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Peña FJ, Martín-Cano FE, Becerro-Rey L, Ortega-Ferrusola C, Gaitskell-Phillips G, da Silva-Álvarez E, Gil MC. Proteomics is advancing the understanding of stallion sperm biology. Proteomics 2024; 24:e2300522. [PMID: 38807556 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.202300522] [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: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
The mammalian ejaculate is very well suited to proteomics studies. As such, research concerning sperm proteomics is offering a huge amount of new information on the biology of spermatozoa. Among domestic animals, horses represent a species of special interest, in which reproductive technologies and a sizeable market of genetic material have grown exponentially in the last decade. Studies using proteomic approaches have been conducted in recent years, showing that proteomics is a potent tool to dig into the biology of the stallion spermatozoa. The aim of this review is to present an overview of the research conducted, and how these studies have improved our knowledge of stallion sperm biology. The main outcomes of the research conducted so far have been an improved knowledge of metabolism, and its importance in sperm functions, the impact of different technologies on the sperm proteome, and the identification of potential biomarkers. Moreover, proteomics of seminal plasma and phosphoproteomics are identified as areas of major interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando J Peña
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Francisco Eduardo Martín-Cano
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Laura Becerro-Rey
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Cristina Ortega-Ferrusola
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Gemma Gaitskell-Phillips
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Eva da Silva-Álvarez
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - María Cruz Gil
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
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Peña FJ, Martín-Cano FE, Becerro-Rey L, Ortega-Ferrusola C, Gaitskell-Phillips G, da Silva-Álvarez E, Gil MC. The future of equine semen analysis. Reprod Fertil Dev 2024; 36:RD23212. [PMID: 38467450 DOI: 10.1071/rd23212] [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: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
We are currently experiencing a period of rapid advancement in various areas of science and technology. The integration of high throughput 'omics' techniques with advanced biostatistics, and the help of artificial intelligence, is significantly impacting our understanding of sperm biology. These advances will have an appreciable impact on the practice of reproductive medicine in horses. This article provides a brief overview of recent advances in the field of spermatology and how they are changing assessment of sperm quality. This article is written from the authors' perspective, using the stallion as a model. We aim to portray a brief overview of the changes occurring in the assessment of sperm motility and kinematics, advances in flow cytometry, implementation of 'omics' technologies, and the use of artificial intelligence/self-learning in data analysis. We also briefly discuss how some of the advances can be readily available to the practitioner, through the implementation of 'on-farm' devices and telemedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando J Peña
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Francisco Eduardo Martín-Cano
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Laura Becerro-Rey
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Cristina Ortega-Ferrusola
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Gemma Gaitskell-Phillips
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Eva da Silva-Álvarez
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - María Cruz Gil
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
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Troisi A, Schrank M, Bellezza I, Fallarino F, Pastore S, Verstegen JP, Pieramati C, Di Michele A, Talesa VN, Martìnez Barbitta M, Orlandi R, Polisca A. Expression of CD13 and CD26 on extracellular vesicles in canine seminal plasma: preliminary results. Vet Res Commun 2024; 48:357-366. [PMID: 37707657 PMCID: PMC10811140 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10202-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Canine seminal plasma is a complex fluid containing proteins, peptides, enzymes, hormones as well as extracellular vesicles that are involved in many physiological and pathological processes including reproduction. We examined the expression of the extracellular vesicles surface antigens Aminopeptidase-N (CD13) and Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (CD26) by flow cytometry. For this study, third fraction of the ejaculate, from fertile adult male German Shepherd dogs, was manually collected twice, two days apart. FACS analyses revealed that CD13 and CD26 are co-expressed on the 69.3 ± 3.7% of extracellular vesicles and only a 2.0 ± 0.5% of extracellular vesicles express CD26 alone. On the other hand, 28.6 ± 3.6% of seminal EVs express CD13 alone. Our results agree with the hypothesis that CD26 needs to be co-expressed with other signal-transducing molecules, while CD13, can perform functions independently of the presence or co-expression of CD26. The results obtained in normal fertile dogs could represent physiological expression of these enzymes. Therefore, it would be interesting to carry out further studies to evaluate the expression of CD13 and CD26 on extracellular vesicles as biomarker for prostate pathological condition in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Troisi
- School of Bioscience and Veterinary Medicine, Università Di Camerino, Via Circonvallazione 93/95, 62024, Matelica (Macerata), Italy
| | - Magdalena Schrank
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health Università Degli Studi Di Padova, Agripolis Viale Dell'Università - 35020 Legnaro, Padua, Italy
| | - Ilaria Bellezza
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Di Perugia, P.Le Gambuli, 06132, Perugia, Italy
| | - Francesca Fallarino
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Di Perugia, P.Le Gambuli, 06132, Perugia, Italy
| | - Sara Pastore
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università Di Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126, Perugia, Italy.
| | - John P Verstegen
- TherioExpert LLc. and College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Camillo Pieramati
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università Di Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126, Perugia, Italy
| | - Alessandro Di Michele
- Department of Physics and Geology, University of Perugia, Via Pascoli, 06123, Perugia, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Nicola Talesa
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Di Perugia, P.Le Gambuli, 06132, Perugia, Italy
| | - Marcelo Martìnez Barbitta
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università Di Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126, Perugia, Italy
- Integral Veterinary Reproductive Service URUGUAY (SRVI_UY); Postgraduate Program, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine - University of Republic (UdelaR - UY), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine - University of Republic (UdelaR - UY), Uruguay, Uruguay
| | - Riccardo Orlandi
- Tyrus Veterinary Clinic, Via Aldo Bartocci, 1G, 05100, Terni, Italy
| | - Angela Polisca
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Università Di Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126, Perugia, Italy
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Sun X, Niu Q, Jiang J, Wang G, Zhou P, Li J, Chen C, Liu L, Xu L, Ren H. Identifying Candidate Genes for Litter Size and Three Morphological Traits in Youzhou Dark Goats Based on Genome-Wide SNP Markers. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1183. [PMID: 37372363 DOI: 10.3390/genes14061183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to reveal the potential genetic basis for litter size, coat colour, black middorsal stripe and skin colour by combining genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) and selection signature analysis and ROH detection within the Youzhou dark (YZD) goat population (n = 206) using the Illumina GoatSNP54 BeadChip. In the GWAS, we identified one SNP (snp54094-scaffold824-899720) on chromosome 11 for litter size, two SNPs on chromosome 26 (snp11508-scaffold142-1990450, SORCS3) and chromosome 12 (snp55048-scaffold842-324525, LOC102187779) for coat colour and one SNP on chromosome 18 (snp56013-scaffold873-22716, TCF25) for the black middorsal stripe. In contrast, no SNPs were identified for skin colour. In selection signature analysis, 295 significant iHS genomic regions with a mean |iHS| score > 2.66, containing selection signatures encompassing 232 candidate genes were detected. In particular, 43 GO terms and one KEGG pathway were significantly enriched in the selected genes, which may contribute to the excellent environmental adaptability and characteristic trait formation during the domestication of YZD goats. In ROH detection, we identified 4446 ROH segments and 282 consensus ROH regions, among which nine common genes overlapped with those detected using the iHS method. Some known candidate genes for economic traits such as reproduction (TSHR, ANGPT4, CENPF, PIBF1, DACH1, DIS3, CHST1, COL4A1, PRKD1 and DNMT3B) and development and growth (TNPO2, IFT80, UCP2, UCP3, GHRHR, SIM1, CCM2L, CTNNA3 and CTNNA1) were revealed by iHS and ROH detection. Overall, this study is limited by the small population size, which affects the results of GWAS to a certain extent. Nevertheless, our findings could provide the first overview of the genetic mechanism underlying these important traits and provide novel insights into the future conservation and utilisation of Chinese goat germplasm resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Sun
- Chongqing Academy of Animal Sciences, Rongchang 402460, China
| | - Qunhao Niu
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jing Jiang
- Chongqing Academy of Animal Sciences, Rongchang 402460, China
| | - Gaofu Wang
- Chongqing Academy of Animal Sciences, Rongchang 402460, China
| | - Peng Zhou
- Chongqing Academy of Animal Sciences, Rongchang 402460, China
| | - Jie Li
- Chongqing Academy of Animal Sciences, Rongchang 402460, China
| | - Cancan Chen
- Chongqing Academy of Animal Sciences, Rongchang 402460, China
| | - Liangjia Liu
- Chongqing Academy of Animal Sciences, Rongchang 402460, China
| | - Lingyang Xu
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Hangxing Ren
- Chongqing Academy of Animal Sciences, Rongchang 402460, China
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The stallion sperm acrosome: Considerations from a research and clinical perspective. Theriogenology 2023; 196:121-149. [PMID: 36413868 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.11.012] [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: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
During the fertilization process, the interaction between the sperm and the oocyte is mediated by a process known as acrosomal exocytosis (AE). Although the role of the sperm acrosome on fertilization has been studied extensively over the last 70 years, little is known about the molecular mechanisms that govern acrosomal function, particularly in species other than mice or humans. Even though subfertility due to acrosomal dysfunction is less common in large animals than in humans, the evaluation of sperm acrosomal function should be considered not only as a complementary but a routine test when individuals are selected for breeding potential. This certainly holds true for stallions, which might display lower levels of fertility in the face of "acceptable" sperm quality parameters determined by conventional sperm assays. Nowadays, the use of high throughput technologies such as flow cytometry or mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis is commonplace in the research arena. Such techniques can also be implemented in clinical scenarios of males with "idiopathic" subfertility. The current review focuses on the sperm acrosome, with particular emphasis on the stallion. We aim to describe the physiological events that lead to the acrosome formation within the testis, the role of very specific acrosomal proteins during AE, the methods to study the occurrence of AE under in vitro conditions, and the potential use of molecular biology techniques to discover new markers of acrosomal function and subfertility associated with acrosomal dysfunction in stallions.
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Gaitskell-Phillips G, Martín-Cano FE, Ortiz-Rodríguez JM, Silva-Rodríguez A, da Silva-Álvarez E, Gil MC, Ortega-Ferrusola C, Peña FJ. Dataset of the sperm proteome of stallions with different motility. Data Brief 2022; 45:108578. [PMID: 36131951 PMCID: PMC9483576 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2022.108578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper provides a detailed set of data on how the stallion sperm proteome differs among stallions with different sperm motilities, although within normal ranges. Findings distinguish proteins that may help to identify stallions of superior sperm motility. Sperm proteins were analyzed using a UHPLC/MS/MS system comprising of an Agilent 1290 infinity series UHPLC coupled to an Agilent 6550 Q-TOF mass spectrometer (Agilent Technologies, Santa Clara, CA, USA). These data can be used to disclose potential targets to identify good sperm samples and to study specific pathways involved in the regulation of sperm motility. This data article is linked to the paper “Proteins involved in mitochondrial metabolic functions and fertilization predominate in stallions with better motility Journal of Proteomics 247:104335 doi: 10.1016/j.jprot.2021.104335”.
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Peña FJ, Gibb Z. OXIDATIVE STRESS AND REPRODUCTIVE FUNCTION: Oxidative stress and the long-term storage of horse spermatozoa. Reproduction 2022; 164:F135-F144. [PMID: 36255038 DOI: 10.1530/rep-22-0264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
In brief The growing understanding of the mechanisms regulating redox homeostasis in the stallion spermatozoa, together with its interactions with energetic metabolism, is providing new clues applicable to the improvement of sperm conservation in horses. Based on this knowledge, new extenders, adapted to the biology of the stallion spermatozoa, are expected to be developed in the near future. Abstract The preservation of semen either by refrigeration or cryopreservation is a principal component of most animal breeding industries. Although this procedure has been successful in many species, in others, substantial limitations persist. In the last decade, mechanistic studies have shed light on the molecular changes behind the damage that spermatozoa experience during preservation. Most of this damage is oxidative, and thus in this review, we aim to provide an updated overview of recent discoveries about how stallion spermatozoa maintain redox homeostasis, and how the current procedures of sperm preservation disrupt redox regulation and cause sperm damage which affects viability, functionality, fertility and potentially the health of the offspring. We are optimistic that this review will promote new ideas for further research to improve sperm preservation technologies, promoting translational research with a wide scope for applicability not only in horses but also in other animal species and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando J Peña
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Zamira Gibb
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
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Vašíček J, Baláži A, Svoradová A, Vozaf J, Dujíčková L, Makarevich AV, Bauer M, Chrenek P. Comprehensive Flow-Cytometric Quality Assessment of Ram Sperm Intended for Gene Banking Using Standard and Novel Fertility Biomarkers. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23115920. [PMID: 35682598 PMCID: PMC9180808 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23115920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Flow cytometry becomes a common method for analysis of spermatozoa quality. Standard sperm characteristics such as viability, acrosome and chromatin integrity, oxidative damage (ROS) etc. can be easily assess in any animal semen samples. Moreover, several fertility-related markers were observed in humans and some other mammals. However, these fertility biomarkers have not been previously studied in ram. The aim of this study was to optimize the flow-cytometric analysis of these standard and novel markers in ram semen. Ram semen samples from Slovak native sheep breeds were analyzed using CASA system for motility and concentration and were subsequently stained with several fluorescent dyes or specific antibodies to evaluate sperm viability (SYBR-14), apoptosis (Annexin V, YO-PRO-1, FLICA, Caspases 3/7), acrosome status (PNA, LCA, GAPDHS), capacitation (merocyanine 540, FLUO-4 AM), mitochondrial activity (MitoTracker Green, rhodamine 123, JC-1), ROS (CM-H2DCFDA, DHE, MitoSOX Red, BODIPY), chromatin (acridine orange), leukocyte content, ubiquitination and aggresome formation, and overexpression of negative biomarkers (MKRN1, SPTRX-3, PAWP, H3K4me2). Analyzed semen samples were divided into two groups according to viability as indicators of semen quality: Group 1 (viability over 60%) and Group 2 (viability under 60%). Significant (p < 0.05) differences were found between these groups in sperm motility and concentration, apoptosis, acrosome integrity (only PNA), mitochondrial activity, ROS production (except for DHE), leukocyte and aggresome content, and high PAWP expression. In conclusion, several standard and novel fluorescent probes have been confirmed to be suitable for multiplex ram semen analysis by flow cytometry as well as several antibodies have been validated for the specific detection of ubiquitin, PAWP and H3K4me2 in ram spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaromír Vašíček
- Institute of Farm Animal Genetics and Reproduction, NPPC, Research Institute for Animal Production Nitra, Hlohovecká 2, 951 41 Lužianky, Slovakia; (A.B.); (A.S.); (L.D.); (A.V.M.); (M.B.)
- Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Science, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia;
- Correspondence: (J.V.); (P.C.); Tel.: +421-37-654-6600 (J.V.); +421-37-641-4274 (P.C.)
| | - Andrej Baláži
- Institute of Farm Animal Genetics and Reproduction, NPPC, Research Institute for Animal Production Nitra, Hlohovecká 2, 951 41 Lužianky, Slovakia; (A.B.); (A.S.); (L.D.); (A.V.M.); (M.B.)
| | - Andrea Svoradová
- Institute of Farm Animal Genetics and Reproduction, NPPC, Research Institute for Animal Production Nitra, Hlohovecká 2, 951 41 Lužianky, Slovakia; (A.B.); (A.S.); (L.D.); (A.V.M.); (M.B.)
- Department of Morphology, Physiology and Animal Genetics, Faculty of Agri Sciences, Mendel University in Brno, Zemědělská 1/1665, 613 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jakub Vozaf
- Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Science, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia;
| | - Linda Dujíčková
- Institute of Farm Animal Genetics and Reproduction, NPPC, Research Institute for Animal Production Nitra, Hlohovecká 2, 951 41 Lužianky, Slovakia; (A.B.); (A.S.); (L.D.); (A.V.M.); (M.B.)
- Department of Botany and Genetics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, Nábrežie Mládeže 91, 949 74 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Alexander V. Makarevich
- Institute of Farm Animal Genetics and Reproduction, NPPC, Research Institute for Animal Production Nitra, Hlohovecká 2, 951 41 Lužianky, Slovakia; (A.B.); (A.S.); (L.D.); (A.V.M.); (M.B.)
| | - Miroslav Bauer
- Institute of Farm Animal Genetics and Reproduction, NPPC, Research Institute for Animal Production Nitra, Hlohovecká 2, 951 41 Lužianky, Slovakia; (A.B.); (A.S.); (L.D.); (A.V.M.); (M.B.)
- Department of Botany and Genetics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, Nábrežie Mládeže 91, 949 74 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Peter Chrenek
- Institute of Farm Animal Genetics and Reproduction, NPPC, Research Institute for Animal Production Nitra, Hlohovecká 2, 951 41 Lužianky, Slovakia; (A.B.); (A.S.); (L.D.); (A.V.M.); (M.B.)
- Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Science, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia;
- Correspondence: (J.V.); (P.C.); Tel.: +421-37-654-6600 (J.V.); +421-37-641-4274 (P.C.)
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