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Christman DA, Curry HN, Rouhana L. Heterotrimeric Kinesin II is required for flagellar assembly and elongation of nuclear morphology during spermiogenesis in Schmidtea mediterranea. Dev Biol 2021; 477:191-204. [PMID: 34090925 PMCID: PMC8277772 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2021.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Development of sperm requires microtubule-based movements that drive assembly of a compact head and flagellated tails. Much is known about how flagella are built given their shared molecular core with motile cilia, but less is known about the mechanisms that shape the sperm head. The Kinesin Superfamily Protein 3A (KIF3A) pairs off with a second motor protein (KIF3B) and the Kinesin Associated Protein 3 (KAP3) to form Heterotrimeric Kinesin II. This complex drives intraflagellar transport (IFT) along microtubules during ciliary assembly. We show that KIF3A and KAP3 orthologs in Schmidtea mediterranea are required for axonemal assembly and nuclear elongation during spermiogenesis. Expression of Smed-KAP3 is enriched during planarian spermatogenesis with transcript abundance peaking in spermatocyte and spermatid cells. Disruption of Smed-kif3A or Smed-KAP3 expression by RNA-interference results in loss of spermatozoa and accumulation of unelongated spermatids. Confocal microscopy of planarian testis lobes stained with alpha-tubulin antibodies revealed that spermatids with disrupted Kinesin II function fail to assemble flagella, and visualization with 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) revealed reduced nuclear elongation. Disruption of Smed-kif3A or Smed-KAP3 expression also resulted in edema, reduced locomotion, and loss of epidermal cilia, which corroborates with somatic phenotypes previously reported for Smed-kif3B. These findings demonstrate that heterotrimeric Kinesin II drives assembly of cilia and flagella, as well as rearrangements of nuclear morphology in developing sperm. Prolonged activity of heterotrimeric Kinesin II in manchette-like structures with extended presence during spermiogenesis is hypothesized to result in the exaggerated nuclear elongation observed in sperm of turbellarians and other lophotrochozoans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donovan A Christman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wright State University, 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway, Dayton, OH, 45435-0001, USA
| | - Haley N Curry
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wright State University, 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway, Dayton, OH, 45435-0001, USA
| | - Labib Rouhana
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wright State University, 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway, Dayton, OH, 45435-0001, USA.
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Gao X, Du C, Zheng X, Zhu J, Jin S. Process of cytoplasm elimination during spermiogenesis in Octopus tankahkeei: Polarized development of the spermatid and discarding of the residual body. J Morphol 2021; 282:500-510. [PMID: 33459394 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The elimination of the spermatid cytoplasm during spermiogenesis enables the sperm to acquire a streamlined architecture, which allows for unhindered swimming. While this process has been well described in vertebrates, it has rarely been reported in invertebrates. In this study, we observed the process of cytoplasm elimination during spermiogenesis in Octopus tankahkeei (Mollusca, Cephalopoda) using light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and immunofluorescence. In the early spermatid, the cell is circular, and the nucleus is centrally located. With spermatid development, the cell becomes polarized. The nucleus gradually elongates and moves toward the end of the cell where the tail is forming. As a result, the cytoplasm moves past the nucleus at the anterior region of the future sperm head (the foreside of the acrosome). Following this, during the late stage of spermiogenesis, the cytoplasm condenses and collects on the foreside of the acrosome until finally the residual body is discarded from the top of the sperm head. This represents a distinct directionality for the development of cytoplasmic polarity and discarding of residual body compared with that reported for vertebrates (in which the cytoplasm of the elongating spermatids is polarized toward the caudal region). The fact that the cytoplasm also becomes concentrated suggests that water pumps may be involved in the elimination of water from the cytoplasm before the residual body is discarded. Furthermore, we found that microtubules, forming a manchette-like structure, are involved not only in reshaping of the nucleus but also in the transport of mitochondria and vesicles to the foreside of the acrosome, subsequently allowing them to be discarded with the residual body. This study broadens our understanding of the development of polarization and elimination of cytoplasm from spermatids in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinming Gao
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology by the Ministry of Education, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chen Du
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology by the Ministry of Education, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xuebin Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology by the Ministry of Education, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Junquan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology by the Ministry of Education, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shan Jin
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology by the Ministry of Education, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Zhejiang, China
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Reamtong O, Simanon N, Thiangtrongjit T, Limpanont Y, Chusongsang P, Chusongsang Y, Anuntakarun S, Payungporn S, Phuphisut O, Adisakwattana P. Proteomic analysis of adult Schistosoma mekongi somatic and excretory-secretory proteins. Acta Trop 2020; 202:105247. [PMID: 31672487 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.105247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Schistosoma mekongi is a causative agent of human schistosomiasis. There is limited knowledge of the molecular biology of S. mekongi and very few studies have examined drug targets, vaccine candidates and diagnostic biomarkers for S. mekongi. To explore the biology of S. mekongi, computational as well as experimental approaches were performed on S. mekongi males and females to identify excretory-secretory (ES) proteins and proteins that are differentially expressed between genders. According to bioinformatic prediction, the S. mekongi ES product was approximately 4.7% of total annotated transcriptome sequences. The classical secretory pathway was the main process to secrete proteins. Mass spectrometry-based quantification of male and female adult S. mekongi proteins was performed. We identified 174 and 156 differential expression of proteins in male and female worms, respectively. The dominant male-biased proteins were involved in actin filament-based processes, microtubule-based processes, biosynthetic processes and homeostatic processes. The major female-biased proteins were related to biosynthetic processes, organelle organization and signal transduction. An experimental approach identified 88 proteins in the S. mekongi secretome. The S. mekongi ES proteins mainly contributed to nutrient uptake, essential substance supply and host immune evasion. This research identifies proteins in the S. mekongi secretome and provides information on ES proteins that are differentially expressed between S. mekongi genders. These findings will contribute to S. mekongi drug and vaccine development. In addition, the study enhances our understanding of basic S. mekongi biology.
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Wang J, Gao X, Zheng X, Hou C, Xie Q, Lou B, Zhu J. Expression and potential functions of KIF3A/3B to promote nuclear reshaping and tail formation during Larimichthys polyactis spermiogenesis. Dev Genes Evol 2019; 229:161-181. [PMID: 31486889 DOI: 10.1007/s00427-019-00637-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
KIF3A and KIF3B are homologous motor subunits of the Kinesin II protein family. KIF3A, KIF3B, and KAP3 form a heterotrimeric complex and play a significant role in spermatogenesis. Here, we first cloned full-length kif3a/3b cDNAs from Larimichthys polyactis. Lp-kif3a/3b are highly related to their homologs in other animals. The proteins are composed of three domains, an N-terminal head domain, a central stalk domain, and a C-terminus tail domain. Lp-kif3a/3b mRNAs were found to be ubiquitously expressed in the examined tissues, with high expression in the testis. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was used to analyze the expression of Lp-kif3a/3b mRNAs during spermiogenesis. The results showed that Lp-kif3a/3b mRNAs had similar expression pattern and were continuously expressed during spermiogenesis. From middle spermatid to mature sperm, Lp-kif3a/3b mRNAs gradually localized to the side of the spermatid where the midpiece and tail form. In addition, we used immunofluorescence (IF) to observe that Lp-KIF3A protein co-localizes with tubulin during spermiogenesis. In early spermatid, Lp-KIF3A protein and microtubule signals were randomly distributed in the cytoplasm. In middle spermatid, however, the protein was detected primarily around the nucleus. In late spermatid, the protein migrated primarily to one side of the nucleus where the tail forms. In mature sperm, Lp-KIF3A and microtubules accumulated in the midpiece. Moreover, Lp-KIF3A co-localized with the mitochondria. In mature sperm, Lp-KIF3A and mitochondria were present in the midpiece. Therefore, Lp-KIF3A/KIF3B may be involved in spermiogenesis in L. polyactis, particularly during nuclear reshaping and tail formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingqian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology by the Ministry of Education, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinming Gao
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology by the Ministry of Education, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuebin Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology by the Ministry of Education, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Congcong Hou
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology by the Ministry of Education, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingping Xie
- Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, 310021, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China.,Marine Fisheries Research Institute of Zhejiang, Zhoushan, 316100, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Bao Lou
- Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, 310021, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China. .,Marine Fisheries Research Institute of Zhejiang, Zhoushan, 316100, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Junquan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology by the Ministry of Education, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China.
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Zhao YQ, Mu DL, Wang D, Han YL, Hou CC, Zhu JQ. Analysis of the function of KIF3A and KIF3B in the spermatogenesis in Boleophthalmus pectinirostris. FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 2018; 44:769-788. [PMID: 29511984 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-017-0461-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis represents one of the most complicated morphological transformation procedures. During this process, the assembly and maintenance of the flagella and intracellular transport of membrane-bound organelles required KIF3A and KIF3B. Our main goal was to test KIF3A and KIF3B location during spermatogenesis of Boleophthalmus pectinirostris. We cloned complete cDNA of KIF3A/3B from the testis of B. pectinirostris by PCR and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). The predicted secondary and tertiary structures of B. pectinirostris KIF3A/3B contained three domains: (a) the head region, (b) the stalk region, and (c) the tail region. Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) results revealed that KIF3A and KIF3B mRNA were presented in all the tissues examined, with the highest expression seen in the testis. In situ hybridization (ISH) showed that KIF3A and KIF3B were distributed in the periphery of the nuclear in the spermatocyte and the early spermatid. In the late spermatid and mature sperm, the KIF3A and KIF3B mRNA were gradually gathered to one side where the flagella formed. Immunofluorescence (IF) showed that KIF3A, tubulin, and mitochondria were co-localized in different stages during spermiogenesis in B. pectinirostris. The temporal and spatial expression dynamics of KIF3A/3B indicate that KIF3A and KIF3B might be involved in flagellar assembly and maintenance at the mRNA and protein levels. Moreover, these proteins may transport the mitochondria resulting in flagellum formation in B. pectinirostris.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Qiang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology by the Ministry of Education, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315211, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan-Li Mu
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology by the Ministry of Education, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315211, People's Republic of China
| | - Di Wang
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology by the Ministry of Education, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315211, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying-Li Han
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology by the Ministry of Education, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315211, People's Republic of China
| | - Cong-Cong Hou
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology by the Ministry of Education, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315211, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jun-Quan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology by the Ministry of Education, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315211, People's Republic of China.
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Zhang DD, Gao XM, Zhao YQ, Hou CC, Zhu JQ. The C-terminal kinesin motor KIFC1 may participate in nuclear reshaping and flagellum formation during spermiogenesis of Larimichthys crocea. FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 2017; 43:1351-1371. [PMID: 28534180 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-017-0377-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2016] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a highly ordered process in the differentiation of male germ cells. Nuclear morphogenesis is one of the most fundamental cellular transformations to take place during spermatogenesis. These striking transformations from spermatogonia to spermatozoa are a result of phase-specific adaption of the cytoskeleton and its association with molecular motor proteins. KIFC1 is a C-terminal kinesin motor protein that plays an essential role in acrosome formation and nuclear reshaping during spermiogenesis in mammals. To explore its functions during the same process in Larimichthys crocea, we cloned and characterized the cDNA of a mammalian KIFC1 homolog (termed lc-KIFC1) from the total RNA of the testis. The 2481 bp complete lc-KIFC1 cDNA contained a 53 bp 5' untranslated region, a 535 bp 3' untranslated region, and a 1893 bp open reading frame that encoded a special protein of 630 amino acids. The predicted lc-KIFC1 protein possesses a divergent tail region, stalk region, and conserved carboxyl motor region. Protein alignment demonstrated that lc-KIFC1 had 73.2, 49.8, 49.3, 54.6, 56.5, 53.1, and 52.1% identity with its homologs in Danio rerio, Eriocheir sinensis, Octopus tankahkeei, Gallus gallus, Xenopus laevis, Mus musculus, and Homo sapiens, respectively. Tissue expression analysis revealed that lc-kifc1 mRNA was mainly expressed in the testis. The trend of lc-kifc1 mRNA expression at different growth stages of the testis showed that the expression increased first and then decreased, in the stage IV of testis, its expression quantity achieved the highest level. In situ hybridization and immunofluorescence results showed that KIFC1 was localized around the nucleus in early spermatids. As spermatid development progressed, the signals increased substantially. These signals peaked and were concentrated at one end of the nucleus when the spermatids began to undergo dramatic changes. In the mature sperm, the signal for KIFC1 gradually became weak and was mainly localized in the tail. In summary, evaluation of the expression pattern for lc-KIFC1 at specific stages of spermiogenesis has shed light on the potential functions of this motor protein in major cytological transformations. In addition, this study may provide a model for researching the molecular mechanisms involved in spermatogenesis in other teleost species, which will lead to a better understanding of the teleost fertilization process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan-Dan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology by the Ministry of Education, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315211, China
| | - Xin-Ming Gao
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology by the Ministry of Education, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315211, China
| | - Yong-Qiang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology by the Ministry of Education, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315211, China
| | - Cong-Cong Hou
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology by the Ministry of Education, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315211, China.
| | - Jun-Quan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology by the Ministry of Education, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315211, China.
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Zhao YQ, Yang HY, Zhang DD, Han YL, Hou CC, Zhu JQ. Dynamic transcription and expression patterns of KIF3A and KIF3B genes during spermiogenesis in the shrimp, Palaemon carincauda. Anim Reprod Sci 2017; 184:59-77. [PMID: 28689636 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2017.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2016] [Revised: 05/29/2017] [Accepted: 06/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Spermiogenesis is a highly ordered and complex process in the male germ cell differentiation. The microtubule-based motor proteins KIF3A and KIF3B are required for the progression of the stages of spermiogenesis. In this study, the main goal was to determine whether KIF3A and KIF3B have a key role in spermiogenesis in Palaemon carincauda. The complete cDNA of KIF3A/3B from the testis of P. carincauda was cloned by using PCR and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). The predicted secondary and tertiary structures of KIF3A/3B contained three domains which were the: a) head region, b) stalk region, and c) tail region. Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) results revealed that KIF3A and KIF3B mRNAs were obtained for all the tissues examined, with the greatest gene expression in the testis. In situ hybridization indicated the KIF3A and KIF3B mRNAs were distributed in the periphery of the nuclear in the early spermatid of spermiogenesis. In the middle and late spermatid stages, KIF3A and KIF3B mRNAs were gradually upregulated and assembled to one side where acrosome biogenesis begins. In the mature sperm, KIF3A and KIF3B mRNAs were distributed in the acrosome cap and spike. Immunofluorescence studies indicated that KIF3A, tubulin, mitochondria, and Golgi were co-localized in different stages during spermiogenesis in P. carincauda. The temporal and spatial gene expression dynamics of KIF3A/3B indicate that KIF3A and KIF3B proteins may be involved in acrosome formation and nucleus shaping. Moreover, these proteins can transport the mitochondria and Golgi that facilitate acrosome formation in P. carincauda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Qiang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology by the Ministry of Education, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, People's Republic of China
| | - Hai-Yan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology by the Ministry of Education, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan-Dan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology by the Ministry of Education, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying-Li Han
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology by the Ministry of Education, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, People's Republic of China
| | - Cong-Cong Hou
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology by the Ministry of Education, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun-Quan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology by the Ministry of Education, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, People's Republic of China.
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Hu JR, Liu M, Hou CC, She ZY, Wang DH, Hao SL, Zhang YP, Yang WX. Gene expression pattern of KIFC3 during spermatogenesis of the skink Eumeces chinensis. Gene 2014; 556:206-12. [PMID: 25434495 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2014.11.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2014] [Revised: 11/23/2014] [Accepted: 11/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Kinesin superfamily is a class of microtubule-dependent motors that play crucial roles in acrosome biogenesis, nuclear reshaping and flagellum formation during spermiogenesis. We have cloned kinesin-like gene kifc3 (termed ec-kifc3) from the total RNA of the testis of the skink Eumeces chinensis. The cDNA sequence of ec-kifc3 had a full-length of 3033bp, including a 260bp 5'-untranslated region (5'UTR), a 445bp 3'-untranslated region (3'UTR) and an open reading frame that encoded a 775-amino-acid protein. Additionally, the calculated molecular weight of the putative ec-KIFC3 was 87kDa and its estimated isoelectric point was 6.18. Structurally, the putative ec-KIFC3 had three domains: head domain, neck domain and tail domain. Protein alignment demonstrated that ec-KIFC3 had 47.2%, 67.8%, 68.8%, 69.3% and 76.8% identity with its homologues in Xenopus laevis, Mus musculus, Cricetulus griseus, Homo sapiens, and Gallus gallus. The phylogenetic analysis showed that ec-KIFC3 was more related to KIFC3 in vertebrates than invertebrates. Tissue expression results showed the presence of ec-KIFC3 in various tissues with its highest expression in the testis. In situ hybridization demonstrated that ec-KIFC3 mRNA was distributed around the nucleus in early and middle stage spermatids and expressed in the nucleus in the elongating spermatids during spermiogenesis. Besides, the ec-KIFC3 mRNA was expressed in the acrosome of the developmental spermatids. From the results of in situ hybridization and previous researches, we speculated that ec-KIFC3 may play a role in nuclear morphogenesis and acrosome formation during spermiogenesis of E. chinensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Rao Hu
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310036, PR China
| | - Mei Liu
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310036, PR China; The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Cong-Cong Hou
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Zhen-Yu She
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Da-Hui Wang
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Shuang-Li Hao
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China
| | - Yong-Pu Zhang
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, PR China
| | - Wan-Xi Yang
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China.
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Functional Analysis of KIF3A and KIF3B during Spermiogenesis of Chinese Mitten Crab Eriocheir sinensis. PLoS One 2014; 9:e97645. [PMID: 24870586 PMCID: PMC4037190 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0097645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2014] [Accepted: 04/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spermatogenesis represents the transformation process at the level of cellular development. KIF3A and KIF3B are believed to play some roles in the assembly and maintenance of flagella, intracellular transport of materials including organelles and proteins, and other unknown functions during this process. During spermatogenesis in Eriocheir sinensis, if the sperm shaping machinery is dependent on KIF3A and KIF3B remains unknown. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS The cDNA of KIF3A and KIF3B were obtained by designing degenerate primers, 3'RACE, and 5'RACE. We detected the genetic presence of kif3a and kif3b in the heart, muscle, liver, gill, and testis of E. sinensis through RT-PCR. By western blot analysis, the protein presence of KIF3A and KIF3B in heart, muscle, gill, and testis reflected the content in protein level. Using in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence, we could track the dynamic location of KIF3A and KIF3B during different developmental phases of sperm. KIF3A and KIF3B were found surrounding the nucleus in early spermatids. In intermediate spermatids, these proteins expressed at high levels around the nucleus and extended to the final phase. During the nuclear shaping period, KIF3A and KIF3B reached their maximum in the late spermatids and were located around the nucleus and concentrated in the acrosome to some extent. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Our results revealed that KIF3A and KIF3B were involved in the nuclear and cellular morphogenesis at the levels of mRNA and protein. These proteins can potentially facilitate the intracellular transport of organelles, proteins, and other cargoes. The results represent the functions of KIF3A and KIF3B in the spermatogenesis of Crustacea and clarify phylogenetic relationships among the Decapoda.
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Hou CC, Yang WX. Acroframosome-dependent KIFC1 facilitates acrosome formation during spermatogenesis in the caridean shrimp Exopalaemon modestus. PLoS One 2013; 8:e76065. [PMID: 24098763 PMCID: PMC3786892 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0076065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2013] [Accepted: 08/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Acrosome formation and nuclear shaping are the main events in spermatogenesis. During spermiogenesis in Exopalaemon modestus, a unique microtubular structure called the acroframosome (AFS) forms in spermatids. The AFS links to a temporary organelle called the lamellar complex (LCx) leading to the formation of an everted umbrella-shaped acrosome and a dish-shaped nucleus in the mature sperm. These morphological changes require complex cell motility in which the C-terminal kinesin motor protein called KIFC1 is involved. In this study, we demonstrate that KIFC1 moves along the AFS and plays an important role in acrosome formation and nuclear shaping during spermatogenesis in E. modestus. Methodology/Principal Findings We cloned a 3125 bp complete cDNA of kifc1 from the testis of E. modestus by PCR. The predicted secondary and tertiary structures of E. modestus KIFC1 contain three domains: a) the C-terminus, b) the stalk region, and the c) N-terminusl. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR detected the expression of kifc1 mRNA in different tissues of E. modestus. In situ hybridization demonstrated the temporal and spatial expression profile of kifc1 during spermiogenesis. Western blot identified the expression of KIFC1 in different tissues of E. modestus, including the testis. Immunofluorescence localized KIFC1, tubulin, GM130, and mitochondria in order to elucidate their role during spermiogenesis in E. modestus. Conclusion/Significance Our results indicate that KIFC1 transports the Golgi complex, mitochondria, and other cellular components that results in acrosome formation and nuclear shaping in E. modestus. The KIFC1 transport function depends upon the microtubular structure called the acroframosome (AFS). This study describes some of the molecular mechanisms involved in the acrosome formation and nuclear shaping in E. modestus. In addition, this study may provide a model for studying the molecular mechanisms involved in spermatogenesis in other crustacean species and lead to a better understanding of the fertilization process in crustaceans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong-Cong Hou
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wan-Xi Yang
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- * E-mail:
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Hu JR, Liu M, Wang DH, Hu YJ, Tan FQ, Yang WX. Molecular characterization and expression analysis of a KIFC1-like kinesin gene in the testis of Eumeces chinensis. Mol Biol Rep 2013; 40:6645-6655. [PMID: 24078165 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-013-2779-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2013] [Accepted: 09/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The member of the kinesin-14 subfamily, KIFC1, is a carboxyl-terminal motor protein that plays an important role in the elongation of nucleus and acrosome biogenesis during the spermiogenesis of mammals. Here, we had cloned and sequenced the cDNA of a mammalian KIFC1 homologue (termed ec-KIFC1) from the total RNA of the testis of the reptile Eumeces chinensis. The full-length sequence was 2,339 bp that contained a 216 bp 5'-untranslated region (5'UTR), a 194 bp 3'-untranslated region (3'UTR) and a 1,929 bp open reading frame that encoded a special protein of 643 amino acids (aa). The calculated molecular weight of the putative ec-KIFC1 was 71 kDa and its estimated isoelectric point was 9.47. The putative ec-KIFC1 protein owns a tail domain from 1 to 116 aa, a stalk domain from 117 to 291 aa and a conserved carboxyl motor domain from 292 to 642 aa. Protein alignment demonstrated that ec-KIFC1 had 45.6, 42.8, 44.6, 36.9, 43.7, 46.4, 45.1, 55.6 and 49.8 % identity with its homologues in Mus musculus, Salmo salar, Danio rerio, Eriocheir sinensis, Rattus norvegicus, Homo sapiens, Bos taurus, Gallus gallus and Xenopus laevis, respectively. Tissue expression analysis showed the presence of ovary, heart, liver, intestine, oviduct, testis and muscle. The phylogenetic tree revealed that ec-KIFC1 was more closely related to vertebrate KIFC1 than to invertebrate KIFC1. In situ hybridization showed that the ec-KIFC1 mRNA was localized in the periphery of the nuclear membrane and the center of the nucleus in early spermatids. In mid spermatids, the ec-KIFC1 had abundant expression in the center of nucleus, and was expressed in the tail and the anterior part of spermatids. In the late spermatid, the nucleus gradually became elongated, and the ec-KIFC1 mRNA signal was still centralized in the nucleus. In mature spermatids, the signal of the ec-KIFC1 gradually became weak, and was mainly located at the tail of spermatids. Therefore, the ec-KIFC1 probably plays a critical role in the spermatogenesis of E. chinensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Rao Hu
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 310036, People's Republic of China
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Dang R, Zhu JQ, Tan FQ, Wang W, Zhou H, Yang WX. Molecular characterization of a KIF3B-like kinesin gene in the testis of Octopus tankahkeei (Cephalopoda, Octopus). Mol Biol Rep 2011; 39:5589-98. [PMID: 22183304 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-011-1363-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2011] [Accepted: 12/12/2011] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
KIF3B is known for maintaining and assembling cilia and flagellum. To date, the function of KIF3B and its relationship with KIF3A during spermiogenesis in the cephalopod Octopus tankahkeei remains unknown. In the present study, we characterized a gene encoding a homologue of rat KIF3B in the O. tankahkeei testis and examined its temporal and spatial expression pattern during spermiogenesis. The cDNA of KIF3B was obtained with degenerate and RACE PCR and the distribution pattern of ot-kif3b were observed with RT-PCR. The morphological development during spermiogenesis was illustrated by histological and transmission electron microscopy and mRNA expression of ot-kif3b was observed by in situ hybridization. The 2,365 nucleotides cDNA consisted of a 102 bp 5' untranslated region (UTR), a 2,208 bp open reading frame (ORF) encoding a protein of 736 amino acids, and a 55 bp 3' UTR. Multiple alignments revealed that the putative Ot-KIF3B shared 68, 68, 69, 68, and 67% identity with that of Homo sapiens, Mus musculus, Gallus gallus, Danio rerio, and Xenopus laevis, respectively, along with high identities with Ot-KIF3A in fundamental structures. Ot-kif3b transcripts appeared gradually in early spermatids, increased in intermediate spermatids and maximized in drastically remodeled and final spermatids. The kif3b gene is identified and its expression pattern is demonstrated for the first time in O. tankahkeei. Compared to ot-kif3a reported by our laboratory before, our data suggested that the putative heterodimeric motor proteins Ot-KIF3A/B may be involved in intraspermatic transport and might contribute to structural changes during spermiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Dang
- Faculty of Life Science and Bioengineering, Ningbo University, 315211, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
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Molecular characterization of a KIF3A-like kinesin gene in the testis of the Chinese fire-bellied newt Cynops orientalis. Mol Biol Rep 2011; 39:4207-14. [PMID: 21773941 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-011-1206-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2011] [Accepted: 07/11/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
KIF3A, the subunit within the kinesin-2 superfamily, is a typically N-terminal motor protein, which is involved in membranous organelle and intraflagellar transport. During spermatogenesis, KIF3A plays a critical role in the formation of flagella and cilia. KIF3A is also related to the left-right asymmetry, the signal pathway, DNA damage and tumorigenesis. We used RT-PCR and in situ hybridization to clone the kif3a gene, and we identified its function in the testis of the Chinese fire-bellied newt Cynops orientalis (termed as co-kif3a). The full-length sequence of co-kif3a was 2193 bp, containing a 56 bp 5'UTR, 2073 bp ORF encoding a protein of 691 amino acids and a 64 bp 3'UTR. The secondary structure analysis showed that co-KIF3A had three motor domains, representing the N-terminal motor domain (1-400 aa), α-helix domain (400-600 aa) and C-terminal tail domain (600-691 aa). The amino acid sequence of co-KIF3A shared an identity of 55.9%, 90.9%, 89.9%, 91.3% and 85.7% with its counterparts in Aedes aegypti, Mus musculus, Xenopus tropicalis, Homo sapiens and Danio rerio, respectively. The calculated molecular weight of the putative co-KIF3A was 79 kDa and its estimated isoelectric point was 6.8. RT-PCR result showed that co-kif3a was expressed in several examined tissues, with a high level in the testis and low levels in liver, muscle and ovum. Kif3a was weakly expressed in the heart and spleen, and barely detected in the intestine. In situ hybridization analysis demonstrated that in early spermatid co-kif3a was expressed around the nuclear membrane. When the tail began to emerge in the middle spermatid, mRNA transcript was abundantly concentrated in the flagellum. The mRNA signal was still very strong along all the flagellum in late spermatid. In mature spermatid, the message was weak. Therefore, co-KIF3A probably plays a functional role in the spermiogenesis of C. orientalis.
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Choo KB, Hsu MC, Tsai YH, Lin WY, Huang CJ. Nuclear factor kappa B and tumor necrosis factor-alpha modulation of transcription of the mouse testis- and pre-implantation development-specific Rnf33/Trim60 gene. FEBS J 2011; 278:837-50. [PMID: 21205214 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-4658.2010.08002.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
We have previously reported a mouse Rnf33/Trim60 gene that is temporally expressed in the pre-implantation embryo. The Rnf33 structural gene is composed of a short noncoding exon 1 and an intronless coding exon 2. In the present work, Rnf33 was shown to be expressed in the mouse testis and in the testicular cell lines TM3 and TM4. To elucidate Rnf33 transcriptional modulation, a 2.5-kb Rnf33 sequence, inclusive of the upstream regulatory region, exon 1 and the associated intronic sequence, was dissected in transient transfection and luciferase assays. An initiator and an atypical TATA-box were shown to act as the core promoter elements of the gene. Deletion and mutagenesis of the 2.5-kb sequence in luciferase constructs further demonstrated that an intronic and palindromic kappa B (κB) sequence was an important cis element targeted by the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) subunits p65/RELA and p50/NFκB1, and also through modulation by tumor necrosis factor α. Transcriptional up-regulation of Rnf33 by NF-κB and tumor necrosis factor-α was directly demonstrated in TM3 and TM4 cells by real-time PCR quantification of the Rnf33 mRNA levels. Small interfering RNA knockdown of p65 and p50 confirmed Rnf33 down-regulation by p65/p50. Spermatogenesis is regulated by a wide range of stimuli, including NF-κB, which, in turn, is regulated by other signals. Hence, demonstration of NF-κB-regulated Rnf33 expression in testicular cells, particularly in Sertoli cells, implicates functional involvement of the putative RNF33 protein in spermatogenesis through association of the RNF33 protein with the microtubule via interaction with kinesin motor proteins, as previously demonstrated [Huang et al., submitted].
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Affiliation(s)
- Kong-Bung Choo
- Department of Medical Research and Education, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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