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Sato K, Tokmakov AA. Toward the understanding of biology of oocyte life cycle in Xenopus Laevis: No oocytes left behind. Reprod Med Biol 2020; 19:114-119. [PMID: 32273815 PMCID: PMC7138939 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND For the past more than 25 years, we have been focusing on the developmental and reproductive biology of the female gametes, oocytes, and eggs, of the African clawed frog Xenopus laevis. METHODS The events associated with the life cycle of these cells can be classified into the four main categories: first, oogenesis and cell growth in the ovary during the first meiotic arrest; second, maturation and ovulation that occur simultaneously and result in the acquisition of fertilization competence and the second meiotic arrest; third, fertilization, that is sperm-induced transition from egg to zygote; and fourth, egg death after spontaneous activation in the absence of fertilizing sperm. MAIN FINDINGS Our studies have demonstrated that signal transduction system involving tyrosine kinase Src and other oocyte/egg membrane-associated molecules such as uroplakin III and some other cytoplasmic proteins such as mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) play important roles for successful ovulation, maturation, fertilization, and initiation of embryonic development. CONCLUSION We summarize recent advances in understanding cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying life cycle events of the oocytes and eggs. Our further intention is to discuss and predict potentially promising impact of the recent findings on the challenges facing reproductive biology and medicine, as well as societal contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken‐ichi Sato
- Laboratory of Cell Signaling and DevelopmentDepartment of Industrial Life SciencesFaculty of Life SciencesKyoto Sangyo UniversityKyotoJapan
| | - Alexander A. Tokmakov
- Laboratory of Cell Signaling and DevelopmentDepartment of Industrial Life SciencesFaculty of Life SciencesKyoto Sangyo UniversityKyotoJapan
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2
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Abstract
The perpetuation and preservation of distinct species rely on mechanisms that ensure that only interactions between gametes of the same species can give rise to viable and fertile offspring. Species-specificity can act at various stages, ranging from physical/behavioral pre-copulatory mechanisms, to pre-zygotic incompatibility during fertilization, to post-zygotic hybrid incompatibility. Herein, we focus on our current knowledge of the molecular mechanisms responsible for species-specificity during fertilization. While still poorly understood, decades of research have led to the discovery of molecules implicated in species-specific gamete interactions, starting from initial sperm-egg attraction to the binding of sperm and egg. While many of these molecules have been described as species-specific in their mode of action, relatively few have been demonstrated as such with definitive evidence. Thus, we also raise remaining questions that need to be addressed in order to characterize gamete interaction molecules as species-specific.
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3
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Hirohashi N, Yanagimachi R. Sperm acrosome reaction: its site and role in fertilization. Biol Reprod 2019; 99:127-133. [PMID: 29462288 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Manner and roles of sperm acrosome reaction in a variety of animals were compared.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noritaka Hirohashi
- Oki Marine Biological Station, Education and Research Center for Biological Resources, Shimane University, Oki, Japan
| | - Ryuzo Yanagimachi
- Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology, Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
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4
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Endo D, Kon S, Sato T, Toyama F, Katsura Y, Nakauchi Y, Takayama-Watanabe E, Watanabe A. NMDA-type glutamate receptors mediate the acrosome reaction and motility initiation in newt sperm. Mol Reprod Dev 2019; 86:1106-1115. [PMID: 31215127 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The N-methyl d-aspartate type glutamate receptor (NMDAR) is a ligand-gated cation channel that causes Ca2+ influx in nerve cells. An NMDAR agonist is effective to the sperm motility in fowls, although the actual role of NMDAR in sperm function is unknown. In the present study, RNA-seq of the spermatogenic testes suggested the presence of NMDAR in the sperm of the newt Cynops pyrrhogaster. Glutamate of at least 0.7 ± 0.5 mM was detected in the egg-jelly substances along with acrosome reaction-inducing substance (ARIS) and sperm motility-initiating substance (SMIS). In the egg-jelly extract (JE) that included the ARIS and SMIS, the acrosome reaction was inhibited by a NMDAR antagonists, memantine and MK801. MK801 also inhibited the spontaneous acrosome reaction in Steinberg's salt solution (ST). Furthermore, memantine and MK801 suppressed the progressive motility of the sperm in JE and spontaneous waving of the undulating membrane, which is the tail structure giving thrust for forward motility, in ST. The spontaneous waving of the undulating membrane was promoted when Mg2+ , which blocks Ca2+ influx through gated NMDARs, was removed from the ST. In addition, the ARIS-induced acrosome reaction was inhibited by a selective antagonist of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 4, whose activation might result in the membrane depolarization to release Mg2+ from the NMDAR. These results suggest that NMDAR acts together with other cation channels in the induction of the acrosome reaction and motility of the sperm during the fertilization process of C. pyrrhogaster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Endo
- Biological Division, Faculty of Science, Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Shinnosuke Kon
- Biological Division, Faculty of Science, Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Tae Sato
- Biological Division, Faculty of Science, Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Fubito Toyama
- Department of Fundamental Engineering, School of Engineering, Utsunomiya University, Utsunomiya, Japan
| | - Yohei Katsura
- Biological Division, Faculty of Science, Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Yuni Nakauchi
- Biological Division, Faculty of Science, Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan
| | | | - Akihiko Watanabe
- Biological Division, Faculty of Science, Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan
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5
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Universality and Diversity of a Fast, Electrical Block to Polyspermy During Fertilization in Animals. DIVERSITY AND COMMONALITY IN ANIMALS 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/978-4-431-56609-0_24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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6
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Kon S, Sato T, Endo D, Takahashi T, Takaku A, Nakauchi Y, Toyama F, Meyer-Rochow VB, Takayama-Watanabe E, Watanabe A. Sperm storage influences the potential for spontaneous acrosome reaction of the sperm in the newt Cynops pyrrhogaster. Mol Reprod Dev 2017; 84:1314-1322. [PMID: 29235206 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Sperm storage is supposed to influence sperm quality, although the details remain unclear. In the present study, we found that sperm stored in a sperm storage site, the vas deferens of Cynops pyrrhogaster, spontaneously undergo acrosome reaction following incubation in Steinberg's salt solution (ST). Percentages of acrosome-reacted sperm increased time-dependently to about 60% in 24 hr. The concentration of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) was elevated after incubating sperm in ST, while dibutylyl cAMP induced an acrosome reaction. Chelating of extracellular Ca2+ suppressed the dibutylyl cAMP-induced acrosome reaction as well as spontaneous acrosome reaction in ST. These results suggest that cAMP elevation driven by Ca2+ influx can be a cue for spontaneous acrosome reaction. Relatively low Ca2+ concentration and pH in the vas deferens were sufficient to suppress spontaneous acrosome reaction within 1 hr. In addition, the cysteine rich secretory protein 2 gene was expressed in the vas deferens, indicating that it may be involved in the continuous suppression of spontaneous acrosome reaction. Sperm that underwent spontaneous acrosome reaction in ST was significantly increased when stored in the vas deferens for longer periods, or by males experiencing temperatures in excess of 12°C during hibernation conditions. Percentages of the spontaneously acrosome-reacted sperm were found to differ among males even though they were of identical genetic background. Taken together, C. pyrrhogaster sperm possess the potential for spontaneous acrosome reaction that does not become obvious in the vas deferens, unless promoted in correlation with sperm storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinnosuke Kon
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Yamagata University, Kojirakawa, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Tae Sato
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Yamagata University, Kojirakawa, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Daisuke Endo
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Yamagata University, Kojirakawa, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Tomoe Takahashi
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Yamagata University, Kojirakawa, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Akio Takaku
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Yamagata University, Kojirakawa, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Yuni Nakauchi
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Yamagata University, Kojirakawa, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Fubito Toyama
- Graduate School of Engineering, Utsunomiya University, Utsunomiya, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Victor B Meyer-Rochow
- Department of Biology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Research Institute of Luminous Organisms, Hachijojima, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Akihiko Watanabe
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Yamagata University, Kojirakawa, Yamagata, Japan
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7
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Abstract
Fertilization in animals that employ sexual reproduction is an indispensable event for the production of the next generation. A significant advancement in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of sperm-egg interaction in mammalian species was achieved in the last few decades. However, the same level of knowledge has not been accumulated for birds because of egg size and the difficulty in mimicking the physiological polyspermy that takes place during normal fertilization. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of sperm-egg interaction mechanism during fertilization in birds, especially focusing on sperm-egg binding, sperm acrosome reaction and the authentic sperm protease required for the hole formation on the perivitelline membrane. We explain that the zona pellucida proteins (ZP1 and ZP3) in the perivitelline membrane play important roles in sperm-egg binding, induction of the acrosome reaction as well as sperm penetration by digestion of sperm protease. We anticipate that a deeper understanding of avian fertilization will open up new avenues to create powerful tools for a myriad of applications in the poultry industries including the production of transgenic and cloned birds.
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8
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Miwa N. Dicalcin, a zona pellucida protein that regulates fertilization competence of the egg coat in Xenopus laevis. J Physiol Sci 2015; 65:507-14. [PMID: 26420688 PMCID: PMC10717281 DOI: 10.1007/s12576-015-0402-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Accepted: 09/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Fertilization is a highly coordinated process whereby sperm interact with the egg-coating envelope (called the zona pellucida, ZP) in a taxon-restricted manner, Fertilization triggers the resumption of the cell cycle of the egg, ultimately leading to generation of a new organism that contains hereditary information of the parents. The complete sperm-ZP interaction comprises sperm recognition of the ZP, the acrosome reaction, penetration of the ZP, and fusion with the egg. Recent evidence suggests that these processes involve oligosaccharides associated with a ZP constituent (termed ZP protein), the polypeptide backbone of a ZP protein, and/or the proper three-dimensional filamentous structure of the ZP. However, a detailed description of the molecular mechanisms involved in sperm-ZP interaction remains elusive. Recently, I found that dicalcin, a novel ZP protein-associated protein, suppresses fertilization through its association with gp41, the frog counterpart of the mammalian ZPC protein. This review focuses on molecular aspects of sperm-ZP interaction and describes the fertilization-suppressive function of dicalcin and associated molecular mechanisms. The amount of dicalcin in the ZP significantly correlates with alteration of the lectin-staining pattern within the ZP and the orientation pattern of ZP filaments, which may assist in elucidating the complex molecular mechanisms that underlie sperm-ZP interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naofumi Miwa
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Toho University, Tokyo, Japan.
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9
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Shu L, Suter MJF, Räsänen K. Evolution of egg coats: linking molecular biology and ecology. Mol Ecol 2015; 24:4052-73. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.13283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2014] [Revised: 06/12/2015] [Accepted: 06/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Longfei Shu
- Department of Aquatic Ecology; Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology; Eawag; 8600 Duebendorf Switzerland
- Institute of Integrative Biology; ETH Zurich; 8092 Zurich Switzerland
| | - Marc J.-F. Suter
- Department of Environmental Toxicology; Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology; Eawag; 8600 Duebendorf Switzerland
- Department of Environmental Systems Science; Swiss Federal Institute of Technology; ETH Zurich; 8092 Zurich Switzerland
| | - Katja Räsänen
- Department of Aquatic Ecology; Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology; Eawag; 8600 Duebendorf Switzerland
- Institute of Integrative Biology; ETH Zurich; 8092 Zurich Switzerland
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10
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Sato KI. Transmembrane signal transduction in oocyte maturation and fertilization: focusing on Xenopus laevis as a model animal. Int J Mol Sci 2014; 16:114-34. [PMID: 25546390 PMCID: PMC4307238 DOI: 10.3390/ijms16010114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2014] [Accepted: 12/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Fertilization is a cell biological phenomenon of crucial importance for the birth of new life in a variety of multicellular and sexual reproduction species such as algae, animal and plants. Fertilization involves a sequence of events, in which the female gamete "egg" and the male gamete "spermatozoon (sperm)" develop, acquire their functions, meet and fuse with each other, to initiate embryonic and zygotic development. Here, it will be briefly reviewed how oocyte cytoplasmic components are orchestrated to undergo hormone-induced oocyte maturation and sperm-induced activation of development. I then review how sperm-egg membrane interaction/fusion and activation of development in the fertilized egg are accomplished and regulated through egg coat- or egg plasma membrane-associated components, highlighting recent findings and future directions in the studies using Xenopus laevis as a model experimental animal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken-ichi Sato
- Laboratory of Cell Signaling and Development, Department of Molecular Biosciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kyoto Sangyo University, Kamigamo-motoyama, Kita-ku, Kyoto 603-8555, Japan.
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11
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Iwao Y, Shiga K, Shiroshita A, Yoshikawa T, Sakiie M, Ueno T, Ueno S, Ijiri TW, Sato KI. The need of MMP-2 on the sperm surface for Xenopus fertilization: Its role in a fast electrical block to polyspermy. Mech Dev 2014; 134:80-95. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2014.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2014] [Revised: 09/22/2014] [Accepted: 09/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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12
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Burnett LA, Washburn CA, Sugiyama H, Xiang X, Olson JH, Al-Anzi B, Bieber AL, Chandler DE. Allurin, an amphibian sperm chemoattractant having implications for mammalian sperm physiology. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2012; 295:1-61. [PMID: 22449486 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-394306-4.00007-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Eggs of many species are surrounded by extracellular coats that emit ligands to which conspecific sperm respond by undergoing chemotaxis and changes in metabolism, motility, and acrosomal status in preparation for fertilization. Here we review methods used to measure sperm chemotaxis and focus on recent studies of allurin, a 21-kDa protein belonging to the Cysteine-RIch Secretory Protein (CRISP) family that has chemoattraction activity for both amphibian and mammalian sperm. Allurin is unique in being the first extensively characterized Crisp protein found in the female reproductive tract and is the product of a newly discovered amphibian gene within a gene cluster that has been largely conserved in mammals. Study of its expression, function, and tertiary structure could lead to new insights in the role of Crisp proteins in sperm physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey A Burnett
- Department of Animal Science, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
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13
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Effect of oviductal secretion components on the fertilizing capacity of amphibian sperm: biological and ultrastructural studies. Micron 2011; 43:223-8. [PMID: 21908195 DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2011.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2011] [Revised: 07/29/2011] [Accepted: 08/03/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The present study was carried out to analyze the fertilization-supporting activity of Rhinella arenarum egg-jelly components. Spermatozoa were treated with diffusible factor (DF) constituted by the components released from the jelly coat into deionized water or with full jelly (FJ) containing all the components secreted by the oviductal pars convoluta (PC) during the transit of the oocytes through the duct, or with washed jelly (WJ) constituted only by structural components. Both jellies were solubilized by ultraviolet irradiation. These gametes were used for ultrastructural and biological studies in order to determine the acrosome state and the fertilizing capacity. Additional experiments were performed by using Ca(2+), a diffusible cation present in R. arenarum jelly envelopes. Results demonstrated a marked increase in the acrosome reaction (AR) of sperm treated with FJ or DF compared to the controls (Ringer's solution), no significant differences being observed between both treatments, while WJ showed low AR percentages similar to the ones obtained with the controls. The addition of Ca(2+) induced an increase in this parameter in a dose-dependent manner, although the values reached with FJ or DF were not attained. The results of the "in vitro" fertilization show a strong inverse association to the acrosome reaction (AR) rate. Treatment with Ca(2+) at the concentration present in the jelly (6.3 ± 0.9 mM) inhibited the fertilizing capacity as a function of incubation time, showing that at 2 min there was a decrease in the fertilization percentages compared to 10% Ringer's. Data indicated that Ca(2+) present in jelly is involved in the AR induction but suggests the possible participation of other diffusible and/or structural components of the oviductal secretion in this process.
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14
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Tholl N, Naqvi S, McLaughlin E, Boyles S, Bieber AL, Chandler DE. Swimming of Xenopus laevis sperm exhibits multiple gears and its duration is extended by egg jelly constituents. THE BIOLOGICAL BULLETIN 2011; 220:174-185. [PMID: 21712226 DOI: 10.1086/bblv220n3p174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The motility of Xenopus sperm is initiated by the osmotic shock experienced when these cells are ejaculated into low-salinity pond water. Motility is brief and is required for the sperm to penetrate the jelly layers and fertilize the egg. In this study we demonstrate that extracts of egg jelly contain factors that extend the period of sperm motility as well as providing a chemoattractant activity as previously reported. Both activities are partially dependent on extracellular calcium. Time-lapse and video microscopy show that after activation of motility the number of motile sperm decreases rapidly, with a half-time of about 2 min. Addition of 10% v/v egg jelly extract ("egg water") increased the number of motile sperm 2-fold over controls at 20 s and about 4- to 10-fold over controls at 10 min after initiation of motility. Extension of motility lifetime was not mediated by a nonspecific protein or by allurin, the egg-water protein that has chemoattractant activity. The helical path of Xenopus sperm exhibited tight coupling between rotational and forward velocities in egg jelly, but coupling changed rapidly from moment to moment in low-salinity buffer. Our observations suggest that jelly-derived factors regulate both the longevity and directionality of sperm propulsion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Tholl
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287-4501, USA
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15
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Kubo H, Shiga K, Harada Y, Iwao Y. Analysis of a sperm surface molecule that binds to a vitelline envelope component of Xenopus laevis eggs. Mol Reprod Dev 2010; 77:728-35. [PMID: 20568299 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.21211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
To analyze sperm surface molecules involved in sperm-egg envelope binding in Xenopus laevis, heat-solubilized vitelline envelope (VE) dot blotted onto a polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) sheet was incubated with a detergent extract of sperm plasma membrane (SP-ML). The membrane components bound to the VE were detected using an antibody library against sperm plasma membrane components, and a hybridoma clone producing a monoclonal antibody (mAb) 16A2A7 was identified. This mAb was used in a Far Western blotting experiment in which VE was separated by electrophoresis, and then transferred to a PVDF strip that was incubated with SP-ML. It was found that SP-ML binds to the VE component gp37 (Xenopus homolog of mammalian ZP1). The antigens reactive to mAb 16A2A7 showed apparent molecular weights of 65-130 and 20-30 kDa, and were distributed relatively evenly over the entire sperm surface. Periodate oxidation revealed that both the pertinent epitope on the sperm surface and the ligands of VE gp37 were sugar moieties. VE gp37 was exposed on the VE surface, and the mAb 16A2A7 dose-dependently inhibited sperm binding to VE. The sperm membrane molecules reactive with mAb 16A2A7 also reacted with mAb 2A3D9, which is known to recognize the glycoprotein SGP in the sperm plasma membrane and is involved in interactions with the egg plasma membrane, indicating that the sperm membrane glycoprotein has a bifunctional role in Xenopus fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideo Kubo
- Department of Medical Biology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
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16
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Nagai K, Ishida T, Hashimoto T, Harada Y, Ueno S, Ueda Y, Kubo H, Iwao Y. The Sperm-surface glycoprotein, SGP, is necessary for fertilization in the frog, Xenopus laevis. Dev Growth Differ 2009; 51:499-510. [PMID: 19469788 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-169x.2009.01112.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
To identify a molecule involved in sperm-egg plasma membrane binding at fertilization, a monoclonal antibody against a sperm-surface glycoprotein (SGP) was obtained by immunizing mice with a sperm membrane fraction of the frog, Xenopus laevis, followed by screening of the culture supernatants based on their inhibitory activity against fertilization. The fertilization of both jellied and denuded eggs was effectively inhibited by pretreatment of sperm with intact anti-SGP antibody as well as its Fab fragment, indicating that the antibody recognizes a molecule on the sperm's surface that is necessary for fertilization. On Western blots, the anti-SGP antibody recognized large molecules, with molecular masses of 65-150 kDa and minor smaller molecules with masses of 20-28 kDa in the sperm membrane vesicles. SGP was distributed over nearly the entire surface of the sperm, probably as an integral membrane protein in close association with microfilaments. More membrane vesicles containing SGP bound to the surface were found in the animal hemisphere compared with the vegetal hemisphere in unfertilized eggs, but the vesicle-binding was not observed in fertilized eggs. These results indicate that SGP mediates sperm-egg membrane binding and is responsible for the establishment of fertilization in Xenopus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keita Nagai
- Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi 753-8512, Japan
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17
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Magerd S, Somrit M, Prachaney P, Thongpan A, Chatchavalvanich K, Sretarugsa P, Weerachatyanukul W. Effect of progesterone administration on the distribution of oviductal carbohydrates in Rana tigrina. Cell Tissue Res 2009; 336:267-76. [PMID: 19340461 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-009-0772-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2008] [Accepted: 01/26/2009] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Our aim has been to determine whether carbohydrate distribution in the oviducts of progesterone-treated animals is comparable with that of seasonal breeders in Rana tigrina. Like many other anurans, R. tigrina oviduct exhibits a short straight portion (pars recta, pr) at the beginning followed by a long, highly coiled portion (pars convoluta, pc). Histologically, the oviduct of this species revealed some unique features, one of which was intense toluidine blue staining, specifically in the upper mucosal glands of pc4. Based on lectin reactivities in the epithelial cells and mucosal glands, patterns of lectin staining in the seasonal breeders were classified into seven types: R1-R3 (for pr) and C1-C4 (for pc). Typically, some lectins reacted selectively either with ciliated cells (concanavalin A) or non-cialiated cells (Ricinus communis agglutinin I and wheatgerm agglutinin); however, Bandeiraea simplicifolia agglutinin I reacted with both cell types. These staining patterns were different in the progesterone-treated animals. Differences in glycan distribution in the oviductal secretions were revealed by lectin blotting. Compared with the seasonal breeders, an enhanced staining of some lectins was noted in the hormone-treated animals: either an increased staining intensity of existing protein bands or additional staining of new protein bands. Inversely, the staining of wheatgerm agglutinin was markedly diminished in the hormone-treated animals, suggesting the inhibitory effect of progesterone on oviductal glycan distribution. Whether alteration in glycan distribution upon progesterone treatment affects the physiological properties of the released jelly substances remains to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sirilug Magerd
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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18
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Watanabe A, Fukutomi K, Kubo H, Ohta M, Takayama-Watanabe E, Onitake K. Identification of egg-jelly substances triggering sperm acrosome reaction in the newt,Cynops pyrrhogaster. Mol Reprod Dev 2009; 76:399-406. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.20959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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19
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Kubo H, Kotani M, Yamamoto Y, Hazato T. Involvement of sperm proteases in the binding of sperm to the vitelline envelope in Xenopus laevis. Zoolog Sci 2008; 25:80-7. [PMID: 18275249 DOI: 10.2108/zsj.25.80] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2006] [Accepted: 08/30/2007] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Sperm binding to the vitelline envelope in dejellied Xenopus laevis eggs was effectively inhibited by inhibitors for trypsin (soybean trypsin inhibitor and p-toluenesulfonyl-L-lysine chloroethyl ketone) and aminopeptidase B (o-phenanthroline, bestatin, and arphamenine B). Likewise, synthetic 4-methylcoumaryl-7-amide (MCA) substrates (t-butoxycarbonyl-GlyArgArg-MCA, benzyloxycarbonyl-ArgArg-MCA, and Arg-MCA) inhibited binding. Consistently, when jellied eggs were inseminated in the presence of these substrates or inhibitors for proteases, fertilization was effectively blocked. The medium in which live sperm or the sperm membrane fraction were suspended exhibited hydrolyzing activities against the synthetic substrates mentioned above, and these activities were effectively inhibited by the protease inhibitors. Ultracentrifugal fractionation of the sperm suspension following induction of the acrosome reaction by a calcium ionophore, A23187, indicated that a considerable amount of the total tryptic and aminopeptidase B activity was released into the medium. On this occasion, part of the tryptic and aminopeptidase B activity was definitely estimated to be discharged in association with a vesiculated membrane, supporting the notion that the proteases involved in binding to the vitelline envelope are present on the sperm plasma membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideo Kubo
- Department of Medical Biology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Honkomagome, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8613, Japan.
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Hirohashi N, Kamei N, Kubo H, Sawada H, Matsumoto M, Hoshi M. Egg and sperm recognition systems during fertilization. Dev Growth Differ 2008; 50 Suppl 1:S221-38. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-169x.2008.01017.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Xiang X, Burnett L, Rawls A, Bieber A, Chandler D. The sperm chemoattractant "allurin" is expressed and secreted from the Xenopus oviduct in a hormone-regulated manner. Dev Biol 2005; 275:343-55. [PMID: 15501223 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2004.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2004] [Revised: 08/03/2004] [Accepted: 08/06/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Recently, we cloned and sequenced the cDNA of allurin, a sperm chemoattractant isolated from the jelly of Xenopus laevis eggs [Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 78 (2001) 11205]. In this report, we demonstrate that allurin mRNA is expressed almost exclusively in the oviduct and that its expression is increased 2.5-fold by human chorionic gonadotropin over a 12-h period. Both dot blots and immunocytochemistry show that allurin is secreted from the upper two thirds of the oviduct that includes the pars recta and the proximal pars convoluta. Allurin appears to be deposited on the ciliated surfaces of luminal epithelial cells that come in direct contact with eggs as they move through the oviduct. Immune staining also demonstrates the presence of allurin in the serosal capsule of the oviduct. In contrast, allurin is not found within the tubular jelly-secreting glands or ducts that constitute a major portion of the oviduct wall. Therefore, we hypothesize that allurin is synthesized by nonciliated secretory cells in the luminal epithelium of the oviduct, is displayed on the ciliary layer and then mechanically mixed with jelly, and applied to eggs as they progress down the oviduct. This hypothesis is consistent with the fact that eggs progressing down the oviduct initially show evidence of allurin being incorporated into the J1 layer. Subsequently, allurin within J1 diffuses outward to J3 and eggs stored in the uterus now demonstrate a J3 localization of this chemoattractant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyu Xiang
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-4501, USA
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