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Arora M, Mehta P, Sethi S, Anifandis G, Samara M, Singh R. Genetic etiological spectrum of sperm morphological abnormalities. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024:10.1007/s10815-024-03274-8. [PMID: 39417902 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03274-8] [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: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 09/18/2024] [Indexed: 10/19/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Male infertility manifests in the form of a reduction in sperm count, sperm motility, or the loss of fertilizing ability. While the loss of sperm production can have mixed reasons, sperm structural defects, cumulatively known as teratozoospermia, have predominantly genetic bases. The aim of the present review is to undertake a comprehensive analysis of the genetic mutations leading to sperm morphological deformities/teratozoospermia. METHODS We undertook literature review for genes involved in sperm morphological abnormalities. The genes were classified according to the type of sperm defects they cause and on the basis of the level of evidence determined by the number of human studies and the availability of a mouse knockout. RESULTS Mutations in the SUN5, CEP112, BRDT, DNAH6, PMFBP1, TSGA10, and SPATA20 genes result in acephalic sperm; mutations in the DPY19L2, SPATA16, PICK1, CCNB3, CHPT1, PIWIL4, and TDRD9 genes cause globozoospermia; mutations in the AURKC gene cause macrozoospermia; mutations in the WDR12 gene cause tapered sperm head; mutations in the RNF220 and ADCY10 genes result in small sperm head; mutations in the AMZ2 gene lead to vacuolated head formation; mutations in the CC2D1B and KIAA1210 genes lead to pyriform head formation; mutations in the SEPT14, ZPBP1, FBXO43, ZCWPW1, KATNAL2, PNLDC1, and CCIN genes cause amorphous head; mutations in the SEPT12, RBMX, and ACTL7A genes cause deformed acrosome formation; mutations in the DNAH1, DNAH2, DNAH6, DNAH17, FSIP2, CFAP43, AK7, CHAP251, CFAP65, ARMC2 and several other genes result in multiple morphological abnormalities of sperm flagella (MMAF). CONCLUSIONS Altogether, mutations in 31 genes have been reported to cause head defects and mutations in 62 genes are known to cause sperm tail defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manvi Arora
- Division of Endocrinology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - Poonam Mehta
- Division of Endocrinology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Shruti Sethi
- Division of Endocrinology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - George Anifandis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larisa, Greece
| | - Mary Samara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larisa, Greece
| | - Rajender Singh
- Division of Endocrinology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India.
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India.
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2
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Jiang L, Kong F, Yao L, Zhang F, Wu L, Zhang H, Yang G, Wang S, Jin X, Wang X, Tong X, Zhang S. Successful intracytoplasmic sperm injection in a macrozoospermia case with novel compound heterozygous aurora kinase C (AURKC) mutations. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2024; 310:2211-2221. [PMID: 39133293 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-024-07619-7] [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: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore the application possibility of macrocephalic sperm from a patient with 100% macrocephalic sperm and AURKC gene variations. METHODS We diagnosed a case of macrozoospermia with 100% macrocephalic sperm and 39.5% multi-tailed spermatozoa by morphological analysis. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was used for the patient and his wife. Sanger sequencing technique was used to verify the AURKC mutations in the patient's parents and his offspring. Sperm's ploidy was tested by flow cytometry. The couple asked for intra-couple ART therapy. RESULTS The patient presented novel compound heterozygous AURKC mutations (c.434C > T, c.497A > T) by WES. Sanger sequencing validation showed that variant of c.434C > T was observed in his father and c.497A > T was observed in his mother. Flow cytometry revealed that there existed a certain proportion of haploid sperm. Macrocephalic spermatozoa whose heads were smaller than the diameter of injection needle were selected for microinjection. A singleton pregnancy was achieved after embryo transfer. Prenatal diagnosis revealed that the fetus had normal chromosomal karyotype. Sanger sequencing technique showed that the fetus carried a c.434C > T mutation in one AURKC allele. A 3730 g healthy male fetus was delivered at term. CONCLUSION Our study reported a successful live birth from a patient with definite AURKC gene variants and may provide insights for such patients to choose donor sperm or their own sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingying Jiang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 3rd Qingchun East Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Feifei Kong
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 3rd Qingchun East Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lv Yao
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 3rd Qingchun East Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fuxing Zhang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 3rd Qingchun East Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lingfeng Wu
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 3rd Qingchun East Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Haocheng Zhang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 3rd Qingchun East Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Guobing Yang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 3rd Qingchun East Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shasha Wang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 3rd Qingchun East Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaoying Jin
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 3rd Qingchun East Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiufen Wang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 3rd Qingchun East Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaomei Tong
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 3rd Qingchun East Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Songying Zhang
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 3rd Qingchun East Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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3
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Kimmins S, Anderson RA, Barratt CLR, Behre HM, Catford SR, De Jonge CJ, Delbes G, Eisenberg ML, Garrido N, Houston BJ, Jørgensen N, Krausz C, Lismer A, McLachlan RI, Minhas S, Moss T, Pacey A, Priskorn L, Schlatt S, Trasler J, Trasande L, Tüttelmann F, Vazquez-Levin MH, Veltman JA, Zhang F, O'Bryan MK. Frequency, morbidity and equity - the case for increased research on male fertility. Nat Rev Urol 2024; 21:102-124. [PMID: 37828407 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-023-00820-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Currently, most men with infertility cannot be given an aetiology, which reflects a lack of knowledge around gamete production and how it is affected by genetics and the environment. A failure to recognize the burden of male infertility and its potential as a biomarker for systemic illness exists. The absence of such knowledge results in patients generally being treated as a uniform group, for whom the strategy is to bypass the causality using medically assisted reproduction (MAR) techniques. In doing so, opportunities to prevent co-morbidity are missed and the burden of MAR is shifted to the woman. To advance understanding of men's reproductive health, longitudinal and multi-national centres for data and sample collection are essential. Such programmes must enable an integrated view of the consequences of genetics, epigenetics and environmental factors on fertility and offspring health. Definition and possible amelioration of the consequences of MAR for conceived children are needed. Inherent in this statement is the necessity to promote fertility restoration and/or use the least invasive MAR strategy available. To achieve this aim, protocols must be rigorously tested and the move towards personalized medicine encouraged. Equally, education of the public, governments and clinicians on the frequency and consequences of infertility is needed. Health options, including male contraceptives, must be expanded, and the opportunities encompassed in such investment understood. The pressing questions related to male reproductive health, spanning the spectrum of andrology are identified in the Expert Recommendation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Kimmins
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- The Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- The Département de Pathologie et Biologie Cellulaire, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Richard A Anderson
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Christopher L R Barratt
- Division of Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Hermann M Behre
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Sarah R Catford
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Geraldine Delbes
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Centre Armand-Frappier Sante Biotechnologie, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Michael L Eisenberg
- Department of Urology and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Nicolas Garrido
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Brendan J Houston
- School of BioSciences and Bio21 Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Niels Jørgensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Csilla Krausz
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, 'Mario Serio', University of Florence, University Hospital of Careggi Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Ariane Lismer
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Robert I McLachlan
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Monash IVF Group, Richmond, Victoria, Australia
| | - Suks Minhas
- Department of Surgery and Cancer Imperial, London, UK
| | - Tim Moss
- Healthy Male and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Allan Pacey
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Lærke Priskorn
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stefan Schlatt
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Jacquetta Trasler
- Departments of Paediatrics, Human Genetics and Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University and Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Leonardo Trasande
- Center for the Investigation of Environmental Hazards, Department of Paediatrics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Frank Tüttelmann
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Mónica Hebe Vazquez-Levin
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas de Argentina, Fundación IBYME, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Joris A Veltman
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Feng Zhang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Moira K O'Bryan
- School of BioSciences and Bio21 Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia.
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Redouane S, Charoute H, Harmak H, Malki A, Barakat A, Rouba H. Computational study of the potential impact of AURKC missense SNPs on AURKC-INCENP interaction and their correlation to macrozoospermia. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:9503-9522. [PMID: 36326488 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2142846] [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: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Aurora Kinase C (AURKC) is considered an important element in Chromosome Passenger Complex (CPC), its interaction with Inner Centromere Protein (INCENP) plays a critical role in the establishment and the recruitment of a stable CPC during spermatogenesis. Genetic variations of AURKC gene are susceptible to impact AURKC-INCENP interaction, which may affect CPC stability and predispose male subjects to macrozoospermia. In this study, we systematically applied computational approaches using different bioinformatic tools to predict the effect of missense SNPs reported on AURKC gene, we selected the deleterious ones and we introduced their corresponding amino acid substitutions on AURKC protein structure. Then we did a protein-protein docking between AURKC variants and INCENP followed by a structural assessment of each resulting complex using PRODIGY server, Yassara view, Ligplot + and we choose the complexes of the most impactful variants for molecular dynamics (MD) simulation study. Seventeen missense SNPs of AURKC were identified as deleterious between all reported ones. All of them were located on relatively conserved positions on AURKC protein according to Consurf server. Only the four missense SNPs; E91K, D166V, D221Y and G235V were ranked as the most impactful ones and were chosen for MD simulation. D221Y and G235V were responsible for the most remarkable changes on AURKC-INCENP structural stability, therefore, they were selected as the most deleterious ones. Experimental studies are recommended to test the actual effect of these two variants and their actual impact on the morphology of sperm cells.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salaheddine Redouane
- Laboratory of Genomics and Human Genetics, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
- Laboratory of Physiopathology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences Ben M'Sik, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Hicham Charoute
- Research Unit of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Houda Harmak
- Laboratory of Genomics and Human Genetics, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Abderrahim Malki
- Laboratory of Physiopathology and Molecular Genetics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences Ben M'Sik, Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Abdelhamid Barakat
- Laboratory of Genomics and Human Genetics, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Hassan Rouba
- Laboratory of Genomics and Human Genetics, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
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5
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Abbassi M, Sayel H, El Mouhi H, Jelte M, Ahakoud M. A Case of Severe Teratozoospermia and Infertility Due to Homozygous Mutation c.144delC in the AURKC Gene. Cureus 2023; 15:e43376. [PMID: 37700958 PMCID: PMC10494959 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.43376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
This case report focuses on a 33-year-old male patient with a history of infertility, characterized by severe micro-oligo-asthenospermia. Subsequent analysis revealed the presence of multi-headed and multi-flagellated spermatozoa, indicating a potential case of macrocephalic spermatozoa syndrome linked to a mutation in the AURKC gene. Genetic testing confirmed the presence of a pathogenic mutation, c.144delC, in a homozygous state in the AURKC gene. The AURKC gene is known to play a vital role in meiosis during sperm production, and its mutation can lead to abnormalities in sperm morphology and function, resulting in conditions like macrozoospermia and male infertility. Additionally, the patient was diagnosed with a grade III varicocele on the left testicle, which further contributed to his infertility. Varicoceles are associated with decreased sperm production and quality, making them one of the common reversible causes of male infertility. This case highlights the significance of comprehensive diagnostic approaches, including spermogram, ultrasonography, and genetic testing, in managing male infertility cases. It also emphasizes the intricate interplay between genetic mutations and physical conditions in the manifestation of male infertility. Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying AURKC-related sperm abnormalities and to develop effective therapeutic interventions. Moreover, a deeper understanding of such genetic factors may aid in the development of genetic counseling strategies for couples experiencing infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meriame Abbassi
- Laboratory of Biomedical and Translational Research, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy and Dental Medicine, Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, MAR
| | - Hanane Sayel
- Medical Genetics and Oncogenetics Laboratory, Central Laboratory of Medical Analysis, University Hospital Center Hassan II, Fez, MAR
| | - Hinde El Mouhi
- Laboratory of Biomedical and Translational Research, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy and Dental Medicine, Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, MAR
- Center for Doctoral Studies Engineering Sciences and Techniques, Faculty of Sciences and Technologies, Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, MAR
- Medical Genetics and Oncogenetics Laboratory, Central Laboratory of Medical Analysis, University Hospital Center Hassan II, Fez, MAR
| | - Meryem Jelte
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Environment, Agri-Food and Health, Faculty of Sciences Dhar El Mahraz, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, MAR
- Medical Genetics and Oncogenetics Laboratory, Central Laboratory of Medical Analysis, University Hospital Center Hassan II, Fez, MAR
| | - Mohamed Ahakoud
- Medical Genetics and Oncogenetics Laboratory, Central Laboratory of Medical Analysis, University Hospital Center Hassan II, Fez, MAR
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6
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Okonofua FE, Ntoimo LFC, Omonkhua A, Ayodeji O, Olafusi C, Unuabonah E, Ohenhen V. Causes and Risk Factors for Male Infertility: A Scoping Review of Published Studies. Int J Gen Med 2022; 15:5985-5997. [PMID: 35811778 PMCID: PMC9268217 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s363959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite the evidence of declining sperm counts worldwide and the increasing prevalence of male infertility, there has been limited documentation of the potential causes and risk factors for male infertility. With limited methods of primary treatment of male infertility, understanding the causes and risk factors will pinpoint specific lines of prevention. Objective We reviewed published studies on causes and risk factors for male infertility and identify gaps in the literature enabling more focused research and innovations. Design/Setting The study was a scoping review. The review included studies on the causes and risk factors of male infertility published in scientific/academic publications. It was not limited to any region or date. The following databases were searched: Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Wiley online, HINARI, Science Direct, PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar, African Journals Online, and the WHO Repository. In total, 1295 articles were identified. After removing 357 duplicates, 938 articles were screened, and 71 articles were identified for inclusion, while 60 articles met the inclusion criteria. Results Four broad causes and risk factors of male infertility identified were 1) biological/physiological/genetic causes, 2) behavioral/lifestyle risk factors, 3) environmental factors, and 4) socio-demographic risk factors. However, no substantive results on actual causes under each category were identified, leaving gaps for further research and experimentation. Conclusion The results indicate limited knowledge of the actual causes of male infertility in published studies. The gaps in knowledge that need to be bridged to enable a fuller understanding of the actual causes of male infertility were highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Friday Ebhodaghe Okonofua
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Benin, Benin, Edo State, Nigeria
- Center of Excellence in Reproductive Health Innovation, University of Benin, Benin, Edo State, Nigeria
- Women’s Health and Action Research Centre, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria
- Correspondence: Friday Ebhodaghe Okonofua, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Benin, Benin, Edo State, Nigeria, Tel +234 8023347828, Email
| | - Lorretta Favour Chizomam Ntoimo
- Women’s Health and Action Research Centre, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria
- Department of Demography and Social Statistics, Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria
| | - Akhere Omonkhua
- Center of Excellence in Reproductive Health Innovation, University of Benin, Benin, Edo State, Nigeria
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, School of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Benin, Edo State, Nigeria
| | - Oladiran Ayodeji
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Ondo State, Nigeria
| | - Celestina Olafusi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Ondo State, Nigeria
| | | | - Victor Ohenhen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Central Hospital, Benin, Edo State, Nigeria
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7
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Hamza L, Gaitch N, Sallem A, Boucekkine N, Girodon E, Oumeziane A, Attal N, Wolf JP, Bienvenu T. Two frequent loss-of-function mutations in Aurora Kinase C gene in Algerian infertile men with macrozoospermia. Andrologia 2020; 52:e13868. [PMID: 33118205 DOI: 10.1111/and.13868] [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: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Macrozoospermia is associated with severe male infertility. To date, the only gene implicated in this phenotype is the Aurora Kinase C gene. We report in this work the genetic screening of AURKC mutations in 34 patients with macrozoospermia among 3,536 Algerian infertile men. Nineteen patients (56%) were homozygotes for the c.144delC mutation, eight (23.52%) homozygotes for the c.744C>G (p.Y248*) mutation and two (5.88%) compound heterozygotes. No AURKC mutation was identified in five patients (14.7%). Interestingly and although it is generally accepted that nearly all positive mutated AURKC patients have close to 100% large-head spermatozoa, our results showed that 11 patients with AURKC mutations (32.35%) had large-headed spermatozoa lower than 70% (7 with c.144delC and 4 with p.Y248*), and no mutation was found in 2 patients who had >70% of macrocephalic spermatozoa. Twenty ICSI attempts were performed before genetic screening resulting in 39 embryos but no pregnancy was obtained. The sequencing of AURKC exons 3 and 6 is appropriate as a first-line genetic exploration in these patients to avoid unsuccessful ICSI attempts. A percentage of large head spermatozoa beyond 25% and a percentage of multiflagellar spermatozoa beyond 10% are predictive of a positive mutation diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loubna Hamza
- Faculté des Sciences Biologiques, Université de Science et de Technologie Houari Boumediane (USTHB), Bab Ezzouar, Algeria.,Centre d'Assistance Médicale à la Procréation Tiziri, Alger, Algeria
| | - Natacha Gaitch
- Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Site Cochin, Laboratoire de Génétique et Biologie Moléculaires, Groupe Universitaire Paris Centre, Paris, France
| | - Amira Sallem
- Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Site Cochin, Service d'Histologie, Embryologie, Biologie de la Reproduction - CECOS, Groupe Universitaire Paris Centre, Paris, France.,Inserm, U1016, Institut Cochin, Paris, France.,Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France.,Laboratoire d'Histologie-Embryologie et de Cytogénétique (LR18ES40), Faculté de Médecine de Monastir, Université de Monastir, Monastir, Tunisie
| | - Nadjia Boucekkine
- Centre d'Assistance Médicale à la Procréation Tiziri, Alger, Algeria
| | - Emmanuelle Girodon
- Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Site Cochin, Laboratoire de Génétique et Biologie Moléculaires, Groupe Universitaire Paris Centre, Paris, France
| | - Amina Oumeziane
- Centre d'Assistance Médicale à la Procréation Tiziri, Alger, Algeria
| | - Nabila Attal
- Institut Pasteur d'Algérie ; service d'Immunologie, Dely Ibrahim, Alger, Algeria
| | - Jean Philippe Wolf
- Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Site Cochin, Service d'Histologie, Embryologie, Biologie de la Reproduction - CECOS, Groupe Universitaire Paris Centre, Paris, France.,Inserm, U1016, Institut Cochin, Paris, France.,Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France.,CNRS, UMR8104, Paris, France
| | - Thierry Bienvenu
- Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Site Cochin, Laboratoire de Génétique et Biologie Moléculaires, Groupe Universitaire Paris Centre, Paris, France.,Inserm, U1016, Institut Cochin, Paris, France.,Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France.,CNRS, UMR8104, Paris, France
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8
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Macrozoospermia associated with mutations of AURKC gene: First case report in Latin America and literature review. Rev Int Androl 2020; 18:159-163. [DOI: 10.1016/j.androl.2019.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Revised: 10/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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9
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Bai S, Hu X, Zhao Y, Li W, Wan Y, Jin R, Wang Y, Guo T, Tong X, Xu B. Compound heterozygosity for novel AURKC mutations in an infertile man with macrozoospermia. Andrologia 2020; 52:e13663. [PMID: 32478938 DOI: 10.1111/and.13663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Revised: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Among causes of infertility, teratozoospermia is characterised by a percentage of morphologically abnormal spermatozoa >4%. Macrozoospermia, one form of monomorphic teratozoospermia, is observed in <1% of cases of male infertility and is described as approximately 100% large-headed and/or multitailed spermatozoa. This study reports that an infertile man with large-head spermatozoa presenting compound heterozygosity aurora kinase C (AURKC) mutations (c.382C>T, c.572C>T) by whole-exome sequencing. Consequently, both two novel AURKC mutations had high probability of damage-causing and conserved across species and extremely low allele frequency in the population. Flow cytometry analysis revealed a high ratio of sperm DNA fragmentation. Two intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) procedures were attempted for the patient, but all were unsuccessful. These results indicate that sequence analysis should be performed for the variants of AURKC in Chinese patients with macrozoospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun Bai
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xuechun Hu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yun Zhao
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Wei Li
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yangyang Wan
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Rentao Jin
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yanshi Wang
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Tonghang Guo
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xianhong Tong
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Bo Xu
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
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10
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Kobesiy MM, Foda BM, Ali OSM, Fahmy I, Ismail SM. Mutational analysis of Aurora kinase C gene in Egyptian patients with macrozoospermia. Andrologia 2020; 52:e13619. [PMID: 32399982 DOI: 10.1111/and.13619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Macrozoospermia is a rare syndrome. The key marker of the disease is a high percentage of spermatozoa with abnormal phenotypes namely enlarged head and multiple tails. The presence of at least 70% of spermatozoa with a large head is usually associated with Aurora kinase C gene (AURKC) mutations. We sought to assess AURKC as a potential genetic actor of macrozoospermia in a sample of infertile Egyptian men. We recruited 30 patients and conducted a clinical examination, semen analysis, and DNA sequencing and RFLP for AURKC. We diagnosed 17 patients with characteristic macrozoospermia and classified them into eight severe and nine mild cases. We detected genetic variants of AURKC in five patients (29.4%): Three patients with severe macrozoospermia had c.144delC mutations in exon 3 (37.5% of the severe), and two mild cases had c.1157G>A polymorphism in the 3' UTR (22.2% of the mild). A successful intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was achieved only with a severe macrozoospermia patient without apparent AURKC mutation. The present study is the first report to link macrozoospermia and AURKC mutations in Egypt. The study recommends macrozoospermia patients to perform AURKC gene analysis and attempt ICSI, even those with a high percentage of large head spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maha M Kobesiy
- Molecular Genetics and Enzymology Department, Human Genetics and Genome Research Division, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Bardees M Foda
- Molecular Genetics and Enzymology Department, Human Genetics and Genome Research Division, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt.,Department of Pediatrics, Endocrinology Division, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Ola S M Ali
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, AL-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ibrahim Fahmy
- Andrology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.,The Egyptian IVF-ET Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Somaia M Ismail
- Medical Molecular Genetics Department, Human Genetics and Genome Research Division, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
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11
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Cariati F, D'Argenio V, Tomaiuolo R. The evolving role of genetic tests in reproductive medicine. J Transl Med 2019; 17:267. [PMID: 31412890 PMCID: PMC6694655 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-019-2019-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Infertility is considered a major public health issue, and approximately 1 out of 6 people worldwide suffer from infertility during their reproductive lifespans. Thanks to technological advances, genetic tests are becoming increasingly relevant in reproductive medicine. More genetic tests are required to identify the cause of male and/or female infertility, identify carriers of inherited diseases and plan antenatal testing. Furthermore, genetic tests provide direction toward the most appropriate assisted reproductive techniques. Nevertheless, the use of molecular analysis in this field is still fragmented and cumbersome. The aim of this review is to highlight the conditions in which a genetic evaluation (counselling and testing) plays a role in improving the reproductive outcomes of infertile couples. We conducted a review of the literature, and starting from the observation of specific signs and symptoms, we describe the available molecular tests. To conceive a child, both partners' reproductive systems need to function in a precisely choreographed manner. Hence to treat infertility, it is key to assess both partners. Our results highlight the increasing importance of molecular testing in reproductive medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Valeria D'Argenio
- KronosDNA srl, Spinoff of Università Federico II, Naples, Italy.
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy.
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate scarl, Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145, Naples, Italy.
| | - Rossella Tomaiuolo
- KronosDNA srl, Spinoff of Università Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
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12
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Hua J, Wan YY. Whole-exome sequencing identified a novel mutation of AURKC in a Chinese family with macrozoospermia. J Assist Reprod Genet 2018; 36:529-534. [PMID: 30594972 PMCID: PMC6439091 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-018-1374-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Macrozoospermia is a rare sperm morphologic abnormality associated with male infertility and is characterized by a high percentage of spermatozoa with large irregular heads. The aim of this study was to identify the genetic cause of an infertile male with macrozoospermia from a consanguineous family. METHODS Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed using peripheral blood genomic DNA from the patient and his parents. RESULTS WES analysis of the patient with macrozoospermia from a consanguineous family allowed the identification of a novel homozygous missense variant in the AURKC gene (c.269G>A). Bioinformatics analysis also suggested this variant a pathogenic mutation. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed that the mRNA level of AURKC is significantly decreased in the patient compared with his father. Moreover, no embryos were available for transfer after ICSI. CONCLUSIONS These results further support the important role of AURKC in male infertility and guide the practitioner in optimal decision making for patients with macrozoospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Hua
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Yang-Yang Wan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Anhui Provincial Hospital Affiliated to University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei City, Anhui Province, China.
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13
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Gatimel N, Moreau J, Parinaud J, Léandri RD. Sperm morphology: assessment, pathophysiology, clinical relevance, and state of the art in 2017. Andrology 2017; 5:845-862. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Revised: 05/05/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- N. Gatimel
- Department of Reproductive Medicine; Paule de Viguier Hospital; Toulouse University Hospital; Toulouse France
- EA 3694 Human Fertility Research Group; Paule de Viguier Hospital; Toulouse University Hospital; Toulouse France
| | - J. Moreau
- Department of Reproductive Medicine; Paule de Viguier Hospital; Toulouse University Hospital; Toulouse France
- EA 3694 Human Fertility Research Group; Paule de Viguier Hospital; Toulouse University Hospital; Toulouse France
| | - J. Parinaud
- Department of Reproductive Medicine; Paule de Viguier Hospital; Toulouse University Hospital; Toulouse France
- EA 3694 Human Fertility Research Group; Paule de Viguier Hospital; Toulouse University Hospital; Toulouse France
| | - R. D. Léandri
- Department of Reproductive Medicine; Paule de Viguier Hospital; Toulouse University Hospital; Toulouse France
- EA 3694 Human Fertility Research Group; Paule de Viguier Hospital; Toulouse University Hospital; Toulouse France
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14
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Carmignac V, Dupont JM, Fierro RC, Barberet J, Bruno C, Lieury N, Dulioust E, Auger J, Fauque P. Diagnostic genetic screening for assisted reproductive technologies patients with macrozoospermia. Andrology 2017; 5:370-380. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2016] [Revised: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- V. Carmignac
- Equipe GAD; Génétique des Anomalies du Développement; Université de Bourgogne; Dijon France
| | - J.-M. Dupont
- Laboratoire de Cytogénétique Constitutionnelle; Faculté de Médecine; Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris Centre; Université Paris Descartes; Paris France
| | - R. C. Fierro
- Laboratoire de Microscopie; Université Lorraine; Nancy France
- Sciences de la Santé; Université Autonome Métropolitaine; Mexico City Mexico
| | - J. Barberet
- Service de Biologie de la Reproduction; Hôpital François Mitterrand; Université de Bourgogne; Dijon France
| | - C. Bruno
- Service de Biologie de la Reproduction; Hôpital François Mitterrand; Université de Bourgogne; Dijon France
| | - N. Lieury
- Service de Biologie de la Reproduction; Hôpital François Mitterrand; Université de Bourgogne; Dijon France
| | - E. Dulioust
- Service d'Histologie-Embryologie; Biologie de la Reproduction/CECOS; Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris Centre; Paris France
- INSERM U1016; Equipe ‘Génomique, Epigénétique et Physiologie de la Reproduction’; Institut Cochin; Université Paris Descartes; Paris France
| | - J. Auger
- Service d'Histologie-Embryologie; Biologie de la Reproduction/CECOS; Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris Centre; Paris France
- INSERM U1016; Equipe ‘Génomique, Epigénétique et Physiologie de la Reproduction’; Institut Cochin; Université Paris Descartes; Paris France
| | - P. Fauque
- Equipe GAD; Génétique des Anomalies du Développement; Université de Bourgogne; Dijon France
- Service de Biologie de la Reproduction; Hôpital François Mitterrand; Université de Bourgogne; Dijon France
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15
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Ray PF, Toure A, Metzler-Guillemain C, Mitchell MJ, Arnoult C, Coutton C. Genetic abnormalities leading to qualitative defects of sperm morphology or function. Clin Genet 2016; 91:217-232. [PMID: 27779748 DOI: 10.1111/cge.12905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Revised: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 10/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Infertility, defined by the inability of conceiving a child after 1 year is estimated to concern approximately 50 million couples worldwide. As the male gamete is readily accessible and can be studied by a simple spermogram it is easier to subcategorize male than female infertility. Subjects with a specific sperm phenotype are more likely to have a common origin thus facilitating the search for causal factors. Male infertility is believed to be often multifactorial and caused by both genetic and extrinsic factors, but severe cases of male infertility are likely to have a predominant genetic etiology. Patients presenting with a monomorphic teratozoospermia such as globozoospermia or macrospermia with more than 85% of the spermatozoa presenting this specific abnormality have been analyzed permitting to identify several key genes for spermatogenesis such as AURKC and DPY19L2. The study of patients with other specific sperm anomalies such as severe alteration of sperm motility, in particular multiple morphological anomalies of the sperm flagella (MMAF) or sperm unability to fertilize the oocyte (oocyte activation failure syndrome) has also enable the identification of new infertility genes. Here we review the recent works describing the identification and characterization of gene defects having a direct qualitative effect on sperm morphology or function.
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Affiliation(s)
- P F Ray
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France.,Institut for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Grenoble, France.,UF de Biochimie et Génétique Moléculaire, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - A Toure
- Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, Paris, France.,CNRS, UMR8104, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Paris Cité, Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | | | | | - C Arnoult
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France.,Institut for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Grenoble, France
| | - C Coutton
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France.,Institut for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Grenoble, France.,UF de Génétique Chromosomique, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
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16
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Macrozoospermia: screening for the homozygous c.144delC mutation in AURKC gene in infertile men and estimation of its heterozygosity frequency in the Tunisian population. J Assist Reprod Genet 2015; 32:1651-8. [PMID: 26341096 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-015-0565-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2015] [Accepted: 08/26/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Macrozoospermia is a rare condition of male infertility characterized by the presence of close to 100 % large-headed multiflagellar spermatozoa. The homozygous mutation (c.144delC) in aurora kinase C gene (AURKC) has been identified as the most frequent mutation causing macrozoospermia in North African patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of this condition in Tunisia and estimate the frequency of c.144delC mutation among infertile and control populations. METHODS Sequencing c.144delC mutation was carried out in 33 macrozoospermic patients among 6652 infertile men. Minisequencing of exon3 was performed in 250 unrelated control individuals to estimate the frequency of c.144delC heterozygosity. RESULTS More than 80 % of macrozoospermic patients were c.144delC homozygous. The prevalence of homozygous c.144delC was 0.4 % among infertile men (27/6652). The frequency of heterozygosity was 0.4 % among controls (1/250). Surprisingly, it is five times less common than established in the general population of North Africa (2 %) or in the Moroccan population (1.7 %). CONCLUSIONS We show that this mutation is relatively less frequent in the Tunisian population than in other Maghrebian populations. The occurrence of homozygous mutation among infertile men can be attributed to the high rate of consanguinity and its impact on the expression of this autosomal recessive male infertility disorder rather than a high frequency of heterozygous carriers among the general population. This highlights the importance of the molecular analysis of AURKC mutations for infertile men with high percentage of large-headed multiflagellar spermatozoa in order to limit unnecessary in vitro fertilization attempts for them.
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17
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Coutton C, Escoffier J, Martinez G, Arnoult C, Ray PF. Teratozoospermia: spotlight on the main genetic actors in the human. Hum Reprod Update 2015; 21:455-85. [PMID: 25888788 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmv020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 215] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2014] [Accepted: 03/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Male infertility affects >20 million men worldwide and represents a major health concern. Although multifactorial, male infertility has a strong genetic basis which has so far not been extensively studied. Recent studies of consanguineous families and of small cohorts of phenotypically homogeneous patients have however allowed the identification of a number of autosomal recessive causes of teratozoospermia. Homozygous mutations of aurora kinase C (AURKC) were first described to be responsible for most cases of macrozoospermia. Other genes defects have later been identified in spermatogenesis associated 16 (SPATA16) and dpy-19-like 2 (DPY19L2) in patients with globozoospermia and more recently in dynein, axonemal, heavy chain 1 (DNAH1) in a heterogeneous group of patients presenting with flagellar abnormalities previously described as dysplasia of the fibrous sheath or short/stump tail syndromes, which we propose to call multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella (MMAF). METHODS A comprehensive review of the scientific literature available in PubMed/Medline was conducted for studies on human genetics, experimental models and physiopathology related to teratozoospermia in particular globozoospermia, large headed spermatozoa and flagellar abnormalities. The search included all articles with an English abstract available online before September 2014. RESULTS Molecular studies of numerous unrelated patients with globozoospermia and large-headed spermatozoa confirmed that mutations in DPY19L2 and AURKC are mainly responsible for their respective pathological phenotype. In globozoospermia, the deletion of the totality of the DPY19L2 gene represents ∼ 81% of the pathological alleles but point mutations affecting the protein function have also been described. In macrozoospermia only two recurrent mutations were identified in AURKC, accounting for almost all the pathological alleles, raising the possibility of a putative positive selection of heterozygous individuals. The recent identification of DNAH1 mutations in a proportion of patients with MMAF is promising but emphasizes that this phenotype is genetically heterogeneous. Moreover, the identification of mutations in a dynein strengthens the emerging point of view that MMAF may be a phenotypic variation of the classical forms of primary ciliary dyskinesia. Based on data from human and animal models, the MMAF phenotype seems to be favored by defects directly or indirectly affecting the central pair of axonemal microtubules of the sperm flagella. CONCLUSIONS The studies described here provide valuable information regarding the genetic and molecular defects causing infertility, to improve our understanding of the physiopathology of teratozoospermia while giving a detailed characterization of specific features of spermatogenesis. Furthermore, these findings have a significant influence on the diagnostic strategy for teratozoospermic patients allowing the clinician to provide the patient with informed genetic counseling, to adopt the best course of treatment and to develop personalized medicine directly targeting the defective gene products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Coutton
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, F-38000, France Equipe 'Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility' Institut Albert Bonniot, INSERM U823, La Tronche, F-38706, France CHU de Grenoble, UF de Génétique Chromosomique, Grenoble, F-38000, France
| | - Jessica Escoffier
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, F-38000, France Equipe 'Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility' Institut Albert Bonniot, INSERM U823, La Tronche, F-38706, France Departments of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Guillaume Martinez
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, F-38000, France Equipe 'Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility' Institut Albert Bonniot, INSERM U823, La Tronche, F-38706, France
| | - Christophe Arnoult
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, F-38000, France Equipe 'Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility' Institut Albert Bonniot, INSERM U823, La Tronche, F-38706, France
| | - Pierre F Ray
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, F-38000, France Equipe 'Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility' Institut Albert Bonniot, INSERM U823, La Tronche, F-38706, France CHU de Grenoble, UF de Biochimie et Génétique Moléculaire, Grenoble, F-38000, France
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De Braekeleer M, Nguyen MH, Morel F, Perrin A. Genetic aspects of monomorphic teratozoospermia: a review. J Assist Reprod Genet 2015; 32:615-23. [PMID: 25711835 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-015-0433-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2014] [Accepted: 01/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Teratozoospermia is characterized by the presence of spermatozoa with abnormal morphology over 85 % in sperm. When all the spermatozoa display a unique abnormality, teratozoospermia is said to be monomorphic. Two forms of monomorphic teratozoospermia, representing less than 1 % of male infertility, are recognized: macrozoospermia (also called macrocephalic sperm head syndrome) and globozoospermia (also called round-headed sperm syndrome). Macrozoospermia is defined as the presence of a very high percentage of spermatozoa with enlarged head and multiple flagella. Meiotic segregation studies in 30 males revealed that over 90 % of spermatozoa were aneuploid, mainly diploid. Sperm DNA fragmentation studies performed in a few patients showed an increase in DNA fragmentation index compared to fertile men. Four mutations in the AURKC gene, a key player in meiosis and more particularly in spermatogenesis, have been found to be responsible for macrozoospermia. Globozoospermia is characterized by round-headed spermatozoa with an absent acrosome, an aberrant nuclear membrane and midpiece defects. The rate of aneuploidy of various chromosomes in spermatozoa from 26 globozoospermic men was slightly increased compared to fertile men. However, this increase was of the same order as that commonly found in infertile men with altered sperm parameters. The majority of the studies found that globozoospermic males had a sperm DNA fragmentation index higher than in fertile men. Mutations or deletions in three genes, SPATA16, PICK1 and DPY19L2, have been shown to be responsible for globozoospermia. Identification of the genetic causes of macrozoospermia and globozoospermia should help refine diagnosis and treatment of these patients, avoiding long and painful treatments. Elucidating the molecular causes of these defects is of utmost importance as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is very disappointing in these two pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc De Braekeleer
- Laboratoire d'Histologie, Embryologie et Cytogénétique, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Bretagne Occidentale, Brest, France,
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