1
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Li Q, Chen G, Yan J. Transmembrane determinants of voltage-gating differences between BK (Slo1) and Slo3 channels. Biophys J 2024; 123:2154-2166. [PMID: 38637987 PMCID: PMC11309983 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2024.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated potassium channels are critical in modulating cellular excitability, with Slo (slowpoke) channels forming a unique family characterized by their large conductance and dual regulation by electrical signals and intracellular messengers. Despite their structural and evolutionary similarities, Slo1 and Slo3 channels exhibit significant differences in their voltage-gating properties. This study investigates the molecular determinants that differentiate the voltage-gating properties of human Slo1 and mouse Slo3 channels. Utilizing Slo1/Slo3 chimeras, we pinpointed the selectivity filter region as a key factor in the Slo3 channel's reduced conductance at negative voltages. The S6 transmembrane (TM) segment was identified as pivotal for the Slo3 channel's biphasic deactivation kinetics at these voltages. Additionally, the S4 and S6 TM segments were found to be responsible for the gradual slope in the Slo3 channel's conductance-voltage relationship, while multiple TM regions appear to be involved in the Slo3 channel's requirement of strong depolarization for activation. Mutations in the Slo1's S5 and S6 TM segments revealed three residues (I233, L302, and M304) that likely play a crucial role in the allosteric coupling between the voltage sensors and the pore gate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Li
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas; Molecular & Translational Biology and Neuroscience Programs, MD Anderson UT Health Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, Texas
| | - Guanxing Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas; Molecular & Translational Biology and Neuroscience Programs, MD Anderson UT Health Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, Texas
| | - Jiusheng Yan
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas; Molecular & Translational Biology and Neuroscience Programs, MD Anderson UT Health Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, Texas.
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2
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Kim J, So B, Heo Y, So H, Jo JK. Advances in Male Contraception: When Will the Novel Male Contraception be Available? World J Mens Health 2024; 42:487-501. [PMID: 38164023 PMCID: PMC11216971 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.230118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Many contraceptive methods have been developed over the years due to high demand. However, female contraceptive pills and devices do not work for all females due to health conditions and side effects. Also, the number of males who want to actively participate in family planning is gradually increasing. However, the only contraceptive options currently available to males are condoms and vasectomy. Therefore, many male contraceptive methods, including medication (hormonal and non-hormonal therapy) and mechanical methods, are under development. Reversibility, safety, persistence, degree of invasion, promptness, and the suppression of anti-sperm antibody formation are essential factors in the development of male contraceptive methods. In this paper, male contraceptive methods under development are reviewed according to those essential factors. Furthermore, the timeline for the availability of a new male contraception is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jongwon Kim
- Department of Medical and Digital Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Byeongchan So
- Department of Medical and Digital Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yongki Heo
- Department of Medical and Digital Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hongyun So
- Department of Medical and Digital Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Jung Ki Jo
- Department of Medical and Digital Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea.
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3
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Dai P, Zou M, Cai Z, Zeng X, Zhang X, Liang M. pH Homeodynamics and Male Fertility: A Coordinated Regulation of Acid-Based Balance during Sperm Journey to Fertilization. Biomolecules 2024; 14:685. [PMID: 38927088 PMCID: PMC11201807 DOI: 10.3390/biom14060685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
pH homeostasis is crucial for spermatogenesis, sperm maturation, sperm physiological function, and fertilization in mammals. HCO3- and H+ are the most significant factors involved in regulating pH homeostasis in the male reproductive system. Multiple pH-regulating transporters and ion channels localize in the testis, epididymis, and spermatozoa, such as HCO3- transporters (solute carrier family 4 and solute carrier family 26 transporters), carbonic anhydrases, and H+-transport channels and enzymes (e.g., Na+-H+ exchangers, monocarboxylate transporters, H+-ATPases, and voltage-gated proton channels). Hormone-mediated signals impose an influence on the production of some HCO3- or H+ transporters, such as NBCe1, SLC4A2, MCT4, etc. Additionally, ion channels including sperm-specific cationic channels for Ca2+ (CatSper) and K+ (SLO3) are directly or indirectly regulated by pH, exerting specific actions on spermatozoa. The slightly alkaline testicular pH is conducive to spermatogenesis, whereas the epididymis's low HCO3- concentration and acidic lumen are favorable for sperm maturation and storage. Spermatozoa pH increases substantially after being fused with seminal fluid to enhance motility. In the female reproductive tract, sperm are subjected to increasing concentrations of HCO3- in the uterine and fallopian tube, causing a rise in the intracellular pH (pHi) of spermatozoa, leading to hyperpolarization of sperm plasma membranes, capacitation, hyperactivation, acrosome reaction, and ultimately fertilization. The physiological regulation initiated by SLC26A3, SLC26A8, NHA1, sNHE, and CFTR localized in sperm is proven for certain to be involved in male fertility. This review intends to present the key factors and characteristics of pHi regulation in the testes, efferent duct, epididymis, seminal fluid, and female reproductive tract, as well as the associated mechanisms during the sperm journey to fertilization, proposing insights into outstanding subjects and future research trends.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Xiaoning Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China; (P.D.); (M.Z.); (Z.C.); (X.Z.)
| | - Min Liang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China; (P.D.); (M.Z.); (Z.C.); (X.Z.)
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4
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Chávez JC, Carrasquel-Martínez G, Hernández-Garduño S, Matamoros Volante A, Treviño CL, Nishigaki T, Darszon A. Cytosolic and Acrosomal pH Regulation in Mammalian Sperm. Cells 2024; 13:865. [PMID: 38786087 PMCID: PMC11120249 DOI: 10.3390/cells13100865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
As in most cells, intracellular pH regulation is fundamental for sperm physiology. Key sperm functions like swimming, maturation, and a unique exocytotic process, the acrosome reaction, necessary for gamete fusion, are deeply influenced by pH. Sperm pH regulation, both intracellularly and within organelles such as the acrosome, requires a coordinated interplay of various transporters and channels, ensuring that this cell is primed for fertilization. Consistent with the pivotal importance of pH regulation in mammalian sperm physiology, several of its unique transporters are dependent on cytosolic pH. Examples include the Ca2+ channel CatSper and the K+ channel Slo3. The absence of these channels leads to male infertility. This review outlines the main transport elements involved in pH regulation, including cytosolic and acrosomal pH, that participate in these complex functions. We present a glimpse of how these transporters are regulated and how distinct sets of them are orchestrated to allow sperm to fertilize the egg. Much research is needed to begin to envision the complete set of players and the choreography of how cytosolic and organellar pH are regulated in each sperm function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio C. Chávez
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología (IBT), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca 62210, Morelos, Mexico; (J.C.C.); (G.C.-M.)
| | - Gabriela Carrasquel-Martínez
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología (IBT), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca 62210, Morelos, Mexico; (J.C.C.); (G.C.-M.)
- CITMER, Medicina Reproductiva, México City 11520, Mexico
| | - Sandra Hernández-Garduño
- Departamento de Morfología, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), México City 04510, Mexico;
| | - Arturo Matamoros Volante
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and School of Biomedical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA;
| | - Claudia L. Treviño
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología (IBT), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca 62210, Morelos, Mexico; (J.C.C.); (G.C.-M.)
| | - Takuya Nishigaki
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología (IBT), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca 62210, Morelos, Mexico; (J.C.C.); (G.C.-M.)
| | - Alberto Darszon
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología (IBT), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca 62210, Morelos, Mexico; (J.C.C.); (G.C.-M.)
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5
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Balestrini PA, Sulzyk V, Jabloñski M, Schiavi-Ehrenhaus LJ, González SN, Ferreira JJ, Gómez-Elías MD, Pomata P, Luque GM, Krapf D, Cuasnicu PS, Santi CM, Buffone MG. Membrane potential hyperpolarization: a critical factor in acrosomal exocytosis and fertilization in sperm within the female reproductive tract. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1386980. [PMID: 38803392 PMCID: PMC11128623 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1386980] [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: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Hyperpolarization of the membrane potential (Em), a phenomenon regulated by SLO3 channels, stands as a central feature in sperm capacitation-a crucial process conferring upon sperm the ability to fertilize the oocyte. In vitro studies demonstrated that Em hyperpolarization plays a pivotal role in facilitating the mechanisms necessary for the development of hyperactivated motility (HA) and acrosomal exocytosis (AE) occurrence. Nevertheless, the physiological significance of sperm Em within the female reproductive tract remains unexplored. As an approach to this question, we studied sperm migration and AE incidence within the oviduct in the absence of Em hyperpolarization using a novel mouse model established by crossbreeding of SLO3 knock-out (KO) mice with EGFP/DsRed2 mice. Sperm from this model displays impaired HA and AE in vitro. Interestingly, examination of the female reproductive tract shows that SLO3 KO sperm can reach the ampulla, mirroring the quantity of sperm observed in wild-type (WT) counterparts, supporting that the HA needed to reach the fertilization site is not affected. However, a noteworthy distinction emerges-unlike WT sperm, the majority of SLO3 KO sperm arrive at the ampulla with their acrosomes still intact. Of the few SLO3 KO sperm that do manage to reach the oocytes within this location, fertilization does not occur, as indicated by the absence of sperm pronuclei in the MII-oocytes recovered post-mating. In vitro, SLO3 KO sperm fail to penetrate the ZP and fuse with the oocytes. Collectively, these results underscore the vital role of Em hyperpolarization in AE and fertilization within their physiological context, while also revealing that Em is not a prerequisite for the development of the HA motility, essential for sperm migration through the female tract to the ampulla.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula A. Balestrini
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tícnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Valeria Sulzyk
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tícnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Martina Jabloñski
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tícnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Liza J. Schiavi-Ehrenhaus
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tícnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Soledad N. González
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tícnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Juan J. Ferreira
- Department of OB/GYN, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, United States
| | - Matías D. Gómez-Elías
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tícnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pablo Pomata
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tícnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Guillermina M. Luque
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tícnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Dario Krapf
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas–Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Patricia S. Cuasnicu
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tícnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Celia M. Santi
- Department of OB/GYN, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, United States
| | - Mariano G. Buffone
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tícnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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6
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Morabbi A, Karimian M. Trace and essential elements as vital components to improve the performance of the male reproductive system: Implications in cell signaling pathways. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2024; 83:127403. [PMID: 38340548 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2024.127403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Successful male fertilization requires the main processes such as normal spermatogenesis, sperm capacitation, hyperactivation, and acrosome reaction. The progress of these processes depends on some endogenous and exogenous factors. So, the optimal level of ions and essential and rare elements such as selenium, zinc, copper, iron, manganese, calcium, and so on in various types of cells of the reproductive system could affect conception and male fertility rates. The function of trace elements in the male reproductive system could be exerted through some cellular and molecular processes, such as the management of active oxygen species, involvement in the action of membrane channels, regulation of enzyme activity, regulation of gene expression and hormone levels, and modulation of signaling cascades. In this review, we aim to summarize the available evidence on the role of trace elements in improving male reproductive performance. Also, special attention is paid to the cellular aspects and the involved molecular signaling cascades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Morabbi
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran
| | - Mohammad Karimian
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran.
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7
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Zhang J, Zheng L, Chen Y, Luo T, Zeng X, Kang H. LRRC52 is likely a functional component of human KSper†. Biol Reprod 2024; 110:711-721. [PMID: 38267364 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioae004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Completion of fertilization is orchestrated by various ion channels in sperm membrane. Hyperpolarization of membrane potential, an indispensable event during the capacitation process, is dominated by sperm potassium channel (KSper). In addition to sperm-specific SLO3, which forms the channel pore, the auxiliary subunit leucine-rich-repeat-containing protein 52 (LRRC52) is required to form mKSper to function under physiological conditions. However, in human sperm, although most evidence supports that hSLO3 is the pore-forming subunit, whether hLRRC52 contributes to hKSper conductance and modulates sperm function remains to be understood. Here, using an extracellular segment that is homologous between mice and humans as an antigen, we developed a polyclonal antibody designed as LID1 that specifically detected mLRRC52 and performed co-immunoprecipitation with mSLO3. Additionally, patch-clamp recordings of mouse sperm showed that, physiological activation of mKSper and sperm functions were dramatically attenuated after treatment with LID1, indicating that LID1 functionally disrupted the regulation of mLRRC52 on mKSper. Next, LID1 was used to investigate the significance of hLRRC52 for hKSper activation. As a result, hLRRC52 was expressed in human sperm and might be assembled with hSLO3. More importantly, LID1 inhibited hKSper currents and depolarized sperm membrane potential, supporting essential modulation of hLRRC52 in hKSper. Ca2+ signaling of human sperm was also compromised in the presence of LID1, which impaired sperm motility and acrosome reaction. Because LID1 specifically inhibited both mKSper and hKSper but not mCatSper or hCatSper, our results suggest that hLRRC52 functions as an important component of hKSper and regulates sperm physiological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiali Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Liping Zheng
- Institute of Life Science and School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Institute of Life Science and School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Tao Luo
- Institute of Life Science and School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xuhui Zeng
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hang Kang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
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8
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Novero AG, Rodríguez PT, De la Vega Beltrán JL, Schiavi-Ehrenhaus LJ, Luque GM, Carruba M, Stival C, Gentile I, Ritagliati C, Santi CM, Nishigaki T, Krapf D, Buffone MG, Darszon A, Treviño CL, Krapf D. The sodium-proton exchangers sNHE and NHE1 control plasma membrane hyperpolarization in mouse sperm. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.04.583310. [PMID: 38496535 PMCID: PMC10942401 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.04.583310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Sperm capacitation, crucial for fertilization, occurs in the female reproductive tract and can be replicated in vitro using a medium rich in bicarbonate, calcium, and albumin. These components trigger the cAMP-PKA signaling cascade, proposed to promote hyperpolarization of the mouse sperm plasma membrane through activation of SLO3 K+ channel. Hyperpolarization is a hallmark of capacitation: proper membrane hyperpolarization renders higher in vitro fertilizing ability, while Slo3 KO mice are infertile. However, the precise regulation of SLO3 opening remains elusive. Our study challenges the involvement of PKA in this event and reveals the role of Na+/H+ exchangers. During capacitation, calcium increase through CatSper channels activates NHE1, while cAMP directly stimulates the sperm-specific NHE, collectively promoting the alkalinization threshold needed for SLO3 opening. Hyperpolarization then feeds back Na+/H+ activity. Our work is supported by pharmacology, and a plethora of KO mouse models, and proposes a novel pathway leading to hyperpolarization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Analia G Novero
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario, CONICET-UNR, and Laboratorio de Medicina Reproductiva, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, UNR, Rosario SF2000, Argentina
| | | | | | - Liz J Schiavi-Ehrenhaus
- Instituto de Bíologia y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Guillermina M Luque
- Instituto de Bíologia y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Micaela Carruba
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario, CONICET-UNR, and Laboratorio de Medicina Reproductiva, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, UNR, Rosario SF2000, Argentina
| | - Cintia Stival
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario, CONICET-UNR, and Laboratorio de Medicina Reproductiva, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, UNR, Rosario SF2000, Argentina
| | - Iñaki Gentile
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario, CONICET-UNR, and Laboratorio de Medicina Reproductiva, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, UNR, Rosario SF2000, Argentina
| | - Carla Ritagliati
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario, CONICET-UNR, and Laboratorio de Medicina Reproductiva, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, UNR, Rosario SF2000, Argentina
| | - Celia M Santi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Missouri 63110, USA
| | | | - Diego Krapf
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80526, USA
| | - Mariano G Buffone
- Instituto de Bíologia y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | - Dario Krapf
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario, CONICET-UNR, and Laboratorio de Medicina Reproductiva, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, UNR, Rosario SF2000, Argentina
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9
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Delgado-Bermúdez A, Yeste M, Bonet S, Pinart E. Physiological role of potassium channels in mammalian germ cell differentiation, maturation, and capacitation. Andrology 2024. [PMID: 38436215 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ion channels are essential for differentiation and maturation of germ cells, and even for fertilization in mammals. Different types of potassium channels have been identified, which are grouped into voltage-gated channels (Kv), ligand-gated channels (Kligand ), inwardly rectifying channels (Kir ), and tandem pore domain channels (K2P ). MATERIAL-METHODS The present review includes recent findings on the role of potassium channels in sperm physiology of mammals. RESULTS-DISCUSSION While most studies conducted thus far have been focused on the physiological role of voltage- (Kv1, Kv3, and Kv7) and calcium-gated channels (SLO1 and SLO3) during sperm capacitation, especially in humans and rodents, little data about the types of potassium channels present in the plasma membrane of differentiating germ cells exist. In spite of this, recent evidence suggests that the content and regulation mechanisms of these channels vary throughout spermatogenesis. Potassium channels are also essential for the regulation of sperm cell volume during epididymal maturation and for preventing premature membrane hyperpolarization. It is important to highlight that the nature, biochemical properties, localization, and regulation mechanisms of potassium channels are species-specific. In effect, while SLO3 is the main potassium channel involved in the K+ current during sperm capacitation in rodents, different potassium channels are implicated in the K+ outflow and, thus, plasma membrane hyperpolarization during sperm capacitation in other mammalian species, such as humans and pigs. CONCLUSIONS Potassium conductance is essential for male fertility, not only during sperm capacitation but throughout the spermiogenesis and epididymal maturation.
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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, Spain
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Unit of Cell Biology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Unit of Cell Biology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sergi Bonet
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Unit of Cell Biology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Elisabeth Pinart
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Unit of Cell Biology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
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10
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Mohanty G, Sanchez-Cardenas C, Paudel B, Tourzani DA, Salicioni AM, Santi CM, Gervasi MG, Pilsner JR, Darszon A, Visconti PE. Differential role of bovine serum albumin and HCO3- in the regulation of GSK3 alpha during mouse sperm capacitation. Mol Hum Reprod 2024; 30:gaae007. [PMID: 38341666 PMCID: PMC10914453 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaae007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
To become fertile, mammalian sperm are required to undergo capacitation in the female tract or in vitro in defined media containing ions (e.g. HCO3 -, Ca2+, Na+, and Cl-), energy sources (e.g. glucose, pyruvate) and serum albumin (e.g. bovine serum albumin (BSA)). These different molecules initiate sequential and concomitant signaling pathways, leading to capacitation. Physiologically, capacitation induces changes in the sperm motility pattern (e.g. hyperactivation) and prepares sperm for the acrosomal reaction (AR), two events required for fertilization. Molecularly, HCO3 - activates the atypical adenylyl cyclase Adcy10 (aka sAC), increasing cAMP and downstream cAMP-dependent pathways. BSA, on the other hand, induces sperm cholesterol release as well as other signaling pathways. How these signaling events, occurring in different sperm compartments and with different kinetics, coordinate among themselves is not well established. Regarding the AR, recent work has proposed a role for glycogen synthase kinases (GSK3α and GSK3β). GSK3α and GSK3β are inactivated by phosphorylation of residues Ser21 and Ser9, respectively, in their N-terminal domain. Here, we present evidence that GSK3α (but not GSK3β) is present in the anterior head and that it is regulated during capacitation. Interestingly, BSA and HCO3 - regulate GSK3α in opposite directions. While BSA induces a fast GSK3α Ser21 phosphorylation, HCO3 - and cAMP-dependent pathways dephosphorylate this residue. We also show that the HCO3--induced Ser21 dephosphorylation is mediated by hyperpolarization of the sperm plasma membrane potential (Em) and by intracellular pH alkalinization. Previous reports indicate that GSK3 kinases mediate the progesterone-induced AR. Here, we show that GSK3 inhibition also blocks the Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin-induced AR, suggesting a role for GSK3 kinases downstream of the increase in intracellular Ca2+ needed for this exocytotic event. Altogether, our data indicate a temporal and biphasic GSK3α regulation with opposite actions of BSA and HCO3 -. Our results also suggest that this regulation is needed to orchestrate the AR during sperm capacitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayatri Mohanty
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Claudia Sanchez-Cardenas
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, UNAM, Cuernavaca, México
| | - Bidur Paudel
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Darya A Tourzani
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Ana M Salicioni
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Celia M Santi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - María G Gervasi
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
- Department of Animal Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - J Richard Pilsner
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Alberto Darszon
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, UNAM, Cuernavaca, México
| | - Pablo E Visconti
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
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11
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Maleki B, Modarres P, Salehi P, Vallian S. Identification of ITPR1 gene as a novel target for hsa-miR-34b-5p in non-obstructive azoospermia: a Ca 2+/apoptosis pathway cross-talk. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21873. [PMID: 38072953 PMCID: PMC10710998 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49155-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
MiR-34b-5p has been reported as a non-invasive diagnostic biomarker for infertility. However, no gene targets regulating the mechanism of cation of this miRNA are known. In this study, using gene set enrichment analysis the Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptor Type 1 (ITPR1) gene was identified as the sole target for hsa-miR-34b-5p, and found significantly overexpressed in non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) patients. This finding was confirmed by qRT-PCR on fresh testicular tissues from NOA patients. Then, pathway enrichment analysis as well as the diagnostic value analysis of hsa-miR-34b-5p/ITPR1 indicated ITPR1 as a hub gene in the calcium (Ca2+)-apoptosis pathway, and a valuable predictive biomarker for NOA. Moreover, gene expression and histological assays showed the association of the effects of ITPR1's increased expression on spermatogenesis failure through induction of apoptosis in NOA patients. These data suggested that the hsa-miR-34b-5p/ITPR1 axis could serve as a potential regulatory predictive biomarker for human spermatogenesis through the Ca2+-apoptosis pathway cross-talk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahareh Maleki
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Parastoo Modarres
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Peyman Salehi
- Department of Infertility, Milad Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Sadeq Vallian
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Islamic Republic of Iran.
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12
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Rodríguez-Páez L, Aguirre-Alvarado C, Chamorro-Cevallos G, Veronica AF, Sandra Irel CE, Hugo CP, García-Pérez CA, Jiménez-Gutiérrez GE, Cordero-Martínez J. Polyamines modulate mouse sperm motility. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2023; 69:435-449. [PMID: 37812755 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2023.2262714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Polyamines are polycationic molecules which contains two or more amino groups (-NH3+) highly charged at physiological pH, and among them we found spermine, spermidine, putrescine, and cadaverine. They interact with proteins, nucleic acids, modulate Ca2+, K+, and Na+ channels, and protect sperm from oxidative stress. In this work, we evaluate the effect of spermine, spermidine, and putrescine on the total, progressive and kinematic parameters of motility, capacitation, acrosome reaction, also in presence and absence of the dbcAMP, an analogue of the cAMP, and the IBMX, a phosphodiesterase inhibitor. In addition, we evaluated the intracellular concentrations of cAMP [cAMP]i, and performed an in silico analysis between polyamines and the sAC from mouse to predict the possible interaction among them. Our results showed that all polyamines decrease drastically the total, progressive and the kinetic parameters of sperm motility, decrease the capacitation, and only spermidine and putrescine impeded the acquisition of acrosome reaction. Moreover, the effect of polyamines was attenuated but not countered by the addition of db-cAMP and IBMX, suggesting a possible inhibition of the sAC. Also, the presence of polyamines induced a decrease of the [cAMP]i, and the in silico analysis predicted a strong interaction among polyamines and the sAC. Overall, the evidence suggests that probably the polyamines interact and inhibit the activity of the sAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Rodríguez-Páez
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica Farmacológica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Charmina Aguirre-Alvarado
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica Farmacológica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Inmunología e Infectología, Centro Médico Nacional, La Raza, IMSS, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Germán Chamorro-Cevallos
- Laboratorio de Toxicología Preclínica, Departamento de Farmacia, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Alcántara-Farfán Veronica
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica Farmacológica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Calderón-Espinosa Sandra Irel
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica Farmacológica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Castillo-Pérez Hugo
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica Farmacológica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | | | - Guadalupe Elizabeth Jiménez-Gutiérrez
- Departamento de Genética, Laboratorio de Medicina Genómica, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Joaquín Cordero-Martínez
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica Farmacológica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
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13
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Louwagie EJ, Quinn GFL, Pond KL, Hansen KA. Male contraception: narrative review of ongoing research. Basic Clin Androl 2023; 33:30. [PMID: 37940863 PMCID: PMC10634021 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-023-00204-z] [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: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since the release of the combined oral contraceptive pill in 1960, women have shouldered the burden of contraception and family planning. Over 60 years later, this is still the case as the only practical, effective contraceptive options available to men are condoms and vasectomy. However, there are now a variety of promising hormonal and non-hormonal male contraceptive options being studied. The purpose of this narrative review is to provide clinicians and laypeople with focused, up-to-date descriptions of novel strategies and targets for male contraception. We include a cautiously optimistic discussion of benefits and potential drawbacks, highlighting several methods in preclinical and clinical stages of development. RESULTS As of June 2023, two hormonal male contraceptive methods are undergoing phase II clinical trials for safety and efficacy. A large-scale, international phase IIb trial investigating efficacy of transdermal segesterone acetate (Nestorone) plus testosterone gel has enrolled over 460 couples with completion estimated for late 2024. A second hormonal method, dimethandrolone undecanoate, is in two clinical trials focusing on safety, pharmacodynamics, suppression of spermatogenesis and hormones; the first of these two is estimated for completion in December 2024. There are also several non-hormonal methods with strong potential in preclinical stages of development. CONCLUSIONS There exist several hurdles to novel male contraception. Therapeutic development takes decades of time, meticulous work, and financial investment, but with so many strong candidates it is our hope that there will soon be several safe, effective, and reversible contraceptive options available to male patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eli J Louwagie
- University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, 1400 W 22nd St, Sioux Falls, SD, 57105, USA.
| | - Garrett F L Quinn
- University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, 1400 W 22nd St, Sioux Falls, SD, 57105, USA
| | - Kristi L Pond
- University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, 1400 W 22nd St, Sioux Falls, SD, 57105, USA
| | - Keith A Hansen
- Chair and Professor, Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine; Reproductive Endocrinologist, Sanford Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, 1500 W 22nd St Suite 102, Sioux Falls, SD, 57105, USA
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14
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Orlowski J. An ion transporter in sperm that has features of a channel. Nature 2023; 623:38-40. [PMID: 37880527 DOI: 10.1038/d41586-023-03154-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
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15
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Amory JK. Male Contraception. Semin Reprod Med 2023; 41:279-286. [PMID: 38113922 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1777757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Approximately 40 to 50% of pregnancies are unintended. Contraceptive use significantly reduces the risk of unintended pregnancy. Approximately 70% of couples' contraceptive use is female and 30% is male, attributable to the reliance on condoms and vasectomies. Unfortunately, many women cannot use currently available contraceptives due to medical contraindications or side effects. At the same time, men want additional safe and effective contraceptive methods. Because of this, work to develop novel, safe, and effective male contraceptives is underway. This review will briefly discuss the pros and cons of condoms and vasectomies, and then describe research into the development of novel methods of male contraception, by the mechanism of action of the contraceptive. First, we will discuss male contraceptives that block sperm transmission. Next, we will discuss male contraceptives that impair sperm production. Lastly, we will discuss male contraceptives that impair sperm function.
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Affiliation(s)
- John K Amory
- Department of Medicine, The Center for Research in Reproduction and Contraception, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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16
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Castille J, Thépot D, Fouchécourt S, Dalbies-Tran R, Passet B, Daniel-Carlier N, Vilotte JL, Monget P. The paralogs' enigma of germ-cell specific genes dispensable for fertility: the case of 19 oogenesin genes†. Biol Reprod 2023; 109:408-414. [PMID: 37561421 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad092] [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: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene knockout experiments have shown that many genes are dispensable for a given biological function. In this review, we make an assessment of male and female germ cell-specific genes dispensable for the function of reproduction in mice, the inactivation of which does not affect fertility. In particular, we describe the deletion of a 1 Mb block containing nineteen paralogous genes of the oogenesin/Pramel family specifically expressed in female and/or male germ cells, which has no consequences in both sexes. We discuss this notion of dispensability and the experiments that need to be carried out to definitively conclude that a gene is dispensable for a function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan Castille
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | | | | | | | - Bruno Passet
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | | | - Jean-Luc Vilotte
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Philippe Monget
- PRC INRAE, CNRS, IFCE, Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
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17
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Gardner CC, James PF. Na +/H + Exchangers (NHEs) in Mammalian Sperm: Essential Contributors to Male Fertility. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14981. [PMID: 37834431 PMCID: PMC10573352 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Na+/H+ exchangers (NHEs) are known to be important regulators of pH in multiple intracellular compartments of eukaryotic cells. Sperm function is especially dependent on changes in pH and thus it has been postulated that NHEs play important roles in regulating the intracellular pH of these cells. For example, in order to achieve fertilization, mature sperm must maintain a basal pH in the male reproductive tract and then alkalize in response to specific signals in the female reproductive tract during the capacitation process. Eight NHE isoforms are expressed in mammalian testis/sperm: NHE1, NHE3, NHE5, NHE8, NHA1, NHA2, NHE10, and NHE11. These NHE isoforms are expressed at varying times during spermatogenesis and localize to different subcellular structures in developing and mature sperm where they contribute to multiple aspects of sperm physiology and male fertility including proper sperm development/morphogenesis, motility, capacitation, and the acrosome reaction. Previous work has provided evidence for NHE3, NHE8, NHA1, NHA2, and NHE10 being critical for male fertility in mice and NHE10 has recently been shown to be essential for male fertility in humans. In this article we review what is known about each NHE isoform expressed in mammalian sperm and discuss the physiological significance of each NHE isoform with respect to male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paul F. James
- Department of Biology, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA;
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18
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Wang C, Meriggiola MC, Amory JK, Barratt CLR, Behre HM, Bremner WJ, Ferlin A, Honig S, Kopa Z, Lo K, Nieschlag E, Page ST, Sandlow J, Sitruk-Ware R, Swerdloff RS, Wu FCW, Goulis DG. Practice and development of male contraception: European Academy of Andrology and American Society of Andrology guidelines. Andrology 2023. [PMID: 37727884 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS Despite a wide spectrum of contraceptive methods for women, the unintended pregnancy rate remains high (45% in the US), with 50% resulting in abortion. Currently, 20% of global contraceptive use is male-directed, with a wide variation among countries due to limited availability and lack of efficacy. Worldwide studies indicate that >50% of men would opt to use a reversible method, and 90% of women would rely on their partner to use a contraceptive. Additional reasons for novel male contraceptive methods to be available include the increased life expectancy, sharing the reproductive risks among partners, social issues, the lack of pharma industry involvement and the lack of opinion makers advocating for male contraception. AIM The present guidelines aim to review the status regarding male contraception, the current state of the art to support the clinical practice, recommend minimal requirements for new male contraceptive development and provide and grade updated, evidence-based recommendations from the European Society of Andrology (EAA) and the American Society of Andrology (ASA). METHODS An expert panel of academicians appointed by the EAA and the ASA generated a consensus guideline according to the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) system. RESULTS Sixty evidence-based and graded recommendations were produced on couple-centered communication, behaviors, barrier methods, semen analysis and contraceptive efficacy, physical agents, surgical methods, actions before initiating male contraception, hormonal methods, non-hormonal methods, vaccines, and social and ethical considerations. CONCLUSION As gender roles transform and gender equity is established in relationships, the male contribution to family planning must be facilitated. Efficient and safe male-directed methods must be evaluated and introduced into clinical practice, preferably reversible, either hormonal or non-hormonal. From a future perspective, identifying new hormonal combinations, suitable testicular targets, and emerging vas occlusion methods will produce novel molecules and products for male contraception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Wang
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine and Clinical and Translational Science Institute, The Lundquist Insitute and Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California, USA
| | - Maria Cristina Meriggiola
- Division of Gynecology and Human Reproduction Physiopathology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - John K Amory
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Christopher L R Barratt
- Division of Systems and Cellular Medicine, Medical School, Ninewells Hospital, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland
| | - Hermann M Behre
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Medicine Halle, Halle, Germany
| | - William J Bremner
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Alberto Ferlin
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Stanton Honig
- Division of Reproductive and Sexual Medicine, Department of Urology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Zsolt Kopa
- Department of Urology, Andrology Centre, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Kirk Lo
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Eberhard Nieschlag
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital, Münster, Germany
| | - Stephanie T Page
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition, UW Medicine Diabetes Institute, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Jay Sandlow
- Department of Urology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Regine Sitruk-Ware
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ronald S Swerdloff
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, The Lundquist Institute and Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California, USA
| | - Frederick C W Wu
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Gastroenterology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Dimitrios G Goulis
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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19
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Benko F, Urminská D, Ďuračka M, Tvrdá E. Signaling Roleplay between Ion Channels during Mammalian Sperm Capacitation. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2519. [PMID: 37760960 PMCID: PMC10525812 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11092519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In order to accomplish their primary goal, mammalian spermatozoa must undergo a series of physiological, biochemical, and functional changes crucial for the acquisition of fertilization ability. Spermatozoa are highly polarized cells, which must swiftly respond to ionic changes on their passage through the female reproductive tract, and which are necessary for male gametes to acquire their functional competence. This review summarizes the current knowledge about specific ion channels and transporters located in the mammalian sperm plasma membrane, which are intricately involved in the initiation of changes within the ionic milieu of the sperm cell, leading to variations in the sperm membrane potential, membrane depolarization and hyperpolarization, changes in sperm motility and capacitation to further lead to the acrosome reaction and sperm-egg fusion. We also discuss the functionality of selected ion channels in male reproductive health and/or disease since these may become promising targets for clinical management of infertility in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Benko
- Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia; (D.U.); (E.T.)
| | - Dana Urminská
- Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia; (D.U.); (E.T.)
| | - Michal Ďuračka
- AgroBioTech Research Centre, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia;
| | - Eva Tvrdá
- Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia; (D.U.); (E.T.)
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20
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Mariani NAP, Silva JV, Fardilha M, Silva EJR. Advances in non-hormonal male contraception targeting sperm motility. Hum Reprod Update 2023; 29:545-569. [PMID: 37141450 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmad008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The high rates of unintended pregnancy and the ever-growing world population impose health, economic, social, and environmental threats to countries. Expanding contraceptive options, including male methods, are urgently needed to tackle these global challenges. Male contraception is limited to condoms and vasectomy, which are unsuitable for many couples. Thus, novel male contraceptive methods may reduce unintended pregnancies, meet the contraceptive needs of couples, and foster gender equality in carrying the contraceptive burden. In this regard, the spermatozoon emerges as a source of druggable targets for on-demand, non-hormonal male contraception based on disrupting sperm motility or fertilization. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE A better understanding of the molecules governing sperm motility can lead to innovative approaches toward safe and effective male contraceptives. This review discusses cutting-edge knowledge on sperm-specific targets for male contraception, focusing on those with crucial roles in sperm motility. We also highlight challenges and opportunities in male contraceptive drug development targeting spermatozoa. SEARCH METHODS We conducted a literature search in the PubMed database using the following keywords: 'spermatozoa', 'sperm motility', 'male contraception', and 'drug targets' in combination with other related terms to the field. Publications until January 2023 written in English were considered. OUTCOMES Efforts for developing non-hormonal strategies for male contraception resulted in the identification of candidates specifically expressed or enriched in spermatozoa, including enzymes (PP1γ2, GAPDHS, and sAC), ion channels (CatSper and KSper), transmembrane transporters (sNHE, SLC26A8, and ATP1A4), and surface proteins (EPPIN). These targets are usually located in the sperm flagellum. Their indispensable roles in sperm motility and male fertility were confirmed by genetic or immunological approaches using animal models and gene mutations associated with male infertility due to sperm defects in humans. Their druggability was demonstrated by the identification of drug-like small organic ligands displaying spermiostatic activity in preclinical trials. WIDER IMPLICATIONS A wide range of sperm-associated proteins has arisen as key regulators of sperm motility, providing compelling druggable candidates for male contraception. Nevertheless, no pharmacological agent has reached clinical developmental stages. One reason is the slow progress in translating the preclinical and drug discovery findings into a drug-like candidate adequate for clinical development. Thus, intense collaboration among academia, private sectors, governments, and regulatory agencies will be crucial to combine expertise for the development of male contraceptives targeting sperm function by (i) improving target structural characterization and the design of highly selective ligands, (ii) conducting long-term preclinical safety, efficacy, and reversibility evaluation, and (iii) establishing rigorous guidelines and endpoints for clinical trials and regulatory evaluation, thus allowing their testing in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemia A P Mariani
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Joana V Silva
- Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
- QOPNA & LAQV, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
- Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Margarida Fardilha
- Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Erick J R Silva
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil
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21
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Gardner CC, Abele JA, Winkler TJ, Reckers CN, Anas SA, James PF. Common as well as unique methylation-sensitive DNA regulatory elements in three mammalian SLC9C1 genes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.29.555319. [PMID: 37693488 PMCID: PMC10491193 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.29.555319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
The SLC9C1 gene (which encodes the NHE10 protein) is essential for male fertility in both mice and humans, however the epigenetic mechanisms regulating its testis/sperm-specific gene expression have yet to be studied. Here we identify and characterize DNA regulatory elements of the SLC9C1 gene across three mammalian species: mouse, rat, and human. First, in silico analysis of these mammalian SLC9C1 genes identified a CpG island located upstream of the transcription start site in the same relative position in all three genes. Further analysis reveals that this CpG island behaves differently, with respect to gene regulatory activity, in the mouse SLC9C1 gene than it does in the rat and human SLC9C1 gene. The mouse SLC9C1 CpG island displays strong promoter activity by itself and seems to have a stronger gene regulatory effect than either the rat or human SLC9C1 CpG islands. While the function of the upstream SLC9C1 CpG island may be divergent across the three studied species, it appears that the promoters of these three mammalian SLC9C1 genes share similar DNA methylation-sensitive regulatory mechanisms. All three SLC9C1 promoter regions are differentially methylated in lung and testis, being more hypermethylated in lung relative to the testis, and DNA sequence alignments provide strong evidence of primary sequence conservation. Luciferase assays reveal that in vitro methylation of constructs containing different elements of the three SLC9C1 genes largely exhibit methylation-sensitive promoter activity (reduced promoter activity when methylated) in both HEK 293 and GC-1spg cells. In total, our data suggest that the DNA methylation-sensitive elements of the mouse, rat, and human SLC9C1 promoters are largely conserved, while the upstream SLC9C1 CpG island common to all three species seems to perform a different function in mouse than it does in rat and human. This work provides evidence that while homologous genes can all be regulated by DNA methylation-dependent epigenetic mechanisms, the location of the specific cis-regulatory elements responsible for this regulation can differ across species.
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22
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Lyon MD, Ferreira JJ, Li P, Bhagwat S, Butler A, Anderson K, Polo M, Santi CM. SLO3: A Conserved Regulator of Sperm Membrane Potential. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11205. [PMID: 37446382 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241311205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm cells must undergo a complex maturation process after ejaculation to be able to fertilize an egg. One component of this maturation is hyperpolarization of the membrane potential to a more negative value. The ion channel responsible for this hyperpolarization, SLO3, was first cloned in 1998, and since then much progress has been made to determine how the channel is regulated and how its function intertwines with various signaling pathways involved in sperm maturation. Although Slo3 was originally thought to be present only in the sperm of mammals, recent evidence suggests that a primordial form of the gene is more widely expressed in some fish species. Slo3, like many reproductive genes, is rapidly evolving with low conservation between closely related species and different regulatory and pharmacological profiles. Despite these differences, SLO3 appears to have a conserved role in regulating sperm membrane potential and driving large changes in response to stimuli. The effect of this hyperpolarization of the membrane potential may vary among mammalian species just as the regulation of the channel does. Recent discoveries have elucidated the role of SLO3 in these processes in human sperm and provided tools to target the channel to affect human fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian D Lyon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Juan J Ferreira
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Shweta Bhagwat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Alice Butler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Kelsey Anderson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Maria Polo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Celia M Santi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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23
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Cong S, Zhang J, Pan F, Pan L, Zhang A, Ma J. Research progress on ion channels and their molecular regulatory mechanisms in the human sperm flagellum. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23052. [PMID: 37352114 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202300756r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
The ion channels in sperm tail play an important role in triggering key physiological reactions, e.g., progressive motility, hyperactivation, required for successful fertilization. Among them, CatSper and KSper have been shown to be important ion channels for the transport of Ca2+ and K+ . Moreover, the voltage-gated proton channel Hv1, the sperm-specific sodium-hydrogen exchanger (sNHE), the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), members of the temperature-sensitive TRP channel family, and the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) are also found in the flagellum. This review focuses on the latest advances in ion channels located at the flagellum, describes how they affect sperm physiological function, and summarizes some primary mutual regulation mechanism between ion channels, including PH, membrane potential, and cAMP. These ion channels may be promising targets for clinical application in infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengnan Cong
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Feng Pan
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Lianjun Pan
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Aixia Zhang
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Jiehua Ma
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
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24
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Cooray A, Kim J, Nirujan BR, Jayathilake NJ, Lee KP. Pharmacological Evidence Suggests That Slo3 Channel Is the Principal K + Channel in Boar Spermatozoa. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24097806. [PMID: 37175513 PMCID: PMC10178124 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24097806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm ion channels are associated with the quality and type of flagellar movement, and their differential regulation is crucial for sperm function during specific phases. The principal potassium ion channel is responsible for the majority of K+ ion flux, resulting in membrane hyperpolarization, and is essential for sperm capacitation-related signaling pathways. The molecular identity of the principal K+ channel varies greatly between different species, and there is a lack of information about boar K+ channels. We aimed to determine the channel identity of boar sperm contributing to the primary K+ current using pharmacological dissection. A series of Slo1 and Slo3 channel modulators were used for treatment. Sperm motility and related kinematic parameters were monitored using a computer-assisted sperm analysis system under non-capacitated conditions. Time-lapse flow cytometry with fluorochromes was used to measure changes in different intracellular ionic concentrations, and conventional flow cytometry was used to determine the acrosome reaction. Membrane depolarization, reduction in acrosome reaction, and motility parameters were observed upon the inhibition of the Slo3 channel, suggesting that the Slo3 gene encodes the main K+ channel in boar spermatozoa. The Slo3 channel was localized on the sperm flagellum, and the inhibition of Slo3 did not reduce sperm viability. These results may aid potential animal-model-based extrapolations and help to ameliorate motility and related parameters, leading to improved assisted reproductive methods in industrial livestock production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akila Cooray
- Department of Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeongsook Kim
- Department of Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Beno Ramesh Nirujan
- Department of Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Nishani Jayanika Jayathilake
- Department of Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyu Pil Lee
- Department of Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
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25
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The SLC9C2 Gene Product (Na+/H+ Exchanger Isoform 11; NHE11) Is a Testis-Specific Protein Localized to the Head of Mature Mammalian Sperm. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065329. [PMID: 36982403 PMCID: PMC10049371 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Na+/H+ exchangers (NHEs) are a family of ion transporters that regulate the pH of various cell compartments across an array of cell types. In eukaryotes, NHEs are encoded by the SLC9 gene family comprising 13 genes. SLC9C2, which encodes the NHE11 protein, is the only one of the SLC9 genes that is essentially uncharacterized. Here, we show that SLC9C2 exhibits testis/sperm-restricted expression in rats and humans, akin to its paralog SLC9C1 (NHE10). Similar to NHE10, NHE11 is predicted to contain an NHE domain, a voltage sensing domain, and finally an intracellular cyclic nucleotide binding domain. An immunofluorescence analysis of testis sections reveals that NHE11 localizes with developing acrosomal granules in spermiogenic cells in both rat and human testes. Most interestingly, NHE11 localizes to the sperm head, likely the plasma membrane overlaying the acrosome, in mature sperm from rats and humans. Therefore, NHE11 is the only known NHE to localize to the acrosomal region of the head in mature sperm cells. The physiological role of NHE11 has yet to be demonstrated but its predicted functional domains and unique localization suggests that it could modulate intracellular pH of the sperm head in response to changes in membrane potential and cyclic nucleotide concentrations that are a result of sperm capacitation events. If NHE11 is shown to be important for male fertility, it will be an attractive target for male contraceptive drugs due to its exclusive testis/sperm-specific expression.
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26
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Wang Y, Gao T, Shan L, Li K, Liang F, Yu J, Ni Y, Sun P. Iberiotoxin and clofilium regulate hyperactivation, acrosome reaction, and ion homeostasis synergistically during human sperm capacitation. Mol Reprod Dev 2023; 90:129-140. [PMID: 36682071 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Potassium channels play essential roles in the regulation of male fertility. However, potassium channels mediating K+ currents in human sperm (IKSper ) remain controversial. Besides SLO3, the SLO1 potassium channel is a potential candidate for human sperm KSper. This study intends to elucidate the function of SLO1 potassium channel during human sperm capacitation. Human sperm were treated with iberiotoxin (IbTX, a SLO1 specific inhibitor) and clofilium (SLO3 inhibitor) separately or simultaneously during in vitro capacitation. A computer-assisted sperm analyzer was used to assess sperm motility. The sperm acrosome reaction (AR) was analyzed using fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated Pisum sativum agglutinin staining. Sperm protein tyrosine phosphorylation was studied using western blotting. Intracellular Ca2+ , K+ , Cl- , and pH were analyzed using ion fluorescence probes. Independent inhibition with IbTX or clofilium decreased the sperm hyperactivation, AR, and protein tyrosine phosphorylation, and was accompanied by an increase in [K+ ]i , [Cl- ]i , and pHi , but a decrease in [Ca2+ ]i . Simultaneously inhibition with IbTX and clofilium lower sperm hyperactivation and AR more than independent inhibition. The increase in [K+ ]i , [Cl- ]i , and pHi , and the decrease in [Ca2+ ]i were more pronounced. This study suggested that the SLO1 potassium channel may have synergic roles with SLO3 during human sperm capacitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yayan Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Lishui People's Hospital, Lishui, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tian Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lijun Shan
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kun Li
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Experimental Animal's & Nonclinical Laboratory Studies, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fei Liang
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Experimental Animal's & Nonclinical Laboratory Studies, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianmin Yu
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Experimental Animal's & Nonclinical Laboratory Studies, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ya Ni
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Experimental Animal's & Nonclinical Laboratory Studies, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Peibei Sun
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Experimental Animal's & Nonclinical Laboratory Studies, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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27
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SLO3 in the fast lane: The latest male contraceptive target with a promising small-molecule inhibitor. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2221758120. [PMID: 36791103 PMCID: PMC9974486 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2221758120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
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28
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Potassium channelopathies associated with epilepsy-related syndromes and directions for therapeutic intervention. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 208:115413. [PMID: 36646291 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
A number of mutations to members of several CNS potassium (K) channel families have been identified which result in rare forms of neonatal onset epilepsy, or syndromes of which one prominent characteristic is a form of epilepsy. Benign Familial Neonatal Convulsions or Seizures (BFNC or BFNS), also referred to as Self-Limited Familial Neonatal Epilepsy (SeLNE), results from mutations in 2 members of the KV7 family (KCNQ) of K channels; while generally self-resolving by about 15 weeks of age, these mutations significantly increase the probability of generalized seizure disorders in the adult, in some cases they result in more severe developmental syndromes. Epilepsy of Infancy with Migrating Focal Seizures (EIMSF), or Migrating Partial Seizures of Infancy (MMPSI), is a rare severe form of epilepsy linked primarily to gain of function mutations in a member of the sodium-dependent K channel family, KCNT1 or SLACK. Finally, KCNMA1 channelopathies, including Liang-Wang syndrome (LIWAS), are rare combinations of neurological symptoms including seizure, movement abnormalities, delayed development and intellectual disabilities, with Liang-Wang syndrome an extremely serious polymalformative syndrome with a number of neurological sequelae including epilepsy. These are caused by mutations in the pore-forming subunit of the large-conductance calcium-activated K channel (BK channel) KCNMA1. The identification of these rare but significant channelopathies has resulted in a resurgence of interest in their treatment by direct pharmacological or genetic modulation. We will briefly review the genetics, biophysics and pharmacology of these K channels, their linkage with the 3 syndromes described above, and efforts to more effectively target these syndromes.
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29
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Lyon M, Li P, Ferreira JJ, Lazarenko RM, Kharade SV, Kramer M, McClenahan SJ, Days E, Bauer JA, Spitznagel BD, Weaver CD, Borrego Alvarez A, Puga Molina LC, Lybaert P, Khambekar S, Liu A, Lindsley CW, Denton J, Santi CM. A selective inhibitor of the sperm-specific potassium channel SLO3 impairs human sperm function. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2212338120. [PMID: 36649421 PMCID: PMC9942793 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2212338120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
To fertilize an oocyte, the membrane potential of both mouse and human sperm must hyperpolarize (become more negative inside). Determining the molecular mechanisms underlying this hyperpolarization is vital for developing new contraceptive methods and detecting causes of idiopathic male infertility. In mouse sperm, hyperpolarization is caused by activation of the sperm-specific potassium (K+) channel SLO3 [C. M. Santi et al., FEBS Lett. 584, 1041-1046 (2010)]. In human sperm, it has long been unclear whether hyperpolarization depends on SLO3 or the ubiquitous K+ channel SLO1 [N. Mannowetz, N. M. Naidoo, S. A. S. Choo, J. F. Smith, P. V. Lishko, Elife 2, e01009 (2013), C. Brenker et al., Elife 3, e01438 (2014), and S. A. Mansell, S. J. Publicover, C. L. R. Barratt, S. M. Wilson, Mol. Hum. Reprod. 20, 392-408 (2014)]. In this work, we identified the first selective inhibitor for human SLO3-VU0546110-and showed that it completely blocked heterologous SLO3 currents and endogenous K+ currents in human sperm. This compound also prevented sperm from hyperpolarizing and undergoing hyperactivated motility and induced acrosome reaction, which are necessary to fertilize an egg. We conclude that SLO3 is the sole K+ channel responsible for hyperpolarization and significantly contributes to the fertilizing ability of human sperm. Moreover, SLO3 is a good candidate for contraceptive development, and mutation of this gene is a possible cause of idiopathic male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Lyon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Juan J. Ferreira
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Roman M. Lazarenko
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN37232
| | - Sujay V. Kharade
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN37232
| | - Meghan Kramer
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN37232
| | | | - Emily Days
- Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN37232
| | - Joshua A. Bauer
- Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN37232
| | | | - C. David Weaver
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN37232
| | - Aluet Borrego Alvarez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Lis C. Puga Molina
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Pascale Lybaert
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
- Laboratoire de recherche en Reproduction humaine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles1050, Belgium
| | - Saayli Khambekar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Alicia Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
| | - Craig W. Lindsley
- Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN37232
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN37232
| | - Jerod Denton
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN37232
- Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN37232
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN37232
| | - Celia M. Santi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO63110
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30
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Mendoza-Sánchez JE, Rodríguez-Tobón A, Arenas-Ríos E, Orta-Salazar GJ, León-Galván MA, Treviño Santa Cruz CL, Chávez JC. Sperm calcium flux and membrane potential hyperpolarization observed in the Mexican big-eared bat Corynorhinus mexicanus. J Exp Biol 2023; 226:286150. [PMID: 36541225 PMCID: PMC10086540 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.244878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian sperm capacitation involves biochemical and physiological changes, such as an increase in intracellular calcium ion concentration ([Ca2+]i), hyperpolarization of the plasma membrane potential and sperm hyperactivation, among others. These changes provide sperm with the ability to fertilize. In the bat Corynorhinus mexicanus, there is an asynchrony between spermatogenesis and sperm storage in the male with the receptivity of the female. For instance, in C. mexicanus, spermatogenesis occurs before the reproductive season. During the reproductive period, sperm are stored in the epididymis for a few months and the testis undergoes a regression, indicating low or almost null sperm production. Therefore, it is unclear whether the elements necessary for sperm fertilization success undergo maturation or preparation during epididymis storage. Here, we characterized pH-sensitive motility hyperactivation and Ca2+ influx in sperm, regulated by alkalinization and progesterone. In addition, by electrophysiological recordings, we registered currents that were stimulated by alkalinization and inhibited by RU1968 (a CatSper-specific inhibitor), strongly suggesting that these currents were evoked via CatSper, a sperm Ca2+-specific channel indispensable for mammalian fertilization. We also found hyperpolarization of the membrane potential, such as in other mammalian species, which increased according to the month of capture, reaching the biggest hyperpolarization during the mating season. In conclusion, our results suggest that C. mexicanus sperm have functional CatSper and undergo a capacitation-like process such as in other mammals, particularly Ca2+ influx and membrane potential hyperpolarization.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Edwin Mendoza-Sánchez
- Doctorado en Biología Experimental, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Iztapalapa, 09310 Ciudad de México, México
| | - Ahiezer Rodríguez-Tobón
- Laboratorio de Biología y Ecología de Mamíferos, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Iztapalapa, 09310 Ciudad de México, México
| | - Edith Arenas-Ríos
- Laboratorio de Morfofisiología y Bioquímica del Espermatozoide, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Iztapalapa, 09310 Ciudad de México, México
| | - Gerardo J Orta-Salazar
- Consorcio de Fisiología del Espermatozoide, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, 62210 Morelos, México
| | - Miguel A León-Galván
- Laboratorio de Biología y Ecología de Mamíferos, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Iztapalapa, 09310 Ciudad de México, México
| | - Claudia L Treviño Santa Cruz
- Consorcio de Fisiología del Espermatozoide, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, 62210 Morelos, México
| | - Julio C Chávez
- Consorcio de Fisiología del Espermatozoide, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, 62210 Morelos, México
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31
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Schierling T, Tosi B, Eisenhardt C, Reining S, Daniliuc CG, Brenker C, Strünker T, Wünsch B. Synthesis and Functional Characterization of Novel RU1968-Derived CatSper Inhibitors with Reduced Stereochemical Complexity. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2023; 6:115-127. [PMID: 36654752 PMCID: PMC9841779 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.2c00188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The sperm-specific Ca2+ channel CatSper (cation channel of sperm) controls the intracellular Ca2+ concentration and, thereby, the swimming behavior of sperm from many species. The steroidal ethylenediamine RU1968 (1) represents a well-characterized, potent, and fairly selective cross-species inhibitor of CatSper. Due to its two additional centers of chirality in the amine-bearing side chain, RU1968 is a mixture of diastereomeric pairs of enantiomers and, thus, difficult to synthesize. This has hampered the use of this commercially not available inhibitor as a powerful tool for research. Here, simplifying both structure and synthesis, we introduced novel stereochemically less complex and enantiomerically pure aminomethyl RU1968 analogues lacking the C-21 CH3 moiety. Starting from (+)-estrone, a five-step synthesis was developed comprising a Wittig reaction as the key step, leading to a diastereomerically pure 17β-configured aldehyde. Subsequent reductive amination yielded diastereomerically and enantiomerically pure amines. Compared to RU1968, the novel ethylenediamine 2d and homologous trimethylenediamine derivative 2e inhibited CatSper with similar and even twofold enhanced potency, respectively. Considering that these aminomethyl analogues are enantiomerically pure and much easier to synthesize than RU1968, we envisage their common use in future studies investigating the physiology of CatSper in sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Schierling
- GRK
2515, Chemical Biology of Ion Channels (Chembion), Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Corrensstraße 48, Münster 48149, Germany
- Institut
für Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Corrensstraße 48, Münster D-48149, Germany
- Centrum
für Reproduktionsmedizin und Andrologie, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Universitätsklinikum
Münster, Domagkstrasse
11, Münster 48149, Germany
| | - Beatrice Tosi
- Institut
für Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Corrensstraße 48, Münster D-48149, Germany
| | - Clara Eisenhardt
- GRK
2515, Chemical Biology of Ion Channels (Chembion), Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Corrensstraße 48, Münster 48149, Germany
- Centrum
für Reproduktionsmedizin und Andrologie, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Universitätsklinikum
Münster, Domagkstrasse
11, Münster 48149, Germany
| | - Sophie Reining
- Centrum
für Reproduktionsmedizin und Andrologie, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Universitätsklinikum
Münster, Domagkstrasse
11, Münster 48149, Germany
| | - Constantin G. Daniliuc
- Organisch-Chemisches
Institut, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität
Münster, Corrensstraße
40, Münster 48149, Germany
| | - Christoph Brenker
- Centrum
für Reproduktionsmedizin und Andrologie, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Universitätsklinikum
Münster, Domagkstrasse
11, Münster 48149, Germany
| | - Timo Strünker
- GRK
2515, Chemical Biology of Ion Channels (Chembion), Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Corrensstraße 48, Münster 48149, Germany
- Centrum
für Reproduktionsmedizin und Andrologie, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Universitätsklinikum
Münster, Domagkstrasse
11, Münster 48149, Germany
| | - Bernhard Wünsch
- GRK
2515, Chemical Biology of Ion Channels (Chembion), Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Corrensstraße 48, Münster 48149, Germany
- Institut
für Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Corrensstraße 48, Münster D-48149, Germany
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32
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Belleannée C, Viana AGDA, Lavoie-Ouellet C. Intra and intercellular signals governing sperm maturation. Reprod Fertil Dev 2022; 35:27-38. [PMID: 36592975 DOI: 10.1071/rd22226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
After their production in the testis, spermatozoa do not have the capacity to move progressively and are unable to fertilise an oocyte. They sequentially acquire these abilities following their maturation in the epididymis and their capacitation/hyperactivation in the female reproductive system. As gene transcription is silenced in spermatozoa, extracellular factors released from the epididymal epithelium and from secretory glands allow spermatozoa to acquire bioactive molecules and to undergo intrinsic modifications. These modifications include epigenetic changes and post-translational modifications of endogenous proteins, which are important processes in sperm maturation. This article emphasises the roles played by extracellular factors secreted by the epididymis and accessory glands in the control of sperm intercellular signallings and fertilising abilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clémence Belleannée
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Université Laval, Center for Research in Reproduction, Development and Intergenerational Health (CRDSI), CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL), Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | | | - Camille Lavoie-Ouellet
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Université Laval, Center for Research in Reproduction, Development and Intergenerational Health (CRDSI), CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL), Quebec City, QC, Canada
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33
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Electrophysiology and Fluorescence Spectroscopy Approaches for Evaluating Gamete and Embryo Functionality in Animals and Humans. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12111685. [DOI: 10.3390/biom12111685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This review has examined two of the techniques most used by our research group for evaluating gamete and embryo functionality in animal species, ranging from marine invertebrates to humans. Electrophysiology has given access to fundamental information on some mechanisms underpinning the biology of reproduction. This technique demonstrates the involvement of ion channels in multiple physiological mechanisms, the achievement of homeostasis conditions, and the triggering of profound metabolic modifications, often functioning as amplification signals of cellular communication. Fluorescence spectrometry using fluorescent probes to mark specific cell structures allows detailed information to be obtained on the functional characteristics of the cell populations examined. The simple and rapid execution of this methodology allowed us to establish a panel helpful in elucidating functional features in living cells in a simultaneous and multi-parameter way in order to acquire overall drafting of gamete and embryo functionality.
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Cordero-Martínez J, Jimenez-Gutierrez GE, Aguirre-Alvarado C, Alacántara-Farfán V, Chamorro-Cevallos G, Roa-Espitia AL, Hernández-González EO, Rodríguez-Páez L. Participation of signaling proteins in sperm hyperactivation. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2022; 68:315-330. [DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2022.2122761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joaquín Cordero-Martínez
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica Farmacológica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | | | - Charmina Aguirre-Alvarado
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica Farmacológica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Inmunología e Infectología Centro Médico Nacional La Raza, IMSS, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Verónica Alacántara-Farfán
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica Farmacológica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Germán Chamorro-Cevallos
- Laboratorio de Toxicología Preclínica Departamento de Farmacia Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Ana L. Roa-Espitia
- Departamento de Biología Celular Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, México City, Mexico
| | - Enrique O. Hernández-González
- Departamento de Biología Celular Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, México City, Mexico
| | - Lorena Rodríguez-Páez
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica Farmacológica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
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35
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Çakır Gündoğdu A, Take Kaplanoğlu G, Ören S, Baykal B, Korkmaz C, Gümüşlü S, Karabacak RO. Impact of 5'-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) on Epithelial Sodium Channels (ENaCs) in human sperm. Tissue Cell 2022; 78:101896. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2022.101896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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36
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Carlson EJ, Francis R, Liu Y, Li P, Lyon M, Santi CM, Hook DJ, Hawkinson JE, Georg GI. Discovery and Characterization of Multiple Classes of Human CatSper Blockers. ChemMedChem 2022; 17:e202000499. [PMID: 35644882 PMCID: PMC9378630 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202000499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The cation channel of sperm (CatSper) is a validated target for nonhormonal male contraception, but it lacks selective blockers, hindering studies to establish its role in both motility and capacitation. Via an innovative calcium uptake assay utilizing human sperm we discovered novel inhibitors of CatSper function from a high-throughput screening campaign of 72,000 compounds. Preliminary SAR was established for seven hit series. HTS hits or their more potent analogs blocked potassium-induced depolarization and noncompetitively inhibited progesterone-induced CatSper activation. CatSper channel blockade was confirmed by patch clamp electrophysiology and these compounds inhibited progesterone- and prostaglandin E1-induced hyperactivated sperm motility. One of the hit compounds is a potent CatSper inhibitor with high selectivity for CatSper over hCav1.2, hNav1.5, moderate selectivity over hSlo3 and hERG, and low cytotoxicity and is therefore the most promising inhibitor identified in this study. These new CatSper blockers serve as useful starting points for chemical probe development and drug discovery efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erick J. Carlson
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry andInstitute for Therapeutics Discovery and DevelopmentCollege of PharmacyUniversity of Minnesota717 Delaware Street, SEMinneapolisMN 55414USA
| | - Rawle Francis
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry andInstitute for Therapeutics Discovery and DevelopmentCollege of PharmacyUniversity of Minnesota717 Delaware Street, SEMinneapolisMN 55414USA
| | - Yutong Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry andInstitute for Therapeutics Discovery and DevelopmentCollege of PharmacyUniversity of Minnesota717 Delaware Street, SEMinneapolisMN 55414USA
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyWashington University School of Medicine425 S. Euclid AvenueSt. LouisMO 63110USA
| | - Maximilian Lyon
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyWashington University School of Medicine425 S. Euclid AvenueSt. LouisMO 63110USA
| | - Celia M. Santi
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyWashington University School of Medicine425 S. Euclid AvenueSt. LouisMO 63110USA
| | - Derek J. Hook
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry andInstitute for Therapeutics Discovery and DevelopmentCollege of PharmacyUniversity of Minnesota717 Delaware Street, SEMinneapolisMN 55414USA
| | - Jon E. Hawkinson
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry andInstitute for Therapeutics Discovery and DevelopmentCollege of PharmacyUniversity of Minnesota717 Delaware Street, SEMinneapolisMN 55414USA
| | - Gunda I. Georg
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry andInstitute for Therapeutics Discovery and DevelopmentCollege of PharmacyUniversity of Minnesota717 Delaware Street, SEMinneapolisMN 55414USA
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Hernández-Garduño S, Chavez JC, Matamoros-Volante A, Sánchez-Guevara Y, Torres P, Treviño CL, Nishigaki T. Hyperpolarization induces cytosolic alkalization of mouse sperm flagellum probably through sperm Na+/H+ exchanger. Reproduction 2022; 164:125-134. [PMID: 35900329 DOI: 10.1530/rep-22-0101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The sperm-specific sodium/proton exchanger (sNHE) is an indispensable protein for male fertility in mammals. Nevertheless, it is still unknown how mammalian sNHE is regulated. Evidence obtained from sea urchin sNHE indicates that hyperpolarization of plasma membrane potential (Vm), which is a hallmark of mammalian capacitation, positively regulates the sNHE. Therefore, we explored the activity of sNHE in mouse and human sperm by fluorescence imaging of intracellular pH (pHi) with a ratiometric dye, SNARF-5F. A valinomycin-induced Vm hyperpolarization elevated sperm flagellar pHi of wild-type mouse, but not in sNHE-KO mouse. Moreover, this pHi increase was inhibited in a high K+ (40 mM) medium. These results support the idea that mouse sNHE is activated by Vm hyperpolarization. Interestingly, we observed different types of kinetics derived from valinomycin-induced alkalization, including some (30 %) without any pHi changes. Our quantitative pHi determinations revealed that unresponsive cells had a high resting pHi (> 7.5), suggesting that the activity of mouse sNHE is regulated by the resting pHi. On the other hand, valinomycin did not increase the pHi of human sperm in the head or the flagellum, regardless of their resting pHi values. Our findings suggest that the regulatory mechanisms of mammalian sNHEs are probably distinct depending on the species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Hernández-Garduño
- S Hernández-Garduño, Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología UNAM, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Julio C Chavez
- J Chavez, Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología UNAM, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Arturo Matamoros-Volante
- A Matamoros-Volante, Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología UNAM, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Yoloxochitl Sánchez-Guevara
- Y Sánchez-Guevara, Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología UNAM, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Paulina Torres
- P Torres, Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología UNAM, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Claudia L Treviño
- C Treviño, Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología UNAM, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Takuya Nishigaki
- T Nishigaki, Genetica del Desarrollo y Fisiologia Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnologia UNAM, Cuernavaca, 62210, Mexico
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Wiesehöfer C, Wiesehöfer M, Dankert JT, Chung JJ, von Ostau NE, Singer BB, Wennemuth G. CatSper and its CaM-like Ca 2+ sensor EFCAB9 are necessary for the path chirality of sperm. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22288. [PMID: 35438819 PMCID: PMC9835897 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101656rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Successful fertilization depends on sperm motility adaptation. Ejaculated and activated sperm beat symmetrically in high frequency, move linearly, and swim with clockwise chirality. After capacitation, sperm beat asymmetrically with lower amplitude and a high lateral head excursion. This motility change called hyperactivation requires CatSper activation and an increase in intracellular Ca2+ . However, whether CatSper-mediated Ca2+ influx participates in controlling the swim path chirality is unknown. In this study, we show that the clockwise path chirality is preserved in mouse sperm regardless of capacitation state but is lost in the sperm either lacking the entire CatSper channel or its Ca2+ sensor EFCAB9. Pharmacological inhibition of CatSper with either mibefradil or NNC 55-0396 leads to the same loss in swim path chirality. Exposure of sperm to the recombinant N-terminal part of the zona pellucida protein 2 randomizes chirality in capacitated cells, but not in non-capacitated ones. We conclude that Ca2+ sensitive regulation of CatSper activity orchestrates clockwise swim path chirality of sperm and any substantial change, such as the physiological stimulus of zona pellucida glycoproteins, results in a loss of chirality.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marc Wiesehöfer
- Department of Anatomy, University Duisburg-Essen, D-45147 Essen, Germany
| | | | - Jean-Ju Chung
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Nicola Edith von Ostau
- Department of Anatomy, University Duisburg-Essen, D-45147 Essen, Germany,Department of Urology, University Hospital Essen, D-45147 Essen, Germany
| | | | - Gunther Wennemuth
- Department of Anatomy, University Duisburg-Essen, D-45147 Essen, Germany,Correspondence to
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39
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de Prelle B, Lybaert P, Gall D. A Minimal Model Shows that a Positive Feedback Loop Between sNHE and SLO3 can Control Mouse Sperm Capacitation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:835594. [PMID: 35399518 PMCID: PMC8990769 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.835594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
When mammalian spermatozoa are released in the female reproductive tract, they are incapable of fertilizing the oocyte. They need a prolonged exposure to the alkaline medium of the female genital tract before their flagellum gets hyperactivated and the acrosome reaction can take place, allowing the sperm to interact with the oocyte. Ionic fluxes across the sperm membrane are involved in two essential aspects of capacitation: the increase in intracellular pH and the membrane hyperpolarization. In particular, it has been shown that the SLO3 potassium channel and the sNHE sodium-proton exchanger, two sperm-specific transmembrane proteins, are necessary for the capacitation process to occur. As the SLO3 channel is activated by an increase in intracellular pH and sNHE is activated by hyperpolarization, they act together as a positive feedback system. Mathematical modeling provides a unique tool to capture the essence of a molecular mechanism and can be used to derive insight from the existing data. We have therefore developed a theoretical model formalizing the positive feedback loop between SLO3 and sHNE in mouse epididymal sperm to see if this non-linear interaction can provide the core mechanism explaining the existence of uncapacited and capacitated states. We show that the proposed model can fully explain the switch between the uncapacitated and capacited states and also predicts the existence of a bistable behaviour. Furthermore, our model indicates that SLO3 inhibition, above a certain threshold, can be effective to completely abolish capacitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bertrand de Prelle
- Research Laboratory on Human Reproduction, Faculté de Médecine, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pascale Lybaert
- Research Laboratory on Human Reproduction, Faculté de Médecine, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - David Gall
- Research Laboratory on Human Reproduction, Faculté de Médecine, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
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40
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Cavarocchi E, Whitfield M, Saez F, Touré A. Sperm Ion Transporters and Channels in Human Asthenozoospermia: Genetic Etiology, Lessons from Animal Models, and Clinical Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073926. [PMID: 35409285 PMCID: PMC8999829 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, sperm fertilization potential relies on efficient progression within the female genital tract to reach and fertilize the oocyte. This fundamental property is supported by the flagellum, an evolutionarily conserved organelle that provides the mechanical force for sperm propulsion and motility. Importantly several functional maturation events that occur during the journey of the sperm cells through the genital tracts are necessary for the activation of flagellar beating and the acquisition of fertilization potential. Ion transporters and channels located at the surface of the sperm cells have been demonstrated to be involved in these processes, in particular, through the activation of downstream signaling pathways and the promotion of novel biochemical and electrophysiological properties in the sperm cells. We performed a systematic literature review to describe the currently known genetic alterations in humans that affect sperm ion transporters and channels and result in asthenozoospermia, a pathophysiological condition defined by reduced or absent sperm motility and observed in nearly 80% of infertile men. We also present the physiological relevance and functional mechanisms of additional ion channels identified in the mouse. Finally, considering the state-of-the art, we discuss future perspectives in terms of therapeutics of asthenozoospermia and male contraception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Cavarocchi
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France; (E.C.); (M.W.)
| | - Marjorie Whitfield
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France; (E.C.); (M.W.)
| | - Fabrice Saez
- UMR GReD Institute (Génétique Reproduction & Développement) CNRS 6293, INSERM U1103, Team «Mécanismes de L’Infertilité Mâle Post-Testiculaire», Université Clermont Auvergne, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Correspondence: (F.S.); (A.T.)
| | - Aminata Touré
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Université Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France; (E.C.); (M.W.)
- Correspondence: (F.S.); (A.T.)
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41
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Cohen R, Mukai C, Nelson JL, Zenilman SS, Sosnicki DM, Travis AJ. A genetically targeted sensor reveals spatial and temporal dynamics of acrosomal calcium and sperm acrosome exocytosis. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101868. [PMID: 35346690 PMCID: PMC9046242 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Secretion of the acrosome, a single vesicle located rostrally in the head of a mammalian sperm, through a process known as "acrosome exocytosis" (AE), is essential for fertilization. However, the mechanisms leading to and regulating this complex process are controversial. In particular, poor understanding of Ca2+ dynamics between sperm subcellular compartments and regulation of membrane fusion mechanisms have led to competing models of AE. Here, we developed a transgenic mouse expressing an Acrosome-targeted Sensor for Exocytosis (AcroSensE) to investigate the spatial and temporal Ca2+ dynamics in AE in live sperm. AcroSensE combines a genetically encoded Ca2+ indicator (GCaMP) fused with an mCherry indicator to spatiotemporally resolve acrosomal Ca2+ rise (ACR) and membrane fusion events, enabling real-time study of AE. We found that ACR is dependent on extracellular Ca2+ and that ACR precedes AE. In addition, we show that there are intermediate steps in ACR and that AE correlates better with the ACR rate rather than absolute Ca2+ amount. Finally, we demonstrate that ACR and membrane fusion progression kinetics and spatial patterns differ with different stimuli and that sites of initiation of ACR and sites of membrane fusion do not always correspond. These findings support a model involving functionally redundant pathways that enable a highly regulated, multistep AE in heterogeneous sperm populations, unlike the previously proposed "acrosome reaction" model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy Cohen
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA.
| | - Chinatsu Mukai
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Jacquelyn L Nelson
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Shoshana S Zenilman
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Danielle M Sosnicki
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Alexander J Travis
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA; Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
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42
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Yang F, Gracia Gervasi M, Orta G, Tourzani DA, De la Vega-Beltrán JL, Ruthel G, Darszon A, Visconti PE, Wang PJ. C2CD6 regulates targeting and organization of the CatSper calcium channel complex in sperm flagella. Development 2022; 149:dev199988. [PMID: 34919125 PMCID: PMC8774747 DOI: 10.1242/dev.199988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The CatSper cation channel is essential for sperm capacitation and male fertility. The multi-subunit CatSper complexes form highly organized calcium signaling nanodomains on flagellar membranes. Here, we report identification of an uncharacterized protein, C2CD6, as a subunit of the mouse CatSper complex. C2CD6 contains a calcium-dependent, membrane-targeting C2 domain. C2CD6 associates with the CatSper calcium-selective, core-forming subunits. Deficiency of C2CD6 depletes the CatSper nanodomains from the flagellum and results in male sterility. C2CD6-deficient sperm are defective in hyperactivation and fail to fertilize oocytes both in vitro and in vivo. CatSper currents are present but at a significantly lower level in C2CD6-deficient sperm. Transient treatments with either Ca2+ ionophore, starvation, or a combination of both restore the fertilization capacity of C2CD6-deficient sperm. C2CD6 interacts with EFCAB9, a pH-dependent calcium sensor in the CatSper complex. We postulate that C2CD6 facilitates incorporation of the CatSper complex into the flagellar plasma membrane and may function as a calcium sensor. The identification of C2CD6 may enable the long-sought reconstitution of the CatSper ion channel complex in a heterologous system for male contraceptive development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Yang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Maria Gracia Gervasi
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Gerardo Orta
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, México
| | - Darya A. Tourzani
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Jose Luis De la Vega-Beltrán
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, México
| | - Gordon Ruthel
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Alberto Darszon
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, México
| | - Pablo E. Visconti
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - P. Jeremy Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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43
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Sansegundo E, Tourmente M, Roldan ERS. Energy Metabolism and Hyperactivation of Spermatozoa from Three Mouse Species under Capacitating Conditions. Cells 2022; 11:220. [PMID: 35053337 PMCID: PMC8773617 DOI: 10.3390/cells11020220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian sperm differ widely in sperm morphology, and several explanations have been presented to account for this diversity. Less is known about variation in sperm physiology and cellular processes that can give sperm cells an advantage when competing to fertilize oocytes. Capacitation of spermatozoa, a process essential for mammalian fertilization, correlates with changes in motility that result in a characteristic swimming pattern known as hyperactivation. Previous studies revealed that sperm motility and velocity depend on the amount of ATP available and, therefore, changes in sperm movement occurring during capacitation and hyperactivation may involve changes in sperm bioenergetics. Here, we examine differences in ATP levels of sperm from three mouse species (genus Mus), differing in sperm competition levels, incubated under non-capacitating and capacitating conditions, to analyse relationships between energetics, capacitation, and swimming patterns. We found that, in general terms, the amount of sperm ATP decreased more rapidly under capacitating conditions. This descent was related to the development of a hyperactivated pattern of movement in two species (M. musculus and M. spicilegus) but not in the other (M. spretus), suggesting that, in the latter, temporal dynamics and energetic demands of capacitation and hyperactivation may be decoupled or that the hyperactivation pattern differs. The decrease in ATP levels during capacitation was steeper in species with higher levels of sperm competition than in those with lower levels. Our results suggest that, during capacitation, sperm consume more ATP than under non-capacitating conditions. This higher ATP consumption may be linked to higher velocity and lateral head displacement, which are associated with hyperactivated motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ester Sansegundo
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, Spanish Research Council (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Maximiliano Tourmente
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, Spanish Research Council (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain;
- Centro de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Cordoba X5016GCA, Argentina
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas (IIByT), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científica y Técnicas (CONICET), Cordoba X5016GCA, Argentina
| | - Eduardo R. S. Roldan
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, Spanish Research Council (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain;
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Lv M, Liu C, Ma C, Yu H, Shao Z, Gao Y, Liu Y, Wu H, Tang D, Tan Q, Zhang J, Li K, Xu C, Geng H, Zhang J, Li H, Mao X, Ge L, Fu F, Zhong K, Xu Y, Tao F, Zhou P, Wei Z, He X, Zhang F, Cao Y. Homozygous mutation in SLO3 leads to severe asthenoteratozoospermia due to acrosome hypoplasia and mitochondrial sheath malformations. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2022; 20:5. [PMID: 34980136 PMCID: PMC8722334 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-021-00880-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Potassium channels are important for the structure and function of the spermatozoa. As a potassium transporter, the mSlo3 is essential for male fertility as Slo3 knockout male mice were infertile with the series of functional defects in sperm cells. However, no pathogenic variant has been detected in human SLO3 to date. Here we reported a human case with homozygous SLO3 mutation. The function of SLO3 in human sperm and the corresponding assisted reproductive strategy are also investigated. METHODS We performed whole-exome sequencing analysis from a large cohort of 105 patients with asthenoteratozoospermia. The effects of the variant were investigated by quantitative RT-PCR, western blotting, and immunofluorescence assays using the patient spermatozoa. Sperm morphological and ultrastructural studies were conducted using haematoxylin and eosin staining, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS We identified a homozygous missense variant (c.1237A > T: p.Ile413Phe) in the sperm-specific SLO3 in one Chinese patient with male infertility. This SLO3 variant was rare in human control populations and predicted to be deleterious by multiple bioinformatic tools. Sperm from the individual harbouring the homozygous SLO3 variant exhibited severe morphological abnormalities, such as acrosome hypoplasia, disruption of the mitochondrial sheath, coiled tails, and motility defects. The levels of SLO3 mRNA and protein in spermatozoa from the affected individual were reduced. Furthermore, the acrosome reaction, mitochondrial membrane potential, and membrane potential during capacitation were also afflicted. The levels of acrosome marker glycoproteins and PLCζ1 as well as the mitochondrial sheath protein HSP60 and SLO3 auxiliary subunit LRRC52, were significantly reduced in the spermatozoa from the affected individual. The affected man was sterile due to acrosome and mitochondrial dysfunction; however, intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection successfully rescued this infertile condition. CONCLUSIONS SLO3 deficiency seriously impact acrosome formation, mitochondrial sheath assembly, and the function of K+ channels. Our findings provided clinical implications for the genetic and reproductive counselling of affected families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingrong Lv
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Chunyu Liu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, 200011, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Chunjie Ma
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), Guangzhou, 510600, China
| | - Hui Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fuyang Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Fuyang, China
| | - Zhongmei Shao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fuyang Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Fuyang, China
| | - Yang Gao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yiyuan Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Huan Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Dongdong Tang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Qing Tan
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Human Sperm Bank, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Junqiang Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Kuokuo Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Chuan Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Hao Geng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Hang Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Human Sperm Bank, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaohong Mao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Human Sperm Bank, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Lei Ge
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Human Sperm Bank, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Feifei Fu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Human Sperm Bank, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Kaixin Zhong
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute (Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital), Guangzhou, 510600, China
| | - Yuping Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Fangbiao Tao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Ping Zhou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Zhaolian Wei
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Xiaojin He
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China.
- Anhui Provincial Human Sperm Bank, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
| | - Feng Zhang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, 200011, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China.
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China.
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45
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Yogo K. Molecular basis of the morphogenesis of sperm head and tail in mice. Reprod Med Biol 2022; 21:e12466. [PMID: 35619659 PMCID: PMC9126569 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The spermatozoon has a complex molecular apparatus necessary for fertilization in its head and flagellum. Recently, numerous genes that are needed to construct the molecular apparatus of spermatozoa have been identified through the analysis of genetically modified mice. Methods Based on the literature information, the molecular basis of the morphogenesis of sperm heads and flagella in mice was summarized. Main findings (Results) The molecular mechanisms of vesicular trafficking and intraflagellar transport in acrosome and flagellum formation were listed. With the development of cryo‐electron tomography and mass spectrometry techniques, the details of the axonemal structure are becoming clearer. The fine structure and the proteins needed to form the central apparatus, outer and inner dynein arms, nexin‐dynein regulatory complex, and radial spokes were described. The important components of the formation of the mitochondrial sheath, fibrous sheath, outer dense fiber, and the annulus were also described. The similarities and differences between sperm flagella and Chlamydomonas flagella/somatic cell cilia were also discussed. Conclusion The molecular mechanism of formation of the sperm head and flagellum has been clarified using the mouse as a model. These studies will help to better understand the diversity of sperm morphology and the causes of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiichiro Yogo
- Department of Applied Life Sciences Faculty of Agriculture Shizuoka University Shizuoka Japan
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46
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Liu R, Yan Z, Fan Y, Qu R, Chen B, Li B, Wu L, Wu H, Mu J, Zhao L, Wang W, Dong J, Zeng Y, Li Q, Wang L, Sang Q, Zhang Z, Kuang Y. OUP accepted manuscript. Hum Reprod 2022; 37:1394-1405. [PMID: 35551387 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ruyi Liu
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zheng Yan
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong Fan
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ronggui Qu
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Biaobang Chen
- Institute of Reproductive Health, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Li
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling Wu
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Haibo Wu
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Mu
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin Zhao
- Institute of Reproductive Health, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjing Wang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Dong
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Zeng
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiaoli Li
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Sang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhihua Zhang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanping Kuang
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Muranishi Y, Parry L, Vachette-Dit-Martin M, Saez F, Coudy-Gandilhon C, Sauvanet P, Volle DH, Tournayre J, Bottari S, Carpentiero F, Martinez G, Muroňová J, Escoffier J, Bruhat A, Maurin AC, Averous J, Arnoult C, Fafournoux P, Jousse C. When idiopathic male infertility is rooted in maternal malnutrition during the perinatal period in mice. Biol Reprod 2021; 106:463-476. [PMID: 34875016 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab222] [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: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility represents a growing burden worldwide, with one in seven couples presenting difficulties conceiving. Amongst these, 10-15% of the men have idiopathic infertility that does not correlate with any defect in the classical sperm parameters measured. In the present study, we used a mouse model to investigate the effects of maternal undernutrition on fertility in male progeny. Our results indicate that mothers fed on a low protein diet during gestation and lactation produce male offspring with normal sperm morphology, concentration and motility but exhibiting an overall decrease of fertility when they reach adulthood. Particularly, in contrast to control, sperm from these offspring show a remarkable lower capacity to fertilize oocytes when copulation occurs early in the estrus cycle relative to ovulation, due to an altered sperm capacitation. Our data demonstrate for the first time that maternal nutritional stress can have long-term consequences on the reproductive health of male progeny by affecting sperm physiology, especially capacitation, with no observable impact on spermatogenesis and classical quantitative and qualitative sperm parameters. Moreover, our experimental model could be of major interest to study, explain, and ultimately treat certain categories of infertilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Muranishi
- Unité de Nutrition Humaine, INRAE, Université Clermont Auvergne, UMR1019, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France.,Department of Life and Food Sciences, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Laurent Parry
- Unité de Nutrition Humaine, INRAE, Université Clermont Auvergne, UMR1019, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | | | - Fabrice Saez
- GReD Institute, Université Clermont Auvergne, Inserm, CNRS, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Cécile Coudy-Gandilhon
- Unité de Nutrition Humaine, INRAE, Université Clermont Auvergne, UMR1019, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Pierre Sauvanet
- UMR 1071 Inserm/Université Clermont Auvergne; USC-INRA 2018, Microbes, Intestin, Inflammation et Susceptibilité de l'Hôte (M2iSH), Clermont-Ferrand, France.,Service de chirurgie et hépatobiliaire, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - David H Volle
- Inserm U1103, CNRS UMR6293-Université Clermont Auvergne, Institute Genetic, Reproduction and Development, Team "Environment, Metabolism, Spermatogenesis and Pathophysiology & Inheritance", Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Jérémy Tournayre
- Unité de Nutrition Humaine, INRAE, Université Clermont Auvergne, UMR1019, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | | | - Francesca Carpentiero
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France.,Institute for Advanced Biosciences INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Grenoble, France
| | - Guillaume Martinez
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France.,Institute for Advanced Biosciences INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Grenoble, France.,Hôpital Couple-Enfant, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Grenoble, UM de Génétique Chromosomique, Grenoble, France
| | - Jana Muroňová
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France.,Institute for Advanced Biosciences INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Grenoble, France
| | - Jessica Escoffier
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France.,Institute for Advanced Biosciences INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Grenoble, France
| | - Alain Bruhat
- Unité de Nutrition Humaine, INRAE, Université Clermont Auvergne, UMR1019, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Anne-Catherine Maurin
- Unité de Nutrition Humaine, INRAE, Université Clermont Auvergne, UMR1019, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Julien Averous
- Unité de Nutrition Humaine, INRAE, Université Clermont Auvergne, UMR1019, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Christophe Arnoult
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France.,Institute for Advanced Biosciences INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Grenoble, France
| | - Pierre Fafournoux
- Unité de Nutrition Humaine, INRAE, Université Clermont Auvergne, UMR1019, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Céline Jousse
- Unité de Nutrition Humaine, INRAE, Université Clermont Auvergne, UMR1019, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
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48
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Ferreira JJ, Amazu C, Puga-Molina LC, Ma X, England SK, Santi CM. SLO2.1/NALCN a sodium signaling complex that regulates uterine activity. iScience 2021; 24:103210. [PMID: 34746693 PMCID: PMC8551532 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Depolarization of the myometrial smooth muscle cell (MSMC) resting membrane potential is necessary for the uterus to transition from a quiescent state to a contractile state. The molecular mechanisms involved in this transition are not completely understood. Here, we report that a coupled system between the Na+-activated K+ channel (SLO2.1) and the non-selective Na+ leak channel (NALCN) determines the MSMC membrane potential. Our data indicate that Na+ entering through NALCN acts as an intracellular signaling molecule that activates SLO2.1. Potassium efflux through SLO2.1 hyperpolarizes the membrane. A decrease in SLO2.1/NALCN activity induces membrane depolarization, triggering Ca2+ entry through voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels and promoting contraction. Consistent with functional coupling, our data show that NALCN and SLO2.1 are in close proximity in human MSMCs. We propose that these arrangements of SLO2.1 and NALCN permit these channels to functionally regulate MSMC membrane potential and cell excitability and modulate uterine contractility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan J. Ferreira
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, 425 S. Euclid Avenue, CB 8064, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Chinwendu Amazu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, 425 S. Euclid Avenue, CB 8064, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Lis C. Puga-Molina
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, 425 S. Euclid Avenue, CB 8064, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Xiaofeng Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, 425 S. Euclid Avenue, CB 8064, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Sarah K. England
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, 425 S. Euclid Avenue, CB 8064, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Celia M. Santi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, 425 S. Euclid Avenue, CB 8064, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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49
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Gao T, Li K, Liang F, Yu J, Liu A, Ni Y, Sun P. KCNQ1 Potassium Channel Expressed in Human Sperm Is Involved in Sperm Motility, Acrosome Reaction, Protein Tyrosine Phosphorylation, and Ion Homeostasis During Capacitation. Front Physiol 2021; 12:761910. [PMID: 34744797 PMCID: PMC8569670 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.761910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Potassium channels are involved in membrane hyperpolarization and ion homeostasis regulation during human sperm capacitation. However, the types of potassium channels in human sperm remain controversial. The voltage-gated ion channel KCNQ1 is ubiquitously expressed and regulates key physiological processes in the human body. In the present study, we investigated whether KCNQ1 is expressed in human sperm and what role it might have in sperm function. The expression and localization of KCNQ1 in human sperm were evaluated using Western blotting and indirect immunofluorescence. During capacitation incubation, human sperm were treated with KCNQ1- specific inhibitor chromanol 293B. Sperm motility was analyzed using a computer-assisted sperm analyzer. The acrosome reaction was studied using fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated Pisum sativum agglutinin staining. Protein tyrosine phosphorylation levels and localization after capacitation were determined using Western blotting and immunofluorescence. Intracellular K+, Ca2+, Cl−, pH, and membrane potential were analyzed using fluorescent probes. The results demonstrate that KCNQ1 is expressed and localized in the head and tail regions of human sperm. KCNQ1 inhibition reduced sperm motility, acrosome reaction rates, and protein tyrosine phosphorylation but had no effect on hyperactivation. KCNQ1 inhibition also increased intracellular K+, membrane potential, and intracellular Cl−, while decreasing intracellular Ca2+ and pH. In conclusion, the KCNQ1 channel plays a crucial role during human sperm capacitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kun Li
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Experimental Animal's & Nonclinical Laboratory Studies, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fei Liang
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Experimental Animal's & Nonclinical Laboratory Studies, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianmin Yu
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Experimental Animal's & Nonclinical Laboratory Studies, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ajuan Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ya Ni
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Experimental Animal's & Nonclinical Laboratory Studies, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Peibei Sun
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Experimental Animal's & Nonclinical Laboratory Studies, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
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50
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Ferreira JJ, Lybaert P, Puga-Molina LC, Santi CM. Conserved Mechanism of Bicarbonate-Induced Sensitization of CatSper Channels in Human and Mouse Sperm. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:733653. [PMID: 34650979 PMCID: PMC8505895 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.733653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
To fertilize an egg, mammalian sperm must undergo capacitation in the female genital tract. A key contributor to capacitation is the calcium (Ca2+) channel CatSper, which is activated by membrane depolarization and intracellular alkalinization. In mouse epididymal sperm, membrane depolarization by exposure to high KCl triggers Ca2+ entry through CatSper only in alkaline conditions (pH 8.6) or after in vitro incubation with bicarbonate (HCO3–) and bovine serum albumin (capacitating conditions). However, in ejaculated human sperm, membrane depolarization triggers Ca2+ entry through CatSper in non-capacitating conditions and at lower pH (< pH 7.4) than is required in mouse sperm. Here, we aimed to determine the mechanism(s) by which CatSper is activated in mouse and human sperm. We exposed ejaculated mouse and human sperm to high KCl to depolarize the membrane and found that intracellular Ca2+ concentration increased at pH 7.4 in sperm from both species. Conversely, intracellular Ca2+ concentration did not increase under these conditions in mouse epididymal or human epididymal sperm. Furthermore, pre-incubation with HCO3– triggered an intracellular Ca2+ concentration increase in response to KCl in human epididymal sperm. Treatment with protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitors during exposure to HCO3– inhibited Ca2+ concentration increases in mouse epididymal sperm and in both mouse and human ejaculated sperm. Finally, we show that soluble adenylyl cyclase and increased intracellular pH are required for the intracellular Ca2+ concentration increase in both human and mouse sperm. In summary, our results suggest that a conserved mechanism of activation of CatSper channels is present in both human and mouse sperm. In this mechanism, HCO3– in semen activates the soluble adenylyl cyclase/protein kinase A pathway, which leads to increased intracellular pH and sensitizes CatSper channels to respond to membrane depolarization to allow Ca2+ influx. This indirect mechanism of CatSper sensitization might be an early event capacitation that occurs as soon as the sperm contact the semen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan J Ferreira
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States.,Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Pascale Lybaert
- Research Laboratory on Human Reproduction, Faculté de Médecine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Lis C Puga-Molina
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Celia M Santi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States.,Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
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