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Zhang L, Ten Hagen KG. O-Glycosylation of a male seminal fluid protein influences sperm binding and female postmating behavior. PNAS NEXUS 2024; 3:pgae322. [PMID: 39189023 PMCID: PMC11346359 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgae322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
Glycoproteins are abundant within the human reproductive system and alterations in glycosylation lead to reproductive disorders, suggesting that glycans play an important role in reproductive function. In this study, we used the Drosophila reproductive system as a model to investigate the biological functions of O-glycosylation. We found that O-glycosylation in the male accessory glands, an organ responsible for secreting seminal fluid proteins, plays important roles in female postmating behavior. The loss of one O-glycosyltransferase, PGANT9, in the male reproductive system resulted in decreased egg production in mated females. We identified one substrate of PGANT9, lectin-46Ca (CG1656), which is known to affect female postmating responses. We further show that the loss of lectin-46Ca O-glycosylation affects its ability to associate with sperm tails, resulting in reduced transfer within the female reproductive system. Our results provide the first example that O-glycosylation of a seminal fluid protein affects its ability to associate with sperm in vivo. These studies may shed light on the biological function of O-glycans in mammalian reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Zhang
- Developmental Glycobiology Section, NIDCR, National Institutes of Health, 30 Convent Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892-4370, USA
| | - Kelly G Ten Hagen
- Developmental Glycobiology Section, NIDCR, National Institutes of Health, 30 Convent Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892-4370, USA
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2
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Sečová P, Hackerová L, Horovská Ľ, Michalková K, Jankovičová J, Postlerová P, Antalíková J. Complexity and modification of the bull sperm glycocalyx during epididymal maturation. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23687. [PMID: 38785390 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202400551rr] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Mammalian spermatozoa have a surface covered with glycocalyx, consisting of heterogeneous glycoproteins and glycolipids. This complexity arises from diverse monosaccharides, distinct linkages, various isomeric glycans, branching levels, and saccharide sequences. The glycocalyx is synthesized by spermatozoa developing in the testis, and its subsequent alterations during their transit through the epididymis are a critical process for the sperm acquisition of fertilizing ability. In this study, we performed detailed analysis of the glycocalyx on the sperm surface of bull spermatozoa in relation to individual parts of the epididymis using a wide range (24) of lectins with specific carbohydrate binding preferences. Fluorescence analysis of intact sperm isolated from the bull epididymides was complemented by Western blot detection of protein extracts from the sperm plasma membrane fractions. Our experimental results revealed predominant sequential modification of bull sperm glycans with N-acetyllactosamine (LacNAc), followed by subsequent sialylation and fucosylation in a highly specific manner. Additionally, variations in the lectin detection on the sperm surface may indicate the acquisition or release of glycans or glycoproteins. Our study is the first to provide a complex analysis of the bull sperm glycocalyx modification during epididymal maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Sečová
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Lenka Hackerová
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ľubica Horovská
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Katarína Michalková
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Jana Jankovičová
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Pavla Postlerová
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Antalíková
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
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3
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Manssur TSB, Sebastião TRC, Franchi FF, Dos Santos PH, Razza EM, Nunes SG, Castilho ACDS, Fontes PK. Pre-fertilization approach using α-l-fucosidase modulates zona pellucida hardening during bovine in vitro embryo production. Vet Res Commun 2024; 48:1135-1147. [PMID: 38191818 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10291-y] [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: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
The polyspermy occurrence is considerably lower under in vivo compared to in vitro embryo culture conditions, suggesting that the presence of some factors in the maternal environment is responsible for this. The α-L-fucosidase (FUCA) is a natural glycosidase present in the oviductal fluid, therefore, this study aimed at investigating the effect of adding FUCA to the hardening of the zona pellucida (ZP), polyspermy control, and embryonic yield and quality of bovine blastocysts produced in vitro. In the first experiment, the effect of FUCA (0.125 U/mL) was evaluated during the entire in vitro fertilization (IVF). However, it was demonstrated to be embryotoxic by completely inhibiting the blastocyst formation. In the second experiment, the FUCA (0.125 U/mL) was tested as short-term incubation before IVF (pre-fertilization step) for 30 min or 2 h, which demonstrated that FUCA treatment for 30 min resulted in ZP hardening. In the third experiment, a pre-fertilization FUCA treatment (1 h) at different concentrations (0, 0.0625, and 0.125 U/mL) showed that FUCA (0.0625 U/mL) improved pre-fertilization ZP hardening and tended to increase monospermic fertilization rates but did not improve embryo yield and quality. Together, it has been demonstrated that FUCA can induce oocyte pre-fertilization ZP hardening and might improve monospermic fertilization performance, and this effect is dependent on both variables (protein concentration and incubation time).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fernanda Fagali Franchi
- Laboratory of Phytomedicines, Pharmacology and Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo State (UNESP), Rua Prof. Antonio Celso Wagner Zanin, S/N, Zip Code: 18618689, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil
| | - Priscila Helena Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Phytomedicines, Pharmacology and Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo State (UNESP), Rua Prof. Antonio Celso Wagner Zanin, S/N, Zip Code: 18618689, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Montanari Razza
- Laboratory of Phytomedicines, Pharmacology and Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo State (UNESP), Rua Prof. Antonio Celso Wagner Zanin, S/N, Zip Code: 18618689, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil
| | - Sarah Gomes Nunes
- Laboratory of Phytomedicines, Pharmacology and Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo State (UNESP), Rua Prof. Antonio Celso Wagner Zanin, S/N, Zip Code: 18618689, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil
| | | | - Patricia Kubo Fontes
- Laboratory of Phytomedicines, Pharmacology and Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo State (UNESP), Rua Prof. Antonio Celso Wagner Zanin, S/N, Zip Code: 18618689, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil.
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Luo M, Su T, Cheng Q, Zhang X, Cai F, Yin Z, Li F, Yang H, Liu F, Zhang Y. GlycoTCFM: Glycoproteomics Based on Two Complementary Fragmentation Methods Reveals Distinctive O-Glycosylation in Human Sperm and Seminal Plasma. J Proteome Res 2023; 22:3833-3842. [PMID: 37943980 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.3c00489] [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] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Human semen, consisting of spermatozoa (sperm) and seminal plasma, represents a special clinical sample type in human body fluid. Protein glycosylation in sperm and seminal plasma plays key roles in spermatogenesis, maturation, capacitation, sperm-egg recognition, motility of sperm, and fertilization. In this study, we profiled the most comprehensive O-glycoproteome map of human sperm and seminal plasma using our recently presented Glycoproteomics based on Two Complementary Fragmentation Methods (GlycoTCFM). We showed that sperm and seminal plasma contain many novel and distinctive O-glycoproteins, which are mostly located in the extracellular region (seminal plasma) and sperm membrane, enriched in the biological processes of cell adhesion and angiogenesis, and mainly involved in multiple biological functions including extracellular matrix structural constituents and binding. Based on GlycoTCFM, we created a comprehensive human sperm and seminal plasma O-glycoprotein database that contains 371 intact O-glycopeptides and 202 O-glycosites from 68 O-glycoproteins. Interestingly, 105 manually confirmed O-glycosites from 25 O-glycoproteins were reported for the first time, and they were mainly modified by core 1 O-glycans. We also found that three highly abundant, highly complex, and highly O-glycosylated proteins (semenogelin-1, semenogelin-2, and equatorin) may play important roles in sperm or seminal plasma composition and function. These data deepen our knowledge about O-glycosylation in sperm and seminal plasma and lay the foundation for the functional study of O-glycoproteins in male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqi Luo
- Department of Nephrology and Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Tao Su
- Department of Nephrology and Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Qingyuan Cheng
- Human Sperm Bank, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xue Zhang
- Department of Nephrology and Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Fei Cai
- Department of Nephrology and Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zaiwen Yin
- Department of Nephrology and Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Fuping Li
- Human Sperm Bank, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Hao Yang
- Department of Nephrology and Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Fang Liu
- Department of Nephrology and Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Nephrology and Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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5
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Ali W, Deng K, Bian Y, Liu Z, Zou H. Spectacular role of epididymis and bio-active cargo of nano-scale exosome in sperm maturation: A review. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 164:114889. [PMID: 37209627 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114889] [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: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The epididymis is responsible for post-testicular sperm maturation as it provides a favorable environment for spermatozoa to gain the ability for movement and fertilization. The recent evidence has shown that, the spermatozoa are vulnerable to dynamic variations driven by various cellular exposure mechanisms mediated by epididymosomes. Exosomes provide new insight into a mechanism of intercellular communication because they provide direct evidence for the transfer of several important bio-active cargo elements (proteins, lipid, DNA, mRNA, microRNA, circular RNA, long noncoding RNA) between epididymis and spermatozoa. In broad sense, proteomic analysis of exosomes from epididymis indicates number of proteins that are involved in sperm motility, acrosomal reaction, prevent pre-mature sperm capacitation and male infertility. Pinpointing, how reproductive disorders are associated with bio-active cargo elements of nano-scale exosome in the male reproductive tract. Therefore, the current review presents evidence regarding the distinctive characteristics and functions of nano-scale exosome in the male reproductive tract in both pathological and physiological developments, and argue that these vesicles serve as an important regulator of male reproduction, fertility, and disease susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waseem Ali
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, PR China
| | - Kai Deng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, PR China
| | - Yusheng Bian
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, PR China
| | - Zongping Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, PR China
| | - Hui Zou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, PR China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, PR China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, PR China.
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6
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Ali W, Ma Y, Zhu J, Zou H, Liu Z. Mechanisms of Cadmium-Induced Testicular Injury: A Risk to Male Fertility. Cells 2022; 11:cells11223601. [PMID: 36429028 PMCID: PMC9688678 DOI: 10.3390/cells11223601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cadmium is a heavy toxic metal with unknown biological functions in the human body. Over time, cadmium accretion in the different visceral organs (liver, lungs, kidney, and testis) is said to impair the function of these organs, which is associated with a relatively long biological half-life and a very low rate of excretion. Recently studies have revealed that the testes are highly sensitive to cadmium. In this review, we discussed the adverse effect of cadmium on the development and biological functions of the testis. The Sertoli cells (SCs), seminiferous tubules, and Blood Testis Barrier are severely structurally damaged by cadmium, which results in sperm loss. The development and function of Leydig cells are hindered by cadmium, which also induces Leydig cell tumors. The testis's vascular system is severely disturbed by cadmium. Cadmium also perturbs the function of somatic cells and germ cells through epigenetic regulation, giving rise to infertile or sub-fertile males. In addition, we also summarized the other findings related to cadmium-induced oxidative toxicity, apoptotic toxicity, and autophagic toxicity, along with their possible mechanisms in the testicular tissue of different animal species. Consequently, cadmium represents a high-risk factor for male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waseem Ali
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Yonggang Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Jiaqiao Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Hui Zou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Correspondence:
| | - Zongping Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
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Cheuquemán C, Maldonado R. Non-coding RNAs and chromatin: key epigenetic factors from spermatogenesis to transgenerational inheritance. Biol Res 2021; 54:41. [PMID: 34930477 PMCID: PMC8686607 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-021-00364-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular fate and gene expression patterns are modulated by different epigenetic factors including non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and chromatin organization. Both factors are dynamic throughout male germ cell differentiation on the seminiferous tubule, despite the transcriptional inactivation in the last stages of spermatogenesis. Sperm maturation during the caput-to-cauda transit on the epididymis involves changes in chromatin organization and the soma-to-germ line transference of ncRNAs that are essential to obtain a functional sperm for fertilization and embryo development. Here, the male environment (diseases, drugs, mental stress) is crucial to modulate these epigenetic factors throughout sperm maturation, affecting the corresponding offspring. Paternal transgenerational inheritance has been directly related to sperm epigenetic changes, most of them associated with variations in the ncRNA content and chromatin marks. Our aim is to give an overview about how epigenetics, focused on ncRNAs and chromatin, is pivotal to understand spermatogenesis and sperm maturation, and how the male environment impacts the sperm epigenome modulating the offspring gene expression pattern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Cheuquemán
- Núcleo de Ciencias Biológicas, Dirección de Núcleos Transversales, Facultad de estudios Interdisciplinarios, Universidad Mayor, Temuco, Chile
| | - Rodrigo Maldonado
- Institute of Anatomy, Histology and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile.
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Hamidatou Khati W, Al Mutery AF, Moudilou EN, Exbrayat JM, Hammouche S. Distribution of the Novel RFRP-3/receptors system in the epididymis of the seasonal desert rodent, Gerbillus tarabuli, during sexual activity. Morphologie 2021:S1286-0115(21)00233-2. [PMID: 34774455 DOI: 10.1016/j.morpho.2021.10.002] [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: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/06/2022]
Abstract
RFamide-related peptide (RFRP-3), the Mammalian ortholog of the Avian gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH), is a novel neuropeptide known for its inhibitory regulatory effect on reproduction in various mammalian species. However, a stimulatory action has been reported. This paper aims to: i) study the histology of the epididymis (caput) of Gerbillus tarabuli during the breeding period; and ii) to determine the distribution of the "RFRP-3/receptors system" in the epididymis (caput) of this desert rodent during the active season, and thus, to inspect its potential local interfering in sperm maturation. For that, immunohistochemistry was performed to detect the epididymal immunolocalizations of the three molecules, RFRP-3, GPR147, and GPR74. This is the first report of the epididymis histology in Gerbillus tarabuli, as it is the first evidence of the existence of the RFRP-3/Receptor system in the same organ of the same species. During the breeding season, moderate immunostaining of the RFRP-3/receptors system was present in the caput epididymis' epithelial parts (basal and principal cells) and spermatozoa. In contrast, these three molecules were absent in the peritubular and muscle coat's myoid cells and of the interstitial part of the caput epididymis. The results suggest that the epididymis is a potential source of RFRP-3 in the desert Rodent, Gerbillus tarabuli, which may function as a paracrine and/or autocrine factor affecting the main epididymis' function: sperm maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Hamidatou Khati
- USTHB, Arid Area Research Laboratory, Biological Sciences Faculty, University of Sciences and Technology of Houari-Boumediene, Algiers, Algeria.
| | - A F Al Mutery
- Department of Applied Biology, College of Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; Human Genetics & Stem Cells Research Group, Research Institute of Sciences & Engineering, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; Molecular Genetics Research Laboratory, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - E N Moudilou
- UMRS 449 - General Biology - Reproduction and Comparative Development, UDL; École Pratique des Hautes Études, PSL, Lyon Catholic University, Lyon, France
| | - J-M Exbrayat
- UMRS 449 - General Biology - Reproduction and Comparative Development, UDL; École Pratique des Hautes Études, PSL, Lyon Catholic University, Lyon, France
| | - S Hammouche
- USTHB, Arid Area Research Laboratory, Biological Sciences Faculty, University of Sciences and Technology of Houari-Boumediene, Algiers, Algeria
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Gewaily MS, Kassab M, Aboelnour A, Almadaly EA, Noreldin AE. Comparative Cellular Localization of Sugar Residues in Bull ( Bos taurus) and Donkey ( Equus asinus) Testes Using Lectin Histochemistry. MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA, MICROBEAM ANALYSIS SOCIETY, MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 2021; 27:1-10. [PMID: 34635197 DOI: 10.1017/s1431927621012939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Lectins are glycoproteins of a non-immune origin often used as histochemical reagents to study the distribution of glycoconjugates in different types of tissues. In this study, we performed a comparative cellular localization of sugar residues in bull and donkey testes using immunofluorescent lectin histochemistry. We inspected the cellular localization of the glycoconjugates within the testes using 11 biotin-labeled lectins (LCA, ConA, PNA, WGA, DBA, SBA, ECA, BPL, PTL-II, UEA-1, and PHA-E4) classified under six groups. Although the basic testicular structure in both species was similar, the cellular components showed different lectin localization patterns. The statistical analysis revealed no significant association between the intensity of labeling and different variables, including group and type of lectin and type of cell examined, at p < 0.05. However, a stronger response tended to occur in the donkey than in the bull testes (odds ratio: 1.3). These findings may be associated with the different cellular compositions of the glycoproteins and modification changes during spermatogenesis. Moreover, glycoconjugate profiling through lectin histochemistry can characterize some cell-type selective markers that will be helpful in studying bull and donkey spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud S Gewaily
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, 33516Kafrelsheikh, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Kassab
- Department of Cytology and Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, 33516Kafrelsheikh, Egypt
| | - Asmaa Aboelnour
- Department of Histology and Cytology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour22511, Egypt
| | - Essam A Almadaly
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, El-Geish Street, 33516, Kafrelsheikh, Egypt
| | - Ahmed E Noreldin
- Department of Histology and Cytology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour22511, Egypt
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10
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Batra V, Bhushan V, Ali SA, Sarwalia P, Pal A, Karanwal S, Solanki S, Kumaresan A, Kumar R, Datta TK. Buffalo sperm surface proteome profiling reveals an intricate relationship between innate immunity and reproduction. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:480. [PMID: 34174811 PMCID: PMC8235841 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-07640-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Low conception rate (CR) despite insemination with morphologically normal spermatozoa is a common reproductive restraint that limits buffalo productivity. This accounts for a significant loss to the farmers and the dairy industry, especially in agriculture-based economies. The immune-related proteins on the sperm surface are known to regulate fertility by assisting the spermatozoa in their survival and performance in the female reproductive tract (FRT). Regardless of their importance, very few studies have specifically catalogued the buffalo sperm surface proteome. The study was designed to determine the identity of sperm surface proteins and to ascertain if the epididymal expressed beta-defensins (BDs), implicated in male fertility, are translated and applied onto buffalo sperm surface along with other immune-related proteins. Results The raw mass spectra data searched against an in-house generated proteome database from UniProt using Comet search engine identified more than 300 proteins on the ejaculated buffalo sperm surface which were bound either by non-covalent (ionic) interactions or by a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor. The singular enrichment analysis (SEA) revealed that most of these proteins were extracellular with varied binding activities and were involved in either immune or reproductive processes. Flow cytometry using six FITC-labelled lectins confirmed the prediction of glycosylation of these proteins. Several beta-defensins (BDs), the anti-microbial peptides including the BuBD-129 and 126 were also identified amongst other buffalo sperm surface proteins. The presence of these proteins was subsequently confirmed by RT-qPCR, immunofluorescence and in vitro fertilization (IVF) experiments. Conclusions The surface of the buffalo spermatozoa is heavily glycosylated because of the epididymal secreted (glyco) proteins like BDs and the GPI-anchored proteins (GPI-APs). The glycosylation pattern of buffalo sperm-surface, however, could be perturbed in the presence of elevated salt concentration or incubation with PI-PLC. The identification of numerous BDs on the sperm surface strengthens our hypothesis that the buffalo BDs (BuBDs) assist the spermatozoa either in their survival or in performance in the FRT. Our results suggest that BuBD-129 is a sperm-surface BD that could have a role in buffalo sperm function. Further studies elucidating its exact physiological function are required to better understand its role in the regulation of male fertility. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-021-07640-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vipul Batra
- Animal Genomics Lab., Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Vanya Bhushan
- Proteomics and Molecular Biology Lab, Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Syed Azmal Ali
- Proteomics and Molecular Biology Lab, Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Parul Sarwalia
- Animal Genomics Lab., Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Ankit Pal
- Animal Genomics Lab., Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Seema Karanwal
- Animal Genomics Lab., Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Subhash Solanki
- Animal Genomics Lab., Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Arumugam Kumaresan
- Theriogenology Lab, SRS of National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Rakesh Kumar
- Animal Genomics Lab., Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Tirtha Kumar Datta
- Animal Genomics Lab., Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India.
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11
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Hernández-Rodríguez J, Arenas-Ríos E, Jiménez-Morales I, Cortés-Barberena E, Montes S, Vigueras-Villaseñor RM, Arteaga-Silva M. Postnatal cadmium administration affects the presence and distribution of carbohydrates in the sperm membrane during maturation in the epididymis in adult Wistar rats. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 33:349-362. [PMID: 33602388 DOI: 10.1071/rd20167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal related to a decrease in sperm parameters. The transit of spermatozoa through the epididymis is necessary to generate changes in the sperm membrane, such as the assembly of various carbohydrates that are added to the spermatazoan's surface to prepare it for successful fertilisation of the oocyte. No studies have yet analysed whether Cd alters the presence and distribution of these carbohydrates. We aimed to evaluate the changes induced by Cd in the distribution pattern of N-acetylglucosamine, sialic acid, mannose and fucose on the sperm membrane in the epididymis (e.g. caput, corpus, cauda) and if it alters the epididymal epithelium. Male Wistar pups were treated with Cd doses (0.125, 0.25 and 0.5mg/kg) on postnatal days 1-49. At postnatal day 90, they were humanely killed, sperm samples were obtained from the epididymis and tissue samples were taken for histological analysis. Cd concentrations in the blood and epididymis increased in proportion to the dose administered and decreased the serum testosterone levels and sperm quality. Histological analysis revealed alterations in the epithelium in all Cd-treated groups. Cd altered the distribution patterns of carbohydrates and fluorescence indices. All these alterations affected the structure and functioning of sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Hernández-Rodríguez
- Doctorado en Ciencias Biológicas y de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Av. San Rafael Atlixco 186, C.P. 09340, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Edith Arenas-Ríos
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, Av. San Rafael Atlixco 186, C.P. 09340, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Irma Jiménez-Morales
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, Av. San Rafael Atlixco 186, C.P. 09340, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Edith Cortés-Barberena
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, Av. San Rafael Atlixco 186, C.P. 09340, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Sergio Montes
- Departamento de Neuroquímica, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, Manuel Velasco Suárez, Insurgentes Sur 3877, Col. La Fama, C.P. 14269, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Rosa María Vigueras-Villaseñor
- Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Calzada México Xochimilco No. 101, Col. San Lorenzo Huipulco, Tlalpan, C.P. 14370, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Marcela Arteaga-Silva
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, Av. San Rafael Atlixco 186, C.P. 09340, Ciudad de México, México; and Corresponding author.
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12
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Lan R, Xin M, Hao Z, You S, Xu Y, Wu J, Dang L, Zhang X, Sun S. Biological Functions and Large-Scale Profiling of Protein Glycosylation in Human Semen. J Proteome Res 2020; 19:3877-3889. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.9b00795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rongxia Lan
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province 710069, P. R. China
| | - Miaomiao Xin
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province 710069, P. R. China
- Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Research Institute of Fish Culture and Hydrobiology, Vodnany 38925, Czech Republic
| | - Zhifang Hao
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province 710069, P. R. China
| | - Shanshan You
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province 710069, P. R. China
| | - Yintai Xu
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province 710069, P. R. China
| | - Jingyu Wu
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province 710069, P. R. China
| | - Liuyi Dang
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province 710069, P. R. China
| | - Xinwen Zhang
- The Medical Genetics Centre, Xi 'an People's Hospital (Xi 'an Fourth Hospital), Xi’an Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province 710004, P. R. China
| | - Shisheng Sun
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province 710069, P. R. China
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Batra V, Dagar K, Nayak S, Kumaresan A, Kumar R, Datta TK. A Higher Abundance of O-Linked Glycans Confers a Selective Advantage to High Fertile Buffalo Spermatozoa for Immune-Evasion From Neutrophils. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1928. [PMID: 32983120 PMCID: PMC7483552 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The glycans on the plasma membrane of cells manifest as the glycocalyx, which serves as an information-rich frontier that is directly in contact with its immediate milieu. The glycoconjugates (GCs) that adorn most of the mammalian cells are also abundant in gametes, especially the spermatozoa where they perform unique reproduction-specific functions e.g., inter-cellular recognition and communication. This study aimed to implicate the sperm glycosylation pattern as one of the factors responsible for low conception rates observed in buffalo bulls. We hypothesized that a differential abundance of glycans exists on the spermatozoa from bulls of contrasting fertilizing abilities endowing them with differential immune evasion abilities. Therefore, we investigated the role of glycan abundance in the phagocytosis and NETosis rates exhibited by female neutrophils (PMNs) upon exposure to such spermatozoa. Our results indicated that the spermatozoa from high fertile (HF) bulls possessed a higher abundance of O-linked glycans e.g., galactosyl (β-1,3)N-acetylgalactosamine and N-linked glycans like [GlcNAc]1-3, N-acetylglucosamine than the low fertile (LF) bull spermatozoa. This differential glycomic endowment appeared to affect the spermiophagy and NETosis rates exhibited by the female neutrophil cells (PMNs). The mean percentage of phagocytizing PMNs was significantly different (P < 0.0001) for HF and LF bulls, 28.44 and 59.59%, respectively. Furthermore, any introduced perturbations in the inherent sperm glycan arrangements promoted phagocytosis by PMNs. For example, after in vitro capacitation the mean phagocytosis rate (MPR) rate in spermatozoa from HF bulls significantly increased to 66.49% (P < 0.01). Likewise, the MPR increased to 70.63% (p < 0.01) after O-glycosidase & α2-3,6,8,9 Neuraminidase A treatment of spermatozoa from HF bulls. Moreover, the percentage of PMNs forming neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) was significantly higher, 41.47% when exposed to spermatozoa from LF bulls vis-à-vis the spermatozoa from HF bulls, 15.46% (P < 0.0001). This is a pioneer report specifically demonstrating the role of O-linked glycans in the immune responses mounted against spermatozoa. Nevertheless, further studies are warranted to provide the measures to diagnose the sub-fertile phenotype thus preventing the losses incurred by incorrect selection of morphologically normal sperm in the AI/IVF reproduction techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vipul Batra
- Animal Genomics Laboratory, Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Komal Dagar
- Animal Genomics Laboratory, Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Samiksha Nayak
- Animal Genomics Laboratory, Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Arumugam Kumaresan
- Theriogenelogy Laboratory, SRS of National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Rakesh Kumar
- Animal Genomics Laboratory, Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Tirtha K Datta
- Animal Genomics Laboratory, Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
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14
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Rinaldi VD, Donnard E, Gellatly K, Rasmussen M, Kucukural A, Yukselen O, Garber M, Sharma U, Rando OJ. An atlas of cell types in the mouse epididymis and vas deferens. eLife 2020; 9:e55474. [PMID: 32729827 PMCID: PMC7426093 DOI: 10.7554/elife.55474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Following testicular spermatogenesis, mammalian sperm continue to mature in a long epithelial tube known as the epididymis, which plays key roles in remodeling sperm protein, lipid, and RNA composition. To understand the roles for the epididymis in reproductive biology, we generated a single-cell atlas of the murine epididymis and vas deferens. We recovered key epithelial cell types including principal cells, clear cells, and basal cells, along with associated support cells that include fibroblasts, smooth muscle, macrophages and other immune cells. Moreover, our data illuminate extensive regional specialization of principal cell populations across the length of the epididymis. In addition to region-specific specialization of principal cells, we find evidence for functionally specialized subpopulations of stromal cells, and, most notably, two distinct populations of clear cells. Our dataset extends on existing knowledge of epididymal biology, and provides a wealth of information on potential regulatory and signaling factors that bear future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera D Rinaldi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterUnited States
| | - Elisa Donnard
- Department of Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterUnited States
| | - Kyle Gellatly
- Department of Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterUnited States
| | - Morten Rasmussen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterUnited States
| | - Alper Kucukural
- Department of Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterUnited States
| | - Onur Yukselen
- Department of Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterUnited States
| | - Manuel Garber
- Department of Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterUnited States
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterUnited States
| | - Upasna Sharma
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa CruzSanta CruzUnited States
| | - Oliver J Rando
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterUnited States
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15
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Ajith Kumar A, Siva Kumar N. Biochemical Characterization of a Lysosomal α-Mannosidase from the Starfish Asterias rubens. Protein J 2018; 37:361-368. [PMID: 29882184 DOI: 10.1007/s10930-018-9778-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Acidic α-mannosidase is an important enzyme and is reported from many different plants and animals. Lysosomal α-mannosidase helps in the catabolism of glycoproteins in the lysosomes thereby playing a major role in cellular homeostasis. In the present study lysosomal α-mannosidase from the gonads of echinoderm Asterias rubens was isolated and purified. The crude protein sample from ammonium sulfate precipitate contained two isoforms of mannosidase as tested by the MAN2B1 antibody, which were separated by anion exchange chromatography. Enzyme with 75 kDa molecular weight was purified and biochemically characterized. Optimum pH of the enzyme was found to be in the range of 4.5-5 and optimum temperature was 37 °C. The activity of the enzyme was inhibited completely by swainsonine but not by 1-deoxymannojirimycin. Ligand blot assays showed that the enzyme can interact with both the lysosomal enzyme sorting receptors indicating the presence of mannose 6-phosphate in the glycan surface of the enzyme. This is the first report of lysosomal α-mannosidase in an active monomeric form. Its interaction with the receptors suggest that the lysosomal enzyme targeting in echinoderms might follow a mannose 6-phosphate mediated pathway similar to that in the vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aravindakshan Ajith Kumar
- Protein Biochemistry and Glycobiology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500046, India
| | - Nadimpalli Siva Kumar
- Protein Biochemistry and Glycobiology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500046, India.
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16
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Pini T, Leahy T, Paul de Graaf S. Seminal plasma and cryopreservation alter ram sperm surface carbohydrates and interactions with neutrophils. Reprod Fertil Dev 2018; 30:689-702. [DOI: 10.1071/rd17251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatozoa deposited vaginally must navigate the physical, chemical and immune barriers of the cervix to reach the site of fertilisation. Characteristics that favour successful cervical transit remain largely unknown beyond the obvious factors of motility and viability. Epididymal and cryopreserved ram spermatozoa demonstrate poor cervical transit, for unknown reasons. We hypothesised that seminal plasma exposure and cryopreservation alter the surface sugars of these sperm populations and, consequently, their interaction with immune cells, both potential factors for successful cervical transit. The carbohydrate profiles of epididymal, ejaculated and frozen–thawed ram spermatozoa were assessed by flow cytometry and western blotting using lectins for galactose, sialic acid, N-acetylglucosamine and mannose. Seminal plasma exposure and cryopreservation caused significant changes to the relative amounts of surface sugars detected by flow cytometry and lectin blotting. Immune cell interaction was characterised using a neutrophil-binding assay. Seminal plasma acted as a robust protective mechanism, limiting binding of spermatozoa, whereas the media used for cryopreservation caused a significant disruption to opsonin-mediated binding. We were unable to demonstrate a link between changes to surface sugars and neutrophil susceptibility. Seminal plasma and cryopreservation clearly alter the sperm glycocalyx, as well as the interaction of spermatozoa with immune cells.
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17
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Gervasi MG, Visconti PE. Molecular changes and signaling events occurring in spermatozoa during epididymal maturation. Andrology 2017; 5:204-218. [PMID: 28297559 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2016] [Revised: 11/01/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
After leaving the testis, spermatozoa have not yet acquired the ability to move progressively and are unable to fertilize oocytes. To become fertilization competent, they must go through an epididymal maturation process in the male, and capacitation in the female tract. Epididymal maturation can be defined as those changes occurring to spermatozoa in the epididymis that render the spermatozoa the ability to capacitate in the female tract. As part of this process, sperm cells undergo a series of biochemical and physiological changes that require incorporation of new molecules derived from the epididymal epithelium, as well as post-translational modifications of endogenous proteins synthesized during spermiogenesis in the testis. This review will focus on epididymal maturation events, with emphasis in recent advances in the understanding of the molecular basis of this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- M G Gervasi
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - P E Visconti
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
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18
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Aguilera AC, Boschin V, Robina I, Elías-Rodríguez P, Sosa MA. Epididymal α-l-fucosidase and its possible role in remodelling the surface of bull spermatozoa. Theriogenology 2017; 104:134-141. [PMID: 28843076 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2017] [Revised: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian epididymis provides an appropriate environment for sperm maturation. During the epididymal transit, spermatozoa undergo biochemical and morphological changes that lead to the acquisition of the fertilizing capacity. In this study we analysed the fucosylation status of membrane glycoproteins in the spermatozoa obtained from different regions of the bull epididymis. High amounts of fucose were detected on caput spermatozoa (R.F.I. = 1010 ± 20.35), mostly located in the post-acrosome zone. A significant decrease in the fucose levels was detected toward the cauda (R.F.I. = 540.5 ± 49.93) (P < 0.05). This decrease was in line with the increased activity of α-l-fucosidase in the cauda fluid. In sperm from the cauda, the defucosylation occurred in some proteins, whereas others showed higher fucosylation rates. A significant decrease of fucose in the gametes was observed upon incubation of crude cauda fluid with caput spermatozoa (from R.F.I. = 1.45 ± 0.08 to 1.06 ± 0.03) (P < 0.05) indicating that the α-l-fucosidase present in the epididymal fluid is active on spermatozoa. Moreover, this effect was blocked with specific enzyme inhibitors. These results provide direct evidence that the α-l-fucosidase from epididymal fluid participates in the fucose removal from spermatozoa, as a step of sperm maturation in the bull epididymis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Carolina Aguilera
- Laboratorio de Biología y Fisiología Celular "Dr. Franciso Bertini", Instituto de Histología y Embriología - IHEM-CONICET-FCM-UNCuyo, 5500 Mendoza, Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Veronica Boschin
- Laboratorio de Biología y Fisiología Celular "Dr. Franciso Bertini", Instituto de Histología y Embriología - IHEM-CONICET-FCM-UNCuyo, 5500 Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Inmaculada Robina
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Química, Universidad de Sevilla, Spain
| | - Pilar Elías-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Química, Universidad de Sevilla, Spain
| | - Miguel Angel Sosa
- Laboratorio de Biología y Fisiología Celular "Dr. Franciso Bertini", Instituto de Histología y Embriología - IHEM-CONICET-FCM-UNCuyo, 5500 Mendoza, Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina.
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19
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Dráb T, Ren Š, Maňásková-Postlerová P, Tichá M, Jonáková V, Liberda J. Glycosidases in porcine follicular fluid and their effect on zona pellucida-AWN 1 spermadhesin interaction. Theriogenology 2017; 100:80-87. [PMID: 28708538 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2016] [Revised: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Oligosaccharide moieties on the surface of the oocyte belong to the key molecules that direct the course of fertilization and are subjected to changes during oocyte maturation in the follicle. In our study, we focused on the activities of five glycosidases in the fluids from porcine secondary and preovulatory follicles (α-l-fucosidase, α-d-galactosidase, β-d-galactosidase, β-D-N-acetylhexosaminidase, and α-d-mannosidase). All of them were detected active at neutral and acidic pH. However, changes in their activities associated with follicle development were observed only in the case of α-d-mannosidase, which was increased (P < 0.001), and β-d-galactosidase, which was decreased (P < 0.001) at neutral pH, and of α-d-galactosidase and β-N-acetylhexosaminidase, which were decreased (P < 0.0001) at the acidic pH. The comparison of glycosidases from follicular fluid and from blood plasma using red native electrophoresis revealed that most of the glycosidases are present in more than one isoenzyme form; some of them were detected mainly in the follicular fluid. Finally, we tested the effect of glycosidases on the interaction between zona pellucida and AWN 1 spermadhesin (putative sperm receptor of zona pellucida) and demonstrated that the effect of both β-d-galactosidase and to a lesser degree α-d-mannosidase led to a decrease in this interaction. We can hypothesize that these two glycosidases modulate the amount of zona pellucida oligosaccharide moieties and/or their structures for an optimal sperm binding in pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomáš Dráb
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Hlavova 2030, Prague 2, Czech Republic; Division of Crop Protection and Plant Health, Crop Research Institute, Drnovská 507/73, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Štěpán Ren
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Hlavova 2030, Prague 2, Czech Republic; Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, v.v.i., BIOCEV, Průmyslová 595, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Pavla Maňásková-Postlerová
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, v.v.i., BIOCEV, Průmyslová 595, Vestec, Czech Republic.
| | - Marie Tichá
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Hlavova 2030, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Věra Jonáková
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, v.v.i., BIOCEV, Průmyslová 595, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Liberda
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Hlavova 2030, Prague 2, Czech Republic
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Alipour H, Van Der Horst G, Christiansen O, Dardmeh F, Jørgensen N, Nielsen H, Hnida C. Improved sperm kinematics in semen samples collected after 2 h versus 4–7 days of ejaculation abstinence. Hum Reprod 2017; 32:1364-1372. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dex101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2016] [Accepted: 04/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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21
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Samanta L, Swain N, Ayaz A, Venugopal V, Agarwal A. Post-Translational Modifications in sperm Proteome: The Chemistry of Proteome diversifications in the Pathophysiology of male factor infertility. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2016; 1860:1450-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2016.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Revised: 03/26/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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22
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Sullivan R, Mieusset R. The human epididymis: its function in sperm maturation. Hum Reprod Update 2016; 22:574-87. [PMID: 27307387 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmw015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 183] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spermatozoa acquire their fertilizing ability and forward motility properties during epididymal transit. Our knowledge of gamete physiology is based on studies conducted in laboratory and domestic species; our knowledge of these processes in humans is limited. Medical indications for assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have progressed to include male infertility. Surgical procedures allow collection of spermatozoa from all along the human excurrent ducts, and the former have been used with some success in reproductive medicine. This has raised questions over the role of the epididymis in human sperm physiology. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE To reanalyze what we now know about epididymal physiology in humans and to assess the relevance of laboratory animal models for understanding human physiology and the pathophysiology of the epididymis. SEARCH METHODS A systematic bibliographic search of PubMed for articles published in English before May 2015 was carried out using the search terms 'epididymis' and 'sperm maturation'. Literature on the consequences of vasectomy on the epididymis was also searched. OUTCOMES Whereas the proximal epididymis is almost exclusively occupied by efferent ducts, the sperm reservoir capacity is poorly developed in humans. At the molecular level, the human transcriptome and proteome show some segment specificity; conflicting results persist with regard to secretome variation along the tubule. The number of genes regulated along the excurrent ducts in men is lower when compared to rodent species, but remains significant. It is challenging to reconcile biochemical and physiological studies with clinical data obtained from men undergoing reanastomosis of the vas deferens at different points along the excurrent duct. We propose that vasectomy/vasovasostomy is a model to understand the consequences of obstruction on epididymis function in humans. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Despite the scarcity of biological material available, the interspecies variability of the male reproductive tract urges us to use modern molecular and cellular biology tools to better understand human epididymis physiology in order to apply ART in a more responsible manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Sullivan
- Département d'obstétrique, gynécologie et reproduction, Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université Laval, axe reproduction, santé de la mère et de l'enfant,
| | - Roger Mieusset
- Médecine de la Reproduction, CHU Toulouse, 31059 Toulouse, France Groupe de Recherche en Fertilité Humaine EA 3694, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
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23
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Abstract
The sperm maturation and storage functions of the epididymis are important determinants of ejaculate quality, and perhaps provide an avenue to male contraception. In the last 50 years, the creation of epididymal fertility profiles in laboratory animals was followed by recognition of new sperm maturation-related parameters (organization of the acrosome, of the sperm plasmalemma, and –S–S– -based structural change) which made it possible to confirm that a similar pattern of sperm maturation obtains in man. The novel sperm storage function of the cauda epididymidis in therian mammals is regulated by androgen, usually in conjunction with the low temperature of the scrotum. The temperature-dependence of the scrotal cauda is reflected in the secretory and ion transport functions of the epithelium, in its duct dimensions and so in sperm storage capacity. Moreover, a variety of indirect evidence suggests that an elevated temperature of the cauda created by clothing may be compromising its function in man. The pattern of change in the sperm plasmalemma involving sterols, and also glycosylphosphatidylinositol-linked macromolecules as spermatozoa enter the cauda region, may underlie the need for their capacitation subsequently in the female tract. Further, in a variety of taxa the anatomy of the scrotum, together with the U-shaped configuration of the epididymis/vas deferens, suggests that the cauda's storage function may also underlie the evolution of the scrotum. Finally, despite the still relative paucity of comparative evidence, we can consider now why the epididymis has come to be organized as it is.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Michael Bedford
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, Box 30, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
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Villaverde AISB, Hetherington L, Baker MA. Quantitative Glycopeptide Changes in Rat Sperm During Epididymal Transit1. Biol Reprod 2016; 94:91. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.134114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
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Liguori G, Paino S, Squillacioti C, Luca AD, Alì S, Langella E, Mirabella N. Innervation and Immunohistochemical Characteristics of Epididymis in Alpaca Camelid (Vicugna Pacos). ITALIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2016. [DOI: 10.4081/ijas.2013.e15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Cheon YP, Kim CH. Impact of glycosylation on the unimpaired functions of the sperm. Clin Exp Reprod Med 2015; 42:77-85. [PMID: 26473106 PMCID: PMC4604297 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2015.42.3.77] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Revised: 09/20/2015] [Accepted: 09/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the key factors of early development is the specification of competence between the oocyte and the sperm, which occurs during gametogenesis. However, the starting point, growth, and maturation for acquiring competence during spermatogenesis and oogenesis in mammals are very different. Spermatogenesis includes spermiogenesis, but such a metamorphosis is not observed during oogenesis. Glycosylation, a ubiquitous modification, is a preliminary requisite for distribution of the structural and functional components of spermatids for metamorphosis. In addition, glycosylation using epididymal or female genital secretory glycans is an important process for the sperm maturation, the acquisition of the potential for fertilization, and the acceleration of early embryo development. However, nonemzymatic unexpected covalent bonding of a carbohydrate and malglycosylation can result in falling fertility rates as shown in the diabetic male. So far, glycosylation during spermatogenesis and the dynamics of the plasma membrane in the process of capacitation and fertilization have been evaluated, and a powerful role of glycosylation in spermatogenesis and early development is also suggested by structural bioinformatics, functional genomics, and functional proteomics. Further understanding of glycosylation is needed to provide a better understanding of fertilization and embryo development and for the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic tools for infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Pil Cheon
- Division of Developmental Biology and Physiology, School of Biosciences and Chemistry, Sungshin Women's University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chung-Hoon Kim
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Asan Medical Center, College of Medicine, University of Ulsan, Seoul, Korea
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Watthammawut A, Somrit M, Asuvapongpatana S, Weerachatyanukul W. Enhancement of trypsin-like enzymes by A23187 ionophore is crucial for sperm penetration through the egg vestment of the giant freshwater prawn. Cell Tissue Res 2015; 362:643-52. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-015-2226-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2015] [Accepted: 05/19/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Tecle E, Gagneux P. Sugar-coated sperm: Unraveling the functions of the mammalian sperm glycocalyx. Mol Reprod Dev 2015; 82:635-50. [PMID: 26061344 PMCID: PMC4744710 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2014] [Accepted: 04/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian spermatozoa are coated with a thick glycocalyx that is assembled during sperm development, maturation, and upon contact with seminal fluid. The sperm glycocalyx is critical for sperm survival in the female reproductive tract and is modified during capacitation. The complex interplay among the various glycoconjugates generates numerous signaling motifs that may regulate sperm function and, as a result, fertility. Nascent spermatozoa assemble their own glycans while the cells still possess a functional endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi in the seminiferous tubule, but once spermatogenesis is complete, they lose the capacity to produce glycoconjugates de novo. Sperm glycans continue to be modified, during epididymal transit by extracellular glycosidases and glycosyltransferases. Furthermore, epididymal cells secrete glycoconjugates (glycophosphatidylinositol-anchored glycoproteins and glycolipids) and glycan-rich microvesicles that can fuse with the maturing sperm membrane. The sperm glycocalyx mediates numerous functions in the female reproductive tract, including the following: inhibition of premature capacitation; passage through the cervical mucus; protection from innate and adaptive female immunity; formation of the sperm reservoir; and masking sperm proteins involved in fertilization. The immense diversity in sperm-associated glycans within and between species forms a remarkable challenge to our understanding of essential sperm glycan functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eillen Tecle
- Division of Comparative Pathology and Medicine, Department of Pathology, Glycobiology Research and Training Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Pascal Gagneux
- Division of Comparative Pathology and Medicine, Department of Pathology, Glycobiology Research and Training Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
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Aguilera AC, Carvelli L, Boschin V, Mohamed F, Zyla L, Sosa MA. Changes in lysosomal enzymes and mannose-6-phosphate receptors related to sexual maturation in bull epididymis. Reprod Fertil Dev 2015; 28:RD14380. [PMID: 25897777 DOI: 10.1071/rd14380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2014] [Accepted: 03/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the most striking features of the mammalian epididymis is the secretion of lysosomal enzymes (LE). These LE may play a role in sperm maturation. In the present study we investigated the activity and distribution of four LE (?-galactosidase (?-Gal), N-acetyl-?-D-glucosaminidase (?-NAG), ?-mannosidase (?-Man) and ?-glucuronidase (?-Glu)) in bull epididymis at two different ages (6 months and 4 years) to determine whether these enzymes vary with sexual maturity. In young, sexually immature (SI) bulls we found high LE activity in the epididymal tissue that accounts for a developed and active lysosomal apparatus. In contrast, low LE activity was measured in sexually mature (SM) bulls, and ?-NAG and ?-Gal were mostly secreted into the lumen. We also attempted to correlate LE distribution with the expression and functionality of mannose-6-phosphate receptors (MPRs), which are thought to be involved in proper delivery of LE to lysosomes. The cation-dependent MPR was highly expressed in SI bulls, with expression decreasing during adulthood, whereas the expression of the cation-independent MPR was higher in SM than SI bulls. In addition, the four enzymes recovered from the epididymal lumen interact with both MPRs at each age. We conclude that the activity and distribution of LE in bull epididymis varies with sexual maturity and that the distribution is regulated differently by the two types of MPR. These findings could provide some molecular basis for male infertility.
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Octylphenol induces changes in glycosylation pattern, calcium level and ultrastructure of bank vole spermatozoa in vitro. Toxicol In Vitro 2015; 29:529-37. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2014.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2014] [Revised: 09/26/2014] [Accepted: 12/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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α-L-fucosidase enhances capacitation-associated events in porcine spermatozoa. Vet J 2015; 203:109-14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2014.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2014] [Revised: 11/10/2014] [Accepted: 11/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Role of posttranslational protein modifications in epididymal sperm maturation and extracellular quality control. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2014; 759:159-80. [PMID: 25030764 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-0817-2_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The epididymal lumen is a complex microenvironment in which spermatozoa acquire motility and fertility. Spermatozoa are synthetically inactive and therefore the maturation process requires their interaction with proteins that are synthesized and secreted in a highly regionalized manner by the epididymal epithelium. In addition to the integration of epididymal secretory proteins, posttranslational modifications of existing sperm proteins are important for sperm maturation and acquisition of fertilizing potential. Phosphorylation, glycosylation, and processing are several of the posttranslational modifications that sperm proteins undergo during epididymal transit resulting in changes in protein function and localization ultimately leading to mature spermatozoa. In addition to these well-characterized modifications, protein aggregation and cross-linking also occur within the epididymal lumen and may represent unique mechanisms for controlling protein function including that for maturation as well as for extracellular quality control.
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Ferrer M, Cornwall G, Oko R. A Population of CRES Resides in the Outer Dense Fibers of Spermatozoa1. Biol Reprod 2013; 88:65. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.112.104745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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Wang ZY, Fu GY, Wang SM, Qin DC, Wang ZQ, Cui J. Rapid screening for Chlamydia trachomatis infection by detecting α-mannosidase activity in urogenital tract specimens. BMC Infect Dis 2013; 13:36. [PMID: 23347393 PMCID: PMC3568413 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-13-36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2012] [Accepted: 01/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chlamydia trachomatis may cause multiple different urogenital tract disorders, but current non-culture assays for rapid screening of C. trachomatis typically use immunochromatography-based methods. We established another new rapid non-culture method for detection of C. trachomatis based on the measurement of α-mannosidase enzymatic activity in urogenital tract specimens. METHOD To evaluate the performance of this method, α-mannosidase activities of C. trachomatis serotype D strain 、 and 29 standard strains related to clinical urogenital pathogens were investigated. Furthermore, 553 urogenital tract specimens were used for clinical assays via cell culture method and ligase chain reaction method (LCR), adopting an expanded gold standard. RESULTS Only C. trachomatis was positive for α-mannosidase activity among different types of microbes tested in the research. When prostate fluid specimens, which have some interfering activity, were excluded, the sensitivity and specificity of the enzymatic method were 91.8% (78/85) and 98.3% (409/416), respectively. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS These results showed that α-mannosidase activity could be utilised as a screening marker of C. trachomatis infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze-yu Wang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
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Bovine sperm raft membrane associated Glioma Pathogenesis-Related 1-like protein 1 (GliPr1L1) is modified during the epididymal transit and is potentially involved in sperm binding to the zona pellucida. J Cell Physiol 2012; 227:3876-86. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.24099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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36
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Alpha-mannosidase activity in stallion epididymal fluid and spermatozoa. Theriogenology 2012; 78:252-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2012.02.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2011] [Revised: 12/05/2011] [Accepted: 02/25/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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37
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Tulsiani DRP, Abou-Haila A. Biological Processes that Prepare Mammalian Spermatozoa to Interact with an Egg and Fertilize It. SCIENTIFICA 2012; 2012:607427. [PMID: 24278720 PMCID: PMC3820447 DOI: 10.6064/2012/607427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2012] [Accepted: 05/10/2012] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
In the mouse and other mammals studied, including man, ejaculated spermatozoa cannot immediately fertilize an egg. They require a certain period of residence in the female genital tract to become functionally competent cells. As spermatozoa traverse through the female genital tract, they undergo multiple biochemical and physiological changes collectively referred to as capacitation. Only capacitated spermatozoa interact with the extracellular egg coat, the zona pellucida. The tight irreversible binding of the opposite gametes triggers a Ca(2+)-dependent signal transduction cascade. The net result is the fusion of the sperm plasma membrane and the underlying outer acrosomal membrane at multiple sites that causes the release of acrosomal contents at the site of sperm-egg adhesion. The hydrolytic action of the acrosomal enzymes released, along with the hyperactivated beat pattern of the bound spermatozoon, is important factor that directs the sperm to penetrate the egg coat and fertilize the egg. The sperm capacitation and the induction of the acrosomal reaction are Ca(2+)-dependent signaling events that have been of wide interest to reproductive biologists for over half a century. In this paper, we intend to discuss data from this and other laboratories that highlight the biological processes which prepare spermatozoa to interact with an egg and fertilize it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daulat R. P. Tulsiani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Aïda Abou-Haila
- UFR Biomédicale, Université Paris Descartes, 75270 Paris Cedex 06, France
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Hardiyanto L, Hasegawa A, Komori S. The N-linked carbohydrate moiety of male reproductive tract CD52 (mrt-CD52) interferes with the complement system via binding to C1q. J Reprod Immunol 2012; 94:142-50. [PMID: 22386526 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2012.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2011] [Revised: 01/11/2012] [Accepted: 01/19/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Antisperm antibody detected in infertile female patients' sera has been shown to correlate with reduced fertility. The antibody showed strong complement-dependent cytotoxicity as determined by the sperm immobilization test (SIT). CD52 is a human glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored antigen present in lymphocytes and male reproductive tracts (mrt), including mature sperm and seminal plasma. Recently, purified mrt-CD52 from human seminal plasma has been reported to interfere with the classical complement pathway, but not lectin binding or alternative pathways of the complement system. The purpose of this study is to determine which stage of the classical pathway mrt-CD52 regulates. mrt-CD52 was purified from human seminal plasma or intact sperm membrane. Immunoprecipitation assay was performed with the reaction of mrt-CD52, human complement and mAb H6-3C4. Immunoprecipitate was formed by the carbohydrate moiety of mrt-CD52, but not by the GPI-anchor peptide. The C1q molecule (29 kDa) was detected in the immunoprecipitates by Western blotting analysis probed with anti C1q antibody, indicating that the carbohydrate moiety of mrt-CD52 binds to C1q. Also, the complement-dependent SIT revealed that purified CD52 inhibited sperm immobilization activity by antisperm antibody. These results suggest that mrt-CD52 protects sperm function from complement attack if antisperm antibody is generated in the female reproductive tracts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lutfi Hardiyanto
- Hyogo College of Medicine, 1-1 Mukogawa-cho, Nishinomiya, 663-8501 Hyogo, Japan
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Pholpramool C, Borwornpinyo S, Dinudom A. Role of Na+ /H+ exchanger 3 in the acidification of the male reproductive tract and male fertility. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2011; 38:403-9. [PMID: 21480944 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1681.2011.05525.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
1. Male fertility is a complex process that is dependent on sex hormones and the normal function of the reproductive organs. Defects of these organs result in abnormal sperm production and function, which, in turn, lead to infertility. 2. Spermatozoa released from the testis are unable to move and fertilize with eggs. These features, known as sperm maturation, are acquired during their transit through the epididymis. 3. Among several processes that take place in the epididymis, absorption and acidification of the luminal fluid are essential for sperm maturation, sperm storage and fertility. Currently, the mechanism by which acidification occurs in the epididymis is still not fully understood. 4. The epididymis is fully equipped with the proteins required for acid/base transport, such as Na(+) /H(+) exchanger 3 (NHE3, SLC9A3), vacuolar-type adenosine triphosphatase (V-ATPase) and various isoforms of enzyme carbonic anhydrase (CA). 5. Most studies, so far, have focused on the role of V-ATPase on H(+) secretion and acidification of the epididymis. The involvement of NHE3 in creating the acidic environment of the epididymal spermatozoa receives little attention. 6. This review presents evidence for and discusses the role of NHE3 in the acidification of the male reproductive tract and its requirement for male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chumpol Pholpramool
- Departments of Physiology Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
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Girouard J, Frenette G, Sullivan R. Comparative proteome and lipid profiles of bovine epididymosomes collected in the intraluminal compartment of the caput and cauda epididymidis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 34:e475-86. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2605.2011.01203.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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41
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Katagiri YU, Sato B, Yamatoya K, Taki T, Goto-Inoue N, Setou M, Okita H, Fujimoto J, Ito C, Toshimori K, Kiyokawa N. GalNAcβ1,3-linked paragloboside carries the epitope of a sperm maturation-related glycoprotein that is recognized by the monoclonal antibody MC121. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2011; 406:326-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2011.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2011] [Accepted: 02/03/2011] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Belleannée C, Labas V, Teixeira-Gomes AP, Gatti JL, Dacheux JL, Dacheux F. Identification of luminal and secreted proteins in bull epididymis. J Proteomics 2011; 74:59-78. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2010.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2010] [Revised: 07/12/2010] [Accepted: 07/29/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Avilés M, Gutiérrez-Adán A, Coy P. Oviductal secretions: will they be key factors for the future ARTs? Mol Hum Reprod 2010; 16:896-906. [PMID: 20584881 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaq056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
A variety of evolutionary processes has led to the development of different organs to ensure that internal fertilization occur successfully. Fallopian tubes are a particularly interesting example of such organs. Some of the key events during fertilization and early embryo development occur in the oviduct. Knowledge of the different components described in the oviduct is extensive. Oviductal components include hormones, growth factors and their receptors that have important roles in the physiology of the oviduct and embryo development. Other oviductal factors protect the gamete and the embryos against oxidative stress and pathogens. Different proteins and enzymes are present in the oviductal fluid and have the ability to interact with the oocyte and the sperm before the fertilization occurs. Of special interest is the oviduct-specific glycoprotein (OVGP1), a glycoprotein that is conserved in different mammals, and its association with the zona pellucida (ZP). Interaction of the oocyte with oviductal secretions leads us to emphasize the concept of 'ZP maturation' within the oviduct. The ZP changes produced in the oviduct result in an increased efficiency of the in vitro fertilization technique in some animal models, contributing in particular to the control of polyspermy and suggesting that a similar role could be played by oviductal factors in human beings. Finally, attention should be given to the presence in the oviductal fluid of several embryotrophic factors and their importance in relation to the in vivo versus in vitro developmental ability of the embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Avilés
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
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Srivastav A, Chandra A, Singh M, Jamal F, Rastogi P, Rajendran SM, Bansode FW, Lakshmi V. Inhibition of hyaluronidase activity of human and rat spermatozoa in vitro and antispermatogenic activity in rats in vivo by Terminalia chebula, a flavonoid rich plant. Reprod Toxicol 2010; 29:214-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2009.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2009] [Revised: 10/16/2009] [Accepted: 11/02/2009] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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45
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Parillo F, Verini Supplizi A, Mancuso R, Catone G. Glycomolecule Modifications in the Seminiferous Epithelial Cells and in the Acrosome of Post-testicular Spermatozoa in the Alpaca. Reprod Domest Anim 2009; 47:675-86. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2008.01134.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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46
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Chandra A, Srinivasan KR, Jamal F, Mehrotra PK, Singh RL, Srivastav A. Post-translational modifications in glycosylation status during epididymal passage and significance in fertility of a 33 kDa glycoprotein (MEF3) of rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta). Reproduction 2008; 135:761-70. [PMID: 18502892 DOI: 10.1530/rep-07-0525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The present study reports data on post-translational modifications in the glycosylation status during epididymal passage and significance in fertility of a 33 kDa glycoprotein of rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta), designated as MEF3 (monkey epididymal fluid protein 3). MEF3 exhibited strong affinity for N-linked alpha-D-mannose groups and O-linked N-Ac-galactosamine linkages in epididymal fluids and exhibited moderate affinity for N-Ac-glucosaminylated (wheat germ agglutinin), fucosylated (Tetragonolotus purpurea), and N-Ac-galactosamine (peanut agglutinin) residues on more mature corpus and caudal spermatozoa in a maturation-dependent manner on Western blots probed with specific biotinylated lectins. Polyclonal antiserum raised against affinity-purified MEF3 from caudal epididymal fluid (CEF) cross-reacted specifically with CEF and caudal sperm membrane of macaque and with Triton X-100 extract of ejaculated human spermatozoa, suggesting the existence of antigenically related components in both species. The tangled agglutination caused by anti-33 kDa serum of human spermatozoa, along with localization of MEF3 on entire sperm surface of epididymal and testicular sperm of monkey and human spermatozoa, suggest the significance of MEF3 in sperm function. The 100% inhibition of fertility of immunized female rabbits with this protein in vivo and inhibition of human sperm penetration in zona-free hamster eggs in vitro suggests the functional significance of MEF3 in fertility. Together, these results clearly indicate that MEF3 has potential significance as a target for antibodies that inhibit sperm function and fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Chandra
- Division of Endocrinology, Central Drug Research Institute, PO Box 173, Lucknow 226001, India
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47
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Parillo F, Verini Supplizi A, Macrì D, Catone G. The ductus epididymis of the alpaca: immunohistochemical and lectin histochemical study. Reprod Domest Anim 2008; 44:284-94. [PMID: 18992100 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2008.01067.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Our objective was to characterize epithelial cells lining the epididymal duct (caput, corpus, cauda) of the alpaca using AE1/AE3 cytokeratin antibodies and a battery of different lectins: Con-A, UEA-I, LTA WGA, GSA-II, GSA-IB4, SBA, PNA, ECA, DBA, MAL-II and SNA. Sialidase digestion and deglycosylation pre-treatments were also employed. The principal cells (PCs) along the epididymis showed differences in immunostaining patterns toward keratin antibodies. Lectin histochemistry demonstrated variations in the content and distribution of glycosidic residues of glycoconjugates in different epididymal regions. In particular, staining of the Golgi zone in the epithelial PCs was interpreted as evidence for synthesis and secretion of O- and N-linked oligosaccharides. In the caput, the apical mitochondria-rich cells contained mainly beta-GalNAc, subterminal alpha-GalNAc, alpha-Gal and Neu5Ac alpha2,3Gal residues. Conversely, in the corpus they were particularly rich in alpha-GalNac and beta-Gal-(1-3)-d-GalNAc linked to sialic acid moieties. Basal cells mainly expressed beta-GalNAc and alpha-Gal in the caput, alpha-Gal in the corpus and alpha-Fuc and beta-GalNAc in the cauda. The differences in immunostaining patterns and in lectin histochemistry in the alpaca epididymis reported in this investigation seem to be related to regional differences in function.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Parillo
- Department of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino-UNICAM, via Circonvallazione 93-95, Matelica, Italy.
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Yamaguchi R, Yamagata K, Hasuwa H, Inano E, Ikawa M, Okabe M. Cd52, known as a major maturation-associated sperm membrane antigen secreted from the epididymis, is not required for fertilization in the mouse. Genes Cells 2008; 13:851-61. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2443.2008.01210.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Pasini ME, Intra J, Pavesi G. Expression study of an α-l-fucosidase gene in the Drosophilidae family. Gene 2008; 420:23-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2008.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2008] [Revised: 04/22/2008] [Accepted: 04/30/2008] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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