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Delgado-Bermúdez A. Insights into crucial molecules and protein channels involved in pig sperm cryopreservation. Anim Reprod Sci 2024:107547. [PMID: 38981798 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Cryopreservation is the most efficient procedure for long-term preservation of mammalian sperm; however, its use is not currently dominant for boar sperm before its use for artificial insemination. In fact, freezing and thawing have an extensive detrimental effect on sperm function and lead to impaired fertility. The present work summarises the basis of the structural and functional impact of cryopreservation on pig sperm that have been extensively studied in recent decades, as well as the molecular alterations in sperm that are related to this damage. The wide variety of mechanisms underlying the consequences of alterations in expression levels and structural modifications of sperm proteins with diverse functions is detailed. Moreover, the use of cryotolerance biomarkers as predictors of the potential resilience of a sperm sample to the cryopreservation process is also discussed. Regarding the proteins that have been identified to be relevant during the cryopreservation process, they are classified according to the functions they carry out in sperm, including antioxidant function, plasma membrane protection, sperm motility regulation, chromatin structure, metabolism and mitochondrial function, heat-shock response, premature capacitation and sperm-oocyte binding and fusion. Special reference is made to the relevance of sperm membrane channels, as their function is crucial for boar sperm to withstand osmotic shock during cryopreservation. Finally, potential aims for future research on cryodamage and cryotolerance are proposed, which might be crucial to minimise the side-effects of cryopreservation and to make it a more advantageous strategy for boar sperm preservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariadna Delgado-Bermúdez
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona ES-17003, Spain; Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona ES-17003, Spain.
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2
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Pang WK, Park YJ, Pang MG. Development of a biomolecular approach to identify sperm functions and fertility using sperm RNAs. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1308167. [PMID: 38116206 PMCID: PMC10728490 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1308167] [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: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Infertility affects a significant percentage of couples worldwide, and male factors contribute significantly to this problem. Traditional assessments of male fertility rely primarily on parameters such as sperm motility, morphology, viability, and concentration. However, these metrics often do not provide a comprehensive understanding of sperm function, which is critical not only for fertilization but also for successful embryo development. Herein, we used porcine spermatozoa as a model to investigate the potential of sperm RNA markers in assessing various aspects of sperm function from motility to fertility. Using artificial insemination, we evaluated male fertility based on the litter size of sows inseminated with sperm from 20 boars. In addition, we measured parameters such as weaning rate, death births, live births, and mummy births. Sperm functional parameters, including motility and kinematics, were assessed before and after in vitro capacitation. Finally, correlations between various sperm functional parameters and sperm RNA markers were explored. Our results revealed interesting relationships between sperm functional parameters. While motility and kinematics were correlated, they were not correlated with sperm capacitation status. Surprisingly, no significant correlations were found between these parameters and male fertility. However, specific parameters of sperm capacitation status after in vitro capacitation were correlated with weaning rate and live births, highlighting their importance in predicting successful fertilization. Further analysis of sperm RNA markers identified genes related to male fertility, including IZUMO1, known for its role in sperm-egg fusion. These genes showed correlations with motility, capacitation, and fertilization parameters, shedding light on their potential roles in sperm function. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that sperm RNA markers hold promise for the diagnosis and prognosis of various aspects of sperm function, providing valuable insights into male infertility. These markers may serve as diagnostic tools to improve our understanding of male fertility problems, ultimately benefiting couples struggling with infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Myung-Geol Pang
- Department of Animal Science and Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
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3
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Ma X, Liu A, Liu R, Zhang L, Zheng Z, Li Y, Tian S. Identification and functional analysis of differentially expressed proteins in high and low freezing tolerance sheep sperm. Theriogenology 2023; 211:212-223. [PMID: 37659252 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to identify proteins associated with differences in the freezing tolerance of sheep sperm and to analyze their functions. Qualified fresh semen from four breeds of rams, the Australian White, white-head Dorper, Black-head Dorper, and Hu sheep breeds, were selected for cryopreservation. The sperm freezing tolerance was investigated by evaluation of the overall vitality, progressive vitality, and rapidly advance vitality of the sperm. A differential model of sperm freezing tolerance was constructed for sheep breeds showing significant differences. Differentially expressed proteins associated with sperm freezing tolerance were identified using iTRAQ and the protein functions were analyzed. It was found that sperm freezing tolerance was best in Hu sheep and worst in white-head Dorper sheep. These two breeds were used for the construction of a model based on differences in freezing tolerance and the identification of sperm proteins expressed differentially before freezing and after thawing. A total of 128 differentially expressed proteins (88 up-regulated and 40 down-regulated) were identified before freezing and after thawing in Hu sheep sperm (fresh/frozen Hu sheep sperm referred to as HL vs. HF), while 219 differentially expressed proteins (106 up-regulated and 113 down-regulated) were identified in white-head Dorper sheep (fresh/frozen white-head Dorper sheep sperm referred to as WL vs. WF). A comparison of these differentially expressed proteins showed that 57 proteins overlapped between the two breeds while 71 were only expressed in Hu sheep and 162 were only expressed in white-head Dorper sheep. Functional annotation and enrichment analyses of differentially expressed proteins down-regulated in Hu sheep involved in phosphorylation of phosphatidylinositol phosphate kinases, regulation of GTPase activity and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis signaling pathway. Up-regulated proteins of Hu sheep participated in oxidoreductase activity and oxidative phosphorylation process of sperm freezing. Furthermore, down-regulated in white-head Dorper sheep involved in the metabolic regulation of carbohydrate and nuclear sugar metabolism. Up-regulated proteins of white-head Dorper sheep involved in the ferroptosis and oxidative phosphorylation pathways. Collectively, These proteins were found to participate mainly in oxidative phosphorylation as well as phosphorylation and metabolic processes in the mitochondria to affect the freezing tolerance of sheep sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofei Ma
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Hebei, Baoding, China
| | - Aiju Liu
- Department of Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Engineering, Cangzhou Technical College, Hebei, Cangzhou, China
| | - Ruoyan Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Hebei, Baoding, China
| | - Limeng Zhang
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Zhengzhou Normal University, Henan, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhong Zheng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Hebei, Baoding, China
| | - Yuexin Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Hebei, Baoding, China
| | - Shujun Tian
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Hebei, Baoding, China.
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4
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Yang S, Gao X, Zhang T, Cai F, Zhang H. Density Gradient Centrifugation Alone or the Combination of DGC with Annexin V Magnetic-Activated Cell Sorting Prior to Cryopreservation Enhances the Postthaw Quality of Sperm from Infertile Male Patients with Poor Sperm Quality. Andrologia 2023. [DOI: 10.1155/2023/9030902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective. To examine whether density gradient centrifugation (DGC) alone or its combination with annexin V magnetic-activated cell sorting (DGC-MACS) can be used to process semen samples from infertile male patients with poor sperm quality prior to subjecting these to freeze/thaw process in order to optimize the outcomes of sperm freezing. Methods. This study enrolled sixteen patients with sperm
, sperm
%, and/or <4% normal sperm morphology. Sperms were processed by DGC or DGC-MACS prior to the freeze/thaw process. Sperm motility, hyperosmotic swelling test (HOS), TUNEL test, and morphological analysis were performed before and after the freeze/thaw process. Results. The freeze/thaw process had a detrimental effect on sperm motility, viability, morphology, and DNA integrity in all three groups (RAW, DGC, and DGC + MACS groups). The DGC and DGC + MACS groups showed increased sperm motility, viability, and normal morphology following freeze/thaw than untreated frozen controls. The motility and viability were not significantly different between DGC-MACS-CPT (cryopreservation-thawing) and DGC-CPT groups. Moreover, almost no grade A or grade B sperm was observed in the DGC-MACS-CPT groups. The sperm selected by DGC or DGC + MACS showed decreased levels of sperm DNA fragmentation than RAW samples following freeze/thaw. Moreover, the sperm DNA fragmentation following freeze/thaw in the DGC-MACS-CPT group was significantly lower than that in the DGC-CPT group. Conclusions. Sperm preparation by DGC before cryopreservation improved the quality of sperm postthaw in infertile males with poor sperm quality. If the sperm quality following freeze/thaw is foreseen to be insufficient for artificial insemination with husband’s sperm or in vitro fertilization, or if there is high DNA fragmentation in RAW sperm, DGC + MACS should be used prior to cryopreservation to reduce sperm DNA fragmentation and improve the quality of sperm available for intracytoplasmic sperm injection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijie Yang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
| | - Xuan Gao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
| | - Taijian Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
| | - Feifei Cai
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
| | - Haobo Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
- The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, China
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Hou Q, Yuan L, Jin H, Yan H, Li F, Wu S. Identification and validation of reference genes for normalization of gene expression analysis using qRT-PCR in Megalurothrips usitatus (thysanoptera: thripidae). Front Physiol 2023; 14:1161680. [PMID: 37143927 PMCID: PMC10151585 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1161680] [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: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Gene expression analysis by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) has been widely used in research including insects. The selection of appropriate reference genes is the key to obtaining accurate and reliable results from qRT-PCR. However, studies on the expression stability of reference genes in Megalurothrips usitatus remain lacking. Methods: In this study, qRT-PCR was used to analyze the expression stability of candidate reference genes in M. usitatus. The expression levels of six candidate reference gene transcription of M. usitatus were analyzed. GeNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and ΔCt were used to analyze the expression stability of M. usitatus treated with biological factors (developmental period treatment) and abiotic factors (light, temperature, insecticide treatment, respectively). Comprehensive stability ranking of candidate reference genes was recommended by RefFinder. Results and Discussion: Results showed that ribosomal protein S (RPS) was the most suitable expression in insecticide treatment. Ribosomal protein L (RPL) was the most suitable expression at developmental stage and light treatment, whereas elongation factor was the most suitable expression in temperature treatment. RefFinder was used to comprehensively analyze the above four treatments, and the results showed that RPL and actin (ACT) showed high stability in each treatment. Therefore, this study identified these two genes as reference genes in the qRT-PCR analysis of different treatment conditions of M. usitatus. Ourfindings will be beneficial for improving the accuracy of qRT-PCR analysis for future functional analysis of the target gene expression in M. usitatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingfang Hou
- Sanya Nanfan Research Institute, Hainan University, Sanya, China
- School of Plant Protection, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Linlin Yuan
- Sanya Nanfan Research Institute, Hainan University, Sanya, China
- School of Plant Protection, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Haifeng Jin
- Sanya Nanfan Research Institute, Hainan University, Sanya, China
- School of Plant Protection, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Han Yan
- Sanya Nanfan Research Institute, Hainan University, Sanya, China
- School of Plant Protection, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Fen Li
- Sanya Nanfan Research Institute, Hainan University, Sanya, China
- School of Plant Protection, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- *Correspondence: Fen Li, ; Shaoying Wu,
| | - Shaoying Wu
- Sanya Nanfan Research Institute, Hainan University, Sanya, China
- School of Plant Protection, Hainan University, Haikou, China
- *Correspondence: Fen Li, ; Shaoying Wu,
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Mańkowska A, Gilun P, Zasiadczyk Ł, Sobiech P, Fraser L. Expression of TXNRD1, HSPA4L and ATP1B1 Genes Associated with the Freezability of Boar Sperm. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169320. [PMID: 36012584 PMCID: PMC9409117 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryopreservation is associated with increased oxidative stress, which is responsible for sperm damage. We analyzed the effect of cryopreservation on mRNA and protein expression of thioredoxin reductase 1 (TXNRD1), heat shock protein family A (HSP 70) member 4 like (HSPA4L) and sodium/potassium-transporting ATPase subunit beta-1 (ATP1B1) genes in boar sperm with different freezability. Boars were classified as having good and poor semen freezability (GSF and PSF, respectively), according to the assessment of post-thaw sperm motility. Total RNA was isolated from fresh pre-freeze (PF) and frozen-thawed (FT) sperm from five boars of the GSF and PSF groups, respectively. Quantification of TXNRD1, HSPA4L and ATP1B1 gene expression was performed by RT-qPCR analysis. Proteins extracted from sperm were subjected to Western blotting and SDS-PAGE analyses. Poor freezability ejaculates were characterized by significantly higher relative mRNA expression levels of TXNRD1 and HSPA4L in FT sperm compared with the fresh PF sperm. Furthermore, the relative mRNA expression level of ATP1B1 was significantly higher in the fresh PF sperm of the GSF group. Western blotting analysis revealed significantly higher relative expression of TXNRD1 protein in the fresh PF sperm of the GSF group, while HSPA4L protein expression was markedly increased in FT sperm of the PSF group. Electrophoretic and densitometric analyses revealed a higher number of proteins in the fresh PF and FT sperm of the PSF and GSF groups, respectively. The results of this study indicate that ATP1B1 mRNA expression in the fresh PF sperm is a promising cryotolerance marker, while the variations of TXNRD1 and HSPA4L protein expression in the fresh PF or FT sperm provide useful information that may help to elucidate their biological significance in cryo-damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Mańkowska
- Department of Animal Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Animal Bioengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Przemysław Gilun
- Department of Local Physiological Regulations, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Bydgoska 7, 10-243 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Łukasz Zasiadczyk
- Department of Animal Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Animal Bioengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Przemysław Sobiech
- Internal Disease Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Leyland Fraser
- Department of Animal Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Animal Bioengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
- Correspondence:
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7
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Silva C, Viana P, Barros A, Sá R, Sousa M, Pereira R. Further Insights on RNA Expression and Sperm Motility. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13071291. [PMID: 35886074 PMCID: PMC9319021 DOI: 10.3390/genes13071291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Asthenozoospermia is one of the main causes of male infertility and it is characterized by reduced sperm motility. Several mutations in genes that code for structural or functional constituents of the sperm have already been identified as known causes of asthenozoospermia. In contrast, the role of sperm RNA in regulating sperm motility is still not fully understood. Consequently, here we aim to contribute to the knowledge regarding the expression of sperm RNA, and ultimately, to provide further insights into its relationship with sperm motility. We investigated the expression of a group of mRNAs by using real-time PCR (CATSPER3, CFAP44, CRHR1, HIP1, IQCG KRT34, LRRC6, QRICH2, RSPH6A, SPATA33 and TEKT2) and the highest score corresponding to the target miRNA for each mRNA in asthenozoospermic and normozoospermic individuals. We observed a reduced expression of all mRNAs and miRNAs in asthenozoospermic patients compared to controls, with a more accentuated reduction in patients with progressive sperm motility lower than 15%. Our work provides further insights regarding the role of RNA in regulating sperm motility. Further studies are required to determine how these genes and their corresponding miRNA act regarding sperm motility, particularly KRT34 and CRHR1, which have not previously been seen to play a significant role in regulating sperm motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Silva
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy, ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, UMIB-Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS/ITR-Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (C.S.); (R.S.); (M.S.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra (FMUC), 3000-370 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paulo Viana
- Centre for Reproductive Genetics A. Barros, 4100-012 Porto, Portugal; (P.V.); (A.B.)
| | - Alberto Barros
- Centre for Reproductive Genetics A. Barros, 4100-012 Porto, Portugal; (P.V.); (A.B.)
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto (FMUP), 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Health Research and Innovation (IPATIMUP/i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Rosália Sá
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy, ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, UMIB-Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS/ITR-Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (C.S.); (R.S.); (M.S.)
| | - Mário Sousa
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy, ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, UMIB-Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS/ITR-Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (C.S.); (R.S.); (M.S.)
| | - Rute Pereira
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy, ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, UMIB-Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS/ITR-Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (C.S.); (R.S.); (M.S.)
- Correspondence:
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8
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Pang WK, Son JH, Ryu DY, Rahman MS, Park YJ, Pang MG. Heat shock protein family D member 1 in boar spermatozoa is strongly related to the litter size of inseminated sows. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2022; 13:42. [PMID: 35422006 PMCID: PMC9012035 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-022-00689-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sperm quality evaluation is the logical first step in increasing field fertility. Spermatozoa contain cytoplasmic organelles and biomolecules known as sperm-intrinsic factors, which play key roles in sperm maturation, sperm-oocyte fusion, and embryo development. In particular, sperm membrane proteins [e.g., arginine vasopressin receptor 2, beta-actin, prohibitin, and heat shock protein family D member 1 (HSPD1)] and RNA could be used as functional indicators of male fertility. We sought to clarify the effects of differential mRNA expression of selected genes on several fertilisation parameters, including sperm motility, motion kinematics, capacitation, and litter size, in a porcine model. Results Our results demonstrated that HSPD1 expression was significantly correlated with male fertility, as measured by the litter size of inseminated sows. The expression of HSPD1 mRNA was linked to sperm motility and other motion kinematic characteristics. Furthermore, HSPD1 had a 66.7% overall accuracy in detecting male fertility, and the high-litter size group which was selected with the HSPD1 marker had a 1.34 greater litter size than the low-litter size group. Conclusions Our findings indicate that HSPD1 might be a helpful biomarker for superior boar selection for artificial insemination, which could boost field fertility. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40104-022-00689-0.
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Safian F, Bayat M, Jajarmi V, Abdollahifar MA, Nazarian H, Mofarahe ZS, Novin MG, Kazemi M, Raee P, Chien S, Novin MG. Comparative Effect of Photobiomodulation on Human Semen Samples Pre- and Post-Cryopreservation. Reprod Sci 2022; 29:1463-1470. [PMID: 35277845 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00805-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The primary objective of this study is to evaluate and to compare the effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) on sperm parameters both before and after cryopreservation. In this regard, 24 freshly ejaculated semen samples from normozoospermic men were included in this study. Each semen sample was randomly divided into three groups (1 ml aliquot for each group): the control group (group one) underwent conventional sperm cryopreservation (n = 24), group two underwent pre-freezing PBM exposure (810 nm, diode laser, and 0.6 J/cm2) (n = 24), and group three underwent post freezing and thawing PBM exposure (n = 24). Indicators of sperm quality, including total sperm motility (TSM), progressive sperm motility (PSM), DNA fragmentation, lipid peroxidation levels, apoptosis-like changes, and gene expression levels of protamine (PRM) 1, PRM2, and adducin 1 alpha (ADD1), were investigated in a blinded style. Due to the beneficial effect of pre-freezing PBM therapy, group 2 exhibited the highest TSM and PSM levels compared to groups 1 and 3. At the same time, DNA fragmentation and lipid peroxidation were significantly reduced in the group 2 compared to the group 1 (p = 0.024 p = 0.016, respectively). Evaluation of apoptotic/necrotic changes revealed that parameters including early apoptosis, dead, and necrotic cells decreased in the group 2 compared to the either groups 1 (p = 0. 008, p = 0. 032, p = 0. 02, respectively) or group 3 (p = 0.037, p = 0.108, p = 0.083). There were no significant differences in the expression levels of PRM1, PRM2, and ADD1 among the study groups. Based on our results, PBM therapy prior to cryopreservation, even in the normal semen samples, plays a significant protective role against cryo-damage by preserving the functional parameters of spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fereshteh Safian
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Bayat
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Price Institute of Surgical Research, University of Louisville, and Noveratech LLC of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Vahid Jajarmi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Amin Abdollahifar
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Nazarian
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Shams Mofarahe
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mahsa Kazemi
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pourya Raee
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sufan Chien
- Price Institute of Surgical Research, University of Louisville, and Noveratech LLC of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Marefat Ghaffari Novin
- Men's Health and Reproductive Health Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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10
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Qin Z, Wang W, Ali MA, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Zhang M, Zhou G, Yang JD, Zeng C. Transcriptome-wide m 6A profiling reveals mRNA post-transcriptional modification of boar sperm during cryopreservation. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:588. [PMID: 34344298 PMCID: PMC8335898 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-07904-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cryopreservation induces transcriptomic and epigenetic modifications that strongly impairs sperm quality and function, and thus decrease reproductive performance. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation varies in response to stress and has been implicated in multiple important biological processes, including post-transcriptional fate of mRNA, metabolism, and apoptosis. This study aimed to explore whether cryopreservation induces m6A modification of mRNAs associated with sperm energy metabolism, cryoinjuries, and freezability. Results The mRNA and protein expression of m6A modification enzymes were significantly dysregulated in sperm after cryopreservation. Furthermore, m6A peaks were mainly enriched in coding regions and near stop codons with classical RRACH motifs. The mRNAs containing highly methylated m6A peaks (fts vs. fs) were significantly associated with metabolism and gene expression, while the genes with less methylated m6A peaks were primarily involved in processes regulating RNA metabolism and transcription. Furthermore, the joint analysis of DMMGs and differentially expressed genes indicated that both of these play a vital role in sperm energy metabolism and apoptosis. Conclusions Our study is the first to reveal the dynamic m6A modification of mRNAs in boar sperm during cryopreservation. These epigenetic modifications may affect mRNA expression and are closely related to sperm motility, apoptosis, and metabolism, which will provide novel insights into understanding of the cryoinjuries or freezability of boar sperm during cryopreservation. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-021-07904-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyue Qin
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, 611130, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, 611130, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Wencan Wang
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, 611130, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, 611130, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Malik Ahsan Ali
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, 611130, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, 611130, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China.,Department of Theriogenology, Riphah College of Veterinary Sciences, 54000, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Yihan Wang
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, 611130, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, 611130, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, 611130, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, 611130, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, 611130, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, 611130, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Guangbin Zhou
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, 611130, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, 611130, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Jian-Dong Yang
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, 611130, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, 611130, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Changjun Zeng
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, 611130, Chengdu, Sichuan, China. .,Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, 611130, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China.
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11
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Pennings G, Couture V, Ombelet W. Social sperm freezing. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:833-839. [PMID: 33501976 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deaa373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased paternal age has been associated with lower fertility and higher genetic risk for the offspring. One way to prevent these consequences is to freeze sperm at a young age. Social sperm freezing could be developed in a way similar to social oocyte freezing. The main difference between freezing oocytes and sperm is that social sperm freezing is much less focussed on fertility preservation and much more on avoiding increased genetic risk. Contrary to what some people seem to believe, sperm freezing is more complicated than it looks at first sight. This article considers three practical aspects: freezing, storage and testing. It is concluded that the remedy (cryopreservation) may itself cause damage to the quality of the spermatozoon and to its genetic integrity, thus undoing the possible benefits in terms of fertility and health of offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Pennings
- Department of Philosophy and Moral Science, Bioethics Institute Ghent (BIG), Ghent University, Ghent B-9000, Belgium
| | - Vincent Couture
- Faculty of Nursing, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada.,Research Center of the CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC G1L 3L5, Canada
| | - Willem Ombelet
- Genk Institute for Fertility Technology, ZOL Hospitals, Genk B-3600, Belgium.,Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt B-3500, Belgium
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12
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Abstract
Cryobiology is a multiscale and interdisciplinary field. The scope and scale of interactions limit the gains that can be made by one theory or experiment alone. Because of this, modeling has played a critical role in both explaining cryobiological phenomena and predicting improved protocols. Modeling facilitates understanding of the biophysical and some of the biochemical mechanisms of damage during all phases of cryopreservation including CPA equilibration and cooling and warming. Moreover, as a tool for optimization of cryopreservation protocols, modeling has yielded many successes. Modern cryobiological modeling includes very detailed descriptions of the physical phenomena that occur during freezing, including ice growth kinetics and spatial gradients that define heat and mass transport models. Here we reduce the complexity and approach only a small but classic subset of these problems. Namely, here we describe the process of building and using a mathematical model of a cell in suspension where spatial homogeneity is assumed for all quantities. We define the models that describe the critical cell quantities used to describe optimal and suboptimal protocols and then give an overview of classical methods of how to determine optimal protocols using these models. We include practical considerations of modeling in cryobiology, including fitting transport models to cell volume data, performing optimization with cell volume constraints, and a look at expanding cost functions to cooling regimes.
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Affiliation(s)
- James D Benson
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.
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13
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Fraser L, Paukszto Ł, Mańkowska A, Brym P, Gilun P, Jastrzębski JP, Pareek CS, Kumar D, Pierzchała M. Regulatory Potential of Long Non-Coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in Boar Spermatozoa with Good and Poor Freezability. Life (Basel) 2020; 10:life10110300. [PMID: 33233438 PMCID: PMC7700223 DOI: 10.3390/life10110300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are suggested to play an important role in the sperm biological processes. We performed de novo transcriptome assembly to characterize lncRNAs in spermatozoa, and to investigate the role of the potential target genes of the differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) in sperm freezability. We detected approximately 4007 DElncRNAs, which were differentially expressed in spermatozoa from boars classified as having good and poor semen freezability (GSF and PSF, respectively). Most of the DElncRNAs were upregulated in boars of the PSF group and appeared to significantly affect the sperm's response to the cryopreservation conditions. Furthermore, we predicted that the potential target genes were regulated by DElncRNAs in cis or trans. It was found that DElncRNAs of both freezability groups had potential cis- and trans-regulatory effects on different protein-coding genes, such as COX7A2L, TXNDC8 and SOX-7. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment revealed that the DElncRNA target genes are associated with numerous biological processes, including signal transduction, response to stress, cell death (apoptosis), motility and embryo development. Significant differences in the de novo assembled transcriptome expression profiles of the DElncRNAs between the freezability groups were confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR analysis. This study reveals the potential effects of protein-coding genes of DElncRNAs on sperm functions, which could contribute to further research on their relevance in semen freezability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leyland Fraser
- Department of Animal Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Animal Bioengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland;
- Correspondence:
| | - Łukasz Paukszto
- Department of Plant Physiology, Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland; (Ł.P.); (J.P.J.)
| | - Anna Mańkowska
- Department of Animal Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Animal Bioengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland;
| | - Paweł Brym
- Department of Animal Genetics, Faculty of Animal Bioengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland;
| | - Przemysław Gilun
- Department of Local Physiological Regulations, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Bydgoska 7, 10-243 Olsztyn, Poland;
| | - Jan P. Jastrzębski
- Department of Plant Physiology, Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland; (Ł.P.); (J.P.J.)
| | - Chandra S. Pareek
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus, University, 87-100 Toruń, Poland;
| | - Dibyendu Kumar
- Waksman Institute of Microbiology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08554, USA;
| | - Mariusz Pierzchała
- Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzębiec, 05-552 Magdalenka, Poland;
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14
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Investigation of molecular cryopreservation, fertility potential and microRNA-mediated apoptosis in Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia men. Cell Tissue Bank 2020; 22:123-135. [PMID: 33057898 DOI: 10.1007/s10561-020-09872-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Investigation of the cryo-injury mechanism can provide novel insight into cryopreservation. The objective of this study is to assess the effect of cryopreservation on fertility potential, motility, oxidative stress (OS), DNA fragmentation, microRNAs (miRNAs), and apoptotic target genes in the infertile men compared to the fertile men. All 40 samples were divided into two leading groups of fresh and cryopreserved sperms. Each main group was subdivided into three groups including, Normozoospermia, and Mild, and Severe Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT). In all collected samples the following were assessed: microRNA-34c (miR-34c) and miR-184, P53 and Caspase9 using Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), malondialdehyde (MDA), Superoxide dismutase (SOD) using imaging multi-mode reader, and DNA fragmentation using Sperm DNA Fragmentation Assay Test (SDFA). Within the studied groups, immotile spermatozoa were increased due to cryopreservation. We observed an increasing levels of SOD, MDA, and DNA fragmentation. Also, cryopreservation was associated with decreasing the expression of P53, mir-43c, and miR-184 while capase9 was showed enhancing expression after freeze-thawing of sperm cells. During cryopreservation, sperm fertility and motility were influenced via apoptosis cascade-mediated mitochondrial dysfunctions such as caspase9. Also, we found that miR-34c, miR184, and P53 could impact fertility potential. In Addition, there was a meaningful correlations between microRNAs and motility post freeze-thawing process in Severe Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia men.
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15
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Pang WK, Kang S, Ryu DY, Rahman MS, Park YJ, Pang MG. Optimization of sperm RNA processing for developmental research. Sci Rep 2020; 10:11606. [PMID: 32665575 PMCID: PMC7360572 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68486-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated the significance of sperm RNA function as a transporter of important information directing the course of life. To determine the message contained in sperm RNA, it is necessary to optimize transcriptomic research tools. The current study was performed to optimize the processing of sperm RNA from sample storage to quantitative real-time PCR and assess the corresponding method with to evaluate male fertility and its representative markers, equatorin (EQTN) and peroxiredoxin (PRDX). Following successive steps of the Minimum Information for Publication of Quantitative Real-Time PCR Experiments guidelines, several options were compared using boar spermatozoa. To evaluate the optimized procedures, the relationship between mRNA expression of EQTN and PRDX in spermatozoa and the fertility (litter size) of 20 individual boars was assessed. Unexpectedly, DNase treatment during RNA isolation had the deleterious effect by decreasing the RNA concentration by 56% and eliminating the correlation between EQTN and PRDX4 mRNA expression and male fertility. Moreover, when sperm RNA was processed using the corresponding method, the results showed the highest exon sequence expression, male fertility prediction power, and consistency. This optimized protocol for predicting male fertility can be used to study the transport of messages directing the life course from spermatozoon to offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won-Ki Pang
- Department of Animal Science and Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Saehan Kang
- Department of Animal Science and Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Do-Yeal Ryu
- Department of Animal Science and Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Md Saidur Rahman
- Department of Animal Science and Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoo-Jin Park
- Department of Animal Science and Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung-Geol Pang
- Department of Animal Science and Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea.
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16
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Ezzati M, Shanehbandi D, Hamdi K, Rahbar S, Pashaiasl M. Influence of cryopreservation on structure and function of mammalian spermatozoa: an overview. Cell Tissue Bank 2019; 21:1-15. [DOI: 10.1007/s10561-019-09797-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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17
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Fraser L, Brym P, Pareek CS, Mogielnicka-Brzozowska M, Paukszto Ł, Jastrzębski JP, Wasilewska-Sakowska K, Mańkowska A, Sobiech P, Żukowski K. Transcriptome analysis of boar spermatozoa with different freezability using RNA-Seq. Theriogenology 2019; 142:400-413. [PMID: 31711689 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2019] [Revised: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Semen freezability is associated with genetic markers, and there is a diverse set of sperm transcripts that have been attributed to various cellular functions. RNA-Seq was performed to compare the transcript profiles of spermatozoa from boars with different semen freezability. We examined ejaculates from the Polish large white (PLW) boars that were classified as having good and poor semen freezability (GSF and PSF, respectively; n = 3 boars per group) by assessing post-thaw motility characteristics, mitochondrial membrane potential, plasma membrane and acrosome integrity. Total RNA was isolated from fresh spermatozoa from boars of the GSF and PSF groups and subjected to RNA-Seq (Illumina NextSeq 500 platform). Transcript abundance was assessed with the DESeq2, DESeq, and EdgeR Bioconductor R packages, and varying numbers of differentially expressed gene (DEG) transcripts were detected in the spermatozoa of each boar. Using RNA-Seq, we identified several genes associated with inflammation and apoptosis (FOS, NFATC3, ITGAL, EAF2 and ZDHHC14), spermatogenesis (FGF-14 and BAMBI), autophagy (RAB33B), protein phosphorylation (PTPRU and PTPN2) and energy metabolism (ND6 and ACADM) that were predominantly up-regulated in poor freezability ejaculates. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) validated the transcript expression levels detected by RNA-Seq and thus confirmed the reliability of this technique. Subsequent validation with western blotting showed that the expression of three proteins was in accordance with the transcript abundance. Overall, we demonstrated that the up-regulation of the DEG transcripts in spermatozoa was associated with poor semen freezability. We suggest that spermatozoa transcriptome profiling provides a foundation to further elucidate the relevance of sperm-related transcripts on cryo-survival. The sperm-related transcripts, namely FOS, NFATC3, EAF2, BAMBI, PTPRU, PTPN2, ND6 and ACADM, are potential markers for predicting the freezability of boar semen.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Fraser
- Department of Animal Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Animal Bioengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719, Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - P Brym
- Department of Animal Genetics, Faculty of Animal Bioengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - C S Pareek
- Centre of Veterinary Sciences, Inter-University Centre of Veterinary Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100, Torun, Poland
| | - M Mogielnicka-Brzozowska
- Department of Animal Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Animal Bioengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Ł Paukszto
- Department of Plant Physiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University in Olsztyn of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - J P Jastrzębski
- Department of Plant Physiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University in Olsztyn of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - K Wasilewska-Sakowska
- Department of Animal Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Animal Bioengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - A Mańkowska
- Department of Animal Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Animal Bioengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - P Sobiech
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Internal Disease Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - K Żukowski
- Department of Cattle Breeding, National Research Institute of Animal Production, 32-083, Balice, Poland
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18
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Comparative Analysis of MicroRNA and mRNA Profiles of Sperm with Different Freeze Tolerance Capacities in Boar ( Sus scrofa) and Giant Panda ( Ailuropoda melanoleuca). Biomolecules 2019; 9:biom9090432. [PMID: 31480517 PMCID: PMC6769438 DOI: 10.3390/biom9090432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-thawed sperm quality parameters vary across different species after cryopreservation. To date, the molecular mechanism of sperm cryoinjury, freeze-tolerance and other influential factors are largely unknown. In this study, significantly dysregulated microRNAs (miRNAs) and mRNAs in boar and giant panda sperm with different cryo-resistance capacity were evaluated. From the result of miRNA profile of fresh and frozen-thawed giant panda sperm, a total of 899 mature, novel miRNAs were identified, and 284 miRNAs were found to be significantly dysregulated (195 up-regulated and 89 down-regulated). Combined analysis of miRNA profiling of giant panda sperm and our previously published data on boar sperm, 46, 21 and 4 differentially expressed (DE) mRNAs in boar sperm were believed to be related to apoptosis, glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation, respectively. Meanwhile, 87, 17 and 7 DE mRNAs in giant panda were associated with apoptosis, glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation, respectively. Gene ontology (GO) analysis of the targets of DE miRNAs showed that they were mainly distributed on membrane related pathway in giant panda sperm, while cell components and cell processes were tied to the targets of DE miRNAs in boar sperm. Finally, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis of DE mRNAs indicated that most of these DE mRNAs were distributed in membrane signal transduction-related pathways in giant panda sperm, while those in boar sperm were mainly distributed in the cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction pathway and inflammatory related pathways. In conclusion, although the different freezing extenders and programs were used, the DE miRNAs and mRNAs involved in apoptosis, energy metabolism, olfactory transduction pathway, inflammatory response and cytokine-cytokine interactions, could be the possible molecular mechanism of sperm cryoinjury and freeze tolerance.
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19
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Validation of Reference Genes for Gene Expression Normalization in RAW264.7 Cells under Different Conditions. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 2019:6131879. [PMID: 31223620 PMCID: PMC6541955 DOI: 10.1155/2019/6131879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Revised: 03/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
RAW264.7 is a macrophage strain derived from mice tumour and shows a significant ability in antigen uptake. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) is one of the most commonly used methods in gene studies and requires suitable reference genes to normalize and quantitate the expression of gene of interest with sensitivity and specificity. However, suitable reference genes in RAW264.7 cells have not yet been identified for accurate gene expression quantification. In the current study, we evaluated expression levels of ten candidate reference genes in RAW264.7 cells under different conditions. RT-qPCR results indicated significant differences in the expression levels among the ten reference genes. Statistical analyses were carried out using geNorm, NormFinder, and BestKeeper software to further investigate the stability of the reference genes. Integrating the results from the three analytical methods, cytochrome c-1 and hydroxymethylbilane synthase were found to be the most stable and therefore more suitable reference genes, while ribosomal protein L4 and cyclophilin A were the least stable. This study emphasises the importance of identifying and selecting the most stable reference genes for normalization and provides a basis for future gene expression studies using RAW264.7 cells.
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20
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Proteomic characterization of rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) sperm from two different genotypes. Theriogenology 2019; 128:140-148. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.01.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Revised: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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21
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Dai DH, Qazi IH, Ran MX, Liang K, Zhang Y, Zhang M, Zhou GB, Angel C, Zeng CJ. Exploration of miRNA and mRNA Profiles in Fresh and Frozen-Thawed Boar Sperm by Transcriptome and Small RNA Sequencing. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20040802. [PMID: 30781801 PMCID: PMC6413023 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20040802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to lower farrowing rate and reduced litter size with frozen-thawed semen, over 90% of artificial insemination (AI) is conducted using liquid stored boar semen. Although substantial progress has been made towards optimizing the cryopreservation protocols for boar sperm, the influencing factors and underlying mechanisms related to cryoinjury and freeze tolerance of boar sperm remain largely unknown. In this study, we report the differential expression of mRNAs and miRNAs between fresh and frozen-thawed boar sperm using high-throughput RNA sequencing. Our results showed that 567 mRNAs and 135 miRNAs were differentially expressed (DE) in fresh and frozen-thawed boar sperm. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses revealed that the majority of DE mRNAs were enriched in environmental information processing such as cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions, PI3K-Akt signaling, cell adhesion, MAPK, and calcium signaling pathways. Moreover, the targets of DE miRNAs were enriched in significant GO terms such as cell process, protein binding, and response to stimuli. In conclusion, we speculate that DE mRNAs and miRNAs are heavily involved in boar sperm response to environment stimuli, apoptosis, and metabolic activities. The differences in expression also reflect the various structural and functional changes in sperm during cryopreservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ding-Hui Dai
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, and Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China.
| | - Izhar Hyder Qazi
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, and Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China.
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy & Histology, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Sakrand 67210, Pakistan.
| | - Ming-Xia Ran
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, and Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China.
| | - Kai Liang
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, and Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China.
| | - Yan Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, and Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China.
| | - Ming Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, and Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China.
| | - Guang-Bin Zhou
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, and Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China.
| | - Christiana Angel
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China.
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Sakrand 67210, Pakistan.
| | - Chang-Jun Zeng
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, and Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China.
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22
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Li Y, Li RH, Ran MX, Zhang Y, Liang K, Ren YN, He WC, Zhang M, Zhou GB, Qazi IH, Zeng CJ. High throughput small RNA and transcriptome sequencing reveal capacitation-related microRNAs and mRNA in boar sperm. BMC Genomics 2018; 19:736. [PMID: 30305024 PMCID: PMC6180635 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-018-5132-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Capacitation, a prerequisite for oocyte fertilization, is a complex process involving series of structural and functional changes in sperms such as membrane modifications, modulation of enzyme activities, and protein phosphorylation. In order to penetrate and fertilize an oocyte, mammalian sperms must undergo capacitation. Nevertheless, the process of sperm capacitation remains poorly understood and requires further elucidation. In the current study, via high throughput sequencing, we identified and explored the differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) and mRNAs involved in boar sperm capacitation. Results We identified a total of 5342 mRNAs and 204 miRNAs that were differentially expressed in fresh and capacitated boar sperms. From these, 12 miRNAs (8 known and 4 newly identified miRNAs) and their differentially expressed target mRNAs were found to be involved in sperm capacitation-related PI3K-Akt, MAPK, cAMP-PKA and Ca2+signaling pathways. Conclusions Our study is first to provide the complete miRNA and transcriptome profiles of boar sperm. Our findings provide important insights for the understanding of the RNA profile in boar sperm and future elucidation of the underlying molecular mechanism relevant to mammalian sperm capacitation. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-018-5132-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Li
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Rong-Hong Li
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Ming-Xia Ran
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Kai Liang
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Ying-Nan Ren
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Wen-Cheng He
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Guang-Bin Zhou
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Izhar Hyder Qazi
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China.,Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan Province, China.,Department of Veterinary Anatomy & Histology, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Sakrand, Sindh, 67210, Pakistan
| | - Chang-Jun Zeng
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan, China. .,Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, Sichuan Province, China.
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23
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Ran MX, Li Y, Zhang Y, Liang K, Ren YN, Zhang M, Zhou GB, Zhou YM, Wu K, Wang CD, Huang Y, Luo B, Qazi IH, Zhang HM, Zeng CJ. Transcriptome Sequencing Reveals the Differentially Expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs Involved in Cryoinjuries in Frozen-Thawed Giant Panda ( Ailuropoda melanoleuca) Sperm. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19103066. [PMID: 30297640 PMCID: PMC6212861 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19103066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Revised: 10/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm cryopreservation and artificial insemination are important methods for giant panda breeding and preservation of extant genetic diversity. Lower conception rates limit the use of artificial insemination with frozen-thawed giant panda sperm, due to the lack of understanding of the cryodamaging or cryoinjuring mechanisms in cryopreservation. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in regulating spermatogenesis. However, their roles during cryopreservation remain largely unexplored. Therefore, this study aimed to identify differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs associated with cryodamage or freeze tolerance in frozen-thawed sperm through high throughput sequencing. A total of 61.05 Gb clean reads and 22,774 lncRNA transcripts were obtained. From the sequencing results, 1477 significantly up-regulated and 1,396 significantly down-regulated lncRNA transcripts from fresh and frozen-thawed sperm of giant panda were identified. GO and KEGG showed that the significantly dysregulated lncRNAs and mRNAs were mainly involved in regulating responses to cold stress and apoptosis, such as the integral component of membrane, calcium transport, and various signaling pathways including PI3K-Akt, p53 and cAMP. Our work is the first systematic profiling of lncRNA and mRNA in fresh and frozen-thawed giant panda sperm, and provides valuableinsights into the potential mechanism of cryodamage in sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Xia Ran
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China.
| | - Yuan Li
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China.
| | - Yan Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China.
| | - Kai Liang
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China.
| | - Ying-Nan Ren
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China.
| | - Ming Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China.
| | - Guang-Bin Zhou
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China.
| | - Ying-Min Zhou
- China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Wolong 473000, China.
| | - Kai Wu
- China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Wolong 473000, China.
| | - Cheng-Dong Wang
- China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Wolong 473000, China.
| | - Yan Huang
- China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Wolong 473000, China.
| | - Bo Luo
- China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Wolong 473000, China.
| | - Izhar Hyder Qazi
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China.
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy & Histology, Faculty of Bio-Sciences, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Sakrand 67210, Pakistan.
| | - He-Min Zhang
- China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda, Wolong 473000, China.
| | - Chang-Jun Zeng
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China.
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24
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Hezavehei M, Sharafi M, Kouchesfahani HM, Henkel R, Agarwal A, Esmaeili V, Shahverdi A. Sperm cryopreservation: A review on current molecular cryobiology and advanced approaches. Reprod Biomed Online 2018; 37:327-339. [PMID: 30143329 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2018.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 195] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2017] [Revised: 05/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The cryopreservation of spermatozoa was introduced in the 1960s as a route to fertility preservation. Despite the extensive progress that has been made in this field, the biological and biochemical mechanisms involved in cryopreservation have not been thoroughly elucidated to date. Various factors during the freezing process, including sudden temperature changes, ice formation and osmotic stress, have been proposed as reasons for poor sperm quality post-thaw. Little is known regarding the new aspects of sperm cryobiology, such as epigenetic and proteomic modulation of sperm and trans-generational effects of sperm freezing. This article reviews recent reports on molecular and cellular modifications of spermatozoa during cryopreservation in order to collate the existing understanding in this field. The aim is to discuss current freezing techniques and novel strategies that have been developed for sperm protection against cryo-damage, as well as evaluating the probable effects of sperm freezing on offspring health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Hezavehei
- Department of EmbryologyReproductive Biomedicine Research CentreRoyan Institute for Reproductive BiomedicineACECRTehranIran; Department of Animal BiologyFaculty of Biological SciencesKharazmi UniversityTehranIran
| | - Mohsen Sharafi
- Department of Poultry ScienceFaculty of AgricultureTarbiat Modares UniversityTehranIran.
| | | | - Ralf Henkel
- American Centre for Reproductive MedicineCleveland ClinicClevelandUSA
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- Department of Medical BioscienceUniversity of the Western CapeBellvilleSouth Africa
| | - Vahid Esmaeili
- Department of EmbryologyReproductive Biomedicine Research CentreRoyan Institute for Reproductive BiomedicineACECRTehranIran
| | - Abdolhossein Shahverdi
- Department of EmbryologyReproductive Biomedicine Research CentreRoyan Institute for Reproductive BiomedicineACECRTehranIran.
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25
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Yeste M, Rodríguez-Gil JE, Bonet S. Artificial insemination with frozen-thawed boar sperm. Mol Reprod Dev 2017; 84:802-813. [PMID: 28608609 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2016] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Artificial insemination with frozen-thawed semen in pigs is not a routine technique; its use is restricted to specific cases, such as preservation of valuable genetic material (germplasm banks), safety strategies in case of natural disasters, long-distance transport of sperm, and in combination with sex-sorting. Cryoinjuries resulting from freeze-thawing protocols are a major concern with regard to the fertilization capacity of the treated sperm, which is lower than that of liquid-stored semen. Here, we provide an overview of artificial insemination using cryopreserved sperm, and summarize the factors that influence cryopreservation success before, during, and after freeze-thaw (i.e., sperm selection before starting the cryopreservation process, holding time, use of cryoprotectants, and rates of freezing and thawing) and that are driving the identification of biomarkers to predict sensitivity to cryodamage. Three different artificial insemination techniques (conventional or intracervical; intrauterine; and deep intrauterine) are also discussed with regards to their relevance when using frozen-thawed semen. Finally, we review the use of additives to freezing and thawing media, given reports that they may maintain and improve the quality and fertilizing capacity of frozen-thawed sperm. In sum, artificial insemination with frozen-thawed boar sperm can provide reasonable fertility outcomes, if freezable ejaculates, specific additives, and appropriate insemination techniques are used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Joan E Rodríguez-Gil
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Unit of Animal Reproduction, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Autonomous, University of Barcelona, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sergi Bonet
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
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26
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Zhang Y, Dai D, Chang Y, Li Y, Zhang M, Zhou G, Peng Z, Zeng C. Cryopreservation of boar sperm induces differential microRNAs expression. Cryobiology 2017; 76:24-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2017.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Revised: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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27
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Idda A, Bebbere D, Corona G, Masala L, Casula E, Cincotti A, Ledda S. Insights on Cryopreserved Sheep Fibroblasts by Cryomicroscopy and Gene Expression Analysis. Biopreserv Biobank 2017; 15:310-320. [PMID: 28328240 DOI: 10.1089/bio.2016.0100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryopreservation includes a set of techniques aimed at storing biological samples and preserving their biochemical and functional features without any significant alterations. This study set out to investigate the effects induced by cryopreservation on cultured sheepskin fibroblasts (CSSF) through cryomicroscopy and gene expression analysis after subsequent in vitro culture. CSSF cells were cryopreserved in a cryomicroscope (CM) or in a straw programmable freezer (SPF) using a similar thermal profile (cooling rate -5°C/min to -120°C, then -150°C/min to -196°C). CSSF volume and intracellular ice formation (IIF) were monitored by a CM, while gene expression levels were investigated by real-time polymerase chain reaction in SPF-cryopreserved cells immediately after thawing (T0) and after 24 or 48 hours (T24, T48) of post-thaw in vitro culture. No significant difference in cell viability was observed at T0 between CM and SPF samples, while both CM and SPF groups showed lower viability (p < 0.05) compared to the untreated control group. Gene expression analysis of cryopreserved CSSF 24 and 48 hours post-thawing showed a significant upregulation of the genes involved in protein folding and antioxidant mechanisms (HPS90b and SOD1), while a transient increase (p < 0.05) in the expression levels of OCT4, BCL2, and GAPDH was detected 24 hours post-thawing. Overall, our data suggest that cryostored CSSF need at least 24 hours to activate specific networks to promote cell readaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Idda
- 1 Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Sezione di Clinica Ostetrica e Ginecologia, Università di Sassari , Sassari, Italy
| | - Daniela Bebbere
- 1 Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Sezione di Clinica Ostetrica e Ginecologia, Università di Sassari , Sassari, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Corona
- 1 Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Sezione di Clinica Ostetrica e Ginecologia, Università di Sassari , Sassari, Italy
| | - Laura Masala
- 1 Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Sezione di Clinica Ostetrica e Ginecologia, Università di Sassari , Sassari, Italy
| | - Elisa Casula
- 2 Dipartimento di Ingegneria Meccanica, Chimica e dei Materiali, Università degli Studi di Cagliari , Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alberto Cincotti
- 2 Dipartimento di Ingegneria Meccanica, Chimica e dei Materiali, Università degli Studi di Cagliari , Cagliari, Italy
| | - Sergio Ledda
- 1 Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Sezione di Clinica Ostetrica e Ginecologia, Università di Sassari , Sassari, Italy
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Ashish S, Bhure SK, Harikrishna P, Ramteke SS, Muhammed Kutty VH, Shruthi N, Ravi Kumar GVPPS, Manish M, Ghosh SK, Mihir S. Identification and evaluation of reference genes for accurate gene expression normalization of fresh and frozen-thawed spermatozoa of water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Theriogenology 2017; 92:6-13. [PMID: 28237344 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2016] [Revised: 01/02/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR) has become an important tool for gene-expression analysis for a selected number of genes in life science. Although large dynamic range, sensitivity and reproducibility of qRT-PCR is good, the reliability majorly depend on the selection of proper reference genes (RGs) employed for normalization. Although, RGs expression has been reported to vary considerably within same cell type with different experimental treatments. No systematic study has been conducted to identify and evaluate the appropriate RGs in spermatozoa of domestic animals. Therefore, this study was conducted to analyze suitable stable RGs in fresh and frozen-thawed spermatozoa. We have assessed 13 candidate RGs (BACT, RPS18s, RPS15A, ATP5F1, HMBS, ATP2B4, RPL13, EEF2, TBP, EIF2B2, MDH1, B2M and GLUT5) of different functions and pathways using five algorithms. Regardless of the approach, the ranking of the most and the least candidate RGs remained almost same. The comprehensive ranking by RefFinder showed GLUT5, ATP2B4 and B2M, MDH1 as the top two stable and least stable RGs, respectively. The expression levels of four heat shock proteins (HSP) were employed as a target gene to evaluate RGs efficiency for normalization. The results demonstrated an exponential difference in expression levels of the four HSP genes upon normalization of the data with the most stable and the least stable RGs. Our study, provides a convenient RGs for normalization of gene-expression of key metabolic pathways effected during freezing and thawing of spermatozoa of buffalo and other closely related bovines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shende Ashish
- Division of Biochemistry, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, 243122, Bareilly, U.P., India
| | - S K Bhure
- Division of Biochemistry, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, 243122, Bareilly, U.P., India.
| | - Pillai Harikrishna
- Division of Biochemistry, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, 243122, Bareilly, U.P., India
| | - S S Ramteke
- Division of Animal Reproduction, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, 243122, Bareilly, U.P., India
| | - V H Muhammed Kutty
- Division of Biochemistry, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, 243122, Bareilly, U.P., India
| | - N Shruthi
- Division of Biochemistry, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, 243122, Bareilly, U.P., India
| | - G V P P S Ravi Kumar
- Division of Veterinary Biotechnology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, 243122, Bareilly, U.P., India
| | - Mahawar Manish
- Division of Biochemistry, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, 243122, Bareilly, U.P., India
| | - S K Ghosh
- Division of Animal Reproduction, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, 243122, Bareilly, U.P., India
| | - Sarkar Mihir
- Division of Physiology and Climatology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, 243122, Bareilly, U.P., India
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Zhang WX, Fan J, Ma J, Rao YS, Zhang L, Yan YE. Selection of Suitable Reference Genes for Quantitative Real-Time PCR Normalization in Three Types of Rat Adipose Tissue. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17060968. [PMID: 27338366 PMCID: PMC4926500 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17060968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2016] [Revised: 05/30/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) is the most classical technique in the field of gene expression study. This method requires an appropriate reference gene to normalize mRNA levels. In this study, the expression stability of four frequently-used reference genes in epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT), inguinal beige adipose tissue (iBeAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT) from obese and lean rats were evaluated by geNorm, NormFinder and BestKeeper. Based on the Minimum Information for Publication of Quantitative Real-Time PCR Experiments (MIQE) guidelines, the two most stable reference genes were recommended in each type of adipose tissue. Two target genes were applied to test the stability of the reference genes. The geNorm and NormFinder results revealed that GAPDH and 36B4 exhibited the highest expression stabilities in eWAT, while 36B4 and β-actin had the highest expression stabilities in iBeAT and BAT. According to the results of the BestKeeper analysis, 36B4 was the most stable gene in eWAT, iBeAT and BAT, in terms of the coefficient of variance. In terms of the coefficient of correlation, GAPDH, 36B4 and β-actin were the most stable genes in eWAT, iBeAT and BAT, respectively. Additionally, expected results and statistical significance were obtained using a combination of two suitable reference genes for data normalization. In conclusion, 36B4 and GAPDH, in combination, are the best reference genes for eWAT, while 36B4 and β-actin are two most suitable reference genes for both iBeAT and BAT. We recommend using these reference genes accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Xia Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, 185, DongHu Road, Wuhan 430071, China.
| | - Jie Fan
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, 185, DongHu Road, Wuhan 430071, China.
| | - Jing Ma
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China.
| | - Yi-Song Rao
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, 185, DongHu Road, Wuhan 430071, China.
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, 185, DongHu Road, Wuhan 430071, China.
| | - You-E Yan
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, 185, DongHu Road, Wuhan 430071, China.
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Yeste M. Sperm cryopreservation update: Cryodamage, markers, and factors affecting the sperm freezability in pigs. Theriogenology 2015; 85:47-64. [PMID: 26506124 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.09.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 215] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2015] [Revised: 09/20/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Cryopreservation is the most efficient method for long-term preservation of mammalian sperm. However, freeze-thawing procedures may strongly impair the sperm function and survival and thus decrease the reproductive performance. In addition, the sperm resilience to withstand cryopreservation, also known as freezability, presents a high individual variability. The present work summarizes the principles of cryoinjury and the relevance of permeating and nonpermeating cryoprotective agents. Descriptions about sperm cryodamage are mainly focused on boar sperm, but reference to other mammalian species is also made when relevant. Main cryoinjuries not only regard to sperm motility and membrane integrity, but also to the degradation effect exerted by freeze-thawing on other important components for sperm fertilizing ability, such as mRNAs. After delving into the main differences between good and poor freezability boar ejaculates, those protein markers predicting the sperm ability to sustain cryopreservation are also mentioned. Moreover, factors that may influence sperm freezability, such as season, diet, breed, or ejaculate fractions are discussed, together with the effects of different additives, like seminal plasma and antioxidants. After briefly referring to the effects of long-term sperm preservation in frozen state and the reproductive performance of frozen-thawed boar sperm, this work speculates with new research horizons on the preservation of boar sperm, such as vitrification and freeze-drying.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Yeste
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK.
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31
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The effects of reference genes in qRT-PCR assays for determining the immune response of bovine cells (MDBK) infected with the Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus 1 (BVDV-1). Gene 2015; 569:95-103. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2015.05.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2015] [Revised: 03/27/2015] [Accepted: 05/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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32
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Zhang Y, Zeng CJ, He L, Ding L, Tang KY, Peng WP. Selection of endogenous reference microRNA genes for quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction studies of boar spermatozoa cryopreservation. Theriogenology 2015; 83:634-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2014.10.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2014] [Revised: 10/28/2014] [Accepted: 10/28/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Abstract
Modeling plays a critical role in understanding the biophysical processes behind cryopreservation. It facilitates understanding of the biophysical and some of the biochemical mechanisms of damage during all phases of cryopreservation including CPA equilibration, cooling, and warming. Modeling also provides a tool for optimization of cryopreservation protocols and has yielded a number of successes in this regard. While modern cryobiological modeling includes very detailed descriptions of the physical phenomena that occur during freezing, including ice growth kinetics and spatial gradients that define heat and mass transport models, here we reduce the complexity and approach only a small but classic subset of these problems. Namely, here we describe the process of building and using a mathematical model of a cell in suspension where spatial homogeneity is assumed for all quantities. We define the models that describe the critical cell quantities used to describe optimal and suboptimal protocols and then give an overview of classical methods of how to determine optimal protocols using these models.
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Affiliation(s)
- James D Benson
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL, 60115, USA,
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Tissue-specific selection of optimal reference genes for expression analysis of anti-cancer drug-related genes in tumor samples using quantitative real-time RT-PCR. Exp Mol Pathol 2014; 98:375-81. [PMID: 25445497 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2014.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2014] [Accepted: 10/31/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Gene transcription analysis in clinical tumor samples can help with diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of cancers. We aimed to identify the optimal reference genes for reliable expression analysis in various tumor samples by quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Using a one-step TaqMan-based qRT-PCR, 5 commonly used reference genes (ACTB, GAPDH, RPLPO, GUSB, and TFRC) and 10 anticancer drug-related genes (TYMS, RRM1, TUBB3, STMN1, TOP2A, EGFR, VEGFR2, HER2, ERCC1, and BRCA1) were analyzed in 327 tissue samples from lung, rectal, colon, gastric, esophageal, and breast tumors. According to the expression stability assessments obtained by using three programs (geNorm, NormFinder, and BestKeeper) and a comprehensive ranking method, the optimal reference genes for lung, gastric, esophageal, and breast tumors were RPLPO, GAPDH, ACTB, and ACTB, respectively. For rectal tumors, a combination of the 3 most stable genes (GUSB, ACTB, and RPLPO) was suitable for qRT-PCR, whereas for colon tumors, a combination of the 4 most stable genes (GAPDH, ACTB, GUSB, and RPLPO) was optimal for qRT-PCR. Based on the expression data of target genes normalized against selected reference genes, the principal component analysis revealed 4 expression patterns in 6 different tissues. One pattern was observed in gastric, rectal, and colon tumor tissues, which are gastrointestinal tumors. Expressions in the breast, lung, and esophageal tissues were separately represented as one pattern. Our results could facilitate the practice of personalized cancer medicine based on the gene expression profile of the patients.
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Determining ACTB, ATP5B and RPL32 as optimal reference genes for quantitative RT-PCR studies of cryopreserved stallion semen. Anim Reprod Sci 2014; 149:204-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2014.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2013] [Revised: 05/12/2014] [Accepted: 08/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Zeng C, Peng W, Ding L, He L, Zhang Y, Fang D, Tang K. A preliminary study on epigenetic changes during boar spermatozoa cryopreservation. Cryobiology 2014; 69:119-27. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2014.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2014] [Revised: 05/23/2014] [Accepted: 06/18/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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Lian T, Yang T, Liu G, Sun J, Dong C. Reliable reference gene selection for Cordyceps militaris gene expression studies under different developmental stages and media. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2014; 356:97-104. [PMID: 24953133 DOI: 10.1111/1574-6968.12492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2014] [Revised: 05/27/2014] [Accepted: 05/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cordyceps militaris is considered a model organism for the study of Cordyceps species, which are highly prized in traditional Chinese medicine. Gene expression analysis has become more popular and important in studies of this fungus. Reference gene validation under different experimental conditions is crucial for RT-qPCR analysis. In this study, eight candidate reference genes, actin, cox5, gpd, rpb1, tef1, try, tub, and ubi, were selected and their expression stability was evaluated in C. militaris samples using four algorithms, genorm, normfinder, bestkeeper, and the comparative ∆Ct method. Three sets of samples, five different developmental stages cultured in wheat medium and pupae, and all the samples pool were included. The results showed that rpb1 was the best reference gene during all developmental stages examined, while the most common reference genes, actin and tub, were not suitable internal controls. Cox5 also performed poorly and was less stable in our analysis. The ranks of ubi and gpd were inconsistent in different sample sets by different methods. Our results provide guidelines for reference gene selection at different developmental stages and also represent a foundation for more accurate and widespread use of RT-qPCR in C. militaris gene expression analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiantian Lian
- State Key Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; College of Land and Environment, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
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