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Wang H, Iida-Norita R, Mashiko D, Pham AH, Miyata H, Ikawa M. Golgi associated RAB2 interactor protein family contributes to murine male fertility to various extents by assuring correct morphogenesis of sperm heads. PLoS Genet 2024; 20:e1011337. [PMID: 38935810 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Sperm heads contain not only the nucleus but also the acrosome which is a distinctive cap-like structure located anterior to the nucleus and is derived from the Golgi apparatus. The Golgi Associated RAB2 Interactors (GARINs; also known as FAM71) protein family shows predominant expression in the testis and all possess a RAB2-binding domain which confers binding affinity to RAB2, a small GTPase that is responsible for membrane transport and vesicle trafficking. Our previous study showed that GARIN1A and GARIN1B are important for acrosome biogenesis and that GARIN1B is indispensable for male fertility in mice. Here, we generated KO mice of other Garins, namely Garin2, Garin3, Garin4, Garin5a, and Garin5b (Garin2-5b). Using computer-assisted morphological analysis, we found that the loss of each Garin2-5b resulted in aberrant sperm head morphogenesis. While the fertilities of Garin2-/- and Garin4-/- males are normal, Garin5a-/- and Garin5b-/- males are subfertile, and Garin3-/- males are infertile. Further analysis revealed that Garin3-/- males exhibited abnormal acrosomal morphology, but not as severely as Garin1b-/- males; instead, the amounts of membrane proteins, particularly ADAM family proteins, decreased in Garin3 KO spermatozoa. Moreover, only Garin4 KO mice exhibit vacuoles in the sperm head. These results indicate that GARINs assure correct head morphogenesis and some members of the GARIN family function distinctively in male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoting Wang
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Rie Iida-Norita
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Daisuke Mashiko
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Anh Hoang Pham
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Haruhiko Miyata
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
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2
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Zhang Y, Liu G, Huang L, He X, Su Y, Nie X, Mao Z, Xing X. SUN5 interacts with nuclear membrane LaminB1 and cytoskeletal GTPase Septin12 mediating the sperm head-and-tail junction. Mol Hum Reprod 2024; 30:gaae022. [PMID: 38870534 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaae022] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Acephalic spermatozoa syndrome (ASS) is a severe teratospermia with decaudated, decapitated, and malformed sperm, resulting in male infertility. Nuclear envelope protein SUN5 localizes to the junction between the sperm head and tail. Mutations in the SUN5 gene have been identified most frequently (33-47%) in ASS cases, and its molecular mechanism of action is yet to be explored. In the present study, we generated Sun5 knockout mice, which presented the phenotype of ASS. Nuclear membrane protein LaminB1 and cytoskeletal GTPases Septin12 and Septin2 were identified as potential partners for interacting with SUN5 by immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry in mouse testis. Further studies demonstrated that SUN5 connected the nucleus by interacting with LaminB1 and connected the proximal centriole by interacting with Septin12. The binding between SUN5 and Septin12 promoted their aggregation together in the sperm neck. The disruption of the LaminB1/SUN5/Septin12 complex by Sun5 deficiency caused separation of the Septin12-proximal centriole from the nucleus, leading to the breakage of the head-to-tail junction. Collectively, these data provide new insights into the pathogenesis of ASS caused by SUN5 deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunfei Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Gang Liu
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lihua Huang
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiyi He
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yuyan Su
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xinmin Nie
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zenghui Mao
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Hereditary Birth Defects Prevention and Control, Changsha Hospital for Maternal & Child Health Care Affiliated to Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaowei Xing
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Sutovsky P, Hamilton LE, Zigo M, Ortiz D’Avila Assumpção ME, Jones A, Tirpak F, Agca Y, Kerns K, Sutovsky M. Biomarker-based human and animal sperm phenotyping: the good, the bad and the ugly†. Biol Reprod 2024; 110:1135-1156. [PMID: 38640912 PMCID: PMC11180624 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioae061] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Conventional, brightfield-microscopic semen analysis provides important baseline information about sperm quality of an individual; however, it falls short of identifying subtle subcellular and molecular defects in cohorts of "bad," defective human and animal spermatozoa with seemingly normal phenotypes. To bridge this gap, it is desirable to increase the precision of andrological evaluation in humans and livestock animals by pursuing advanced biomarker-based imaging methods. This review, spiced up with occasional classic movie references but seriously scholastic at the same time, focuses mainly on the biomarkers of altered male germ cell proteostasis resulting in post-testicular carryovers of proteins associated with ubiquitin-proteasome system. Also addressed are sperm redox homeostasis, epididymal sperm maturation, sperm-seminal plasma interactions, and sperm surface glycosylation. Zinc ion homeostasis-associated biomarkers and sperm-borne components, including the elements of neurodegenerative pathways such as Huntington and Alzheimer disease, are discussed. Such spectrum of biomarkers, imaged by highly specific vital fluorescent molecular probes, lectins, and antibodies, reveals both obvious and subtle defects of sperm chromatin, deoxyribonucleic acid, and accessory structures of the sperm head and tail. Introduction of next-generation image-based flow cytometry into research and clinical andrology will soon enable the incorporation of machine and deep learning algorithms with the end point of developing simple, label-free methods for clinical diagnostics and high-throughput phenotyping of spermatozoa in humans and economically important livestock animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Sutovsky
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia MO, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Missouri, Columbia MO, USA
| | - Lauren E Hamilton
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia MO, USA
| | - Michal Zigo
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia MO, USA
| | - Mayra E Ortiz D’Avila Assumpção
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia MO, USA
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Alexis Jones
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia MO, USA
| | - Filip Tirpak
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia MO, USA
| | - Yuksel Agca
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Karl Kerns
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Miriam Sutovsky
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia MO, USA
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Liu Z, Yang Z, Ablise M. Design and synthesis of novel imidazole-chalcone derivatives as microtubule protein polymerization inhibitors to treat cervical cancer and reverse cisplatin resistance. Bioorg Chem 2024; 147:107310. [PMID: 38583249 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Using the licochalcone moiety as a lead compound scaffold, 16 novel imidazole-chalcone derivatives were designed and synthesized as microtubule protein polymerization inhibitors. The proliferation inhibitory activities of the derivatives against SiHa (human cervical squamous cell carcinoma), C-33A (human cervical cancer), HeLa (human cervical cancer), HeLa/DDP (cisplatin-resistant human cervical cancer), and H8 (human cervical epithelial immortalized) cells were evaluated. Compound 5a exhibited significant anticancer activity with IC50 values ranging from 2.28 to 7.77 μM and a resistance index (RI) of 1.63, while showing minimal toxicity to normal H8 cells. When compound 5a was coadministered with cisplatin, the RI of cisplatin to HeLa/DDP cells decreased from 6.04 to 2.01, while compound 5a enhanced the fluorescence intensity of rhodamine 123 in HeLa/DDP cells. Further studies demonstrated that compound 5a arrested cells at the G2/M phase, induced apoptosis, reduced colony formation, inhibited cell migration, and inhibited cell invasion. Preliminary mechanistic studies revealed that compound 5a decreased the immunofluorescence intensity of α-/β-tubulin in cancer cells, reduced the expression of polymerized α-/β-tubulin, and increased the expression of depolymerized α-/β-tubulin. Additionally, the molecular docking results demonstrate that compound 5a can interact with the tubulin colchicine binding site and generate multiple types of interactions. These results suggested that compound 5a has anticancer effects and significantly reverses cervical cancer resistance to cisplatin, which may be related to its inhibition of microtubule and P-glycoprotein (P-gp) activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengye Liu
- The Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Active Components and Drug Release Technology, College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830011, China
| | - Zheng Yang
- The Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Active Components and Drug Release Technology, College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830011, China
| | - Mourboul Ablise
- The Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Active Components and Drug Release Technology, College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830011, China.
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Bu T, Wang L, Wu X, Gao S, Li X, Yun D, Yang X, Li L, Cheng CY, Sun F. The Planar Cell Polarity Protein Fat1 in Sertoli Cell Function. Endocrinology 2024; 165:bqae041. [PMID: 38553880 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqae041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2024]
Abstract
Fat (FAT atypical cadherin) and Dchs (Dachsous cadherin-related protein) in adjacent Sertoli:Sertoli, Sertoli:spermatid, and spermatid:spermatid interfaces create an important intercellular bridge whose adhesive function is in turn supported by Fjx1, a nonreceptor Ser/Thr protein kinase. This concept is derived from earlier studies of Drosophila, which has been confirmed in this and earlier reports as well. Herein, we use the approach of knockdown of Fat1 by RNAi using primary cultures of Sertoli cells that mimicked the blood-testis barrier (BTB) in vivo, and a series of coherent experiments including functional assays to monitor the Sertoli cell tight junction (TJ) permeability barrier and a functional in vitro TJ integrity assay to assess the role of Fat1 in the testis. It was shown that planar cell polarity (PCP) protein Fat1 affected Sertoli cell function through its modulation of actin and microtubule cytoskeletal function, altering their polymerization activity through the Fat1/Fjx1 complex. Furthermore, Fat1 is intimately associated with β-catenin and α-N-catenin, as well as with Prickle 1 of the Vangl1/Prickle 1 complex, another PCP core protein to support intercellular interactions to confer PCP. In summary, these findings support the notion that the Fat:Dchs and the Vangl2:Fzd PCP intercellular bridges are tightly associated with basal ES/TJ structural proteins to stabilize PCP function at the Sertoli:Sertoli, Sertoli:spermatid, and spermatid:spermatid interface to sustain spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiao Bu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Lingling Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Xiaolong Wu
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, China
| | - Sheng Gao
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Xinyao Li
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Damin Yun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Xiwen Yang
- School of Basic Medical Science, Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Linxi Li
- Zhejiang Engineering Research Center for Innovation and Application of Intelligent Radiotherapy Technology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Chuen Yan Cheng
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
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Wang L, Bu T, Wu X, Li L, Sun F, Cheng CY. Motor proteins, spermatogenesis and testis function. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2024; 141:381-445. [PMID: 38960481 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2024.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
The role of motor proteins in supporting intracellular transports of vesicles and organelles in mammalian cells has been known for decades. On the other hand, the function of motor proteins that support spermatogenesis is also well established since the deletion of motor protein genes leads to subfertility and/or infertility. Furthermore, mutations and genetic variations of motor protein genes affect fertility in men, but also a wide range of developmental defects in humans including multiple organs besides the testis. In this review, we seek to provide a summary of microtubule and actin-dependent motor proteins based on earlier and recent findings in the field. Since these two cytoskeletons are polarized structures, different motor proteins are being used to transport cargoes to different ends of these cytoskeletons. However, their involvement in germ cell transport across the blood-testis barrier (BTB) and the epithelium of the seminiferous tubules remains relatively unknown. It is based on recent findings in the field, we have provided a hypothetical model by which motor proteins are being used to support germ cell transport across the BTB and the seminiferous epithelium during the epithelial cycle of spermatogenesis. In our discussion, we have highlighted the areas of research that deserve attention to bridge the gap of research in relating the function of motor proteins to spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China; Department of Urology and Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Tiao Bu
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Xiaolong Wu
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Linxi Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Fei Sun
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China; Department of Urology and Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China.
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Fraser B, Wilkins A, Whiting S, Liang M, Rebourcet D, Nixon B, Aitken RJ. Development of peptides for targeting cell ablation agents concurrently to the Sertoli and Leydig cell populations of the testes: An approach to non-surgical sterilization. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0292198. [PMID: 38574116 PMCID: PMC10994420 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The surgical sterilization of cats and dogs has been used to prevent their unwanted breeding for decades. However, this is an expensive and invasive procedure, and often impractical in wider contexts, for example the control of feral populations. A sterilization agent that could be administered in a single injection, would not only eliminate the risks imposed by surgery but also be a much more cost-effective solution to this worldwide problem. In this study, we sought to develop a targeting peptide that would selectively bind to Leydig cells of the testes. Subsequently, after covalently attaching a cell ablation agent, Auristatin, to this peptide we aimed to apply this conjugated product (LH2Auristatin) to adult male mice in vivo, both alone and together with a previously developed Sertoli cell targeting peptide (FSH2Menadione). The application of LH2Auristatin alone resulted in an increase in sperm DNA damage, reduced mean testes weights and mean seminiferous tubule size, along with extensive germ cell apoptosis and a reduction in litter sizes. Together with FSH2Menadione there was also an increase in embryo resorptions. These promising results were observed in around a third of all treated animals. Given this variability, we discuss how these reagents might be modified in order to increase target cell ablation and improve their efficacy as sterilization agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Fraser
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
- College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Alex Wilkins
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
- College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Sara Whiting
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
- College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Mingtao Liang
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Diane Rebourcet
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
- College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
- College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Robert John Aitken
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
- College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
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Wang L, Yan M, Bu T, Wu X, Li L, Silvestrini B, Sun F, Cheng CY, Chen H. Map-1a regulates Sertoli cell BTB dynamics through the cytoskeletal organization of microtubule and F-actin. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2024; 22:36. [PMID: 38570783 PMCID: PMC10988971 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-024-01204-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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Microtubule-associated protein 1a (Map1a) is a microtubule (MT) regulatory protein that binds to the MT protofilaments in mammalian cells to promote MT stabilization. Maps work with MT cleavage proteins and other MT catastrophe-inducing proteins to confer MT dynamics to support changes in the Sertoli cell shape to sustain spermatogenesis. However, no functional studies are found in the literature to probe its role in spermatogenesis. Using an RNAi approach, coupled with the use of toxicant-induced testis (in vivo)- and Sertoli cell (in vitro)-injury models, RNA-Seq analysis, transcriptome profiling, and relevant bioinformatics analysis, immunofluorescence analysis, and pertinent biochemical assays for cytoskeletal organization, we have delineated the functional role of Map1a in Sertoli cells and testes. Map1a was shown to support MT structural organization, and its knockdown (KD) also perturbed the structural organization of actin, vimentin, and septin cytoskeletons as these cytoskeletons are intimately related, working in concert to support spermatogenesis. More importantly, cadmium-induced Sertoli cell injury that perturbed the MT structural organization across the cell cytoplasm was associated with disruptive changes in the distribution of Map1a and a surge in p-p38-MAPK (phosphorylated p38-mitogen-activated protein kinase) expression but not total p38-MAPK. These findings thus support the notion that p-p38-MAPK activation is involved in cadmium-induced Sertoli cell injury. This conclusion was supported by studies using doramapimod, a specific p38-MAPK phosphorylation (activation) inhibitor, which was capable of restoring the cadmium-induced disruptive structural organization of MTs across the Sertoli cell cytoplasm. In summary: this study provides mechanistic insights regarding restoration of toxicant-induced Sertoli cell and testis injury and male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ming Yan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tiao Bu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaolong Wu
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang, China
| | - Linxi Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang 325027, Wenzhou, China
| | - Bruno Silvestrini
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Rome La Sapienza, P. Le Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Fei Sun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China.
| | - C Yan Cheng
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Hao Chen
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China.
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9
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Chen Y, Zhou X, Ji L, Zhao J, Xian H, Xu Y, Wang Z, Ge W. Construction and analysis of a joint diagnostic model of machine learning for cryptorchidism based on single-cell sequencing. Birth Defects Res 2024; 116:e2316. [PMID: 38459615 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.2316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptorchidism is a condition in which one or both of a baby's testicles do not fully descend into the bottom of the scrotum. Newborns with cryptorchidism are at increased risk of developing infertility later in life. The aim of this study was to develop a novel diagnostic model for cryptorchidism and to identify new biomarkers associated with cryptorchidism. METHODS The study data were obtained from RNA sequencing data of cryptorchid patients from Nantong University Hospital and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differential expression analysis was used to obtain differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the control and cryptorchid groups. These DEGs were analyzed for their functions by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment using GSEA software. Random Forest algorithm was used to screen central genes based on these DEGs. Neuralnet software package was used to develop artificial neural network models. Based on clinical data, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) was used to validate the models. Single-cell sequencing analysis was used for the pathogenesis of cryptorchidism. RESULTS We obtained a total of 525 important DEGs related to cryptorchidism, which are mainly associated with biological functions such as supramolecular complexes and microtubule cytoskeleton. Random forest approach screening obtained eight hub genes. A neural network based on the hub genes showed a 100% success rate of the model. Finally, single-cell sequencing analysis validated the hub genes. CONCLUSION We developed a novel diagnostic model for cryptorchidism using artificial neural networks and validated its utility as an effective diagnostic tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuehua Chen
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xiaomeng Zhou
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Linghua Ji
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Jun Zhao
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Hua Xian
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yunzhao Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Ziheng Wang
- Department of Clinical Biobank, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
- Centre for Precision Medicine Research and Training, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Wenliang Ge
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
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10
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Ma Y, Wu B, Chen Y, Ma S, Wang L, Han T, Lin X, Yang F, Liu C, Zhao J, Li W. CCDC146 is required for sperm flagellum biogenesis and male fertility in mice. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 81:1. [PMID: 38038747 PMCID: PMC11072088 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-05025-x] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella (MMAF) is a severe disease of male infertility, while the pathogenetic mechanisms of MMAF are still incompletely understood. Previously, we found that the deficiency of Ccdc38 might be associated with MMAF. To understand the underlying mechanism of this disease, we identified the potential partner of this protein and found that the coiled-coil domain containing 146 (CCDC146) can interact with CCDC38. It is predominantly expressed in the testes, and the knockout of this gene resulted in complete infertility in male mice but not in females. The knockout of Ccdc146 impaired spermiogenesis, mainly due to flagellum and manchette organization defects, finally led to MMAF-like phenotype. Furthermore, we demonstrated that CCDC146 could interact with both CCDC38 and CCDC42. It also interacts with intraflagellar transport (IFT) complexes IFT88 and IFT20. The knockout of this gene led to the decrease of ODF2, IFT88, and IFT20 protein levels, but did not affect CCDC38, CCDC42, or ODF1 expression. Additionally, we predicted and validated the detailed interactions between CCDC146 and CCDC38 or CCDC42, and built the interaction models at the atomic level. Our results suggest that the testis predominantly expressed gene Ccdc146 is essential for sperm flagellum biogenesis and male fertility, and its mutations might be associated with MMAF in some patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjie Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Innovation Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No. 9 Jinsui Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510623, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Bingbing Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Innovation Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No. 9 Jinsui Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510623, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yinghong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Innovation Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No. 9 Jinsui Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510623, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Shuang Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Innovation Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No. 9 Jinsui Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510623, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Liying Wang
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No. 9 Jinsui Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510623, China
| | - Tingting Han
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No. 9 Jinsui Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510623, China
| | - Xiaolei Lin
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No. 9 Jinsui Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510623, China
| | - Fulin Yang
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No. 9 Jinsui Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510623, China
| | - Chao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Innovation Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No. 9 Jinsui Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510623, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Jianguo Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Innovation Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Wei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Innovation Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No. 9 Jinsui Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510623, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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11
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Yang Z, Liu Z, Ablise M, Maimaiti A, Aihaiti A, Alimujiang Y. Design and Synthesis of Novel α-Methylchalcone Derivatives, Anti-Cervical Cancer Activity, and Reversal of Drug Resistance in HeLa/DDP Cells. Molecules 2023; 28:7697. [PMID: 38067428 PMCID: PMC10707934 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28237697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, a collection of newly developed α-methylchalcone derivatives were synthesized and assessed for their inhibitory potential against human cervical cancer cell lines (HeLa, SiHa, and C33A) as well as normal human cervical epithelial cells (H8). Notably, compound 3k exhibited substantial inhibitory effects on both HeLa and HeLa/DDP cells while demonstrating lower toxicity toward H8 cells. Furthermore, the compound 3k was found to induce apoptosis in both HeLa and HeLa/DDP cells while also inhibiting the G2/M phase, resulting in a decrease in the invasion and migration capabilities of these cells. When administered alongside cisplatin, 3k demonstrated a significant reduction in the resistance of HeLa/DDP cells to cisplatin, as evidenced by a decrease in the resistance index (RI) value from 7.90 to 2.10. Initial investigations into the underlying mechanism revealed that 3k did not impact the expression of P-gp but instead facilitated the accumulation of rhodamine 123 in HeLa/DDP cells. The results obtained from CADD docking analysis demonstrated that 3k exhibits stable binding to microtubule proteins and P-gp targets, forming hydrogen bonding interaction forces. Immunofluorescence analysis further revealed that 3k effectively decreased the fluorescence intensity of α and β microtubules in HeLa and HeLa/DDP cells, resulting in disruptions in cell morphology, reduction in cell numbers, nucleus coagulation, and cell rupture. Additionally, Western blot analysis indicated that 3k significantly reduced the levels of polymerized α and β microtubule proteins in both HeLa and HeLa/DDP cell lines while concurrently increasing the expression of dissociated α and β microtubule proteins. The aforementioned findings indicate a potential correlation between the inhibitory effects of 3k on HeLa and HeLa/DDP cells and its ability to inhibit tubulin and P-gp.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mourboul Ablise
- The Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Active Components and Drug Release Technology, College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830011, China; (Z.Y.); (Z.L.); (A.M.); (A.A.); (Y.A.)
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12
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Hu W, Zhang R, Xu H, Li Y, Yang X, Zhou Z, Huang X, Wang Y, Ji W, Gao F, Meng W. CAMSAP1 role in orchestrating structure and dynamics of manchette microtubule minus-ends impacts male fertility during spermiogenesis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2313787120. [PMID: 37903275 PMCID: PMC10636317 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2313787120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The manchette is a crucial transient structure involved in sperm development, with its composition and regulation still not fully understood. This study focused on investigating the roles of CAMSAP1 and CAMSAP2, microtubule (MT) minus-end binding proteins, in regulating manchette MTs, spermiogenesis, and male fertility. The loss of CAMSAP1, but not CAMSAP2, disrupts the well-orchestrated process of spermiogenesis, leading to abnormal manchette elongation and delayed removal, resulting in deformed sperm nuclei and tails resembling oligoasthenozoospermia symptoms. We investigated the underlying molecular mechanisms by purifying manchette assemblies and comparing them through proteomic analysis, and results showed that the absence of CAMSAP1 disrupted the proper localization of key proteins (CEP170 and KIF2A) at the manchette minus end, compromising its structural integrity and hindering MT depolymerization. These findings highlight the significance of maintaining homeostasis in manchette MT minus-ends for shaping manchette morphology during late spermiogenesis, offering insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying infertility and sperm abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weichang Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing10019, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Chinese Academy of Sciences Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100101, China
| | - Honglin Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing10019, China
| | - Yuejia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing10019, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
| | - Xiaojuan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing10019, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
| | - Zhengrong Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing10019, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
| | - Xiahe Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing10019, China
| | - Yingchun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing10019, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
| | - Wei Ji
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Chinese Academy of Sciences Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100101, China
- College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
- Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou, Guangdong510320, China
| | - Fei Gao
- College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100101, China
| | - Wenxiang Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing10019, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
- Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100101, China
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13
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Li YY, Xiong YM, Chen XY, Sheng JY, Lv L, Li XH, Qin ZF. Extended exposure to tetrabromobisphenol A-bis(2,3-dibromopropyl ether) leads to subfertility in male mice at the late reproductive age. Arch Toxicol 2023; 97:2983-2995. [PMID: 37606655 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-023-03589-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: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Tetrabromobisphenol A-bis(2,3-dibromopropyl ether) (TBBPA-BDBPE), a commonly used brominated flame retardant as a decabromodiphenyl ether substitute, has been detected in various environmental compartments, but its health hazards remain largely unknown. Our recent study showed that low-dose exposure of male mice to TBBPA-BDBPE from postnatal day (PND) 0 to 56 caused remarkable damage to the microtubule skeleton in Sertoli cells and the blood-testis barrier (BTB) but exerted little effect on conventional reproductive endpoints in adulthood. To investigate whether TBBPA-BDBPE may cause severe reproductive impairments at late reproductive age, here, we extended exposure of historically administrated male mice to 8-month age and allowed them to mate with non-treated females for the evaluation of fertility, followed by a general examination for the reproductive system. As expected, we found that 8-month exposure to 50 μg/kg/d as well as 1000 μg/kg/d TBBPA-BDBPE caused severe damage to the reproductive system, including reduced sperm counts, increased sperm abnormality, histological alterations of testes. Moreover, microtubule damage and BTB-related impairment were still observed following 8-month exposure. Noticeably, high-dose TBBPA-BDBPE-treated mice had fewer offspring with a female-biased sex ratio. All results show that long-term exposure to TBBPA-BDBPE caused severe reproductive impairment, including poor fertility at late reproductive age. It is therefore concluded that slight testicular injuries in early life can contribute to reproductive impairment at late reproductive age, highlighting that alterations in certain non-conventional endpoints should be noticed as well as conventional endpoints in future reproductive toxicity studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Yuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Haidian District, No. 18, Shuangqing Road, Beijing, 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yi-Ming Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Haidian District, No. 18, Shuangqing Road, Beijing, 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xuan-Yue Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Haidian District, No. 18, Shuangqing Road, Beijing, 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jia-Yi Sheng
- The High School Affiliated to Renmin, University of China, Beijing, 100080, China
| | - Lin Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Haidian District, No. 18, Shuangqing Road, Beijing, 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xing-Hong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Haidian District, No. 18, Shuangqing Road, Beijing, 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zhan-Fen Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Haidian District, No. 18, Shuangqing Road, Beijing, 100085, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
- Department of Life Sciences, Hengshui University, Hebei, 053000, China.
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14
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Chan CC, Yen TH, Tseng HC, Mai B, Ho PK, Chou JL, Wu GJ, Huang YC. A Comprehensive Genetic Study of Microtubule-Associated Gene Clusters for Male Infertility in a Taiwanese Cohort. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15363. [PMID: 37895049 PMCID: PMC10607339 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Advanced reproductive technologies are utilized to identify the genetic mutations that lead to spermatogenic impairment, and allow informed genetic counseling to patients to prevent the transmission of genetic defects to offspring. The purpose of this study was to identify potential single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with male infertility. Genetic variants that may cause infertility are identified by combining the targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel and whole exome sequencing (WES). The validation step of Sanger sequencing adds confidence to the identified variants. Our analysis revealed five distinct affected genes covering seven SNPs based on the targeted NGS panel and WES data: SPATA16 (rs16846616, 1515442, 1515441), CFTR (rs213950), KIF6 (rs2273063), STPG2 (r2903150), and DRC7 (rs3809611). Infertile men have a higher mutation rate than fertile men, especially those with azoospermia. These findings strongly support the hypothesis that the dysfunction of microtubule-related and spermatogenesis-specific genes contributes to idiopathic male infertility. The SPATA16, CFTR, KIF6, STPG2, and DRC7 mutations are associated with male infertility, specifically azoospermia, and a further examination of this genetic function is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chying-Chyuan Chan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114201, Taiwan; (C.-C.C.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei City Hospital-Renai Branch, Taipei 103212, Taiwan
| | - Te-Hsin Yen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei City Hospital-Renai Branch, Taipei 103212, Taiwan
| | - Hao-Chen Tseng
- School of Pharmacy, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114201, Taiwan
| | - Brang Mai
- School of Pharmacy, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114201, Taiwan
| | - Pin-Kuan Ho
- School of Dentistry, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114201, Taiwan
| | - Jian-Liang Chou
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114201, Taiwan; (C.-C.C.)
- Department of Research and Development, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114201, Taiwan
| | - Gwo-Jang Wu
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114201, Taiwan; (C.-C.C.)
- Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei 114202, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chuan Huang
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114201, Taiwan; (C.-C.C.)
- School of Pharmacy, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114201, Taiwan
- Department of Research and Development, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114201, Taiwan
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15
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Makris A, Alevra AI, Exadactylos A, Papadopoulos S. The Role of Melatonin to Ameliorate Oxidative Stress in Sperm Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15056. [PMID: 37894737 PMCID: PMC10606652 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
It is widely accepted that oxidative stress (OS) coming from a wide variety of causes has detrimental effects on male fertility. Antioxidants could have a significant role in the treatment of male infertility, and the current systematic review on the role of melatonin to ameliorate OS clearly shows that improvement of semen parameters follows melatonin supplementation. Although melatonin has considerable promise, further studies are needed to clarify its ability to preserve or restore semen quality under stress conditions in varied species. The present review examines the actions of melatonin via receptor subtypes and its function in the context of OS across male vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Serafeim Papadopoulos
- Hydrobiology-Ichthyology Laboratory, Department of Ichthyology and Aquatic Environment, University of Thessaly, Fytokou Str., 38446 Volos, Greece; (A.M.); (A.I.A.); (A.E.)
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16
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Zhang Y, Tang J, Wang X, Sun Y, Yang T, Shen X, Yang X, Shi H, Sun X, Xin A. Loss of ACTL7A causes small head sperm by defective acrosome-acroplaxome-manchette complex. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2023; 21:82. [PMID: 37667331 PMCID: PMC10476415 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-023-01130-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Actin-like 7 A (ACTL7A) is essential for acrosome formation, fertilization and early embryo development. ACTL7A variants cause acrosome detachment responsible for male infertility and early embryonic arrest. In this study, we aim to explore the additional functions of ACTL7A beyond the process of acrosome biogenesis and investigate the possible underlying mechanisms. METHODS Nuclear morphology analysis was used to observe the sperm head shape of ACTL7A-mutated patients. Actl7a knock-out (KO) mouse model was generated. Immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were performed to analyze the structure of spermatids during spermiogenesis. Tandem mass tags labeling quantitative proteomics strategy was employed to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. The expression levels of key proteins in the pathway were analyzed by western blotting. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)-artificial oocyte activation (AOA) technology was utilized to overcome fertilization failure in male mice with a complete knockout of Actl7a. RESULTS The new phenotype of small head sperm associated with loss of ACTL7A in patients was discovered, and further confirmed in Actl7a-KO mice. Immunofluorescence and TEM analyses revealed that the deletion of ACTL7A damaged the formation of acrosome-acroplaxome-manchette complex, leading to abnormalities in the shaping of sperm heads. Moreover, a proteomic analysis of testes from WT and Actl7a-KO mice revealed that differentially expressed genes were notably enriched in PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway which is strongly associated with autophagy. Inhibition of autophagy via PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway activation leading to PDLIM1 accumulation might elucidate the hindered development of manchette in Actl7a-KO mice. Remarkably, AOA successfully overcame fertilization failure and allowed for the successful production of healthy offspring from the Actl7a complete knockout male mice. CONCLUSIONS Loss of ACTL7A causes small head sperm as a result of defective acrosome-acroplaxome-manchette complex via autophagy inhibition. ICSI-AOA is an effective technique to rescue male infertility resulting from ACTL7A deletion. These findings provide essential evidence for the diagnosis and treatment of patients suffering from infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yini Zhang
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Jianan Tang
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation,Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies (SIBPT), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xuemei Wang
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation,Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies (SIBPT), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yisi Sun
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation,Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies (SIBPT), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Tianying Yang
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Xiaorong Shen
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation,Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies (SIBPT), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xinyue Yang
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Huijuan Shi
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation,Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies (SIBPT), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xiaoxi Sun
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, 200011, China.
| | - Aijie Xin
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation,Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies (SIBPT), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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17
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Wojtczak A. Differentiation Disorders of Chara vulgaris Spermatids following Treatment with Propyzamide. Cells 2023; 12:cells12091268. [PMID: 37174667 PMCID: PMC10177507 DOI: 10.3390/cells12091268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Microtubules are cytoskeletal cell elements that also build flagella and cilia. Moreover, these structures participate in spermatogenesis and form a microtubular manchette during spermiogenesis. The present study aims to assess the influence of propyzamide, a microtubule-disrupting agent, on alga Chara vulgaris spermatids during their differentiation by means of immunofluorescent and electron microscopy methods. Propyzamide blocks the functioning of the β-tubulin microtubule subunit, which results in the creation of a distorted shape of a sperm nucleus at some stages. Present ultrastructural studies confirm these changes. In nuclei, an altered chromatin arrangement and nuclear envelope fragmentation were observed in the research as a result of incorrect nucleus-cytoplasm transport behavior that disturbed the action of proteolytic enzymes and the chromatin remodeling process. In the cytoplasm, large autolytic vacuoles and the dilated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) system, as well as mitochondria, were revealed in the studies. In some spermatids, the arrangement of microtubules present in the manchette was disturbed and the structure was also fragmented. The observations made in the research at present show that, despite some differences in the manchette between Chara and mammals, and probably also in the alga under study, microtubules participate in the intramanchette transport (IMT) process, which is essential during spermatid differentiation. In the present study, the effect of propyzamide on Chara spermiogenesis is also presented for the first time; however, the role of microtubule-associated proteins in this process still needs to be elucidated in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Wojtczak
- Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Department of Cytophysiology, University of Lodz, 141/143 Pomorska, 90-236 Lodz, Poland
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18
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Bu T, Li X, Wang L, Wu X, Gao S, Yun D, Li L, Sun F, Cheng CY. Regulation of sertoli cell function by planar cell polarity (PCP) protein Fjx1. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2023; 571:111936. [PMID: 37119967 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2023.111936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
Four-jointed box kinase 1 (Fjx1) is a planar cell protein (PCP) and a member of the Fat (FAT atypical cadherin 1)/Dchs (Dachsous cadherin-related protein)/Fjx1 PCP complex. Fjx1 is also a non-receptor Ser/Thr protein kinase capable of phosphorylating Fat1 at is extracellular cadherin domains when it is transport across the Golgi system. As such, Fjx1 is a Golgi-based regulator of Fat1 function by determining its extracellular deposition. Herein, Fjx1 was found to localize across the Sertoli cell cytoplasm, partially co-localized with the microtubules (MTs) across the seminiferous epithelium. It was most notable at the apical ES (ectoplasmic specialization) and basal ES, displaying distinctive stage-specific expression. The apical ES and basal ES are the corresponding testis-specific cell adhesion ultrastructures at the Sertoli-elongated spermatid and Sertoli cell-cell interface, respectively, consistent with the role of Fjx1 as a Golgi-associated Ser/Thr kinase that modulates the Fat (and/or Dchs) integral membrane proteins. Its knockdown (KD) by RNAi using specific Fjx1 siRNA duplexes versus non-targeting negative control siRNA duplexes was found to perturb the Sertoli cell tight junction function, as well as perturbing the function and organization of MT and actin. While Fjx1 KD did not affect the steady-state levels of almost two dozens of BTB-associated Sertoli cell proteins, including structural and regulatory proteins, its KD was found to down-regulate Fat1 (but not Fat2, 3, and 4) and to up-regulate Dchs1 (but not Dchs2) expression. Based on results of biochemical analysis, Fjx1 KD was found to be capable of abolishing phosphorylation of its putative substrate Fat1 at its Ser/Thr sites, but not at its Tyr site, illustrating an intimate functional relationship of Fjx1 and Fat1 in Sertoli cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiao Bu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, China
| | - Xinyao Li
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, China
| | - Lingling Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, China
| | - Xiaolong Wu
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, China
| | - Sheng Gao
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, China
| | - Damin Yun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, China
| | - Linxi Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, China.
| | - C Yan Cheng
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, China.
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19
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Wang J, Thomas HR, Thompson RG, Waldrep SC, Fogerty J, Song P, Li Z, Ma Y, Santra P, Hoover JD, Yeo NC, Drummond IA, Yoder BK, Amack JD, Perkins B, Parant JM. Variable phenotypes and penetrance between and within different zebrafish ciliary transition zone mutants. Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:dmm049568. [PMID: 36533556 PMCID: PMC9844136 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Meckel syndrome, nephronophthisis, Joubert syndrome and Bardet-Biedl syndrome are caused by mutations in proteins that localize to the ciliary transition zone (TZ). The phenotypically distinct syndromes suggest that these TZ proteins have differing functions. However, mutations in a single TZ gene can result in multiple syndromes, suggesting that the phenotype is influenced by modifier genes. We performed a comprehensive analysis of ten zebrafish TZ mutants, including mks1, tmem216, tmem67, rpgrip1l, cc2d2a, b9d2, cep290, tctn1, nphp1 and nphp4, as well as mutants in ift88 and ift172. Our data indicate that variations in phenotypes exist between different TZ mutants, supporting different tissue-specific functions of these TZ genes. Further, we observed phenotypic variations within progeny of a single TZ mutant, reminiscent of multiple disease syndromes being associated with mutations in one gene. In some mutants, the dynamics of the phenotype became complex with transitory phenotypes that are corrected over time. We also demonstrated that multiple-guide-derived CRISPR/Cas9 F0 'crispant' embryos recapitulate zygotic null phenotypes, and rapidly identified ciliary phenotypes in 11 cilia-associated gene candidates (ankfn1, ccdc65, cfap57, fhad1, nme7, pacrg, saxo2, c1orf194, ttc26, zmynd12 and cfap52).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Holly R. Thomas
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Robert G. Thompson
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Stephanie C. Waldrep
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Joseph Fogerty
- Department of Ophthalmic Research, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Ping Song
- Department of Ophthalmic Research, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Zhang Li
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Yongjie Ma
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Peu Santra
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
| | - Jonathan D. Hoover
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Nan Cher Yeo
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Iain A. Drummond
- Davis Center for Aging and Regeneration, Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory, 159 Old Bar Harbor Road, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
| | - Bradley K. Yoder
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Jeffrey D. Amack
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
| | - Brian Perkins
- Department of Ophthalmic Research, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - John M. Parant
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
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20
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Wu X, Yun D, Sang M, Liu J, Zhou L, Shi J, Wang L, Bu T, Li L, Huang Y, Lin D, Sun F, Cheng CY. Defects of microtubule cytoskeletal organization in NOA human testes. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2022; 20:154. [PMID: 36329464 PMCID: PMC9632130 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-022-01026-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The importance of actin and microtubule (MT) cytoskeletons in testis function in rodents is known to some extent, but its role in the etiology of azoospermia in humans remains unexplored. Here, we examined if MT cytoskeleton was defective in NOA (non-obstructive azoospermia) testes versus normal human testes based on histopathological, immunofluorescence (IF), and scRNA-Seq transcriptome profiling. Testis biopsy samples from n = 6 normal men versus n = 3 Sertoli cell only (SCO) and n = 3 MA (meiotic arrest) of NOA patients were used for histopathological analysis. IF analysis was also used to examine MT organization across the seminiferous epithelium, investigating the likely involvement of microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs). scRNA-Seq transcriptome profiling datasets from testes of 3 SCO patients versus 3 normal men in public domain in Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) Sample (GSM) with identifiers were analyzed to examine relevant genes that regulate MT dynamics. NOA testes of MA and SCO patients displayed notable defects in MT organization across the epithelium with extensive truncation, mis-alignments and appeared as collapsed structures near the base of the tubules. These changes are in contrast to MTs in testes of normal men. scRNA-Seq analyses revealed considerable loss of spermatogenesis capacity in SCO testes of NOA patients versus normal men. An array of genes that support MT dynamics displayed considerable changes in expression and in spatial distribution. In summary, defects in MT cytoskeleton were noted in testes of NOA (SCO) patients, possibly mediated by defective spatial expression and/or distribution of MAPs. These changes, in turn, may impede spermatogenesis in SCO testes of NOA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Wu
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang, China
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Damin Yun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mengmeng Sang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jianpeng Liu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Liwei Zhou
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jie Shi
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lingling Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tiao Bu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Linxi Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - YingYing Huang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dengfeng Lin
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang, China.
| | - C Yan Cheng
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang, China.
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China.
- Center for Biomedical Research, The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
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21
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Tang EI, Cheng CY. MARK2 and MARK4 Regulate Sertoli Cell BTB Dynamics Through Microtubule and Actin Cytoskeletons. Endocrinology 2022; 163:6667645. [PMID: 35971301 PMCID: PMC10147390 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqac130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Microtubule affinity-regulating kinases (MARKs) are nonreceptor Ser/Thr protein kinases known to regulate cell polarity and microtubule dynamics in Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila, invertebrates, vertebrates, and mammals. An earlier study has shown that MARK4 is present at the ectoplasmic specialization and blood-testis barrier (BTB) in the seminiferous epithelium of adult rat testes. Here, we report the function of MARK4 and another isoform MARK2 in Sertoli cells at the BTB. Knockdown of MARK2, MARK4, or MARK2 and MARK4 by RNAi using the corresponding siRNA duplexes without apparent off-target effects was shown to impair tight junction (TJ)-permeability barrier at the Sertoli cell BTB. It also disrupted microtubule (MT)- and actin-based cytoskeletal organization within Sertoli cells. Although MARK2 and MARK4 were shown to share sequence homology, they likely regulated the Sertoli cell BTB and MT cytoskeleton differently. Disruption of the TJ-permeability barrier following knockdown of MARK4 was considerably more severe than loss of MARK2, though both perturbed the barrier. Similarly, loss of MARK2 affected MT organization in a different manner than the loss of MARK4. Knockdown of MARK2 caused MT bundles to be arranged around the cell periphery, whereas knockdown of MARK4 caused MTs to retract from the cell edge. These differences in effects on the TJ-permeability barrier are likely from the unique roles of MARK2 and MARK4 in regulating the MT cytoskeleton of the Sertoli cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth I Tang
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, China
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22
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Umer N, Phadke S, Shakeri F, Arévalo L, Lohanadan K, Kirfel G, Sylvester M, Buness A, Schorle H. PFN4 is required for manchette development and acrosome biogenesis during mouse spermiogenesis. Development 2022; 149:276289. [PMID: 35950913 PMCID: PMC9481974 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Profilin 4 (Pfn4) is expressed during spermiogenesis and localizes to the acrosome-acroplaxome-manchette complex. Here, we generated PFN4-deficient mice, with sperm displaying severe impairment in manchette formation. Interestingly, HOOK1 staining suggests that the perinuclear ring is established; however, ARL3 staining is disrupted, suggesting that lack of PFN4 does not interfere with the formation of the perinuclear ring and initial localization of HOOK1, but impedes microtubular organization of the manchette. Furthermore, amorphous head shape and flagellar defects were detected, resulting in reduced sperm motility. Disrupted cis- and trans-Golgi networks and aberrant production of proacrosomal vesicles caused impaired acrosome biogenesis. Proteomic analysis showed that the proteins ARF3, SPECC1L and FKBP1, which are involved in Golgi membrane trafficking and PI3K/AKT pathway, are more abundant in Pfn4−/− testes. Levels of PI3K, AKT and mTOR were elevated, whereas AMPK level was reduced, consistent with inhibition of autophagy. This seems to result in blockage of autophagic flux, which could explain the failure in acrosome formation. In vitro fertilization demonstrated that PFN4-deficient sperm is capable of fertilizing zona-free oocytes, suggesting a potential treatment for PFN4-related human infertility. Summary: PFN4-deficient male mice exhibit impaired acrosome formation and malformation of the manchette, leading to amorphous sperm head shape, flagellar abnormalities and sterility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naila Umer
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn 1 Department of Developmental Pathology , , 53127 Bonn , Germany
| | - Sharang Phadke
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn 1 Department of Developmental Pathology , , 53127 Bonn , Germany
| | - Farhad Shakeri
- Institute for Medical Biometry, Informatics and Epidemiology 2 , Medical Faculty , , 53127 Bonn , Germany
- University of Bonn 2 , Medical Faculty , , 53127 Bonn , Germany
- Institute for Genomic Statistics and Bioinformatics 3 , Medical Faculty , , 53127 Bonn , Germany
- University of Bonn 3 , Medical Faculty , , 53127 Bonn , Germany
| | - Lena Arévalo
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn 1 Department of Developmental Pathology , , 53127 Bonn , Germany
| | | | - Gregor Kirfel
- Institute for Cell Biology, University of Bonn 4 , 53121 Bonn , Germany
| | - Marc Sylvester
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 5 Core Facility Mass Spectrometry , , Medical Faculty , , 53115 Bonn , Germany
- University of Bonn 5 Core Facility Mass Spectrometry , , Medical Faculty , , 53115 Bonn , Germany
| | - Andreas Buness
- Institute for Medical Biometry, Informatics and Epidemiology 2 , Medical Faculty , , 53127 Bonn , Germany
- University of Bonn 2 , Medical Faculty , , 53127 Bonn , Germany
- Institute for Genomic Statistics and Bioinformatics 3 , Medical Faculty , , 53127 Bonn , Germany
- University of Bonn 3 , Medical Faculty , , 53127 Bonn , Germany
| | - Hubert Schorle
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn 1 Department of Developmental Pathology , , 53127 Bonn , Germany
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23
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Liu X, Zang C, Wu Y, Meng R, Chen Y, Jiang T, Wang C, Yang X, Guo Y, Situ C, Hu Z, Zhang J, Guo X. Homeodomain-interacting protein kinase HIPK4 regulates phosphorylation of manchette protein RIMBP3 during spermiogenesis. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102327. [PMID: 35931115 PMCID: PMC9440445 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) is the most serious form of spermatogenesis abnormalities in male infertility. Genetic factors are important to consider as elements leading to NOA. Although many pathogenic genes have been reported, the causative genes of NOA for many patients are still unknown. In this study, we found ten point mutations in the gene encoding homeodomain-interacting protein kinase 4 (HIPK4) in patients with NOA, and using in vitro studies, we determined a premature termination point mutation (p. Lys490∗, c.1468A>T) that can cause decreased expression of HIPK4. Our phosphoproteomic analysis of Hipk4−/− testes revealed phosphorylation of multiple proteins regulated by HIPK4 during spermiogenesis. We also confirmed that a substrate of HIPK4 with four downregulated phosphorylation sites matching the xSPx motif is the known manchette-related protein RIMS-binding protein 3, which is required for sperm head morphogenesis. Therefore, we conclude HIPK4 regulates the phosphorylation of manchette protein RIMS-binding protein 3 and plays essential roles in sperm head shaping and male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Chunyan Zang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Yifei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Ru Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Yu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Xiaoyu Yang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Yueshuai Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Chenghao Situ
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Zhibin Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
| | - Jun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
| | - Xuejiang Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
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24
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Liu Q, Wang H, Wang H, Li N, He R, Liu Z. Per1/Per2 Disruption Reduces Testosterone Synthesis and Impairs Fertility in Elderly Male Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137399. [PMID: 35806403 PMCID: PMC9266724 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Circadian rhythm disorders caused by genetic or environmental factors lead to decreased male fertility but the mechanisms are poorly understood. The current study reports that the mechanism of Per1/Per2 Double knockout (DKO) reduced the reproductive capacity of elderly male mice. The sperm motility and spermatogenic capacity of male DKO mice were weak. Hormone-targeted metabolomics showed reduced plasma levels of free testosterone in DKO male mice compared with WT male mice. Transcriptomic analysis of testicular tissue showed the down-regulation of testosterone synthesis-related enzymes (Cyp11a1, Cyp17a1, Hsd17b3, Hsd3b1, and Star) in the steroid hormone synthesis pathway. Spermatogenesis genes, Tubd1 and Pafah1b were down-regulated, influencing tubulin dynamics and leading to impaired motility. Seleno-compound metabolic loci, Scly and Sephs2, were up-regulated and Slc7a11 and Selenop were down-regulated. Western-blotting showed that steroid acute regulatory protein (StAR) and p-CREB, PKA and AC1 were reduced in testicular tissue of DKO mice compared to WT. Therefore, Per1/Per2 disruption reduced testosterone synthesis and sperm motility by affecting the PKA-StAR pathway, leading to decreased fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ruyi He
- Correspondence: (R.H.); (Z.L.)
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25
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Cerván-Martín M, Bossini-Castillo L, Guzmán-Jiménez A, Rivera-Egea R, Garrido N, Lujan S, Romeu G, Santos-Ribeiro S, Group I, Group LC, Castilla JA, Gonzalvo MC, Clavero A, Maldonado V, Vicente FJ, Burgos M, Jiménez R, González-Muñoz S, Sánchez-Curbelo J, López-Rodrigo O, Pereira-Caetano I, Marques PI, Carvalho F, Barros A, Bassas L, Seixas S, Gonçalves J, Larriba S, Lopes AM, Palomino-Morales RJ, Carmona FD. Common genetic variation in KATNAL1 non-coding regions is involved in the susceptibility to severe phenotypes of male infertility. Andrology 2022; 10:1339-1350. [PMID: 35752927 PMCID: PMC9546047 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Background Previous studies in animal models evidenced that genetic mutations of KATNAL1, resulting in dysfunction of its encoded protein, lead to male infertility through disruption of microtubule remodelling and premature germ cell exfoliation. Subsequent studies in humans also suggested a possible role of KATNAL1 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms in the development of male infertility as a consequence of severe spermatogenic failure. Objectives The main objective of the present study is to evaluate the effect of the common genetic variation of KATNAL1 in a large and phenotypically well‐characterised cohort of infertile men because of severe spermatogenic failure. Materials and methods A total of 715 infertile men because of severe spermatogenic failure, including 210 severe oligospermia and 505 non‐obstructive azoospermia patients, as well as 1058 unaffected controls were genotyped for three KATNAL1 single‐nucleotide polymorphism taggers (rs2077011, rs7338931 and rs2149971). Case–control association analyses by logistic regression assuming different models and in silico functional characterisation of risk variants were conducted. Results Genetic associations were observed between the three analysed taggers and different severe spermatogenic failure groups. However, in all cases, the haplotype model (rs2077011*C | rs7338931*T | rs2149971*A) better explained the observed associations than the three risk alleles independently. This haplotype was associated with non‐obstructive azoospermia (adjusted p = 4.96E‐02, odds ratio = 2.97), Sertoli‐cell only syndrome (adjusted p = 2.83E‐02, odds ratio = 5.16) and testicular sperm extraction unsuccessful outcomes (adjusted p = 8.99E‐04, odds ratio = 6.13). The in silico analyses indicated that the effect on severe spermatogenic failure predisposition could be because of an alteration of the KATNAL1 splicing pattern. Conclusions Specific allelic combinations of KATNAL1 genetic polymorphisms may confer a risk of developing severe male infertility phenotypes by favouring the overrepresentation of a short non‐functional transcript isoform in the testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Cerván-Martín
- Departamento de Genética e Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad de Granada, de Granada, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
| | - Lara Bossini-Castillo
- Departamento de Genética e Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad de Granada, de Granada, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
| | - Andrea Guzmán-Jiménez
- Departamento de Genética e Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad de Granada, de Granada, Spain
| | - Rocío Rivera-Egea
- Andrology Laboratory and Sperm Bank, IVIRMA Valencia, Valencia, Spain.,IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - Nicolás Garrido
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain.,Servicio de Urología, Hospital Universitari i Politecnic La Fe e Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - Saturnino Lujan
- Servicio de Urología, Hospital Universitari i Politecnic La Fe e Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - Gema Romeu
- Servicio de Urología, Hospital Universitari i Politecnic La Fe e Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - Samuel Santos-Ribeiro
- IVI-RMA Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | | | - José A Castilla
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain.,Unidad de Reproducción, UGC Obstetricia y Ginecología, HU Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain.,CEIFER Biobanco - NextClinics, Granada, Spain
| | - M Carmen Gonzalvo
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain.,Unidad de Reproducción, UGC Obstetricia y Ginecología, HU Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
| | - Ana Clavero
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain.,Unidad de Reproducción, UGC Obstetricia y Ginecología, HU Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
| | - Vicente Maldonado
- UGC de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Complejo Hospitalario de Jaén, Jaén, Spain
| | - F Javier Vicente
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain.,UGC de Urología, HU Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
| | - Miguel Burgos
- Departamento de Genética e Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad de Granada, de Granada, Spain
| | - Rafael Jiménez
- Departamento de Genética e Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad de Granada, de Granada, Spain
| | - Sara González-Muñoz
- Departamento de Genética e Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad de Granada, de Granada, Spain
| | - Josvany Sánchez-Curbelo
- Laboratory of Seminology and Embryology, Andrology Service-Fundació Puigvert, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Olga López-Rodrigo
- Laboratory of Seminology and Embryology, Andrology Service-Fundació Puigvert, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Iris Pereira-Caetano
- Departamento de Genética Humana, Instituto Nacional de Saúde Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Patricia I Marques
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto (I3S), Porto, Portugal.,Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Filipa Carvalho
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto (I3S), Porto, Portugal.,Serviço de Genética, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Alberto Barros
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto (I3S), Porto, Portugal.,Serviço de Genética, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Lluís Bassas
- Laboratory of Seminology and Embryology, Andrology Service-Fundació Puigvert, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Susana Seixas
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto (I3S), Porto, Portugal.,Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
| | - João Gonçalves
- Departamento de Genética Humana, Instituto Nacional de Saúde Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal.,ToxOmics - Centro de Toxicogenómica e Saúde Humana, Nova Medical School, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sara Larriba
- Human Molecular Genetics Group, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alexandra M Lopes
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto (I3S), Porto, Portugal.,Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Rogelio J Palomino-Morales
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain.,Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular I, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - F David Carmona
- Departamento de Genética e Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad de Granada, de Granada, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
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26
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Wang J, Liu Z, Gao X, Du C, Hou C, Tang D, Lou B, Shen W, Zhu J. The potential function of KIF17 in large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) spermatid remodeling: molecular characterization and expression pattern during spermiogenesis. FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 2022; 48:603-616. [PMID: 35538183 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-021-01035-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
KIF17, which belongs to the kinesin-2 protein family, plays an indispensable role in mammalian spermiogenesis. However, the role of KIF17 in fish spermatid remodeling during spermiogenesis remains poorly understood. Therefore, we aimed to study the role of KIF17 in spermatid remodeling during Larimichthys crocea (L. crocea) spermiogenesis. The kif17 cDNA sequence, 3247 bp in length, was cloned from L. crocea testis, which consisted of a 347-bp 5'-untranslated region (UTR), 413-bp 3' -UTR, and 2487-bp open reading frame. Bioinformatic analyses revealed that KIF17 obtained from L. crocea (Lc-KIF17) exhibited a high sequence identity compared with those from other teleosts and possessed the structural features of other kinesin-2 proteins. Based on structural similarity, we speculate that the role of Lc-KIF17 may be similar to that of KIF17 in other animals. Lc-kif17 mRNA was diffusely expressed in L. crocea tissues and was highly expressed in the testis, especially at stage IV testicular development. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed that Lc-KIF17 signals colocalized with β-tubulin signals and migrated from the perinuclear cytoplasm to the side of the nucleus where the tail forms during spermiogenesis. These findings revealed that KIF17 may be involved in L. crocea spermiogenesis. In particular, KIF17 may participate in spermatid remodeling by interacting with perinuclear microtubules during L. crocea spermiogenesis. Collectively, this study contributes to an improved understanding of the mechanism underlying L. crocea spermiogenesis and provides a basis for further research on L. crocea reproduction and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingqian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology By the Ministry of Education, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, 315211, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology By the Ministry of Education, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, 315211, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinming Gao
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology By the Ministry of Education, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, 315211, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen Du
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology By the Ministry of Education, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, 315211, People's Republic of China
| | - Congcong Hou
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology By the Ministry of Education, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, 315211, People's Republic of China
| | - Daojun Tang
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology By the Ministry of Education, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, 315211, People's Republic of China
| | - Bao Lou
- Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310021, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiliang Shen
- Ningbo Academy of Oceanology and Fishery, Ningbo, 315012, Zhejiang, China
| | - Junquan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology By the Ministry of Education, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, 315211, People's Republic of China.
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27
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Mebendazole-Induced Blood-Testis Barrier Injury in Mice Testes by Disrupting Microtubules in Addition to Triggering Programmed Cell Death. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084220. [PMID: 35457043 PMCID: PMC9029725 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Mebendazole (MBZ) is a synthetic benzimidazole known for its antiparasitic properties. In recent years, growing evidence showed that MBZ was also used as an anti-tumor agent. However, whether (and to what extent) this drug treatment affected the male reproductive system was not well-understood. In this study, male C57BL/6 mice were injected with 40 mg/kg/day of MBZ. The treatment was for 3 and 7 days. Our results showed that the injected mice exhibited an abnormal spermatogenic phase with a significant decrease in sperm. We further detected microtubule disruption and transient functional destruction of the blood–testes barrier (BTB) in the MBZ-injected mice testes (BTB). Our data confirmed that MBZ suppressed the expression of the BTB junction-associated proteins and disrupted the Sertoli cells’ function in vivo. Moreover, MBZ-treated mice demonstrated an aberrant caspase-3 signalling pathway, which resulted in the apoptosis of the germ cells. Here, we present our data, indicating that MBZ impairs BTB by reducing the expression of the microtubules’ and BTB junction-associated proteins. The last leads to activating the caspase-3 pathway, which triggers extensive germ cell apoptosis.
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28
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Hiradate Y, Harima R, Yanai R, Hara K, Nagasawa K, Osada M, Kobayashi T, Matsuyama M, Kanno S, Yasui A, Tanemura K. Loss of
Axdnd1
causes sterility due to impaired spermatid differentiation in mice. Reprod Med Biol 2022; 21:e12452. [PMID: 35386379 PMCID: PMC8968163 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Spermiogenesis, the process of deformation of sperm head morphology and flagella formation, is a phenomenon unique to sperm. Axonemal dynein light chain proteins are localized to sperm flagella and are known to be involved in sperm motility. Here, we focused on the gene axonemal dynein light chain domain containing 1 (Axdnd1) with the aim to determine the function of its protein product AXDND1. Methods To elucidate the role of AXDND1 in spermatogenesis, we generated Axdnd1 knockout (KO) mice using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. The generated mice were subjected to fertility tests and analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Result The Axdnd1 KO mouse exhibited sterility caused by impaired spermiogenesis during the elongation step as well as abnormal nuclear shaping and manchette, which are essential for spermiogenesis. Moreover, AXDND1 showed enriched testicular expression and was localized from the mid‐pachytene spermatocytes to the early spermatids. Conclusion Axdnd1 is essential for spermatogenesis in the mouse testes. These findings improve our understanding of spermiogenesis and related defects. According to a recent report, deleterious heterozygous mutations in AXDND1 were found in non‐obstructive azoospermia (NOA) patients. Therefore, Axdnd1 KO mice could be used as a model system for NOA, which will greatly contribute to future NOA treatment studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Hiradate
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Development Graduate School of Agricultural Science Tohoku University Sendai Japan
| | - Ryua Harima
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Development Graduate School of Agricultural Science Tohoku University Sendai Japan
| | - Rin Yanai
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Development Graduate School of Agricultural Science Tohoku University Sendai Japan
| | - Kenshiro Hara
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Development Graduate School of Agricultural Science Tohoku University Sendai Japan
| | - Kazue Nagasawa
- Laboratory of Aquacultural Biology Graduate School of Agricultural Science Tohoku University Sendai Japan
| | - Makoto Osada
- Laboratory of Aquacultural Biology Graduate School of Agricultural Science Tohoku University Sendai Japan
| | - Tomoe Kobayashi
- Division of Molecular Genetics Shigei Medical Research Institute Okayama Japan
| | - Makoto Matsuyama
- Division of Molecular Genetics Shigei Medical Research Institute Okayama Japan
| | - Shin‐ichiro Kanno
- Division of Dynamic Proteome and IDAC Fellow Research Group for DNA Repair and Dynamic Proteome Institute of Development Aging and Cancer (IDAC) Tohoku University Sendai Japan
| | - Akira Yasui
- Division of Dynamic Proteome and IDAC Fellow Research Group for DNA Repair and Dynamic Proteome Institute of Development Aging and Cancer (IDAC) Tohoku University Sendai Japan
| | - Kentaro Tanemura
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Development Graduate School of Agricultural Science Tohoku University Sendai Japan
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29
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Wei YL, Fan XJ, Diao YY, She ZY, Wang XR. Kinesin-14 KIFC1 modulates spindle assembly and chromosome segregation in mouse spermatocytes. Exp Cell Res 2022; 414:113095. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2022.113095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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30
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Teves ME, Roldan ERS. Sperm bauplan and function and underlying processes of sperm formation and selection. Physiol Rev 2022; 102:7-60. [PMID: 33880962 PMCID: PMC8812575 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00009.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The spermatozoon is a highly differentiated and polarized cell, with two main structures: the head, containing a haploid nucleus and the acrosomal exocytotic granule, and the flagellum, which generates energy and propels the cell; both structures are connected by the neck. The sperm's main aim is to participate in fertilization, thus activating development. Despite this common bauplan and function, there is an enormous diversity in structure and performance of sperm cells. For example, mammalian spermatozoa may exhibit several head patterns and overall sperm lengths ranging from ∼30 to 350 µm. Mechanisms of transport in the female tract, preparation for fertilization, and recognition of and interaction with the oocyte also show considerable variation. There has been much interest in understanding the origin of this diversity, both in evolutionary terms and in relation to mechanisms underlying sperm differentiation in the testis. Here, relationships between sperm bauplan and function are examined at two levels: first, by analyzing the selective forces that drive changes in sperm structure and physiology to understand the adaptive values of this variation and impact on male reproductive success and second, by examining cellular and molecular mechanisms of sperm formation in the testis that may explain how differentiation can give rise to such a wide array of sperm forms and functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Eugenia Teves
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Eduardo R S Roldan
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
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31
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Ni JH, Yang WX. Extracellular and Intracellular Skeletons: How Do They Involve in Apoptosis. DNA Cell Biol 2021; 41:80-90. [PMID: 34847739 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2021.0613] [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] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Apoptosis plays a key role in removing abnormal or senescent cells, maintaining the overall health of the tissue, and coordinating individual development. Recently, it has been discovered that the intracellular cytoskeleton plays a role in the apoptotic process. In addition, the regulatory role of extracellular matrix (ECM) fibrous proteins, which can be considered as the extracellular skeleton, in the process of apoptosis is rarely summarized. In this review, we collect the latest knowledge about how fibrous proteins inside and outside cells regulate apoptosis. We describe how ECM fibrous proteins participate in the regulation of death receptor and mitochondrial pathways through various signaling cascades mediated by integrins. We then explore the molecular mechanisms by which intracellular intermediate filaments regulate cell apoptosis by regulating death receptors on the cell membrane surface. Similarly, we report on novel supporting functions of microtubules in the execution phase of apoptosis and discuss their formation mechanisms. Finally, we discuss that the polypeptide fragments formed by caspase degradation of ECM fibrous proteins and intracellular intermediate filament act as local regulatory signals to play different regulatory roles in apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Hao Ni
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wan-Xi Yang
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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32
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Wu S, Li L, Wu X, Wong CKC, Sun F, Cheng CY. AKAP9 supports spermatogenesis through its effects on microtubule and actin cytoskeletons in the rat testis. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21925. [PMID: 34569663 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202100960r] [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: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
In mammalian testes, extensive remodeling of the microtubule (MT) and actin cytoskeletons takes place in Sertoli cells across the seminiferous epithelium to support spermatogenesis. However, the mechanism(s) involving regulatory and signaling proteins remains poorly understood. Herein, A-kinase anchoring protein 9 (AKAP9, a member of the AKAP multivalent scaffold protein family) was shown to be one of these crucial regulatory proteins in the rat testis. Earlier studies have shown that AKAP9 serves as a signaling platform by recruiting multiple signaling and regulatory proteins to create a large protein complex that binds to the Golgi and centrosome to facilitate the assembly of the MT-nucleating γ-tubulin ring complex to initiate MT polymerization. We further expanded our earlier studies based on a Sertoli cell-specific AKAP9 knockout mouse model to probe the function of AKAP9 by using the techniques of immunofluorescence analysis, RNA interference (RNAi), and biochemical assays on an in vitro primary Sertoli cell culture model, and an adjudin-based animal model. AKAP9 robustly expressed across the seminiferous epithelium in adult rat testes, colocalizing with MT-based tracks, and laid perpendicular across the seminiferous epithelium, and prominently expressed at the Sertoli-spermatid cell-cell anchoring junction (called apical ectoplasmic specialization [ES]) and at the Sertoli cell-cell interface (called basal ES, which together with tight junction [TJ] created the blood-testis barrier [BTB]) stage specifically. AKAP9 knockdown in Sertoli cells by RNAi was found to perturb the TJ-permeability barrier through disruptive changes in the distribution of BTB-associated proteins at the Sertoli cell cortical zone, mediated by a considerable loss of ability to induce both MT polymerization and actin filament bundling. A considerable decline in AKAP9 expression and a disruptive distribution of AKAP9 across the seminiferous tubules was also noted during adjudin-induced germ cell (GC) exfoliation in this animal model, illustrating AKAP9 is essential to maintain the homeostasis of cytoskeletons to maintain Sertoli and GC adhesion in the testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siwen Wu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York, USA
| | - Linxi Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiaolong Wu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, China
| | - Chris K C Wong
- Department of Biology, Croucher Institute for Environmental Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York, USA
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33
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Chen Y, Liu C, Shang Y, Wang L, Li W, Li G. Adam21 is dispensable for reproductive processes in mice. PeerJ 2021; 9:e12210. [PMID: 34631320 PMCID: PMC8465997 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As a group of membrane-anchored proteins, the proteins containing a disintegrin and metalloprotease domain (ADAMs) control many biological processes, especially for male fertility. Mouse Adam21 was previously found to be specifically expressed in the somatic cells and germ cells of testes, but its functional role during spermatogenesis and male reproductive processes is still unknown. METHODS Adam21-null mice were created using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Quantitative real-time PCR was used for analyzing of gene expression. Histological, cytological and immunofluorescence staining were performed to analyze the phenotypes of mouse testis and epididymis. Intracellular lipid droplets (LDs) were detected by Oil red O (ORO) staining and BODIPY staining. Fertility and sperm characteristics were also detected. RESULTS Here, we successfully generated an Adam21 conventional knockout mouse model via CRISPR/Cas9 technology so that we can explore its potential role in male reproduction. We found that male mice lacking Adam21 have normal fertility without any detectable defects in spermatogenesis or sperm motility. Histological analysis of the seminiferous epithelium showed no obvious spermatogenesis difference between Adam21-null and wild-type mice. Cytological analysis revealed no detectable defects in meiotic progression, neither Sertoli cells nor Leydig cells displayed any defect compared with that of the control mice. All these results suggest that Adam21 might not be essential for male fertility in mice, and its potential function still needs further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinghong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Innovation Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Innovation Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Fertility Preservation Lab, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yongliang Shang
- Advanced Medical Research Institute, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Liying Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Innovation Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Innovation Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Fertility Preservation Lab, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guoping Li
- The MOH Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, China
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34
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Tapia Contreras C, Hoyer-Fender S. The Transformation of the Centrosome into the Basal Body: Similarities and Dissimilarities between Somatic and Male Germ Cells and Their Relevance for Male Fertility. Cells 2021; 10:2266. [PMID: 34571916 PMCID: PMC8471410 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The sperm flagellum is essential for the transport of the genetic material toward the oocyte and thus the transmission of the genetic information to the next generation. During the haploid phase of spermatogenesis, i.e., spermiogenesis, a morphological and molecular restructuring of the male germ cell, the round spermatid, takes place that includes the silencing and compaction of the nucleus, the formation of the acrosomal vesicle from the Golgi apparatus, the formation of the sperm tail, and, finally, the shedding of excessive cytoplasm. Sperm tail formation starts in the round spermatid stage when the pair of centrioles moves toward the posterior pole of the nucleus. The sperm tail, eventually, becomes located opposed to the acrosomal vesicle, which develops at the anterior pole of the nucleus. The centriole pair tightly attaches to the nucleus, forming a nuclear membrane indentation. An articular structure is formed around the centriole pair known as the connecting piece, situated in the neck region and linking the sperm head to the tail, also named the head-to-tail coupling apparatus or, in short, HTCA. Finally, the sperm tail grows out from the distal centriole that is now transformed into the basal body of the flagellum. However, a centriole pair is found in nearly all cells of the body. In somatic cells, it accumulates a large mass of proteins, the pericentriolar material (PCM), that together constitute the centrosome, which is the main microtubule-organizing center of the cell, essential not only for the structuring of the cytoskeleton and the overall cellular organization but also for mitotic spindle formation and chromosome segregation. However, in post-mitotic (G1 or G0) cells, the centrosome is transformed into the basal body. In this case, one of the centrioles, which is always the oldest or mother centriole, grows the axoneme of a cilium. Most cells of the body carry a single cilium known as the primary cilium that serves as an antenna sensing the cell's environment. Besides, specialized cells develop multiple motile cilia differing in substructure from the immotile primary cilia that are essential in moving fluids or cargos over the cellular surface. Impairment of cilia formation causes numerous severe syndromes that are collectively subsumed as ciliopathies. This comparative overview serves to illustrate the molecular mechanisms of basal body formation, their similarities, and dissimilarities, in somatic versus male germ cells, by discussing the involved proteins/genes and their expression, localization, and function. The review, thus, aimed to provide a deeper knowledge of the molecular players that is essential for the expansion of clinical diagnostics and treatment of male fertility disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sigrid Hoyer-Fender
- Göttingen Center of Molecular Biosciences, Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach Institute for Zoology and Anthropology-Developmental Biology, Faculty of Biology and Psychology, Georg-August University of Göttingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany;
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35
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Lin C, Tang D, Gao X, Jiang H, Du C, Zhu J. Molecular characterization, dynamic transcription, and potential function of KIF3A/KIF3B during spermiogenesis in Opsariichthys bidens. Gene 2021; 798:145795. [PMID: 34175396 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2021.145795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Spermiogenesis is the final phase of spermatogenesis, wherein the spermatids differentiate into mature spermatozoa via complex morphological transformation. In this process, kinesin plays an important role. Here, we observed the morphological transformation of spermatids and analyzed the characterization, dynamic transcription, and potential function of kinesin KIF3A/KIF3B during spermiogenesis in Chinese hook snout carp (Opsariichthys bidens). We found that the full-length cDNAs of O. bidens kif3a and kif3b were 2544 and 2806 bp in length comprising 119 bp and 259 bp 5' untranslated region (UTR), 313 bp and 222 bp 3' UTR, and 2112 bp and 2325 bp open reading frame encoding 703 and 774 amino acids, respectively. Ob-KIF3A/KIF3B proteins have three domains, namely N-terminal head, coiled-coil stalk, and C-terminal tail, and exhibit high similarity with homologous proteins in vertebrates and invertebrates. Ob-kif3a/kif3b mRNAs were ubiquitously expressed in all tissues examined, with the highest expression in the brain and stage-IV testis. Immunofluorescence results showed that Ob-KIF3A was co-localized with tubulin and the mitochondria. Particularly, in early spermatids, Ob-KIF3A, tubulin, and the mitochondrial signals were evenly distributed in the cytoplasm, whereas in middle spermatids, they were distributed around the nucleus. In the late stage, the signals were concentrated on one side of the nucleus, where the tail is formed, whereas in mature sperms, they were detected in the midpiece and flagellum. These results indicate that Ob-KIF3A/KIF3B may participate in nuclear reshaping, flagellum formation, and mitochondrial aggregation in the midpiece during spermiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenwen Lin
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology by the Ministry of Education, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, People's Republic of China
| | - Daojun Tang
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology by the Ministry of Education, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinming Gao
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology by the Ministry of Education, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, People's Republic of China
| | - Huayu Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology by the Ministry of Education, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen Du
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology by the Ministry of Education, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, People's Republic of China
| | - Junquan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology by the Ministry of Education, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, People's Republic of China.
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36
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Vallés AS, Tenconi PE, Luquez JM, Furland NE. The inhibition of microtubule dynamics instability alters lipid homeostasis in TM4 Sertoli cells. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2021; 426:115607. [PMID: 34089742 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2021.115607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Sertoli cells (SC) structurally support and transport nutrients to germ cells during spermatogenesis facilitated by an active cytoskeleton. Chemical perturbation of SC microtubule (MT) dynamics instability leads to premature germ cell exfoliation demonstrating that this process is essential for male fertility, yet the effects of MT damaging drugs on SC lipid metabolism have been less explored. The aim of this study was to advance our understanding of how adequate SC MT dynamicity is needed to finely tune lipid homeostasis. To elucidate the role of MT dynamics instability on the latter, we suppressed MT dynamicity by long-term exposures to 10 nM of nocodazole (NCZ) on TM4-SC cultures. Inhibition of MT dynamics instability affected the distribution of [3H] arachidonate on TM4-SC. Triacylglycerols (TAG) exhibited a higher proportion of the [3H] label, with significantly lower percentages in the mitochondrial phospholipid cardiolipin, and notably, also in phosphatidylethanolamine. A noteworthy and progressive accumulation of lipid droplets during the period of exposure to NCZ was accompanied by increased TAG levels but not cholesterol levels in TM4-SC. NCZ-exposed cells reduced their mitochondrial membrane potential and increased ROS production without triggering apoptosis, had a compromised autophagic flux, and lost their transferrin expression. Although SC morphology was preserved, the NCZ-exposed cells displayed alteration of the normal organization of microfilaments (f-actin) and intermediate filaments (vimentin). Our findings suggest that a preserved MT dynamicity is essential in the maintenance of lipid and fatty acids homeostasis in SC, and thus highlights a novel target in these cells for drugs that impair MT dynamicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Vallés
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquıímicas de Bahía Blanca, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Bahía Blanca, Argentina.
| | - P E Tenconi
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquıímicas de Bahía Blanca, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - J M Luquez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquıímicas de Bahía Blanca, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - N E Furland
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquıímicas de Bahía Blanca, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Bahía Blanca, Argentina
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Mohammadi P, Mesbah-Namin SA, Movahedin M. Attenuation of aquaporin-3 may be contributing to low sperm motility and is associated with activated caspase-3 in asthenozoospermic individuals. Andrologia 2021; 53:e14119. [PMID: 34021497 DOI: 10.1111/and.14119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Revised: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Aquaporins play a crucial in transportation of water and solutes across cell membranes but their roles in male fertility are controversial. This study aimed to determine association of the expression level of aquaporin-3 (AQP3) and caspase-3 (CASP3) activity with sperm motility in asthenozoospermic individuals. Thirty-five asthenozoospermic and 35 normozoospermic individuals, participated in this study. Sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) for estimating of the DNA-damaged spermatozoa and Fluorescein-labelled inhibitors of caspases for assessment of active CASP3 were used by flow cytometry. Gene and protein expressions of AQP3 and CASP3 were assessed by real-time PCR and flow cytometry respectively. The AQP3 gene expression level in asthenozoospermic individuals was significantly lower than that of normozoospermic group whereas it was higher for the CASP3 gene expression (p < .01). The SCSA data in asthenozoospermic was significantly higher than that of normozoospermic group (p < .01). There was a negative and significant correlation between attenuated AQP3 protein level with activated CASP3 and SCSA in the asthenozoospermic group. We showed that the attenuated AQP3 level may contribute to low sperm motility via reducing glycerol for energy production in sperm tails of asthenozoospermia. Increasing CASP3 activity could indirectly show the status of active apoptosis in individuals with asthenozoospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Payam Mohammadi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Alireza Mesbah-Namin
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mansoureh Movahedin
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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Li L, Chen B, An T, Zhang H, Xia B, Li R, Zhu R, Tian Y, Wang L, Zhao D, Mo F, Li Y, Yang G, Orekhov AN, Prentki M, Zhang D, Jiang G, Zhu X. BaZiBuShen alleviates altered testicular morphology and spermatogenesis and modulates Sirt6/P53 and Sirt6/NF-κB pathways in aging mice induced by D-galactose and NaNO 2. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 271:113810. [PMID: 33508368 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.113810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Sperm infertility and testicular atrophy are symptoms associated with aging. BaZiBuShen formula (BZBS), a patented Chinese herbal prescription composed of Semen Cuscutae, Fructus Lycii, Epimedii Folium, Fructus Schisandrae Sphenantherae, Fructus Cnidii, Fructus Rosae Laevigatae, Semen Allii Tuberosi., Radix Morindae Officinalis, Herba Cistanches, Fructus Rubi, Radix Rehmanniae Recens, Radix Cyathulae, Radix Ginseng, Cervi Cornu Pantotrichum, Hippocampus, and Fuctus Toosendan, has been used as a kidney-tonifying and anti-aging drug as well as for the treatment of impotence and male infertility in traditional Chinese medicine. AIM OF THE STUDY We aimed at investigating whether BZBS preserves sperm and testes morphology in aging mice, and to explore the underlying mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS BZBS was orally administered to aging mice induced by D-galactose (D-gal) and NaNO2 for 65 days. Sperm quality and testes pathophysiological alterations were examined by a Semen Analysis System, hematoxylin-eosin staining, transmission electron microscopy, and mitochondrial complex IV activity. In addition, serum levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-hydroxy-desoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG), reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione disulfide (GSSG), testosterone (T), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were determined by ELISA. The expressions of P450 aromatase (CYP19), sirtuin 6 (Sirt6), P53, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB)-p65, and phospho-NF-κB-p65 (NF-κB-pp65) in the testes were examined by western blot and/or immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS Sustained exposure to D-gal/NaNO2 caused a deterioration of sperm quality and testes morphology in this rapid aging mouse model. BZBS treatment curtailed these alterations. These beneficial effects were associated with increased serum levels of TAC, GSH/GSSG, T, E2, and FSH, and decreased levels of MDA, TNF-α, and 8-OH-dG. BZBS treatment also downregulated the expressions of P53, iNOS, and NF-κB-pp65, as well as upregulated the expressions of Sirt6 and CYP19 in aging testes. CONCLUSIONS BZBS preserves testicular morphology and spermatogenesis possibly via inhibition of oxidative stress and the modulation of the Sirt6/P53 and Sirt6/NF-κB signaling pathways. The results shed light on the beneficial effect of BZBS on sperm quality and fertility in aging males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Li
- Diabetes Research Centre, Traditional Chinese Medicine School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Beibei Chen
- Diabetes Research Centre, Traditional Chinese Medicine School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Tian An
- Diabetes Research Centre, Traditional Chinese Medicine School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Hao Zhang
- Diabetes Research Centre, Traditional Chinese Medicine School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Bingke Xia
- Diabetes Research Centre, Traditional Chinese Medicine School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Rui Li
- Diabetes Research Centre, Traditional Chinese Medicine School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Ruyuan Zhu
- Diabetes Research Centre, Traditional Chinese Medicine School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Yimiao Tian
- Diabetes Research Centre, Traditional Chinese Medicine School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Lili Wang
- Diabetes Research Centre, Traditional Chinese Medicine School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Dandan Zhao
- Diabetes Research Centre, Traditional Chinese Medicine School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Fangfang Mo
- Diabetes Research Centre, Traditional Chinese Medicine School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Yu Li
- Department of Histo-embryology, Traditional Chinese Medicine School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Ge Yang
- The Geriatric Department, Guang'an Men Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China, Beijing, 100053, China.
| | - Alexander N Orekhov
- Laboratory of Angiopathology, Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Moscow, 125315, Russia.
| | - Marc Prentki
- Departments of Nutrition and Biochemistry and Montreal Diabetes Research Center, CRCHUM and Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.
| | - Dongwei Zhang
- Diabetes Research Centre, Traditional Chinese Medicine School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Guangjian Jiang
- Diabetes Research Centre, Traditional Chinese Medicine School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Xiaofeng Zhu
- Department of Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510630, China.
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Wang L, Li L, Wu X, Wong CKC, Perrotta A, Silvestrini B, Sun F, Cheng CY. mTORC1/rpS6 and p-FAK-Y407 signaling regulate spermatogenesis: Insights from studies of the adjudin pharmaceutical/toxicant model. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2021; 121:53-62. [PMID: 33867214 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.03.024] [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: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
In rodents and humans, the major cellular events at spermatogenesis include self-renewal of spermatogonial stem cells and undifferentiated spermatogonia via mitosis, commitment of spermatogonia to differentiation and transformation to spermatocytes, meiosis, spermiogenesis, and the release of spermatozoa at spermiation. While details of the morphological changes during these cellular events have been delineated, knowledge gap exists between the morphological changes in the seminiferous epithelium and the underlying molecular mechanism(s) that regulate these cellular events. Even though many of the regulatory proteins and biomolecules that modulate spermatogenesis are known based on studies using genetic models, the underlying regulatory mechanism(s), in particular signaling pathways/proteins, remain unexplored since much of the information regarding the signaling regulation is unknown. Studies in the past decade, however, have unequivocally demonstrated that the testis is using several signaling proteins and/or pathways to regulate multiple cellular events to modulate spermatogenesis. These include mTORC1/rpS6/Akt1/2 and p-FAK-Y407. While selective inhibitors and/or agonists and antagonists are available to examine some of these signaling proteins, their use have limitations due to their specificities and also potential systemic cytotoxicity. On the other hand, the use of genetic models has had profound implications for our understanding of the molecular regulation of spermatogenesis, and these knockout (null) models have also revealed the factors that are critical for spermatogenesis. Nonetheless, additional studies using in vitro and in vivo models are necessary to unravel the signaling pathways involved in regulating seminiferous epithelial cycle. Emerging data from studies, such as the use of the adjudin pharmaceutical/toxicant model, have illustrated that this non-hormonal male contraceptive drug is utilizing specific signaling pathways/proteins to induce specific defects in spermatogenesis, yielding mechanistic insights on the regulation of spermatogenesis. We sought to review these recent data in this article, highlighting an interesting approach that can be considered for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China; Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Linxi Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Xiaolong Wu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Chris K C Wong
- Croucher Institute for Environmental Sciences, Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Adolfo Perrotta
- Department of Translational & Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Fei Sun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China.
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China; Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China; The Population Council, Center for Biomedical Research, 1230 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, United States.
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40
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Wu S, Lv L, Li L, Wang L, Mao B, Li J, Shen X, Ge R, Wong CKC, Sun F, Cheng CY. KIF15 supports spermatogenesis via its effects on Sertoli cell microtubule, actin, vimentin, and septin cytoskeletons. Endocrinology 2021; 162:6102572. [PMID: 33453102 PMCID: PMC7883770 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Throughout spermatogenesis, cellular cargoes including haploid spermatids are required to be transported across the seminiferous epithelium, either toward the microtubule (MT) plus (+) end near the basement membrane at stage V, or to the MT minus (-) end near the tubule lumen at stages VI to VIII of the epithelial cycle. Furthermore, preleptotene spermatocytes, differentiated from type B spermatogonia, are transported across the Sertoli cell blood-testis barrier (BTB) to enter the adluminal compartment. Few studies, however, have been conducted to explore the function of MT-dependent motor proteins to support spermatid transport during spermiogenesis. Herein, we examined the role of MT-dependent and microtubule plus (+) end-directed motor protein kinesin 15 (KIF15) in the testis. KIF15 displayed a stage-specific expression across the seminiferous epithelium, associated with MTs, and appeared as aggregates on the MT tracks that aligned perpendicular to the basement membrane and laid across the entire epithelium. KIF15 also tightly associated with apical ectoplasmic specialization, displaying strict stage-specific distribution, apparently to support spermatid transport across the epithelium. We used a loss-of-function approach by RNAi to examine the role of KIF15 in Sertoli cell epithelium in vitro to examine its role in cytoskeletal-dependent Sertoli cell function. It was noted that KIF15 knockdown by RNAi that reduced KIF15 expression by ~70% in Sertoli cells with an established functional tight junction barrier impeded the barrier function. This effect was mediated through remarkable changes in the cytoskeletal organization of MTs, but also actin-, vimentin-, and septin-based cytoskeletons, illustrating that KIF15 exerts its regulatory effects well beyond microtubules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siwen Wu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Department of Anesthesiology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lixiu Lv
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Department of Anesthesiology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Linxi Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Department of Anesthesiology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lingling Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Baiping Mao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Department of Anesthesiology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jun Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Department of Anesthesiology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xian Shen
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Department of Anesthesiology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Renshan Ge
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Department of Anesthesiology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chris K C Wong
- Croucher Institute for Environmental Sciences, Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital, Department of Anesthesiology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY, USA
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
- Correspondence: C. Yan Cheng, Ph.D., Senior Scientist, The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA.
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Vaughan D, Mitchell R, Kretz O, Chambers D, Lalowski M, Amthor H, Ritvos O, Pasternack A, Matsakas A, Vaiyapuri S, Huber TB, Denecke B, Mukherjee A, Widera D, Patel K. A muscle growth-promoting treatment based on the attenuation of activin/myostatin signalling results in long-term testicular abnormalities. Dis Model Mech 2021; 14:dmm.047555. [PMID: 33408083 PMCID: PMC7903914 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.047555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Activin/myostatin signalling acts to induce skeletal muscle atrophy in adult mammals by inhibiting protein synthesis as well as promoting protein and organelle turnover. Numerous strategies have been successfully developed to attenuate the signalling properties of these molecules, which result in augmenting muscle growth. However, these molecules, in particular activin, play major roles in tissue homeostasis in numerous organs of the mammalian body. We have recently shown that although the attenuation of activin/myostatin results in robust muscle growth, it also has a detrimental impact on the testis. Here, we aimed to discover the long-term consequences of a brief period of exposure to muscle growth-promoting molecules in the testis. We demonstrate that muscle hypertrophy promoted by a soluble activin type IIB ligand trap (sActRIIB) is a short-lived phenomenon. In stark contrast, short-term treatment with sActRIIB results in immediate impact on the testis, which persists after the sessions of the intervention. Gene array analysis identified an expansion in aberrant gene expression over time in the testis, initiated by a brief exposure to muscle growth-promoting molecules. The impact on the testis results in decreased organ size as well as quantitative and qualitative impact on sperm. Finally, we have used a drug-repurposing strategy to exploit the gene expression data to identify a compound - N 6-methyladenosine - that may protect the testis from the impact of the muscle growth-promoting regime. This work indicates the potential long-term harmful effects of strategies aimed at promoting muscle growth by attenuating activin/myostatin signalling. Furthermore, we have identified a molecule that could, in the future, be used to overcome the detrimental impact of sActRIIB treatment on the testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Vaughan
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading NW1 0TU, UK
| | - Robert Mitchell
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading NW1 0TU, UK
| | - Oliver Kretz
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg 20251, Germany
| | - David Chambers
- Functional Genomics, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Maciej Lalowski
- Department of Biochemistry and Developmental Biology, HiLIFE, Meilahti Clinical Proteomics Core Facility, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - Helge Amthor
- Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines University, INSERM U1179, LIA BAHN CSM, Montigny-le-Bretonneux 78180, France
| | - Olli Ritvos
- Department of Bacteriology and Immunology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - Arja Pasternack
- Department of Bacteriology and Immunology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00014, Finland
| | - Antonios Matsakas
- Molecular Physiology Laboratory, Centre for Atherothrombosis and Metabolic Disease, Hull York Medical School, Hull HU6 7RX, UK
| | | | - Tobias B Huber
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg 20251, Germany
| | | | | | - Darius Widera
- School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6UB, UK
| | - Ketan Patel
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading NW1 0TU, UK
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Zheng X, Gao X, Wang J, Du C, Hou C, Xie Q, Lou B, Liu F, Zhu J. KIFC1 functions in nuclear reshaping and midpiece formation during the spermatogenesis of small yellow croaker Larimichthys polyactis. Anim Reprod Sci 2021; 226:106702. [PMID: 33581918 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2021.106702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The C-terminal kinesin motor protein (KIFC1) has essential functions in spermatogenesis. To evaluate molecular mechanisms of KIFC1 during teleost fish spermatogenesis, there was cloning and sequencing the kifc1 cDNA in the testis of Larimichthys polyactis. Quantitative PCR results indicated there were Lp-kifc1 mRNA transcripts in the testes. Results from conducting fluorescence in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence procedures indicated there were trends in relative abundance changes in Lp-kifc1 mRNA transcripts that were associated with abundance of Lp-KIFC1 protein during spermatogenesis. The Lp-KIFC1 protein was detected at all stages of spermatogenesis. There was minimal Lp-KIFC1 in the cytoplasm of spermatogonia, with content being greater and concentrated in the perinuclear region in spermatocytes and during early/mid-stages of development of spermatids. There were large abundances of Lp-KIFC1 in spermatids at the mid-developmental stage. In late-developing spermatids, Lp-KIFC1 content was less and concentrated in the bottom of the nucleus, where the midpiece formed. There was a small Lp-KIFC1 in the midpiece of mature sperm. These findings indicate Lp-KIFC1 may have functions in L. polyactis spermatogenesis. Results from conducting immunofluorescence procedures indicated Lp-KIFC1 was co-localized microtubules and mitochondria throughout spermatogenesis. There were large abundances of Lp-KIFC1 and tubulin in spermatids during the mid-developmental stage, when there is a decrease in size and reshaping of the nucleus. During midpiece formation, there was co-localization of the Lp-KIFC1 and mitochondria in the spermatid perinuclear region to the midpiece. These findings indicate Lp-KIFC1 is involved in nuclear reshaping and midpiece formation during spermatogenesis in L. polyactis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuebin Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology by the Ministry of Education, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China
| | - Xinming Gao
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology by the Ministry of Education, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China
| | - Jingqian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology by the Ministry of Education, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China
| | - Chen Du
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology by the Ministry of Education, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China
| | - Congcong Hou
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology by the Ministry of Education, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China
| | - Qingping Xie
- Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310021, China
| | - Bao Lou
- Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310021, China
| | - Feng Liu
- Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province 310021, China
| | - Junquan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology by the Ministry of Education, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China.
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Cheng EC, Hsieh CL, Liu N, Wang J, Zhong M, Chen T, Li E, Lin H. The Essential Function of SETDB1 in Homologous Chromosome Pairing and Synapsis during Meiosis. Cell Rep 2021; 34:108575. [PMID: 33406415 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
SETDB1 is a histone-lysine N-methyltransferase critical for germline development. However, its function in early meiotic prophase I remains unknown. Here, we report that Setdb1 null spermatocytes display aberrant centromere clustering during leptotene, bouquet formation during zygotene, and subsequent failure in pairing and synapsis of homologous chromosomes, as well as compromised meiotic silencing of unsynapsed chromatin, which leads to meiotic arrest before pachytene and apoptosis of spermatocytes. H3K9me3 is enriched in centromeric or pericentromeric regions and is present in many sites throughout the genome, with a subset changed in the Setdb1 mutant. These observations indicate that SETDB1-mediated H3K9me3 is essential for the bivalent formation in early meiosis. Transcriptome analysis reveals the function of SETDB1 in repressing transposons and transposon-proximal genes and in regulating meiotic and somatic lineage genes. These findings highlight a mechanism in which SETDB1-mediated H3K9me3 during early meiosis ensures the formation of homologous bivalents and survival of spermatocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ee-Chun Cheng
- Yale Stem Cell Center and Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Chia-Ling Hsieh
- Yale Stem Cell Center and Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Na Liu
- Yale Stem Cell Center and Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Jianquan Wang
- Yale Stem Cell Center and Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Mei Zhong
- Yale Stem Cell Center and Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Taiping Chen
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Smithville, TX 78957, USA
| | - En Li
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Haifan Lin
- Yale Stem Cell Center and Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
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Liu SW, Li HT, Ge RS, Cheng CY. NC1-peptide derived from collagen α3 (IV) chain is a blood-tissue barrier regulator: lesson from the testis. Asian J Androl 2021; 23:123-128. [PMID: 32896837 PMCID: PMC7991810 DOI: 10.4103/aja.aja_44_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Collagen α3 (IV) chains are one of the major constituent components of the basement membrane in the mammalian testis. Studies have shown that biologically active fragments, such as noncollagenase domain (NC1)-peptide, can be released from the C-terminal region of collagen α3 (IV) chains, possibly through the proteolytic action of metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9). NC1-peptide was shown to promote blood–testis barrier (BTB) remodeling and fully developed spermatid (e.g., sperm) release from the seminiferous epithelium because this bioactive peptide was capable of perturbing the organization of both actin- and microtubule (MT)-based cytoskeletons at the Sertoli cell–cell and also Sertoli–spermatid interface, the ultrastructure known as the basal ectoplasmic specialization (ES) and apical ES, respectively. More importantly, recent studies have shown that this NC1-peptide-induced effects on cytoskeletal organization in the testis are mediated through an activation of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1/ribosomal protein S6/transforming retrovirus Akt1/2 protein (mTORC1/rpS6/Akt1/2) signaling cascade, involving an activation of cell division control protein 42 homolog (Cdc42) GTPase, but not Ras homolog family member A GTPase (RhoA), and the participation of end-binding protein 1 (EB1), a microtubule plus (+) end tracking protein (+TIP), downstream. Herein, we critically evaluate these findings, providing a critical discussion by which the basement membrane modulates spermatogenesis through one of its locally generated regulatory peptides in the testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Wen Liu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China.,The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Hui-Tao Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China.,The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Ren-Shan Ge
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China.,The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, USA
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Wu S, Li H, Wang L, Mak N, Wu X, Ge R, Sun F, Cheng CY. Motor Proteins and Spermatogenesis. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1288:131-159. [PMID: 34453735 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-77779-1_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
Unlike the intermediate filament- and septin-based cytoskeletons which are apolar structures, the microtubule (MT) and actin cytoskeletons are polarized structures in mammalian cells and tissues including the testis, most notable in Sertoli cells. In the testis, these cytoskeletons that stretch across the epithelium of seminiferous tubules and lay perpendicular to the basement membrane of tunica propria serve as tracks for corresponding motor proteins to support cellular cargo transport. These cargoes include residual bodies, phagosomes, endocytic vesicles and most notably developing spermatocytes and haploid spermatids which lack the ultrastructures of motile cells (e.g., lamellipodia, filopodia). As such, these developing germ cells require the corresponding motor proteins to facilitate their transport across the seminiferous epithelium during the epithelial cycle of spermatogenesis. Due to the polarized natures of these cytoskeletons with distinctive plus (+) and minus (-) end, directional cargo transport can take place based on the use of corresponding actin- or MT-based motor proteins. These include the MT-based minus (-) end directed motor proteins: dyneins, and the plus (+) end directed motor proteins: kinesins, as well as the actin-based motor proteins: myosins, many of which are plus (+) end directed but a few are also minus (-) end directed motor proteins. Recent studies have shown that these motor proteins are essential to support spermatogenesis. In this review, we briefly summarize and evaluate these recent findings so that this information will serve as a helpful guide for future studies and for planning functional experiments to better understand their role mechanistically in supporting spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siwen Wu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China.,The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY, USA
| | - Huitao Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China.,The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lingling Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China.,The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY, USA.,Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Nathan Mak
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY, USA
| | - Xiaolong Wu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Renshan Ge
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital (SRRSH), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital (SRRSH), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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Yan Y, Schwirz J, Schetelig MF. Characterization of the Drosophila suzukii β2-tubulin gene and the utilization of its promoter to monitor sex separation and insemination. Gene 2020; 771:145366. [PMID: 33346099 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2020.145366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The Drosophila melanogaster β2-tubulin gene (Dm-β2t) controls the function of microtubules in the testis and sperm, and has been evaluated for use in biocontrol strategies based on the sterile insect technique, including sexing and the induction of male sterility. The spotted-wing Drosophila (Drosophila suzukii) is native to eastern Asia but has spread globally as an invasive pest of fruit crops, so biocontrol strategies are urgently required for this species. We therefore isolated the β2tubulin ortholog Ds-β2t from the USA laboratory strain of D. suzukii and confirmed the presence of functional motifs by aligning orthologs from multiple insects. The developmental expression profile of Ds-β2t was determined by RT-PCR using gene-specific primers and was similar to that of Dm-β2t. We then isolated the Ds-β2t promoter and used it to generate transgenic strains expressing a testis-specific fluorescent protein starting from the thirdinstar larvae. Efficient sexing was achieved based on fluorescence detection, and the transgenic males showed a similar survival rate to wild-type males. Fluorescence imaging and PCR were also used to confirm the insemination of wild-type females by transgenic males. We therefore confirm that D. suzukii strains expressing fluorescent markers under the control of the Ds-β2t promoter can be used for sexing and the confirmation of mating, and we discuss the wider potential of the Ds-β2t promoter in the context of genetic control strategies for D. suzukii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Yan
- Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Department of Insect Biotechnology in Plant Protection, Winchesterstraße 2, 35394 Giessen, Germany; Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Winchesterstraße 2, Germany.
| | - Jonas Schwirz
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Winchesterstraße 2, Germany
| | - Marc F Schetelig
- Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Department of Insect Biotechnology in Plant Protection, Winchesterstraße 2, 35394 Giessen, Germany; Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Winchesterstraße 2, Germany.
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Pleuger C, Lehti MS, Dunleavy JE, Fietz D, O'Bryan MK. Haploid male germ cells-the Grand Central Station of protein transport. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 26:474-500. [PMID: 32318721 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The precise movement of proteins and vesicles is an essential ability for all eukaryotic cells. Nowhere is this more evident than during the remarkable transformation that occurs in spermiogenesis-the transformation of haploid round spermatids into sperm. These transformations are critically dependent upon both the microtubule and the actin cytoskeleton, and defects in these processes are thought to underpin a significant percentage of human male infertility. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review is aimed at summarising and synthesising the current state of knowledge around protein/vesicle transport during haploid male germ cell development and identifying knowledge gaps and challenges for future research. To achieve this, we summarise the key discoveries related to protein transport using the mouse as a model system. Where relevant, we anchored these insights to knowledge in the field of human spermiogenesis and the causality of human male infertility. SEARCH METHODS Relevant studies published in English were identified using PubMed using a range of search terms related to the core focus of the review-protein/vesicle transport, intra-flagellar transport, intra-manchette transport, Golgi, acrosome, manchette, axoneme, outer dense fibres and fibrous sheath. Searches were not restricted to a particular time frame or species although the emphasis within the review is on mammalian spermiogenesis. OUTCOMES Spermiogenesis is the final phase of sperm development. It results in the transformation of a round cell into a highly polarised sperm with the capacity for fertility. It is critically dependent on the cytoskeleton and its ability to transport protein complexes and vesicles over long distances and often between distinct cytoplasmic compartments. The development of the acrosome covering the sperm head, the sperm tail within the ciliary lobe, the manchette and its role in sperm head shaping and protein transport into the tail, and the assembly of mitochondria into the mid-piece of sperm, may all be viewed as a series of overlapping and interconnected train tracks. Defects in this redistribution network lead to male infertility characterised by abnormal sperm morphology (teratozoospermia) and/or abnormal sperm motility (asthenozoospermia) and are likely to be causal of, or contribute to, a significant percentage of human male infertility. WIDER IMPLICATIONS A greater understanding of the mechanisms of protein transport in spermiogenesis offers the potential to precisely diagnose cases of male infertility and to forecast implications for children conceived using gametes containing these mutations. The manipulation of these processes will offer opportunities for male-based contraceptive development. Further, as increasingly evidenced in the literature, we believe that the continuous and spatiotemporally restrained nature of spermiogenesis provides an outstanding model system to identify, and de-code, cytoskeletal elements and transport mechanisms of relevance to multiple tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane Pleuger
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Australia.,Institute for Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen 35392, Germany.,Hessian Centre of Reproductive Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen 35392, Germany
| | - Mari S Lehti
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Australia.,Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku 20520, Finland
| | | | - Daniela Fietz
- Institute for Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen 35392, Germany.,Hessian Centre of Reproductive Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen 35392, Germany
| | - Moira K O'Bryan
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Australia
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Kumar N, Singh AK. The anatomy, movement, and functions of human sperm tail: an evolving mystery. Biol Reprod 2020; 104:508-520. [PMID: 33238303 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa213] [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: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperms have attracted attention of many researchers since it was discovered by Antonie van Leeuwenhoek in 1677. Though a small cell, its every part has complex structure and different function to play in carrying life. Sperm tail is most complicated structure with more than 1000 proteins involved in its functioning. With the advent of three-dimensional microscopes, many studies are undergoing to understand exact mechanism of sperm tail movement. Most recent studies have shown that sperms move by spinning rather than swimming. Each subunit of tail, including axonemal, peri-axonemal structures, plays essential roles in sperm motility, capacitation, hyperactivation, fertilization. Furthermore, over 2300 genes are involved in spermatogenesis. A number of genetic mutations have been linked with abnormal sperm flagellar development leading to motility defects and male infertility. It was found that 6% of male infertility cases are related to genetic causes, and 4% of couples undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection for male subfertility have chromosomal abnormalities. Hence, an understanding of sperm tail development and genes associated with its normal functioning can help in better diagnosis of male infertility and its management. There is still a lot that needs to be discovered about genes, proteins contributing to normal human sperm tail development, movement, and role in male fertility. Sperm tail has complex anatomy, with surrounding axoneme having 9 + 2 microtubules arrangement along its entire length and peri-axonemal structures that contribute in sperm motility and fertilization. In future sperm tail-associated genes, proteins and subunits can be used as markers of male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naina Kumar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh 522503, India
| | - Amit Kant Singh
- Department of Physiology, U.P. University of Medical Sciences, Etawah 206130, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Wang L, Yan M, Wong CKC, Ge R, Wu X, Sun F, Cheng CY. Microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) in microtubule cytoskeletal dynamics and spermatogenesis. Histol Histopathol 2020; 36:249-265. [PMID: 33174615 DOI: 10.14670/hh-18-279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The microtubule (MT) cytoskeleton in Sertoli cells, a crucial cellular structure in the seminiferous epithelium of adult mammalian testes that supports spermatogenesis, was studied morphologically decades ago. However, its biology, in particular the involving regulatory biomolecules and the underlying mechanism(s) in modulating MT dynamics, are only beginning to be revealed in recent years. This lack of studies in delineating the biology of MT cytoskeletal dynamics undermines other studies in the field, in particular the plausible therapeutic treatment and management of male infertility and fertility since studies have shown that the MT cytoskeleton is one of the prime targets of toxicants. Interestingly, much of the information regarding the function of actin-, MT- and intermediate filament-based cytoskeletons come from studies using toxicant models including some genetic models. During the past several years, there have been some advances in studying the biology of MT cytoskeleton in the testis, and many of these studies were based on the use of pharmaceutical/toxicant models. In this review, we summarize the results of these findings, illustrating the importance of toxicant/pharmaceutical models in unravelling the biology of MT dynamics, in particular the role of microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs), a family of regulatory proteins that modulate MT dynamics but also actin- and intermediate filament-based cytoskeletons. We also provide a timely hypothetical model which can serve as a guide to design functional experiments to study how the MT cytoskeleton is regulated during spermatogenesis through the use of toxicants and/or pharmaceutical agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY, USA.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ming Yan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chris K C Wong
- Department of Biology, Croucher Institute for Environmental Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Renshan Ge
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaolong Wu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, NY, USA.,The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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Dlec1 is required for spermatogenesis and male fertility in mice. Sci Rep 2020; 10:18883. [PMID: 33144677 PMCID: PMC7642295 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-75957-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Deleted in lung and esophageal cancer 1 (DLEC1) is a tumour suppressor gene that is downregulated in various cancers in humans; however, the physiological and molecular functions of DLEC1 are still unclear. This study investigated the critical role of Dlec1 in spermatogenesis and male fertility in mice. Dlec1 was significantly expressed in testes, with dominant expression in germ cells. We disrupted Dlec1 in mice and analysed its function in spermatogenesis and male fertility. Dlec1 deletion caused male infertility due to impaired spermatogenesis. Spermatogenesis progressed normally to step 8 spermatids in Dlec1−/− mice, but in elongating spermatids, we observed head deformation, a shortened tail, and abnormal manchette organization. These phenotypes were similar to those of various intraflagellar transport (IFT)-associated gene-deficient sperm. In addition, DLEC1 interacted with tailless complex polypeptide 1 ring complex (TRiC) and Bardet–Biedl Syndrome (BBS) protein complex subunits, as well as α- and β-tubulin. DLEC1 expression also enhanced primary cilia formation and cilia length in A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells. These findings suggest that DLEC1 is a possible regulator of IFT and plays an essential role in sperm head and tail formation in mice.
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