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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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Suo J, Wang J, Zheng Y, Xiao F, Li R, Huang F, Niu P, Zhu W, Du X, He J, Gao Q, Khan A. Recent advances in cryotolerance biomarkers for semen preservation in frozen form-A systematic review. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0303567. [PMID: 38776323 PMCID: PMC11111053 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Spermatozoa cryopreservation has been practiced for decades and is a very useful technique for long-term preservation of sperm fertility. The capability for semen cryopreservation varies across species, seasons, latitudes, and even for different ejaculates from the same animal. This article summarizes research results on sperm cryotolerance biomarkers in several species, focusing on three areas: spermatozoa cryotolerance biomarkers, seminal plasma proteins cryotolerance biomarkers, and other cryotolerance biomarkers. We discovered that sperm cryoresistance biomarkers are primarily related to sperm plasma membrane stability, the presence of antioxidant substances in sperm or seminal plasma, sperm cell energy metabolism, water and small molecule transport channels in the sperm plasma membrane, and antistress substances in sperm or seminal plasma. The research conducted using diverse livestock models can be employed to enhance the basic and applied reproduction of other mammals through the study of sperm cryotolerance biomarkers, as well as the substantial similarities between livestock and other organisms, including endangered species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajia Suo
- College of Life Sciences, Tarim University, Alar, Xinjiang, China
- Department of Veterinary Medical Science, Shandong Vocational Animal Science and Veterinary College, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Jieru Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Tarim University, Alar, Xinjiang, China
| | - Yanling Zheng
- Department of Veterinary Medical Science, Shandong Vocational Animal Science and Veterinary College, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Fayi Xiao
- Department of Veterinary Medical Science, Shandong Vocational Animal Science and Veterinary College, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Ruchun Li
- Department of Veterinary Medical Science, Shandong Vocational Animal Science and Veterinary College, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Fei Huang
- College of Life Sciences, Tarim University, Alar, Xinjiang, China
| | - Peng Niu
- College of Life Sciences, Tarim University, Alar, Xinjiang, China
| | - Wei Zhu
- Department of Veterinary Medical Science, Shandong Vocational Animal Science and Veterinary College, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaoxia Du
- Department of Veterinary Medical Science, Shandong Vocational Animal Science and Veterinary College, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Jianxiu He
- Department of Veterinary Medical Science, Shandong Vocational Animal Science and Veterinary College, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Qinghua Gao
- College of Life Sciences, Tarim University, Alar, Xinjiang, China
| | - Ahrar Khan
- Department of Veterinary Medical Science, Shandong Vocational Animal Science and Veterinary College, Weifang, Shandong, China
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
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Zang S, Yang X, Ye J, Mo X, Zhou G, Fang Y. Quantitative phosphoproteomics explain cryopreservation-induced reductions in ram sperm motility. J Proteomics 2024; 298:105153. [PMID: 38438079 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2024.105153] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Sperm cryopreservation decreases motility, probably due to changes in protein phosphorylation. Our objective was to use quantitative phosphoproteomics for systematic comparative analyses of fresh versus frozen-thawed sperm to identify factors causing cryo-injury. Ejaculates were collected (artificial vagina) from six Dorper rams, pooled, extended, and frozen over liquid nitrogen. Overall, 915, 3382, and 6875 phosphorylated proteins, phosphorylated peptides, and phosphorylation sites, respectively, were identified. At least two modified sites were present in 57.94% of the 6875 phosphosites identified, of which AKAP4 protein contained up to 331 modified sites. There were 732 phosphorylated peptides significantly up-regulated and 909 significantly down-regulated in frozen-thawed versus fresh sperm. Moreover, the conserved motif [RxxS] was significantly down-regulated in frozen-thawed sperm. Phosphorylation of sperm-specific proteins, e.g., AKAP3/4, CABYR, FSIP2, GSK3A/B, GPI, and ODF1/2 make them potential biomarkers to assess the quality of frozen-thawed ram sperm. Furthermore, these differentially phosphorylated proteins and modification sites were implicated in cryopreservation-induced changes in sperm energy production, fiber sheath composition, and various biological processes. We concluded that abnormal protein phosphorylation modifications are key regulators of reduced sperm motility. These novel findings implicated specific protein phosphorylation modifications in sperm cryo-injury. SIGNIFICANCE: This study used phosphorylated TMT quantitative proteomics to explore regulation of epigenetic modifications in frozen-thawed ram sperm. This experiment demonstrated that ram sperm freezing affects phosphorylation site modifications of proteins, especially those related to functions such as sperm motility and energy production. Furthermore, it is important to link functions of phosphorylated proteins with changes in sperm quality after freezing and thawing, and to clarify intrinsic reasons for sperm quality changes, which is of great importance for elucidating mechanisms of sperm freezing damage. Based on these protein markers and combined with cryoprotectant design theory, it provides a theoretical basis and data reference to study sperm cryoprotectants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengqin Zang
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology (Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding), Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, PR China
| | - Xiaorui Yang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Production, Product Quality and Security, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Jilin, Changchun 130118, China
| | - Jiangfeng Ye
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology (Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding), Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, PR China
| | - Xianhong Mo
- College of Chemistry and Life Science, Chifeng University, Chifeng 024000, PR China
| | - Guangbin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology (Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding), Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, PR China
| | - Yi Fang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Production, Product Quality and Security, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Jilin, Changchun 130118, China.
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Dordas-Perpinyà M, Yánez-Ortiz I, Sergeant N, Mevel V, Catalán J, Bruyas JF, Miró J, Briand-Amirat L. ProAKAP4 as Indicator of Long-Lasting Motility Marker in Post-Thaw Conditions in Stallions. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1264. [PMID: 38731267 PMCID: PMC11083937 DOI: 10.3390/ani14091264] [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: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
ProAKAP4, a precursor of AKAP4 (A-kinase anchor protein) found in the flagellum of mammalian and non-mammalian spermatozoa, serves as a structural protein with established correlations to motility parameters across diverse species. This study aimed to determine the proAKAP4 level evolution in thawed stallion semen over a 3 h period, examining its correlation with motility descriptors and mitochondrial membrane potential. Utilizing sixteen ejaculates from four French warmblood stallions, this study involved maintaining thawed samples at 37 °C for 3 h, conducting proAKAP4 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA), and mitochondrial membrane potential by JC-1 probe and flow cytometry at 0, 1, and 3 h post-thawing. The findings indicate significant positive correlations (p ≤ 0.05) between proAKAP4 levels and sperm total or progressive motility at all time points analyzed. Spermatozoa velocity descriptors (VAP, VCL, VSL) and spermatozoa lateral head displacement (ALH) display positive correlations (p ≤ 0.05) with ProAKAP4 at the 0 h post-thawing. ProAKAP4 concentration exhibits no discernible difference between batches with or without a cryoprotectant. Notably, proAKAP4 consumption remains insignificant within the initial hour after thawing but becomes significant (p ≤ 0.05) between 1 and 3 h post-thawing. In summary, proAKAP4 demonstrates positive correlations with total and progressive motility in stallion semen for up to 3 h after thawing, albeit showing a noticeable decrease starting from the first hour post-thawing, indicating a progressive consumption as a result of spermatozoa motile activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Dordas-Perpinyà
- Oniris, Nantes Veterinary College, Cedex 03, 44307 Nantes, France; (M.D.-P.); (V.M.); (J.-F.B.)
- Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, E-08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (I.Y.-O.); (J.C.)
- UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Université Paris-Saclay, 78352 Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Iván Yánez-Ortiz
- Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, E-08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (I.Y.-O.); (J.C.)
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences, International University of Ecuador, Quito 170901, Ecuador
| | - Nicolas Sergeant
- INSERM, UMRS, University of Lille, 59000 Lille, France;
- SPQI, 4bioDx—Breeding Section, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Vincent Mevel
- Oniris, Nantes Veterinary College, Cedex 03, 44307 Nantes, France; (M.D.-P.); (V.M.); (J.-F.B.)
| | - Jaime Catalán
- Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, E-08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (I.Y.-O.); (J.C.)
| | - Jean-François Bruyas
- Oniris, Nantes Veterinary College, Cedex 03, 44307 Nantes, France; (M.D.-P.); (V.M.); (J.-F.B.)
| | - Jordi Miró
- Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, E-08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (I.Y.-O.); (J.C.)
| | - Lamia Briand-Amirat
- Oniris, Nantes Veterinary College, Cedex 03, 44307 Nantes, France; (M.D.-P.); (V.M.); (J.-F.B.)
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Dordas-Perpinyà M, Sergeant N, Yánez-Ortiz I, Mevel V, Catalán J, Bruyas JF, Briand-Amirat L, Miró J. ProAKAP4 as a motility long-lasting marker in Catalan donkey spermatozoa. Anim Reprod Sci 2024; 262:107427. [PMID: 38367572 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107427] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
ProAKAP4 is identified within the flagellum of spermatozoa in various mammalian species, serving as a structural protein associated with motility parameters. This investigation focuses on the presence of proAKAP4 in donkey sperm, elucidating its localization, molecular characteristics, and its correlation with motility descriptors and mitochondrial membrane potential. Twelve ejaculates from Catalan donkeys were analyzed in this study. The initial steps involved proAKAP4 sequencing and detection through Western blotting and immunofluorescence. Post-thaw assessments were conducted at 0, 1, and 3 h, encompassing proAKAP4 levels, sperm motility analyzed via Computer-Assisted Sperm Analysis (CASA), and mitochondrial membrane potential determined by flow cytometry using the JC-1 stain. The findings reveal that proAKAP4 in donkeys exhibits a characteristic localization at the principal piece of the flagellum, consistent with observations in other mammals. The molecular weight of proAKAP4 is determined to be 100 kDa. Significantly, a positive correlation (p ≤ 0.05) is established between proAKAP4 concentration and both total and progressive motility. The presence of cryoprotectant is associated with a lower proAKAP4 concentration. Notably, proAKAP4 experiences a substantial decrease (p ≤ 0.05) during the initial hour post-thawing. In conclusion, proAKAP4 is identified in donkey sperm, akin to its presence in other mammals. It exhibits a positive correlation with total and progressive motility, its concentration is notably affected by the presence of cryoprotectant with significant consumption observed during the initial hour following thawing. These findings contribute to our understanding of proAKAP4 dynamics in donkey sperm, providing insights that may have implications for semen preservation and reproductive technologies in equids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Dordas-Perpinyà
- Oniris, Nantes Veterinary College, 44307 Nantes Cedex 03, France; Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, E-08193 Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas, France; Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Nicolas Sergeant
- University of Lille, INSERM, UMRS 1172, Lille, France; SPQI, 4bioDx - Breeding Section, Lille, France
| | - Iván Yánez-Ortiz
- Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, E-08193 Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences, International University of Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Vincent Mevel
- Oniris, Nantes Veterinary College, 44307 Nantes Cedex 03, France
| | - Jaime Catalán
- Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, E-08193 Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | | | | | - Jordi Miró
- Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, E-08193 Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain.
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Prochowska S, Eberhardt M, Niżański W. Evaluation of a commercial proAKAP4 kit for the assessment of fresh and frozen-thawed feline spermatozoa. Reprod Domest Anim 2024; 59:e14547. [PMID: 38433495 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
ProAKAP4 is gaining increasing attention as a potential marker of semen quality in many species, but while there is a commercial kit for assessing proAKAP4 in the domestic cat, there are no publications about its use. The aim of this study was to evaluate the commercial proAKAP4 kit - Cat 4MID® Kit (SPQI - 4BioDx, Lille, France) for the assessment of feline semen. Semen was collected from 54 male cats by urethral catheterization. After a basic semen evaluation (subjective motility, CASA, viability, morphology), proAKAP4 levels in each sample were assessed using the Cat 4MID® Kit according to the manufacturer's protocol or with some modifications related to incubation time, sample storage conditions and number of spermatozoa used. Finally, the Spearman correlation of proAKAP4 concentration and sperm motility parameters was calculated. The most reliable results (acceptable intraassay coefficient of variation) were obtained with an optimized protocol of overnight incubation and isolation of proAKAP4 protein from 1 × 106 spermatozoa stored at -80°C. For fresh semen, there were no significant correlations between proAKAP4 concentration and sperm motility parameters, despite a strong correlation between motility parameters and sperm viability and morphology. A predominant effect of other sperm parameters and highly variable performance of lysis buffer question the usefulness of Cat 4MID® Kit for the assessment of feline semen. For frozen-thawed semen, there was a moderate, negative correlation between proAKAP4 concentration and two CASA parameters, VAP and VSL. As there were no correlations between proAKAP4 concentration in fresh semen and motility parameters in cryopreserved samples, proAKAP4 cannot be used as freezability marker in cats. More studies are needed to establish potential correlation with long-lasting motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylwia Prochowska
- Department of Reproduction and Clinic of Farm Animals, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Maria Eberhardt
- Department of Reproduction and Clinic of Farm Animals, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Wojciech Niżański
- Department of Reproduction and Clinic of Farm Animals, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
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Al-Kass Z, Morrell JM. Freezing Stallion Semen-What Do We Need to Focus on for the Future? Vet Sci 2024; 11:65. [PMID: 38393083 PMCID: PMC10893461 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11020065] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Artificial insemination (AI) is used frequently in the breeding of sport horses, apart from Thoroughbreds. Most AIs are carried out with cooled semen rather than frozen semen because of the difficulties in identifying a protocol that is suitable for freezing most ejaculates and the necessity to inseminate close to ovulation because of the short life of the thawed spermatozoa. More widespread use of frozen semen would improve biosecurity, allow greater choice of stallions, and offer more flexibility when managing deliveries of semen to the stud. It would even decrease the amount of antibiotics used in semen extenders, since the volume of frozen semen is smaller than when cooled semen is inseminated. However, there is considerable variability in the cryosurvival of spermatozoa from different stallions, leading to the classification of stallions as good or bad freezers. Improvements could be made at the level of stallion nutrition, the semen collection regimen, the extender, the removal of seminal plasma, and the cooling protocol, among others. Stallion sperm membranes are highly susceptible to lipid peroxidation, but research on antioxidants has failed to identify an additive that would benefit all stallions. In the future, biomarkers for sperm freezability could be used as an aid in identifying suitable ejaculates for cryopreservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyad Al-Kass
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7054, SE-75007 Uppsala, Sweden;
- Department of Surgery and Theriogenology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Mosul, Mosul 41002, Iraq
| | - Jane M. Morrell
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7054, SE-75007 Uppsala, Sweden;
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Rajawat D, Panigrahi M, Nayak SS, Bhushan B, Mishra BP, Dutt T. Dissecting the genomic regions of selection on the X chromosome in different cattle breeds. 3 Biotech 2024; 14:50. [PMID: 38268984 PMCID: PMC10803714 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-023-03905-4] [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: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Mammalian X and Y chromosomes independently evolved from various autosomes approximately 300 million years ago (MYA). To fully understand the relationship between genomic composition and phenotypic diversity arising due to the course of evolution, we have scanned regions of selection signatures on the X chromosome in different cattle breeds. In this study, we have prepared the datasets of 184 individuals of different cattle breeds and explored the complete X chromosome by utilizing four within-population and two between-population methods. There were 23, 25, 30, 17, 17, and 12 outlier regions identified in Tajima's D, CLR, iHS, ROH, FST, and XP-EHH. Bioinformatics analysis showed that these regions harbor important candidate genes like AKAP4 for reproduction in Brown Swiss, MBTS2 for production traits in Brown Swiss and Guernsey, CXCR3 and CITED1 for health traits in Jersey and Nelore, and BMX and CD40LG for regulation of X chromosome inactivation in Nelore and Gir. We identified genes shared among multiple methods, such as TRNAC-GCA and IL1RAPL1, which appeared in Tajima's D, ROH, and iHS analyses. The gene TRNAW-CCA was found in ROH, CLR and iHS analyses. The X chromosome exhibits a distinctive interaction between demographic factors and genetic variations, and these findings may provide new insight into the X-linked selection in different cattle breeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Rajawat
- Division of Animal Genetics, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, UP 243122 India
| | - Manjit Panigrahi
- Division of Animal Genetics, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, UP 243122 India
| | - Sonali Sonejita Nayak
- Division of Animal Genetics, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, UP 243122 India
| | - Bharat Bhushan
- Division of Animal Genetics, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, UP 243122 India
| | - B. P. Mishra
- ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal, Karnal, India
| | - Triveni Dutt
- Livestock Production and Management Section, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, UP 243122 India
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Rosyada ZNA, Pardede BP, Kaiin EM, Gunawan M, Maulana T, Said S, Tumbelaka LITA, Solihin DD, Ulum MF, Purwantara B. A proteomic approach to identifying spermatozoa proteins in Indonesian native Madura bulls. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1287676. [PMID: 38111731 PMCID: PMC10725959 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1287676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteins assist sperm mature, transit the female reproductive tract, and recognise sperm oocytes. Indigenous Indonesian bulls, Madura bulls, have not been studied for reproductive proteomics. As local Indonesian beef livestock, Madura cattle assist in achieving food security; hence, their number must be improved. Thus, the identification of molecular proteomics-based bull fertility biomarkers is needed. This study aimed to characterise the sperm fertility function of the superior Madura bull (Bos indicus × Bos Javanicus) spermatozoa proteome. Frozen semen from eight Madura superior bulls (Bos indicus × Bos javanicus) aged 4-8 years was obtained from the artificial insemination centre (AIC) in Singosari and Lembang. Madura superior bulls are those that have passed the bull breeding soundness evaluation. Frozen sperm were thawed and centrifuged at 3000 × g for 30 min. Proteins in sperm were characterised through proteomic analysis using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The resulting gene symbols for each protein were then subjected to bioinformatics tools, including UniProt, DAVID, and STRING databases. Regarding sperm fertility, the analysis revealed that 15 proteins were identified in the sperm of Madura bulls. Amongst the identified proteins, the superior Madura bull sperm contained several motilities, energy-related proteins, and chaperone proteins. A substantial portion of characterised proteins are linked to metabolic pathways and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, contributing to sperm energy production. In conclusion, the first in-depth proteome identification of sperm related to sperm quality and bull fertility of a unique indigenous Madura breed of Indonesia was performed using the LC-MS/MS proteomic method. These findings may serve as a reference point for further studies related to the functions of bovine sperm and biomarkers of fertility and sperm quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zulfi Nur Amrina Rosyada
- Division of Reproduction and Obstetrics, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
- Research Center for Applied Zoology, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, Indonesia
- Division of Veterinary Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Berlin Pandapotan Pardede
- Division of Reproduction and Obstetrics, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
- Research Center for Applied Zoology, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Ekayanti Mulyawati Kaiin
- Research Center for Applied Zoology, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Muhammad Gunawan
- Research Center for Applied Zoology, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Tulus Maulana
- Research Center for Applied Zoology, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Syahruddin Said
- Research Center for Applied Zoology, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Ligaya I. T. A Tumbelaka
- Division of Reproduction and Obstetrics, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | | | - Mokhamad Fakhrul Ulum
- Division of Reproduction and Obstetrics, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Bambang Purwantara
- Division of Reproduction and Obstetrics, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
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Gardela J, Ruiz-Conca M, Palomares A, Olvera-Maneu S, García-Calvo L, López-Béjar M, Martínez-Pastor F, Álvarez-Rodríguez M. Effect of Honey, Coenzyme Q10, and β-Carotene/α-Tocopherol as Novel Additives in Rabbit-Sperm Cryopreservation Extender. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2392. [PMID: 37508170 PMCID: PMC10376550 DOI: 10.3390/ani13142392] [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: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The effectiveness of rabbit-sperm cryopreservation is still below average compared to other domestic species. After the sperm cryopreservation process, post-thawing parameters like motility and membrane integrity are significantly compromised. The use of new extender constituents is an approach that can be used to improve the effectiveness of cryopreservation. Accordingly, we used honey (1.25, 2.5, 5, and 10%), coenzyme Q10 (100 and 200 μM), and β-carotene/α-tocopherol (500 μM/620 μM and 250 μM/310 μM) as candidate components for rabbit-sperm extenders during cryopreservation. Ejaculates from commercial adult rabbit bucks (n = 5) were cryopreserved using conventional freezing. Several post-thawing sperm parameters were assessed, including total motility, membrane integrity, viability, nuclear membrane integrity, acrosome reaction, and mitochondrial membrane potential and activation. Additionally, we performed hormonal analyses of the seminal plasma. Moreover, we analyzed the post-thawing levels of a molecular marker of sperm quality, proAKAP4, which was used in rabbits for the first time. Our findings showed that the 2.5% honey supplementation increased the post-thawing sperm motility (13.75 ± 3.75%) compared to the greater concentrations employed. However, the post-thawing motility was negatively affected by the coenzyme Q10 (0%, in both groups) but was not affected by the β-carotene/α-tocopherol supplementation (22 ± 18.15%, and 11.67 ± 10.17%). In conclusion, the cryopreservation protocols of this study did not help to maintain the sperm parameters after thawing. Further studies are required to identify novel protocols to mitigate the damage caused to rabbit sperm during cryopreservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaume Gardela
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Mateo Ruiz-Conca
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Anna Palomares
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Sergi Olvera-Maneu
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Laura García-Calvo
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Manel López-Béjar
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Felipe Martínez-Pastor
- Institute of Animal Health and Cattle Development (INDEGSAL) and Department of Molecular Biology (Cell Biology), Universidad de León, 24009 León, Spain
| | - Manuel Álvarez-Rodríguez
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology, Spanish National Research Council (INIA-CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
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11
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Molecular Markers: A New Paradigm in the Prediction of Sperm Freezability. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043379. [PMID: 36834790 PMCID: PMC9960060 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
For decades now, sperm cryopreservation has been a pillar of assisted reproduction in animals as well as humans. Nevertheless, the success of cryopreservation varies across species, seasons, and latitudes and even within the same individual. With the dawn of progressive analytical techniques in the field of genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, new options for a more accurate semen quality assessment have become available. This review summarizes currently available information on specific molecular characteristics of spermatozoa that could predict their cryotolerance before the freezing process. Understanding the changes in sperm biology as a result of their exposure to low temperatures may contribute to the development and implementation of appropriate measures to assure high post-thaw sperm quality. Furthermore, an early prediction of cryotolerance or cryosensitivity may lead to the establishment of customized protocols interconnecting adequate sperm processing procedures, freezing techniques, and cryosupplements that are most feasible for the individual needs of the ejaculate.
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12
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ProAKAP4 Concentration Is Related to Sperm Motility and Motile Sperm Subpopulations in Frozen-Thawed Horse Semen. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12233417. [PMID: 36496938 PMCID: PMC9738597 DOI: 10.3390/ani12233417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
ProAKAP4 is the precursor of AKAP4 (A-kinase Anchor protein 4), the main structural protein of the fibrous sheath of sperm. The amount of proAKAP4 reflects the ability of spermatozoa to maintain the flagellum activity and functionality up to the site of fertilization and is positively correlated with progressive motility in several mammalian species. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between proAKAP4 concentration with horse sperm motility descriptors and spermatic motile subpopulations. For this purpose, a total of 48 ejaculates from 13 different stallions were analyzed. Spermatic motility descriptors were obtained by the CASA system, and four motile subpopulations (SP) with specific motility patterns were statistically identified. ProAKAP4 concentrations were evaluated by ELISA. The relationship between motility descriptors of sperm subpopulations and proAKAP4 concentrations was evaluated. Following a hierarchical cluster statistical analysis, ejaculates were divided into two groups according to their proAKAP4 concentrations, either having low proAKAP4 concentrations (5.06−35.61 ng/10M spz; n = 23) or high (39.92−82.23 ng/10M spz; n = 25) proAKAP4 concentrations (p < 0.001). ProAKAP4 concentrations were positively correlated (p < 0.05) with total and progressive motility, as well as with parameters of velocity. ProAKAP4 amount also showed a negative correlation (p < 0.05) with sperm motile subpopulation number 3, which was the subpopulation with the lowest velocity parameters. In conclusion, proAKAP4 concentration in stallion semen positively reflects sperm progressive motility with the functional velocity kinematic descriptors. Concentrations of proAKAP4 higher than 37.77 ng/10M spz were correlated with a very good quality frozen/thawed stallion semen.
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13
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Sheikh-Hosseini M, Salimi M, Mozdarani H. A-Kinase anchor protein 4 (AKAP4) may be considered as a potential early diagnostic breast cancer marker detectable in blood. GENE REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2022.101663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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14
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Carracedo S, Briand-Amirat L, Dordas-Perpinyà M, Ramos Escuredo Y, Delcombel R, Sergeant N, Delehedde M. ProAKAP4 protein marker: Towards a functional approach to male fertility. Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 247:107074. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2022.107074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
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15
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Advances in sperm cryopreservation in farm animals: Cattle, horse, pig and sheep. Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 246:106904. [PMID: 34887155 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2021.106904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Sperm cryopreservation is one of the most important procedures in the development of biotechnologies for assisted reproduction. In some farm animals, the use of cryopreserved sperm has so many benefits for which relevance has become more evident in recent decades. Values for post-thaw sperm quality, however, are variable among species and within individuals of the same species. There is no standardized methodology for each of the stages of the cryopreservation procedure (andrological examination, semen collection, dilution, centrifugation, resuspension of the pellet with the freezing medium, packaging, freezing and post-thaw sperm evaluation), which also contributes to differences among studies. Cryotolerance markers of sperm and seminal plasma (SP) have been evaluated for prediction of ejaculate freezability. In addition, in previous research, there has been a focus on supplementing cryopreservation media with different substances, such as enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. In most studies, inclusion of these substances have led to improved post-thaw sperm quality and fertilizing capacity as a result of minimizing the adverse effects on sperm structure and function. Another approach is the use of different cryoprotectants. The aim with this review article is to provide an update on sperm cryopreservation in farm animals. The main detrimental effects of cryopreservation are described, including the negative repercussion on reproductive performance. Furthermore, the potential use of molecular biomarkers to predict sperm cryotolerance is discussed, as well as the addition of substances that can mitigate the harmful impact of freezing and thawing on sperm.
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16
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The proAKAP4 concentrations in Nelore bull sperm and their relation to FTAI conception rate results. Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 247:107156. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2022.107156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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17
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Su Y, Ding J, Yang F, He C, Xu Y, Zhu X, Zhou H, Li H. The regulatory role of PDE4B in the progression of inflammatory function study. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:982130. [PMID: 36278172 PMCID: PMC9582262 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.982130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammation is a response of the body to external stimuli (eg. chemical irritants, bacteria, viruses, etc.), and when the stimuli are persistent, they tend to trigger chronic inflammation. The presence of chronic inflammation is an important component of the tumor microenvironment produced by a variety of inflammatory cells (eg. macrophages, neutrophils, leukocytes, etc.). The relationship between chronic inflammation and cancer development has been widely accepted, and chronic inflammation has been associated with the development of many cancers, including chronic bronchitis and lung cancer, cystitis inducing bladder cancer. Moreover, chronic colorectitis is more likely to develop into colorectal cancer. Therefore, the specific relationship and cellular mechanisms between inflammation and cancer are a hot topic of research. Recent studies have identified phosphodiesterase 4B (PDE4B), a member of the phosphodiesterase (PDEs) protein family, as a major cyclic AMP (cAMP) metabolizing enzyme in inflammatory cells, and the therapeutic role of PDE4B as chronic inflammation, cancer. In this review, we will present the tumors associated with chronic inflammation, and PDE4B potential clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Su
- First-in-Human Clinical Trial Wards in the National Institute of Clinical Drug Trials, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China
- School of Public Foundation, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China
| | - Jiaxiang Ding
- First-in-Human Clinical Trial Wards in the National Institute of Clinical Drug Trials, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China
- School of Public Foundation, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Cuixia He
- First-in-Human Clinical Trial Wards in the National Institute of Clinical Drug Trials, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China
- School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China
| | - Yuanyuan Xu
- First-in-Human Clinical Trial Wards in the National Institute of Clinical Drug Trials, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China
- School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China
| | - Xingyu Zhu
- First-in-Human Clinical Trial Wards in the National Institute of Clinical Drug Trials, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China
- School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China
| | - Huan Zhou
- First-in-Human Clinical Trial Wards in the National Institute of Clinical Drug Trials, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China
- School of Public Foundation, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China
- School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China
- *Correspondence: Hongtao Li, ; Huan Zhou,
| | - Hongtao Li
- First-in-Human Clinical Trial Wards in the National Institute of Clinical Drug Trials, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China
- *Correspondence: Hongtao Li, ; Huan Zhou,
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18
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Spermatozoa and seminal plasma proteomics: too many molecules, too few markers. The case of bovine and porcine semen. Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 247:107075. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2022.107075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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19
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X chromosome-linked genes in the mature sperm influence semen quality and fertility of breeding bulls. Gene 2022; 839:146727. [PMID: 35835407 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.146727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The role of sperm expressed X-linked genes on bull fertility has not been studied in detail. The objective of the present study was to assess the influence of X-linked genes on the sperm functional parameters and field fertility rate in the Holstein Friesian cattle (n = 12) and Murrah buffalo (n = 7) bulls. The enrichment analysis (cattle = 8; buffalo = 8) of the X-linked genes was carried out using retrospective RNA-seq data and mRNA expression levels of functionally relevant genes were validated using the RT-qPCR. The mRNA expression levels of these genes were functionally associated with sperm attributes and field fertility rate. The sperm transcriptome studies revealed that the total number of expressed genes and the transcript content of the X-linked genes in the mature sperm were very low in both species, and only 23.31% of these genes were commonly expressed between them. The transcript pool corresponding to the X-linked genes represents embryonic organ development (p = 0.03) and reproduction (p = 0.02) processes in cattle and buffalo sperm, respectively. The mRNA expression levels of X-linked genes, RPL10 and ZCCHC13 in cattle; AKAP4, TSPAN6, RPL10 and RPS4X in buffalo were significantly (p < 0.05) correlated with sperm kinematics. Importantly, the mRNA expression levels of the genes RPL10 (r = -0.68) and RPS4X (r = 0.81) had a significant correlation with the field fertility rate in cattle and buffalo, respectively. Multivariate regression models and receiver operating curve analysis suggest that the mRNA expression levels of X-linked genes may be useful in predicting bull fertility. The study indicates that sperm-expressed X-linked genes influence semen quality and field fertility rate in both cattle and buffalo.
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20
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Dordas-Perpinyà M, Sergeant N, Ruelle I, Bruyas JF, Charreaux F, Michaud S, Carracedo S, Catalán J, Miró J, Delehedde M, Briand-Amirat L. ProAKAP4 Semen Concentrations as a Valuable Marker Protein of Post-Thawed Semen Quality and Bull Fertility: A Retrospective Study. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9050224. [PMID: 35622752 PMCID: PMC9144616 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9050224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Functional sperm quality markers to predict bull fertility have been actively investigated. Among them, proAKAP4, which is the precursor of AKAP4, the main structural protein in the fibrous sheath of spermatozoa; appears to be promising, especially since spermatozoa lacking AKAP4 expression were shown to be immotile, abnormal, and infertile. In this study, the objective was to evaluate proAKAP4 concentration values with the classic sperm motility descriptors and fertility outcomes (NRR at 90 days) in post-thawed conditions of 10 bulls’ semen. ProAKAP4 expression was confirmed by Western blotting and proAKAP4 concentrations were determined by ELISA. Variations in proAKAP4 concentrations were observed independently of the motility sperm descriptors measured using computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA). A ProAKAP4 concentration of 38.67 ± 8.55 ng/10 million spermatozoa was obtained as a statistical mean of all samples. Threshold values of proAKAP4 were then determined between 19.96 to 96.95 ng/10 million spermatozoa. ProAKAP4 concentrations were positively correlated with progressive motility and the linearity coefficient. The sperm showing the lowest progressive motility were the samples exhibiting proAKAP4 concentrations below 20 ng/10 million spermatozoa. Furthermore, proAKAP4 concentrations were significantly higher in bulls with a higher NRR in the field. Our results demonstrate a correlation between the semen concentration of proAKAP4 and NRR-90d (p = 0.05) in post-thawed bull semen, highlighting the potential of proAKAP4 as a predictive marker of bull fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Dordas-Perpinyà
- Oniris, Nantes-Atlantic College of Veterinary Medicine, 44300 Nantes, France; (M.D.-P.); (I.R.); (J.-F.B.); (S.M.)
- Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (J.C.); (J.M.)
| | - Nicolas Sergeant
- U1172 LilNCog—Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, CHU Lille, Inserm, University Lille, 59000 Lille, France;
- SPQI S.A.S, 82 rue Jeanne d’Arc, 59000 Lille, France; (S.C.); (M.D.)
| | - Isabelle Ruelle
- Oniris, Nantes-Atlantic College of Veterinary Medicine, 44300 Nantes, France; (M.D.-P.); (I.R.); (J.-F.B.); (S.M.)
| | - Jean-François Bruyas
- Oniris, Nantes-Atlantic College of Veterinary Medicine, 44300 Nantes, France; (M.D.-P.); (I.R.); (J.-F.B.); (S.M.)
| | | | - Sandrine Michaud
- Oniris, Nantes-Atlantic College of Veterinary Medicine, 44300 Nantes, France; (M.D.-P.); (I.R.); (J.-F.B.); (S.M.)
| | - Sara Carracedo
- SPQI S.A.S, 82 rue Jeanne d’Arc, 59000 Lille, France; (S.C.); (M.D.)
| | - Jaime Catalán
- Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (J.C.); (J.M.)
| | - Jordi Miró
- Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; (J.C.); (J.M.)
| | - Maryse Delehedde
- SPQI S.A.S, 82 rue Jeanne d’Arc, 59000 Lille, France; (S.C.); (M.D.)
| | - Lamia Briand-Amirat
- Oniris, Nantes-Atlantic College of Veterinary Medicine, 44300 Nantes, France; (M.D.-P.); (I.R.); (J.-F.B.); (S.M.)
- Correspondence:
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21
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The Concentration of ProAKAP4 and Other Indicators of Cryopotential of Spermatozoa Cryopreserved in Extender with Holothuroidea Extract Addition. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12040521. [PMID: 35203229 PMCID: PMC8868323 DOI: 10.3390/ani12040521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Scientists are constantly making efforts to determine the fertilization capacity of sperm after ejaculation. The present research proves that the application of Holothuroidea extract to the semen extender improves its cryostability, and has a positive effect on the biological quality of sperm after the freezing process. Moreover, it has been proven that the proAKAP4 biomarker can be successfully used to evaluate the effectiveness of the use of various extenders for semen cryopreservation. Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the concentration of proAKAP4 and other indicators of cryopotential of spermatozoa cryopreserved in extender with Holothuroidea extract addition. Nine Holstein Friesian bulls, 3.5 years old, of known health status, were used for the study. The animals were kept and fed equally. Semen was collected once a week using an artificial vagina. The commercially available Holothuroidea extract was used as a supplement to the commercial extender (0, 2, 4 and 6 µL/mL) before the freezing/thawing process. The viability, motility, motion parameters, and acrosome integrity of the sperm were analyzed with (test) or without (control) extract samples. Furthermore, the concentration of the proAKAP4 biomarker in frozen sperm was assessed. It was shown that the addition of 4 and 6 µL of the extract may have a positive effect on the quality parameters of the sperm after thawing. The results indicate that extender supplementation with the above extract modulates (increases) the concentration of proAKAP4 in sperm at all tested levels. Additionally, this indicator has become helpful in identifying sperm of poor biological quality. Moreover, it has been proven that the proAKAP4 biomarker can be successfully used to evaluate the effectiveness of the use of various extenders for semen cryopreservation.
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22
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Boersma A, Primus J, Wagner B, Broukal V, Andersen L, Pachner B, Dahlhoff M, Rülicke T, Auer KE. Influence of sperm cryopreservation on sperm motility and proAKAP4 concentration in mice. Reprod Med Biol 2022; 21:e12480. [PMID: 35919386 PMCID: PMC9336535 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12480] [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: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The protein proAKAP4 is crucial for sperm motility and has been suggested as an indicator of male fertility. We determined the relationship between proAKAP4 concentration and sperm motility parameters in mice, and investigated the effects of cryopreservation on these variables. Methods Computer-assisted sperm analysis and ELISA were applied to determine sperm motility and proAKAP4 concentration in fresh and frozen-thawed epididymal sperm of SWISS, B6D2F1, C57BL/6N, and BALB/c mice. Results ProAKAP4 levels ranged between 12 and 89 ng/ml and did not differ between fresh and frozen-thawed samples, or between strains. We found a negative relationship between proAKAP4 levels and some sperm motility parameters. Sperm traits differed between strains, and cryopreservation negatively affected sperm velocity but not sperm direction parameters. Conclusion ProAKAP4 levels in epididymal mouse spermatozoa were unaffected by cryopreservation, highlighting the robustness of this parameter as a potentially time-independent marker for sperm motility and fertility. The high individual variation in proAKAP4 levels supports the potential role of proAKAP4 as a marker for sperm quality, though we found no positive, and even negative relationships between proAKAP4 levels and some sperm motility parameters. Future studies have to investigate the significance of proAKAP4 as an indicator for fertility in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Auke Boersma
- Institute of in vivo and in vitro ModelsUniversity of Veterinary Medicine ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Jasmin Primus
- Institute of in vivo and in vitro ModelsUniversity of Veterinary Medicine ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Bettina Wagner
- Institute of in vivo and in vitro ModelsUniversity of Veterinary Medicine ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Veronika Broukal
- Institute of in vivo and in vitro ModelsUniversity of Veterinary Medicine ViennaViennaAustria
- Department of RadiologyCharité – Universitätsmedizin BerlinBerlinGermany
| | - Lill Andersen
- Institute of in vivo and in vitro ModelsUniversity of Veterinary Medicine ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Barbara Pachner
- Institute of in vivo and in vitro ModelsUniversity of Veterinary Medicine ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Maik Dahlhoff
- Institute of in vivo and in vitro ModelsUniversity of Veterinary Medicine ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Thomas Rülicke
- Institute of in vivo and in vitro ModelsUniversity of Veterinary Medicine ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Kerstin E. Auer
- Institute of in vivo and in vitro ModelsUniversity of Veterinary Medicine ViennaViennaAustria
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23
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Blommaert D, Sergeant N, Delehedde M, Donnay I, Lejeune JP, Franck T, Serteyn D. First results about ProAKAP4 concentration in stallion semen after cryopreservation in two different freezing media. Cryobiology 2021; 102:133-135. [PMID: 34302806 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2021.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The quality of fresh or thawed sperm in stallions has been generally determined by the viability and total and progressive motility of the sperm. Today, the expression of ProAKAP4, a protein present in the flagellum of spermatozoa, appears to be an innovative and relevant functional marker to assess semen quality and male fertility. This study aims to compare the concentration of ProAKAP4 in the semen from 5 stallions frozen with two different extenders immediately after thawing (T0) and 4 h post-thawing (T4). Viability, total and progressive motility were measured in parallel. Significant differences for sperm viability and total motility were observed between the two extenders, as was the concentration of ProAKAP4 both at T0 and T4. At T4, all quality parameters and ProAKAP4 content significantly decreased compared to T0, but with a considerably slower decrease in one extender than the other. These preliminary results suggest that measuring the concentration of ProAKAP4 is a promising tool for the comparison of different extenders and the selection of the optimal freezing medium for each stallion ejaculate.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Blommaert
- Centre Européen du Cheval, Département Reproduction, Mont-le-Soie, 1, Vielsalm, 6698, Belgium
| | - N Sergeant
- SPQI S.A.S, 82 rue Jeanne d'Arc, 59000, Lille, France; Univ. Lille, Inserm UMRS 1172, Place de Verdun, 59045, Lille, France
| | - M Delehedde
- SPQI S.A.S, 82 rue Jeanne d'Arc, 59000, Lille, France
| | - I Donnay
- Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology, Catholic University of Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - J P Lejeune
- Centre Européen du Cheval, Département Reproduction, Mont-le-Soie, 1, Vielsalm, 6698, Belgium
| | - T Franck
- Center for Oxygen Research and Development (CORD), University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.
| | - D Serteyn
- Centre Européen du Cheval, Département Reproduction, Mont-le-Soie, 1, Vielsalm, 6698, Belgium; Center for Oxygen Research and Development (CORD), University of Liège, Liège, Belgium; Equine Clinic, Veterinary Medicine Faculty, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
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Xu Y, Han Q, Ma C, Wang Y, Zhang P, Li C, Cheng X, Xu H. Comparative Proteomics and Phosphoproteomics Analysis Reveal the Possible Breed Difference in Yorkshire and Duroc Boar Spermatozoa. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:652809. [PMID: 34336820 PMCID: PMC8322956 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.652809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm cells are of unique elongated structure and function, the development of which is tightly regulated by the existing proteins and the posttranslational modifications (PTM) of these proteins. Based on the phylogenetic relationships of various swine breeds, Yorkshire boar is believed to be distinctly different from Duroc boar. The comprehensive differential proteomics and phosphoproteomics profilings were performed on spermatozoa from both Yorkshire and Duroc boars. By both peptide and PTM peptide quantification followed by statistical analyses, 167 differentially expressed proteins were identified from 1,745 proteins, and 283 differentially expressed phosphopeptides corresponding to 102 unique differentially phosphorylated proteins were measured from 1,140 identified phosphopeptides derived from 363 phosphorylated proteins. The representative results were validated by Western blots. Pathway enrichment analyses revealed that majority of differential expression proteins and differential phosphorylation proteins were primarily concerned with spermatogenesis, male gamete generation, sperm motility, energy metabolism, cilium morphogenesis, axonemal dynein complex assembly, sperm–egg recognition, and capacitation. Remarkably, axonemal dynein complex assembly related proteins, such as SMCP, SUN5, ODF1, AKAP3, and AKAP4 that play a key regulatory role in the sperm physiological functions, were significantly higher in Duroc spermatozoa than that of Yorkshire. Furthermore, phosphorylation of sperm-specific proteins, such as CABYR, ROPN1, CALM1, PRKAR2A, and PRKAR1A, participates in regulation of the boar sperm motility mainly through the cAMP/PKA signal pathway in different breeds, demonstrating that protein phosphorylation may be an important mechanism underlying the sperm diversity. Protein–protein interaction analysis revealed that the 14 overlapped proteins between differential expression proteins and differential phosphorylation proteins potentially played a key role in sperm development and motility of the flagellum, including the proteins ODF1, SMCP, AKAP4, FSIP2, and SUN5. Taken together, these physiologically and functionally differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and differentially expressed phosphorylated proteins (DPPs) may constitute the proteomic backgrounds between the two different boar breeds. The validation will be performed to delineate the roles of these PTM proteins as modulators of Yorkshire and Duroc boar spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjie Xu
- College of Life Science, Xinyang Normal University, Xinyang, China.,Institute for Conservation and Utilization of Agro-Bioresources in Dabie Mountains, Xinyang Normal University, Xinyang, China
| | - Qiu Han
- College of Life Science, Xinyang Normal University, Xinyang, China
| | - Chaofeng Ma
- Xinyang Animal Disease Control and Prevention Center, Xinyang, China
| | - Yaling Wang
- College of Life Science, Xinyang Normal University, Xinyang, China
| | - Pengpeng Zhang
- College of Life Science, Xinyang Normal University, Xinyang, China.,Institute for Conservation and Utilization of Agro-Bioresources in Dabie Mountains, Xinyang Normal University, Xinyang, China
| | - Cencen Li
- College of Life Science, Xinyang Normal University, Xinyang, China.,Institute for Conservation and Utilization of Agro-Bioresources in Dabie Mountains, Xinyang Normal University, Xinyang, China
| | - Xiaofang Cheng
- College of Life Science, Xinyang Normal University, Xinyang, China.,Institute for Conservation and Utilization of Agro-Bioresources in Dabie Mountains, Xinyang Normal University, Xinyang, China
| | - Haixia Xu
- College of Life Science, Xinyang Normal University, Xinyang, China.,Institute for Conservation and Utilization of Agro-Bioresources in Dabie Mountains, Xinyang Normal University, Xinyang, China
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25
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Bastan I, Akcay E. Quality assessment of frozen bull semen with the precursor A-kinase anchor protein 4 biomarker. Andrologia 2021; 53:e14164. [PMID: 34212411 DOI: 10.1111/and.14164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, the quality of frozen bull semen was evaluated with the proAKAP4 level test. Sixty straws of frozen bull semen from various batches (n = 30) belonging to six bulls were used in the current study. The frozen bull semen samples were analysed in terms of proAKAP4 levels, sperm morphology and sperm movement parameters at hour 0 and hour 3 after thawing. The semen samples were divided into three groups according to the proAKAP4 levels: low concentration (<25 ng/10x106 spermatozoa), moderate concentration (25 to 39 ng/10x106 spermatozoa) and high concentration (≥40 ng/10x106 spermatozoa). A positive correlation was found between the proAKAP4 level and total motility (TM3 ), progressive motility (PM3 ), VSL3 and VCL3 values obtained after the third-hour thermoresistance test (p < .05). There was a negative correlation between the percentage of sperm abnormal tail and the proAKAP4 level (p < .01). In addition, it was observed that the semen samples with proAKAP4 concentrations of 25 ng/106 spermatozoa and higher preserved the TM3 and PM3 motility characteristics. In conclusion, the proAKAP4 has the potential to become a biomarker protein to evaluate in the quality analysis of frozen-thawed semen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilktan Bastan
- Genetics and Embryo Technologies Application and Research Center, Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Burdur, Turkey
| | - Ergun Akcay
- Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, University of Ankara, Ankara, Turkey
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26
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Gamallat Y, Fang X, Mai H, Liu X, Li H, Zhou P, Han D, Zheng S, Liao C, Yang M, Li Y, Zuo L, Sun L, Hu H, Li N. Bi-allelic mutation in Fsip1 impairs acrosome vesicle formation and attenuates flagellogenesis in mice. Redox Biol 2021; 43:101969. [PMID: 33901807 PMCID: PMC8099781 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2021.101969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrous sheath interacting protein 1 (Fsip1) is a cytoskeletal structural protein of the sperm flagellar proteome. A few studies have reported that it plays a vital role in the tumorigenesis and cancer progression. However, little is known about the role of Fsip1 in spermatogenesis and mammalian sperm flagellogenesis. Fsip1 protein showed the highest expression in round spermatids, and was translocated from nucleus to the anterior region of the elongating spermatid head. To investigate its role we constructed homozygous Fsip1 null (Fsip1−/−) mice. We found that the homozygous Fsip1−/− mutant mice were infertile, with a low sperm count and impaired motility. Interestingly, a subtle phenotype characterized by abnormal head shape, and flagella deformities was observed in the sperm of Fsip1−/− mutant mice similar to the partial globozoospermia phenotype. Electron microscopy analysis of Fsip1−/− sperm revealed abnormal accumulation of mitochondria, disrupted axoneme and retained cytoplasm. Testicular sections showed increased cytoplasmic vacuoles in the elongated spermatid of Fsip1–/–mice, which indicated an intraflagellar transport (IFT) defect. Using proteomic approaches, we characterized the cellular components and the mechanism underlying this subtle phenotype. Our result indicated that Fsip1–/–downregulates the formation of acrosomal membrane and vesicles proteins, intraflagellar transport particles B, and sperm flagellum components. Our results suggest that Fsip1 is essential for normal spermiogenesis, and plays an essential role in the acrosome biogenesis and flagellogenesis by attenuating intraflagellar transport proteins. Disruption of Fsip1 leads to infertility with partial globozoospermia phenotype. Homozygous deletion of Fsip1 alters spermiogenesis. Fsip1 Knockout disrupts acrosome vesicle formation. Fsip1 motif analysis involves in internal fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaser Gamallat
- Laboratory of Medical Systems Biology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiang Fang
- Laboratory of Medical Systems Biology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hanran Mai
- Department of Andrology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaonan Liu
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hong Li
- Laboratory of Medical Systems Biology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pei Zhou
- Laboratory of Medical Systems Biology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dingding Han
- Laboratory of Medical Systems Biology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuxin Zheng
- Laboratory of Medical Systems Biology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623, Guangzhou, China
| | - Caihua Liao
- Laboratory of Medical Systems Biology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623, Guangzhou, China
| | - Miaomiao Yang
- Laboratory of Medical Systems Biology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Li
- Laboratory of Medical Systems Biology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liandong Zuo
- Department of Andrology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ling Sun
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hao Hu
- Laboratory of Medical Systems Biology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623, Guangzhou, China; Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research in Structural Birth Defect Disease, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Na Li
- Laboratory of Medical Systems Biology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623, Guangzhou, China.
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27
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Choowong-In P, Sattayasai J, Poodendaen C, Iamsaard S. Decreased expression of AKAP4 and TyrPho proteins in testis, epididymis, and spermatozoa with low sexual performance of mice induced by modified CUMS. Andrologia 2021; 53:e13977. [PMID: 33486757 DOI: 10.1111/and.13977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular mechanism of chronic stress especially reduced motility, a major cause of male infertility, has not been proved. It is known that A-kinase anchor protein 4 (AKAP4) and tyrosine-phosphorylated (TyrPho) proteins are involved in progressive motility. This study aimed to investigate the effect of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) on sexual behaviours, sperm quality, and expressions of AKAP4 and TyrPho proteins in testis, epididymis, and spermatozoa. Sixteen male mice were divided into control and CUMS groups (n = 8/group). Animals were induced by a stressor from twelve stressors for 36 days. Sexual behaviours, corticosterone and testosterone, sperm parameters, and histopathology were observed. The expressions of AKAP4 and TyrPho proteins in testis, epididymis, and spermatozoa were examined. Results showed that CUMS significantly increased corticosterone while serum testosterone level was decreased. Sexual behaviours and sperm parameter quality were significantly decreased. CUMS mice showed vacuolisation and pyknotic cells in seminiferous epithelium and less sperm mass was observed within epididymal lumen. CUMS decreased expressions of AKAP4 and TyrPho proteins in testis, epididymis, and spermatozoa. In conclusion, the decreased expression of AKAP4 and TyrPho proteins may be a mechanism associated with low semen qualities particularly decrease of sperm motility in CUMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pannawat Choowong-In
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Anatomy, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.,Research Institute for Human High Performance and Health Promotion (HHP & HP), Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Jintana Sattayasai
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Chanasorn Poodendaen
- Faculty of Medical Science, Department of Anatomy, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
| | - Sitthichai Iamsaard
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Anatomy, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.,Research Institute for Human High Performance and Health Promotion (HHP & HP), Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
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28
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Baro Graf C, Ritagliati C, Stival C, Luque GM, Gentile I, Buffone MG, Krapf D. Everything you ever wanted to know about PKA regulation and its involvement in mammalian sperm capacitation. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 518:110992. [PMID: 32853743 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The 3', 5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) dependent protein kinase (PKA) is a tetrameric holoenzyme comprising a set of two regulatory subunits (PKA-R) and two catalytic (PKA-C) subunits. The PKA-R subunits act as sensors of cAMP and allow PKA-C activity. One of the first signaling events observed during mammalian sperm capacitation is PKA activation. Thus, understanding how PKA activity is restricted in space and time is crucial to decipher the critical steps of sperm capacitation. It is widely accepted that PKA specificity depends on several levels of regulation. Anchoring proteins play a pivotal role in achieving proper localization signaling, subcellular targeting and cAMP microdomains. These multi-factorial regulation steps are necessary for a precise spatio-temporal activation of PKA. Here we discuss recent understanding of regulatory mechanisms of PKA in mammalian sperm, such as post-translational modifications, in the context of its role as the master orchestrator of molecular events conducive to capacitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Baro Graf
- Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction Networks, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), CONICET-UNR, Rosario, Argentina; Laboratorio de Medicina Reproductiva (LMR), Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Carla Ritagliati
- Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction Networks, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), CONICET-UNR, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Cintia Stival
- Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction Networks, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), CONICET-UNR, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Guillermina M Luque
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Reproductive Biology, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Iñaki Gentile
- Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction Networks, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), CONICET-UNR, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Mariano G Buffone
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Reproductive Biology, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Dario Krapf
- Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction Networks, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), CONICET-UNR, Rosario, Argentina; Laboratorio de Medicina Reproductiva (LMR), Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina.
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29
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Sadakierska-Chudy A, Patrylak J, Janeczko J, Chudy J. Downregulation of gene expression and the outcome of ICSI in severe oligozoospermic patients: A preliminary study. Mol Reprod Dev 2020; 87:1219-1230. [PMID: 33241638 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Preimplantation embryo development might be influenced by a specific set of transcripts that are delivered to the oocyte by the sperm. The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between the level of selected transcripts in spermatozoa and preimplantation development of the embryos in couples with severe oligozoospermia undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) procedure. Therefore, we assessed messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of genes involved in fertilization events, oocyte activation, chromatin remodeling, and DNA repair in severe oligozoospermic compared with normozoospermic men as well as morphokinetic parameters of embryos using the time-lapse imaging system. mRNA profiling (44 genes), in mature sperm, was carried out with custom-designed 384-well TLDA Cards. The morphokinetic parameters of zygotes and embryos were recorded by using a time-lapse imaging system. The transcript levels of 21 genes were significantly decreased in the severe oligozoospermic group. Most were associated with fertilization events, oocyte activation and embryonic genome activation. Among them, mRNA of AKAP4 and PTK7 was greatly reduced, moreover, the transcripts of PLCζ and POU5F1, essential for OA and EGA, were not detected at all in patients with severe oligozoospermia. Moreover, the reduced expression of genes important for spermatogenesis, chromatin remodeling and DNA repair was also observed in this group. Time-lapse analysis revealed that fertilization failure occurred in 14% of retrieved oocytes and 90% of all degenerated embryos did not reach morula stage. This study provides preliminary results indicating a significant decrease in transcripts of genes important for spermatogenesis and early preimplantation development in the mature sperm of men with severe oligozoospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Sadakierska-Chudy
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Andrzej Frycz Modrzewski Krakow University, Krakow, Poland
| | - J Patrylak
- Infertility Treatment Centre PARENS, Krakow, Poland
| | - J Janeczko
- Infertility Treatment Centre PARENS, Krakow, Poland
| | - J Chudy
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Andrzej Frycz Modrzewski Krakow University, Krakow, Poland
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30
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Greither T, Schumacher J, Dejung M, Behre HM, Zischler H, Butter F, Herlyn H. Fertility Relevance Probability Analysis Shortlists Genetic Markers for Male Fertility Impairment. Cytogenet Genome Res 2020; 160:506-522. [PMID: 33238277 DOI: 10.1159/000511117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Impairment of male fertility is one of the major public health issues worldwide. Nevertheless, genetic causes of male sub- and infertility can often only be suspected due to the lack of reliable and easy-to-use routine tests. Yet, the development of a marker panel is complicated by the large quantity of potentially predictive markers. Actually, hundreds or even thousands of genes could have fertility relevance. Thus, a systematic method enabling a selection of the most predictive markers out of the many candidates is required. As a criterion for marker selection, we derived a gene-specific score, which we refer to as fertility relevance probability (FRP). For this purpose, we first categorized 2,753 testis-expressed genes as either candidate markers or non-candidates, according to phenotypes in male knockout mice. In a parallel approach, 2,502 genes were classified as candidate markers or non-candidates based on phenotypes in men. Subsequently, we conducted logistic regression analyses with evolutionary rates of genes (dN/dS), transcription levels in testis relative to other organs, and connectivity of the encoded proteins in a protein-protein interaction network as covariates. In confirmation of the procedure, FRP values showed the expected pattern, thus being overall higher in genes with known relevance for fertility than in their counterparts without corresponding evidence. In addition, higher FRP values corresponded with an increased dysregulation of protein abundance in spermatozoa of 37 men with normal and 38 men with impaired fertility. Present analyses resulted in a ranking of genes according to their probable predictive power as candidate markers for male fertility impairment. Thus, AKAP4, TNP1, DAZL, BRDT, DMRT1, SPO11, ZPBP, HORMAD1, and SMC1B are prime candidates toward a marker panel for male fertility impairment. Additional candidate markers are DDX4, SHCBP1L, CCDC155, ODF1, DMRTB1, ASZ1, BOLL, FKBP6, SLC25A31, PRSS21, and RNF17. FRP inference additionally provides clues for potential new markers, thereunder TEX37 and POU4F2. The results of our logistic regression analyses are freely available at the PreFer Genes website (https://prefer-genes.uni-mainz.de/).
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Greither
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Julia Schumacher
- Anthropology, Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution (iomE), Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Mario Dejung
- Quantitative Proteomics, Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB) Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Hermann M Behre
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Hans Zischler
- Anthropology, Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution (iomE), Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Falk Butter
- Quantitative Proteomics, Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB) Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Holger Herlyn
- Anthropology, Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution (iomE), Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany,
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31
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Langlade C, Buff S, Dias C, Commin L. Assessment of Optimized Frozen/Thawed Semen Samples in Canines with the New A-Kinase Anchor Protein 4 Precursor Biomarker. Biopreserv Biobank 2020; 18:409-414. [PMID: 32808823 DOI: 10.1089/bio.2020.0019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Optimizing thawing conditions are required to maximize recovery of semen capacities after cryopreservation. This study aimed to assess the effect of thawing procedures on motility recovery and maintenance of semen capacities over time. A fractional factorial design approach was used to reduce the number of repetitions and simultaneously analyze the different interactions. Thirty canine frozen semen samples were thawed under different thawing conditions. Motility and velocity parameters were recorded using a computer-assisted semen analyzer up to 6 hours after thawing. Ten quadratic models were found to be significant, with the most significant effects observed on the velocity parameters. Second, this study allowed us to evaluate the effect of the proAKAP4 marker on frozen/thawed semen, with regard to motility recovery. ProAKAP4 is the precursor of A-kinase anchor protein 4. It has been studied in several species as a marker to assess sperm quality. In our study, the expression of proAKAP4 was determined using flow cytometry. No correlation was found between post-thaw motility parameters and proAKAP4 levels. However, the effects of thawing temperature, incubation time, and straw size were significant and similar to those observed for velocity parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Langlade
- Biological Resource Center CryAnim, VetAgro Sup, Université de Lyon, Marcy l'Étoile, France
| | - Samuel Buff
- Biological Resource Center CryAnim, VetAgro Sup, Université de Lyon, Marcy l'Étoile, France
| | - Catia Dias
- Biological Resource Center CryAnim, VetAgro Sup, Université de Lyon, Marcy l'Étoile, France
| | - Loris Commin
- Biological Resource Center CryAnim, VetAgro Sup, Université de Lyon, Marcy l'Étoile, France
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F. Riesco M, Anel-Lopez L, Neila-Montero M, Palacin-Martinez C, Montes-Garrido R, Alvarez M, de Paz P, Anel L. ProAKAP4 as Novel Molecular Marker of Sperm Quality in Ram: An Integrative Study in Fresh, Cooled and Cryopreserved Sperm. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E1046. [PMID: 32674525 PMCID: PMC7408074 DOI: 10.3390/biom10071046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
To improve artificial insemination protocols in ovine species it is crucial to optimize sperm quality evaluation after preservation technologies. Emerging technologies based on novel biomolecules and related to redox balance and proteins involved in sperm motility such as ProAKAP4 could be successfully applied in ram sperm evaluation. In this work, a multiparametric analysis of fresh, cooled, and cryopreserved ram sperm was performed at different complexity levels. Samples were evaluated in terms of motility (total motility, progressive motility, and curvilinear velocity), viability, apoptosis, content of reactive oxygen species, oxidation‒reduction potential, and ProAKAP4 expression and concentration. As expected, cryopreserved samples showed a significant decrease of sperm quality (p < 0.05), evidencing different freezability classes among samples that were detected by ProAKAP4 analyses. However, in cooled sperm no differences were found concerning motility, viability, apoptosis, ROS content, and redox balance compared to fresh sperm that could explain the reported decrease in fertility rates. However, although the proportion of sperm ProAKAP4 positive-cells remained unaltered in cooled sperm compared to fresh control, the concentration of this protein significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in cooled samples. This altered protein level could contribute to the decrease in fertility rates of cooled samples detected by some authors. More importantly, ProAKAP4 can be established as a promising diagnostic parameter of sperm quality allowing us to optimize sperm conservation protocols and finally improve artificial insemination in ovine species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta F. Riesco
- Itra-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, 24071 León, Spain; (M.F.R.); (M.N.-M.); (C.P.-M.); (R.M.-G.); (M.A.); (P.d.P.); (L.A.)
- Cellular Biology, Department of Molecular Biology, University of León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Luis Anel-Lopez
- Itra-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, 24071 León, Spain; (M.F.R.); (M.N.-M.); (C.P.-M.); (R.M.-G.); (M.A.); (P.d.P.); (L.A.)
- Anatomy, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Marta Neila-Montero
- Itra-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, 24071 León, Spain; (M.F.R.); (M.N.-M.); (C.P.-M.); (R.M.-G.); (M.A.); (P.d.P.); (L.A.)
- Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Cristina Palacin-Martinez
- Itra-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, 24071 León, Spain; (M.F.R.); (M.N.-M.); (C.P.-M.); (R.M.-G.); (M.A.); (P.d.P.); (L.A.)
- Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Rafael Montes-Garrido
- Itra-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, 24071 León, Spain; (M.F.R.); (M.N.-M.); (C.P.-M.); (R.M.-G.); (M.A.); (P.d.P.); (L.A.)
- Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Mercedes Alvarez
- Itra-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, 24071 León, Spain; (M.F.R.); (M.N.-M.); (C.P.-M.); (R.M.-G.); (M.A.); (P.d.P.); (L.A.)
- Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Paulino de Paz
- Itra-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, 24071 León, Spain; (M.F.R.); (M.N.-M.); (C.P.-M.); (R.M.-G.); (M.A.); (P.d.P.); (L.A.)
- Cellular Biology, Department of Molecular Biology, University of León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Luis Anel
- Itra-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, 24071 León, Spain; (M.F.R.); (M.N.-M.); (C.P.-M.); (R.M.-G.); (M.A.); (P.d.P.); (L.A.)
- Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, 24071 León, Spain
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Iamsaard S, Arun S, Burawat J, Yannasithinon S, Tongpan S, Bunsueb S, Lapyuneyong N, Choowong-in P, Tangsrisakda N, Chaimontri C, Sukhorum W. Evaluation of antioxidant capacity and reproductive toxicity of aqueous extract of Thai Mucuna pruriens seeds. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE-JIM 2020; 18:265-273. [DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2020.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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Nixon B, Bernstein IR, Cafe SL, Delehedde M, Sergeant N, Anderson AL, Trigg NA, Eamens AL, Lord T, Dun MD, De Iuliis GN, Bromfield EG. A Kinase Anchor Protein 4 Is Vulnerable to Oxidative Adduction in Male Germ Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2019; 7:319. [PMID: 31921838 PMCID: PMC6933317 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2019.00319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress is a leading causative agent in the defective sperm function associated with male infertility. Such stress commonly manifests via the accumulation of pathological levels of the electrophilic aldehyde, 4-hydroxynonenal (4HNE), generated as a result of lipid peroxidation. This highly reactive lipid aldehyde elicits a spectrum of cytotoxic lesions owing to its propensity to form stable adducts with biomolecules. Notably however, not all elements of the sperm proteome appear to display an equivalent vulnerability to 4HNE modification, with only a small number of putative targets having been identified to date. Here, we validate one such target of 4HNE adduction, A-Kinase Anchor Protein 4 (AKAP4); a major component of the sperm fibrous sheath responsible for regulating the signal transduction and metabolic pathways that support sperm motility and capacitation. Our data confirm that both the precursor (proAKAP4), and mature form of AKAP4, are conserved targets of 4HNE adduction in primary cultures of post-meiotic male germ cells (round spermatids) and in mature mouse and human spermatozoa. We further demonstrate that 4HNE treatment of round spermatids and mature spermatozoa results in a substantial reduction in the levels of both proAKAP4 and AKAP4 proteins. This response proved refractory to pharmacological inhibition of proteolysis, but coincided with an apparent increase in the degree of protein aggregation. Further, we demonstrate that 4HNE-mediated protein degradation and/or aggregation culminates in reduced levels of capacitation-associated phosphorylation in mature human spermatozoa, possibly due to dysregulation of the signaling framework assembled around the AKAP4 scaffold. Together, these findings suggest that AKAP4 plays an important role in the pathophysiological responses to 4HNE, thus strengthening the importance of AKAP4 as a biomarker of sperm quality, and providing the impetus for the design of an efficacious antioxidant-based intervention strategy to alleviate sperm dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: Brett Nixon,
| | - Ilana R. Bernstein
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Shenae L. Cafe
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Nicolas Sergeant
- SPQI – 4BioDx-Breeding Section, Lille, France
- University of Lille, INSERM UMRS, Lille, France
| | - Amanda L. Anderson
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Natalie A. Trigg
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Andrew L. Eamens
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Tessa Lord
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Matthew D. Dun
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Cancer Research Innovation and Translation, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Geoffry N. De Iuliis
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Elizabeth G. Bromfield
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
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