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β-Defensin 19/119 mediates sperm chemotaxis and is associated with idiopathic infertility. Cell Rep Med 2022; 3:100825. [PMID: 36513070 PMCID: PMC9797948 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2022.100825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Sperm chemotaxis is required for guiding sperm toward the egg. However, the molecular identity of physiological chemoattractant and its involvement in infertility remain elusive. Here, we identify DEFB19/119 (mouse/human orthologs) as a physiological sperm chemoattractant. The epithelia of the female reproductive tract and the cumulus-oocyte complex secrete DEFB19/119 that elicits calcium mobilization via the CatSper channel and induces sperm chemotaxis in capacitated sperm. Manipulating the level of DEFB19 in mice determines the number of sperm arriving at the fertilization site. Importantly, we identify exon mutations in the DEFB119 gene in idiopathic infertile women with low level of DEFB119 in the follicular fluid. The level of DEFB119 correlates with the chemotactic potency of follicular fluid and predicts the infertile outcome with positive correlation. This study reveals the pivotal role of DEFB19/119 in sperm chemotaxis and demonstrates its potential application in the diagnosis of idiopathic infertility.
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Aram R, Chan PTK, Cyr DG. Beta-defensin126 is correlated with sperm motility in fertile and infertile men†. Biol Reprod 2021; 102:92-101. [PMID: 31504198 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A crucial function of the epididymis is providing a surface glycocalyx that is important for sperm maturation and capacitation. Defensins are antimicrobial peptides expressed in the epididymis. In the macaque epididymis, defensin beta 126 (DEFB126) is important for sperm motility, however, it is not known whether this is the case in humans. The objectives were to determine: (1) if DEFB126 on human ejaculated sperm was correlated with sperm motility in fertile and infertile men, (2) that recombinant DEFB126 could induce immature sperm motility in vitro. Immunofluorescence staining indicated that the proportion of DEFB126-positive sperm was significantly higher in motile sperm. Furthermore, the proportion of DEFB126-labeled sperm was positively correlated with sperm motility and normal morphology. Additional studies indicated that the proportion of DEFB126-positive spermatozoa in fertile volunteers was significantly higher than in volunteers with varicocele, and in infertile volunteers with semen deficiencies. To determine the role of DEFB126 on sperm motility, the DEFB126 gene was cloned and used to generate recombinant DEFB126 in H9C2 cells (rat embryonic heart myoblast cells). Deletion mutations were created into two regions of the protein, which have been linked to male infertility. Immotile testicular spermatozoa were incubated with cells expressing the different forms of DEFB126. Full-length DEFB126 significantly increased motility of co-cultured spermatozoa. However, no increase in sperm motility was observed with the mutated forms of DEFB126. In conclusion, these results support the notion that DEFB126 is important in human sperm maturation and the potential use of DEFB126 for in vitro sperm maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raheleh Aram
- Laboratory for Reproductive Toxicology, INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, Université du Québec, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Peter T K Chan
- Department of Urology, Royal Victoria Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Daniel G Cyr
- Laboratory for Reproductive Toxicology, INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, Université du Québec, Laval, Quebec, Canada
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Ahmed S, Tao J, Wang M, Zhai Y, Liu W, Jayachandran M, Chu C, Qu S, Zhang J, Zhang Y, Fei Z. An improved lentiviral system for efficient expression and purification of β-defensins in mammalian cells. Biotechnol J 2021; 16:e2100023. [PMID: 34053189 DOI: 10.1002/biot.202100023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
β-Defensins are a family of conserved small cationic antimicrobial peptides with different significant biological functions. The majority of mammalian β-defensins are expressed in epididymis, and many of them are predicted to have post-translational modifications. However, only a few of its members have been well studied due to the limitations of expressing and purifying bioactive proteins with correct post-translational modifications efficiently. Here we developed a novel Fc tagged lentiviral system and Fc tagged prokaryotic expression systems provided new options for β-defensins expression and purification. The novel lentiviral system contains a secretive signal peptide, an N-terminal IgG Fc tag, a green fluorescent protein (GFP), and a puromycin selection marker to facilitate efficient expression and fast purification of β-defensins by protein A magnetic or agarose beads. It also enables stable and large-scale expression of β-defensins with regular biological activities and post-translational modification. Purified β-defensins such as Bin1b and a novel human β-defensin hBD129 showed antimicrobial activity, immuno-regulatory activity, and expected post-translational phosphorylation, which were not found in Escherichia coli (E. coli) in expressed form. Furthermore, we successfully applied the novel system to identify mBin1b interacting proteins, explaining Bin1b in a better way. These results suggest that the novel lentiviral system is a powerful approach to produce correct post-translational processed β-defensins with bioactivities and is useful to identify their interacting proteins. This study has laid the foundation for future studies to characterize function and mechanism of novel β-defensins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiraz Ahmed
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospita, School of Medicine, Tongji University, No. 301 Middle Yanchang Road, Shanghai, 200072, China.,State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Jiang Tao
- Department of General dentistry, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospita, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine; College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University; National Center for Stomatology; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, No. 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Miaochen Wang
- Department of General dentistry, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospita, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine; College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University; National Center for Stomatology; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, No. 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Yue Zhai
- Department of General dentistry, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospita, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine; College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University; National Center for Stomatology; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, No. 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Wenhai Liu
- Immunomic Therapeutics, No.15010 Broschart Road, Rockville, Maryland, 20850, USA
| | - Muthukumaran Jayachandran
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospita, School of Medicine, Tongji University, No. 301 Middle Yanchang Road, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Chen Chu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Shen Qu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospita, School of Medicine, Tongji University, No. 301 Middle Yanchang Road, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Huashan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, No.12 Middle Wulumuqi Road, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Yonglian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Zhaoliang Fei
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospita, School of Medicine, Tongji University, No. 301 Middle Yanchang Road, Shanghai, 200072, China.,State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
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4
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Avellar MCW, Ribeiro CM, Dias-da-Silva MR, Silva EJR. In search of new paradigms for epididymal health and disease: innate immunity, inflammatory mediators, and steroid hormones. Andrology 2019; 7:690-702. [PMID: 31207127 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The primary job of the epididymis is to mature and protect the luminally transiting spermatozoa. Mounting evidence is showing that innate immune components [including Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and antimicrobial proteins, among which are β-defensins] and inflammatory mediators, under the primary influence of androgens, participate in the cellular and molecular processes that define this tissue. Here, we present an overview of the contributions of these signaling pathway components during epididymal homeostasis and discuss the hypotheses as to their involvement in epididymitis, the most common urological inflammatory condition in men, frequently impairing their fertility. Drawing primarily from rodent models, we also focus on how the distribution and functional expression of innate immune components are differentially regulated in the prenatal developing epididymis, providing new insights into the disruption of these signaling pathways throughout the lifespan. Male infertility is caused by a variety of conditions, such as congenital malformations, genetic and endocrine disorders, exposure to environmental toxicants, and inflammatory/infectious conditions. More than one-third of infertile men with an idiopathic condition cannot currently be adequately diagnosed. Thinking about the innate immunity and inflammation context of the epididymis may provide new insights and directions as to how these systems contribute to male fertility, as well as also uncover urological and andrological outcomes that may aid clinicians in diagnosing and preventing epididymal pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C W Avellar
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - C M Ribeiro
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - M R Dias-da-Silva
- Department of Medicine, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - E J R Silva
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista 'Júlio de Mesquita Filho', Botucatu, SP, Brazil
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Lu X, Ding F, Lian Z, Chen L, Cao Z, Guan Y, Chen R, Cai D, Yu Y. An epididymis‐specific secretory protein Clpsl2 critically regulates sperm motility, acrosomal integrity, and male fertility. J Cell Biochem 2018; 119:4760-4774. [DOI: 10.1002/jcb.26668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaosheng Lu
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine (JNU‐CUHK), Ministry of Education, Department of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, College of Life Science and TechnologiesJinan UniversityGuangzhouP.R. China
| | - Fei Ding
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine (JNU‐CUHK), Ministry of Education, Department of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, College of Life Science and TechnologiesJinan UniversityGuangzhouP.R. China
| | - Zizhen Lian
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine (JNU‐CUHK), Ministry of Education, Department of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, College of Life Science and TechnologiesJinan UniversityGuangzhouP.R. China
| | - Lei Chen
- Department of AnesthesiaThe First Affiliated HospitalJinan UniversityGuangzhouP.R. China
| | - Zuowu Cao
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine (JNU‐CUHK), Ministry of Education, Department of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, College of Life Science and TechnologiesJinan UniversityGuangzhouP.R. China
| | - Yiqing Guan
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine (JNU‐CUHK), Ministry of Education, Department of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, College of Life Science and TechnologiesJinan UniversityGuangzhouP.R. China
| | - Ran Chen
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine (JNU‐CUHK), Ministry of Education, Department of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, College of Life Science and TechnologiesJinan UniversityGuangzhouP.R. China
| | - Dongqing Cai
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine (JNU‐CUHK), Ministry of Education, Department of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, College of Life Science and TechnologiesJinan UniversityGuangzhouP.R. China
| | - Yanhong Yu
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine (JNU‐CUHK), Ministry of Education, Department of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, College of Life Science and TechnologiesJinan UniversityGuangzhouP.R. China
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Zhou B, Wang P, Zhang K, Jin FS, Li YF, Zhang J, Sun ZY. Reduction of fertility in male mice immunised with pSG.SS.C3d3.YL.Bin1b recombinant vaccine. EUR J CONTRACEP REPR 2015; 20:372-8. [DOI: 10.3109/13625187.2015.1021771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Diao R, Fok KL, Chen H, Yu MK, Duan Y, Chung CM, Li Z, Wu H, Li Z, Zhang H, Ji Z, Zhen W, Ng CF, Gui Y, Cai Z, Chan HC. Deficient human β-defensin 1 underlies male infertility associated with poor sperm motility and genital tract infection. Sci Transl Med 2014; 6:249ra108. [PMID: 25122636 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.3009071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Genital tract infection and reduced sperm motility are considered two pivotal etiological factors for male infertility associated with leukocytospermia and asthenozoospermia, respectively. We demonstrate that the amount of human β-defensin 1 (DEFB1) in sperm from infertile men exhibiting either leukocytospermia or asthenozoospermia, both of which are associated with reduced motility and reduced bactericidal activity in sperm, is much lower compared to that in normal fertile sperm. Interference with DEFB1 function also decreases both motility and bactericidal activity in normal sperm, whereas treatment with recombinant DEFB1 markedly restores DEFB1 expression, bactericidal activity, sperm quality, and egg-penetrating ability in sperm from both asthenozoospermia and leukocytospermia patients. DEFB1 interacts with chemokine receptor type 6 (CCR6) in sperm and triggers Ca(2+) mobilization, which is important for sperm motility. Interference with CCR6 function also reduces motility and bactericidal activity of normal sperm. The present finding explains a common defect in male infertility associated with both asthenozoospermia and leukocytospermia, indicating a dual role of DEFB1 in defending male fertility. These results also suggest that the expression of DEFB1 and CCR6 may have diagnostic potential and that treatment of defective sperm with recombinant DEFB1 protein may be a feasible therapeutic approach for male infertility associated with poor sperm motility and genital tract infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiying Diao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Genitourinary Tumor, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518035, China. Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center, Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education of China, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China. Guangdong and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Institute of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen PKU-HKUST Medical Center, Shenzhen 518036, China
| | - Kin Lam Fok
- Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center, Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education of China, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Genitourinary Tumor, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518035, China. Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center, Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education of China, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China. Guangdong and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Institute of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen PKU-HKUST Medical Center, Shenzhen 518036, China
| | - Mei Kuen Yu
- Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center, Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education of China, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yonggang Duan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Genitourinary Tumor, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518035, China. Guangdong and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Institute of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen PKU-HKUST Medical Center, Shenzhen 518036, China
| | - Chin Man Chung
- Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center, Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education of China, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Zhao Li
- Guangdong and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Institute of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen PKU-HKUST Medical Center, Shenzhen 518036, China. Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Hanwei Wu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Genitourinary Tumor, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518035, China
| | - Zesong Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Genitourinary Tumor, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518035, China
| | - Hu Zhang
- Guangdong and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Institute of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen PKU-HKUST Medical Center, Shenzhen 518036, China. Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Ziliang Ji
- Guangdong and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Institute of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen PKU-HKUST Medical Center, Shenzhen 518036, China. Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Wanhua Zhen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Genitourinary Tumor, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518035, China
| | - Chi Fai Ng
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yaoting Gui
- Guangdong and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Institute of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen PKU-HKUST Medical Center, Shenzhen 518036, China
| | - Zhiming Cai
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Genitourinary Tumor, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518035, China. Guangdong and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Institute of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen PKU-HKUST Medical Center, Shenzhen 518036, China.
| | - Hsiao Chang Chan
- Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center, Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education of China, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China. Sichuan University-The Chinese University of Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, Women's and Children's Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan 610017, China.
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Hu SG, Zou M, Yao GX, Ma WB, Zhu QL, Li XQ, Chen ZJ, Sun Y. Androgenic regulation of beta-defensins in the mouse epididymis. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2014; 12:76. [PMID: 25099571 PMCID: PMC4127520 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-12-76] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2014] [Accepted: 08/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The majority of beta-defensin family members are exclusively expressed in the epididymis, and some members have been shown to play essential roles in sperm maturation and fertility in rats, mice and humans. Therefore, beta-defensins are hypothesized to be potential targets for contraception and infertility diagnosis and treatment. Clarifying the regulatory mechanisms for the expression of these genes is necessary. Androgen/androgen receptor (AR) signaling plays an important regulatory role in epididymal structure and function. However, very little is known about the androgenic regulation on the production and secretion of the epididymal beta-defensins. METHODS The expression of beta-defensins was detected by quantitative RT-PCR. The androgen dependence of beta-defensins was determined by bilateral orchiectomy and androgen supplementation. The androgen response elements (AREs) in the promoters of beta-defensins were identified using the MatInspector software. The binding of AR to AREs was assayed by ChIP-PCR/qPCR. RESULTS We demonstrated that 23 mouse caput epididymal beta-defensins were differentially regulated by androgen/androgen receptor. Six genes, Defb18, 19, 20, 39, 41, and 42, showed full regulation by androgens. Ten genes, Defb15, 30, 34, 37, 40, 45, 51, 52, 22 and Spag11a, were partially regulated by androgens. Defb15, 18, 19, 20, 30, 34, 37, 39, 41, 42, 22 and Spag11a were associated with androgen receptor binding sites in their promoter or intronic regions, indicating direct regulation of AR. Six genes, Defb1, 12, 13, 29, 35, and spag11b/c, exhibited an androgen-independent expression pattern. One gene, Defb25, was highly dependent on testicular factors rather on androgens. CONCLUSIONS The present study provides novel insights into the mechanisms of androgen regulation on epididymal beta-defensins, enabling a better understanding of the function of beta-defensins in sperm maturation and fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang-Gang Hu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai 200135, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Molecular Andrology, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Mei Zou
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Molecular Andrology, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Guang-Xin Yao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Molecular Andrology, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Wu-Bin Ma
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Molecular Andrology, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Qin-Ling Zhu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai 200135, China
| | - Xiang-Qi Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Molecular Andrology, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Zi-Jiang Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai 200135, China
| | - Yun Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai 200135, China
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9
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Semple F, Dorin JR. β-Defensins: multifunctional modulators of infection, inflammation and more? J Innate Immun 2012; 4:337-48. [PMID: 22441423 DOI: 10.1159/000336619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 227] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2011] [Accepted: 01/17/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Defensins comprise one of the largest groups of host defence peptides, present throughout evolution, in fungi and flowering plants as well as in invertebrates and vertebrates. These cysteine-rich, cationic peptides have a common ability to kill a broad range of microorganisms including bacteria, yeast and viruses. As such, they are a strong component of the arsenal that is an organism's innate immunity. It is becoming increasingly clear, however, that antimicrobial action is only one of the numerous roles of these multifunctional peptides. In recent years, the functions of defensins in immunomodulation have been widely investigated, and their involvement in other processes (such as fertility) is becoming evident. This review addresses recent advances in the immunomodulatory activity of β-defensins as well as the involvement of β-defensins in fertility, development, wound healing and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Semple
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Medical Research Council Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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10
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Anticorps antispermatozoïdes : indications, étiologies et applications en 2011, de l’exploration de l’infertilité au concept d’immunocontraception masculine. Basic Clin Androl 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s12610-012-0165-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Résumé
La présente revue de la littérature a pour but de préciser en 2011 les techniques utilisées pour le dépistage des anticorps antispermatozoïdes (ACAS) et l’intérêt de ce dépistage dans diverses situations physiopathologiques mais aussi dans le choix du traitement des infertilités par les techniques d’assistance médicale à la procréation (AMP). De plus, l’étude des cibles et du rôle des ACAS dans l’infertilité a permis la mise au point d’un vaccin contraceptif masculin efficace dans certains modèles animaux et potentiellement utilisable chez l’homme.
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11
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Yamaguchi Y, Ouchi Y. Antimicrobial peptide defensin: identification of novel isoforms and the characterization of their physiological roles and their significance in the pathogenesis of diseases. PROCEEDINGS OF THE JAPAN ACADEMY. SERIES B, PHYSICAL AND BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES 2012; 88:152-66. [PMID: 22498979 PMCID: PMC3406309 DOI: 10.2183/pjab.88.152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2011] [Accepted: 02/21/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Defensins comprise a family of cationic antimicrobial peptides containing a specific six-cysteine motif. Their contribution to the host defense against microbial invasion and the control of normal flora have been previously described. Some of the β-defensin isoforms are predominantly expressed in the epididymis and showed a region-specific expression pattern in the epididymis, which thus suggested that these isoforms may possess epididymis-specific functions in addition to antimicrobial activities. A sequence variant of the β-defensin 126 gene has been shown to be associated with reductions in the human sperm function, thus supporting this hypothesis. Furthermore, defensins have the capacity to chemoattract immune cells and induce the secretion of inflammatory cytokines. Mice expressing human neutrophil α-defensin showed more severe lung injuries after the aspiration of acidic contents than did control mice. Recent investigations regarding copy number variations of human defensin genes also suggest the significance of defensin in the pathogenesis or the worsening of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, sepsis and psoriasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Yamaguchi
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
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12
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Ellerman DA, Cohen DJ, Weigel Muñoz M, Da Ros VG, Ernesto JI, Tollner TL, Cuasnicu PS. Immunologic behavior of human cysteine-rich secretory protein 1 (hCRISP1) in primates: prospects for immunocontraception. Fertil Steril 2010; 93:2551-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2010.01.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2009] [Revised: 12/29/2009] [Accepted: 01/27/2010] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
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