1
|
Delgado-Bermúdez A. Insights into crucial molecules and protein channels involved in pig sperm cryopreservation. Anim Reprod Sci 2024; 269:107547. [PMID: 38981798 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Cryopreservation is the most efficient procedure for long-term preservation of mammalian sperm; however, its use is not currently dominant for boar sperm before its use for artificial insemination. In fact, freezing and thawing have an extensive detrimental effect on sperm function and lead to impaired fertility. The present work summarises the basis of the structural and functional impact of cryopreservation on pig sperm that have been extensively studied in recent decades, as well as the molecular alterations in sperm that are related to this damage. The wide variety of mechanisms underlying the consequences of alterations in expression levels and structural modifications of sperm proteins with diverse functions is detailed. Moreover, the use of cryotolerance biomarkers as predictors of the potential resilience of a sperm sample to the cryopreservation process is also discussed. Regarding the proteins that have been identified to be relevant during the cryopreservation process, they are classified according to the functions they carry out in sperm, including antioxidant function, plasma membrane protection, sperm motility regulation, chromatin structure, metabolism and mitochondrial function, heat-shock response, premature capacitation and sperm-oocyte binding and fusion. Special reference is made to the relevance of sperm membrane channels, as their function is crucial for boar sperm to withstand osmotic shock during cryopreservation. Finally, potential aims for future research on cryodamage and cryotolerance are proposed, which might be crucial to minimise the side-effects of cryopreservation and to make it a more advantageous strategy for boar sperm preservation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ariadna Delgado-Bermúdez
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona ES-17003, Spain; Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona ES-17003, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kent K, Nozawa K, Sutton C, Daniel F, Ikawa M, Garcia TX, Matzuk MM. CUB domains are not required for OVCH2 function in sperm maturation in the mouse epididymis. Andrology 2024; 12:682-697. [PMID: 37551853 PMCID: PMC10850435 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ovochymase 2 (Ovch2) is an epididymis-specific gene that is required for male fertility. While a multitude of reproductive tract-specific genes required for male fertility have been identified, OVCH2 is thus far the first protein required for male fertility that contains Complement C1r/C1s, Uegf, Bmp1 (CUB) domains located in tandem in the C-terminus of the protein. Identifying the functional significance of this unique domain has implications in better understanding fertility and infertility and as a potential contraceptive target. OBJECTIVE The goals of these studies were to understand the influence and requirement of OVCH2 CUB domains in the localization and functional requirement of OVCH2 in sperm maturation and function. MATERIALS AND METHODS To this end, we performed in vivo localization analysis of OVCH2 and reproductive phenotype analysis of mice containing C-terminal FLAG tag on OVCH2, with either the entire protein intact, or CUB2 or both CUB1 and CUB2 genetically ablated. All mice were generated through the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing approach. RESULTS We found that OVCH2 is specifically expressed in the proximal caput epididymidis, and the absence of CUB2 did not affect this localization pattern. Although the absence of both CUB domains significantly reduced sperm motility and progressive motility, this effect was not manifested in a reduction in fertility over a 6-month period mating trial, which showed no significant differences between control and CUB deletant mice. Further, the absence of one or both CUB domains did not affect reproductive organ structure or sperm morphology. CONCLUSIONS Our studies demonstrate that the CUB domains are not required for fertility in male mice, at least under the normal animal housing conditions our mice were tested in, and suggest that the enzymatic activity of the OVCH2 protease, in the absence of its CUB domains, is sufficient for normal sperm processing in the epididymis. Although our findings do not preclude the possibility that OVCH2 CUB domains are required under a yet-identified stress condition, our findings demonstrate that the most likely region for deleterious mutations in men with idiopathic infertility and the most vulnerable site for inhibition of OVCH2 protein function is in its protease domain, and not its CUB domains. Our findings have implications in the genetic screening of infertile men and the development of a novel non-hormonal male contraceptive by honing in on the more critical region of a functionally required protein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Kent
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kaori Nozawa
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Courtney Sutton
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Frey Daniel
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Thomas X. Garcia
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
- Scott Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, TX 77030, USA
| | - Martin M. Matzuk
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kroh PD, Braun BC, Lui F, Müller P, Müller K. Boar spermadhesin AWN: Novel insights in its binding behavior and localization on sperm. Biol Reprod 2022; 106:775-791. [PMID: 35020825 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab244] [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: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
As a major spermadhesin first found in the seminal plasma of boars, AWN is described to fulfil a variety of reproduction related tasks. Although being the best investigated boar spermadhesin, information about its interaction with membranes is inconsistent. In this regard, previous reports locate AWN either inside or on the surface of sperm cells and at different regions, depending on the method and antibody used. Here, we localize native AWN in/on epididymal, ejaculated, capacitated and acrosome-reacted boar sperm using epifluorescence and electron microscopy, as well as an analysis of potential lipid binding partners of native and recombinant AWN. By applying a custom-made anti-AWN antibody, localization of AWN in the equatorial segment of ejaculated, capacitated and acrosome-reacted boar sperm was discovered. Electron microscopy showed that AWN is localized both on the sperm surface and on the cytoplasmic side of the plasma membrane, and in close vicinity to the nuclear and both acrosomal membranes of sperm. Analysis of epididymal sperm indicated migration of AWN from the retral postacrosomal part to the equatorial segment during the epididymal passage. In contrast to hypotheses claiming a specific association of AWN to phosphatidylethanolamine and in line with our previous study describing an interaction with phosphatidic acid, the current results show a rather electrostatically-driven binding mechanism of AWN to negative lipids. In conclusion, this work provides new insights into the arrangement of AWN in the equatorial segment that suggest a possible role in sperm-oocyte fusion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pascal D Kroh
- Department Reproduction Biology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Beate C Braun
- Department Reproduction Biology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Fan Lui
- Mass Spectrometry, Leibniz Research Institute for Molecular Pharmacology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter Müller
- Department of Biology/Biophysics, Humboldt University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Karin Müller
- Department Reproduction Biology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
da Silva LS, Ruivo MA, da Cruz TM, Meneguello JE, Pilau EJ, Caruso ÍP, de Moraes GV, Martinez AC, Seixas FAV. Structural and biophysical characterization of the major proteins from the seminal plasma of Dorper rams. Theriogenology 2021; 166:64-70. [PMID: 33689929 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.02.019] [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: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Pregnancy rates using frozen semen from rams are higher than for horses. One of the factors that positively influences this effect is the composition of low-molecular-weight proteins from seminal plasma, since the amounts of these proteins are much lower in horses. The aim of this work was to purify the major protein components from ram seminal plasma for structural and biophysical characterization. First, the ram semen was collected and the plasma separated by centrifugation. The protein fractions were isolated by gel filtration chromatography, analyzed by circular dichroism spectroscopy and the amino acid sequence identified by mass spectrometry (LC-MSE), the results of which were used to model the protein structure by bioinformatics techniques. This protein was identified by LC-MSE as a spermadhesin, being an unglycosylated monomer with Tm = 69.3 °C and ΔHm= 371 kJ mol-1 at pH 7.0. This work describes for the first time the structural characterization of a spermadhesin from seminal plasma of Dorper rams.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luan Sitó da Silva
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Estadual de Maringá - UEM, Umuarama, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Maycon Araújo Ruivo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Estadual de Maringá - UEM, Umuarama, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Tainá Michelle da Cruz
- Department of Technology, Universidade Estadual de Maringá - UEM, Umuarama, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Jean Eduardo Meneguello
- Department of Clinical Analyses and Biomedicine, Universidade Estadual de Maringá - UEM, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Jorge Pilau
- Department of Chemistry, Universidade Estadual de Maringá - UEM, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Ícaro Putinhon Caruso
- Department of Physics and Biomolecular Innovation Center (CMIB), Instituto de Biociências, Letras e Ciências Exatas - IBILCE/UNESP, São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil; National Center for Nuclear Magnetic Resonance of Macromolecules, Institute of Medical Biochemistry and National Center for Structural Biology and Bioimaging (CENABIO), UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Gentil Vanini de Moraes
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Estadual de Maringá - UEM, Umuarama, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Eder S, Bailey LD, Müller K. Equilibration in freezing extender alters in vitro sperm-oviduct binding in the domestic cat (Felis catus). Theriogenology 2020; 149:79-87. [PMID: 32247216 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.03.017] [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: 09/23/2019] [Revised: 03/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
For the preservation of endangered felid species, epididymal sperm may be received from valuable individuals after castration or death and they need to be cryopreserved for storage. However, pregnancy rates with epididymal or cryopreserved sperm are lower than with ejaculated and non-frozen semen even if insemination is surgically performed into the oviduct. To investigate whether equilibration, the first step of the cryopreservation procedure, has an impact on sperm-oviduct binding, we generated oviduct epithelial cell vesicles from isthmus segments of preovulatory domestic cats. Binding assays were performed with epididymal sperm in a cell culture medium (M199) without supplements, or after cooling to 15 °C in a freezing extender (TestG), supplemented with glycerol and the water-soluble fraction of hen's egg yolk mainly comprising LDL. The sperm-oviduct binding was assessed both quantitatively and qualitatively (head or tail binding of sperm with active or inactive mitochondria). Most of the bound sperm prepared in M199 had active mitochondria and were attached to the vesicles by their heads. In equilibrated samples, the proportion of bound sperm with active mitochondria and the proportion of head-bound spermatozoa were reduced. The total motility of the sperm after 1 h of incubation in the absence or presence of vesicles were also affected by the preparation (higher in equilibrated) and the incubation (lower in co-incubated), while mitochondrial activity was influenced just by the preparation. Obviously, LDL has a beneficial effect on sperm motility, but we suggest that it interferes with the molecular sperm-oviduct crosstalk and causes a reduced binding of "good" sperm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Eder
- Department of Reproduction Biology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str.17, 10315, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Liam D Bailey
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str.17, 10315, Berlin, Germany
| | - Karin Müller
- Department of Reproduction Biology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str.17, 10315, Berlin, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Gomes FP, Diedrich JK, Saviola AJ, Memili E, Moura AA, Yates JR. EThcD and 213 nm UVPD for Top-Down Analysis of Bovine Seminal Plasma Proteoforms on Electrophoretic and Chromatographic Time Frames. Anal Chem 2020; 92:2979-2987. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.9b03856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fabio P. Gomes
- The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Jolene K. Diedrich
- The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Anthony J. Saviola
- The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Erdogan Memili
- Mississippi State University, Starkville, Mississippi 39762, United States
| | | | - John R. Yates
- The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Villela Condessa MAK, Pimentel AL, Vicente Seixas FA, Martinez AC. Purification, structural and biophysical characterisation of the major seminal plasma protein from Texel rams. Anim Reprod Sci 2018; 189:11-18. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2017.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Revised: 10/22/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
8
|
Cross-species proteomics in analysis of mammalian sperm proteins. J Proteomics 2016; 135:38-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2015.12.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2015] [Revised: 12/28/2015] [Accepted: 12/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
|
9
|
Chen X, Zhu H, Hu C, Hao H, Zhang J, Li K, Zhao X, Qin T, Zhao K, Zhu H, Wang D. Identification of differentially expressed proteins in fresh and frozen–thawed boar spermatozoa by iTRAQ-coupled 2D LC–MS/MS. Reproduction 2014; 147:321-30. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-13-0313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Cryodamage is a major problem in semen cryopreservation, causing changes in the levels of proteins that influence the function and motility of spermatozoa. In this study, protein samples prepared from fresh and frozen–thawed boar spermatozoa were compared using the isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) labeling technique coupled to 2D LC–MS/MS analysis. A total of 41 differentially expressed proteins were identified and quantified, including 35 proteins that were present at higher levels and six proteins that were present at lower levels in frozen–thawed spermatozoa by at least a mean of 1.79-fold (P<0.05). On classifying into ten distinct categories using bioinformatic analysis, most of the 41 differentially expressed proteins were found to be closely relevant to sperm premature capacitation, adhesions, energy supply, and sperm–oocyte binding and fusion. The expression of four of these proteins, SOD1, TPI1, ODF2, and AKAP3, was verified by western blot analysis. We propose that alterations in these identified proteins affect the quality of cryopreserved semen and ultimately lower its fertilizing capacity. This is the first study to compare protein levels in fresh and frozen–thawed spermatozoa using the iTRAQ technology. Our preliminary results provide an overview of the molecular mechanisms of cryodamage in frozen–thawed spermatozoa and theoretical guidance to improve the cryopreservation of boar semen.
Collapse
|
10
|
Chen G, Wang C, Zhang C, Wang Y, Xu Z, Wang C. A preliminary study of differentially expressed genes of the scallop Chlamys farreri against acute viral necrobiotic virus (AVNV). FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2013; 34:1619-1627. [PMID: 23507337 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2013.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2013] [Revised: 02/27/2013] [Accepted: 03/04/2013] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The scallop Chlamys farreri is one of the most important aquaculture species in northern coastal provinces. However, the sustainable development of scallop industry is currently threatened by a notorious pathogen named as acute viral necrobiotic virus (AVNV), which often causes mass mortality of the animals. Despite that great attention has been focused on this novel pathogen, little knowledge about the host-virus interactions is available. In this study, suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) was employed to identify the up-regulated differentially expressed genes in the hemocytes of C. farreri challenged by AVNV. A forward subtracted cDNA library was finally constructed and 288 positive colonies representing differentially genes were screened to perform sequencing. A total of 275 ESTs were used for further analysis using bioinformatics tools after vector screening, among which 167 ESTs could be finally identified, with significant match (E values <1 × 10(-3)) to the deposited genes (proteins) in the corresponding databases. These genes could be classified into ten categories according to their Gene Ontology annotations of biological processes and molecular functions, i.e. cell defense and homeostasis (13.82%), cellular protein metabolic process (14.90), cellular metabolism (13.09%), cytoskeletal or cellular component (5.82%), transcription regulation or RNA processing (2.18%), cell division (meiosis)/apoptosis (2.18%), DNA metabolic process and repair (1.45%), cell adhesion/signaling (1.09%), microsatellite (0.73%), and ungrouped or unknown functions (6.88). The possible biological significance of some novel genes (mainly immune and homeostasis related genes) in the host response to AVNV were discussed. This study is the first global analysis of differentially expressed genes in hemocytes from AVNV-infected C. farreri, and in addition to increasing our understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of this virus-associated scallop disease, the results presented here should provide new insights into the molecular basis of host-pathogen interactions in C. farreri.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guofu Chen
- School of Marine Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology at Weihai, Weihai 264209, Shandong Province, PR China
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Nascimento ASF, Cajazeiras JB, Nascimento KS, Nogueira SMS, Sousa BL, Teixeira EH, Melo LM, da Cunha RMS, Silva ALC, Cavada BS. Expression, purification and structural analysis of recombinant rBdh-2His6, a spermadhesin from buck (Capra hircus) seminal plasma. Reprod Fertil Dev 2012; 24:580-7. [DOI: 10.1071/rd11154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2011] [Accepted: 10/03/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermadhesins, a family of secretory proteins from the male genital tract of ungulate species, belong to the group of animal lectins. Spermadhesins have a prominent role in different aspects of fertilisation, such as spermatozoid capacitation, acrosomal stabilisation, sperm–oviduct interaction and during sperm–oocyte fusion. Proteins (spermadhesins) in buck seminal plasma were described. In the present study, bodhesin Bdh-2 cDNA present in buck seminal plasma was subcloned with the expression plasmid pTrcHis TOPO used to transform Escherichia coli Top10 One shot cells. The recombinant clones were selected by growth in 50 µg mL–1 ampicillin-containing LB broth and polymerase chain reaction amplification. Recombinant rBdh-2His6 synthesis was monitored by sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and followed by immunoblotting using monoclonal anti-His antibody. Production of rBdh-2 using low temperatures was not satisfactory. Greater production of rBdh-2 occurred with 1.5 mM isopropyl β-d-thiogalactoside after 2 h of induction. The method used to purify rBdh-2 was affinity chromatography on a His-Trap column following ion-exchange chromatography on a DEAE-Sephacel column. The secondary structure of the rBdh-2His6 was evaluated by spectral profile circular dichroism (CD). The prevalence of secondary structures like β-sheets, with fewer unfolded structures and α-helices, was confirmed. The structure of rBdh-2His6 remained stable up to 35°C. However, significant structural changes were observed at temperatures higher than 40°C related to a distortion of the CD spectrum.
Collapse
|
12
|
Guyonnet B, Marot G, Dacheux JL, Mercat MJ, Schwob S, Jaffrézic F, Gatti JL. The adult boar testicular and epididymal transcriptomes. BMC Genomics 2009; 10:369. [PMID: 19664223 PMCID: PMC2738690 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-10-369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2009] [Accepted: 08/07/2009] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mammalians gamete production takes place in the testis but when they exit this organ, although spermatozoa have acquired a specialized and distinct morphology, they are immotile and infertile. It is only after their travel in the epididymis that sperm gain their motility and fertility. Epididymis is a crescent shaped organ adjacent to the testis that can be divided in three gross morphological regions, head (caput), body (corpus) and tail (cauda). It contains a long and unique convoluted tubule connected to the testis via the efferent ducts and finished by joining the vas deferens in its caudal part. Results In this study, the testis, the efferent ducts (vas efferens, VE), nine distinct successive epididymal segments and the deferent duct (vas deferens, VD) of four adult boars of known fertility were isolated and their mRNA extracted. The gene expression of each of these samples was analyzed using a pig generic 9 K nylon microarray (AGENAE program; GEO accession number: GPL3729) spotted with 8931 clones derived from normalized cDNA banks from different pig tissues including testis and epididymis. Differentially expressed transcripts were obtained with moderated t-tests and F-tests and two data clustering algorithms based either on partitioning around medoid (top down PAM) or hierarchical clustering (bottom up HCL) were combined for class discovery and gene expression analysis. Tissue clustering defined seven transcriptomic units: testis, vas efferens and five epididymal transcriptomic units. Meanwhile transcripts formed only four clusters related to the tissues. We have then used a specific statistical method to sort out genes specifically over-expressed (markers) in testis, VE or in each of the five transcriptomic units of the epididymis (including VD). The specific regional expression of some of these genes was further validated by PCR and Q-PCR. We also searched for specific pathways and functions using available gene ontology information. Conclusion This study described for the first time the complete transcriptomes of the testis, the epididymis, the vas efferens and the vas deferens on the same species. It described new genes or genes not yet reported over-expressed in these boar tissues, as well as new control mechanisms. It emphasizes and fulfilled the gap between studies done in rodents and human, and provides tools that will be useful for further studies on the biochemical processes responsible for the formation and maintain of the epididymal regionalization and the development of a fertile spermatozoa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benoît Guyonnet
- UMR85 Physiologie de Reproduction et des Comportements, Institut National de Recherche Agronomique, F-37380 Nouzilly, France.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Point mutations abolishing the mannose-binding capability of boar spermadhesin AQN-1. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2008; 1784:856-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2008.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2008] [Revised: 02/11/2008] [Accepted: 02/19/2008] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
|
14
|
Leeb T. The Horse Genome Project ? Sequence Based Insights into Male Reproductive Mechanisms. Reprod Domest Anim 2007; 42 Suppl 2:45-50. [PMID: 17688601 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2007.00897.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The growing knowledge on physiology, cell biology and biochemistry of the reproductive organs has provided many insights into molecular mechanisms that are required for successful reproduction. Research directed at the investigation of reproduction physiology in domestic animals was hampered in the past by a lack of species-specific genomic information. The genome sequences of dog, cattle and horse have become publicly available in 2005, 2006 and 2007 respectively. Although the gene content of mammalian genomes is generally very similar, genes involved in reproduction tend to be less conserved than the average mammalian gene. The availability of genome sequences provides a valuable resource to check whether any protein that may be known from human or mouse research is present in cattle and/or horse as well. Currently there are more than 200 genes known that are involved in the production of fertile sperm cells. Great progress has been made in the understanding of genetic aberrations that lead to male infertility. Additionally, the first genetic mechanisms are being discovered that contribute to the quantitative variation of fertility traits in fertile male animals. Here, I will review some selected aspects of genetic research in male fertility and offer some perspectives for the use of genomic sequence information.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T Leeb
- Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Berne, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Kelly VC, Kuy S, Palmer DJ, Xu Z, Davis SR, Cooper GJ. Characterization of bovine seminal plasma by proteomics. Proteomics 2007; 6:5826-33. [PMID: 17001600 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.200500830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Previous investigations of bovine seminal plasma (BSP) have revealed the identities of the three major proteins, BSP-PDC109, BSP-A3 and BSP-30 kDa, which together constitute about half of the total protein, as well as about 30 of the minor proteins. Analyses of BSP by 2-DE have revealed about 250 protein spots, suggesting that much of the BSP proteome remains undescribed. In this study, BSP has been analyzed by 2-D LC-based and SDS-PAGE-based proteomic methods. Ninety-nine proteins were identified, including 49 minor proteins that have not previously been described in seminal plasma of any species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Van C Kelly
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Melo LM, Teixeira DIA, Havt A, da Cunha RMS, Martins DBG, Castelletti CHM, de Souza PRE, Filho JLDL, Freitas VJDF, Cavada BS, Rádis-Baptista G. Buck (Capra hircus) genes encode new members of the spermadhesin family. Mol Reprod Dev 2007; 75:8-16. [PMID: 17538948 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.20757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Spermadhesins are the major proteins of boar seminal plasma and form a group of polypeptides probably involved in reproduction. In previous work, a member of the spermadhesin family from buck seminal plasma, called BSFP, was characterized by mass spectrometry and N-terminal sequencing. The present study aimed to clone and characterize the BSFP gene and investigate its expression along the genital tract using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The cDNAs of the seminal vesicle, testis, epididymis, bulbourethral gland, and ductus deferens were prepared from a buck. Following 3'- and 5'-end amplifications using seminal vesicle cDNA, we cloned and sequenced four highly similar (97-98%) nucleotide sequences encoding spermadhesins, which were named Bodhesin-1(Bdh-1), Bdh-2, Bdh-3, and Bdh-4. All deduced amino acid sequences contained the CUB domain signature and were 49-52% similar to boar AWN. Among the four Bdh amino acid sequences, Bdh-2 was the most similar to the BSFP N-terminal fragment. By using real-time PCR, it was verified specific amplifications for all Bdh in the seminal vesicle, testis, epididymis, and bulbourethral gland, with the exception of Bdh-2 in epididymis. The amplicons had a melting temperature and size of approximately 78 degrees C and 130 bp, respectively. Bdh expression was higher in the seminal vesicle when compared to the other tissues. The present work confirms that goat is the fifth mammalian species, after pig, cattle, horse, and sheep, in which spermadhesin molecules are found. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on buck spermadhesin genes using molecular cloning and expression profile.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Magalhães Melo
- Laboratório de Moléculas Biologicamente Ativas-Biomol-Lab., Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Avenida Humberto Monte s/n, bloco 907, sala 1075, Campus do Pici, Fortaleza-CE, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Haase B, Humphray SJ, Lyer S, Renner M, Poustka A, Mollenhauer J, Leeb T. Molecular characterization of the porcine deleted in malignant brain tumors 1 gene (DMBT1). Gene 2006; 376:184-91. [PMID: 16624504 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2006.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2005] [Revised: 02/28/2006] [Accepted: 03/01/2006] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The human gene deleted in malignant brain tumors 1 (DMBT1) is considered to play a role in tumorigenesis and pathogen defense. It encodes a protein with multiple scavenger receptor cysteine-rich (SRCR) domains, which are involved in recognition and binding of a broad spectrum of bacterial pathogens. The SRCR domains are encoded by highly homologous repetitive exons, whose number in humans may vary from 8 to 13 due to genetic polymorphism. Here, we characterized the porcine DMBT1 gene on the mRNA and genomic level. We assembled a 4.5 kb porcine DMBT1 cDNA sequence from RT-PCR amplified seminal vesicle RNA. The porcine DMBT1 cDNA contains an open reading frame of 4050 nt. The transcript gives rise to a putative polypeptide of 1349 amino acids with a calculated mass of 147.9 kDa. Compared to human DMBT1, it contains only four N-terminal SRCR domains. Northern blotting revealed transcripts of approximately 4.7 kb in size in the tissues analyzed. Analysis of ESTs suggested the existence of secreted and transmembrane variants. The porcine DMBT1 gene spans about 54 kb on chromosome 14q28-q29. In contrast to the characterized cDNA, the genomic BAC clone only contained 3 exons coding for N-terminal SRCR domains. In different mammalian DMBT1 orthologs large interspecific differences in the number of SRCR exons and utilization of the transmembrane exon exist. Our data suggest that the porcine DMBT1 gene may share with the human DMBT1 gene additional intraspecific variations in the number of SRCR-coding exons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Haase
- Institute of Genetics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Bremgartenstrasse 109a, 3001 Berne, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Campanero-Rhodes MA, Menéndez M, Saiz JL, Sanz L, Calvete JJ, Solís D. Zinc Ions Induce the Unfolding and Self-Association of Boar Spermadhesin PSP-I, a Protein with a Single CUB Domain Architecture, and Promote Its Binding to Heparin. Biochemistry 2006; 45:8227-35. [PMID: 16819821 DOI: 10.1021/bi052621g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Spermadhesins are a family of seminal plasma proteins composed of a single CUB domain, which appear to be involved in various aspects of the fertilization process in pigs. PSP-I and PSP-II, the most abundant porcine spermadhesins, occur in seminal plasma as noncovalent heterodimers devoid of heparin-binding capability. Of note is the stability of this dimer, which is significantly affected by physiologically relevant conditions such as Zn2+ ions. Here, we show that PSP-I and PSP-II when separated appear to conserve the overall fold of the CUB domain observed in the crystal structure of the PSP-I/PSP-II heterodimer, as concluded from gel filtration, analytical ultracentrifugation, differential scanning calorimetry, and circular dichroism analyses. However, Zn2+ concentrations in the range of those found in boar seminal plasma induce the unfolding and self-association of PSP-I, apparently as a consequence of the exposure of hydrophobic core residues, whereas they have no effect on PSP-II. Remarkably, Zn2+-denatured and self-associated (but not structured monomeric) PSP-I is retained on a heparin column, resembling the behavior of free PSP-I and homologous spermadhesins of the heparin-binding fraction of boar seminal plasma, which also exhibit different aggregation states. Thus, the modulation of the structural organization and heparin-binding ability of PSP-I by Zn2+ might be a physiological phenomenon in seminal plasma.
Collapse
|
19
|
Töpfer-Petersen E, Ekhlasi-Hundrieser M, Tsolova M, Leeb T, Kirchhoff C, Müller P. Structure and function of secretory proteins of the male genital tract. Andrologia 2005; 37:202-4. [PMID: 16336247 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0272.2005.00688.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- E Töpfer-Petersen
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Töpfer-Petersen E, Ekhlasi-Hundrieser M, Kirchhoff C, Leeb T, Sieme H. The role of stallion seminal proteins in fertilisation. Anim Reprod Sci 2005; 89:159-70. [PMID: 16125345 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2005.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Seminal plasma proteins are secretory proteins originating mainly from the epididymis and the accessory sex glands. They are involved in the remodelling of the sperm surface which occurs during sperm transit through the male genital tract and continues later at ejaculation. During this process, collectively called post-testicular sperm maturation, the spermatozoa acquire the ability to fertilise an egg. Seminal plasma proteins have been shown to contribute to early and central steps of the fertilisation sequence, e.g. the establishment of the oviductal sperm reservoir, modulation of capacitation and gamete interaction. The major equine seminal plasma proteins belong to three protein classes, which contain widely occurring protein modules. Fn-2 type proteins are characterised by two or four tandemly arranged Fn-2 modules and have been implicated in the modulation of sperm capacitation. Multiple members of the cysteine-rich secretory proteins (CRISP) have been identified in the male genital tract of a number of species. CRISP proteins have been shown to be involved in various functions related to sperm-oocyte fusion, innate host defense function and ion channel blockage. Spermadhesins occur only in ungulate species. Their carbohydrate- and zona pellucida-binding properties would suggest a role of these proteins in gamete recognition. The major proteins of equine seminal plasma have been isolated and characterised regarding their expression along the male genital tract, protein structure and their functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edda Töpfer-Petersen
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 15, 30559 Hannover, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Abstract
Our knowledge on the many aspects of mammalian reproduction in general and equine reproduction in particular has greatly increased during the last 15 years. Advances in the understanding of the physiology, cell biology, and biochemistry of reproduction have facilitated genetic analyses of fertility. Currently, there are more than 200 genes known that are involved in the production of fertile sperm cells. The completion of a number of mammalian genome projects will aid in the investigation of these genes in different species. Great progress has been made in the understanding of genetic aberrations that lead to male infertility. Additionally, the first genetic mechanisms are being discovered that contribute to the quantitative variation of fertility traits in fertile male animals. As artificial insemination (AI) represents a widespread technology in horse breeding, semen quality traits may eventually become an additional selection criterion for breeding stallions. Current research activities try to identify genetic markers that correlate to these semen quality traits. Here, we will review the current state of genetic research in male fertility and offer some perspectives for future research in horses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tosso Leeb
- Institute for Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17p, 30559 Hannover, Germany.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|