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Hsu CY, Jasim SA, Pallathadka H, Kumar A, Konnova K, Qasim MT, Alubiady MHS, Pramanik A, Al-Ani AM, Abosaoda MK. A comprehensive insight into the contribution of epigenetics in male infertility; focusing on immunological modifications. J Reprod Immunol 2024; 164:104274. [PMID: 38865894 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2024.104274] [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: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Numerous recent studies have examined the impact epigenetics-including DNA methylation-has on spermatogenesis and male infertility. Differential methylation of several genes has been linked to compromised spermatogenesis and/or reproductive failure. Specifically, male infertility has been frequently associated with DNA methylation abnormalities of MEST and H19 inside imprinted genes and MTHFR within non-imprinted genes. Microbial infections mainly result in male infertility because of the immune response triggered by the bacteria' accumulation of immune cells, proinflammatory cytokines, and chemokines. Thus, bacterially produced epigenetic dysregulations may impact host cell function, supporting host defense or enabling pathogen persistence. So, it is possible to think of pathogenic bacteria as potential epimutagens that can alter the epigenome. It has been demonstrated that dysregulated levels of LncRNA correlate with motility and sperm count in ejaculated spermatozoa from infertile males. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the relationship between decreased reproductive capacity and sperm DNA methylation status should aid in creating new diagnostic instruments for this condition. To fully understand the mechanisms influencing sperm methylation and how they relate to male infertility, more research is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chou-Yi Hsu
- Department of Pharmacy, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan, Taiwan
| | | | | | - Ashwani Kumar
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Sciences, Jain (Deemed-to-be) University, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560069, India; Department of Pharmacy, Vivekananda Global University, Jaipur, Rajasthan 303012, India
| | - Karina Konnova
- Assistant of the Department of Propaedeutics of Dental Diseases. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Russia
| | - Maytham T Qasim
- College of Health and Medical Technology, Al-Ayen University, Thi-Qar 64001, Iraq
| | | | - Atreyi Pramanik
- School of Applied and Life Sciences, Divison of Research and Innovation, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | | | - Munther Kadhim Abosaoda
- College of Technical Engineering, the Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq; College of Technical Engineering, the Islamic University of Al Diwaniyah, Al Diwaniyah, Iraq; College of Technical Engineering, the Islamic University of Babylon, Babylon, Iraq
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Mottola F, Carannante M, Barretta A, Palmieri I, Rocco L. Reproductive cytotoxic and genotoxic impact of polystyrene microplastic on Paracentrotus lividus spermatozoa. Curr Res Toxicol 2024; 6:100173. [PMID: 38826685 PMCID: PMC11143891 DOI: 10.1016/j.crtox.2024.100173] [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: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, industrialization, intensive agriculture, and urban development have severely impacted marine environments, compromising the health of aquatic and terrestrial organisms. Inadequate disposal results in hundreds of tons of plastic products released annually into the environment, which degrade into microplastics (MPs), posing health risks due to their ability to biomagnify and bioaccumulate. Among these, polystyrene MPs (PS-MPs) are significant pollutants in marine ecosystems, widely studied for their reproductive toxicological effects. This research aimed to evaluate the reproductive cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of PS-MPs on sea urchin (Paracentrotus lividus) spermatozoa in vitro. Results showed that PS-MPs significantly reduced sperm viability and motility without altering morphology, and induced sperm DNA fragmentation mediated by reactive oxygen species production. Furthermore, head-to-head agglutination of the spermatozoa was observed exclusively in the sample treated with the plastic agents, indicating the ability of microplastics to adhere to the surface of sperm cells and form aggregates with microplastics on other sperm cells, thereby impeding movement and reducing reproductive potential. These findings suggest that PS-MPs can adversely affect the quality of sea urchin sperm, potentially impacting reproductive events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filomena Mottola
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Maria Carannante
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Angela Barretta
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Ilaria Palmieri
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Lucia Rocco
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 81100 Caserta, Italy
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Falcone M, Bocu K, Keskin H, Solorzano Vazquez JF, Banthia R, Mahendran T, Deger MD, Kv V, Mirko P, Harraz AM, Saleh R, Shah R, Agarwal A. Anti-sperm Antibody Positivity in Men with Varicocele: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. World J Mens Health 2024; 42:42.e43. [PMID: 38606868 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.240003] [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: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Despite the significant role of varicocele in the pathogenesis of male infertility, its association with anti-sperm antibodies (ASA) remains controversial. This systematic review and meta-analysis (SRMA) aims to investigate the frequency of ASA positivity in men with varicocele. MATERIALS AND METHODS This SRMA is conducted in accordance with the Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines. We investigated the frequency of ASA positivity in ejaculates or serum of men with varicocele as compared to men without varicocele (controls). A literature search was performed using the Scopus and PubMed databases following the Population Exposure Comparison Outcome, Study Design model. Data extracted from eligible studies were meta-analyzed and expressed as odds ratios (ORs) and confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS Out of 151 abstracts identified during the initial screening, 6 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. Using mixed antiglobulin reaction (MAR) assay, 61 out of the 153 (39.8%) patients with varicocele tested positive for ASA in their ejaculates as compared to 22 out of the 129 control subjects (17%, OR=4.34 [95% CI: 1.09-17.28]; p=0.04). Using direct or indirect immunobead test, 30 out of 60 cases diagnosed with varicocele (50%) had shown ASA positivity in their ejaculates as compared to 16 out of 104 controls (15.4%, OR=3.57 [95% CI: 0.81-15.68]; p=0.09). Using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), out of 89 varicocele patients, 33 (37.1%) tested positive for serum ASA as compared to 9 out of 57 participants in the control group (15.8%, OR=7.87 [95% CI: 2.39-25.89]; p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS This SRMA indicates that ASA positivity is significantly higher among men with varicocele when tested by direct method (MAR) or indirect method (ELISA). This data suggests an immunological pathology in infertile men with varicocele and may have implications for the management of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Falcone
- Department of Urology, Molinette Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
| | - Kadir Bocu
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Silopi State Hospital, Sirnak, Turkey
| | - Hakan Keskin
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | | | - Ravi Banthia
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Tara Mahendran
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Andrology Center, Coimbatore, India
| | - Muslim Dogan Deger
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Edirne Sultan 1st Murat State Hospital, Edirne, Turkey
| | - Vinod Kv
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Centre for Urological Research and Evaluation, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Preto Mirko
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Molinette Hospital A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Ahmed M Harraz
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Sabah Al Ahmad Urology Center, Kuwait City, Kuwait
- General Surgery Department, Urology Unit, Farwaniya Hospital, Farwaniya, Kuwait
- Department of Urology, Urology and Nephrology Center, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Ramadan Saleh
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
- Ajyal IVF Center, Ajyal Hospital, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Rupin Shah
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Division of Andrology, Department of Urology, Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, India
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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Yang D, Yuan L, Ma X, Qi Y, Cheng S, Zhang Y. Histological study of Bactrian camel cryptorchidism and expression of immunoglobulin λ light chain in the testicular and epididymis of cryptorchid Bactrian camel. Reprod Domest Anim 2024; 59:e14512. [PMID: 38069628 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14512] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Lambda light chains (λ-LCs) are frequently responsible for triggering the activation of inflammatory factors in autoimmune disorders, and an increase in their levels will cause various pathological changes in serum. The aim of this study was to determine the histological differences between the epididymis and testis of normal and cryptorchid Bactrian camels and the differences in λ-LC expression in the epididymis and testis of normal and cryptorchid Bactrian camels. Haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was used to examine the pathological changes in cryptorchidism. The gene and protein levels of λ-LC were determined using RT-qPCR and western blot. The distribution of λ-LCs was assessed by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Compared with that in normal Bactrian camels, the diameter of the epididymal lumen and the thickness of the epithelium were decreased in the epididymis of cryptorchidic animals. Additionally, no sperm was detected in the cavity of the cryptorchidic epididymis. Meanwhile, the expression of λ-LC was significantly increased in the cryptorchidic epididymis at both the mRNA and protein levels (p < .05). The highest protein expression of λ-LC was found in epididymal epithelial halo cells and testicular Sertoli cells. These findings suggested that the structural changes observed in the epididymal epithelium of cryptorchidic camels affect its secretory and absorptive functions. Additionally, the high level of λ-LC expression recorded in halo cells suggested that these cells play an important role in epithelial immunity in cryptorchidic Bactrian camels. Furthermore, the high λ-LC expression levels detected in normal testicular Sertoli cells indicated that λ-LCs may be involved in spermatogenesis. The results of this study provide clues for an in-depth study of immunological sterility in cryptorchidic Bactrian camels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dapeng Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ligang Yuan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaojie Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yumei Qi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Shaoyu Cheng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
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Walter J, Eludin Z, Drabovich AP. Redefining serological diagnostics with immunoaffinity proteomics. Clin Proteomics 2023; 20:42. [PMID: 37821808 PMCID: PMC10568870 DOI: 10.1186/s12014-023-09431-y] [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: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Serological diagnostics is generally defined as the detection of specific human immunoglobulins developed against viral, bacterial, or parasitic diseases. Serological tests facilitate the detection of past infections, evaluate immune status, and provide prognostic information. Serological assays were traditionally implemented as indirect immunoassays, and their design has not changed for decades. The advantages of straightforward setup and manufacturing, analytical sensitivity and specificity, affordability, and high-throughput measurements were accompanied by limitations such as semi-quantitative measurements, lack of universal reference standards, potential cross-reactivity, and challenges with multiplexing the complete panel of human immunoglobulin isotypes and subclasses. Redesign of conventional serological tests to include multiplex quantification of immunoglobulin isotypes and subclasses, utilize universal reference standards, and minimize cross-reactivity and non-specific binding will facilitate the development of assays with higher diagnostic specificity. Improved serological assays with higher diagnostic specificity will enable screenings of asymptomatic populations and may provide earlier detection of infectious diseases, autoimmune disorders, and cancer. In this review, we present the major clinical needs for serological diagnostics, overview conventional immunoassay detection techniques, present the emerging immunoassay detection technologies, and discuss in detail the advantages and limitations of mass spectrometry and immunoaffinity proteomics for serological diagnostics. Finally, we explore the design of novel immunoaffinity-proteomic assays to evaluate cell-mediated immunity and advance the sequencing of clinically relevant immunoglobulins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Walter
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, 10-102 Clinical Sciences Building, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Zicki Eludin
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, 10-102 Clinical Sciences Building, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Andrei P Drabovich
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, 10-102 Clinical Sciences Building, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2G3, Canada.
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Delgouffe E, Braye A, Vloeberghs V, Mateizel I, Ernst C, Ferster A, Devalck C, Tournaye H, Gies I, Goossens E. Spermatogenesis after gonadotoxic childhood treatment: follow-up of 12 patients. Hum Reprod Open 2023; 2023:hoad029. [PMID: 37547664 PMCID: PMC10403430 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoad029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What is the long-term impact of presumed gonadotoxic treatment during childhood on the patient's testicular function at adulthood? SUMMARY ANSWER Although most patients showed low testicular volumes and some degree of reproductive hormone disruption 12.3 (2.3-21.0) years after gonadotoxic childhood therapy, active spermatogenesis was demonstrated in the semen sample of 8 out of the 12 patients. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY In recent decades, experimental testicular tissue banking programmes have been set up to safeguard the future fertility of young boys requiring chemo- and/or radiotherapy with significant gonadotoxicity. Although the risk of azoospermia following such therapies is estimated to be high, only limited long-term data are available on the reproductive potential at adulthood. STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION This single-centre prospective cohort study was conducted between September 2020 and February 2023 and involved 12 adult patients. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS This study was carried out in a tertiary care centre and included 12 young adults (18.1-28.3 years old) who had been offered testicular tissue banking prior to gonadotoxic treatment during childhood. All patients had a consultation and physical examination with a fertility specialist, a scrotal ultrasound to measure the testicular volumes and evaluate the testicular parenchyma, a blood test for assessment of reproductive hormones, and a semen analysis. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Testicular tissue was banked prior to the gonadotoxic treatment for 10 out of the 12 included patients. Testicular volumes were low for 9 patients, and 10 patients showed some degree of reproductive hormone disruption. Remarkably, ongoing spermatogenesis was demonstrated in 8 patients at a median 12.3 (range 2.3-21.0) years post-treatment. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION This study had a limited sample size, making additional research with a larger study population necessary to verify these preliminary findings. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These findings highlight the need for multicentric research with a larger study population to establish universal inclusion criteria for immature testicular tissue banking. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This study was conducted with financial support from the Research Programme of the Research Foundation-Flanders (G010918N), Kom Op Tegen Kanker, and Scientific Fund Willy Gepts (WFWG19-03). The authors declare no competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04202094; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04202094?id=NCT04202094&draw=2&rank=1 This study was registered on 6 December 2019, and the first patient was enrolled on 8 September 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Delgouffe
- Correspondence address. Department of Reproduction, Genetics and Regenerative Medicine (RGRG), Biology of the Testis (BITE), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium. Tel: +32-(0)2-477-46-44; E-mail: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5611-2173
| | - A Braye
- Department of Reproduction, Genetics and Regenerative Medicine (RGRG), Biology of the Testis (BITE), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - V Vloeberghs
- Brussels IVF, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Brussels, Belgium
| | - I Mateizel
- Brussels IVF, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Brussels, Belgium
| | - C Ernst
- Division of Paediatric Radiology, Department of Radiology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Brussels, Belgium
| | - A Ferster
- Department of Hemato-Oncology, Hôpital Universitaire des Enfants Reine Fabiola (HUDERF), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - C Devalck
- Department of Hemato-Oncology, Hôpital Universitaire des Enfants Reine Fabiola (HUDERF), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - H Tournaye
- Brussels IVF, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology, Perinatology and Reproduction, Institute of Professional Education, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - I Gies
- Division of Paediatric Endocrinology, Department of Paediatrics, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - E Goossens
- Department of Reproduction, Genetics and Regenerative Medicine (RGRG), Biology of the Testis (BITE), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
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Wang JM, Li ZF, Qi HY, Zhao Z, Yang WX. es-Arp3 and es-Eps8 regulate spermatogenesis via microfilaments in the seminiferous tubule of Eriocheir sinensis. Tissue Cell 2023; 81:102028. [PMID: 36709695 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2023.102028] [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: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complicated process that includes spermatogonia differentiation, spermatocytes meiosis, spermatids spermiogenesis and final release of spermatozoa. Actin-related protein 3 (Arp3) and epidermal growth factor receptor pathway substrate 8 (Eps8) are two actin binding proteins that regulate cell adhesion in seminiferous tubules during mammalian spermatogenesis. However, the functions of these two proteins during spermatogenesis in nonmammalian species, especially Crustacea, are still unknown. Here, we cloned es-Arp3 and es-Eps8 from the testis of Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis. es-Arp3 and es-Eps8 were located in spermatocytes, spermatids and spermatozoa. Knockdown of es-Arp3 and es-Eps8 in vivo caused morphological changes to seminiferous tubules including delayed spermatozoa release, shedding of germ cells and vacuoles. Filamentous-actin (F-actin) filaments network was disorganized due to deficiency of es-Arp3 and es-Eps8. Accompanying this, four junctional proteins (α-catenin, β-catenin, pinin and ZO1) displayed abnormal expression levels as well as penetrating biotin signals in seminiferous tubules. We also used the Arp2/3 complex inhibitor CK666 to block es-Arp3 activity and supported es-Arp3 knockdown results. In summary, our study demonstrated for the first time that es-Arp3 and es-Eps8 are important for spermatogenesis via regulating microfilament-mediated cell adhesion in Eriocheir sinensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Ming Wang
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zhen-Fang Li
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Hong-Yu Qi
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zhan Zhao
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Wan-Xi Yang
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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