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Zhou D, Wu H, Wang L, Wang X, Tang S, Zhou Y, Wang J, Wu B, Tang J, Zhou X, Tian S, Liu S, Lv M, He X, Jin L, Shi H, Zhang F, Cao Y, Liu C. Deficiency of MFSD6L, an acrosome membrane protein, causes oligoasthenoteratozoospermia in humans and mice. J Genet Genomics 2024:S1673-8527(24)00149-8. [PMID: 38909778 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2024.06.008] [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: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia is an important factor affecting male fertility and has been found to be associated with genetic factors. However, there are still a proportion of oligoasthenoteratozoospermia cases that cannot be explained by known pathogenic genetic variants. Here, we perform genetic analyses and identify bi-allelic loss-of-function variants of MFSD6L from an oligoasthenoteratozoospermia-affected family. Mfsd6l knock-out male mice also present male subfertility with reduced sperm concentration, motility, and deformed acrosomes. Further mechanistic analyses reveal that MFSD6L, as an acrosome membrane protein, plays an important role in the formation of acrosome by interacting with the inner acrosomal membrane protein SPACA1. Moreover, poor embryonic development is consistently observed after intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment using spermatozoa from the MFSD6L-deficient man and male mice. Collectively, our findings reveal that MFSD6L is required for the anchoring of sperm acrosome and head shaping. The deficiency of MFSD6L affects male fertility and causes oligoasthenoteratozoospermia in humans and mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dapeng Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Human Phenome Institute, Zhangjiang Fudan International Innovation Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; Institute of Medical Genetics and Genomics, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Huan Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Lingbo Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Xuemei Wang
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Shuyan Tang
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Genomics, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Yiling Zhou
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Genomics, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Jiaxiong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215002, China; Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215002, China
| | - Bangguo Wu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Jianan Tang
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Xuehai Zhou
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Shixiong Tian
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Shuang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Human Phenome Institute, Zhangjiang Fudan International Innovation Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; Institute of Medical Genetics and Genomics, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Mingrong Lv
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Xiaojin He
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Li Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Human Phenome Institute, Zhangjiang Fudan International Innovation Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Huijuan Shi
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Human Phenome Institute, Zhangjiang Fudan International Innovation Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; Institute of Medical Genetics and Genomics, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China; Soong Ching Ling Institute of Maternity and Child Health, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China.
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China.
| | - Chunyu Liu
- Soong Ching Ling Institute of Maternity and Child Health, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China.
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Song B, Yang T, Shen Q, Liu Y, Wang C, Li G, Gao Y, Cao Y, He X. Novel mutations in DNAH17 cause sperm flagellum defects and their influence on ICSI outcome. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:2485-2492. [PMID: 37574497 PMCID: PMC10504183 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02897-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To identify new mutations in DNAH17 that cause male infertility and analyze intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcomes in patients with DNAH17 mutations. METHODS A total of five cases of new DNAH17 mutations exhibiting the multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF) phenotype were identified through semen analysis and genetic testing. They were recruited at our reproductive medicine center from September 2018 to July 2022. Information on DNAH17 genetic mutations and ICSI outcomes was systematically explored following a literature review. RESULTS Three novel compound mutations in DNAH17 were identified in patients with male infertility caused by MMAF. This study and previous publications included 21 patients with DNAH17 mutations. DNAH17 has been associated with asthenozoospermia and male infertility, but different types of DNAH17 variants appear to be involved in different sperm phenotypes. In 11 couples of infertile patients with DNAH17 mutations, there were 17 ICSI cycles and 13 embryo transplantation cycles. Only three men with DNAH17 variants ultimately achieved clinical pregnancy with their partners through ICSI combined with assisted oocyte activation (AOA). CONCLUSIONS Loss-of-function mutations in DNAH17 can lead to severe sperm flagellum defects and male infertility. Patients with MMAF-harboring DNAH17 mutations generally have worse pregnancy outcomes following ICSI. ICSI combined with AOA may improve the outcome of assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs) for men with DNAH17 variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Song
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, 230032 China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
| | - Tianjin Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
| | - Qunshan Shen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, 230032 China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
| | - Yiyuan Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
| | - Chao Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, 230032 China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
| | - Guanjian Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, 230032 China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
| | - Yang Gao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, 230032 China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, 230032 China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
| | - Xiaojin He
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, 230032 China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
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Wang J, Wang W, Shen L, Zheng A, Meng Q, Li H, Yang S. Clinical detection, diagnosis and treatment of morphological abnormalities of sperm flagella: A review of literature. Front Genet 2022; 13:1034951. [PMID: 36425067 PMCID: PMC9679630 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1034951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm carries male genetic information, and flagella help move the sperm to reach oocytes. When the ultrastructure of the flagella is abnormal, the sperm is unable to reach the oocyte and achieve insemination. Multiple morphological abnormalities of sperm flagella (MMAF) is a relatively rare idiopathic condition that is mainly characterized by multiple defects in sperm flagella. In the last decade, with the development of high-throughput DNA sequencing approaches, many genes have been revealed to be related to MMAF. However, the differences in sperm phenotypes and reproductive outcomes in many cases are attributed to different pathogenic genes or different pathogenic mutations in the same gene. Here, we will review information about the various phenotypes resulting from different pathogenic genes, including sperm ultrastructure and encoding proteins with their location and functions as well as assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes. We will share our clinical detection and diagnosis experience to provide additional clinical views and broaden the understanding of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Shenmin Yang
- Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
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Levkova M, Radanova M, Angelova L. Potential role of dynein-related genes in the etiology of male infertility: A systematic review and a meta-analysis. Andrology 2022; 10:1484-1499. [PMID: 36057791 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The dynein-related genes may have a role in the etiology of male infertility, particularly in cases of impaired sperm motility. OBJECTIVES The goal of this review is to compile a list of the most important dynein-related candidate genes that may contribute to male factor infertility. MATERIALS AND METHODS Databases were searched using the keywords "dynein", "male", "infertility" and by applying strict inclusion criteria. A meta-analysis was also performed by using the eligible case-control studies. The odd ratios (OR), the Z-test score, and the level of significance were determined using a fixed model with a p value of 0.05. Funnel plots were used to check for publication bias. RESULTS There were 35 studies that met the inclusion criteria. There were a total of fifteen genes responsible for the production of dynein structural proteins, the production of dynein assembling factors, and potentially associated with male infertility. A total of five case-control studies were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Variants in the dynein-related genes were linked to an increased the risk of male infertility (OR = 21.52, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 8.34 - 55.50, Z test = 6.35, p < 0.05). The percentage of heterogeneity, I2 , was 47.00%. The lack of variants in the dynein genes was an advantage and this was statistically significant. DISCUSSION The results from the present review illustrate that pathogenic variants in genes both for dynein synthesis and for dynein assembly factors could be associated with isolated cases of male infertility without any other symptoms. CONCLUSIONS The genes addressed in this study, which are involved in both the production and assembly of dynein, could be used as molecular targets for future research into the etiology of sperm motility problems. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariya Levkova
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical University Varna, Marin Drinov Str 55, Varna, 9000, Bulgaria.,Laboratory of Medical Genetics, St. Marina Hospital, Hristo Smirnenski Blv 1, Varna, 9000, Bulgaria
| | - Maria Radanova
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Medicine and Nutrigenomics, Medical University Varna, Tzar Osvoboditel Str 84b, Varna, 9000, Bulgaria
| | - Lyudmila Angelova
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical University Varna, Marin Drinov Str 55, Varna, 9000, Bulgaria
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5
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Liu Z, Wang C, Ni F, Yang F, Wei H, Li T, Wang J, Wang B. Novel compound heterozygous variants of DNAH17 in a Chinese infertile man with multiple morphological abnormalities of sperm flagella. Andrologia 2022; 54:e14553. [PMID: 35932098 DOI: 10.1111/and.14553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagellum (MMAF) have been reported to be an important cause of male infertility and reflect a heterogeneous genetic disorder. Previous studies have identified dozens of candidate pathogenic genes for MMAF, but the aetiology in approximately 50% of cases remains unexplained. The present study aimed to identify novel potentially pathogenic gene variants of MMAF. A Chinese family with a 32-year-old infertile proband presenting with MMAF was recruited, and sperm morphology of the patient was examined by Papanicolaou staining. Whole exome sequencing was performed on the proband and Sanger sequencing was used to identify genetic variants in the family. The frequencies of variants were assessed using public databases and the effects on protein structure and function were predicted by online bioinformatics tools. The patient exhibited asthenozoospermia and a MMAF phenotype. Novel compound heterozygous variants (c.5368C > T, p.R1790C and c.13183C > T, p.R4395W) of the DNAH17 gene were identified in the patient, and showed autosomal recessive inheritance in this family. These variants were very rare in the GnomAD database. The two mutated amino acids were located in a highly conserved region of the DNAH17 protein. In silico analysis revealed that the compound heterozygous variants may compromise the function of DNAH17. Our findings expand upon the spectrum of pathogenic DNAH17 variants that are responsible for MMAF, and provide new knowledge for genetic counselling of male infertility due to MMAF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhonglin Liu
- Center of Reproductive medicine, Affiliated hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Chunyan Wang
- Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Center for Genetics, National Research Institute of Family Planning, Beijing, China.,The Second Children & Women's Healthcare of Jinan City, Jinan, China
| | - Feng Ni
- Medicine Centre, 901st hospital of PLA Joint Logistic Support Force, Hefei, People's Republic of China
| | - Fenglian Yang
- Industrial College of Biomedicine and Health Industry, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Han Wei
- Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Center for Genetics, National Research Institute of Family Planning, Beijing, China
| | - Tengyan Li
- Center for Genetics, National Research Institute of Family Planning, Beijing, China
| | - Junli Wang
- Center of Reproductive medicine, Affiliated hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China.,Industrial College of Biomedicine and Health Industry, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Binbin Wang
- Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Center for Genetics, National Research Institute of Family Planning, Beijing, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Engineering Technology Research (NRIFP), Beijing, China
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6
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Yu X, Yuan L, Deng S, Xia H, Tu X, Deng X, Huang X, Cao X, Deng H. Identification of DNAH17 Variants in Han-Chinese Patients With Left–Right Asymmetry Disorders. Front Genet 2022; 13:862292. [PMID: 35692830 PMCID: PMC9186109 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.862292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The formation of left–right asymmetry of the visceral organs is a conserved feature of the human body, and the asymmetry specification of structure and function is precisely orchestrated by multiple regulatory mechanisms. The abnormal results of organ positioning situs arise from defective cilia structure or function during embryogenesis in humans. In this study, we recruited two unrelated Han-Chinese families with left–right asymmetry disorders. The combination of whole-exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing identified two compound heterozygous variants: c.4109C>T and c.9776C>T, and c.612C>G and c.8764C>T in the dynein axonemal heavy chain 17 gene (DNAH17) in two probands with left–right asymmetry disorders. We report for the first time a possible association between DNAH17 gene variants and left–right asymmetry disorders, which is known as a causal gene for asthenozoospermia. Altogether, the findings of our study may enlarge the DNAH17 gene variant spectrum in human left–right asymmetry disorders, pave a way to illustrate the potential pathogenesis of ciliary/flagellar disorders, and provide supplementary explanation for genetic counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuehui Yu
- Health Management Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lamei Yuan
- Health Management Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Disease Genome Research Center, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Neurology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Sheng Deng
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hong Xia
- Department of Emergency, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaolong Tu
- Department of Emergency, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiong Deng
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiangjun Huang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Xiao Cao
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hao Deng
- Health Management Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Disease Genome Research Center, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Neurology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Hao Deng,
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Bi-allelic variants in DNHD1 cause flagellar axoneme defects and asthenoteratozoospermia in humans and mice. Am J Hum Genet 2022; 109:157-171. [PMID: 34932939 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2021.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Asthenoteratozoospermia, defined as reduced sperm motility and abnormal sperm morphology, is a disorder with considerable genetic heterogeneity. Although previous studies have identified several asthenoteratozoospermia-associated genes, the etiology remains unknown for the majority of affected men. Here, we performed whole-exome sequencing on 497 unrelated men with asthenoteratozoospermia and identified DNHD1 bi-allelic variants from eight families (1.6%). All detected variants were predicted to be deleterious via multiple bioinformatics tools. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining revealed that individuals with bi-allelic DNHD1 variants presented striking abnormalities of the flagella; transmission electron microscopy (TEM) further showed flagellar axoneme defects, including central pair microtubule (CP) deficiency and mitochondrial sheath (MS) malformations. In sperm from fertile men, DNHD1 was localized to the entire flagella of the normal sperm; however, it was nearly absent in the flagella of men with bi-allelic DNHD1 variants. Moreover, abundance of the CP markers SPAG6 and SPEF2 was significantly reduced in spermatozoa from men harboring bi-allelic DNHD1 variants. In addition, Dnhd1 knockout male mice (Dnhd1‒/‒) exhibited asthenoteratozoospermia and infertility, a finding consistent with the sperm phenotypes present in human subjects with DNHD1 variants. The female partners of four out of seven men who underwent intracytoplasmic sperm injection therapy subsequently became pregnant. In conclusion, our study showed that bi-allelic DNHD1 variants cause asthenoteratozoospermia, a finding that provides crucial insights into the biological underpinnings of this disorder and should assist with counseling of affected individuals.
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