis identified UBC, TLR4, RELA, ANXA5, CAV1, KPNA2, CCNA2, ACTA2, FYN and ITGB3 as genetic markers of oocytes with agar-like ZP. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that agar-like ZP oocytes exhibit significant downregulation of genes involved in the ECM-receptor interaction signaling pathway and focal adhesion pathway, which could lead to aberrant ZP formation, while the upregulated genes were significantly related to regulation of the response to DNA damage stimulus. Agar-like ZP formation may interfere with the normal exchange of signals between oocytes and perivitelline granulosa cells, thereby preventing cumulus cells from participating in oocyte DNA damage repair and causing MI arrest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyang Zhang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Henan Province Key Laboratory for Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Senlin Shi
- Reproductive Medical Center, Henan Province Key Laboratory for Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Wan
- Reproductive Medical Center, Henan Province Key Laboratory for Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenyan Song
- Reproductive Medical Center, Henan Province Key Laboratory for Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Haixia Jin
- Reproductive Medical Center, Henan Province Key Laboratory for Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingpu Sun
- Reproductive Medical Center, Henan Province Key Laboratory for Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, People's Republic of China
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3
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Nishio S, Emori C, Wiseman B, Fahrenkamp D, Dioguardi E, Zamora-Caballero S, Bokhove M, Han L, Stsiapanava A, Algarra B, Lu Y, Kodani M, Bainbridge RE, Komondor KM, Carlson AE, Landreh M, de Sanctis D, Yasumasu S, Ikawa M, Jovine L. ZP2 cleavage blocks polyspermy by modulating the architecture of the egg coat. Cell 2024; 187:1440-1459.e24. [PMID: 38490181 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.02.013] [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: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Following the fertilization of an egg by a single sperm, the egg coat or zona pellucida (ZP) hardens and polyspermy is irreversibly blocked. These events are associated with the cleavage of the N-terminal region (NTR) of glycoprotein ZP2, a major subunit of ZP filaments. ZP2 processing is thought to inactivate sperm binding to the ZP, but its molecular consequences and connection with ZP hardening are unknown. Biochemical and structural studies show that cleavage of ZP2 triggers its oligomerization. Moreover, the structure of a native vertebrate egg coat filament, combined with AlphaFold predictions of human ZP polymers, reveals that two protofilaments consisting of type I (ZP3) and type II (ZP1/ZP2/ZP4) components interlock into a left-handed double helix from which the NTRs of type II subunits protrude. Together, these data suggest that oligomerization of cleaved ZP2 NTRs extensively cross-links ZP filaments, rigidifying the egg coat and making it physically impenetrable to sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunsuke Nishio
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Chihiro Emori
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan; Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Benjamin Wiseman
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Dirk Fahrenkamp
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Elisa Dioguardi
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | | | - Marcel Bokhove
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Ling Han
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Alena Stsiapanava
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Blanca Algarra
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Yonggang Lu
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan; Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Mayo Kodani
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan; Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Rachel E Bainbridge
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kayla M Komondor
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Anne E Carlson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Michael Landreh
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, 75124 Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Shigeki Yasumasu
- Department of Materials and Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Sophia University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan; Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan; Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan; Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research (CiDER), Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Luca Jovine
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden.
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Ghosh N, Treisman JE. Apical cell expansion maintained by Dusky-like establishes a scaffold for corneal lens morphogenesis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.17.575959. [PMID: 38293108 PMCID: PMC10827211 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.17.575959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
The biconvex shape of the Drosophila corneal lens, which enables it to focus light onto the retina, arises by organized assembly of chitin and other apical extracellular matrix components. We show here that the Zona Pellucida domain-containing protein Dusky-like is essential for normal corneal lens morphogenesis. Dusky-like transiently localizes to the expanded apical surfaces of the corneal lens-secreting cells, and in its absence, these cells undergo apical constriction and apicobasal contraction. Dusky-like also controls the arrangement of two other Zona Pellucida-domain proteins, Dumpy and Piopio, external to the developing corneal lens. Loss of either dusky-like or dumpy delays chitin accumulation and disrupts the outer surface of the corneal lens. Artificially inducing apical constriction with constitutively active Myosin light chain kinase is sufficient to similarly alter chitin deposition and corneal lens morphology. These results demonstrate the importance of cell shape for the morphogenesis of overlying apical extracellular matrix structures.
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Matassa R, Gatti M, Crociati M, Brunelli R, Battaglione E, Papi M, De Spirito M, Nottola SA, Familiari G. Self-assembly of glycoprotein nanostructured filaments for modulating extracellular networks at long range. NANOSCALE 2023; 15:17972-17986. [PMID: 37905731 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr02644b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
The intriguing capability of branched glycoprotein filaments to change their hierarchical organization, mediated by external biophysical stimuli, continues to expand understanding of self-assembling strategies that can dynamically rearrange networks at long range. Previous research has explored the corresponding biological, physiological and genetic mechanisms, focusing on protein assemblies within a limited range of nanometric units. Using direct microscopy bio-imaging, we have determined the morpho-structural changes of self-assembled filament networks of the zona pellucida, revealing controlled levels of structured organizations to join distinct evolved stages of the oocyte (Immature, Mature, and Fertilized). This natural soft network reorganizes its corresponding hierarchical network to generate symmetric, asymmetric, and ultimately a state with the lowest asymmetry of the outer surface roughness, and internal pores reversibly changed from elliptical to circular configurations at the corresponding stages. These elusive morpho-structural changes are regulated by the nanostructured polymorphisms of the branched filaments by self-extension/-contraction/-bending processes, modulated by determinate theoretical angles among repetitive filament units. Controlling the nanoscale self-assembling properties by delivering a minimum number of activation bio-signals may be triggered by these specific nanostructured polymorphic organizations. Finally, this research aims to guide this soft biomaterial into a desired state to protect oocytes, eggs, and embryos during development, to favour/prevent the fertilization/polyspermy processes and eventually to impact interactions with bacteria/virus at multiscale levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Matassa
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Section of Human Anatomy, Sapienza University of Rome, Via A. Borelli 50, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Marta Gatti
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Section of Human Anatomy, Sapienza University of Rome, Via A. Borelli 50, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Martina Crociati
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo, 4, Perugia, 06126, Italy
- Centre for Perinatal and Reproductive Medicine, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy
| | - Roberto Brunelli
- Department of Gynecological-Obstetric and Urologic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Ezio Battaglione
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Section of Human Anatomy, Sapienza University of Rome, Via A. Borelli 50, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Massimiliano Papi
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCSS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco De Spirito
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCSS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Annarita Nottola
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Section of Human Anatomy, Sapienza University of Rome, Via A. Borelli 50, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Familiari
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Section of Human Anatomy, Sapienza University of Rome, Via A. Borelli 50, 00161, Rome, Italy.
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Liu SL, Zuo HY, Zhao BW, Guo JN, Liu WB, Lei WL, Li YY, Ouyang YC, Hou Y, Han ZM, Wang WZ, Sun QY, Wang ZB. A heterozygous ZP2 mutation causes zona pellucida defects and female infertility in mouse and human. iScience 2023; 26:107828. [PMID: 37736051 PMCID: PMC10509300 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The zona pellucida (ZP) is an extracellular glycoprotein matrix surrounding mammalian oocytes. Recently, numerous mutations in genes encoding ZP proteins have been shown to be possibly related to oocyte abnormality and female infertility; few reports have confirmed the functions of these mutations in living animal models. Here, we identified a novel heterozygous missense mutation (NM_001376231.1:c.1616C>T, p.Thr539Met) in ZP2 from a primary infertile female. We showed that the mutation reduced ZP2 expression and impeded ZP2 secretion in cell lines. Furthermore, we constructed the mouse model with the mutation (Zp2T541M) using CRISPR-Cas9. Zp2WT/T541M female mice had normal fertility though generated oocytes with the thin ZP, whereas Zp2T541M female mice were completely infertile due to degeneration of oocytes without ZP. Additionally, ZP deletion impaired folliculogenesis and caused female infertility in Zp2T541M mice. Our study not only expands the spectrum of ZP2 mutation sites but also, more importantly, increases the understanding of pathogenic mechanisms of ZP2 mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai-Li Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Hai-Yang Zuo
- The Six Medical Center of Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Bing-Wang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Jia-Ni Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Wen-Bo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Wen-Long Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Ying-Chun Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yi Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Zhi-Ming Han
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Wei-Zhou Wang
- The Six Medical Center of Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Qing-Yuan Sun
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases and Reproductive Health, Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou 510317, China
| | - Zhen-Bo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
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7
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Santos ATD, Kumar S, Albuquerque JVDS, Arcce IML, Chaves OA, Cruz GS, Carretero VJ, Melo LM, Chaves MS, Guijo JMH, Freitas VJDF, Rádis-Baptista G. The anti-infective crotalicidin peptide analog RhoB-Ctn[1-9] is harmless to bovine oocytes and able to induce parthenogenesis in vitro. Toxicon 2023; 234:107274. [PMID: 37657514 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107274] [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: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Crotalicidin is a cathelicidin-related anti-infective (antimicrobial) peptide expressed in the venom glands of the South American rattlesnake Crotalus durissus terrificus. Congener peptides of crotalicidin, named vipericidins, are found in other pit vipers inhabiting South America. Crotalicidin is active against bacteria and pathogenic yeasts and has anti-proliferative activity for some cancer cells. The structural dissection of crotalicidin produced fragments (e.g., Ctn [15-34]) with multiple biological functionalities that mimic the native peptide. Another structural characteristic of crotalidicin and congeners is a unique repetitive stretch of amino acid sequences in tandem embedded in their primary structures. One of the encrypted vipericidn peptides (Ctn [1-9]) was synthesized, and the analog covalently conjugated with rhodamine B (RhoB-Ctn [1-9]) displayed considerable antimicrobial activity and selective cytotoxicity. Methods to evaluate antimicrobial peptides' toxicity include lysis of red blood cells (hemolysis) in vitro and cytotoxicity of healthy cultured cells (e.g., fibroblasts). Here, as a non-conventional model of toxicity, the bovine oocytes were exposed to two standardized concentrations of RhoB-Ctn [1-9], and embryo viability and development at its first stage of cleavage (division of cells) and blastocyst formation were evaluated. Oocytes treated with peptide at 10 and 40 μM induced cleavage rates of 44.94% and 51.53%, resulting in the formation of blastocysts of 7.07% and 11.73%, respectively. Light sheet microscopy and in silico prediction analysis indicated that RhoB-Ctn [1-9] peptide interacts with zona pellucida and internalizes into bovine oocytes and developing embryos. The ADMET prediction estimated good bioavailability of RhoB-Ctn [1-9]. In conclusion, the peptide appeared harmless to bovine oocytes and, remarkably, activated the parthenogenesis in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariane Teixeira Dos Santos
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Dentistry, And Nursing, Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil; Department of Pharmacology and Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Instituto Teófilo Hernando, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain
| | - Satish Kumar
- Laboratory of Physiology and Control of Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary, State University of Ceará (UECE), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - João Victor da Silva Albuquerque
- Laboratory of Physiology and Control of Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary, State University of Ceará (UECE), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Irving Mitchell Laines Arcce
- Laboratory of Physiology and Control of Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary, State University of Ceará (UECE), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Otávio Augusto Chaves
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, 21040-360, RJ, Brazil; CQC-IMS, Departament of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga S/n, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Gabriela Silva Cruz
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Dentistry, And Nursing, Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Victoria Jimenez Carretero
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Instituto Teófilo Hernando, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain
| | - Luciana Magalhães Melo
- Molecular Genetics Research Unit, University Center Fametro (UNIFAMETRO), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Maiana Silva Chaves
- Laboratory of Physiology and Control of Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary, State University of Ceará (UECE), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Jesus Miguel Hernandez Guijo
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Instituto Teófilo Hernando, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Gandhi Rádis-Baptista
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute for Marine Sciences, Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.
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8
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Birnbaum SK, Cohen JD, Belfi A, Murray JI, Adams JRG, Chisholm AD, Sundaram MV. The proprotein convertase BLI-4 promotes collagen secretion prior to assembly of the Caenorhabditis elegans cuticle. PLoS Genet 2023; 19:e1010944. [PMID: 37721936 PMCID: PMC10538796 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Some types of collagens, including transmembrane MACIT collagens and C. elegans cuticle collagens, are N-terminally cleaved at a dibasic site that resembles the consensus for furin or other proprotein convertases of the subtilisin/kexin (PCSK) family. Such cleavage may release transmembrane collagens from the plasma membrane and affect extracellular matrix assembly or structure. However, the functional consequences of such cleavage are unclear and evidence for the role of specific PCSKs is lacking. Here, we used endogenous collagen fusions to fluorescent proteins to visualize the secretion and assembly of the first collagen-based cuticle in C. elegans and then tested the role of the PCSK BLI-4 in these processes. Unexpectedly, we found that cuticle collagens SQT-3 and DPY-17 are secreted into the extraembryonic space several hours before cuticle matrix assembly. Furthermore, this early secretion depends on BLI-4/PCSK; in bli-4 and cleavage-site mutants, SQT-3 and DPY-17 are not efficiently secreted and instead form large intracellular puncta. Their later assembly into cuticle matrix is reduced but not entirely blocked. These data reveal a role for collagen N-terminal processing in intracellular trafficking and the control of matrix assembly in vivo. Our observations also prompt a revision of the classic model for C. elegans cuticle matrix assembly and the pre-cuticle-to-cuticle transition, suggesting that cuticle layer assembly proceeds via a series of regulated steps and not simply by sequential secretion and deposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna K. Birnbaum
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Jennifer D. Cohen
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Alexandra Belfi
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - John I. Murray
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Jennifer R. G. Adams
- Departments of Neurobiology and Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Andrew D. Chisholm
- Departments of Neurobiology and Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Meera V. Sundaram
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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9
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Birnbaum SK, Cohen JD, Belfi A, Murray JI, Adams JRG, Chisholm AD, Sundaram MV. The proprotein convertase BLI-4 promotes collagen secretion during assembly of the Caenorhabditis elegans cuticle. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.06.542650. [PMID: 37333289 PMCID: PMC10274747 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.06.542650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Some types of collagens, including transmembrane MACIT collagens and C. elegans cuticle collagens, are N-terminally cleaved at a dibasic site that resembles the consensus for furin or other proprotein convertases of the subtilisin/kexin (PCSK) family. Such cleavage may release transmembrane collagens from the plasma membrane and affect extracellular matrix assembly or structure. However, the functional consequences of such cleavage are unclear and evidence for the role of specific PCSKs is lacking. Here, we used endogenous collagen fusions to fluorescent proteins to visualize the secretion and assembly of the first collagen-based cuticle in C. elegans and then tested the role of the PCSK BLI-4 in these processes. Unexpectedly, we found that cuticle collagens SQT-3 and DPY-17 are secreted into the extraembryonic space several hours before cuticle matrix assembly. Furthermore, this early secretion depends on BLI-4/PCSK; in bli-4 and cleavage-site mutants, SQT-3 and DPY-17 are not efficiently secreted and instead form large intracellular aggregates. Their later assembly into cuticle matrix is reduced but not entirely blocked. These data reveal a role for collagen N-terminal processing in intracellular trafficking and in the spatial and temporal restriction of matrix assembly in vivo . Our observations also prompt a revision of the classic model for C. elegans cuticle matrix assembly and the pre-cuticle-to-cuticle transition, suggesting that cuticle layer assembly proceeds via a series of regulated steps and not simply by sequential secretion and deposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna K Birnbaum
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia PA
| | - Jennifer D Cohen
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia PA
| | - Alexandra Belfi
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia PA
| | - John I Murray
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia PA
| | - Jennifer R G Adams
- Departments of Neurobiology and Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego CA
| | - Andrew D Chisholm
- Departments of Neurobiology and Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego CA
| | - Meera V Sundaram
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia PA
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Fu B, Wu D, Yasumasu S, Hane M, Sato C, Kitajima K. Critical Role of the Cortical Alveolus Protease Alveolin in Chorion Hardening In Vivo at Medaka Fertilization. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13010146. [PMID: 36671531 PMCID: PMC9855834 DOI: 10.3390/biom13010146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Alveolin is a cortical alveolus proteinase that is secreted in the perivitelline space (PVS) at fertilization to act on the chorion. Purified alveolin is known to induce chorion hardening in vitro by processing zona pellucida B (ZPB), a major chorion component. However, in vivo function of alveolin remains unclear; thus, in this study, the effects of alveolin efficiency (Alv-/-) at the organism level were investigated using the medaka, Oryzias latipes. The Alv-/- fertilized eggs were mechanically fragile; however, they developed normally and left offspring as long as they were carefully handled before hatching. A mechanical press test showed that the Alv-/- fertilized eggs were six times more fragile than the wild-type eggs. They were 35% larger owing to the enlarged PVS, 34% thinner, and permeable to even 10 kDa FITC-dextran. These results are consistent with the transmission electron microscopy observation that the periphery of the inner layers was highly porous in the Alv-/- chorion. In chorion hardening, the alveolin-mediated processing of ZPB and the transglutaminase (TGase)-mediated crosslinking of chorion components are the key steps. This study was the first to show that alveolin also processed TGase concomitantly with ZPB, which greatly facilitated the crosslinking. Thus, alveolin was concluded to be the primary trigger for chorion hardening in vivo. Furthermore, fertilization in a balanced salt solution could partially improve the impaired chorion hardening of the Alv-/- eggs fertilized in water, probably through an alveolin-independent mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Fu
- Bioscience and Biotechnology Center, Nagoya University, Chikusa, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Chikusa, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
| | - Di Wu
- Bioscience and Biotechnology Center, Nagoya University, Chikusa, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Chikusa, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
- Institute of Glyco-core Research, Nagoya University, Chikusa, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
| | - Shigeki Yasumasu
- Department of Materials and Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Sophia University, Tokyo 102-8554, Japan
| | - Masaya Hane
- Bioscience and Biotechnology Center, Nagoya University, Chikusa, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Chikusa, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
- Institute of Glyco-core Research, Nagoya University, Chikusa, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
| | - Chihiro Sato
- Bioscience and Biotechnology Center, Nagoya University, Chikusa, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Chikusa, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
- Institute of Glyco-core Research, Nagoya University, Chikusa, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
| | - Ken Kitajima
- Bioscience and Biotechnology Center, Nagoya University, Chikusa, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Chikusa, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
- Institute of Glyco-core Research, Nagoya University, Chikusa, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
- Correspondence:
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11
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Pujalte M, Camo M, Celton N, Attencourt C, Lefranc E, Jedraszak G, Scheffler F. A ZP1 gene mutation in a patient with empty follicle syndrome: A case report and literature review. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2023; 280:193-197. [PMID: 36529558 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2022.12.011] [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: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Genuine empty follicle syndrome (gEFS) is a rare cause of female infertility; it is defined as the presence of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) in follicular fluid but the absence of oocytes after denudation in an in vitro fertilization (IVF) programme. Mutations in one of the four genes encoding zona pellucida (ZP) proteins have been implicated in gEFS. The objectives of the present study were to explore the molecular basis of idiopathic infertility in a 35-year-old woman with gEFS (observed after four ovarian retrievals), compare her phenotype and genotype with those of other patients described in the literature, and discuss therapeutic approaches that could be adopted by reproductive health centres in this situation. Sequencing of the ZP genes revealed a new homozygous missense variant in ZP1: c.1097G > A;p.(Arg366Gln). The variant is located in the ZP-N domain, which is essential for ZP protein polymerization. An immunohistochemical assessment of an ovarian biopsy confirmed the absence of ZP1 protein. The novel variant appears to prevent ZP assembly, which would explain the absence of normal oocytes after denudation in our patient (and despite the retrieval of COCs). ZP gene sequencing should be considered for patients with a phenotype suggestive of gEFS. An etiological genetic diagnosis enables appropriate genetic counselling and a switch to an IVF programme (with a suitable denudation technique) or an oocyte donation programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde Pujalte
- Department of Constitutional Genetics, Amiens University Hospital, Amiens, France
| | - Maïté Camo
- Reproductive Medicine and Biology Department, CECOS of Picardy, Amiens University Hospital, Amiens, France
| | - Noémie Celton
- Department of Constitutional Genetics, Amiens University Hospital, Amiens, France
| | - Christophe Attencourt
- Department of Anatomy and Pathological Cytology, Amiens University Hospital, Amiens, France
| | - Elodie Lefranc
- Reproductive Medicine and Biology Department, CECOS of Picardy, Amiens University Hospital, Amiens, France
| | - Guillaume Jedraszak
- Department of Constitutional Genetics, Amiens University Hospital, Amiens, France; EMATIM UR4666, CURS, Jules Verne University of Picardy, Amiens, France
| | - Florence Scheffler
- Reproductive Medicine and Biology Department, CECOS of Picardy, Amiens University Hospital, Amiens, France; Peritox UMR_I 01, CURS, Jules Verne University of Picardy, Amiens, France.
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12
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Zhou J, Wang M, Yang Q, Li D, Li Z, Hu J, Jin L, Zhu L. Can successful pregnancy be achieved and predicted from patients with identified ZP mutations? A literature review. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2022; 20:166. [PMID: 36476320 PMCID: PMC9730648 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-022-01046-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In mammals, normal fertilization depends on the structural and functional integrity of the zona pellucida (ZP), which is an extracellular matrix surrounding oocytes. Mutations in ZP may affect oogenesis, fertilization and early embryonic development, which may cause female infertility. METHODS A PubMed literature search using the keywords 'zona pellucida', 'mutation' and 'variant' limited to humans was performed, with the last research on June 30, 2022. The mutation types, clinical phenotypes and pregnancy outcomes were summarized and analyzed. The naive Bayes classifier was used to predict clinical pregnancy outcomes for patients with ZP mutations. RESULTS A total of 29 publications were included in the final analysis. Sixty-nine mutations of the ZP genes were reported in 87 patients with different clinical phenotypes, including empty follicle syndrome (EFS), ZP-free oocytes (ZFO), ZP-thin oocytes (ZTO), degenerated and immature oocytes. The phenotypes of patients were influenced by the types and location of the mutations. The most common effects of ZP mutations are protein truncation and dysfunction. Three patients with ZP1 mutations, two with ZP2 mutations, and three with ZP4 mutations had successful pregnancies through Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) from ZFO or ZTO. A prediction model of pregnancy outcome in patients with ZP mutation was constructed to assess the chance of pregnancy with the area under the curve (AUC) of 0.898. The normalized confusion matrix showed the true positive rate was 1.00 and the true negative rate was 0.38. CONCLUSION Phenotypes in patients with ZP mutations might be associated with mutation sites or the degree of protein dysfunction. Successful pregnancy outcomes could be achieved in some patients with identified ZP mutations. Clinical pregnancy prediction model based on ZP mutations and clinical characteristics will be helpful to precisely evaluate pregnancy chance and provide references and guidance for the clinical treatment of relevant patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juepu Zhou
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095, Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030 China
| | - Meng Wang
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095, Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030 China
| | - Qiyu Yang
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095, Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030 China
| | - Dan Li
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095, Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030 China
| | - Zhou Li
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095, Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030 China
| | - Juan Hu
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095, Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030 China
| | - Lei Jin
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095, Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030 China
| | - Lixia Zhu
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095, Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030 China
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13
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Knepper MI, Dernedde J. Zona Pellucida like Domain Protein 1 (ZPLD1) Polymerization Is Regulated by Two Distinguished Hydrophobic Motifs. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232213894. [PMID: 36430381 PMCID: PMC9692296 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232213894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Zona Pellucida Like Domain 1 Protein (ZPLD1) is a main component of the cupula, a gelatinous structure located in the labyrinth organ of the inner ear and involved in vestibular function. The N-glycosylated protein is likely able to organize high-molecular-weight polymers via its zona pellucida (ZP) module, which is common for many extracellular proteins that self-assemble into matrices. In this work, we confirmed that ZPLD1 can form multimers while setting up a cellular model leveraging Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells to study protein polymerization. We identified two motifs within ZPLD1 which regulate its polymerization and follow previously published conserved regions, identified across ZP proteins. Mutational depletion of either one of these modules led to diminished or abnormal polymer formation outside of the cells, likely due to altered processing at the plasma membrane. Further, intracellular polymer formation was observed. Proteolytic cleavage during secretion, separating the regulatory motif located distinct of the ZP module from the mature monomer, seems to be necessary to enable polymerization. While the molecular interactions of the identified motifs remain to be proven, our findings suggest that ZPLD1 is a polymer forming ZP protein following an orchestrated mechanism of protein polymerization to finally build up a gelatinous hydrogel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Isabell Knepper
- Institut für Chemie und Biochemie, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany
- Institut für Laboratoriumsmedizin, Klinische Chemie und Pathobiochemie, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jens Dernedde
- Institut für Laboratoriumsmedizin, Klinische Chemie und Pathobiochemie, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-304-5056-9176
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14
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Hou M, Zhu L, Jiang J, Liu Z, Li Z, Jia W, Hu J, Zhou X, Zhang D, Luo Y, Peng X, Xi Q, Jin L, Zhang X. Novel Heterozygous Mutations in ZP2 Cause Abnormal Zona Pellucida and Female Infertility. Reprod Sci 2022; 29:3047-3054. [PMID: 35595959 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-00958-3] [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: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Zona pellucida (ZP) which is an extracellular matrix consisting of ZP1, ZP2, ZP3, and ZP4 plays a vital role in oocyte maturity, early embryonic development, and fertilization process. Any alterations of structure or function may lead to the abnormal formation of ZP and female infertility. Two novel heterozygous mutations c.1859G > A (p.Cys620Tyr) and c.1421 T > C (p.Leu474Pro) in ZP2 gene were recognized in three patients from two unrelated families with abnormal ZP and female infertility in this study. The expression constructs carrying wild-type ZP2 gene, c.1859G > A (p.Cys620Tyr) mutant ZP2 gene, and c.1421 T > C (p.Leu474Pro) mutant ZP2 gene were transfected into CHO cells respectively. There was a remarkable decrease in the expression of p.Cys620Tyr mutant protein with western blot. In addition, secretion of p.Leu474Pro mutant protein in the culture medium reduced markedly compared with that of wild-type ZP2 protein. Furthermore, co-immunoprecipitation showed that the p.Leu474Pro mutation affected the interaction between ZP2 and ZP3. Prediction of three-dimensional (3D) structure of the proteins showed that p.Cys620Tyr mutation altered the disulfide bond of ZP2 protein and may affect its function. These findings extend the ranges of mutations of ZP2 gene. Meanwhile, it will be helpful to the precise diagnosis of abnormal ZP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiqi Hou
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China
| | - Lixia Zhu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jinghang Jiang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Jingmen No. 2 People's Hospital, Jingmen, Hubei, China
| | - Zhenxing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China
| | - Zhou Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Weimin Jia
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China
| | - Juan Hu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiaopei Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China
| | - Dazhi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China
| | - Yalin Luo
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China
| | - Xuejie Peng
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China
| | - Qingsong Xi
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Lei Jin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xianqin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China.
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15
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Rivera AM, Wilburn DB, Swanson WJ. Domain Expansion and Functional Diversification in Vertebrate Reproductive Proteins. Mol Biol Evol 2022; 39:msac105. [PMID: 35587583 PMCID: PMC9154058 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msac105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The rapid evolution of fertilization proteins has generated remarkable diversity in molecular structure and function. Glycoproteins of vertebrate egg coats contain multiple zona pellucida (ZP)-N domains (1-6 copies) that facilitate multiple reproductive functions, including species-specific sperm recognition. In this report, we integrate phylogenetics and machine learning to investigate how ZP-N domains diversify in structure and function. The most C-terminal ZP-N domain of each paralog is associated with another domain type (ZP-C), which together form a "ZP module." All modular ZP-N domains are phylogenetically distinct from nonmodular or free ZP-N domains. Machine learning-based classification identifies eight residues that form a stabilizing network in modular ZP-N domains that is absent in free domains. Positive selection is identified in some free ZP-N domains. Our findings support that strong purifying selection has conserved an essential structural core in modular ZP-N domains, with the relaxation of this structural constraint allowing free N-terminal domains to functionally diversify.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto M. Rivera
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Damien B. Wilburn
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Willie J. Swanson
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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16
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Rivera AM, Swanson WJ. The Importance of Gene Duplication and Domain Repeat Expansion for the Function and Evolution of Fertilization Proteins. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:827454. [PMID: 35155436 PMCID: PMC8830517 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.827454] [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: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The process of gene duplication followed by gene loss or evolution of new functions has been studied extensively, yet the role gene duplication plays in the function and evolution of fertilization proteins is underappreciated. Gene duplication is observed in many fertilization protein families including Izumo, DCST, ZP, and the TFP superfamily. Molecules mediating fertilization are part of larger gene families expressed in a variety of tissues, but gene duplication followed by structural modifications has often facilitated their cooption into a fertilization function. Repeat expansions of functional domains within a gene also provide opportunities for the evolution of novel fertilization protein. ZP proteins with domain repeat expansions are linked to species-specificity in fertilization and TFP proteins that experienced domain duplications were coopted into a novel sperm function. This review outlines the importance of gene duplications and repeat domain expansions in the evolution of fertilization proteins.
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17
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Wassarman PM, Litscher ES. Female fertility and the zona pellucida. eLife 2022; 11:76106. [PMID: 35076396 PMCID: PMC8789258 DOI: 10.7554/elife.76106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Fertility in female mammals, including mice and humans, is dependent on the presence of a zona pellucida (ZP) around growing oocytes and unfertilized eggs. A ZP is required to stabilize contacts between oocyte microvilli and follicle cell projections that traverse the ZP to form gap junctions that support the health of growing oocytes and developing follicles. In the absence of a ZP, due to inactivation or mutation of genes encoding ZP proteins, there is a loss of contacts between growing oocytes and neighboring follicle cells and a concomitant reduction in the production of ovulated eggs that results in female infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul M Wassarman
- Department Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai One Gustave L. Levy Place
| | - Eveline S Litscher
- Department Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai One Gustave L. Levy Place
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18
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Dilimulati K, Orita M, Yonahara Y, Imai FL, Yonezawa N. Identification of Sperm-Binding Sites in the N-Terminal Domain of Bovine Egg Coat Glycoprotein ZP4. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23020762. [PMID: 35054946 PMCID: PMC8775842 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The species-selective interaction between sperm and egg at the beginning of mammalian fertilisation is partly mediated by a transparent envelope called the zona pellucida (ZP). The ZP is composed of three or four glycoproteins (ZP1-ZP4). The functions of the three proteins present in mice (ZP1-ZP3) have been extensively studied. However, the biological role of ZP4, which was found in all other mammals studied so far, has remained largely unknown. Previously, by developing a solid support assay system, we showed that ZP4 exhibits sperm-binding activity in bovines and the N-terminal domain of bovine ZP4 (bZP4 ZP-N1 domain) is a sperm-binding region. Here, we show that bovine sperm bind to the bZP4 ZP-N1 domain in a species-selective manner and that N-glycosylation is not required for sperm-binding activity. Moreover, we identified three sites involved in sperm binding (site I: from Gln-41 to Pro-46, site II: from Leu-65 to Ser-68 and site III: from Thr-108 to Ile-123) in the bZP4 ZP-N1 domain using chimeric bovine/porcine and bovine/human ZP4 recombinant proteins. These results provide in vitro experimental evidence for the role of the bZP4 ZP-N1 domain in mediating sperm binding to the ZP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamila Dilimulati
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Chiba University, Chiba 263-8522, Japan; (K.D.); (M.O.); (F.L.I.)
| | - Misaki Orita
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Chiba University, Chiba 263-8522, Japan; (K.D.); (M.O.); (F.L.I.)
| | - Yoshiki Yonahara
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chiba University, Chiba 263-8522, Japan;
| | - Fabiana Lica Imai
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Chiba University, Chiba 263-8522, Japan; (K.D.); (M.O.); (F.L.I.)
| | - Naoto Yonezawa
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Chiba University, Chiba 263-8522, Japan; (K.D.); (M.O.); (F.L.I.)
- Correspondence:
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19
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Zhang Z, Guo Q, Jia L, Zhou C, He S, Fang C, Zhang M, Sun P, Zeng Z, Wang M, Wang D, Liang X. A novel gene mutation in ZP3 loop region identified in patients with empty follicle syndrome. Hum Mutat 2021; 43:180-188. [PMID: 34816529 DOI: 10.1002/humu.24297] [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: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The zona pellucida (ZP) is an extracellular matrix surrounding mammalian oocytes. It is composed of three to four glycoproteins, ZP1-ZP4. ZP3 is essential for sperm binding and zona matrix formation. Here, we identified a novel heterozygous mutation (NM_001110354.2:c.502_504delGAG) of ZP3, occurring in a pair of sisters with empty follicle syndrome (EFS). A mouse model with the same mutation was established using the CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing system. As in the above family, F0 -, F1 -, and F2 -generation female mice with the mutation were all infertile. Further analysis using the Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO-K1) also showed that this mutation weakens the strength of binding between ZP3 and ZP2, which hinders the assembly of ZP and results in unstable ZP formation. Immunohistochemical analysis using ovarian serial sections in both humans and mice demonstrated that the ZP of preantral follicles was thinner than normal control, or even absent. Our study presents a new gene mutation that leads to EFS, providing new evidence and support for the genetic diagnosis of infertile individuals with similar phenotypes. Our results also show that the loop of ZP3 is not only a linker between two amphiphilic helices but may play a critical role in specifying the correct heterodimerization partner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Zhang
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Center of Reproductive Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qi Guo
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Center of Reproductive Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lei Jia
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Center of Reproductive Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chuanchuan Zhou
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Center of Reproductive Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shujing He
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Center of Reproductive Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cong Fang
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Center of Reproductive Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Minfang Zhang
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Center of Reproductive Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peng Sun
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Center of Reproductive Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhi Zeng
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Center of Reproductive Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Meng Wang
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Center of Reproductive Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dandan Wang
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Center of Reproductive Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyan Liang
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Center of Reproductive Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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20
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Jovine L. Using machine learning to study protein-protein interactions: From the uromodulin polymer to egg zona pellucida filaments. Mol Reprod Dev 2021; 88:686-693. [PMID: 34590381 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Neural network-based models for protein structure prediction have recently reached near-experimental accuracy and are fast becoming a powerful tool in the arsenal of biologists. As suggested by initial studies using RoseTTAFold or the ColabFold implementation of AlphaFold2, a particularly interesting future development will be the optimization of these computational methods to also routinely yield high-confidence predictions of protein-protein interactions. Here I use AlphaFold2 and ColabFold to investigate the activation and polymerization of uromodulin (UMOD)/Tamm-Horsfall protein, a zona pellucida (ZP) module-containing protein whose precursor and filamentous structures have been previously determined experimentally by X-ray crystallography and cryo-EM, respectively. Despite having no knowledge of the UMOD polymer structure (coordinates for which were neither used for model training nor as template), AlphaFold2/ColabFold are able to recapitulate a crucial conformational change underlying UMOD polymerization, as well as the general organization of protein subunits within the resulting filament. This surprising result is achieved by simply deleting from the input sequence a stretch of residues that correspond to a polymerization-inhibiting C-terminal propeptide. By mimicking in silico the activating effect of propeptide dissociation triggered by site-specific proteolysis of the protein precursor, this example has implications for the assembly of egg coat proteins and the many other molecules that also contain a ZP module. Most importantly, it shows the potential of exploiting machine learning not only to accurately predict the structures of individual proteins or complexes, but also to carry out computational experiments replicating specific molecular events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Jovine
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
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21
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Zona Pellucida Genes and Proteins: Essential Players in Mammalian Oogenesis and Fertility. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12081266. [PMID: 34440440 PMCID: PMC8391237 DOI: 10.3390/genes12081266] [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: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
All mammalian oocytes and eggs are surrounded by a relatively thick extracellular matrix (ECM), the zona pellucida (ZP), that plays vital roles during oogenesis, fertilization, and preimplantation development. Unlike ECM surrounding somatic cells, the ZP is composed of only a few glycosylated proteins, ZP1–4, that are unique to oocytes and eggs. ZP1–4 have a large region of polypeptide, the ZP domain (ZPD), consisting of two subdomains, ZP-N and ZP-C, separated by a short linker region, that plays an essential role in polymerization of nascent ZP proteins into crosslinked fibrils. Both subdomains adopt immunoglobulin (Ig)-like folds for their 3-dimensional structure. Mouse and human ZP genes are encoded by single-copy genes located on different chromosomes and are highly expressed in the ovary by growing oocytes during late stages of oogenesis. Genes encoding ZP proteins are conserved among mammals, and their expression is regulated by cis-acting sequences located close to the transcription start-site and by the same/similar trans-acting factors. Nascent ZP proteins are synthesized, packaged into vesicles, secreted into the extracellular space, and assembled into long, crosslinked fibrils that have a structural repeat, a ZP2-ZP3 dimer, and constitute the ZP matrix. Fibrils are oriented differently with respect to the oolemma in the inner and outer layers of the ZP. Sequence elements in the ZPD and the carboxy-terminal propeptide of ZP1–4 regulate secretion and assembly of nascent ZP proteins. The presence of both ZP2 and ZP3 is required to assemble ZP fibrils and ZP1 and ZP4 are used to crosslink the fibrils. Inactivation of mouse ZP genes by gene targeting has a detrimental effect on ZP formation around growing oocytes and female fertility. Gene sequence variations in human ZP genes due to point, missense, or frameshift mutations also have a detrimental effect on ZP formation and female fertility. The latter mutations provide additional support for the role of ZPD subdomains and other regions of ZP polypeptide in polymerization of human ZP proteins into fibrils and matrix.
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22
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Weadick CJ. Molecular Evolutionary Analysis of Nematode Zona Pellucida (ZP) Modules Reveals Disulfide-Bond Reshuffling and Standalone ZP-C Domains. Genome Biol Evol 2021; 12:1240-1255. [PMID: 32426804 PMCID: PMC7456536 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evaa095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Zona pellucida (ZP) modules mediate extracellular protein-protein interactions and contribute to important biological processes including syngamy and cellular morphogenesis. Although some biomedically relevant ZP modules are well studied, little is known about the protein family's broad-scale diversity and evolution. The increasing availability of sequenced genomes from "nonmodel" systems provides a valuable opportunity to address this issue and to use comparative approaches to gain new insights into ZP module biology. Here, through phylogenetic and structural exploration of ZP module diversity across the nematode phylum, I report evidence that speaks to two important aspects of ZP module biology. First, I show that ZP-C domains-which in some modules act as regulators of ZP-N domain-mediated polymerization activity, and which have never before been found in isolation-can indeed be found as standalone domains. These standalone ZP-C domain proteins originated in independent (paralogous) lineages prior to the diversification of extant nematodes, after which they evolved under strong stabilizing selection, suggesting the presence of ZP-N domain-independent functionality. Second, I provide a much-needed phylogenetic perspective on disulfide bond variability, uncovering evidence for both convergent evolution and disulfide-bond reshuffling. This result has implications for our evolutionary understanding and classification of ZP module structural diversity and highlights the usefulness of phylogenetics and diverse sampling for protein structural biology. All told, these findings set the stage for broad-scale (cross-phyla) evolutionary analysis of ZP modules and position Caenorhabditis elegans and other nematodes as important experimental systems for exploring the evolution of ZP modules and their constituent domains.
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23
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Killingbeck EE, Wilburn DB, Merrihew GE, MacCoss MJ, Swanson WJ. Proteomics support the threespine stickleback egg coat as a protective oocyte envelope. Mol Reprod Dev 2021; 88:500-515. [PMID: 34148267 PMCID: PMC8362008 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Ancestrally marine threespine stickleback fish (Gasterosteus aculeatus) have undergone an adaptive radiation into freshwater environments throughout the Northern Hemisphere, creating an excellent model system for studying molecular adaptation and speciation. Ecological and behavioral factors have been suggested to underlie stickleback reproductive isolation and incipient speciation, but reproductive proteins mediating gamete recognition during fertilization have so far remained unexplored. To begin to investigate the contribution of reproductive proteins to stickleback reproductive isolation, we have characterized the stickleback egg coat proteome. We find that stickleback egg coats are comprised of homologs to the zona pellucida (ZP) proteins ZP1 and ZP3, as in other teleost fish. Our molecular evolutionary analyses indicate that across teleosts, ZP3 but not ZP1 has experienced positive Darwinian selection. Mammalian ZP3 is also rapidly evolving, and surprisingly some residues under selection in stickleback and mammalian ZP3 directly align. Despite broad homology, however, we find differences between mammalian and stickleback ZP proteins with respect to glycosylation, disulfide bonding, and sites of synthesis. Taken together, the changes we observe in stickleback ZP protein architecture suggest that the egg coats of stickleback fish, and perhaps fish more generally, have evolved to fulfill a more protective functional role than their mammalian counterparts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily E Killingbeck
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Damien B Wilburn
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Gennifer E Merrihew
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Michael J MacCoss
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Willie J Swanson
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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24
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Chen Y, Wang Z, Wu Y, He W, Du J, Cai S, Gong F, Lu G, Lin G, Dai C. Case Report: A Novel Heterozygous ZP3 Deletion Associated With Empty Follicle Syndrome and Abnormal Follicular Development. Front Genet 2021; 12:690070. [PMID: 34093671 PMCID: PMC8170154 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.690070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Empty follicle syndrome (EFS) is defined as the complete failure to retrieve oocytes after ovarian stimulation. Although several mutations in ZP1, ZP2, ZP3, and LHCGR have been identified as genetic causes of EFS, its pathogenesis is still not well-understood. Methods: Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was employed to identify the candidate pathogenic mutations, which were then verified by Sanger sequencing. A study in CHO-K1 cells was performed to analyze the effect of the mutation on protein expression. Additionally, immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining was used to examine follicular development and zona pellucida (ZP) assembly in the ovary of an EFS patient. Results: A novel heterozygous deletion in ZP3 (c.565_579del[p.Thr189_Gly193del]) was identified in the EFS patient. It was inherited dominantly and resulted in significant degradation of the ZP3 protein. Oocytes with degenerated cytoplasm and abnormal ZP assembly were observed in follicles up to the secondary stage, and many empty follicle-like structures were present. Conclusion: We identified a novel ZP3 mutation that expands the mutational spectrum associated with human EFS. We also showed the abnormal follicular development and ZP assembly of the EFS patient with the heterozygous ZP3 mutation, which provides new insights into the pathogenesis of EFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongzhe Chen
- School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zesong Wang
- Department of Basic Medicine, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Yueren Wu
- Department of Basic Medicine, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Wenbin He
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of China International Trust Investment Corporation Xiangya, Changsha, China.,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Juan Du
- School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of China International Trust Investment Corporation Xiangya, Changsha, China.,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, China.,National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha, China
| | - Sufen Cai
- School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of China International Trust Investment Corporation Xiangya, Changsha, China.,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Fei Gong
- School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of China International Trust Investment Corporation Xiangya, Changsha, China.,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, China.,National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha, China
| | - Guangxiu Lu
- Department of Basic Medicine, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China.,Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of China International Trust Investment Corporation Xiangya, Changsha, China.,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, China.,National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha, China
| | - Ge Lin
- School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of China International Trust Investment Corporation Xiangya, Changsha, China.,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, China.,National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha, China
| | - Can Dai
- Department of Basic Medicine, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China.,Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of China International Trust Investment Corporation Xiangya, Changsha, China.,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
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25
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Wang J, Yang X, Sun X, Ma L, Yin Y, He G, Zhang Y, Zhou J, Cai L, Liu J, Ma X. A novel homozygous nonsense mutation in zona pellucida 1 (ZP1) causes human female empty follicle syndrome. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:1459-1468. [PMID: 33665726 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02136-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To identify a pathogenic gene mutation in a female infertility proband characterized by empty follicle syndrome (EFS) and explore the genetic cause of EFS. METHODS Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed to identify the candidate pathogenic mutation. Sanger sequencing was used to validate the mutation in family members. The pathogenicity of the identified variant and its possible effects on the protein were evaluated with in silico tools. Immunofluorescence staining was used to study the possible mechanism of the mutation on affected oocyte. RESULTS We identified a family with a novel homozygous nonsense mutation in zona pellucida 1 (ZP1) (c.199G > T [p.Glu67Ter]). Based on bioinformatics analysis, the mutation was predicted to be pathogenic. This variant generates a premature stop codon in exon 2 at the 199th nucleotide, and was inferred to result in a truncated ZP1 protein of 67 amino acids at the ZP-N1 domain. An in vitro study showed that the oocyte of the EFS proband was degenerated and the zona pellucida was absent. Additionally, the mutant ZP1 proteins were localized in the cytoplasm of the degenerated oocyte but not at the surface. CONCLUSIONS The novel mutation in ZP1 is a genetic cause of female infertility characterized by EFS. Our finding expands the genetic spectrum for EFS and will help justify the EFS diagnosis in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Xiaoyu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Xueping Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Long Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Yaoxue Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Guoxiang He
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Jie Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Lingbo Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Jiayin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Xiang Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China.
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26
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A novel homozygous variant in ZP2 causes abnormal zona pellucida formation and female infertility. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:1239-1245. [PMID: 33604805 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02107-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We aimed to identify pathogenic variants in two infertile sisters in a family with a thin zona pellucida (ZP) phenotype. METHODS Whole-exome sequencing was performed in the two affected sisters, and Sanger sequencing was used to confirm the identified variants. The effects of the identified variant were further investigated in mouse oocytes and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. RESULTS We identified a novel homozygous frameshift variant in ZP2 (c.1235_1236del, p.Q412Rfs*17) in the two affected individuals. Immunoblotting demonstrated that the variant produced a truncated ZP2 protein that was expressed at low levels in CHO cells. Immunofluorescence in mouse oocytes confirmed the decreased protein level of mutant ZP2, although the subcellular localization was not affected. In addition, immunoprecipitation showed that the pathogenic variant reduced the interaction between ZP2 and ZP3. CONCLUSION This study identified a novel pathogenic variant in ZP2 that produces a truncated ZP2 protein. The variant might disrupt the assembly of ZP2-ZP3 dimers, thus resulting in a thin ZP and female infertility.
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27
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Gupta SK. Human Zona Pellucida Glycoproteins: Binding Characteristics With Human Spermatozoa and Induction of Acrosome Reaction. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:619868. [PMID: 33681199 PMCID: PMC7928326 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.619868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Human zona pellucida (ZP) matrix is composed of four glycoproteins designated as ZP glycoprotein -1 (ZP1), -2 (ZP2), -3 (ZP3), and -4 (ZP4). Mutations in the genes encoding human ZP glycoproteins are one of the causative factors leading to abnormal ZP matrix and infertility in women. Relevance of the human ZP glycoproteins in 'sperm-oocyte' binding has been delineated by using either transgenic animal models expressing human zona proteins or purified native/recombinant human zona proteins. Studies based on the purified native/recombinant human zona proteins revealed that ZP1, ZP3, and ZP4 primarily bind to the capacitated acrosome-intact human spermatozoa whereas ZP2 binds to acrosome-reacted spermatozoa. On the contrary, human spermatozoa binds to the eggs obtained from transgenic mouse lines expressing human ZP2 but not to those expressing human ZP1, ZP3, and ZP4 suggesting that ZP2 has an important role in human 'sperm-oocyte' binding. Further studies using transgenic mouse lines showed that the N-terminus of human ZP2 mediate the taxon-specific human sperm-oocyte binding. Both glycans and protein-protein interactions have a role in human gamete interaction. Further studies have revealed that the purified native/recombinant human ZP1, ZP3, and ZP4 are competent to induce acrosome reaction. Human sperm binds to the mouse transgenic eggs expressing human ZP1-4 instead of mouse ZP1-3 proteins, penetrated the ZP matrix and accumulated in the perivitelline space, which were acrosome-reacted suggesting that human ZP2 in transgenic mouse model also induce acrosome reaction. In humans N-linked glycosylation of zona proteins have been shown to play an important role in induction of the acrosome reaction. Hence in humans, based on studies using transgenic mouse model as well as purified native/recombinant zona proteins, it is likely that more than one zona protein is involved in the 'sperm-oocyte' binding and induction of the acrosome reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satish Kumar Gupta
- Reproductive Cell Biology Lab, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
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28
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Wu JX, He KY, Zhang ZZ, Qu YL, Su XB, Shi Y, Wang N, Wang L, Han ZG. LZP is required for hepatic triacylglycerol transportation through maintaining apolipoprotein B stability. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009357. [PMID: 33591966 PMCID: PMC7909667 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The conserved zona pellucida (ZP) domain is found in hundreds of extracellular proteins that are expressed in various organs and play a variety of roles as structural components, receptors and tumor suppressors. A liver-specific zona pellucida domain-containing protein (LZP), also named OIT3, has been shown to be mainly expressed in human and mouse hepatocytes; however, the physiological function of LZP in the liver remains unclear. Here, we show that Lzp deletion inhibited very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) secretion, leading to hepatic TG accumulation and lower serum TG levels in mice. The apolipoprotein B (apoB) levels were significantly decreased in the liver, serum, and VLDL particles of LZP-deficient mice. In the presence of LZP, which is localized to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi apparatus, the ER-associated degradation (ERAD) of apoB was attenuated; in contrast, in the absence of LZP, apoB was ubiquitinated by AMFR, a known E3 ubiquitin ligase specific for apoB, and was subsequently degraded, leading to lower hepatic apoB levels and inhibited VLDL secretion. Interestingly, hepatic LZP levels were elevated in mice challenged with a high-fat diet and humans with simple hepatic steatosis, suggesting that LZP contributes to the physiological regulation of hepatic TG homeostasis. In general, our data establish an essential role for LZP in hepatic TG transportation and VLDL secretion by preventing the AMFR-mediated ubiquitination and degradation of apoB and therefore provide insight into the molecular function of LZP in hepatic lipid metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao-Xiang Wu
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education) and Collaborative Innovation Center of Systems Biomedicine of Rui-Jin Hospital, Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory for Disease and Health Genomics, Chinese National Human Genome Center at Shanghai, Shanghai, China
| | - Kun-Yan He
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhuang-Zhuang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education) and Collaborative Innovation Center of Systems Biomedicine of Rui-Jin Hospital, Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Lan Qu
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xian-Bin Su
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Shi
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Na Wang
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ze-Guang Han
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education) and Collaborative Innovation Center of Systems Biomedicine of Rui-Jin Hospital, Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory for Disease and Health Genomics, Chinese National Human Genome Center at Shanghai, Shanghai, China
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29
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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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30
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Stsiapanava A, Xu C, Brunati M, Zamora‐Caballero S, Schaeffer C, Bokhove M, Han L, Hebert H, Carroni M, Yasumasu S, Rampoldi L, Wu B, Jovine L. Cryo-EM structure of native human uromodulin, a zona pellucida module polymer. EMBO J 2020; 39:e106807. [PMID: 33196145 PMCID: PMC7737619 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2020106807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Assembly of extracellular filaments and matrices mediating fundamental biological processes such as morphogenesis, hearing, fertilization, and antibacterial defense is driven by a ubiquitous polymerization module known as zona pellucida (ZP) "domain". Despite the conservation of this element from hydra to humans, no detailed information is available on the filamentous conformation of any ZP module protein. Here, we report a cryo-electron microscopy study of uromodulin (UMOD)/Tamm-Horsfall protein, the most abundant protein in human urine and an archetypal ZP module-containing molecule, in its mature homopolymeric state. UMOD forms a one-start helix with an unprecedented 180-degree twist between subunits enfolded by interdomain linkers that have completely reorganized as a result of propeptide dissociation. Lateral interaction between filaments in the urine generates sheets exposing a checkerboard of binding sites to capture uropathogenic bacteria, and UMOD-based models of heteromeric vertebrate egg coat filaments identify a common sperm-binding region at the interface between subunits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alena Stsiapanava
- Department of Biosciences and NutritionKarolinska InstitutetHuddingeSweden
| | - Chenrui Xu
- School of Biological SciencesNanyang Technological UniversitySingaporeSingapore
- NTU Institute of Structural BiologyNanyang Technological UniversitySingaporeSingapore
| | - Martina Brunati
- Molecular Genetics of Renal DisordersDivision of Genetics and Cell BiologyIRCCS San Raffaele Scientific InstituteMilanItaly
| | | | - Céline Schaeffer
- Molecular Genetics of Renal DisordersDivision of Genetics and Cell BiologyIRCCS San Raffaele Scientific InstituteMilanItaly
| | - Marcel Bokhove
- Department of Biosciences and NutritionKarolinska InstitutetHuddingeSweden
| | - Ling Han
- Department of Biosciences and NutritionKarolinska InstitutetHuddingeSweden
| | - Hans Hebert
- Department of Biosciences and NutritionKarolinska InstitutetHuddingeSweden
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Health SystemsKTH Royal Institute of TechnologyHuddingeSweden
| | - Marta Carroni
- Department of Biochemistry and BiophysicsScience for Life LaboratoryStockholm UniversityStockholmSweden
| | - Shigeki Yasumasu
- Department of Materials and Life SciencesFaculty of Science and TechnologySophia UniversityTokyoJapan
| | - Luca Rampoldi
- Molecular Genetics of Renal DisordersDivision of Genetics and Cell BiologyIRCCS San Raffaele Scientific InstituteMilanItaly
| | - Bin Wu
- School of Biological SciencesNanyang Technological UniversitySingaporeSingapore
- NTU Institute of Structural BiologyNanyang Technological UniversitySingaporeSingapore
| | - Luca Jovine
- Department of Biosciences and NutritionKarolinska InstitutetHuddingeSweden
- School of Biological SciencesNanyang Technological UniversitySingaporeSingapore
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31
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Cohen JD, Bermudez JG, Good MC, Sundaram MV. A C. elegans Zona Pellucida domain protein functions via its ZPc domain. PLoS Genet 2020; 16:e1009188. [PMID: 33141826 PMCID: PMC7665627 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Zona Pellucida domain (ZP) proteins are critical components of the body's external-most protective layers, apical extracellular matrices (aECMs). Although their loss or dysfunction is associated with many diseases, it remains unclear how ZP proteins assemble in aECMs. Current models suggest that ZP proteins polymerize via their ZPn subdomains, while ZPc subdomains modulate ZPn behavior. Using the model organism C. elegans, we investigated the aECM assembly of one ZP protein, LET-653, which shapes several tubes. Contrary to prevailing models, we find that LET-653 localizes and functions via its ZPc domain. Furthermore, we show that ZPc domain function requires cleavage at the LET-653 C-terminus, likely in part to relieve inhibition of the ZPc by the ZPn domain, but also to promote some other aspect of ZPc domain function. In vitro, the ZPc, but not ZPn, domain bound crystalline aggregates. These data offer a new model for ZP function whereby the ZPc domain is primarily responsible for matrix incorporation and tissue shaping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer D. Cohen
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Jessica G. Bermudez
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Matthew C. Good
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Meera V. Sundaram
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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32
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Cohen JD, Sundaram MV. C. elegans Apical Extracellular Matrices Shape Epithelia. J Dev Biol 2020; 8:E23. [PMID: 33036165 PMCID: PMC7712855 DOI: 10.3390/jdb8040023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Apical extracellular matrices (aECMs) coat exposed surfaces of epithelia to shape developing tissues and protect them from environmental insults. Despite their widespread importance for human health, aECMs are poorly understood compared to basal and stromal ECMs. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans contains a variety of distinct aECMs, some of which share many of the same types of components (lipids, lipoproteins, collagens, zona pellucida domain proteins, chondroitin glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans) with mammalian aECMs. These aECMs include the eggshell, a glycocalyx-like pre-cuticle, both collagenous and chitin-based cuticles, and other understudied aECMs of internal epithelia. C. elegans allows rapid genetic manipulations and live imaging of fluorescently-tagged aECM components, and is therefore providing new insights into aECM structure, trafficking, assembly, and functions in tissue shaping.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Meera V. Sundaram
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine 415 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6145, USA;
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33
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Cohen JD, Sparacio AP, Belfi AC, Forman-Rubinsky R, Hall DH, Maul-Newby H, Frand AR, Sundaram MV. A multi-layered and dynamic apical extracellular matrix shapes the vulva lumen in Caenorhabditis elegans. eLife 2020; 9:e57874. [PMID: 32975517 PMCID: PMC7544507 DOI: 10.7554/elife.57874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Biological tubes must develop and maintain their proper diameter to transport materials efficiently. These tubes are molded and protected in part by apical extracellular matrices (aECMs) that line their lumens. Despite their importance, aECMs are difficult to image in vivo and therefore poorly understood. The Caenorhabditis elegans vulva has been a paradigm for understanding many aspects of organogenesis. Here we describe the vulva luminal matrix, which contains chondroitin proteoglycans, Zona Pellucida (ZP) domain proteins, and other glycoproteins and lipid transporters related to those in mammals. Confocal and transmission electron microscopy revealed, with unprecedented detail, a complex and dynamic aECM. Different matrix factors assemble on the apical surfaces of each vulva cell type, with clear distinctions seen between Ras-dependent (1°) and Notch-dependent (2°) cell types. Genetic perturbations suggest that chondroitin and other aECM factors together generate a structured scaffold that both expands and constricts lumen shape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer D Cohen
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of MedicinePhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Alessandro P Sparacio
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of MedicinePhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Alexandra C Belfi
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of MedicinePhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Rachel Forman-Rubinsky
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of MedicinePhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - David H Hall
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of MedicineBronxUnited States
| | - Hannah Maul-Newby
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Alison R Frand
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Meera V Sundaram
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of MedicinePhiladelphiaUnited States
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Abstract
The zona pellucida (ZP) is an extracellular matrix that surrounds all mammalian oocytes, eggs, and early embryos and plays vital roles during oogenesis, fertilization, and preimplantation development. The ZP is composed of three or four glycosylated proteins, ZP1–4, that are synthesized, processed, secreted, and assembled into long, cross-linked fibrils by growing oocytes. ZP proteins have an immunoglobulin-like three-dimensional structure and a ZP domain that consists of two subdomains, ZP-N and ZP-C, with ZP-N of ZP2 and ZP3 required for fibril assembly. A ZP2–ZP3 dimer is located periodically along ZP fibrils that are cross-linked by ZP1, a protein with a proline-rich N terminus. Fibrils in the inner and outer regions of the ZP are oriented perpendicular and parallel to the oolemma, respectively, giving the ZP a multilayered appearance. Upon fertilization of eggs, modification of ZP2 and ZP3 results in changes in the ZP's physical and biological properties that have important consequences. Certain structural features of ZP proteins suggest that they may be amyloid-like proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eveline S. Litscher
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA;,
| | - Paul M. Wassarman
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA;,
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35
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Gurung S, Greening DW, Catt S, Salamonsen L, Evans J. Exosomes and soluble secretome from hormone-treated endometrial epithelial cells direct embryo implantation. Mol Hum Reprod 2020; 26:510-520. [DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaaa034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
A successful pregnancy requires a synchronous dialogue between endometrium and embryo within the endometrial milieu. The aim of this study was to assess the role in the implantation of mediators in the endometrial milieu. Total secretome (TS), soluble secretome (SS) and small extracellular vesicles (containing exosomes) were generated from hormonally primed human endometrial epithelial cell culture medium. Human trophectoderm stem cell-derived spheroids were cultured with TS, SS or exosomes (30 µg/ml) on hormonally primed epithelial cells, with exosomes significantly increasing cell adhesion and outgrowth. Furthermore, F1 mouse 2-cell embryos were cultured in groups for 48 h followed by culture with each secretome fraction (30 µg/ml) for 48 h. Blastocyst cell number and hatching were quantified. In addition, blastocysts were further cultured on a fibronectin matrix for 72 h or transferred to recipient mice (with corresponding secretomes) with embryo implantation assessed after 6 days. Exosomes significantly increased total cell number in mouse embryos and complete hatching from zona pellucida, with both exosomes and SS significantly enhancing mouse embryo outgrowth. Importantly, exosomes increased the embryo implantation rate in comparison to other secretome fractions (normalized based on treatment amount) from the endometrial epithelia. These data indicate that endometrial epithelial exosomes support embryo growth, development and implantation while the SS has selective involvement specifically on mouse embryo outgrowth. This finding provides new insights into the molecular differences of endometrial secretome components in implantation and early embryo development and may implicate endometrial exosomes in the pathophysiology of implantation failure in infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Gurung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - D W Greening
- Molecular Proteomics Laboratory, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - S Catt
- EPRD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Monash University Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - L Salamonsen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - J Evans
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Physiology, Monash University Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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36
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Gallardo-Vara E, Gamella-Pozuelo L, Perez-Roque L, Bartha JL, Garcia-Palmero I, Casal JI, López-Novoa JM, Pericacho M, Bernabeu C. Potential Role of Circulating Endoglin in Hypertension via the Upregulated Expression of BMP4. Cells 2020; 9:cells9040988. [PMID: 32316263 PMCID: PMC7226995 DOI: 10.3390/cells9040988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Endoglin is a membrane glycoprotein primarily expressed by the vascular endothelium and involved in cardiovascular diseases. Upon the proteolytic processing of the membrane-bound protein, a circulating form of endoglin (soluble endoglin, sEng) can be released, and high levels of sEng have been observed in several endothelial-related pathological conditions, where it appears to contribute to endothelial dysfunction. Preeclampsia is a multisystem disorder of high prevalence in pregnant women characterized by the onset of high blood pressure and associated with increased levels of sEng. Although a pathogenic role for sEng involving hypertension has been reported in several animal models of preeclampsia, the exact molecular mechanisms implicated remain to be identified. To search for sEng-induced mediators of hypertension, we analyzed the protein secretome of human endothelial cells in the presence of sEng. We found that sEng induces the expression of BMP4 in endothelial cells, as evidenced by their proteomic signature, gene transcript levels, and BMP4 promoter activity. A mouse model of preeclampsia with high sEng plasma levels (sEng+) showed increased transcript levels of BMP4 in lungs, stomach, and duodenum, and increased circulating levels of BMP4, compared to those of control animals. In addition, after crossing female wild type with male sEng+ mice, hypertension appeared 18 days after mating, coinciding with the appearance of high plasma levels of BMP4. Also, serum levels of sEng and BMP4 were positively correlated in pregnant women with and without preeclampsia. Interestingly, sEng-induced arterial pressure elevation in sEng+ mice was abolished in the presence of the BMP4 inhibitor noggin, suggesting that BMP4 is a downstream mediator of sEng. These results provide a better understanding on the role of sEng in the physiopathology of preeclampsia and other cardiovascular diseases, where sEng levels are increased.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunate Gallardo-Vara
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (E.G.-V.); (L.G.-P.); (I.G.-P.); (J.I.C.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Luis Gamella-Pozuelo
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (E.G.-V.); (L.G.-P.); (I.G.-P.); (J.I.C.)
- Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca (IBSAL) and Renal and Cardiovascular Physiopathology Unit, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (L.P.-R.); (J.M.L.-N.)
| | - Lucía Perez-Roque
- Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca (IBSAL) and Renal and Cardiovascular Physiopathology Unit, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (L.P.-R.); (J.M.L.-N.)
| | - José L. Bartha
- Division of Obstetrics and Maternal and Fetal Medicine, University Hospital La Paz, 28046 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Irene Garcia-Palmero
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (E.G.-V.); (L.G.-P.); (I.G.-P.); (J.I.C.)
| | - J. Ignacio Casal
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (E.G.-V.); (L.G.-P.); (I.G.-P.); (J.I.C.)
| | - José M. López-Novoa
- Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca (IBSAL) and Renal and Cardiovascular Physiopathology Unit, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (L.P.-R.); (J.M.L.-N.)
| | - Miguel Pericacho
- Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca (IBSAL) and Renal and Cardiovascular Physiopathology Unit, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (L.P.-R.); (J.M.L.-N.)
- Correspondence: (M.P.); (C.B.)
| | - Carmelo Bernabeu
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (E.G.-V.); (L.G.-P.); (I.G.-P.); (J.I.C.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (M.P.); (C.B.)
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37
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Okaji H, Tetsuka K, Watanabe R, Kishigami S. New cellular imaging of oocytes and preimplantation embryos using Lumitein™: Evaluation of oocyte quality and new information on protein dynamics within the perivitelline space during the one-cell oocyte stage in mice. J Reprod Dev 2020; 66:155-161. [PMID: 31983710 PMCID: PMC7175381 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2019-114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix between the oocyte and zona pellucida (ZP) plays an important role in mammalian fertilization and preserves the specific environment of the perivitelline space (PVS) during the development of a preimplantation embryo after fertilization. In this study, we applied a highly sensitive luminescent protein dye, Lumitein™, to observe the hydrophobic status of proteins in oocytes and preimplantation embryos. Lumitein™ is widely used for detecting denatured proteins after sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Lumitein™ fluorescence was detected primarily in the PVS and degenerated first polar body of fresh normal metaphase II (MII) oocytes but much less within the ZP and ooplasm, which suggested a hydrophobic PVS environment in the MII oocytes. Unexpectedly, abnormally-shaped fresh or aged oocytes showed stronger fluorescence in the PVS, which reflected oocyte quality. Interestingly, 10 h after fertilization, the fluorescent signal in the PVS temporarily increased in a patched pattern that appeared and then disappeared by the two-cell stage. After the two-cell stage, the decreased fluorescent signal was maintained throughout the development of the preimplantation embryo. These results suggest new protein dynamics in the PVS during the one-cell stage of the oocyte. Thus, cellular imaging of oocytes and preimplantation embryos using Lumitein™ provides new information on protein dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroka Okaji
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan
| | - Kenta Tetsuka
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan
| | - Ren Watanabe
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan.,Advanced Biotechnology Center, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kishigami
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan.,Advanced Biotechnology Center, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan
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38
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Fahrenkamp E, Algarra B, Jovine L. Mammalian egg coat modifications and the block to polyspermy. Mol Reprod Dev 2020; 87:326-340. [PMID: 32003503 PMCID: PMC7155028 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Fertilization by more than one sperm causes polyploidy, a condition that is generally lethal to the embryo in the majority of animal species. To prevent this occurrence, eggs have developed a series of mechanisms that block polyspermy at the level of the plasma membrane or their extracellular coat. In this review, we first introduce the mammalian egg coat, the zona pellucida (ZP), and summarize what is currently known about its composition, structure, and biological functions. We then describe how this specialized extracellular matrix is modified by the contents of cortical granules (CG), secretory organelles that are exocytosed by the egg after gamete fusion. This process releases proteases, glycosidases, lectins and zinc onto the ZP, resulting in a series of changes in the properties of the egg coat that are collectively referred to as hardening. By drawing parallels with comparable modifications of the vitelline envelope of nonmammalian eggs, we discuss how CG‐dependent modifications of the ZP are thought to contribute to the block to polyspermy. Moreover, we argue for the importance of obtaining more information on the architecture of the ZP, as well as systematically investigating the many facets of ZP hardening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen Fahrenkamp
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition & Center for Innovative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Blanca Algarra
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition & Center for Innovative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Luca Jovine
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition & Center for Innovative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
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39
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Gorreja F, Rush STA, Kasper DL, Meng D, Walker WA. The developmentally regulated fetal enterocyte gene, ZP4, mediates anti-inflammation by the symbiotic bacterial surface factor polysaccharide A on Bacteroides fragilis. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2019; 317:G398-G407. [PMID: 31314571 PMCID: PMC6842988 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00046.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Initial colonizing bacteria play a critical role in completing the development of the immune system in the gastrointestinal tract of infants. Yet, the interaction of colonizing bacterial organisms with the developing human intestine favors inflammation over immune homeostasis. This characteristic of bacterial-intestinal interaction partially contributes to the pathogenesis of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a devastating premature infant intestinal inflammatory disease. However, paradoxically some unique pioneer bacteria (initial colonizing species) have been shown to have a beneficial effect on the homeostasis of the immature intestine and the prevention of inflammation. We have reported that one such pioneer bacterium, Bacteroides fragilis (B. fragilis), and its surface component polysaccharide A (PSA) inhibit IL-1β-induced inflammation in a human primary fetal small intestinal cell line (H4 cells). In this study, using transcription profiling of H4 cellular RNA after pretreatment with or without PSA before an inflammatory stimulation of IL-1β, we have begun to further determine the cellular mechanism for anti-inflammation. We show that a developmentally regulated gene, zona pellucida protein 4 (ZP4), is uniquely elevated after IL-1β stimulation and reduced with PSA exposure. ZP4 was known as a sperm receptor-mediating species-specific binding protein in the initial life of mammals. However, its intestinal epithelial function is unclear. We found that ZP4 is a developmentally regulated gene involved with immune function and regulated by both Toll-like receptor 2 and 4. Knockdown of ZP4-affected PSA inhibited IL-8 mRNA expression in response to IL-1β. This represents an initial study of ZP4 innate immune function in immature enterocytes. This study may lead to new opportunity for efficient treatment of NEC.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study extends previous observations to define the cellular mechanisms of polysaccharide A-induced anti-inflammation in immature enterocytes using transcription profiling of enterocyte genes after preexposure to polysaccharide A before an inflammatory stimulus with IL-1β.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frida Gorreja
- 1School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden,2Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Stephen TA Rush
- 1School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Dennis L. Kasper
- 3Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Boston, Massachusetts,5Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Di Meng
- 4Mucosal Immunology and Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, Massachusetts,5Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - W. Allan Walker
- 4Mucosal Immunology and Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, Massachusetts,5Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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40
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Gallardo-Vara E, Ruiz-Llorente L, Casado-Vela J, Ruiz-Rodríguez MJ, López-Andrés N, Pattnaik AK, Quintanilla M, Bernabeu C. Endoglin Protein Interactome Profiling Identifies TRIM21 and Galectin-3 as New Binding Partners. Cells 2019; 8:cells8091082. [PMID: 31540324 PMCID: PMC6769930 DOI: 10.3390/cells8091082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 09/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Endoglin is a 180-kDa glycoprotein receptor primarily expressed by the vascular endothelium and involved in cardiovascular disease and cancer. Heterozygous mutations in the endoglin gene (ENG) cause hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia type 1, a vascular disease that presents with nasal and gastrointestinal bleeding, skin and mucosa telangiectases, and arteriovenous malformations in internal organs. A circulating form of endoglin (alias soluble endoglin, sEng), proteolytically released from the membrane-bound protein, has been observed in several inflammation-related pathological conditions and appears to contribute to endothelial dysfunction and cancer development through unknown mechanisms. Membrane-bound endoglin is an auxiliary component of the TGF-β receptor complex and the extracellular region of endoglin has been shown to interact with types I and II TGF-β receptors, as well as with BMP9 and BMP10 ligands, both members of the TGF-β family. To search for novel protein interactors, we screened a microarray containing over 9000 unique human proteins using recombinant sEng as bait. We find that sEng binds with high affinity, at least, to 22 new proteins. Among these, we validated the interaction of endoglin with galectin-3, a secreted member of the lectin family with capacity to bind membrane glycoproteins, and with tripartite motif-containing protein 21 (TRIM21), an E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase. Using human endothelial cells and Chinese hamster ovary cells, we showed that endoglin co-immunoprecipitates and co-localizes with galectin-3 or TRIM21. These results open new research avenues on endoglin function and regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunate Gallardo-Vara
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (E.G.-V.); (L.R.-L.)
| | - Lidia Ruiz-Llorente
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (E.G.-V.); (L.R.-L.)
| | - Juan Casado-Vela
- Bioengineering and Aerospace Engineering Department, Universidad Carlos III and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Leganés, 28911 Madrid, Spain;
| | | | - Natalia López-Andrés
- Cardiovascular Translational Research, Navarrabiomed, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra (CHN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), IdiSNA, 31008 Pamplona, Spain;
| | - Asit K. Pattnaik
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, and Nebraska Center for Virology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA;
| | - Miguel Quintanilla
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas “Alberto Sols”, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), and Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (M.Q.); (C.B.)
| | - Carmelo Bernabeu
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (E.G.-V.); (L.R.-L.)
- Correspondence: (M.Q.); (C.B.)
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41
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Nishimura K, Dioguardi E, Nishio S, Villa A, Han L, Matsuda T, Jovine L. Molecular basis of egg coat cross-linking sheds light on ZP1-associated female infertility. Nat Commun 2019; 10:3086. [PMID: 31300655 PMCID: PMC6626044 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-10931-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian fertilisation begins when sperm interacts with the egg zona pellucida (ZP), whose ZP1 subunit is important for fertility by covalently cross-linking ZP filaments into a three-dimensional matrix. Like ZP4, a structurally-related component absent in the mouse, ZP1 is predicted to contain an N-terminal ZP-N domain of unknown function. Here we report a characterisation of ZP1 proteins carrying mutations from infertile patients, which suggests that, in human, filament cross-linking by ZP1 is crucial to form a stable ZP. We map the function of ZP1 to its ZP-N1 domain and determine crystal structures of ZP-N1 homodimers from a chicken homolog of ZP1. These reveal that ZP filament cross-linking is highly plastic and can be modulated by ZP1 fucosylation and, potentially, zinc sparks. Moreover, we show that ZP4 ZP-N1 forms non-covalent homodimers in chicken but not in human. Together, these data identify human ZP1 cross-links as a promising target for non-hormonal contraception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaoru Nishimura
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition and Center for Innovative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, SE-141 83, Sweden
| | - Elisa Dioguardi
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition and Center for Innovative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, SE-141 83, Sweden
| | - Shunsuke Nishio
- Department of Applied Molecular Biosciences, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Chikusa, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition and Center for Innovative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, SE-141 83, Sweden
| | - Alessandra Villa
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition and Center for Innovative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, SE-141 83, Sweden
| | - Ling Han
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition and Center for Innovative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, SE-141 83, Sweden
| | - Tsukasa Matsuda
- Department of Applied Molecular Biosciences, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Chikusa, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan
| | - Luca Jovine
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition and Center for Innovative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, SE-141 83, Sweden.
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42
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Novel mutations in ZP1, ZP2, and ZP3 cause female infertility due to abnormal zona pellucida formation. Hum Genet 2019; 138:327-337. [PMID: 30810869 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-019-01990-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The human zona pellucida (ZP) is an extracellular glycoprotein matrix composed of ZP1, ZP2, ZP3, and ZP4 surrounding the oocyte, and it plays an important role in sperm-egg interactions during fertilization. Structural and functional changes in the ZP can influence the process of fertilization and lead to female infertility. Previous studies have identified mutations in ZP1, ZP2, and ZP3 that lead to female infertility caused by oocyte degeneration, empty follicle syndrome, or in vitro fertilization failure. Here we describe seven patients from six independent families who had several abnormal oocytes or suffered from empty follicle syndrome, similar to the previously reported phenotypes. By whole-exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing, we identified several novel mutations in these patients. These included three homozygous mutations in ZP1 (c.1708G > A, p.Val570Met; c.1228C > T, p.Arg410Trp; c.507del, p.His170Ilefs*52), two mutations in a compound heterozygous state in ZP1 (c.1430 + 1G > T, p.Cys478X and c.1775-8T > C, p.Asp592Glyfs*29), a homozygous mutation in ZP2 (c.1115G > C, p.Cys372Ser), and a heterozygous mutation in ZP3 (c.763C > G, p.Arg255Gly). In addition, studies in CHO cells showed that the mutations in ZP1, ZP2, and ZP3 might affect the corresponding protein expression, secretion, and interaction, thus providing a mechanistic explanation for the phenotypes. Our study expands the spectrum of ZP gene mutations and phenotypes, and provides a further understanding of the pathogenic mechanism of ZP gene mutations in vitro.
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43
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Low IIC, Williams CR, Chong MK, McLachlan IG, Wierbowski BM, Kolotuev I, Heiman MG. Morphogenesis of neurons and glia within an epithelium. Development 2019; 146:dev171124. [PMID: 30683663 PMCID: PMC6398450 DOI: 10.1242/dev.171124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
To sense the outside world, some neurons protrude across epithelia, the cellular barriers that line every surface of our bodies. To study the morphogenesis of such neurons, we examined the C. elegans amphid, in which dendrites protrude through a glial channel at the nose. During development, amphid dendrites extend by attaching to the nose via DYF-7, a type of protein typically found in epithelial apical ECM. Here, we show that amphid neurons and glia exhibit epithelial properties, including tight junctions and apical-basal polarity, and develop in a manner resembling other epithelia. We find that DYF-7 is a fibril-forming apical ECM component that promotes formation of the tube-shaped glial channel, reminiscent of roles for apical ECM in other narrow epithelial tubes. We also identify a requirement for FRM-2, a homolog of EPBL15/moe/Yurt that promotes epithelial integrity in other systems. Finally, we show that other environmentally exposed neurons share a requirement for DYF-7. Together, our results suggest that these neurons and glia can be viewed as part of an epithelium continuous with the skin, and are shaped by mechanisms shared with other epithelia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel I C Low
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School and Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Claire R Williams
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School and Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Megan K Chong
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School and Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ian G McLachlan
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School and Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Bradley M Wierbowski
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School and Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Irina Kolotuev
- Université de Rennes 1, Plateforme microscopie électronique, 35043 Rennes, France
| | - Maxwell G Heiman
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School and Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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44
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Ruiz-Llorente L, Chiapparino E, Plumitallo S, Danesino C, Bayrak-Toydemir P, Pagella F, Manfredi G, Bernabeu C, Jovine L, Olivieri C. Characterization of a mutation in the zona pellucida module of Endoglin that causes Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia. Gene 2019; 696:33-39. [PMID: 30763665 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2019.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a vascular rare disease characterized by nose and gastrointestinal bleeding, skin and mucosa telangiectasias, and arteriovenous malformations in internal organs. HHT shows an autosomal dominant inheritance and a worldwide prevalence of approximately 1:5000 individuals. In >80% of patients, HHT is caused by mutations in either ENG (HHT1) or ACVRL1 (HHT2) genes, which code for the membrane proteins Endoglin and Activin A Receptor Type II-Like Kinase 1 (ALK1), respectively, both belonging to the TGF-β/BMP signaling pathway. In this work, we describe a novel mutation in exon 9 of ENG (c.1145 G > A) found in five affected members of a family, all of them with characteristic symptoms of HHT. This mutation involves Cys382 residue of the Endoglin protein (p.Cys382 > Tyr) in the zona pellucida (ZP) module of its extracellular region. This is a critical residue involved in a conserved intrachain disulphide bond and in the correct folding of the protein. In fact, transfection studies in human cells using Endoglin expression vectors demonstrated that the p.Cys382 > Tyr mutation results in a marked reduction in the levels of the Endoglin protein. These results demonstrate the pathogenic role for this variant in HHT1 and confirm the key function of Cys382 in Endoglin expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Ruiz-Llorente
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Elisa Chiapparino
- Molecular Medicine Department, General Biology and Medical Genetics Unit, University of Pavia, Via Forlanini 14, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Sara Plumitallo
- Molecular Medicine Department, General Biology and Medical Genetics Unit, University of Pavia, Via Forlanini 14, 27100 Pavia, Italy; IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico San Matteo, Piazzale Golgi 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Cesare Danesino
- Molecular Medicine Department, General Biology and Medical Genetics Unit, University of Pavia, Via Forlanini 14, 27100 Pavia, Italy; IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico San Matteo, Piazzale Golgi 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Pinar Bayrak-Toydemir
- ARUP Institute for Clinical and Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
| | - Fabio Pagella
- Head and Neck Department, ENT Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico "San Matteo", Piazzale Golgi 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Guido Manfredi
- UOC Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, ASST, Ospedale Maggiore, 26013 Crema, CR, Italy.
| | - Carmelo Bernabeu
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Ramiro de Maeztu 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Luca Jovine
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition and Center for Innovative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Medicinaren 25 Neo, SE-141 83 Huddinge, Sweden.
| | - Carla Olivieri
- Molecular Medicine Department, General Biology and Medical Genetics Unit, University of Pavia, Via Forlanini 14, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
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45
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Cohen JD, Flatt KM, Schroeder NE, Sundaram MV. Epithelial Shaping by Diverse Apical Extracellular Matrices Requires the Nidogen Domain Protein DEX-1 in Caenorhabditis elegans. Genetics 2019; 211:185-200. [PMID: 30409789 PMCID: PMC6325709 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.118.301752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The body's external surfaces and the insides of biological tubes, like the vascular system, are lined by a lipid-, glycoprotein-, and glycosaminoglycan-rich apical extracellular matrix (aECM). aECMs are the body's first line of defense against infectious agents and promote tissue integrity and morphogenesis, but are poorly described relative to basement membranes and stromal ECMs. While some aECM components, such as zona pellucida (ZP) domain proteins, have been identified, little is known regarding the overall composition of the aECM or the mechanisms by which different aECM components work together to shape epithelial tissues. In Caenorhabditis elegans, external epithelia develop in the context of an ill-defined ZP-containing aECM that precedes secretion of the collagenous cuticle. C. elegans has 43 genes that encode at least 65 unique ZP proteins, and we show that some of these comprise distinct precuticle aECMs in the embryo. Previously, the nidogen- and EGF-domain protein DEX-1 was shown to anchor dendrites to the C. elegans nose tip in concert with the ZP protein DYF-7 Here, we identified a new, strong loss-of-function allele of dex-1, cs201dex-1 mutants die as L1 larvae and have a variety of tissue distortion phenotypes, including excretory defects, pharyngeal ingression, alae defects, and a short and fat body shape, that strongly resemble those of genes encoding ZP proteins. DEX-1 localizes to ZP-containing aECMs in the tissues that show defects in dex-1 mutants. Our studies suggest that DEX-1 is a component of multiple distinct embryonic aECMs that shape developing epithelia, and a potential partner of multiple ZP proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer D Cohen
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
| | - Kristen M Flatt
- Program in Neuroscience, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois 61801-4730
| | - Nathan E Schroeder
- Program in Neuroscience, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois 61801-4730
- Department of Crop Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois 61801-4730
| | - Meera V Sundaram
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
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