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Kashir J, Mistry BV, Rajab MA, BuSaleh L, Abu-Dawud R, Ahmed HA, Alharbi S, Nomikos M, AlHassan S, Coskun S, Assiri AM. The mammalian sperm factor phospholipase C zeta is critical for early embryo division and pregnancy in humans and mice. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:1256-1274. [PMID: 38670547 PMCID: PMC11145019 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae078] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are sperm phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ) profiles linked to the quality of embryogenesis and pregnancy? SUMMARY ANSWER Sperm PLCζ levels in both mouse and humans correlate with measures of ideal embryogenesis whereby minimal levels seem to be required to result in successful pregnancy. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY While causative factors underlying male infertility are multivariable, cases are increasingly associated with the efficacy of oocyte activation, which in mammals occurs in response to specific profiles of calcium (Ca2+) oscillations driven by sperm-specific PLCζ. Although sperm PLCζ abrogation is extensively linked with human male infertility where oocyte activation is deficient, less is clear as to whether sperm PLCζ levels or localization underlies cases of defective embryogenesis and failed pregnancy following fertility treatment. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A cohort of 54 couples undergoing fertility treatment were recruited at the assisted reproductive technology laboratory at the King Faisal Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The recruitment criteria for males was a minimum sperm concentration of 5×106 sperm/ml, while all female patients had to have at least five oocytes. Sperm PLCζ analysis was performed in research laboratories, while semen assessments were performed, and time-lapse morphokinetic data were obtained, in the fertility clinic as part of routine treatment. The CRISPR/Cas9 system was concurrently used to induce indels and single-nucleotide mutations within the Plcζ gene to generate strains of Plcζ mutant mice. Sperm PLCζ was evaluated using immunofluorescence and immunoblotting with an antibody of confirmed consistent specificity against PLCζ. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS We evaluated PLCζ profiles in sperm samples from 54 human couples undergoing fertility treatment in the context of time-lapse morphokinetic analysis of resultant embryos, correlating such profiles to pregnancy status. Concurrently, we generated two strains of mutant Plcζ mice using CRISPR/Cas9, and performed IVF with wild type (WT) oocytes and using WT or mutant Plcζ sperm to generate embryos. We also assessed PLCζ status in WT and mutant mice sperm in the context of time-lapse morphokinetic analysis and breeding outcomes. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE A significant (P ≤ 0.05) positive relationship was observed between both PLCζ relative fluorescence and relative density with the times taken for both the second cell division (CC2) (r = 0.26 and r = 0.43, respectively) and the third cell division (S2) (r = 0.26). Examination of localization patterns also indicated significant correlations between the presence or absence of sperm PLCζ and CC2 (r = 0.27 and r = -0.27, respectively; P ≤ 0.025). Human sperm PLCζ levels were at their highest in the ideal times of CC2 (8-12 h) compared to time ranges outside the ideal timeframe (<8 and >12 h) where levels of human sperm PLCζ were lower. Following assignment of PLCζ level thresholds, quantification revealed a significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) rate of successful pregnancy in values larger than the assigned cut-off for both relative fluorescence (19% vs 40%, respectively) and relative density (8% vs 54%, respectively). Immunoblotting indicated a single band for PLCζ at 74 kDa in sperm from WT mice, while a single band was also observed in sperm from heterozygous of Plcζ mutant mouse sperm, but at a diminished intensity. Immunofluorescent analysis indicated the previously reported (Kashir et al., 2021) fluorescence patterns in WT sperm, while sperm from Plcζ mutant mice exhibited a significantly diminished and dispersed pattern at the acrosomal region of the sperm head. Breeding experiments indicated a significantly reduced litter size of mutant Plcζ male mice compared to WT mice, while IVF-generated embryos using sperm from mutant Plcζ mice exhibited high rates of polyspermy, and resulted in significantly reduced numbers of these embryos reaching developmental milestones. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The human population examined was relatively small, and should be expanded to examine a larger multi-centre cohort. Infertility conditions are often multivariable, and it was not possible to evaluate all these in human patients. However, our mutant Plcζ mouse experiments do suggest that PLCζ plays a significant role in early embryo development. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS We found that minimal levels of PLCζ within a specific range were required for optimal early embryogenesis, correlating with increased pregnancy. Levels of sperm PLCζ below specific thresholds were associated with ineffective embryogenesis and lower pregnancy rates, despite eliciting successful fertilization in both mice and humans. To our knowledge, this represents the first time that PLCζ levels in sperm have been correlated to prognostic measures of embryogenic efficacy and pregnancy rates in humans. Our data suggest for the first time that the clinical utilization of PLCζ may stand to benefit not just a specific population of male infertility where oocyte activation is completely deficient (wherein PLCζ is completely defective/abrogated), but also perhaps the larger population of couples seeking fertility treatment. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) J.K. is supported by a faculty start up grant awarded by Khalifa University (FSU-2023-015). This study was also supported by a Healthcare Research Fellowship Award (HF-14-16) from Health and Care Research Wales (HCRW) to J.K., alongside a National Science, Technology, and Innovation plan (NSTIP) project grant (15-MED4186-20) awarded by the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) for J.K. and A.M.A. The authors declare no conflicts of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junaid Kashir
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bhavesh V Mistry
- Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed A Rajab
- Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Lujain BuSaleh
- Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Raed Abu-Dawud
- Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, MSH Medical School, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hala A Ahmed
- Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sarah Alharbi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Michail Nomikos
- College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Saad AlHassan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Serdar Coskun
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah M Assiri
- Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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2
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Arroyo-Salvo C, Cogollo Villarreal MY, Clérico G, Flores Bragulat AP, Niño Vargas A, Castañeira C, Briski O, Alonso C, Plaza J, Zeledon JM, Losinno L, Miragaya M, Sansinena M, Martinez SP, Gambini A. The ability of donkey sperm to induce oocyte activation and mule embryo development after ICSI. Theriogenology 2024; 218:200-207. [PMID: 38335707 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.02.002] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Members of the Equus genus exhibit a fascinating capacity for hybridization, giving rise to healthy offspring. Mules, resulting from the mating of a mare with a jack, represent the most prevalent equid hybrid, serving diverse roles in our society. While in vitro embryo production, particularly through Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), has rapidly gained significance in domestic horses, the in vitro production in other equids remains largely unexplored. Utilizing donkey sperm for fertilizing horse oocytes not only addresses this gap but also provides an opportunity to investigate donkey sperm's fertilization capability in vitro to further improve donkey ICSI. In this work, we initially studied the localization of donkey sperm Phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ) and assessed the sperm's capacity to induce pronuclear formation and maternal SMARCA4 recruitment upon injection into pig oocytes through ICSI. Subsequently, we investigated the injection of donkey sperm into horse oocytes, evaluating in vitro production up to the blastocyst stage using sperm from different jacks, including frozen and refrigerated samples. Distinct patterns of PLCζ localization were observed for donkey sperm cells compared to their horse counterparts. Additionally, donkey sperm exhibits a reduced ability to induce porcine oocyte activation. However, when injected into horse oocytes, donkey sperm demonstrated sufficient capability to induce oocyte activation as no discernible differences in cleavage or blastocyst rates are observed between in vitro produced mules and horse ICSI embryos. Our study not only delineates PLCζ localization in donkey sperm but also suggests potential differences in the ability to induce oocyte activation in pigs compared to horses while observing no distinctions in pronuclear recruitment of SMARCA4. Interestingly, donkey sperm remains sufficiently capable of inducing horse oocyte activation for in vitro mule blastocyst production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Arroyo-Salvo
- Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFYBO), CONICET-UBA, Paraguay 2155, 1121ABG, Ciudad Autónoma de, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Gabriel Clérico
- Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Católica Argentina, 1107, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ana P Flores Bragulat
- Laboratorio de Producción Equina, Facultad de Agronomía y Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto, Río Cuarto, Córdoba, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1425FQB, Argentina
| | | | - Catalina Castañeira
- Laboratorio de Producción Equina, Facultad de Agronomía y Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto, Río Cuarto, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Olinda Briski
- Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de, Buenos Aires, C1417DSE, Argentina; CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires - Instituto de Investigaciones en Producción Animal (INPA), Ciudad Autónoma de, Buenos Aires, C1425FQB, Argentina
| | - Carolina Alonso
- Laboratorio de Producción Equina, Facultad de Agronomía y Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto, Río Cuarto, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Jessica Plaza
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1425FQB, Argentina; Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal (INITRA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jose M Zeledon
- Laboratorio de Producción Equina, Facultad de Agronomía y Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto, Río Cuarto, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Luis Losinno
- Laboratorio de Producción Equina, Facultad de Agronomía y Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto, Río Cuarto, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Marcelo Miragaya
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal (INITRA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marina Sansinena
- Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Católica Argentina, 1107, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1425FQB, Argentina
| | - Silvina Perez Martinez
- Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFYBO), CONICET-UBA, Paraguay 2155, 1121ABG, Ciudad Autónoma de, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1425FQB, Argentina
| | - Andrés Gambini
- School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability, The University of Queensland, 4343, Gatton, Queensland, Australia; School of Veterinary Sciences, The University of Queensland, 4343, Gatton, Queensland, Australia.
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3
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Gonzalez-Castro RA, Carnevale EM. Phospholipase C Zeta 1 (PLCZ1): The Function and Potential for Fertility Assessment and In Vitro Embryo Production in Cattle and Horses. Vet Sci 2023; 10:698. [PMID: 38133249 PMCID: PMC10747197 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10120698] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Phospholipase C Zeta 1 (PLCZ1) is considered a major sperm-borne oocyte activation factor. After gamete fusion, PLCZ1 triggers calcium oscillations in the oocyte, resulting in oocyte activation. In assisted fertilization, oocyte activation failure is a major cause of low fertility. Most cases of oocyte activation failures in humans related to male infertility are associated with gene mutations and/or altered PLCZ1. Consequently, PLCZ1 evaluation could be an effective diagnostic marker and predictor of sperm fertilizing potential for in vivo and in vitro embryo production. The characterization of PLCZ1 has been principally investigated in men and mice, with less known about the PLCZ1 impact on assisted reproduction in other species, such as cattle and horses. In horses, sperm PLCZ1 varies among stallions, and sperm populations with high PLCZ1 are associated with cleavage after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). In contrast, bull sperm is less able to initiate calcium oscillations and undergo nuclear remodeling, resulting in poor cleavage after ICSI. Advantageously, injections of PLCZ1 are able to rescue oocyte failure in mouse oocytes after ICSI, promoting full development and birth. However, further research is needed to optimize PLCZ1 diagnostic tests for consistent association with fertility and to determine whether PLCZ1 as an oocyte-activating treatment is a physiological, efficient, and safe method for improving assisted fertilization in cattle and horses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elaine M. Carnevale
- Equine Reproduction Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA;
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Duma-Pauta JM, Juárez-López NO, Gutiérrez-Pérez O, Córdova-Izquierdo A, Vigueras-Villaseñor RM, Juárez-Mosqueda MDL. Cryopreservation, in addition to protein tyrosine phosphorylation, alters the distribution of phosphatidyl inositol bisphosphate and the localization of cytoskeletal and signaling proteins (gelsolin, tyrosine kinase c-SRC and phospholipase C-ζ) in the perinuclear theca of boar sperm. Cryobiology 2023; 113:104589. [PMID: 37778407 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2023.104589] [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: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Cryopreservation of boar spermatozoa affects the perinuclear theca (PT) and involves several proteins and molecules that play important roles during capacitation and the acrosomal reaction. The objective of the present study was to evaluate whether the deleterious effects of cryopreservation in addition to protein tyrosine phosphorylation are accompanied by changes in the distribution of phosphatidyl inositol bisphosphate (PIP2) and the localization of cytoskeletal and signaling proteins in the perinuclear theca of cryopreserved boar spermatozoa. For this purpose, by immunocytochemistry (IC) the changes in localization of phosphorylated proteins in tyrosine residues, gelsolin, c-SRC kinase and PLC-ζ, as well as in the distribution of phosphatidyl inositol bisphosphate were analyzed in thawed spermatozoa (T) non capacitated (NC), capacitated (C) and in those with acrosomal reaction (AR) and compared with fresh spermatozoa (F) under the same physiological status. Western blotting (WB) and co-immunoprecipitation were performed to confirm the presence of these proteins in PT and to determine the interaction between these molecules. IC showed that immunostaining for phosphorylated proteins significantly increased in the acrosomal region and flagellum in TNC spermatozoa (p < 0.05). The proportion of cells displaying immunolabeling for gelsolin in the acrosomal region decreased after capacitation in cryopreserved spermatozoa; the same change was found (p < 0.05) in the proportion of spermatozoa immunoreactive to PIP2 in the sperm head. c-SRC was observed in the equatorial segment and acrosomal region, subdomains that coincide with the site where phosphorylated proteins were detected. PLC-ζ immunolocalization in fresh spermatozoa underwent changes after capacitation and acrosomal reaction, with a significant increase in the equatorial segment and post-acrosomal region in cryopreserved spermatozoa (p < 0.05). WB analysis indicated the presence of gelsolin, c-SRC and PLC-ζ in PT; besides, we confirmed that gelsolin co-immunoprecipitated with c-SRC and PLC-ζ, which changes according to the physiological state of spermatozoa. As a conclusion, cryopreservation together with increased immunodetection of tyrosine phosphorylated proteins decreases the detection of PIP2 and alters the immunolocalization patterns of gelsolin, c-SRC and PLC-ζ in the PT in boar spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Mauricio Duma-Pauta
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Departamento de Morfología, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Ciudad Universitaria No. 3000, Ciudad de México, CP, 04510, Mexico; Universidad de Cuenca, Laboratorio de Biotecnología de la Reproducción Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Avda. 12 de octubre, EC101205, Cuenca, Ecuador.
| | - Noé Orlando Juárez-López
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Departamento de Genética y Bioestadística, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Ciudad Universitaria No. 3000, Ciudad deMéxico, CP, 04510, Mexico.
| | - Oscar Gutiérrez-Pérez
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Centro de Enseñanaza de Investigación y Extensión en Producción Porcina, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Ciudad Universitaria No. 3000, Ciudad de México, CP. 04510, México.
| | - Alejandro Córdova-Izquierdo
- Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Unidad Xochimilco, Departamento de Agricultura y Producción Animal, Calzada del hueso 1100, Ciudad de México, CP, 04960, Mexico.
| | - Rosa María Vigueras-Villaseñor
- Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Subdirección de Medicina Experimental, Av. Insurgentes Sur 3700-C, Ciudad de México, CP, 04530, Mexico
| | - María de Lourdes Juárez-Mosqueda
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Departamento de Morfología, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Ciudad Universitaria No. 3000, Ciudad de México, CP, 04510, Mexico.
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5
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Kashir J, Mistry BV, BuSaleh L, Nomikos M, Almuqayyil S, Abu-Dawud R, AlYacoub N, Hamdan H, AlHassan S, Lai FA, Assiri AM, Coskun S. Antigen Unmasking Is Required to Clinically Assess Levels and Localisation Patterns of Phospholipase C Zeta in Human Sperm. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:198. [PMID: 37259347 PMCID: PMC9962097 DOI: 10.3390/ph16020198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Mammalian oocyte activation is initiated by intracellular calcium (Ca2+) oscillations, driven by the testis-specific phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ). Sperm PLCζ analysis represents a diagnostic measure of sperm fertilisation capacity. The application of antigen unmasking/retrieval (AUM) generally enhanced the visualisation efficacy of PLCζ in mammalian sperm, but differentially affected the PLCζ profiles in sperm from different human males. It is unclear whether AUM affects the diagnosis of PLCζ in human sperm. Herein, we examined whether the application of AUM affected the correlation of PLCζ profiles with sperm parameters and fertilisation capacity. PLCζ fluorescence levels and localisation patterns were examined within the sperm of males undergoing fertility treatment (55 patients aged 29-53) using immunofluorescence in the absence/presence of AUM. The changes in PLCζ profiles following AUM were examined in relation to sperm health and fertilisation outcome. AUM enhanced the observable levels and specific localisation patterns of PLCζ in relation to both optimal sperm parameters and fertilisation outcome, without which significant differences were not observed. The extent of the change in levels and localisation ratios of PLCζ was also affected to a larger degree in terms of the optimal parameters of sperm fertility and fertilisation capacity by AUM. Collectively, AUM was essential to accurately assesses PLCζ in human sperm in both scientific and clinical contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junaid Kashir
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi 127788, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11564, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bhavesh V. Mistry
- Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11564, Saudi Arabia
| | - Lujain BuSaleh
- Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11564, Saudi Arabia
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia
| | - Michail Nomikos
- College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
| | - Sarah Almuqayyil
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11564, Saudi Arabia
| | - Raed Abu-Dawud
- Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11564, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nadya AlYacoub
- Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11564, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hamdan Hamdan
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi 127788, United Arab Emirates
| | - Saad AlHassan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11564, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11564, Saudi Arabia
| | - F. Anthony Lai
- College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
| | - Abdullah M. Assiri
- Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11564, Saudi Arabia
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia
| | - Serdar Coskun
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11564, Saudi Arabia
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6
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Unnikrishnan V, Kastelic JP, Thundathil JC. Ouabain-induced activation of phospholipase C zeta and its contributions to bovine sperm capacitation. Cell Tissue Res 2021; 385:785-801. [PMID: 33885964 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-021-03455-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The sperm-derived oocyte activating factor, phospholipase C zeta (PLC ζ), is the only PLC isoform reported in cattle. The objectives were to (1) localize PLC ζ in fresh and capacitated bovine sperm and (2) investigate the activation of PLC ζ during bull sperm capacitation and contributions of PLC activity to this process. We confirmed interaction of testis-specific isoform of Na/K-ATPase (ATP1A4) with PLC ζ (immunolocalization and immunoprecipitation) and tyrosine phosphorylation (immunoprecipitation) of PLC ζ (a post-translational protein modification commonly involved in activation of PLC in somatic cells) during capacitation. Furthermore, incubation of sperm under capacitating conditions upregulated PLC-mediated hyperactivated motility, tyrosine phosphoprotein content, acrosome reaction, and F-actin formation (flow cytometry), implying that PLC activity is enhanced during capacitation and contributing to these capacitation processes. In conclusion, we inferred that PLC ζ is activated during capacitation by tyrosine phosphorylation through a mechanism involving ATP1A4, contributing to capacitation-associated biochemical events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veena Unnikrishnan
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, CAL, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - John P Kastelic
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, CAL, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Jacob C Thundathil
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, CAL, T2N 4N1, Canada.
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Eum JH, Park M, Yoon JA, Yoon SY. Voltage Dependent N Type Calcium Channel in Mouse Egg Fertilization. Dev Reprod 2021; 24:297-306. [PMID: 33537516 PMCID: PMC7837419 DOI: 10.12717/dr.2020.24.4.297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Repetitive changes in the intracellular calcium concentration
([Ca2+]i) triggers egg activation, including cortical
granule exocytosis, resumption of second meiosis, block to polyspermy, and
initiating embryonic development. [Ca2+]i oscillations that
continue for several hours, are required for the early events of egg activation
and possibly connected to further development to the blastocyst stage. The
sources of Ca2+ ion elevation during [Ca2+]i
oscillations are Ca2+ release from endoplasmic reticulum
through inositol 1,4,5 tri-phosphate receptor and Ca2+ ion
influx through Ca2+ channel on the plasma membrane.
Ca2+ channels have been characterized into
voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels (VDCCs), ligand-gated
Ca2+ channel, and leak-channel. VDCCs expressed on muscle
cell or neuron is specified into L, T, N, P, Q, and R type VDCs by their
activation threshold or their sensitivity to peptide toxins isolated from cone
snails and spiders. The present study was aimed to investigate the localization
pattern of N and P/Q type voltage-dependent calcium channels in mouse eggs and
the role in fertilization. [Ca2+]i oscillation was observed in
a Ca2+ contained medium with sperm factor or adenophostin A
injection but disappeared in Ca2+ free medium.
Ca2+ influx was decreased by Lat A. N-VDCC specific
inhibitor, ω-Conotoxin CVIIA induced abnormal [Ca2+]i
oscillation profiles in SrCl2 treatment. N or P/Q type VDC were
distributed on the plasma membrane in cortical cluster form, not in the
cytoplasm. Ca2+ influx is essential for
[Ca2+]i oscillation during mammalian fertilization. This
Ca2+ influx might be controlled through the N or P/Q type
VDCCs. Abnormal VDCCs expression of eggs could be tested in fertilization
failure or low fertilization eggs in subfertility women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Hee Eum
- Fertility Center of CHA Gangnam Medical Center, Seoul 06125, Korea
| | - Miseon Park
- Fertility Center of CHA Gangnam Medical Center, Seoul 06125, Korea
| | - Jung Ah Yoon
- Fertility Center of CHA Gangnam Medical Center, Seoul 06125, Korea
| | - Sook Young Yoon
- Fertility Center of CHA Gangnam Medical Center, Seoul 06125, Korea
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Kashir J, Mistry BV, Gumssani MA, Rajab M, Abu-Dawas R, AlMohanna F, Nomikos M, Jones C, Abu-Dawud R, Al-Yacoub N, Coward K, Lai FA, Assiri AM. Advancing male age differentially alters levels and localization patterns of PLCzeta in sperm and testes from different mouse strains. Asian J Androl 2021; 23:178-187. [PMID: 33208563 PMCID: PMC7991809 DOI: 10.4103/aja.aja_67_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm-specific phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ) initiates intracellular calcium (Ca2+) transients which drive a series of concurrent events collectively termed oocyte activation. Numerous investigations have linked abrogation and absence/reduction of PLCζ with forms of male infertility in humans where oocyte activation fails. However, very few studies have examined potential relationships between PLCζ and advancing male age, both of which are increasingly considered to be major effectors of male fertility. Initial efforts in humans may be hindered by inherent PLCζ variability within the human population, alongside a lack of sufficient controllable repeats. Herein, utilizing immunoblotting, immunofluorescence, and quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) we examined for the first time PLCζ protein levels and localization patterns in sperm, and PLCζ mRNA levels within testes, from mice at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 24 weeks, and 36 weeks of age, from two separate strains of mice, C57BL/6 (B6; inbred) and CD1 (outbred). Collectively, advancing male age generally diminished levels and variability of PLCζ protein and mRNA in sperm and testes, respectively, when both strains were examined. Furthermore, advancing male age altered the predominant pattern of PLCζ localization in mouse sperm, with younger mice exhibiting predominantly post-acrosomal, and older mice exhibiting both post-acrosomal and acrosomal populations of PLCζ. However, the specific pattern of such decline in levels of protein and mRNA was strain-specific. Collectively, our results demonstrate a negative relationship between advancing male age and PLCζ levels and localization patterns, indicating that aging male mice from different strains may serve as useful models to investigate PLCζ in cases of male infertility and subfertility in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junaid Kashir
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bhavesh V Mistry
- Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maha Adel Gumssani
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Rajab
- Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reema Abu-Dawas
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Falah AlMohanna
- Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Michail Nomikos
- College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha PO Box 2713, Qatar
| | - Celine Jones
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, United Kingdom
| | - Raed Abu-Dawud
- Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nadya Al-Yacoub
- Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kevin Coward
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, United Kingdom
| | - F Anthony Lai
- College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha PO Box 2713, Qatar.,Biomedical Research Centre, Qatar University, Doha PO Box 2713, Qatar
| | - Abdullah M Assiri
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
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9
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Nakai M, Ito J, Suyama A, Kageyama A, Tobari Y, Kashiwazaki N. Phospholipase Cζ (PLCζ) versus postacrosomal sheath WW domain-binding protein (PAWP): Which molecule will survive as a sperm factor? Anim Sci J 2020; 91:e13345. [PMID: 32219949 PMCID: PMC7140179 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Revised: 12/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
During mammalian fertilization, sperm is fused with the oocyte's membrane, triggering the resumption of meiosis from the metaphase II arrest, the extrusion of the second polar body, and the exocytosis of cortical granules; these events are collectively called 'oocyte activation.' In all species studied to date, the transient rise in the cytosolic level of calcium (in particular, the repeated calcium increases called 'calcium oscillations' in mammals) is required for these events. Researchers have focused on identifying the factor(s) that can induce calcium oscillations during fertilization. Sperm‐specific phospholipase C, i.e., PLC zeta (PLCζ), is a strong candidate of the factor(s), and several research groups using different species obtained evidence that PLCζ is a sperm factor that can induce calcium oscillations during fertilization. However, postacrosomal sheath Tryptophan‐Tryptophan (WW)—domain‐binding protein (PAWP) was recently shown to have a pivotal role in inducing calcium oscillations in some species. In this review, we focus on PLCζ and PAWP as sperm factors, and we discuss this controversy: Which of these two molecules survives as a sperm factor?
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Affiliation(s)
- Michiko Nakai
- Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Junya Ito
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan.,Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Ayumi Suyama
- Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Atsuko Kageyama
- Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Yasuko Tobari
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Naomi Kashiwazaki
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan.,Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan
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10
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Kashir J, Mistry BV, BuSaleh L, Abu-Dawas R, Nomikos M, Ajlan A, Abu-Dawud R, AlYacoub N, AlHassan S, Lai FA, Assiri AM, Coskun S. Phospholipase C zeta profiles are indicative of optimal sperm parameters and fertilisation success in patients undergoing fertility treatment. Andrology 2020; 8:1143-1159. [PMID: 32298520 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2020] [Revised: 03/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oocyte activation is driven by intracellular calcium (Ca2+ ) oscillations induced by sperm-specific PLCζ, abrogation of which causes oocyte activation deficiency in humans. Clinical PLCζ investigations have been limited to severe male infertility conditions, while PLCζ levels and localisation patterns have yet to be associated with general sperm viability. MATERIALS AND METHODS PLCζ profiles were examined within a general population of males attending a fertility clinic (65 patients; aged 29-53), examining PLCζ throughout various fractions of sperm viability. Male recruitment criteria required a minimum sperm count of 5 × 106 spermatozoa/mL, while all female patients included in this study yielded at least five oocytes for treatment. Sperm count, motility and semen volume were recorded according to standard WHO reference guidelines and correlated with PLCζ profiles examined via immunoblotting and immunofluorescence. Appropriate fertility treatments were performed following routine clinical standard operating protocols, and fertilisation success determined by successful observation of second polar body extrusion. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Four distinct PLCζ patterns were observed at the equatorial, acrosomal + equatorial regions of the sperm head, alongside a dispersed pattern, and a population of spermatozoa without any PLCζ. Acrosomal + equatorial PLCζ correlated most to sperm health, while dispersed PLCζ correlated to decreased sperm viability. Total levels of PLCζ exhibited significant correlations with sperm parameters. PLCζ variance corresponded to reduced sperm health, potentially underlying cases of male sub-fertility and increasing male age. Finally, significantly higher levels of PLCζ were exhibited by cases of fertilisation success, alongside higher proportions of Ac + Eq, and lower levels of dispersed PLCζ. CONCLUSIONS PLCζ potentially represents a biomarker of sperm health, and fertilisation capacity in general cases of patients seeking fertility treatment, and not just cases of repeated fertilisation. Further focused investigations are required with larger cohorts to examine the full clinical potential of PLCζ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junaid Kashir
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.,School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.,Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Bhavesh V Mistry
- Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Lujain BuSaleh
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.,Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Reema Abu-Dawas
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.,Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Michail Nomikos
- College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ahmed Ajlan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Raed Abu-Dawud
- Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Nadya AlYacoub
- Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Saad AlHassan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - F Anthony Lai
- College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.,Biomedical Research Centre, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Abdullah M Assiri
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.,Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.,Biomedical Research Centre, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.,Institute for Research and Medical Consultations, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Serdar Coskun
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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11
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Kashir J. Increasing associations between defects in phospholipase C zeta and conditions of male infertility: not just ICSI failure? J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:1273-1293. [PMID: 32285298 PMCID: PMC7311621 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01748-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Oocyte activation is a fundamental event at mammalian fertilization. In mammals, this process is initiated by a series of characteristic calcium (Ca2+) oscillations, induced by a sperm-specific phospholipase C (PLC) termed PLCzeta (PLCζ). Dysfunction/reduction/deletion of PLCζ is associated with forms of male infertility where the sperm is unable to initiate Ca2+ oscillations and oocyte activation, specifically in cases of fertilization failure. This review article aims to systematically summarize recent advancements and controversies in the field to update expanding clinical associations between PLCζ and various male factor conditions. This article also discusses how such associations may potentially underlie defective embryogenesis and recurrent implantation failure following fertility treatments, alongside potential diagnostic and therapeutic PLCζ approaches, aiming to direct future research efforts to utilize such knowledge clinically. METHODS An extensive literature search was performed using literature databases (PubMed/MEDLINE/Web of Knowledge) focusing on phospholipase C zeta (PLCzeta; PLCζ), oocyte activation, and calcium oscillations, as well as specific male factor conditions. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Defective PLCζ or PLCζ-induced Ca2+ release can be linked to multiple forms of male infertility including abnormal sperm parameters and morphology, sperm DNA fragmentation and oxidation, and abnormal embryogenesis/pregnancies. Such sperm exhibit absent/reduced levels, and abnormal localization patterns of PLCζ within the sperm head. CONCLUSIONS Defective PLCζ and abnormal patterns of Ca2+ release are increasingly suspected a significant causative factor underlying abnormalities or insufficiencies in Ca2+ oscillation-driven early embryogenic events. Such cases could potentially strongly benefit from relevant therapeutic and diagnostic applications of PLCζ, or even alternative mechanisms, following further focused research efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junaid Kashir
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. .,School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK. .,Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
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12
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Artificial oocyte activation to improve reproductive outcomes in couples with various causes of infertility: a retrospective cohort study. Reprod Biomed Online 2020; 40:501-509. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2020.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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13
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Parrington J, Arnoult C, Fissore RA. The eggstraordinary story of how life begins. Mol Reprod Dev 2018; 86:4-19. [PMID: 30411426 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
More than 15 years have elapsed since the identification of phospholipase C ζ1 (PLCζ) from a genomic search for mouse testis/sperm-specific PLCs. This molecule was proposed to represent the sperm factor responsible for the initiation of calcium (Ca2+ ) oscillations required for egg activation and embryo development in mammals. Supporting evidence for this role emerged from studies documenting its expression in all mammals and other vertebrate species, the physiological Ca2+ rises induced by injection of its messenger RNA into mammalian and nonmammalian eggs, and the lack of expression in infertile males that fail intracytoplasmic sperm injection. In the last year, genetic animal models have added support to its role as the long sought-after sperm factor. In this review, we highlight the findings that demonstrated the role of Ca2+ as the universal signal of egg activation and the experimental buildup that culminated with the identification of PLCζ as the soluble sperm factor. We also discuss the structural-functional properties that make PLCζ especially suited to evoke oscillations in eggs. Lastly, we examine unresolved aspects of the function and regulation of PLCζ and whether or not it is the only sperm factor in mammalian sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Parrington
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Christophe Arnoult
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France.,Institut pour l'Avancée des Biosciences (IAB), INSERM 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, La Tronche, France
| | - Rafael A Fissore
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts
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14
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Águila L, Felmer R, Arias ME, Navarrete F, Martin-Hidalgo D, Lee HC, Visconti P, Fissore R. Defective sperm head decondensation undermines the success of ICSI in the bovine. Reproduction 2018; 154:307-318. [PMID: 28751536 DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Revised: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The efficiency of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in the bovine is low compared to other species. It is unknown whether defective oocyte activation and/or sperm head decondensation limit the success of this technique in this species. To elucidate where the main obstacle lies, we used homologous and heterologous ICSI and parthenogenetic activation procedures. We also evaluated whether in vitro maturation negatively impacted the early stages of activation after ICSI. Here we showed that injected bovine sperm are resistant to nuclear decondensation by bovine oocytes and this is only partly overcome by exogenous activation. Remarkably, when we used heterologous ICSI, in vivo-matured mouse eggs were capable of mounting calcium oscillations and displaying normal PN formation following injection of bovine sperm, although in vitro-matured mouse oocytes were unable to do so. Together, our data demonstrate that bovine sperm are especially resistant to nuclear decondensation by in vitro-matured oocytes and this deficiency cannot be simply overcome by exogenous activation protocols, even by inducing physiological calcium oscillations. Therefore, the inability of a suboptimal ooplasmic environment to induce sperm head decondensation limits the success of ICSI in the bovine. Studies aimed to improve the cytoplasmic milieu of in vitro-matured oocytes and to replicate the molecular changes associated with in vivo capacitation and acrosome reaction will deepen our understanding of the mechanism of fertilization and improve the success of ICSI in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Águila
- Laboratory of Reproduction, Centre of Reproductive Biotechnology (CEBIOR-BIOREN), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile.,Department of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile.,School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Mayor Sede Temuco, Temuco, Chile
| | - Ricardo Felmer
- Laboratory of Reproduction, Centre of Reproductive Biotechnology (CEBIOR-BIOREN), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile.,Department of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - María Elena Arias
- Laboratory of Reproduction, Centre of Reproductive Biotechnology (CEBIOR-BIOREN), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile.,Department of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Felipe Navarrete
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David Martin-Hidalgo
- Research Group of Intracellular Signaling and Technology of Reproduction, Research Institute INBIO G+C, University of Extremadura, Caceres, Spain.,Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Hoi Chang Lee
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Pablo Visconti
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rafael Fissore
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
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15
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Sanders JR, Ashley B, Moon A, Woolley TE, Swann K. PLCζ Induced Ca 2+ Oscillations in Mouse Eggs Involve a Positive Feedback Cycle of Ca 2+ Induced InsP 3 Formation From Cytoplasmic PIP 2. Front Cell Dev Biol 2018; 6:36. [PMID: 29666796 PMCID: PMC5891639 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2018.00036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Egg activation at fertilization in mammalian eggs is caused by a series of transient increases in the cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration, referred to as Ca2+ oscillations. It is widely accepted that these Ca2+ oscillations are initiated by a sperm derived phospholipase C isoform, PLCζ that hydrolyses its substrate PIP2 to produce the Ca2+ releasing messenger InsP3. However, it is not clear whether PLCζ induced InsP3 formation is periodic or monotonic, and whether the PIP2 source for generating InsP3 from PLCζ is in the plasma membrane or the cytoplasm. In this study we have uncaged InsP3 at different points of the Ca2+ oscillation cycle to show that PLCζ causes Ca2+ oscillations by a mechanism which requires Ca2+ induced InsP3 formation. In contrast, incubation in Sr2+ media, which also induces Ca2+ oscillations in mouse eggs, sensitizes InsP3-induced Ca2+ release. We also show that the cytosolic level Ca2+ is a key factor in setting the frequency of Ca2+ oscillations since low concentrations of the Ca2+ pump inhibitor, thapsigargin, accelerates the frequency of PLCζ induced Ca2+ oscillations in eggs, even in Ca2+ free media. Given that Ca2+ induced InsP3 formation causes a rapid wave during each Ca2+ rise, we use a mathematical model to show that InsP3 generation, and hence PLCζ's substate PIP2, has to be finely distributed throughout the egg cytoplasm. Evidence for PIP2 distribution in vesicles throughout the egg cytoplasm is provided with a rhodamine-peptide probe, PBP10. The apparent level of PIP2 in such vesicles could be reduced by incubating eggs in the drug propranolol which also reversibly inhibited PLCζ induced, but not Sr2+ induced, Ca2+ oscillations. These data suggest that the cytosolic Ca2+ level, rather than Ca2+ store content, is a key variable in setting the pace of PLCζ induced Ca2+ oscillations in eggs, and they imply that InsP3 oscillates in synchrony with Ca2+ oscillations. Furthermore, they support the hypothesis that PLCζ and sperm induced Ca2+ oscillations in eggs requires the hydrolysis of PIP2 from finely spaced cytoplasmic vesicles.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bethany Ashley
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Moon
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas E Woolley
- School of Mathematics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Karl Swann
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
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16
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Kashir J, Nomikos M, Lai FA. Phospholipase C zeta and calcium oscillations at fertilisation: The evidence, applications, and further questions. Adv Biol Regul 2017; 67:148-162. [PMID: 29108881 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2017.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Revised: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Oocyte activation is a fundamental event at mammalian fertilisation, initiated by a series of characteristic calcium (Ca2+) oscillations in mammals. This characteristic pattern of Ca2+ release is induced in a species-specific manner by a sperm-specific enzyme termed phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ). Reduction or absence of functional PLCζ within sperm underlies male factor infertility in humans, due to mutational inactivation or abrogation of PLCζ protein expression. Underlying such clinical implications, a significant body of evidence has now been accumulated that has characterised the unique biochemical and biophysical properties of this enzyme, further aiding the unique clinical opportunities presented. Herein, we present and discuss evidence accrued over the past decade and a half that serves to support the identity of PLCζ as the mammalian sperm factor. Furthermore, we also discuss the potential novel avenues that have yet to be examined regarding PLCζ mechanism of action in both the oocyte, and the sperm. Finally, we discuss the advances that have been made regarding the clinical therapeutic and diagnostic applications of PLCζ in potentially treating male infertility as a result of oocyte activation deficiency (OAD), and also possibly more general cases of male subfertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junaid Kashir
- College of Biomedical & Life Sciences, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK; Alfaisal University, College of Medicine, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Department of Comparative Medicine, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Michail Nomikos
- College of Medicine, Member of QU Health, Qatar University, PO Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - F Anthony Lai
- College of Biomedical & Life Sciences, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK; College of Medicine, Member of QU Health, Qatar University, PO Box 2713, Doha, Qatar.
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17
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Hachem A, Godwin J, Ruas M, Lee HC, Ferrer Buitrago M, Ardestani G, Bassett A, Fox S, Navarrete F, de Sutter P, Heindryckx B, Fissore R, Parrington J. PLCζ is the physiological trigger of the Ca 2+ oscillations that induce embryogenesis in mammals but conception can occur in its absence. Development 2017; 144:2914-2924. [PMID: 28694258 DOI: 10.1242/dev.150227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 07/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Activation of the egg by the sperm is the first, vital stage of embryogenesis. The sperm protein PLCζ has been proposed as the physiological agent that triggers the Ca2+ oscillations that normally initiate embryogenesis. Consistent with this, recombinant PLCζ induces Ca2+ oscillations in eggs and debilitating mutations in the PLCZ1 gene are associated with infertility in men. However, there has been no evidence that knockout of the gene encoding PLCζ abolishes the ability of sperm to induce Ca2+ oscillations in eggs. Here, we show that sperm derived from Plcz1-/- male mice fail to trigger Ca2+ oscillations in eggs, cause polyspermy and thus demonstrate that PLCζ is the physiological trigger of these Ca2+ oscillations. Remarkably, some eggs fertilized by PLCζ-null sperm can develop, albeit at greatly reduced efficiency, and after a significant time-delay. In addition, Plcz1-/- males are subfertile but not sterile, suggesting that in the absence of PLCζ, spontaneous egg activation can eventually occur via an alternative route. This is the first demonstration that in vivo fertilization without the normal physiological trigger of egg activation can result in offspring. PLCζ-null sperm now make it possible to resolve long-standing questions in fertilization biology, and to test the efficacy and safety of procedures used to treat human infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa Hachem
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK
| | - Jonathan Godwin
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Margarida Ruas
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK
| | - Hoi Chang Lee
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, 661 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01003-9286, USA
| | - Minerva Ferrer Buitrago
- Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Goli Ardestani
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, 661 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01003-9286, USA
| | - Andrew Bassett
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Sebastian Fox
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK
| | - Felipe Navarrete
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, 661 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01003-9286, USA
| | - Petra de Sutter
- Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Björn Heindryckx
- Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Rafael Fissore
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, 661 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01003-9286, USA
| | - John Parrington
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK
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18
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Kashir J, Buntwal L, Nomikos M, Calver BL, Stamatiadis P, Ashley P, Vassilakopoulou V, Sanders D, Knaggs P, Livaniou E, Bunkheila A, Swann K, Lai FA. Antigen unmasking enhances visualization efficacy of the oocyte activation factor, phospholipase C zeta, in mammalian sperm. Mol Hum Reprod 2016; 23:54-67. [PMID: 27932551 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaw073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2016] [Revised: 09/23/2016] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is it possible to improve clinical visualization of phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ) as a diagnostic marker of sperm oocyte activation capacity and male fertility? SUMMARY ANSWER Poor PLCζ visualization efficacy using current protocols may be due to steric or conformational occlusion of native PLCζ, hindering antibody access, and is significantly enhanced using antigen unmasking/retrieval (AUM) protocols. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Mammalian oocyte activation is mediated via a series of intracellular calcium (Ca2+) oscillations induced by sperm-specific PLCζ. PLCζ represents not only a potential clinical therapeutic in cases of oocyte activation deficiency but also a diagnostic marker of sperm fertility. However, there are significant concerns surrounding PLCζ antibody specificity and detection protocols. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE DURATION Two PLCζ polyclonal antibodies, with confirmed PLCζ specificity, were employed in mouse, porcine and human sperm. Experiments evaluated PLCζ visualization efficacy, and whether AUM improved this. Antibodies against two sperm-specific proteins [post-acrosomal WW-binding protein (PAWP) and acrosin] were used as controls. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Aldehyde- and methanol-fixed sperm were subject to immunofluorescence analysis following HCl exposure (pH = 0.1-0.5), acid Tyrode's solution exposure (pH = 2.5) or heating in 10 mM sodium citrate solution (pH = 6.0). Fluorescence intensity of at least 300 cells was recorded for each treatment, with three independent repeats. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Despite high specificity for native PLCζ following immunoblotting using epitope-specific polyclonal PLCζ antibodies in mouse, porcine and human sperm, immunofluorescent visualization efficacy was poor. In contrast, sperm markers PAWP and acrosin exhibited relatively impressive results. All methods of AUM on aldehyde-fixed sperm enhanced visualization efficacy for PLCζ compared to visualization efficacy before AUM (P < 0.05 for all AUM interventions), but exerted no significant change upon PAWP or acrosin immunofluorescence following AUM. All methods of AUM enhanced PLCζ visualization efficacy in mouse and human methanol-fixed sperm compared to without AUM (P < 0.05 for all AUM interventions), while no significant change was observed in methanol-fixed porcine sperm before and after. In the absence of aldehyde-induced cross-linkages, such results suggest that poor PLCζ visualization efficacy may be due to steric or conformational occlusion of native PLCζ, hindering antibody access. Importantly, examination of sperm from individual donors revealed that AUM differentially affects observable PLCζ fluorescence, and the proportion of sperm exhibiting detectable PLCζ fluorescence in sperm from different males. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Direct correlation of fertility outcomes with the level of PLCζ in the sperm samples studied was not available. Such analyses would be required in future to determine whether the improved methodology for PLCζ visualization we propose would indeed reflect fertility status. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS We propose that AUM alters conformational interactions to enhance PLCζ epitope availability and visualization efficacy, supporting prospective application of AUM to reduce misinterpretation in clinical diagnosis of PLCζ-linked male infertility. Our current results suggest that it is perhaps prudent that previous studies investigating links between PLCζ and fertility parameters are re-examined in the context of AUM, and may pave the way for future work to answer significant questions such as how PLCζ appears to be kept in an inactive form in the sperm. LARGE SCALE DATA Not applicable. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS J.K. is supported by a Health Fellowship award from the National Institute for Social Care and Health Research (NISCHR). M.N. is supported by a Marie Curie Intra-European Research Fellowship award. This work was also partly funded by a research grant from Cook Medical Technologies LLC. There are no competing financial interests to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junaid Kashir
- College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Schools of Bioscience & Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK .,Alfaisal University, College of Medicine, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Department of Comparative Medicine, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Luke Buntwal
- College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Schools of Bioscience & Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Michail Nomikos
- Qatar University, College of Medicine, PO BOX 2713, Doha, Qatar.,School of Medicine, Cardiff University, UK
| | - Brian L Calver
- College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Schools of Bioscience & Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Panagiotis Stamatiadis
- College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Schools of Bioscience & Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Peter Ashley
- Wales Fertility Institute, University Hospital Wales, Cardiff, UK
| | | | - David Sanders
- Wales Fertility Institute, University Hospital Wales, Cardiff, UK
| | - Paul Knaggs
- Wales Fertility Institute, University Hospital Wales, Cardiff, UK
| | - Evangelia Livaniou
- National Center for Scientific Research 'Demokritos', 15310 Aghia Paraskevi, Greece
| | - Adnan Bunkheila
- Wales Fertility Institute, University Hospital Wales, Cardiff, UK
| | - Karl Swann
- College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Schools of Bioscience & Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - F Anthony Lai
- College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Schools of Bioscience & Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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Nakai M, Suzuki SI, Ito J, Fuchimoto DI, Sembon S, Noguchi J, Onishi A, Kashiwazaki N, Kikuchi K. Efficient pig ICSI using Percoll-selected spermatozoa; evidence for the essential role of phospholipase C-ζ in ICSI success. J Reprod Dev 2016; 62:639-643. [PMID: 27725346 PMCID: PMC5177984 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2016-103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
In pigs, the damaged sperm membrane leads to leakage of phospholipase C-ζ (PLCζ), which has been identified as a sperm factor, and a reduction of
oocyte-activating ability. In this study, we investigated whether sperm selected by Percoll gradient centrifugation (Percoll) have sufficient PLCζ, and whether
the efficiency of fertilization and blastocyst formation after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) using Percoll-selected sperm can be improved.
Percoll-selected sperm (Percoll group) or sperm without Percoll selection (Control group) were used. A proportion of the oocytes injected with control sperm
were subjected to electrical stimulation at 1 h after ICSI (Cont + ES group). It was found that the Percoll group showed a large amount of PLCζ in comparison
with the Control group. Furthermore, application of Percoll-selected sperm for ICSI increased the efficiency of fertilization and embryo development. Thus,
these results indicate the Percoll-selected sperm have sufficient PLCζ and high oocyte-activating ability after ICSI in pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michiko Nakai
- Division of Animal Sciences, Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Ibaraki 305-8602, Japan
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20
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Nakai M, Ito J, Suzuki SI, Fuchimoto DI, Sembon S, Suzuki M, Noguchi J, Kaneko H, Onishi A, Kashiwazaki N, Kikuchi K. Lack of calcium oscillation causes failure of oocyte activation after intracytoplasmic sperm injection in pigs. J Reprod Dev 2016; 62:615-621. [PMID: 27725347 PMCID: PMC5177980 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2016-113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In pigs, the efficiency of embryo production after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is still low because of frequent failure of normal fertilization,
which involves formation of two polar bodies and two pronuclei. To clarify the reasons for this, we hypothesized that ICSI does not properly trigger
sperm-induced fertilization events, especially intracellular Ca2+ signaling, also known as Ca2+ oscillation. We also suspected that the
use of in vitro-matured oocytes might negatively affect fertilization events and embryonic development of sperm-injected oocytes. Therefore, we
compared the patterns of Ca2+ oscillation, the efficiency of oocyte activation and normal fertilization, and embryo development to the blastocyst
stage among in vivo- or in vitro-matured oocytes after ICSI or in vitro fertilization (IVF). Unexpectedly, we
found that the pattern of Ca2+ oscillation, such as the frequency and amplitude of Ca2+ rises, in oocytes after ICSI was similar to that
in oocytes after IVF, irrespective of the oocyte source. However, half of the oocytes failed to become activated after ICSI and showed no Ca2+
oscillation. Moreover, the embryonic development of normal fertilized oocytes was reduced when in vitro-matured oocytes were used, irrespective
of the fertilization method employed. These findings suggest that low embryo production efficiency after ICSI is attributable mainly to poor developmental
ability of in vitro-matured oocytes and a lack of Ca2+ oscillation, rather than the pattern of oscillation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michiko Nakai
- Division of Animal Sciences, Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Ibaraki 305-8602, Japan
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21
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Machaty Z. Signal transduction in mammalian oocytes during fertilization. Cell Tissue Res 2016; 363:169-183. [PMID: 26453398 PMCID: PMC4700098 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-015-2291-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2015] [Accepted: 08/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian embryo development begins when the fertilizing sperm triggers a series of elevations in the oocyte's intracellular free Ca(2+) concentration. The elevations are the result of repeated release and re-uptake of Ca(2+) stored in the smooth endoplasmic reticulum. Ca(2+) release is primarily mediated by the phosphoinositide signaling system of the oocyte. The system is stimulated when the sperm causes the hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) into inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) and diacylglycerol (DAG); IP3 then binds its receptor on the surface of the endoplasmic reticulum that induces Ca(2+) release. The manner in which the sperm generates IP3, the Ca(2+) mobilizing second messenger, has been the subject of extensive research for a long time. The sperm factor hypothesis has eventually gained general acceptance, according to which it is a molecule from the sperm that diffuses into the ooplasm and stimulates the phosphoinositide cascade. Much evidence now indicates that the sperm-derived factor is phospholipase C-zeta (PLCζ) that cleaves PIP2 and generates IP3, eventually leading to oocyte activation. A recent addition to the candidate sperm factor list is the post-acrosomal sheath WW domain-binding protein (PAWP), whose role at fertilization is currently under debate. Ca(2+) influx across the plasma membrane is also important as, in the absence of extracellular Ca(2+), the oscillations run down prematurely. In pig oocytes, the influx that sustains the oscillations seems to be regulated by the filling status of the stores, whereas in the mouse other mechanisms might be involved. This work summarizes the current understanding of Ca(2+) signaling in mammalian oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoltan Machaty
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, 915 W. State Street, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
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22
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Abstract
The most fundamental unresolved issue of fertilization is to define how the sperm activates the egg to begin embryo development. Egg activation at fertilization in all species thus far examined is caused by some form of transient increase in the cytoplasmic free Ca2+ concentration. What has not been clear, however, is precisely how the sperm triggers the large changes in Ca2+ observed within the egg cytoplasm. Here, we review the studies indicating that the fertilizing sperm stimulates a cytosolic Ca2+ increase in the egg specifically by delivering a soluble factor that diffuses into the cytosolic space of the egg upon gamete membrane fusion. Evidence is primarily considered in species of eggs where the sperm has been shown to elicit a cytosolic Ca2+ increase by initiating Ca2+ release from intracellular Ca2+ stores. We suggest that our best understanding of these signaling events is in mammals, where the sperm triggers a prolonged series of intracellular Ca2+ oscillations. The strongest empirical studies to date suggest that mammalian sperm-triggered Ca2+ oscillations are caused by the introduction of a sperm-specific protein, called phospholipase C-zeta (PLCζ) that generates inositol trisphosphate within the egg. We will discuss the role and mechanism of action of PLCζ in detail at a molecular and cellular level. We will also consider some of the evidence that a soluble sperm protein might be involved in egg activation in nonmammalian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl Swann
- College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - F. Anthony Lai
- College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
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Lee HC, Yoon SY, Lykke-Hartmann K, Fissore RA, Carvacho I. TRPV3 channels mediate Ca2+ influx induced by 2-APB in mouse eggs. Cell Calcium 2016; 59:21-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2015.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Revised: 12/09/2015] [Accepted: 12/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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24
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Cheon YP, Kim CH. Impact of glycosylation on the unimpaired functions of the sperm. Clin Exp Reprod Med 2015; 42:77-85. [PMID: 26473106 PMCID: PMC4604297 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2015.42.3.77] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Revised: 09/20/2015] [Accepted: 09/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the key factors of early development is the specification of competence between the oocyte and the sperm, which occurs during gametogenesis. However, the starting point, growth, and maturation for acquiring competence during spermatogenesis and oogenesis in mammals are very different. Spermatogenesis includes spermiogenesis, but such a metamorphosis is not observed during oogenesis. Glycosylation, a ubiquitous modification, is a preliminary requisite for distribution of the structural and functional components of spermatids for metamorphosis. In addition, glycosylation using epididymal or female genital secretory glycans is an important process for the sperm maturation, the acquisition of the potential for fertilization, and the acceleration of early embryo development. However, nonemzymatic unexpected covalent bonding of a carbohydrate and malglycosylation can result in falling fertility rates as shown in the diabetic male. So far, glycosylation during spermatogenesis and the dynamics of the plasma membrane in the process of capacitation and fertilization have been evaluated, and a powerful role of glycosylation in spermatogenesis and early development is also suggested by structural bioinformatics, functional genomics, and functional proteomics. Further understanding of glycosylation is needed to provide a better understanding of fertilization and embryo development and for the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic tools for infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Pil Cheon
- Division of Developmental Biology and Physiology, School of Biosciences and Chemistry, Sungshin Women's University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chung-Hoon Kim
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Asan Medical Center, College of Medicine, University of Ulsan, Seoul, Korea
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25
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Nomikos M, Sanders JR, Kashir J, Sanusi R, Buntwal L, Love D, Ashley P, Sanders D, Knaggs P, Bunkheila A, Swann K, Lai FA. Functional disparity between human PAWP and PLCζ in the generation of Ca2+ oscillations for oocyte activation. Mol Hum Reprod 2015; 21:702-10. [PMID: 26116451 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gav034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2015] [Accepted: 06/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian oocyte activation is mediated by cytosolic calcium (Ca(2+)) oscillations initiated upon delivery of a putative 'sperm factor' by the fertilizing sperm. Previous studies suggest the identity of this sperm factor as the testis-specific phospholipase C-zeta (PLCζ). Recently, a post-acrosomal sheath WW domain-binding protein (PAWP) has been proposed as an alternative sperm factor candidate, following a report that human PAWP protein and cRNA elicited Ca(2+) oscillations in mouse and human oocytes. Those Ca(2+) oscillations were inhibited by a PAWP-derived peptide corresponding to a functional PPGY binding motif. Herein, using a series of human PAWP expression constructs, we demonstrate that both human PAWP protein and cRNA are, in our experiments, unable to elicit Ca(2+) release following microinjection into mouse oocytes. Parallel experiments performed with human PLCζ elicited the characteristic Ca(2+) oscillations present at mammalian fertilization, which produced oocyte activation and embryo development. Furthermore, sperm-induced Ca(2+) oscillations were not inhibited by the PAWP-derived PPGY peptide following in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Thus, the functional disparity with PLCζ leads us to conclude that human PAWP is neither sufficient nor necessary for the Ca(2+) oscillations that initiate mammalian oocyte activation at fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michail Nomikos
- Institute of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Jessica R Sanders
- Institute of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Junaid Kashir
- Institute of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Randa Sanusi
- Institute of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Luke Buntwal
- Institute of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Daniel Love
- Institute of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Peter Ashley
- Wales Fertility Institute, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff CF14 4XW, UK
| | - David Sanders
- Wales Fertility Institute, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff CF14 4XW, UK
| | - Paul Knaggs
- Wales Fertility Institute, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff CF14 4XW, UK
| | - Adnan Bunkheila
- Wales Fertility Institute, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff CF14 4XW, UK
| | - Karl Swann
- Institute of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - F Anthony Lai
- Institute of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
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Abstract
Egg activation is the first step of embryonic development and in mammals is triggered by a series of cytoplasmic calcium (Ca2+) oscillations. Sperm–egg fusion initiates these Ca2+ oscillations by introducing a sperm-specific protein factor into the egg cytoplasm. Substantial evidence indicates that this protein is a sperm-specific phospholipase C (PLC), termed PLC-zeta (PLCζ). PLCζ stimulates cytoplasmic Ca2+ oscillations matching those at fertilization triggering early embryonic development in several mammalian species. Structurally, PLCζ is comprised of four EF-hands, a C2 domain, and X and Y catalytic domains. PLCζ is an unusual PLC since it lacks a pleckstrin homology (PH) domain. It is also distinctive in that its X–Y linker is not involved in auto-inhibition of catalytic activity, but instead binds to phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2). Moreover, relative to other PLC isoforms, PLCζ possesses unique potency in stimulating Ca2+ oscillations in eggs, although it does not appear to bind to plasma membrane PIP2. In contrast, PLCζ appears to interact with intracellular vesicles in eggs that contain PIP2. I discuss the recent advances in our knowledge of the intriguing biochemical and physiological properties of sperm PLCζ and postulate potential roles for PLCζ in terms of clinical diagnosis and therapy for certain forms of male infertility.
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27
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Kashir J, Nomikos M, Swann K, Lai FA. PLCζ or PAWP: revisiting the putative mammalian sperm factor that triggers egg activation and embryogenesis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 21:383-8. [DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gav009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2015] [Accepted: 02/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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28
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Escoffier J, Yassine S, Lee HC, Martinez G, Delaroche J, Coutton C, Karaouzène T, Zouari R, Metzler-Guillemain C, Pernet-Gallay K, Hennebicq S, Ray PF, Fissore R, Arnoult C. Subcellular localization of phospholipase Cζ in human sperm and its absence in DPY19L2-deficient sperm are consistent with its role in oocyte activation. Mol Hum Reprod 2014; 21:157-68. [PMID: 25354701 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gau098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We recently identified the DPY19L2 gene as the main genetic cause of human globozoospermia (70%) and described that Dpy19l2 knockout (KO) mice faithfully reproduce the human phenotype of globozoospermia making it an excellent model to characterize the molecular physiopathology of globozoospermia. Recent case studies on non-genetically characterized men with globozoospermia showed that phospholipase C, zeta (PLCζ), the sperm factor thought to induce the Ca(2+) oscillations at fertilization, was absent from their sperm, explaining the poor fertilization potential of these spermatozoa. Since 30% of globozoospermic men remain genetically uncharacterized, the absence of PLCζ in DPY19L2 globozoospermic men remains to be formally established. Moreover, the precise localization of PLCζ and the reasons underlying its loss during spermatogenesis in globozoospermic patients are still not understood. Herein, we show that PLCζ is absent, or its presence highly reduced, in human and mouse sperm with DPY19L2-associated globozoospermia. As a consequence, fertilization with sperm from Dpy19l2 KO mice failed to initiate Ca(2+) oscillations and injected oocytes remained arrested at the metaphase II stage, although a few human oocytes injected with DPY19L2-defective sperm showed formation of 2-pronuclei embryos. We report for the first time the subcellular localization of PLCζ in control human sperm, which is along the inner acrosomal membrane and in the perinuclear theca, in the area corresponding to the equatorial region. Because these cellular components are absent in globozoospermic sperm, the loss of PLCζ in globozoospermic sperm is thus consistent and reinforces the role of PLCζ as an oocyte activation factor necessary for oocyte activation. In our companion article, we showed that chromatin compaction during spermiogenesis in Dpy19l2 KO mouse is defective and leads to sperm DNA damage. Together, these defects explain the poor fertilization potential of DPY19L2-globozoospermic sperm and the compromised developmental potential of embryos obtained using sperm from patients with a deletion of the DPY19L2 gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Escoffier
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble F-38000, France Equipe 'Andrologie, Génétique et Cancer' Laboratoire AGIM, CNRS FRE3405, La Tronche F-38700, France
| | - Sandra Yassine
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble F-38000, France Equipe 'Andrologie, Génétique et Cancer' Laboratoire AGIM, CNRS FRE3405, La Tronche F-38700, France
| | - Hoi Chang Lee
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, 661 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Guillaume Martinez
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble F-38000, France Equipe 'Andrologie, Génétique et Cancer' Laboratoire AGIM, CNRS FRE3405, La Tronche F-38700, France
| | - Julie Delaroche
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble F-38000, France Grenoble Institut des Neurosciences, INSERM U.836, F-38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Charles Coutton
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble F-38000, France Equipe 'Andrologie, Génétique et Cancer' Laboratoire AGIM, CNRS FRE3405, La Tronche F-38700, France CHU de Grenoble, UF de Génétique Chromosomique, Grenoble F-38000, France
| | - Thomas Karaouzène
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble F-38000, France Equipe 'Andrologie, Génétique et Cancer' Laboratoire AGIM, CNRS FRE3405, La Tronche F-38700, France
| | - Raoudha Zouari
- Clinique des Jasmins, 23, Av. Louis BRAILLE, 1002 Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Catherine Metzler-Guillemain
- Aix-Marseille Université-Inserm UMR 910, Génétique Médicale et Génomique Fonctionnelle, 13385 Marseille Cedex 5, France APHM Hôpital La Conception, Gynépôle, Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction - CECOS, 13385 Marseille Cedex 5, France
| | - Karin Pernet-Gallay
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble F-38000, France Grenoble Institut des Neurosciences, INSERM U.836, F-38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Sylviane Hennebicq
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble F-38000, France CHU de Grenoble, Centre d'AMP-CECOS, BP217, Grenoble Cedex 9 F-38043, France
| | - Pierre F Ray
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble F-38000, France Equipe 'Andrologie, Génétique et Cancer' Laboratoire AGIM, CNRS FRE3405, La Tronche F-38700, France CHU de Grenoble, UF de Biochimie et Génétique Moléculaire, Grenoble F-38000, France
| | - Rafael Fissore
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, 661 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Christophe Arnoult
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble F-38000, France Equipe 'Andrologie, Génétique et Cancer' Laboratoire AGIM, CNRS FRE3405, La Tronche F-38700, France
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Lee HC, Arny M, Grow D, Dumesic D, Fissore RA, Jellerette-Nolan T. Protein phospholipase C Zeta1 expression in patients with failed ICSI but with normal sperm parameters. J Assist Reprod Genet 2014; 31:749-56. [PMID: 24756570 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-014-0229-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2014] [Accepted: 03/26/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study was conducted to determine if expression of the testis-specific phospholipase C Zeta1 (PLCZ1) correlated with low success or fertilization failure after ICSI in patients with normal parameters after standard semen analysis (SA). METHODS Couples <43 years with one or two failed or low fertilization ICSI cycles. Standard Semen Analysis (SA) was performed to determine sperm parameters in male partners, whereas females were evaluated for antral follicle counts (AFC), day 3 FSH levels and peak Estradiol (E2) levels. The presence of PLCZ1 in sperm was ascertained using Western blotting and Immunofluorescence (IF) analysis. The ability of sperm to initiate changes in the intracellular concentrations of free calcium ([Ca(2+)]i), which is characteristic of mammalian sperm, was performed after injection of human sperm into mouse eggs loaded with the Ca(2+) sensitive dye fura-2 AM. RESULTS Male partners of couples with failed or low success ICSI fertilization but with normal SA parameters showed low expression levels of PLCZ1 as determined by western blotting and reduced fluorescent signal during IF studies. In addition, fewer of these males' sperm showed PLCZ1 expression and were able to initiate robust [Ca(2+)]i oscillations upon injection into eggs. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that in patients with normal SA parameters but with repeated low fertilization or outright failed fertilization results after ICSI, abnormal PLCZ1 function should be considered as the underlying mechanism responsible for the failure of fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoi Chang Lee
- Graduate Program in Animal Biotechnology and Biomedical Sciences, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
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Kashir J, Nomikos M, Lai FA, Swann K. Sperm-induced Ca2+ release during egg activation in mammals. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2014; 450:1204-11. [PMID: 24769204 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2014.04.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2014] [Accepted: 04/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
This review discusses the role that the sperm-specific phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ) is proposed to play during the fertilization of mammalian eggs. At fertilization, the sperm initiates development by causing a series of oscillations in cytosolic concentrations of calcium [Ca(2)] within the egg. PLCζ mimics the sperm at fertilization, causing the same pattern of Ca(2+) release as seen at fertilization. Introducing PLCζ into mouse eggs also mimics a number of other features of the way in which the fertilizing sperm triggers Ca(2+) oscillations. We discuss the localization of PLCζ within the egg and present a hypothesis about the localization of PLCζ within the sperm before the initiation of fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junaid Kashir
- Institute of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Michail Nomikos
- Institute of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - F Anthony Lai
- Institute of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Karl Swann
- Institute of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK.
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Arias ME, Sánchez R, Risopatrón J, Pérez L, Felmer R. Effect of sperm pretreatment with sodium hydroxide and dithiothreitol on the efficiency of bovine intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Reprod Fertil Dev 2014; 26:847-54. [DOI: 10.1071/rd13009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2013] [Accepted: 05/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The efficiency of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in bovines is lower than in other species due, in part, to a lack of optimal conditions for its implementation; this has hindered the achievement of high rates of embryonic development and the birth of live offspring. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of pretreatment of bovine spermatozoa with NaOH and dithiothreitol (DTT) on the viability, plasma membrane integrity, DNA fragmentation and in vitro developmental potential of embryos generated by ICSI. Following pretreatment of spermatozoa with 5 mM DTT for 20 min and a low concentration of NaOH (1 mM for 60 min), there were fewer live and acrosome reacted spermatozoa (44% and 34%, respectively) than in the control group without treatment (82%). Spermatozoa subjected to higher alkali concentrations (10–50 mM) were mostly dead and reacted. However, pronuclear formation, cleavage, blastocyst rate and embryo quality did not differ between these pretreatment groups and the untreated control group. In conclusion, we have described, for the first time, the effects of NaOH treatment on bovine spermatozoa and subsequent in vitro embryonic development after ICSI, and have demonstrated that pretreatment of bovine spermatozoa with NaOH or DTT is not necessary for an appropriate in vitro embryo development in this species.
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Carvacho I, Lee HC, Fissore RA, Clapham DE. TRPV3 channels mediate strontium-induced mouse-egg activation. Cell Rep 2013; 5:1375-86. [PMID: 24316078 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2013.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2013] [Revised: 10/02/2013] [Accepted: 11/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, calcium influx is required for oocyte maturation and egg activation. The molecular identities of the calcium-permeant channels that underlie the initiation of embryonic development are not established. Here, we describe a transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channel current activated by TRP agonists that is absent in TrpV3(-/-) eggs. TRPV3 current is differentially expressed during oocyte maturation, reaching a peak of maximum density and activity at metaphase of meiosis II (MII), the stage of fertilization. Selective activation of TRPV3 channels provokes egg activation by mediating massive calcium entry. Widely used to activate eggs, strontium application is known to yield normal offspring in combination with somatic cell nuclear transfer. We show that TRPV3 is required for strontium influx, because TrpV3(-/-) eggs failed to conduct Sr(2+) or undergo strontium-induced activation. We propose that TRPV3 is a major mediator of calcium influx in mouse eggs and is a putative target for artificial egg activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Carvacho
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Hoi Chang Lee
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Rafael A Fissore
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - David E Clapham
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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Nomikos M, Kashir J, Swann K, Lai FA. Sperm PLCζ: from structure to Ca2+ oscillations, egg activation and therapeutic potential. FEBS Lett 2013; 587:3609-16. [PMID: 24157362 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2013.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2013] [Revised: 10/12/2013] [Accepted: 10/14/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Significant evidence now supports the assertion that cytosolic calcium oscillations during fertilization in mammalian eggs are mediated by a testis-specific phospholipase C (PLC), termed PLC-zeta (PLCζ) that is released into the egg following gamete fusion. Herein, we describe the current paradigm of PLCζ in this fundamental biological process, summarizing recent important advances in our knowledge of the biochemical and physiological properties of this enzyme. We describe the data suggesting that PLCζ has distinct features amongst PLCs enabling the hydrolysis of its substrate, phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) at low Ca(2+) levels. PLCζ appears to be unique in its ability to target PIP2 that is present on intracellular vesicles. We also discuss evidence that PLCζ may be a significant factor in human fertility with potential therapeutic capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michail Nomikos
- Institute of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, WHRI, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Heath Park, CF144XN Cardiff, UK.
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Villaverde AISB, Fioratti EG, Fissore RA, He C, Lee HC, Souza FF, Landim-Alvarenga FC, Lopes MD. Identification of phospholipase C zeta in normospermic and teratospermic domestic cat sperm. Theriogenology 2013; 80:722-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2013.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2013] [Revised: 06/07/2013] [Accepted: 06/10/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Identification of phospholipase activity in Rhinella arenarum sperm extract capable of inducing oocyte activation. ZYGOTE 2013; 22:483-95. [PMID: 24016596 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199413000348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Egg activation, which includes cortical granule exocytosis, resumption and completion of meiosis and pronuclear formation culminates in the first mitotic cleavage. However, the mechanism through which the fertilizing sperm induces this phenomenon is still controversial. We investigated the effect of the microinjection of homologous sperm soluble fractions obtained by fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC) from reacted sperm (without acrosome) and non-reacted sperm on the activation of Rhinella arenarum oocytes matured in vitro. The FPLC-purified sperm fraction obtained from reacted or non-reacted sperm is able to induce oocyte activation when it is microinjected. This fraction has a 24 kDa protein and showed phospholipase C (PLC) activity in vitro, which was inhibited by D-609 but not by n-butanol or neomycin, suggesting that it is a PLC that is specific for phosphatidylcholine (PC-PLC). The assays conducted using inhibitors of inositol triphosphate (IP3) and ryanodine receptors (RyRs) indicate that the fraction with biological activity would act mainly through the cADPr (cyclic ADP ribose) pathway. Moreover, protein kinase C (PKC) inhibition blocks the activation produced by the same fraction. Immunocytochemical studies indicate that this PC-PLC can be found throughout the sperm head.
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Kashir J, Deguchi R, Jones C, Coward K, Stricker SA. Comparative biology of sperm factors and fertilization-induced calcium signals across the animal kingdom. Mol Reprod Dev 2013; 80:787-815. [PMID: 23900730 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2013] [Accepted: 07/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Fertilization causes mature oocytes or eggs to increase their concentrations of intracellular calcium ions (Ca²⁺) in all animals that have been examined, and such Ca²⁺ elevations, in turn, provide key activating signals that are required for non-parthenogenetic development. Several lines of evidence indicate that the Ca²⁺ transients produced during fertilization in mammals and other taxa are triggered by soluble factors that sperm deliver into oocytes after gamete fusion. Thus, for a broad-based analysis of Ca²⁺ dynamics during fertilization in animals, this article begins by summarizing data on soluble sperm factors in non-mammalian species, and subsequently reviews various topics related to a sperm-specific phospholipase C, called PLCζ, which is believed to be the predominant activator of mammalian oocytes. After characterizing initiation processes that involve sperm factors or alternative triggering mechanisms, the spatiotemporal patterns of Ca²⁺ signals in fertilized oocytes or eggs are compared in a taxon-by-taxon manner, and broadly classified as either a single major transient or a series of repetitive oscillations. Both solitary and oscillatory types of fertilization-induced Ca²⁺ signals are typically propagated as global waves that depend on Ca²⁺ release from the endoplasmic reticulum in response to increased concentrations of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP₃). Thus, for taxa where relevant data are available, upstream pathways that elevate intraoocytic IP3 levels during fertilization are described, while other less-common modes of producing Ca²⁺ transients are also examined. In addition, the importance of fertilization-induced Ca²⁺ signals for activating development is underscored by noting some major downstream effects of these signals in various animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junaid Kashir
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, UK
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Sato K, Wakai T, Seita Y, Takizawa A, Fissore RA, Ito J, Kashiwazaki N. Molecular characteristics of horse phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ). Anim Sci J 2013; 84:359-68. [PMID: 23590511 DOI: 10.1111/asj.12044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2012] [Accepted: 12/17/2012] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
A sperm-specific phospholipase C (PLC), PLCzeta (PLCζ), is thought to underlie the initiation of calcium ([Ca(2+) ]i ) oscillations that induce egg activation in mammals. In large domestic species, only bovine, porcine and recently equine PLCζ have been cloned, and the physiological functions of these molecules have not been fully characterized. Here, we evaluated the physiological functions of equine PLCζ (ePLCζ) in mouse oocytes. ePLCζ was cloned from testis using RT-PCR. The expression of ePLCζ messenger RNA was confirmed in testis but not in other tissues. Microinjection of ePLCζ complementary RNA (cRNA) into mouse oocytes induced long-lasting [Ca(2+) ]i oscillations, and most of the injected oocytes formed pronuclei (PN). The injection of cRNAs encoding horse, mouse, human and cow PLCζ into mouse oocytes showed that ePLCζ had the highest [Ca(2+) ]i oscillation-inducing activity among the species tested. Mutation of D202R, which renders the protein inactive, abrogated the activity of ePLCζ. The nuclear translocation ability of ePLCζ was defective when expressed in mouse oocytes. Taken together, our findings show for the first time that ePLCζ has highest activity of the mammalian species studied to date. Our findings will be useful for the improvement of reproductive technologies in the horse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kana Sato
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Azabu University, Sagamihara 252-5201, Japan
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Variance in total levels of phospholipase C zeta (PLC-ζ) in human sperm may limit the applicability of quantitative immunofluorescent analysis as a diagnostic indicator of oocyte activation capability. Fertil Steril 2012; 99:107-117.e3. [PMID: 23040527 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2012.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2012] [Revised: 07/13/2012] [Accepted: 09/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine whether similar levels of phospholipase C zeta (PLC-ζ) protein are present in sperm from men whose ejaculates resulted in normal oocyte activation, and to examine whether a predominant pattern of PLC-ζ localization is linked to normal oocyte activation ability. DESIGN Laboratory study. SETTING University laboratory. PATIENT(S) Control subjects (men with proven oocyte activation capacity; n = 16) and men whose sperm resulted in recurrent intracytoplasmic sperm injection failure (oocyte activation deficient [OAD]; n = 5). INTERVENTION(S) Quantitative immunofluorescent analysis of PLC-ζ protein in human sperm. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Total levels of PLC-ζ fluorescence, proportions of sperm exhibiting PLC-ζ immunoreactivity, and proportions of PLC-ζ localization patterns in sperm from control and OAD men. RESULT(S) Sperm from control subjects presented a significantly higher proportion of sperm exhibiting PLC-ζ immunofluorescence compared with infertile men diagnosed with OAD (82.6% and 27.4%, respectively). Total levels of PLC-ζ in sperm from individual control and OAD patients exhibited significant variance, with sperm from 10 out of 16 (62.5%) exhibiting levels similar to OAD samples. Predominant PLC-ζ localization patterns varied between control and OAD samples with no predictable or consistent pattern. CONCLUSION(S) The results indicate that sperm from control men exhibited significant variance in total levels of PLC-ζ protein, as well as significant variance in the predominant localization pattern. Such variance may hinder the diagnostic application of quantitative PLC-ζ immunofluorescent analysis.
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Bedford-Guaus SJ, McPartlin LA, Varner DD. Characterization of Equine Phospholipase C Zeta: A Review and Preliminary Results on Expression Defects in Subfertile Stallions. J Equine Vet Sci 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2012.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Ramadan WM, Kashir J, Jones C, Coward K. Oocyte activation and phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ): diagnostic and therapeutic implications for assisted reproductive technology. Cell Commun Signal 2012; 10:12. [PMID: 22591604 PMCID: PMC3393615 DOI: 10.1186/1478-811x-10-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2012] [Accepted: 05/16/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility affects one in seven couples globally and has recently been classified as a disease by the World Health Organisation (WHO). While in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) offers effective treatment for many infertile couples, cases exhibiting severe male infertility (19-57%) often remain difficult, if not impossible to treat. In such cases, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), a technique in which a single sperm is microinjected into the oocyte, is implemented. However, 1-5% of ICSI cycles still fail to fertilise, affecting over 1000 couples per year in the UK alone. Pregnancy and delivery rates for IVF and ICSI rarely exceed 30% and 23% respectively. It is therefore imperative that Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) protocols are constantly modified by associated research programmes, in order to provide patients with the best chances of conception. Prior to fertilisation, mature oocytes are arrested in the metaphase stage of the second meiotic division (MII), which must be alleviated to allow the cell cycle, and subsequent embryogenesis, to proceed. Alleviation occurs through a series of concurrent events, collectively termed 'oocyte activation'. In mammals, oocytes are activated by a series of intracellular calcium (Ca2+) oscillations following gamete fusion. Recent evidence implicates a sperm-specific phospholipase C, PLCzeta (PLCζ), introduced into the oocyte following membrane fusion as the factor responsible. This review summarises our current understanding of oocyte activation failure in human males, and describes recent advances in our knowledge linking certain cases of male infertility with defects in PLCζ expression and activity. Systematic literature searches were performed using PubMed and the ISI-Web of Knowledge. Databases compiled by the United Nations and World Health Organisation databases (UNWHO), and the Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority (HFEA) were also scrutinised. It is clear that PLCζ plays a fundamental role in the activation of mammalian oocytes, and that genetic, molecular, or biochemical perturbation of this key enzyme is strongly linked to human infertility where oocyte activation is deficient. Consequently, there is significant scope for our understanding of PLCζ to be translated to the ART clinic, both as a novel therapeutic agent with which to rescue oocyte activation deficiency (OAD), or as a prognostic/diagnostic biomarker of oocyte activation ability in target sperm samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walaa M Ramadan
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women’s Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3, 9DU, UK
| | - Junaid Kashir
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women’s Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3, 9DU, UK
| | - Celine Jones
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women’s Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3, 9DU, UK
| | - Kevin Coward
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women’s Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3, 9DU, UK
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Kashir J, Konstantinidis M, Jones C, Heindryckx B, De Sutter P, Parrington J, Wells D, Coward K. Characterization of two heterozygous mutations of the oocyte activation factor phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ) from an infertile man by use of minisequencing of individual sperm and expression in somatic cells. Fertil Steril 2012; 98:423-31. [PMID: 22633260 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2012.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2012] [Revised: 05/02/2012] [Accepted: 05/02/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the underlying factors leading to infertility in a male patient from whom phospholipase C zeta H398P (PLCζ(H398P), histidine > proline) and PLCζ(H233L) (histidine > leucine) mutations were previously identified. DESIGN Laboratory-based study. SETTING University laboratory. PATIENT(S) An infertile 38-year-old man with significantly impaired oocyte activation ability. INTERVENTION(S) Minisequencing of individual sperm for PLCζ(H398P) and PLCζ(H233L), and investigation of localization patterns arising from the expression of fluorescently tagged PLCζ isoforms in HEK293T cells. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) The presence/absence of PLCζ(H398P) and PLCζ(H233L) determined in individual sperm (n = 12 sperm), and localization of fluorescent mutant PLCζ isoforms quantified in HEK293T cells. RESULT(S) Sperm possessed either PLCζ(H233L) or PLCζ(H398P), but never both at the same time. Fluorescent PLCζ(H233L) and PLCζ(H233L+H398P) (both mutations together) localized to discrete regions in HEK293T cytoplasm but not the plasma membrane. Fluorescence statistically significantly varied between constructs such that PLCζ(WT) > mutant isoforms at both 48- and 56-hour time points. Fluorescent-PLCζ(H233L+H398P) exhibited a statistically significantly reduced level of fluorescence compared with PLCζ(H398P) at 48 hours but not 56 hours. CONCLUSION(S) Both H398P and H233L mutations are present on different alleles and do not alter PLCζ localization in HEK293T cells. Loss-of-activity mutations in PLCζ may contribute not only toward male infertility but also male subfertility in cases where PLCζ is mutated on a single allele.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junaid Kashir
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Yoon SY, Eum JH, Lee JE, Lee HC, Kim YS, Han JE, Won HJ, Park SH, Shim SH, Lee WS, Fissore RA, Lee DR, Yoon TK. Recombinant human phospholipase C zeta 1 induces intracellular calcium oscillations and oocyte activation in mouse and human oocytes. Hum Reprod 2012; 27:1768-80. [PMID: 22456923 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/des092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oocyte activation is a crucial step that comprises the release of the oocyte from meiotic arrest, pronuclear formation and subsequent embryo development. Oocytes are activated by repetitive increases in the intracellular concentration of free Ca(2+), [Ca(2+)](i) oscillations, which are triggered during fertilization by the introduction of the sperm-specific phospholipase C zeta 1 (PLCZ1). Recent studies have shown that sperm from patients lacking expression of PLCZ1 or expressing mutant forms of PLCZ1 fail to induce [Ca(2+)](i) oscillations or oocyte activation. We first purified recombinant human PLCZ1 (hPLCZ1) protein and evaluated its [Ca(2+)](i) oscillation activity in mouse and human oocytes with the view to investigate its application in the clinic for assisted oocytes activation in lieu of chemical agents. METHODS Recombinant hPLCZ1 was synthesized using the Escherichia coli system, and subjected to immunoblot analysis with anti-PLCZ1 and anti-His tag antibodies. [Ca(2+)](i) oscillations by microinjection of recombinant hPLCZ1 into mouse or human oocytes were examined by [Ca(2+)](i) monitoring with Fluo 4. Ploidy of the oocytes with recombinant hPLCZ1 injection was confirmed with fluorescence in situ hybridization. RESULTS A band of 68 kDa on recombinant protein was detected with both antibodies. Injection of recombinant hPLCZ1 induced [Ca(2+)](i) oscillations in a dose-dependent manner in both mouse and human oocytes. These oscillations, which closely resembled those initiated by the sperm upon fertilization, triggered activation and cleavage in oocytes of both species, although further development of the mice embryos was low. U73122, a PLC inhibitor, blocked the ability of hPLCZ1 to initiate oscillations. Microinjection of recombinant hPLCZ1 into ICSI-failed human oocytes rescued fertilization failure in five of eight attempts. CONCLUSIONS Repeated [Ca(2+)](i) oscillations and oocyte activation were induced in mouse and human oocytes by microinjection of recombinant hPLCZ1 synthesized in E. Coli. Injection of recombinant protein could thus provide a biological solution for inducing artificial activation of oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sook-Young Yoon
- Fertility Center of CHA Gangnam Medical Center, CHA University, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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The testicular and epididymal expression profile of PLCζ in mouse and human does not support its role as a sperm-borne oocyte activating factor. PLoS One 2012; 7:e33496. [PMID: 22428063 PMCID: PMC3299792 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0033496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2012] [Accepted: 02/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ) is a candidate sperm-borne oocyte activating factor (SOAF) which has recently received attention as a potential biomarker of human male infertility. However, important SOAF attributes of PLCζ, including its developmental expression in mammalian spermiogenesis, its compartmentalization in sperm head perinuclear theca (PT) and its release into the ooplasm during fertilization have not been established and are addressed in this investigation. Different detergent extractions of sperm and head/tail fractions were compared for the presence of PLCζ by immunoblotting. In both human and mouse, the active isoform of PLCζ was detected in sperm fractions other than PT, where SOAF is expected to reside. Developmentally, PLCζ was incorporated as part of the acrosome during the Golgi phase of human and mouse spermiogenesis while diminishing gradually in the acrosome of elongated spermatids. Immunofluorescence localized PLCζ over the surface of the postacrosomal region of mouse and bull and head region of human spermatozoa leading us to examine its secretion in the epididymis. While previously thought to have strictly a testicular expression, PLCζ was found to be expressed and secreted by the epididymal epithelial cells explaining its presence on the sperm head surface. In vitro fertilization (IVF) revealed that PLCζ is no longer detectable after the acrosome reaction occurs on the surface of the zona pellucida and thus is not incorporated into the oocyte cytoplasm for activation. In summary, we show for the first time that PLCζ is compartmentalized as part of the acrosome early in human and mouse spermiogenesis and is secreted during sperm maturation in the epididymis. Most importantly, no evidence was found that PLCζ is incorporated into the detergent-resistant perinuclear theca fraction where SOAF resides.
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Wakai T, Vanderheyden V, Yoon SY, Cheon B, Zhang N, Parys JB, Fissore RA. Regulation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor function during mouse oocyte maturation. J Cell Physiol 2012; 227:705-17. [PMID: 21465476 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.22778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
At the time of fertilization, an increase in the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) underlies egg activation and initiation of development in all species studied to date. The inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP(3)R1), which is mostly located in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) mediates the majority of this Ca(2+) release. The sensitivity of IP(3)R1, that is, its Ca(2+) releasing capability, is increased during oocyte maturation so that the optimum [Ca(2+)](i) response concurs with fertilization, which in mammals occurs at metaphase of second meiosis. Multiple IP(3)R1 modifications affect its sensitivity, including phosphorylation, sub-cellular localization, and ER Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](ER)). Here, we evaluated using mouse oocytes how each of these factors affected IP(3)R1 sensitivity. The capacity for IP(3)-induced Ca(2+) release markedly increased at the germinal vesicle breakdown stage, although oocytes only acquire the ability to initiate fertilization-like oscillations at later stages of maturation. The increase in IP(3)R1 sensitivity was underpinned by an increase in [Ca(2+)](ER) and receptor phosphorylation(s) but not by changes in IP(3)R1 cellular distribution, as inhibition of the former factors reduced Ca(2+) release, whereas inhibition of the latter had no impact. Therefore, the results suggest that the regulation of [Ca(2+)](ER) and IP(3)R1 phosphorylation during maturation enhance IP(3)R1 sensitivity rendering oocytes competent to initiate oscillations at the expected time of fertilization. The temporal discrepancy between the initiation of changes in IP(3)R1 sensitivity and acquisition of mature oscillatory capacity suggest that other mechanisms that regulate Ca(2+) homeostasis also shape the pattern of oscillations in mammalian eggs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Wakai
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA
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Calcium Oscillations, Oocyte Activation, and Phospholipase C zeta. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2012; 740:1095-121. [DOI: 10.1007/978-94-007-2888-2_50] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Kashir J, Konstantinidis M, Jones C, Lemmon B, Lee HC, Hamer R, Heindryckx B, Deane CM, De Sutter P, Fissore RA, Parrington J, Wells D, Coward K. A maternally inherited autosomal point mutation in human phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ) leads to male infertility. Hum Reprod 2011; 27:222-31. [PMID: 22095789 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/der384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Male factor and idiopathic infertility contribute significantly to global infertility, with abnormal testicular gene expression considered to be a major cause. Certain types of male infertility are caused by failure of the sperm to activate the oocyte, a process normally regulated by calcium oscillations, thought to be induced by a sperm-specific phospholipase C, PLCzeta (PLCζ). Previously, we identified a point mutation in an infertile male resulting in the substitution of histidine for proline at position 398 of the protein sequence (PLCζ(H398P)), leading to abnormal PLCζ function and infertility. METHODS AND RESULTS Here, using a combination of direct-sequencing and mini-sequencing of the PLCζ gene from the patient and his family, we report the identification of a second PLCζ mutation in the same patient resulting in a histidine to leucine substitution at position 233 (PLCζ(H233L)), which is predicted to disrupt local protein interactions in a manner similar to PLCζ(H398P) and was shown to exhibit abnormal calcium oscillatory ability following predictive 3D modelling and cRNA injection in mouse oocytes respectively. We show that PLCζ(H233L) and PLCζ(H398P) exist on distinct parental chromosomes, the former inherited from the patient's mother and the latter from his father. Neither mutation was detected utilizing custom-made single-nucleotide polymorphism assays in 100 fertile males and females, or 8 infertile males with characterized oocyte activation deficiency. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, our findings provide further evidence regarding the importance of PLCζ at oocyte activation and forms of male infertility where this is deficient. Additionally, we show that the inheritance patterns underlying male infertility are more complex than previously thought and may involve maternal mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junaid Kashir
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Level 3, Women' s Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
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Kashir J, Jones C, Lee HC, Rietdorf K, Nikiforaki D, Durrans C, Ruas M, Tee ST, Heindryckx B, Galione A, De Sutter P, Fissore RA, Parrington J, Coward K. Loss of activity mutations in phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ) abolishes calcium oscillatory ability of human recombinant protein in mouse oocytes. Hum Reprod 2011; 26:3372-87. [PMID: 22010140 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/der336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mammalian oocyte activation occurs via a series of intracellular calcium (Ca(2+)) oscillations thought to be induced by a sperm-specific phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ). There is now strong evidence to indicate that certain types of human male infertility are caused by failure of the sperm to activate the oocyte in an appropriate manner. Molecular analysis of the PLCζ gene of a male patient with oocyte activation deficiency has previously identified a point mutation causing a histidine to proline substitution at PLCζ residue 398 (PLCζ(H398P)), leading to abnormal Ca(2+) release profiles and reduced oocyte activation efficiency. METHODS AND RESULTS In the present study, we used HEK293T cells to produce recombinant human wild-type PLCζ (PLCζ(WT)) protein which, upon microinjection into mouse oocytes, induced Ca(2+) oscillations characteristic of oocyte activation. Injection of recombinant PLCζ(H398P) was unable to elicit Ca(2+) oscillations in mouse oocytes. Loss of activity mutations, such as PLCζ(H398P) and an artificially induced frameshift mutation (PLCζ(ΔYC2)) did not affect Ca(2+) release when over-expressed in HEK293T cells, whereas PLCζ(WT) inhibited adenosine triphosphate-activated Ca(2+) release. Confocal imaging of fluorescently tagged PLCζ isoforms in HEK293T cells suggested a cytoplasmic pattern of localization, while quantitative analysis of fluorescence levels showed that PLCζ(WT) > PLCζ(H398P) > PLCζ(ΔYC2), indicating that loss of activity mutations may lead to protein instability. This was further indicated by the low proportion of sperm and the lower levels of total PLCζ immunofluorescence from the patient exhibiting PLCζ(H398P) compared with fertile controls. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate, for the first time, the production of active recombinant human PLCζ protein which retained the ability to elicit characteristic Ca(2+) oscillations in mouse oocytes, an ability which was eliminated by an infertility-linked mutation. These findings advance our understanding of PLCζ, and provide a critical step forward in obtaining purified PLCζ protein as a potential therapeutic agent for oocyte activation deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junaid Kashir
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington,Oxford OX3 9DU, UK.
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Ito J, Parrington J, Fissore RA. PLCζ and its role as a trigger of development in vertebrates. Mol Reprod Dev 2011; 78:846-53. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.21359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2011] [Accepted: 06/24/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Kaewmala K, Uddin MJ, Cinar MU, Große-Brinkhaus C, Jonas E, Tesfaye D, Phatsara C, Tholen E, Looft C, Schellander K. Investigation into association and expression of PLCz and COX-2 as candidate genes for boar sperm quality and fertility. Reprod Domest Anim 2011; 47:213-23. [PMID: 21752105 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2011.01831.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Phospholipase C zeta (PLCz) and cyclooxygenase isoenzyme type 2 (COX-2) are important in spermatogenesis, but their effect has not yet confirmed in pigs. Therefore, this study was aimed to analyse their association with sperm quality and fertility and to identify the mRNA and protein expression in boars reproductive tissues. DNA samples from 231 Pietrain (PI) and 109 Pietrain × Hampshire (PIHA) pigs with records of sperm quality [sperm concentration (SCON), motility, semen volume, plasma droplet and abnormal spermatozoa rate] and fertility (non-return rate and number of piglet born alive) traits were available. A SNP in non-coding region of PLCz g.158 A > C was associated with SCON (p < 0.05) in PIHA population while the polymorphism of COX-2 g.68 G > A in 3' UTR was not associated with any traits. For mRNA and protein expression study, a total of six boars were divided into two groups with G-I and G-II, where G-I was characterized for relatively better sperm quality. Both genes expressed higher in reproductive tissues compared with non-reproductive tissues. Phospholipase C zeta mRNA expressed higher in testis (p < 0.01), all parts of epididymis and spermatozoa from G-I, while COX-2 expressed higher in testis (p < 0.05), head and body of epididymis (p < 0.01), and spermatozoa from G-II boar. Both proteins were localized in Leydig cells and spermatozoa. These results might shed light on roles of these genes in spermatogenesis as candidate for boar sperm quality and fertility, but still the lack of association across populations should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Kaewmala
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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Nakai M, Ito J, Sato KI, Noguchi J, Kaneko H, Kashiwazaki N, Kikuchi K. Pre-treatment of sperm reduces success of ICSI in the pig. Reproduction 2011; 142:285-93. [PMID: 21610169 DOI: 10.1530/rep-11-0073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
In pigs, although ICSI is a feasible fertilization technique, its efficiency is low. In general, injected pig sperm are insufficient to induce oocyte activation and embryonic development. Pretreatments for disrupting sperm membranes have been applied to improve the fertility of ICSI oocytes; however, we hypothesize that such pretreatment(s) may reduce the ability of the sperm to induce oocyte activation. We first evaluated the effects of sperm pretreatments (sonication (SO) to isolate the sperm heads from the tails, Triton X-100 (TX), and three cycles of repeated freezing/thawing (3×-FT) for disrupting sperm membranes) on the rate of pronucleus (PN) formation after ICSI. We found that oocytes injected with control (whole) sperm had higher rates of PN formation than those obtained after subjecting the sperm to SO, TX, and 3×-FT. The amounts of phospholipase Cζ (PLCζ), which is thought to be the oocyte-activating factor in mammalian sperm, in sperm treated by each method was significantly lower than that in whole untreated sperm. Furthermore, using immunofluorescence, it was found that in pig sperm, PLCζ was localized to both the post-acrosomal region and the tail area. Thus we demonstrated for the first time that sperm pretreatment leads to a reduction of oocyte-activating capacity. Our data also show that in addition to its expected localization to the sperm head, PLCζ is also localized in the tail of pig sperm, thus raising the possibility that injection of whole sperm may be required to attain successful activation in pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michiko Nakai
- Reproductive Biology Research Unit, Division of Animal Sciences, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8602, Japan.
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