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Skerrett-Byrne DA, Stanger SJ, Trigg NA, Anderson AL, Sipilä P, Bernstein IR, Lord T, Schjenken JE, Murray HC, Verrills NM, Dun MD, Pang TY, Nixon B. Phosphoproteomic analysis of the adaption of epididymal epithelial cells to corticosterone challenge. Andrology 2024; 12:1038-1057. [PMID: 38576152 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13636] [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: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The epididymis has long been of interest owing to its role in promoting the functional maturation of the male germline. More recent evidence has also implicated the epididymis as an important sensory tissue responsible for remodeling of the sperm epigenome, both under physiological conditions and in response to diverse forms of environmental stress. Despite this knowledge, the intricacies of the molecular pathways involved in regulating the adaptation of epididymal tissue to paternal stressors remains to be fully resolved. OBJECTIVE The overall objective of this study was to investigate the direct impact of corticosterone challenge on a tractable epididymal epithelial cell line (i.e., mECap18 cells), in terms of driving adaptation of the cellular proteome and phosphoproteome signaling networks. MATERIALS AND METHODS The newly developed phosphoproteomic platform EasyPhos coupled with sequencing via an Orbitrap Exploris 480 mass spectrometer, was applied to survey global changes in the mECap18 cell (phospho)proteome resulting from sub-chronic (10-day) corticosterone challenge. RESULTS The imposed corticosterone exposure regimen elicited relatively subtle modifications of the global mECap18 proteome (i.e., only 73 out of 4171 [∼1.8%] proteins displayed altered abundance). By contrast, ∼15% of the mECap18 phosphoproteome was substantially altered following corticosterone challenge. In silico analysis of the corresponding parent proteins revealed an activation of pathways linked to DNA damage repair and oxidative stress responses as well as a reciprocal inhibition of pathways associated with organismal death. Corticosterone challenge also induced the phosphorylation of several proteins linked to the biogenesis of microRNAs. Accordingly, orthogonal validation strategies confirmed an increase in DNA damage, which was ameliorated upon selective kinase inhibition, and an altered abundance profile of a subset of microRNAs in corticosterone-treated cells. CONCLUSIONS Together, these data confirm that epididymal epithelial cells are reactive to corticosterone challenge, and that their response is tightly coupled to the opposing action of cellular kinases and phosphatases.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Skerrett-Byrne
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New Lambton, NSW, Australia
| | - Simone J Stanger
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New Lambton, NSW, Australia
| | - Natalie A Trigg
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New Lambton, NSW, Australia
| | - Amanda L Anderson
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New Lambton, NSW, Australia
| | - Petra Sipilä
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, and Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Ilana R Bernstein
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New Lambton, NSW, Australia
| | - Tessa Lord
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New Lambton, NSW, Australia
| | - John E Schjenken
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New Lambton, NSW, Australia
| | - Heather C Murray
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New Lambton, NSW, Australia
| | - Nicole M Verrills
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New Lambton, NSW, Australia
| | - Matthew D Dun
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New Lambton, NSW, Australia
| | - Terence Y Pang
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New Lambton, NSW, Australia
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Carvelli L, Hermo L, O’Flaherty C, Oko R, Pshezhetsky AV, Morales CR. Effects of Heparan sulfate acetyl-CoA: Alpha-glucosaminide N-acetyltransferase (HGSNAT) inactivation on the structure and function of epithelial and immune cells of the testis and epididymis and sperm parameters in adult mice. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0292157. [PMID: 37756356 PMCID: PMC10529547 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Heparan sulfate (HS), an abundant component of the apical cell surface and basement membrane, belongs to the glycosaminoglycan family of carbohydrates covalently linked to proteins called heparan sulfate proteoglycans. After endocytosis, HS is degraded in the lysosome by several enzymes, including heparan-alpha-glucosaminide N-acetyltransferase (HGSNAT), and in its absence causes Mucopolysaccharidosis III type C (Sanfilippo type C). Since endocytosis occurs in epithelial cells of the testis and epididymis, we examined the morphological effects of Hgsnat inactivation in these organs. In the testis, Hgsnat knockout (Hgsnat-Geo) mice revealed statistically significant decrease in tubule and epithelial profile area of seminiferous tubules. Electron microscopy (EM) analysis revealed cross-sectional tubule profiles with normal and moderately to severely altered appearances. Abnormalities in Sertoli cells and blood-testis barrier and the absence of germ cells in some tubules were noted along with altered morphology of sperm, sperm motility parameters and a reduction in fertilization rates in vitro. Along with quantitatively increased epithelial and tubular profile areas in the epididymis, EM demonstrated significant accumulations of electrolucent lysosomes in the caput-cauda regions that were reactive for cathepsin D and prosaposin antibodies. Lysosomes with similar storage materials were also found in basal, clear and myoid cells. In the mid/basal region of the epithelium of caput-cauda regions of KO mice, large vacuolated cells, unreactive for cytokeratin 5, a basal cell marker, were identified morphologically as epididymal mononuclear phagocytes (eMPs). The cytoplasm of the eMPs was occupied by a gigantic lysosome suggesting an active role of these cells in removing debris from the epithelium. Some eMPs were found in proximity to T-lymphocytes, a feature of dendritic cells. Taken together, our results reveal that upon Hgsnat inactivation, morphological alterations occur to the testis affecting sperm morphology and motility parameters and abnormal lysosomes in epididymal epithelial cells, indicative of a lysosomal storage disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Carvelli
- IHEM-CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Louis Hermo
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Cristian O’Flaherty
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Surgery (Urology Division), McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
| | - Richard Oko
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, Canada
| | - Alexey V. Pshezhetsky
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Sainte-Justine University Hospital Research Center, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Carlos R. Morales
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Li C, Yan Y, Pan C, Adjei M, Shahzad K, Wang P, Pan M, Li K, Wang Y, Zhao W. Identification and analysis of differentially expressed (DE) circRNA in epididymis of yak and cattleyak. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1040419. [PMID: 36825227 PMCID: PMC9941329 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1040419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs), as endogenous non-coding RNA with unique closed ring structure, is closely related to animal reproduction, and understanding the expression of circRNA in yak and cattleyak epididymal tissues is of great significance for understanding cattleyak sterility. Based on this, we screened and identified the differentially expressed circRNA in the epididymis of three yaks and two cattleyak. A total of 1,298 circRNAs were identified in the epididymis of yak and cattleyak, of which 137 differentially expressed (DE) circRNAs and the functions of some of them were elucidated in this research, as well as qPCR verification to 6 circRNAs from the 137 DE circRNAs. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis suggested that DE circRNAs were mainly related to metabolic process, development process, immune system process, reproductive process, reproduction, biological adhesion and growth. COG classification analysis showed that the DE circRNAs derived genes were mainly related to replication, recombination and repair. KEGG pathway analysis suggested that DE circRNAs were mainly involved in RNA degradation. In addition, we also screened Bta-mir-103, which is a circRNA binding miRNA related to sperm activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunhai Li
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, Sichuan, China
| | - Yan Yan
- College of Life Sciences, Yan'an University, Yan'An, Shaanxi, China
| | - Cheng Pan
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, Sichuan, China
| | - Michael Adjei
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, Sichuan, China
| | - Khuram Shahzad
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Peng Wang
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, Sichuan, China
| | - Meilan Pan
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, Sichuan, China
| | - Kerui Li
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, Sichuan, China
| | - Ye Wang
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology on Endangered Wildlife, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu, Sichuan, China,*Correspondence: Ye Wang ✉
| | - Wangsheng Zhao
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, Sichuan, China,Wangsheng Zhao ✉
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Barrachina F, Battistone MA, Castillo J, Mallofré C, Jodar M, Breton S, Oliva R. Sperm acquire epididymis-derived proteins through epididymosomes. Hum Reprod 2022; 37:651-668. [PMID: 35137089 PMCID: PMC8971652 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are epididymosomes implicated in protein transfer from the epididymis to spermatozoa? SUMMARY ANSWER We characterized the contribution of epididymal secretions to the sperm proteome and demonstrated that sperm acquire epididymal proteins through epididymosomes. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Testicular sperm are immature cells unable to fertilize an oocyte. After leaving the testis, sperm transit along the epididymis to acquire motility and fertilizing abilities. It is well known that marked changes in the sperm proteome profile occur during epididymal maturation. Since the sperm is a transcriptional and translational inert cell, previous studies have shown that sperm incorporate proteins, RNA and lipids from extracellular vesicles (EVs), released by epithelial cells lining the male reproductive tract. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We examined the contribution of the epididymis to the post-testicular maturation of spermatozoa, via the production of EVs named epididymosomes, released by epididymal epithelial cells. An integrative analysis using both human and mouse data was performed to identify sperm proteins with a potential epididymis-derived origin. Testes and epididymides from adult humans (n = 9) and adult mice (n = 3) were used to experimentally validate the tissue localization of four selected proteins using high-resolution confocal microscopy. Mouse epididymal sperm were co-incubated with carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester (CFSE)-labeled epididymosomes (n = 4 mice), and visualized using high-resolution confocal microscopy. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Adult (12-week-old) C57BL/CBAF1 wild-type male mice and adult humans were used for validation purposes. Testes and epididymides from both mice and humans were obtained and processed for immunofluorescence. Mouse epididymal sperm and mouse epididymosomes were obtained from the epididymal cauda segment. Fluorescent epididymosomes were obtained after labeling the epididymal vesicles with CFSE dye followed by epididymosome isolation using a density cushion. Immunofluorescence was performed following co-incubation of sperm with epididymosomes in vitro. High-resolution confocal microscopy and 3D image reconstruction were used to visualize protein localization and sperm-epididymosomes interactions. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Through in silico analysis, we first identified 25 sperm proteins with a putative epididymal origin that were conserved in both human and mouse spermatozoa. From those, the epididymal origin of four sperm proteins (SLC27A2, EDDM3B, KRT19 and WFDC8) was validated by high-resolution confocal microscopy. SLC27A2, EDDM3B, KRT19 and WFDC8 were all detected in epithelial cells lining the human and mouse epididymis, and absent from human and mouse seminiferous tubules. We found region-specific expression patterns of these proteins throughout the mouse epididymides. In addition, while EDDM3B, KRT19 and WFDC8 were detected in both epididymal principal and clear cells (CCs), SLC27A2 was exclusively expressed in CCs. Finally, we showed that CFSE-fluorescently labeled epididymosomes interact with sperm in vitro and about 12-36% of the epididymosomes contain the targeted sperm proteins with an epididymal origin. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The human and mouse sample size was limited and our results were descriptive. The analyses of epididymal sperm and epididymosomes were solely performed in the mouse model due to the difficulties in obtaining epididymal luminal fluid human samples. Alternatively, human ejaculated sperm and seminal EVs could not be used because ejaculated sperm have already contacted with the fluids secreted by the male accessory sex glands, and seminal EVs contain other EVs in addition to epididymosomes, such as the abundant prostate-derived EVs. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our findings indicate that epididymosomes are capable of providing spermatozoa with a new set of epididymis-derived proteins that could modulate the sperm proteome and, subsequently, participate in the post-testicular maturation of sperm cells. Additionally, our data provide further evidence of the novel role of epididymal CCs in epididymosome production. Identifying mechanisms by which sperm mature to acquire their fertilization potential would, ultimately, lead to a better understanding of male reproductive health and may help to identify potential therapeutic strategies to improve male infertility. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (Ministerio de Economía y Competividad; fondos FEDER 'una manera de hacer Europa' PI13/00699 and PI16/00346 to R.O.; and Sara Borrell Postdoctoral Fellowship, Acción Estratégica en Salud, CD17/00109 to J.C.), by National Institutes of Health (grants HD040793 and HD069623 to S.B., grant HD104672-01 to M.A.B.), by the Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports (Ministerio de Educación, Cultura y Deporte para la Formación de Profesorado Universitario, FPU15/02306 to F.B.), by a Lalor Foundation Fellowship (to F.B. and M.A.B.), by the Government of Catalonia (Generalitat de Catalunya, pla estratègic de recerca i innovació en salut, PERIS 2016-2020, SLT002/16/00337 to M.J.), by Fundació Universitària Agustí Pedro i Pons (to F.B.), and by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (PROLAB Award from ASBMB/IUBMB/PABMB to F.B.). Confocal microscopy and transmission electron microscopy was performed in the Microscopy Core facility of the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Center for Systems Biology/Program in Membrane Biology which receives support from Boston Area Diabetes and Endocrinology Research Center (BADERC) award DK57521 and Center for the Study of Inflammatory Bowel Disease grant DK43351. The Zeiss LSM800 microscope was acquired using an NIH Shared Instrumentation Grant S10-OD-021577-01. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Barrachina
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Program in Membrane Biology, Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - M A Battistone
- Program in Membrane Biology, Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - J Castillo
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - C Mallofré
- Department of Pathology, Universitat de Barcelona, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Jodar
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - S Breton
- Program in Membrane Biology, Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - R Oliva
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Research Group, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
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De Toni L, Sabovic I, De Filippis V, Acquasaliente L, Peterle D, Guidolin D, Sut S, Di Nisio A, Foresta C, Garolla A. Sperm Cholesterol Content Modifies Sperm Function and TRPV1-Mediated Sperm Migration. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22063126. [PMID: 33803867 PMCID: PMC8003190 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22063126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Transient receptor potential channels-vanilloid receptor 1 (TRPV1) regulates thermotaxis in sperm-oriented motility. We investigated the role of membrane cholesterol (Chol) on TRPV1-mediated human sperm migration. Semen samples were obtained from five normozoospemic healthy volunteers. Sperm membrane Chol content, quantified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, was modified by incubating cells with 2-hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin (CD) or the complex between CD and Chol (CD:Chol). The effect on sperm migration on a 10 μM capsaicin gradient (CPS), a TRPV1 agonist, was then investigated. Motility parameters were evaluated by Sperm Class Analyser. Intracellular calcium concentration and acrosome reaction were measured by staining with calcium orange and FITC-conjugated anti-CD46 antibody, respectively. TRPV1-Chol interaction was modelled by computational molecular-modelling (MM). CD and CD:Chol, respectively, reduced and increased membrane Chol content in a dose-dependent manner, resulting in a dose-dependent increase and reduction of sperm migration in a CPS gradient. MM confirmed a specific interaction of Chol with a TRPV1 domain that appeared precluded to the Chol epimer epicholesterol (Epi-Chol). Accordingly, CD:Epi-Chol was significantly less efficient than CD:Chol, in reducing sperm migration under CPS gradient. Chol inhibits TRPV1-mediated sperm function by directly interacting with a consensus sequence of the receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca De Toni
- Unit of Andrology and Reproduction Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (L.D.T.); (S.S.); (A.D.N.); (C.F.)
| | - Iva Sabovic
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy;
| | - Vincenzo De Filippis
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (V.D.F.); (L.A.); (D.P.)
| | - Laura Acquasaliente
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (V.D.F.); (L.A.); (D.P.)
| | - Daniele Peterle
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (V.D.F.); (L.A.); (D.P.)
| | - Diego Guidolin
- Department of Neurosciences, Institute of Human Anatomy, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy;
| | - Stefania Sut
- Unit of Andrology and Reproduction Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (L.D.T.); (S.S.); (A.D.N.); (C.F.)
| | - Andrea Di Nisio
- Unit of Andrology and Reproduction Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (L.D.T.); (S.S.); (A.D.N.); (C.F.)
| | - Carlo Foresta
- Unit of Andrology and Reproduction Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (L.D.T.); (S.S.); (A.D.N.); (C.F.)
| | - Andrea Garolla
- Unit of Andrology and Reproduction Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (L.D.T.); (S.S.); (A.D.N.); (C.F.)
- Correspondence:
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Pujianto DA, Muliawati D, Rizki MD, Parisudha A, Hardiyanto L. Mouse defensin beta 20 (Defb20) is expressed specifically in the caput region of the epididymis and regulated by androgen and testicular factors. Reprod Biol 2020; 20:536-540. [PMID: 33060057 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2020.09.003] [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: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Sperm cells undergo maturation during their transit throughout the epididymis. This process takes place in region-specific manner in which sperm are battered by proteins secreted by epithelium lining the epididymal duct. Most of the genes that encode for the proteins involved in the sperm maturation remain uncharacterized. Previous studies showed that family of β-defensins preferentially eaxpressed in male reproductive tracts and play an important role in both innate immunity and sperm fertility. In this study we characterized Defb20 to gain insight on its role in sperm maturation. Bioinformatic tools were used to analyzed functional domains and signal peptide. qRT-PCR analyses were used to analyzed tissue distribution, dependency on androgen and testicular factors and developmental-regulated expression analysis. Defb20 sequence contains important domains such as N-myristoilation and kinase binding sites which are putatively involved in the protein activation and protein-plasma membrane interaction. Moreover, DEFB20 contains a signal peptide indicating characteristic of secretory proteins. Defb20 was expressed exclusively in the epididymis with the highest expression in the caput region and was down-regulated by gonadectomy. Defb20 was also regulated by testicular factors in which the expression was down-regulated after efferent duct ligation (EDL). The dependency on the androgen was further confirmed by postnatal expression analysis in which Defb20 began to express at day-20 postnatal indicating specific stage of expression after initial development of the testis. In conclusion, Defb20 have a potential to be involved in the epididymal sperm maturation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dwi Ari Pujianto
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia.
| | - Dewi Muliawati
- Master Program for Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Meidika Dara Rizki
- Master Program for Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Annisa Parisudha
- Master Program for Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Lutfi Hardiyanto
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
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Candenas L, Chianese R. Exosome Composition and Seminal Plasma Proteome: A Promising Source of Biomarkers of Male Infertility. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E7022. [PMID: 32987677 PMCID: PMC7583765 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197022] [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: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Infertility has become a global health issue, with approximately 50% of infertility cases generated by disorders in male reproduction. Spermatozoa are conveyed towards female genital tracts in a safe surrounding provided by the seminal plasma. Interestingly, this dynamically changing medium is a rich source of proteins, essential not only for sperm transport, but also for its protection and maturation. Most of the seminal proteins are acquired by spermatozoa in transit through exosomes (epididymosomes and prostasomes). The high number of seminal proteins, the increasing knowledge of their origins and biological functions and their differential expression in the case of azoospermia, asthenozoospermia, oligozoospermia and teratozoospermia or other conditions of male infertility have allowed the identification of a wide variety of biomarker candidates and their involvement in biological pathways, thus to strongly suggest that the proteomic landscape of seminal plasma may be a potential indicator of sperm dysfunction. This review summarizes the current knowledge in seminal plasma proteomics and its potentiality as a diagnostic tool in different degrees of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luz Candenas
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas, CSIC, Avenida Américo Vespucio 49, 41092 Sevilla, Spain;
| | - Rosanna Chianese
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy
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Postnatal differentiation and regional histological variations in the ductus epididymidis of the Congjiang Xiang pig. Tissue Cell 2020; 67:101411. [PMID: 32835944 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2020.101411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The Congjiang Xiang pig is a rare Chinese miniature breed whose epididymal histologic features through the postnatal development are poorly understood. To clarify the histomorphological differences between each region of epididymis during postnatal development, 24 male Congjiang Xiang pigs aged from neonatal (15 d), peri-puberty (30 d), puberty (60 d) to adult (180 d) stages, were examined. Postnatal differentiation of the different regions (I-V) of the epididymis started from birth and continued until maturity that showed regional variations. Developmental progression was disto-proximal. At the neonatal stage, Wolffian duct differentiation starts in the distal region, then ascends to the middle region which forms regions V, IV and III, respectively. A simple lined cuboidal in the epidydimal epithelial, which gradually differentiated into a pseudostratified columnar with stereocilia from neonatal to post-pubertal. After puberty cell rearrangement occurred in the epithelium, differentiation accelerated, and spermatozoon seen in the lumen, especially the lumen of region II. In region III, both halo and apical cells were frequently observed. At the post-pubertal stage, clear cells were frequently observed in Region IV-V, and the epididymal duct was markedly increased in size and fully packed with spermatozoa. The information presented in this study will be helpful for future evaluations of Congjiang Xiang pig fertility. After puberty cell rearrangement occurred in the epithelium, differentiation accelerated, and spermatozoon seen in the lumen, especially the lumen of region II. In region III, both halo and apical cells were frequently observed. At the post-pubertal stage, clear cells were frequently observed in Region IV-V, and the epididymal duct was markedly increased in size and fully packed with spermatozoa. The information presented in this study will be helpful for future evaluations of Congjiang Xiang pig fertility.
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9
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Kumar A, Sridharn TB, Rao KA. Role of Seminal Plasma Proteins in Effective Zygote Formation- A Success Road to Pregnancy. Protein Pept Lett 2019; 26:238-250. [PMID: 30734670 DOI: 10.2174/0929866526666190208112152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Revised: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Seminal plasma proteins contributed by secretions of accessory glands plays a copious role in fertilization. Their role is overlooked for decades and even now, as Artificial Reproduction Techniques (ART) excludes the plasma components in the procedures. Recent evidences suggest the importance of these proteins starting from imparting fertility status to men, fertilization and till successful implantation of the conceptus in the female uterus. Seminal plasma is rich in diverse proteins, but a major part of the seminal plasma is constituted by very lesser number of proteins. This makes isolation and further research on non abundant protein a tough task. With the advent of much advanced proteomic techniques and bio informatics tools, studying the protein component of seminal plasma has become easy and promising. This review is focused on the role of seminal plasma proteins on various walks of fertilization process and thus, the possible exploitation of seminal plasma proteins for understanding the etiology of male related infertility issues. In addition, a compilation of seminal plasma proteins and their functions has been done.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archana Kumar
- School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology University, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - T B Sridharn
- School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology University, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Kamini A Rao
- BACCMILANN Fertility Center Bangalore, Karnataka, India
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10
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Liu Q, Yu W, Fan S, Zhuang H, Han Y, Zhang H, Yuan Z, Weng Q. Seasonal expressions of androgen receptor, estrogen receptors, 5α-reductases and P450arom in the epididymis of the male muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus). J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2019; 194:105433. [PMID: 31376460 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2019.105433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The steroid hormones not only exert various endocrine functions but also act as the autocrine or paracrine factors in different tissues of mammals. In the present study, the seasonal expressions of androgen receptor (AR), estrogen receptors alpha and beta (ERα and ERβ), aromatase cytochrome P450 (P450arom) and 5α-reductase 1, 2 were investigated in the epididymis of the muskrat. HE staining showed enlarged lumen and abundant sperm in the breeding season while reduced lumen with no sperm in the non-breeding season. The staining of AR was presented in nuclei of epithelial cells of the epididymis in both seasons. The immunostaining of ERα was localized in both nuclei and cytoplasm of epithelial cells of the epididymis during the breeding season, while the weak staining of ERα was only in the nuclei of epithelial cells during the non-breeding season. In contrast, ERβ signal was negative in the epididymis of the muskrat in both seasons. The positive signals for P450arom and 5α-reductase 1, 2 were found in the cytoplasm of epithelial and smooth muscle cells during both seasons. Moreover, the protein and mRNA expression levels of AR, ERα, P450arom and 5α-reductase 1, 2 were significantly higher in the epididymis during the breeding season than those of the non-breeding season, and the expression level of 5α-reductase 1 was higher when compared with 5α-reductase 2. In addition, the levels of testosterone (T) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the epididymis and serum were remarkably higher during the breeding season. Taken together, these findings suggested androgen and estrogen might play an important endocrine or autocrine/paracrine role to regulate the epididymal functions of the muskrat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Liu
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Wenyang Yu
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Sijie Fan
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Haotong Zhuang
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yingying Han
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Haolin Zhang
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Zhengrong Yuan
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Qiang Weng
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China.
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11
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Nixon B, De Iuliis GN, Dun MD, Zhou W, Trigg NA, Eamens AL. Profiling of epididymal small non-protein-coding RNAs. Andrology 2019; 7:669-680. [PMID: 31020794 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our understanding of epididymal physiology and function has been transformed over the three decades in which the International Meeting Series on the Epididymis has been hosted. This transformation has occurred along many fronts, but among the most significant advances has been the unexpected discovery of the diversity of small non-protein-coding RNAs (sRNAs) expressed in the epididymal epithelium and differentially accumulated in the luminal population of spermatozoa. OBJECTIVES Here we survey recent literature pertaining to profiling the sRNA landscape of the mammalian epididymis with the goal of demonstrating the contribution that these key regulatory elements, and their associated pathways, make to epididymal physiology and sperm maturation. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION High throughput sequencing strategies have fueled an unprecedented advance in our understanding of RNA biology. In the last decade, such high throughput profiling tools have been increasingly applied to study the mammalian epididymis, presaging the discovery of diverse classes of sRNA expressed along the length of the tract. Among the best studied sRNA classes are the microRNAs (miRNA), a sRNA species shown to act in concert with endocrine signals to fine-tune the segmental patterning of epididymal gene expression. In addition to performing this homeostatic role, epithelial cell-derived sRNAs also selectively accumulate into the epididymosomes and spermatozoa that occupy the duct lumen. This exciting discovery alludes to a novel form of intracellular communication that contributes to the establishment of the sperm epigenome and its modification under conditions of paternal stress. CONCLUSION Compelling literature has identified sRNAs as a crucial regulatory tier that allows the epididymis to fulfill its combined roles of sperm transport, maturation, and storage. Continued research in this emerging field will contribute to our growing understanding of the etiology of male factor infertility and potentially allow for the future design of rational therapeutic options for these individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Reproduction and Pregnancy Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - G N De Iuliis
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Reproduction and Pregnancy Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - M D Dun
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Cancer Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - W Zhou
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Reproduction and Pregnancy Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - N A Trigg
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Reproduction and Pregnancy Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - A L Eamens
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
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12
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Nixon B, De Iuliis GN, Hart HM, Zhou W, Mathe A, Bernstein IR, Anderson AL, Stanger SJ, Skerrett-Byrne DA, Jamaluddin MFB, Almazi JG, Bromfield EG, Larsen MR, Dun MD. Proteomic Profiling of Mouse Epididymosomes Reveals their Contributions to Post-testicular Sperm Maturation. Mol Cell Proteomics 2019; 18:S91-S108. [PMID: 30213844 PMCID: PMC6427233 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.ra118.000946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Revised: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The functional maturation of spermatozoa that is necessary to achieve fertilization occurs as these cells transit through the epididymis, a highly specialized region of the male reproductive tract. A defining feature of this maturation process is that it occurs in the complete absence of nuclear gene transcription or de novo, protein translation in the spermatozoa. Rather, it is driven by sequential interactions between spermatozoa and the complex external milieu in which they are bathed within lumen of the epididymal tubule. A feature of this dynamic microenvironment are epididymosomes, small membrane encapsulated vesicles that are secreted from the epididymal soma. Herein, we report comparative proteomic profiling of epididymosomes isolated from different segments of the mouse epididymis using multiplexed tandem mass tag (TMT) based quantification coupled with high resolution LC-MS/MS. A total of 1640 epididymosome proteins were identified and quantified via this proteomic method. Notably, this analysis revealed pronounced segment-to-segment variation in the encapsulated epididymosome proteome. Thus, 146 proteins were identified as being differentially accumulated between caput and corpus epididymosomes, and a further 344 were differentially accumulated between corpus and cauda epididymosomes (i.e., fold change of ≤ -1.5 or ≥ 1.5; p, < 0.05). Application of gene ontology annotation revealed a substantial portion of the epididymosome proteins mapped to the cellular component of extracellular exosome and to the biological processes of transport, oxidation-reduction, and metabolism. Additional annotation of the subset of epididymosome proteins that have not previously been identified in exosomes revealed enrichment of categories associated with the acquisition of sperm function (e.g., fertilization and binding to the zona pellucida). In tandem with our demonstration that epididymosomes are able to convey protein cargo to the head of maturing spermatozoa, these data emphasize the fundamental importance of epididymosomes as key elements of the epididymal microenvironment responsible for coordinating post-testicular sperm maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett Nixon
- From the ‡Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Geoffry N De Iuliis
- From the ‡Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Hanah M Hart
- From the ‡Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Wei Zhou
- From the ‡Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Andrea Mathe
- From the ‡Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia;; School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Ilana R Bernstein
- From the ‡Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Amanda L Anderson
- From the ‡Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Simone J Stanger
- From the ‡Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - David A Skerrett-Byrne
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - M Fairuz B Jamaluddin
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia;; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Cancer Research Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Juhura G Almazi
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia;; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Cancer Research Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Elizabeth G Bromfield
- From the ‡Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Martin R Larsen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, DK-5230 Odense M, Denmark
| | - Matthew D Dun
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia;; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Cancer Research Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia.
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13
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Gao DD, Xu JW, Qin WB, Peng L, Qiu ZE, Wang LL, Lan CF, Cao XN, Xu JB, Zhu YX, Tang YG, Zhang YL, Zhou WL. Cellular Mechanism Underlying Hydrogen Sulfide Mediated Epithelial K + Secretion in Rat Epididymis. Front Physiol 2019; 9:1886. [PMID: 30666217 PMCID: PMC6330343 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
As a novel gasotransmitter, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) elicits various physiological actions including smooth muscle relaxation and promotion of transepithelial ion transport. However, the pro-secretory function of H2S in the male reproductive system remains largely unclear. The aim of this study is to elucidate the possible roles of H2S in modulating rat epididymal intraluminal ionic microenvironment essential for sperm storage. The results revealed that endogenous H2S-generating enzymes cystathionine β-synthetase (CBS) and cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) were both expressed in rat epididymis. CBS located predominantly in epithelial cells whilst CSE expressed primarily in smooth muscle cells. The relative expression level of CBS and CSE escalated from caput to cauda regions of epididymis, which was paralleled to the progressively increasing production of endogenous H2S. The effect of H2S on epididymal epithelial ion transportation was investigated using short-circuit current (ISC), measurement of intracellular ion concentration and in vivo rat epididymal microperfusion. Our data showed that H2S induced transepithelial K+ secretion via adenosine triphosphate-sensitive K+ (KATP) channel and large conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BKCa) channel. Transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) channel-mediated Ca2+ influx was implicated in the activation of BKCa channel. In vivo studies further demonstrated that H2S promoted K+ secretion in rat epididymal epithelium. Inhibition of endogenous H2S synthesis caused a significant decrease in K+ concentration of cauda epididymal intraluminal fluid. Moreover, our data demonstrated that high extracellular K+ concentration actively depressed the motility of cauda epididymal sperm in a pH-independent manner. Collectively, the present study demonstrated that H2S was vital to the formation of high K+ concentration in epididymal intraluminal fluid by promoting the transepithelial K+ secretion, which might contribute to the maintenance of the cauda epididymal sperm in quiescent dormant state before ejaculation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Dong Gao
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jia-Wen Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei-Bing Qin
- Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive and Genetics, National Health and Family Planning Commission, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lei Peng
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhuo-Er Qiu
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Long-Long Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chong-Feng Lan
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Nian Cao
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian-Bang Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yun-Xin Zhu
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yun-Ge Tang
- Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive and Genetics, National Health and Family Planning Commission, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi-Lin Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wen-Liang Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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14
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Oliveira R, Hermo L, Pshezhetsky AV, Morales CR. Presence of aberrant epididymal tubules revealing undifferentiated epithelial cells and absence of spermatozoa in a combined neuraminidase-3 and -4 deficient adult mouse model. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0206173. [PMID: 30359429 PMCID: PMC6201937 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0206173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian neuraminidases are responsible for the removal of sialic acids from glycoproteins and glycolipids and function in a variety of biological phenomena such as lysosomal catabolism and control of cell differentiation and growth. Disruption of Neu3 and Neu4 genes has led to the generation of a mouse model revealing severe neurological disorders. In this study a morphological analysis was performed on the epididymis of 3 month-old neu3-/-neu4-/- mice as compared with wild type animals. In neu3-/-neu4-/- mice the majority of tubules of the main epididymal duct were large and lined by differentiated epithelial cells, but revealing lysosomal abnormalities in principal and basally located cells. Of particular note was the presence of aberrant epididymal tubules (ATs) juxtaposed next to the main tubules. ATs were small and of different shapes. Layers of myoid cells encased ATs, which they shared with those of the main tubules, but no interstitial space existed between the two. While some ATs were a dense mass of cells, others revealed a distinct lumen devoid of spermatozoa. The latter revealed an undifferentiated epithelium consisting of cuboidal cells and basal cells, with junctional complexes evident at the luminal front. The absence of spermatozoa from the lumen of the ATs suggests that they were not in contact with the main duct, as also implied by the undifferentiated appearance of the epithelium suggesting lack of lumicrine factors. Despite the presence of ATs, the main duct contained ample spermatozoa, as the neu3-/-neu4-/- mice were fertile. Taken together the data suggest that absence of Neu3 and Neu4 leads to defects in cell adhesion and differentiation of epithelial cells resulting in aberrant tubular offshoots that fail to remain connected with the main duct. Hence Neu3 and Neu 4 play an essential role in the guidance of epithelial cells during early embryonic formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regiana Oliveira
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University–Montreal, Canada
| | - Louis Hermo
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University–Montreal, Canada
| | - Alexey V. Pshezhetsky
- Division of Medical Genetics, Centre Hospitalière Universitaire Sainte-Justine, University of Montréal—Montreal, Canada
| | - Carlos R. Morales
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University–Montreal, Canada
- * E-mail:
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15
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Bezerra MJB, Silva MB, Lobo CH, Vasconcelos FR, Lobo MD, Monteiro-Moreira ACO, Moreira RA, Machado-Neves M, Figueiredo JR, Moura AA. Gene and protein expression in the reproductive tract of Brazilian Somalis rams. Reprod Domest Anim 2018; 54:939-948. [PMID: 30246506 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Brazilian Somalis is a locally-adapted breed of rams raised in tropical climate and native pastures. The present study was conducted to evaluate gene expression and proteome of the reproductive tract of such rams. Samples were collected from testes, epididymides, seminal vesicles and bulbourethral glands of four rams. Expression of clusterin (CLU), osteopontin (OPN) and prostaglandin D2 synthase (PGDS) genes were evaluated in all samples by real-time PCR. Shotgun proteomic analysis was performed using samples from the head, corpus and cauda epididymides and from all other structures as well. Gene ontology terms and protein interactions were obtained from UniProtKB databases and MetaCore v.6.8 platform. CLU trasncripts were detected in the testes, epididymides, seminal vesicles and bulbourethral glands of the Somalis rams. The initial region and body of the epididymis had the greatest CLU expression. OPN mRNA was localized in all tissues of the ram reproductive tract. PGDS mRNA was detected in the testes and epididymides. Lable-free mass spectrometry allowed the identification of 137 proteins in all samples. Proteins of the epididymis head mainly participate in cellular processes and response to stimulus, participating in catalityc activity and binding. Proteins of epididymis body acted as regulatory proteins and in cellular processes, with binding and catalytic activity. Cauda epididymis molecules were associated with cellular processes and regulation, with binding function and catalytic activity as well. Testis proteins were mainly linked to cell processes and response to stimuli, and had catalytic function. Seminal vesicle proteins were involved in regulation and mainly with binding functions. Most bulbourethral gland proteins participated in cellular processes. The present study is the first to evaluate the proteome and gene expressions in the reproductive tract of Brazilian Somalis rams. Such pieces of information bring significant cointribution for the understanding of the reproductive physiology of locally-adapted livestock.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mariana B Silva
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil
| | - Carlos H Lobo
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil
| | - Fábio R Vasconcelos
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil
| | - Marina D Lobo
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Fortaleza, Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil
| | | | - Renato A Moreira
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Fortaleza, Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil
| | | | - José R Figueiredo
- School of Veterinary Medicine, CearaState University, Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil
| | - Arlindo A Moura
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil
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16
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Eskandari-Shahraki M, Prud'homme B, Manjunath P. CRISPR-Cas9-mediated mutation revealed BSPH2 protein is dispensable for male fertility. Mol Reprod Dev 2018; 85:709-719. [PMID: 29969530 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Members of the Binder of SPerm (BSP) superfamily have been identified in both human and mouse epididymis. These proteins are known to bind sperm membrane and promote sperm capacitation. Studies suggest that BSPH2 might play a different role in sperm functions from its counterparts; however, the role of BSPH2 remains mainly unexplored. To investigate whether the absence of one member of the BSP family could affect fertility, mice lacking Bsph2 expression were generated using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) associated 9 (Cas9) technology. Knockout (KO) male mice were mated with wild-type (WT) females, and the number and weight of the pups were determined. Sperm motility in WT and KO was assessed using sperm class analyzer (SCA). Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used for protein identification. Fertility analysis of null Bsph2 mice did not reveal any phenotype. No differences were noticed on average litter size or average pup weight. Normal testis weight and morphology were observed in Bsph2+/- and Bsph2-/- compared to the WT. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analyses revealed that Bsph1 messenger RNA expression was increased in mutant mice, whereas LC-MS/MS analysis displayed no increase in protein expression level. Taken together, we show the existence of redundant function for murine BSPH2 and the lack of BSPH2 itself does not lead to sterility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzieh Eskandari-Shahraki
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Canada.,Departments of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | | | - Puttaswamy Manjunath
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Canada.,Departments of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
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17
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Druart X, de Graaf S. Seminal plasma proteomes and sperm fertility. Anim Reprod Sci 2018; 194:33-40. [PMID: 29657075 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2018.04.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2017] [Revised: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
During ejaculation, the spermatozoa are transported by the seminal plasma, a fluid resulting from secretions originating mainly from the prostate and the seminal vesicles in mammals. The interaction of the seminal plasma with spermatozoa induces binding of seminal proteins onto the sperm surface and membrane remodeling potentially impacting the sperm transport, survival and fertilizing ability in the female genital tract. The seminal plasma also contains peptides and proteins involved in the inflammatory and immune response of the female tract. Therefore the seminal plasma proteome has been investigated in a large range of taxa, including mammals, birds, fishes and insect species. The association of the seminal plasma with semen preservation or fertility identified proteic markers of seminal plasma function in domestic species. This review summarizes the current knowledge in seminal plasma proteomes and proteic markers of sperm preservation in animal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Druart
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et du Comportement, INRA, CNRS, IFCE, Université de Tours, 37380 Nouzilly, France.
| | - Simon de Graaf
- RMC Gunn Building (B19), Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
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Medini R, Bhagya M, Samson S. Identification and characterisation of the epididymal proteins in the lizard, Eutropis carinata (Reptilia, Squamata) (Schneider, 1801). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2018; 259:76-84. [PMID: 29155263 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2017.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Revised: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Lizards are seasonal breeders. Cyclic reproductive nature makes lizard as a useful model for the study of the reproductively active protein secretions in the epididymis. During breeding season, the epididymides of the lizard secret proteins that mixes with the spermatozoa and create a favourable environment for sperm maturation. In this spectrum, the aim of this study is to identify and characterize proteins which are present in the lumen of the epididymis of the lizard, E. carinata during the active phase of reproduction. The identification and analysis of the proteins are done through the proteomic approaches. The epididymal luminal fluid sample was taken from the reproductively active and inactive phase and these are subjected to the size exclusion chromatography. Two major peaks (peak 1 and peak 2) were obtained in the epididymal luminal fluid sample taken during the reproductively active phase. On the other hand, the sample from the reproductively inactive phase showed one peak (peak 1) whereas, peak 2 is not present during this phase. The peak 2 belong to reproductively active phase was later subjected to the proteomic analysis. Appropriate gel electrophoresis separation and purification methods are combined with LC-MS/MS in order to identify and characterize the proteins that are presented during the reproductively active phase. Further, in this work, nine proteins are identified including three enzymes and three heat shock proteins. Among the identified proteins, bioinformatics analysis predicts that majority of them are localized in the cytoplasm. In addition to this, an observation is made in the endoplasmic reticulum where it is seen that a close protein-protein interaction network of three molecular chaperones are involved in protein processing. Overall, this paper opens up a new dimension search for epididymal markers for the first time in reptiles, particularly lizards.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Medini
- Department of Zoology, University of Mysore, Mysuru 570006, Karnataka State, India
| | - M Bhagya
- Department of Zoology, University of Mysore, Mysuru 570006, Karnataka State, India.
| | - S Samson
- Department of Zoology, University of Mysore, Mysuru 570006, Karnataka State, India
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Garolla A, Šabović I, Tescari S, De Toni L, Menegazzo M, Cosci I, De Filippis V, Giarola M, Foresta C. Impaired sperm function in infertile men relies on the membrane sterol pattern. Andrology 2018; 6:325-334. [PMID: 29378089 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2017] [Revised: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 12/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Membrane cholesterol removal appears a key step for the gain of fertility potential during sperm maturation. However, the membrane sterol pattern in sperm cells from infertile patients, with impaired sperm parameters, has been poorly investigated. To elucidate a causative link between sperm membrane composition in male fertility, here we have investigated the levels of cholesterol and its oxidized derivatives 7β-hydroxycholesterol and 7-keto-cholesterol in sixteen infertile patients with oligo-asthenozoospermia and 16 normozoospermic (N) fertile subjects. Furthermore, ten of 16 N fertile subjects agreed to receive a defined testicular thermal challenge by adhering to a programme of sauna sessions for 1 month. Semen samples were obtained from each of the participants, and sperm parameters were assessed according to the World Health Organization criteria. Sperm levels of cholesterol, 7β-hydroxycholesterol and 7-keto-cholesterol were quantified by ultra-pressure liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. The results showed that oligo-asthenozoospermia patients had a huge amount of cholesterol content compared with fertile subjects (12.40 ± 6.05 μg/106 cells vs. 0.45 ± 0.28 μg/106 cells, p < 0.001, N and oligo-asthenozoospermia, respectively). Also, oxidized derivatives were significantly higher in oligo-asthenozoospermia patients (7β-hydroxycholesterol: 1.96 ± 1.03 ng/106 cells vs. 0.075 ± 0.05 ng/106 cells, p < 0.001 and 7-keto-cholesterol: 1.11 ± 0.72 ng/106 cells vs. 0.005 ± 0.003 ng/106 cells, p < 0.001). Moreover, sauna exposure, in parallel with a progressive worsening of sperm motility parameters, was associated with a reversible increase in sperm cholesterol after the third and fourth week of treatment, whilst 7β-hydroxycholesterol and 7-keto-cholesterol levels showed an earlier enhancement starting from the second week. Our data show for the first time in humans a strong difference in the cholesterol and its oxidized derivatives of infertile and fertile subjects. These findings suggest a strict biochemical link relating testis function, sperm membrane status and male fertility potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Garolla
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - I Šabović
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Department of Clinical and Experimental Oncology, IOV-IRCCS, Padova, Italy
| | - S Tescari
- Department of Pharmaceuticals and Pharmacological Sciences, Laboratory of Protein Chemistry, School of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - L De Toni
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - M Menegazzo
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - I Cosci
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - V De Filippis
- Department of Pharmaceuticals and Pharmacological Sciences, Laboratory of Protein Chemistry, School of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - M Giarola
- Center for Technological Platforms, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - C Foresta
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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Medini R, Bhagya M, Samson S. Seasonal changes in the protein profile and enzyme activity of the epididymal luminal fluid in the lizard, Eutropis carinata (Schneider, 1801). ANIM BIOL 2018. [DOI: 10.1163/15707563-17000124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The epididymis of the male reproductive system is known to be involved in sperm maturation via the production of polypeptides, glycoproteins, surface proteins, enzymes and other factors. During the annual reproductive cycle, the epididymis of the lizard Eutropis carinata undergoes dramatic changes, both morphologically and biochemically, that occur in a well-organized sequence. The present study reveals the sequential changes that occur in the production and concentration of proteins in the epididymal luminal fluid throughout the annual reproductive cycle. A one-dimensional electrophoretic profile of the epididymal luminal proteins revealed a total of 18 bands in the regenerative phase, 22 bands during breeding and 17 bands in the post-breeding as well as regressed phases of the reproductive cycle. By two-dimensional electrophoresis, the protein complexes that are unique to the breeding phase were further resolved based on their pI and the molecular weight of each protein of the protein complex was determined. This is the first study to observe that proteins that are present during the reproductively inactive phase disappear during the reproductively active phase. The Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS) test for protein profiles revealed the presence of proteins with a carbohydrate moiety. Certain enzymes, such as acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, and α-glucosidase, are highly sensitive to seasonal changes and their activity parallels the production of the epididymal proteins. This study provides evidence for androgen-dependent cyclical changes in the pattern of protein profiles and enzyme activity of the epididymal lumen in the lizard E. carinata.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Medini
- Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology Lab, Department of Zoology, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysuru-570006, Karnataka, India
| | - M. Bhagya
- Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology Lab, Department of Zoology, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysuru-570006, Karnataka, India
| | - S. Samson
- Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology Lab, Department of Zoology, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysuru-570006, Karnataka, India
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21
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Heterologous Oviductal Cells Binding Capacity of Cryopreserved Equine Ejaculated and Epididymal Spermatozoa. J Equine Vet Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2017.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Zhou W, Anderson AL, Turner AP, De Iuliis GN, McCluskey A, McLaughlin EA, Nixon B. Characterization of a novel role for the dynamin mechanoenzymes in the regulation of human sperm acrosomal exocytosis. Mol Hum Reprod 2017; 23:657-673. [DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gax044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
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Díaz-Flores L, Gutiérrez R, García MDP, Gayoso MJ, Carrasco JL, Díaz-Flores L, Álvarez-Argüelles H. Localized amyloidosis of the epididymis: a previously unreported phenomenon. Diagn Pathol 2017; 12:58. [PMID: 28778176 PMCID: PMC5544985 DOI: 10.1186/s13000-017-0646-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Localized amyloidosis has not been documented in the epididymis; we report this phenomenon for the first time. CASE PRESENTATION The first aim of this work is to report three cases of localized epididymal amyloidosis. Two cases were clinically detected as epididymal nodules, and a third after reviewing 120 epididymides obtained with neighbouring pathological processes. Amyloid deposits showed Congo red positivity, with yellow-green birefringence, and immunohistochemical expression for light chains kappa and lambda, transthyretin, amyloid P and cytokeratin AE1 AE3. No immunoreactivity for amyloid A was seen. Amyloid deposit location was intraluminal, with partial or total loss of the epididymal epithelium and subsequent passage to the interstitium, forming large masses. No amyloid deposits were observed around blood vessels. A secondary objective was to explore in normal epididymis the amyloid tested in epididymal amyloidosis. In normal epididymides, expression of amyloid P and transthyretin was detected in the apical surface of epithelial cells. Amyloid P also showed strong expression in spermatozoa. CONCLUSION We contribute the existence of localized epididymal amyloidosis, which presents a distinctive, initial intratubular location, where there is a unique proteome and where functional amyloids act during sperm maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucio Díaz-Flores
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of La Laguna, Ofra-La Cuesta, s/n, La Laguna, 38071, Tenerife, Islas Canarias, Spain.
| | - Ricardo Gutiérrez
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of La Laguna, Ofra-La Cuesta, s/n, La Laguna, 38071, Tenerife, Islas Canarias, Spain
| | | | - Manuel Jose Gayoso
- Department of Cell Biology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Jose Luis Carrasco
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of La Laguna, Ofra-La Cuesta, s/n, La Laguna, 38071, Tenerife, Islas Canarias, Spain
| | - Lucio Díaz-Flores
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of La Laguna, Ofra-La Cuesta, s/n, La Laguna, 38071, Tenerife, Islas Canarias, Spain
| | - Hugo Álvarez-Argüelles
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of La Laguna, Ofra-La Cuesta, s/n, La Laguna, 38071, Tenerife, Islas Canarias, Spain
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Westfalewicz B, Dietrich M, Mostek A, Partyka A, Bielas W, Niżański W, Ciereszko A. Identification and functional analysis of bull (Bos taurus) cauda epididymal fluid proteome. J Dairy Sci 2017; 100:6707-6719. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2016-12526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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25
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Tibary A. Grand Challenge Animal Reproduction-Theriogenology: From the Bench to Application to Animal Production and Reproductive Medicine. Front Vet Sci 2017; 4:114. [PMID: 28770218 PMCID: PMC5511824 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2017.00114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Tibary
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
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Li K, Wei X, Zhang G, Li M, Zhang X, Zhou C, Hou J, Yuan H. Different expression of B7-H3 in the caput, corpus, and cauda of the epididymis in mouse. BMC Urol 2017; 17:23. [PMID: 28376772 PMCID: PMC5379651 DOI: 10.1186/s12894-017-0215-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Accepted: 03/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background B7-H3, a member of the B7 family of the Ig superfamily of proteins, has been detected in the epididymis, which is a storage organ related to sperm maturation. However, the characteristics of its expression in different regions of the epididymis remain unknown. Our aim was to investigate the expression of B7-H3 in the caput, corpus, and cauda of the epididymis. Methods We extracted epididymis specimens from adult male C57BL/6 mice. The expression of B7-H3 was then measured with immunohistochemistry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and western blotting. Results B7-H3 protein was predominantly detected on the membrane and in the cytoplasm of the principal cells in the epididymis. Moreover, the level of B7-H3 in the corpus of the mouse epididymis was significantly higher than that in the caput (p < 0.05) or the cauda of the epididymis (P < 0.05). However, there was no remarkable difference in the level of B7-H3 between the caput and the cauda (p > 0.05). Conclusions The caput, corpus, and cauda of the mouse epididymis all expressed B7-H3 protein. However, the levels of B7-H3 were different in the three regions of the epididymis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Li
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, NO.188 Shizi Road, Suzhou, 215006, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xuedong Wei
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, NO.188 Shizi Road, Suzhou, 215006, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guangbo Zhang
- The Institute of Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, NO. 708 Renmin Road, Suzhou, 215006, China
| | - Miao Li
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, NO.188 Shizi Road, Suzhou, 215006, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xuefeng Zhang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, NO.188 Shizi Road, Suzhou, 215006, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chenhao Zhou
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, NO.188 Shizi Road, Suzhou, 215006, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jianquan Hou
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, NO.188 Shizi Road, Suzhou, 215006, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Hexing Yuan
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, NO.188 Shizi Road, Suzhou, 215006, Jiangsu, China.
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González-Arto M, Aguilar D, Gaspar-Torrubia E, Gallego M, Carvajal-Serna M, Herrera-Marcos LV, Serrano-Blesa E, Hamilton TRDS, Pérez-Pé R, Muiño-Blanco T, Cebrián-Pérez JA, Casao A. Melatonin MT₁ and MT₂ Receptors in the Ram Reproductive Tract. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18030662. [PMID: 28335493 PMCID: PMC5372674 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18030662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Revised: 03/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Some melatonin functions in mammals are exerted through MT1 and MT2 receptors. However, there are no reports of their presence in the reproductive tract of the ram, a seasonal species. Thus, we have investigated their existence in the ram testis, epididymis, accessory glands and ductus deferens. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) revealed higher levels of m-RNA for both receptors in the testis, ampulla, seminal vesicles, and vas deferens, than in the other organs of the reproductive tract (p < 0.05). Western blot analyses showed protein bands compatible with the MT1 in the testis and cauda epididymis, and for the MT2 in the cauda epididymis and deferent duct. Immunohistochemistry analyses revealed the presence of MT1 receptors in spermatogonias, spermatocytes, and spermatids, and MT2 receptors in the newly-formed spermatozoa in the testis, whereas both receptors were located in the epithelial cells of the ampulla, seminal vesicles, and ductus deferens. Indirect immunofluorescence showed significant differences in the immunolocation of both receptors in spermatozoa during their transit in the epididymis. In conclusion, it was demonstrated that melatonin receptors are present in the ram reproductive tract. These results open the way for new studies on the molecular mechanism of melatonin and the biological significance of its receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta González-Arto
- Grupo Biología y Fisiología de la Reproducción, Instituto de Investigación de Ciencias Ambientales de Aragón (IUCA), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - David Aguilar
- Grupo Biología y Fisiología de la Reproducción, Instituto de Investigación de Ciencias Ambientales de Aragón (IUCA), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - Elena Gaspar-Torrubia
- Grupo Biología y Fisiología de la Reproducción, Instituto de Investigación de Ciencias Ambientales de Aragón (IUCA), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - Margarita Gallego
- Departamento de Patología Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - Melissa Carvajal-Serna
- Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y de Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, 11001 Bogotá, Colombia.
| | - Luis V Herrera-Marcos
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Veterinaria, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Aragón-Universidad de Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - Edith Serrano-Blesa
- Grupo Biología y Fisiología de la Reproducción, Instituto de Investigación de Ciencias Ambientales de Aragón (IUCA), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - Thais Rose Dos Santos Hamilton
- Dpto. de Reprodução Animal, da Faculdade de Medicina Veterinaria e Zootecnia, da Universidade de São Paulo, 05508 270 São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Rosaura Pérez-Pé
- Grupo Biología y Fisiología de la Reproducción, Instituto de Investigación de Ciencias Ambientales de Aragón (IUCA), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - Teresa Muiño-Blanco
- Grupo Biología y Fisiología de la Reproducción, Instituto de Investigación de Ciencias Ambientales de Aragón (IUCA), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - José A Cebrián-Pérez
- Grupo Biología y Fisiología de la Reproducción, Instituto de Investigación de Ciencias Ambientales de Aragón (IUCA), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - Adriana Casao
- Grupo Biología y Fisiología de la Reproducción, Instituto de Investigación de Ciencias Ambientales de Aragón (IUCA), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain.
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Rajesh A, Yenugu S. shRNA mediated ablation of prostate and testis expressed (Pate
) messenger RNA results in impaired sperm function and fertility. Andrology 2017; 5:541-547. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Revised: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Rajesh
- Department of Animal Biology; University of Hyderabad; Gachibowli Hyderabad India
| | - S. Yenugu
- Department of Animal Biology; University of Hyderabad; Gachibowli Hyderabad India
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Immunization against lysozyme-like proteins affect sperm function and fertility in the rat. J Reprod Immunol 2016; 118:100-108. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2016.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2016] [Revised: 10/22/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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30
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Narmadha G, Yenugu S. In Silico and Biochemical Characterization of Lysozyme-Like Proteins in the Rat. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0161909. [PMID: 27611690 PMCID: PMC5017655 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0161909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2016] [Accepted: 08/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Spermatogenesis and sperm maturation in the male reproductive tract is dictated by a variety of proteins secreted in the testis and epididymis. Though the proteome of these tissues is known, the functional role of many of these proteins remains uncharacterized. In this study, we characterize the rat Lysozyme-like (Lyzl) genes and proteins. Methods In silico tools were used to predict the primary, secondary and tertiary structures. Reverse transcription PCR, immunofluorescence and immunoblotting were used to determine the expression pattern. Lysozyme like enzyme activity was assessed by standard assays. Results Six rat Lyzl genes namely Lyzl1, Lyzl3, Lyzl4, Lyzl5, Lyzl6 and Lyzl7 were found to be highly conserved among the vertebrates with higher homology to mouse counterparts than with human counterparts. All the LYZL proteins contained the characteristic 4 disulfide bridges similar to c-type lysozyme. Only LYZL 1 and 6, conserved the active site amino acids of the lysozyme. Molecular modeling studies indicated that LYZL proteins exhibit strikingly similar three-dimensional structures among themselves. The secondary structure analysis of the recombinant LYZL proteins indicated the presence of α-helix, β-sheet and random coil with α-helix being the majority. Docking studies indicated the peptidoglycan binding nature of LYZL proteins. All the rat Lyzl mRNA transcripts (Lyzl1, Lyzl3, Lyzl4, Lyzl5, Lyzl6 and Lyzl7) are predominantly expressed in testes though some of them are expressed in tissues other than reproductive tract. Their expression was androgen independent. The rat LYZL proteins are localized in the germinal epithelium and on the spermatozoa. Recombinant LYZL1 and 6 possessed muramidase, isopeptidase and antibacterial activities. The mechanism of antibacterial action of LYZL1 and LYZL6 involved bacterial membrane damage and leakage of cellular contents. Only LYZL1 and 6 possess peptidoglycan binding ability, whereas LYZL3, LYZL4 and LYZL5 possess hyaluronan binding ability suggesting a possible functional divergence of these proteins. LYZL3, LYZL4 and LYZL7 possessed free radical scavenging property, suggesting that they may act as antioxidants. Conclusion The divergent properties of LYZL proteins indicate that they may have a role in sperm function, innate immunity and other physiological process as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ganapathy Narmadha
- Department of Animal Biology, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad—500 046, India
| | - Suresh Yenugu
- Department of Animal Biology, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad—500 046, India
- * E-mail:
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Characterisation of mouse epididymosomes reveals a complex profile of microRNAs and a potential mechanism for modification of the sperm epigenome. Sci Rep 2016; 6:31794. [PMID: 27549865 PMCID: PMC4994100 DOI: 10.1038/srep31794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 07/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent evidence has shown that the sperm epigenome is vulnerable to dynamic modifications arising from a variety of paternal environment exposures and that this legacy can serve as an important determinant of intergenerational inheritance. It has been postulated that such exchange is communicated to maturing spermatozoa via the transfer of small non-protein-coding RNAs (sRNAs) in a mechanism mediated by epididymosomes; small membrane bound vesicles released by the soma of the male reproductive tract (epididymis). Here we confirm that mouse epididymosomes encapsulate an impressive cargo of >350 microRNAs (miRNAs), a developmentally important sRNA class, the majority (~60%) of which are also represented by the miRNA signature of spermatozoa. This includes >50 miRNAs that were found exclusively in epididymal sperm and epididymosomes, but not in the surrounding soma. We also documented substantial changes in the epididymosome miRNA cargo, including significant fold changes in almost half of the miRNAs along the length of the epididymis. Finally, we provide the first direct evidence for the transfer of several prominent miRNA species between mouse epididymosomes and spermatozoa to afford novel insight into a mechanism of intercellular communication by which the sRNA payload of sperm can be selectively modified during their post-testicular maturation.
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