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Steinbinder J, Sachslehner AP, Holthaus KB, Eckhart L. Comparative genomics of monotremes provides insights into the early evolution of mammalian epidermal differentiation genes. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1437. [PMID: 38228724 PMCID: PMC10791643 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51926-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The function of the skin as a barrier against the environment depends on the differentiation of epidermal keratinocytes into highly resilient corneocytes that form the outermost skin layer. Many genes encoding structural components of corneocytes are clustered in the epidermal differentiation complex (EDC), which has been described in placental and marsupial mammals as well as non-mammalian tetrapods. Here, we analyzed the genomes of the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) and the echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) to determine the gene composition of the EDC in the basal clade of mammals, the monotremes. We report that mammal-specific subfamilies of EDC genes encoding small proline-rich proteins (SPRRs) and late cornified envelope proteins as well as single-copy EDC genes such as involucrin are conserved in monotremes, suggesting that they have originated in stem mammals. Monotremes have at least one gene homologous to the group of filaggrin (FLG), FLG2 and hornerin (HRNR) in placental mammals, but no clear one-to-one pairwise ortholog of either FLG, FLG2 or HRNR. Caspase-14, a keratinocyte differentiation-associated protease implicated in the processing of filaggrin, is encoded by at least 3 gene copies in the echidna. Our results reveal evolutionarily conserved and clade-specific features of the genetic regulation of epidermal differentiation in monotremes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Steinbinder
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | - Leopold Eckhart
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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Pereira R, Sousa M. Morphological and Molecular Bases of Male Infertility: A Closer Look at Sperm Flagellum. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14020383. [PMID: 36833310 PMCID: PMC9956255 DOI: 10.3390/genes14020383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Infertility is a major health problem worldwide without an effective therapy or cure. It is estimated to affect 8-12% of couples in the reproductive age group, equally affecting both genders. There is no single cause of infertility, and its knowledge is still far from complete, with about 30% of infertile couples having no cause identified (named idiopathic infertility). Among male causes of infertility, asthenozoospermia (i.e., reduced sperm motility) is one of the most observed, being estimated that more than 20% of infertile men have this condition. In recent years, many researchers have focused on possible factors leading to asthenozoospermia, revealing the existence of many cellular and molecular players. So far, more than 4000 genes are thought to be involved in sperm production and as regulators of different aspects of sperm development, maturation, and function, and all can potentially cause male infertility if mutated. In this review, we aim to give a brief overview of the typical sperm flagellum morphology and compile some of the most relevant information regarding the genetic factors involved in male infertility, with a focus on sperm immotility and on genes related to sperm flagellum development, structure, or function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rute Pereira
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy, ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- UMIB-Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ITR-Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +35-1918-127-817
| | - Mário Sousa
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy, ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- UMIB-Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ITR-Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
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Talha NAH, Jeon Y, Yu I. Effect of Synthetic Cholesterol (Synthechol®) Supplementation in an Egg Yolk-free Extender on Dog Sperm Cryopreservation. CRYOLETTERS 2022; 43:99-109. [DOI: 10.54680/fr22210110212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: SyntheChol® is a new synthetic, non-animal-derived cholesterol that is easily dissolved in ethanol, ready to use, and behaves in a similar way as natural cholesterol. Therefore, it could be used as a substitute of natural cholesterol in dog sperm freezing
extender. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of supplementing an egg yolk-free (EY-free) extender with synthetic cholesterol (SyntheChol®) on cryopreserved dog sperm. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Spermatozoa (1 × 108 sperm/mL) were suspended in EY-free
extender supplemented with 0% (control), 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, or 6% SyntheChol® (Extender 1), cooled at 4 °C for 1 h, and diluted (1:1, v/v) with Extender 1 containing 1 M glycerol. The spermatozoa were then cooled to 4 °C for 30 min. Sperm-containing straws were frozen
using LN2 vapor. Sperm motility (computer-assisted sperm analysis, CASA), sperm membrane integrity (SYBR-14 and PI staining), and acrosome integrity (FITC-PSA) were evaluated after thawing. Thereafter, optimal concentrations were determined (0.25, 0.5, 1, or 2%) and used to evaluate
reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, apoptosis, and the gene expression of motility-related sperm mitochondria-associated cysteine-rich protein, apoptosis-related B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2), and BCL2-associated X protein ( BAX) in cryopreserved sperm. RESULTS:
Sperm progressive motility, membrane integrity, and acrosome integrity were markedly greater in the SyntheChol®-supplemented groups (0.25, 0.5, 1, or 2%) than in the control group. Only BAX expression was significantly reduced in the SyntheChol® groups
(0.25, 1, or 2%) compared with the control group. However, there were no significant effects on the ROS generation or apoptosis index. CONCLUSION: SyntheChol® (0.25, 1, or 2%) proved to be effective in reducing the BAX gene expression level and improving sperm
progressive motility, and membrane and acrosome integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabeel Abdelbagi Hamad Talha
- Laboratory of Theriogenology and Reproductive Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Bio-safety Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University, Republic of Korea
| | - Yubyeol Jeon
- Laboratory of Theriogenology and Reproductive Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Bio-safety Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University, Republic of Korea
| | - Il‐Jeoung Yu
- Laboratory of Theriogenology and Reproductive Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Bio-safety Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University, Republic of Korea
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Butler ML, Hartman AR, Bormann JM, Weaber RL, Grieger DM, Rolf MM. Genome-wide association study of beef bull semen attributes. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:74. [PMID: 35065600 PMCID: PMC8784002 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-08256-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Cattle production is dependent upon fertility because it results in producing offspring to offset production costs. A number of semen attributes are believed to affect fertility and are frequently measured as part of routine breeding soundness exams or semen collection procedures. The objective of this study was to perform a single-step genome-wide association study (ssGWAS) for beef bull semen attributes. Beef bull fertility phenotypes including volume (VOL), concentration (CONC), number of spermatozoa (NSP), initial motility (IMot), post-thaw motility (PTMot), three-hour post-thaw motility (3HRPTMot), percentage of normal spermatozoa (%NORM), primary abnormalities (PRIM), and secondary abnormalities (SEC) were obtained from two artificial insemination (AI) centers. A total of 1819 Angus bulls with 50,624 collection records were used for ssGWAS. A five-generation pedigree was obtained from the American Angus Association and consisted of 6521 sires and 17,136 dams. Genotypes on 1163 bulls were also obtained from the American Angus Association and utilized in ssGWAS.
Results
A multi-trait animal model was used for the estimation of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) effects. Significant SNP were those with a -log10P-value threshold greater than 4.0. Volume, CONC, NSP, IMot, PTMot, 3HRPTMot, %NORM, PRIM, and SEC have five, three, six, seven, two, six, six, and two genome-wide significant SNP, respectively.
Conclusions
Several significant SNP were determined to be near or within quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with beef bull semen attributes. In addition, genes associated with fertility were found to contain or be near the significant SNP found in the study. The results indicate there are regions of the genome that impact fertility, proving inclusion of genomic information into genetic evaluation should be advantageous for genetic improvement of male fertility traits.
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Gene duplications and gene loss in the epidermal differentiation complex during the evolutionary land-to-water transition of cetaceans. Sci Rep 2021; 11:12334. [PMID: 34112911 PMCID: PMC8192740 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-91863-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Major protein components of the mammalian skin barrier are encoded by genes clustered in the Epidermal Differentiation Complex (EDC). The skin of cetaceans, i.e. whales, porpoises and dolphins, differs histologically from that of terrestrial mammals. However, the genetic regulation of their epidermal barrier is only incompletely known. Here, we investigated the EDC of cetaceans by comparative genomics. We found that important epidermal cornification proteins, such as loricrin and involucrin are conserved and subtypes of small proline-rich proteins (SPRRs) are even expanded in numbers in cetaceans. By contrast, keratinocyte proline rich protein (KPRP), skin-specific protein 32 (XP32) and late-cornified envelope (LCE) genes with the notable exception of LCE7A have been lost in cetaceans. Genes encoding proline rich 9 (PRR9) and late cornified envelope like proline rich 1 (LELP1) have degenerated in subgroups of cetaceans. These data suggest that the evolution of an aquatic lifestyle was accompanied by amplification of SPRR genes and loss of specific other epidermal differentiation genes in the phylogenetic lineage leading to cetaceans.
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Nabeel AHT, Jeon Y, Yu IJ. Use of polyvinyl alcohol as a chemically defined compound in egg yolk-free extender for dog sperm cryopreservation. Reprod Domest Anim 2019; 54:1449-1458. [PMID: 31381179 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Revised: 07/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a chemically defined compound in egg yolk (EY)-free extender by determining the appropriate concentration of PVA and the effect of pH adjustment in EY-free PVA extenders on dog spermatozoa. Spermatozoa (1 × 108 cells/ml) were frozen with EY-free extenders supplemented with 0 (control), 0.025, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2 or 0.3 g/100 ml PVA. Sperm progressive motility (PM) was assessed immediately after thawing (IAT) and post-thaw incubation (PTI), while viability, acrosome integrity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were evaluated after PTI. Additionally, spermatozoa were frozen using EY-free PVA extenders before pH adjustment (6.45) and after adjustment of pH (6.85). Viability, PM, ROS and gene expression (BCL2 and SMCP) were assessed. Supplementation with 0.05 g/100 ml or more PVA significantly increased PM compared to the control group in the IAT and PTI. Post-thaw incubation significantly increased sperm motility in all groups. The acrosome integrity in all PVA groups was higher (p < .05) than the control without an effect on ROS and viability. Adjustment of the pH to 6.85 improved (p < .05) sperm PM compared to the non-adjusted groups without affecting viability, ROS or expression of BCL2 and SMCP. We suggest that PVA supplementation in EY-free Tris extenders can effectively protect dog spermatozoa during freezing and can maintain higher motility and acrosome integrity. Adjustment of pH in EY-free PVA extenders can improve post-thaw sperm motility. Therefore, PVA can be used as a compound in EY-free extender for the cryopreservation of dog spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelbagi Hamad Talha Nabeel
- Laboratory of Theriogenology and Reproductive Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Bio-safety Research Institute, Chonbuk National University, Iksan, Korea.,Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sudan University of Science and Technology, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Yubyeol Jeon
- Laboratory of Theriogenology and Reproductive Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Bio-safety Research Institute, Chonbuk National University, Iksan, Korea
| | - Il-Jeoung Yu
- Laboratory of Theriogenology and Reproductive Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Bio-safety Research Institute, Chonbuk National University, Iksan, Korea
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Bezerra MJB, Arruda-Alencar JM, Martins JAM, Viana AGA, Viana Neto AM, Rêgo JPA, Oliveira RV, Lobo M, Moreira ACO, Moreira RA, Moura AA. Major seminal plasma proteome of rabbits and associations with sperm quality. Theriogenology 2019; 128:156-166. [PMID: 30772659 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Revised: 01/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The present study was conducted to describe the major seminal plasma proteome of rabbits and potential associations between seminal proteins and semen criteria. Semen samples were collected from 18 New Zealand adult rabbits, and seminal plasma proteins were analyzed by 2-D SDS-PAGE and tandem mass spectrometry. Sperm motility, vigor, concentration, morphology and membrane sperm viability were evaluated. Rabbits ejaculated 364 ± 70 million sperm/ml, with 81 ± 6.1% motile cells, 3.8 ± 0.2 vigor and 66.7 ± 2.5% sperm with normal morphology. Based on the viability and acrosome integrity assay, there were 65.8 ± 2.5% live sperm with intact acrosome and most spermatozoa had both intact acrosome and functional membrane. On average, 2-D gels of rabbit seminal plasma had 232 ± 69.5 spots, as determined by PDQuest software (Bio Rad, USA). Mass spectrometry allowed the identification of 137 different proteins. The most abundant proteins in rabbit seminal plasma were hemoglobin subunit zeta-like, annexins, lipocalin, FAM115 protein and albumin. The intensity of the spots associated with these five proteins represented 71.5% of the intensity of all spots detected in the master gel. Multiple regression models were estimated using sperm traits as dependent variables and seminal plasma proteins as independent ones. Also, sperm motility had positive association with beta-nerve growth factor and cysteine-rich secretory protein 1-like and a negative one with galectin-1. The percentage of rabbit sperm with intact membrane was related to seminal plasma protein FAM115 complex and tropomyosin. Then, the population of morphologically normal sperm in rabbit semen was positively linked to carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 6-like and down regulated by seminal plasma isocitrate dehydrogenase. Based on another regression model, the variation in the percentage of live sperm with intact acrosome was partially explained by the amount of leukocyte elastase inhibitor and the peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase A in the rabbit seminal fluid. The current study reports the identification of 137 proteins of rabbit seminal plasma. Major proteins of seminal secretion relate primarily to prevention of damages caused by lipid peroxide radicals and oxidative stress, membrane functionality, transport of lipids to the sperm membrane and temperature regulation. Moreover, finding seminal plasma proteins as indicators of semen parameters will improve assisted reproductive technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J B Bezerra
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - J M Arruda-Alencar
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - J A M Martins
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - A G A Viana
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - A M Viana Neto
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - J P A Rêgo
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - R V Oliveira
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - M Lobo
- School of Pharmacy, University of Fortaleza, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - A C O Moreira
- School of Pharmacy, University of Fortaleza, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - R A Moreira
- School of Pharmacy, University of Fortaleza, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - A A Moura
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.
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Muthye V, Lavrov DV. Characterization of mitochondrial proteomes of nonbilaterian animals. IUBMB Life 2018; 70:1289-1301. [PMID: 30419142 DOI: 10.1002/iub.1961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Revised: 09/08/2018] [Accepted: 09/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondria require ~1,500 proteins for their maintenance and proper functionality, which constitute the mitochondrial proteome (mt-proteome). Although a few of these proteins, mostly subunits of the electron transport chain complexes, are encoded in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), the vast majority are encoded in the nuclear genome and imported to the organelle. Previous studies have shown a continuous and complex evolution of mt-proteome among eukaryotes. However, there was less attention paid to mt-proteome evolution within Metazoa, presumably because animal mtDNA and, by extension, animal mitochondria are often considered to be uniform. In this analysis, two bioinformatic approaches (Orthologue-detection and Mitochondrial Targeting Sequence prediction) were used to identify mt-proteins in 23 species from four nonbilaterian phyla: Cnidaria, Ctenophora, Placozoa, and Porifera, as well as two choanoflagellates, the closest animal relatives. Our results revealed a large variation in mt-proteome in nonbilaterian animals in size and composition. Myxozoans, highly reduced cnidarian parasites, possessed the smallest inferred mitochondrial proteomes, while calcareous sponges possessed the largest. About 513 mitochondrial orthologous groups were present in all nonbilaterian phyla and human. Interestingly, 42 human mitochondrial proteins were not identified in any nonbilaterian species studied and represent putative innovations along the bilaterian branch. Several of these proteins were involved in apoptosis and innate immunity, two processes known to evolve within Metazoa. Conversely, several proteins identified as mitochondrial in nonbilaterian phyla and animal outgroups were absent in human, representing cases of possible loss. Finally, a few human cytosolic proteins, such as histones and cytosolic ribosomal proteins, were predicted to be targeted to mitochondria in nonbilaterian animals. Overall, our analysis provides the first step in characterization of mt-proteomes in nonbilaterian animals and understanding evolution of animal mt-proteome. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 70(12):1289-1301, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viraj Muthye
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Dennis V Lavrov
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
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Paulson JN, Chen CY, Lopes-Ramos CM, Kuijjer ML, Platig J, Sonawane AR, Fagny M, Glass K, Quackenbush J. Tissue-aware RNA-Seq processing and normalization for heterogeneous and sparse data. BMC Bioinformatics 2017; 18:437. [PMID: 28974199 PMCID: PMC5627434 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-017-1847-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although ultrahigh-throughput RNA-Sequencing has become the dominant technology for genome-wide transcriptional profiling, the vast majority of RNA-Seq studies typically profile only tens of samples, and most analytical pipelines are optimized for these smaller studies. However, projects are generating ever-larger data sets comprising RNA-Seq data from hundreds or thousands of samples, often collected at multiple centers and from diverse tissues. These complex data sets present significant analytical challenges due to batch and tissue effects, but provide the opportunity to revisit the assumptions and methods that we use to preprocess, normalize, and filter RNA-Seq data - critical first steps for any subsequent analysis. RESULTS We find that analysis of large RNA-Seq data sets requires both careful quality control and the need to account for sparsity due to the heterogeneity intrinsic in multi-group studies. We developed Yet Another RNA Normalization software pipeline (YARN), that includes quality control and preprocessing, gene filtering, and normalization steps designed to facilitate downstream analysis of large, heterogeneous RNA-Seq data sets and we demonstrate its use with data from the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) project. CONCLUSIONS An R package instantiating YARN is available at http://bioconductor.org/packages/yarn .
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph N. Paulson
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215 USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02215 USA
- Present address: Genentech, Department of Biostatistics, Product Development, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080 USA
| | - Cho-Yi Chen
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215 USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02215 USA
| | - Camila M. Lopes-Ramos
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215 USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02215 USA
| | - Marieke L. Kuijjer
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215 USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02215 USA
| | - John Platig
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215 USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02215 USA
| | - Abhijeet R. Sonawane
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215 USA
| | - Maud Fagny
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215 USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02215 USA
| | - Kimberly Glass
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215 USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02215 USA
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215 USA
| | - John Quackenbush
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215 USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02215 USA
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215 USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215 USA
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Leveraging Comparative Genomics to Identify and Functionally Characterize Genes Associated with Sperm Phenotypes in Python bivittatus (Burmese Python). GENETICS RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 2016:7505268. [PMID: 27200191 PMCID: PMC4855019 DOI: 10.1155/2016/7505268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Revised: 01/30/2016] [Accepted: 02/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Comparative genomics approaches provide a means of leveraging functional genomics information from a highly annotated model organism's genome (such as the mouse genome) in order to make physiological inferences about the role of genes and proteins in a less characterized organism's genome (such as the Burmese python). We employed a comparative genomics approach to produce the functional annotation of Python bivittatus genes encoding proteins associated with sperm phenotypes. We identify 129 gene-phenotype relationships in the python which are implicated in 10 specific sperm phenotypes. Results obtained through our systematic analysis identified subsets of python genes exhibiting associations with gene ontology annotation terms. Functional annotation data was represented in a semantic scatter plot. Together, these newly annotated Python bivittatus genome resources provide a high resolution framework from which the biology relating to reptile spermatogenesis, fertility, and reproduction can be further investigated. Applications of our research include (1) production of genetic diagnostics for assessing fertility in domestic and wild reptiles; (2) enhanced assisted reproduction technology for endangered and captive reptiles; and (3) novel molecular targets for biotechnology-based approaches aimed at reducing fertility and reproduction of invasive reptiles. Additional enhancements to reptile genomic resources will further enhance their value.
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Mikkola R, Andersson MA, Hautaniemi M, Salkinoja-Salonen MS. Toxic indole alkaloids avrainvillamide and stephacidin B produced by a biocide tolerant indoor mold Aspergillus westerdijkiae. Toxicon 2015; 99:58-67. [PMID: 25804991 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2015.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2014] [Revised: 02/15/2015] [Accepted: 03/19/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Toxic Aspergillus westerdijkiae were present in house dust and indoor air fall-out from a residence and a kindergarten where the occupants suffered from building related ill health. The A. westerdijkiae isolates produced indole alkaloids avrainvillamide (445 Da) and its dimer stephacidin B (890 Da). It grew and sporulated in presence of high concentrations of boron or polyguanidine (PHMB, PHMG) based antimicrobial biocides used to remediate mold infested buildings. The boar sperm cells were used as sensor cells to purify toxins from HPLC fractions of the fungal biomass. Submicromolar concentrations (EC50 0.3-0.4 μM) blocked boar spermatozoan motility and killed porcine kidney tubular epithelial cells (PK-15). Plate grown hyphal mass of the A. westerdijkiae isolates contained 300-750 ng of avrainvillamide and 30-300 ng of stephacidin B per mg (wet weight). The toxins induced rapid (30 min) loss of boar sperm motility, followed (24 h) by loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). Apoptotic cell death was observed in PK-15 cell monolayers, prior to cessation of glucose uptake or loss of ΔΨm. Avrainvillamide and stephacidin B were 100-fold more potent towards the porcine cells than the mycotoxins stephacidin A, ochratoxin A, sterigmatocystin and citrinin. The high toxicity of stephacidin B indicates a role of nitrone group in the mechanism of toxicity. Avrainvillamide and stephacidin B represent a new class of toxins with possible a threat to human health in buildings. Furthermore, the use of biocides highly enhanced the growth of toxigenic A. westerdijkiae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raimo Mikkola
- Dept of Food and Environmental Science, POB56, University of Helsinki, FI-00014 Finland.
| | - Maria A Andersson
- Dept of Food and Environmental Science, POB56, University of Helsinki, FI-00014 Finland
| | - Maria Hautaniemi
- Finnish Food Safety Authority (EVIRA), Mustialankatu 3, FI000790 Helsinki, Finland
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Djureinovic D, Fagerberg L, Hallström B, Danielsson A, Lindskog C, Uhlén M, Pontén F. The human testis-specific proteome defined by transcriptomics and antibody-based profiling. Mol Hum Reprod 2014; 20:476-88. [PMID: 24598113 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gau018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The testis' function is to produce haploid germ cells necessary for reproduction. Here we have combined a genome-wide transcriptomics analysis with immunohistochemistry-based protein profiling to characterize the molecular components of the testis. Deep sequencing (RNA-Seq) of normal human testicular tissue from seven individuals was performed and compared with 26 other normal human tissue types. All 20 050 putative human genes were classified into categories based on expression patterns. The analysis shows that testis is the tissue with the most tissue-specific genes by far. More than 1000 genes show a testis-enriched expression pattern in testis when compared with all other analyzed tissues. Highly testis enriched genes were further characterized with respect to protein localization within the testis, such as spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids, sperm, Sertoli cells and Leydig cells. Here we present an immunohistochemistry-based analysis, showing the localization of corresponding proteins in different cell types and various stages of spermatogenesis, for 62 genes expressed at >50-fold higher levels in testis when compared with other tissues. A large fraction of these genes were unexpectedly expressed in early stages of spermatogenesis. In conclusion, we have applied a genome-wide analysis to identify the human testis-specific proteome using transcriptomics and antibody-based protein profiling, providing lists of genes expressed in a tissue-enriched manner in the testis. The majority of these genes and proteins were previously poorly characterised in terms of localization and function, and our list provides an important starting point to increase our molecular understanding of human reproductive biology and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Djureinovic
- Science for Life Laboratory, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala SE-751 85, Sweden Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala SE-751 85, Sweden
| | - L Fagerberg
- Science for Life Laboratory, KTH - Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm SE-171 21, Sweden
| | - B Hallström
- Science for Life Laboratory, KTH - Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm SE-171 21, Sweden
| | - A Danielsson
- Science for Life Laboratory, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala SE-751 85, Sweden Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala SE-751 85, Sweden
| | - C Lindskog
- Science for Life Laboratory, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala SE-751 85, Sweden Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala SE-751 85, Sweden
| | - M Uhlén
- Science for Life Laboratory, KTH - Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm SE-171 21, Sweden
| | - F Pontén
- Science for Life Laboratory, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala SE-751 85, Sweden Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala SE-751 85, Sweden
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Chen X, Zhu H, Hu C, Hao H, Zhang J, Li K, Zhao X, Qin T, Zhao K, Zhu H, Wang D. Identification of differentially expressed proteins in fresh and frozen–thawed boar spermatozoa by iTRAQ-coupled 2D LC–MS/MS. Reproduction 2014; 147:321-30. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-13-0313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Cryodamage is a major problem in semen cryopreservation, causing changes in the levels of proteins that influence the function and motility of spermatozoa. In this study, protein samples prepared from fresh and frozen–thawed boar spermatozoa were compared using the isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) labeling technique coupled to 2D LC–MS/MS analysis. A total of 41 differentially expressed proteins were identified and quantified, including 35 proteins that were present at higher levels and six proteins that were present at lower levels in frozen–thawed spermatozoa by at least a mean of 1.79-fold (P<0.05). On classifying into ten distinct categories using bioinformatic analysis, most of the 41 differentially expressed proteins were found to be closely relevant to sperm premature capacitation, adhesions, energy supply, and sperm–oocyte binding and fusion. The expression of four of these proteins, SOD1, TPI1, ODF2, and AKAP3, was verified by western blot analysis. We propose that alterations in these identified proteins affect the quality of cryopreserved semen and ultimately lower its fertilizing capacity. This is the first study to compare protein levels in fresh and frozen–thawed spermatozoa using the iTRAQ technology. Our preliminary results provide an overview of the molecular mechanisms of cryodamage in frozen–thawed spermatozoa and theoretical guidance to improve the cryopreservation of boar semen.
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Katz-Jaffe MG, Parks J, McCallie B, Schoolcraft WB. Aging sperm negatively impacts in vivo and in vitro reproduction: a longitudinal murine study. Fertil Steril 2013; 100:262-8.e1-2. [PMID: 23579004 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2013.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2012] [Revised: 02/07/2013] [Accepted: 03/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the impact of paternal aging on reproductive success. DESIGN Animal study. SETTING Research facility. ANIMAL(S) Outbred CF1 mice. INTERVENTION(S) Ten young male mice with proven fertility were mated routinely over 15 months with superovulated young females to assess in vivo and in vitro reproductive outcome. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) In vivo fertilization, in vivo fetal development, in vitro embryo morphology, and developmental outcome were assessed. RESULT(S) There were no differences observed for any reproductive end point until the paternal age of 12 months. At 12-15 months, in vivo fertilization was significantly decreased (35% vs. 78% at <12 months). Natural matings with males ≥ 12 months revealed significantly smaller fetuses (11.36 mm vs. 14.73 mm <12 months) and placental weight (0.10 g vs. 0.13 g at <12 months). In vitro blastocyst development showed a significant decline at ≥ 12 months, and in vitro blastocyst transfer resulted in a significant increase in pregnancy loss with males ≥ 12 months (61.5% vs. 0% at <12 months). In addition, the expression levels of Ace-1, Prm1, Prm2, and Smcp were observed to be decreased in sperm from males ≥ 12 months compared with young male control subjects. CONCLUSION(S) Results from this study indicate an abrupt reproductive deterioration at paternal midlife, with an adverse effect observed on natural conception, in vitro blastocyst development, implantation potential, and fetal viability.
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Wang CQ, Zhang J, Sun YF, Wang D, Li CJ, Li WH, Lu C, Liu Z, Wu H, Hou XF, Chen C, Zhou X. Detection of Neurotrophin-4 (NT-4) in Ejaculated Bull Spermatozoa and its Effect on Spermatozoa Mitochondrial Activity. Reprod Domest Anim 2012; 48:131-6. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2012.02048.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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16
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Tsai-Morris CH, Sato H, Gutti R, Dufau ML. Role of gonadotropin regulated testicular RNA helicase (GRTH/Ddx25) on polysomal associated mRNAs in mouse testis. PLoS One 2012; 7:e32470. [PMID: 22479328 PMCID: PMC3316541 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0032470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2011] [Accepted: 01/31/2012] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gonadotropin Regulated Testicular RNA Helicase (GRTH/Ddx25) is a testis-specific multifunctional RNA helicase and an essential post-transcriptional regulator of spermatogenesis. GRTH transports relevant mRNAs from nucleus to cytoplasmic sites of meiotic and haploid germ cells and associates with actively translating polyribosomes. It is also a negative regulator of steroidogenesis in Leydig cells. To obtain a genome-wide perspective of GRTH regulated genes, in particularly those associated with polyribosomes, microarray differential gene expression analysis was performed using polysome-bound RNA isolated from testes of wild type (WT) and GRTH KO mice. 792 genes among the entire mouse genome were found to be polysomal GRTH-linked in WT. Among these 186 were down-regulated and 7 up-regulated genes in GRTH null mice. A similar analysis was performed using total RNA extracted from purified germ cell populations to address GRTH action in individual target cells. The down-regulation of known genes concerned with spermatogenesis at polysomal sites in GRTH KO and their association with GRTH in WT coupled with early findings of minor or unchanged total mRNAs and abolition of their protein expression in KO underscore the relevance of GRTH in translation. Ingenuity pathway analysis predicted association of GRTH bound polysome genes with the ubiquitin-proteasome-heat shock protein signaling network pathway and NFκB/TP53/TGFB1 signaling networks were derived from the differentially expressed gene analysis. This study has revealed known and unexplored factors in the genome and regulatory pathways underlying GRTH action in male reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chon-Hwa Tsai-Morris
- Section on Molecular Endocrinology, Program in Developmental Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America.
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17
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Champier J, Claustrat F, Nazaret N, Montange MF, Claustrat B. Folate depletion changes gene expression of fatty acid metabolism, DNA synthesis, and circadian cycle in male mice. Nutr Res 2012; 32:124-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nutres.2011.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2011] [Revised: 12/20/2011] [Accepted: 12/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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18
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Abstract
Thiol peroxidases comprise glutathione peroxidases (GPx) and peroxiredoxins (Prx). The enzymes of both families reduce hydroperoxides with thiols by enzyme-substitution mechanisms. H(2)O(2) and organic hydroperoxides are reduced by all thiol peroxidases, most efficiently by SecGPxs, whereas fast peroxynitrite reduction is more common in Prxs. Reduction of lipid hydroperoxides is the domain of monomeric GPx4-type enzymes and of some Prxs. The catalysis starts with oxidation of an active-site selenocysteine (U(P)) or cysteine (C(P)). Activation of Cys (Sec) for hydroperoxide reduction in the GPx family is achieved by a typical tetrad composed of Cys (Sec), Asn, Gln, and Trp, whereas a triad of Cys Thr (or Ser) and Arg is the signature of Prx. In many of the CysGPxs and Prxs, a second Cys (C(R)) is required. In these 2-CysGPxs and 2-CysPrxs, the C(P) oxidized to a sulfenic acid forms an intra- or intermolecular disulfide (typical 2-CysPrx) with C(R), before a stepwise regeneration of ground-state enzyme by redoxin-type proteins can proceed. In SecGPxs and sporadically in Prxs, GSH is used as the reductant. Diversity combined with structural variability predestines thiol peroxidases for redox regulation via ROOH sensing and direct or indirect transduction of oxidant signals to specific protein targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leopold Flohé
- Otto-von-Guericke-Universität and MOLISA GmbH, Magdeburg, Germany.
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Kodali VK, Gannon SA, Paramasivam S, Raje S, Polenova T, Thorpe C. A novel disulfide-rich protein motif from avian eggshell membranes. PLoS One 2011; 6:e18187. [PMID: 21479176 PMCID: PMC3068167 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0018187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2011] [Accepted: 02/22/2011] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Under the shell of a chicken egg are two opposed proteinaceous disulfide-rich membranes. They are fabricated in the avian oviduct using fibers formed from proteins that are extensively coupled by irreversible lysine-derived crosslinks. The intractability of these eggshell membranes (ESM) has slowed their characterization and their protein composition remains uncertain. In this work, reductive alkylation of ESM followed by proteolytic digestion led to the identification of a cysteine rich ESM protein (abbreviated CREMP) that was similar to spore coat protein SP75 from cellular slime molds. Analysis of the cysteine repeats in partial sequences of CREMP reveals runs of remarkably repetitive patterns. Module a contains a C-X(4)-C-X(5)-C-X(8)-C-X(6) pattern (where X represents intervening non-cysteine residues). These inter-cysteine amino acid residues are also strikingly conserved. The evolutionarily-related module b has the same cysteine spacing as a, but has 11 amino acid residues at its C-terminus. Different stretches of CREMP sequences in chicken genomic DNA fragments show diverse repeat patterns: e.g. all a modules; an alternation of a-b modules; or an a-b-b arrangement. Comparable CREMP proteins are found in contigs of the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) and in the oviparous green anole lizard (Anolis carolinensis). In all these cases the long runs of highly conserved modular repeats have evidently led to difficulties in the assembly of full length DNA sequences. Hence the number, and the amino acid lengths, of CREMP proteins are currently unknown. A 118 amino acid fragment (representing an a-b-a-b pattern) from a chicken oviduct EST library expressed in Escherichia coli is a well folded, highly anisotropic, protein with a large chemical shift dispersion in 2D solution NMR spectra. Structure is completely lost on reduction of the 8 disulfide bonds of this protein fragment. Finally, solid state NMR spectra suggest a surprising degree of order in intact ESM fibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vamsi K. Kodali
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, United States of America
| | - Shawn A. Gannon
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, United States of America
| | - Sivakumar Paramasivam
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, United States of America
| | - Sonali Raje
- Department of Chemistry, Towson University, Towson, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Tatyana Polenova
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, United States of America
| | - Colin Thorpe
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, United States of America
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20
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Oshida K, Hirakata M, Maeda A, Miyoshi T, Miyamoto Y. Toxicological effect of emodin in mouse testicular gene expression profile. J Appl Toxicol 2011; 31:790-800. [PMID: 21319176 DOI: 10.1002/jat.1637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2010] [Revised: 11/04/2010] [Accepted: 11/04/2010] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Emodin (1,3,8-trihydroxy-6-methyl-anthraquinone) is a herbal medicine extracted from the rhizomes of Rheum palmatum, and is known as an inhibitor of casein kinase II (CK2). The CK2α' knockout mice are known to be male-infertile; however, there have been no reports on the toxicity of emodin in male reproductive organs/tissues. To evaluate the toxicological effects of emodin on differential gene expression profiles of the testis as compared with acrylamide, mice were orally administered emodin and acrylamide for 5 days at a dose of 1000 and 50 mg kg(-1) per day, respectively, and euthanized 24 h after the final administration. Both chemicals induced hypospermatogenesis, eosinophilic change and apoptosis of germ cell. A DNA microarray analysis showed that the IGF-1 receptor signaling was most closely related to the above testicular toxicity induced by emodin, and the RhoA regulation, TGF/WNT and cytoskeletal remodeling, TNFR1 signaling and adenosine A2A receptor signaling were commonly associated with the two chemicals. We selected 36 genes associated with CK2, apoptosis and spermatogenesis and determined their expression by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Both chemicals perturbed the expression of genes associated with CK2. Genes related to spermatogenesis were also affected, as evidenced by hypospermatogenesis, and eosinophilic change and apoptosis of germ cell. The results suggest that emodin causes testicular toxicity, including apoptosis with related the IGF-1 receptor signaling pathway, and the two chemicals commonly affect CK2, spermatogenesis and sperm motility via four pathways, such as TNFR1 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiyu Oshida
- Toxicology and Pharmacokinetics Laboratories, Pharmaceutical Research Laboratories, Toray Industries Inc., 10-1, Tebiro 6-chome, Kamakura, Kanagawa, 248-8555, Japan
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21
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Bagarova J, Chowdhury TA, Kimura M, Kleene KC. Identification of elements in the Smcp 5' and 3' UTR that repress translation and promote the formation of heavy inactive mRNPs in spermatids by analysis of mutations in transgenic mice. Reproduction 2010; 140:853-64. [PMID: 20876225 DOI: 10.1530/rep-10-0323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The sperm mitochondria-associated cysteine-rich protein (Smcp) mRNA is transcribed in step 3 spermatids, and is stored in free mRNPs until translation begins ∼6 days later in step 11. To identify sequences that control the timing of Smcp mRNA translation, mutations in both UTRs were analyzed in transgenic mice using green fluorescent protein (GFP), squashes of seminiferous tubules, and quantification of polysomal loading in adult and 21 dpp testes in sucrose and Nycodenz gradients. GFP fluorescence is first detected in step 9 spermatids in lines harboring a transgene containing the Gfp 5' UTR and Smcp 3' UTR. Unexpectedly, this mRNA is stored in large, inactive mRNPs in early spermatids that sediment with polysomes in sucrose gradients, but equilibrate with the density of free mRNPs in Nycodenz gradients. Randomization of the segment 6-38 nt upstream of the first Smcp poly(A) signal results in early detection of GFP, a small increase in polysomal loading in 21 dpp testis, inactivation of the formation of heavy mRNPs, and loss of binding of a Y-box protein. GFP is first detected in step 5 spermatids in a transgene containing the Smcp 5' UTR and Gfp 3' UTR. Mutations in the start codons in the upstream reading frames eliminate translational delay by the Smcp 5' UTR. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that Smcp mRNA translation is regulated by multiple elements in the 5' UTR and 3' UTR. In addition, differences in regulation between Smcp-Gfp mRNAs containing one Smcp UTR and the natural Smcp mRNA suggest that interactions between the Smcp 5' UTR and 3' UTR may be required for regulation of the Smcp mRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Bagarova
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, 50 Blossom Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA
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22
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Boar spermatozoa as a biosensor for detecting toxic substances in indoor dust and aerosols. Toxicol In Vitro 2010; 24:2041-52. [PMID: 20732404 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2010.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2010] [Revised: 07/25/2010] [Accepted: 08/16/2010] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The presence, quantity and origins of potentially toxic airborne substances were searched in moisture damaged indoor environments, where building related ill health symptoms were suspected and reference sites with no health complaints. Boar spermatozoa were used as the toxicity sensor. Indoor aerosols and dusts were collected from kindergartens, schools, offices and residences (n=25) by electrostatic filtering, vacuuming, wiping from elevated surfaces and from the interior of personal computers. Toxicity was measured from the ethanol or methanol extracts of the dusts and aerosols. EC(50) was expressed as the lowest concentration of the airborne substance that inhibited motility of >50% of the exposed sperm cells compared to vehicle control, within 30 min, 1 day or 3-4 days of exposure. Remarkably toxic aerosols (EC(50) <or=6 μg ml(-1)) were found from 11 sites, all of these were sites with known or suspected for building related ill health. Toxic microbial cultures were obtained from subsamples of the toxic aerosols/dusts. From these cereulide, amylosin, valinomycin and a novel indoor toxin, stephacidin B were identified and toxicities measured. Airborn dispersal of valinomycin from Streptomyces griseus cultures was evaluated using a flow-through chamber. Significant amounts of valinomycin (LC-MS assay) and toxicity (boar sperm motility assay) were carried by air and were after 14 days mainly recovered from the interior surfaces of the flow chamber.
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23
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Hermo L, Pelletier RM, Cyr DG, Smith CE. Surfing the wave, cycle, life history, and genes/proteins expressed by testicular germ cells. Part 4: intercellular bridges, mitochondria, nuclear envelope, apoptosis, ubiquitination, membrane/voltage-gated channels, methylation/acetylation, and transcription factors. Microsc Res Tech 2010; 73:364-408. [PMID: 19941288 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.20785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
As germ cells divide and differentiate from spermatogonia to spermatozoa, they share a number of structural and functional features that are common to all generations of germ cells and these features are discussed herein. Germ cells are linked to one another by large intercellular bridges which serve to move molecules and even large organelles from the cytoplasm of one cell to another. Mitochondria take on different shapes and features and topographical arrangements to accommodate their specific needs during spermatogenesis. The nuclear envelope and pore complex also undergo extensive modifications concomitant with the development of germ cell generations. Apoptosis is an event that is normally triggered by germ cells and involves many proteins. It occurs to limit the germ cell pool and acts as a quality control mechanism. The ubiquitin pathway comprises enzymes that ubiquitinate as well as deubiquitinate target proteins and this pathway is present and functional in germ cells. Germ cells express many proteins involved in water balance and pH control as well as voltage-gated ion channel movement. In the nucleus, proteins undergo epigenetic modifications which include methylation, acetylation, and phosphorylation, with each of these modifications signaling changes in chromatin structure. Germ cells contain specialized transcription complexes that coordinate the differentiation program of spermatogenesis, and there are many male germ cell-specific differences in the components of this machinery. All of the above features of germ cells will be discussed along with the specific proteins/genes and abnormalities to fertility related to each topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Hermo
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, 3640 University Street, Montreal, QC Canada H3A 2B2.
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24
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Abstract
Genes expressed in testes are critical to male reproductive success, affecting spermatogenesis, sperm competition, and sperm-egg interaction. Comparing the evolution of testis proteins at different taxonomic levels can reveal which genes and functional classes are targets of natural and sexual selection and whether the same genes are targets among taxa. Here we examine the evolution of testis-expressed proteins at different levels of divergence among three rodents, mouse (Mus musculus), rat (Rattus norvegicus), and deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus), to identify rapidly evolving genes. Comparison of expressed sequence tags (ESTs) from testes suggests that proteins with testis-specific expression evolve more rapidly on average than proteins with maximal expression in other tissues. Genes with the highest rates of evolution have a variety of functional roles including signal transduction, DNA binding, and egg-sperm interaction. Most of these rapidly evolving genes have not been identified previously as targets of selection in comparisons among more divergent mammals. To determine if these genes are evolving rapidly among closely related species, we sequenced 11 of these genes in six Peromyscus species and found evidence for positive selection in five of them. Together, these results demonstrate rapid evolution of functionally diverse testis-expressed proteins in rodents, including the identification of amino acids under lineage-specific selection in Peromyscus. Evidence for positive selection among closely related species suggests that changes in these proteins may have consequences for reproductive isolation.
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25
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Kleene KC, Bagarova J. Comparative genomics reveals gene-specific and shared regulatory sequences in the spermatid-expressed mammalian Odf1, Prm1, Prm2, Tnp1, and Tnp2 genes. Genomics 2008; 92:101-6. [PMID: 18562159 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2008.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2008] [Revised: 04/06/2008] [Accepted: 05/01/2008] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The comparative genomics of the Odf1, Prm1, Prm2, Tnp1, and Tnp2 genes in 13-21 diverse mammalian species reveals striking similarities and differences in the sequences that probably function in the transcriptional and translational regulation of gene expression in haploid spermatogenic cells, spermatids. The 5' flanking regions contain putative TATA boxes and cAMP-response elements (CREs), but the TATA boxes and CREs exhibit gene-specific sequences, and an overwhelming majority of CREs differ from the consensus sequence. The 5' and 3' UTRs contain highly conserved gene-specific sequences including canonical and noncanonical poly(A) signals and a suboptimal context for the Tnp2 translation initiation codon. The conservation of the 5' UTR is unexpected because mRNA translation in spermatids is thought to be regulated primarily by the 3' UTR. Finally, all of the genes contain a single intron, implying that retroposons are rarely created from mRNAs that are expressed in spermatids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth C Kleene
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts at Boston, Boston, MA 02125, USA.
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26
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Hawthorne SK, Busanelli RR, Kleene KC. The 5' UTR and 3' UTR of the sperm mitochondria-associated cysteine-rich protein mRNA regulate translation in spermatids by multiple mechanisms in transgenic mice. Dev Biol 2006; 297:118-26. [PMID: 16759650 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2006.04.468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2006] [Accepted: 04/28/2006] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The Smcp mRNA encoding the sperm mitochondria-associated cysteine-rich protein is translationally repressed in round spermatids and translationally active in elongated spermatids. The patterns of transcription and translation of fusions of the Smcp promoter, the green fluorescent protein coding region (Gfp) and various combination of the Smcp and Gfp 5' UTR and 3' UTR have been studied in transgenic mice. 518 nt of Smcp 5' flanking region and 8 nt of 5' UTR drive transcription of mRNAs containing the Gfp coding region in early round spermatids at the same transcription start site as the natural Smcp gene. Transcripts containing both the Gfp 5' and 3' UTRs are translationally active in step 2 spermatids as detected by GFP fluorescence in squashes of living seminiferous tubules from adult testes, and the presence of polysomal mRNAs in sucrose gradient analyses of testes from 21-day-old prepubertal mice, which contain early round spermatids and lack elongated spermatids. By comparison, expression of GFP is delayed until steps 5 and 10, respectively, in transcripts containing the Smcp 5' UTR and Gfp 3' UTR and the Gfp 5' UTR and the Smcp 3' UTR. Sucrose gradient analysis of 21-day-old testes demonstrates that transcripts containing the Smcp 3' UTR exhibit a bimodal distribution in free-mRNPs and polysomes, indicating that the 3' UTR blocks the expression of GFP after the transcripts have entered the elongation phase, a mechanism that may involve microRNAs. The Smcp 5' UTR reduces the levels and size of polysomes in adult testis. In addition, the natural Smcp mRNA contains a positive control element that counteracts the inhibition of translation by the Smcp 5' UTR in adult testis, and the Smcp 3' UTR strongly localizes GFP fluorescence in step 10 spermatids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina K Hawthorne
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts-Boston, 100 Morrissey Blvd., Boston, MA 02125, USA
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