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Firouzabadi AM, Henkel R, Tofighi Niaki M, Fesahat F. Adverse Effects of Nicotine on Human Sperm Nuclear Proteins. World J Mens Health 2024; 42:42.e66. [PMID: 39028130 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.240072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The effects of smoking on human health have long been documented. However, only a few studies have highlighted the direct effects of nicotine on sperm function. Nicotine, as a chemical compound found in tobacco, has been shown to modulate different aspects of spermatogenesis and sperm functions. Nicotine can lead to a reduction in the number of sperm, their motility and functionality. It can change the molecular expressions involved in sperm function, including genes encoding sperm nuclear proteins. The most important nuclear proteins that play a critical role in sperm function are known as H2B histone family, member W, testis-specific (H2BFWT), transition protein 1 (TNP1), transition protein 2 (TNP2), protamine-1 (PRM1), and protamine-2 (PRM2). These proteins are involved in sperm chromatin condensation, which in turn affects fertilization and embryonic development. Any alteration in the expression of these genes due to nicotine exposure/usage may lead to adverse implications in couples' fertility and the health of future generations. Since research in this area is still relatively new, it underscores the importance of understanding the potential side effects of environmental factors such as nicotine on reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Masoud Firouzabadi
- Reproductive Immunology Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Ralf Henkel
- Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
- LogixX Pharma Ltd., Theale, Berkshire, UK
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Maryam Tofighi Niaki
- Health Reproductive Research Center, Sari Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sari, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Fesahat
- Reproductive Immunology Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
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Arévalo L, Merges GE, Schneider S, Oben FE, Neumann IS, Schorle H. Loss of the cleaved-protamine 2 domain leads to incomplete histone-to-protamine exchange and infertility in mice. PLoS Genet 2022; 18:e1010272. [PMID: 35763544 PMCID: PMC9273070 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Protamines are unique sperm-specific proteins that package and protect paternal chromatin until fertilization. A subset of mammalian species expresses two protamines (PRM1 and PRM2), while in others PRM1 is sufficient for sperm chromatin packaging. Alterations of the species-specific ratio between PRM1 and PRM2 are associated with infertility. Unlike PRM1, PRM2 is generated as a precursor protein consisting of a highly conserved N-terminal domain, termed cleaved PRM2 (cP2), which is consecutively trimmed off during chromatin condensation. The carboxyterminal part, called mature PRM2 (mP2), interacts with DNA and together with PRM1, mediates chromatin-hypercondensation. The removal of the cP2 domain is believed to be imperative for proper chromatin condensation, yet, the role of cP2 is not yet understood. We generated mice lacking the cP2 domain while the mP2 is still expressed. We show that the cP2 domain is indispensable for complete sperm chromatin protamination and male mouse fertility. cP2 deficient sperm show incomplete protamine incorporation and a severely altered protamine ratio, retention of transition proteins and aberrant retention of the testis specific histone variant H2A.L.2. During epididymal transit, cP2 deficient sperm seem to undergo ROS mediated degradation leading to complete DNA fragmentation. The cP2 domain therefore seems to be a key aspect in the complex crosstalk between histones, transition proteins and protamines during sperm chromatin condensation. Overall, we present the first step towards understanding the role of the cP2 domain in paternal chromatin packaging and open up avenues for further research. Protamines are small sperm-specific proteins crucial to packaging and protecting the paternal genome on its way to the fertilization site. Most mammalian species express only protamine 1. However, primates and rodents additionally express protamine 2. Protamine 2 differs mainly in its N-terminal domain (cP2), which is sequentially cleaved off during paternal chromatin packaging. Alteration in this process has been associated with infertility. However, the precise role of cP2 is still a mystery. We generated cP2 deficient mice and demonstrate, that loss of cP2 results in incomplete histone-to-protamine transition, resulting in sperm DNA degradation and infertility. Evidently, cP2 helps in orchestrating the fine-tuned dynamics of DNA-hypercondensation while protecting DNA integrity and aiding removal of DNA-bound transition proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Arévalo
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- * E-mail: (LA); (HS)
| | - Gina Esther Merges
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Simon Schneider
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Franka Enow Oben
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Isabelle Sophie Neumann
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Hubert Schorle
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- * E-mail: (LA); (HS)
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Champroux A, Torres-Carreira J, Gharagozloo P, Drevet JR, Kocer A. Mammalian sperm nuclear organization: resiliencies and vulnerabilities. Basic Clin Androl 2016; 26:17. [PMID: 28031843 PMCID: PMC5175393 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-016-0044-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 11/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm cells are remarkably complex and highly specialized compared to somatic cells. Their function is to deliver to the oocyte the paternal genomic blueprint along with a pool of proteins and RNAs so a new generation can begin. Reproductive success, including optimal embryonic development and healthy offspring, greatly depends on the integrity of the sperm chromatin structure. It is now well documented that DNA damage in sperm is linked to reproductive failures both in natural and assisted conception (Assisted Reproductive Technologies [ART]). This manuscript reviews recent important findings concerning - the unusual organization of mammalian sperm chromatin and its impact on reproductive success when modified. This review is focused on sperm chromatin damage and their impact on embryonic development and transgenerational inheritance.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Champroux
- GReD “Genetics, Reproduction & Development” Laboratory, UMR CNRS 6293, INSERM U1103, Clermont Université, BP60026 - TSA60026, 63178 Aubière cedex, France
| | - J. Torres-Carreira
- Centro Universitário Rio Preto, UNIRP, Rodovia Br153, Km 69, CEP15093-450 São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo Brazil
| | - P. Gharagozloo
- CellOxess LLC, 830 Bear Tavern Road, Ewing, NJ 08628 USA
| | - J. R. Drevet
- GReD “Genetics, Reproduction & Development” Laboratory, UMR CNRS 6293, INSERM U1103, Clermont Université, BP60026 - TSA60026, 63178 Aubière cedex, France
| | - A. Kocer
- GReD “Genetics, Reproduction & Development” Laboratory, UMR CNRS 6293, INSERM U1103, Clermont Université, BP60026 - TSA60026, 63178 Aubière cedex, France
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Iuso D, Czernik M, Toschi P, Fidanza A, Zacchini F, Feil R, Curtet S, Buchou T, Shiota H, Khochbin S, Ptak GE, Loi P. Exogenous Expression of Human Protamine 1 (hPrm1) Remodels Fibroblast Nuclei into Spermatid-like Structures. Cell Rep 2015; 13:1765-71. [PMID: 26628361 PMCID: PMC4675893 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2015.10.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2015] [Revised: 09/04/2015] [Accepted: 10/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Protamines confer a compact structure to the genome of male gametes. Here, we find that somatic cells can be remodeled by transient expression of protamine 1 (Prm1). Ectopically expressed Prm1 forms scattered foci in the nuclei of fibroblasts, which coalescence into spermatid-like structures, concomitant with a loss of histones and a reprogramming barrier, H3 lysine 9 methylation. Protaminized nuclei injected into enucleated oocytes efficiently underwent protamine to maternal histone TH2B exchange and developed into normal blastocyst stage embryos in vitro. Altogether, our findings present a model to study male-specific chromatin remodeling, which can be exploited for the improvement of somatic cell nuclear transfer. In vitro protaminization of somatic cell nuclei Conversion of interphase somatic nuclei into “spermatid-like” structures Protaminization of somatic nuclei that is reversed upon injection into enucleated oocytes A simplified model of nuclear remodeling and reprogramming in vitro
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Iuso
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Renato Balzarini Street 1, Campus Coste Sant'Agostino, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Marta Czernik
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Renato Balzarini Street 1, Campus Coste Sant'Agostino, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Paola Toschi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Renato Balzarini Street 1, Campus Coste Sant'Agostino, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Antonella Fidanza
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Renato Balzarini Street 1, Campus Coste Sant'Agostino, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Federica Zacchini
- Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Postepu 36A, Jastrzębiec, 05-552 Magdalenka, Poland
| | - Robert Feil
- Institute of Molecular Genetics (IGMM), CNRS UMR-5535 and University of Montpellier, 1919 route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France
| | - Sandrine Curtet
- INSERM, U823, Institut Albert Bonniot, Université Grenoble Alpes, 38700 Grenoble, France
| | - Thierry Buchou
- INSERM, U823, Institut Albert Bonniot, Université Grenoble Alpes, 38700 Grenoble, France
| | - Hitoshi Shiota
- INSERM, U823, Institut Albert Bonniot, Université Grenoble Alpes, 38700 Grenoble, France
| | - Saadi Khochbin
- INSERM, U823, Institut Albert Bonniot, Université Grenoble Alpes, 38700 Grenoble, France
| | - Grazyna Ewa Ptak
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Renato Balzarini Street 1, Campus Coste Sant'Agostino, 64100 Teramo, Italy; Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Postepu 36A, Jastrzębiec, 05-552 Magdalenka, Poland; National Research Institute of Animal Production 1, Krakowska Street, 32-083 Balice n/Krakow, Poland
| | - Pasqualino Loi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Renato Balzarini Street 1, Campus Coste Sant'Agostino, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
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Gupta N, Madapura MP, Bhat UA, Rao MRS. Mapping of Post-translational Modifications of Transition Proteins, TP1 and TP2, and Identification of Protein Arginine Methyltransferase 4 and Lysine Methyltransferase 7 as Methyltransferase for TP2. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:12101-22. [PMID: 25818198 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.620443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In a unique global chromatin remodeling process during mammalian spermiogenesis, 90% of the nucleosomal histones are replaced by testis-specific transition proteins, TP1, TP2, and TP4. These proteins are further substituted by sperm-specific protamines, P1 and P2, to form a highly condensed sperm chromatin. In spermatozoa, a small proportion of chromatin, which ranges from 1 to 10% in mammals, retains the nucleosomal architecture and is implicated to play a role in transgenerational inheritance. However, there is still no mechanistic understanding of the interaction of chromatin machinery with histones and transition proteins, which facilitate this selective histone replacement from chromatin. Here, we report the identification of 16 and 19 novel post-translational modifications on rat endogenous transition proteins, TP1 and TP2, respectively, by mass spectrometry. By in vitro assays and mutational analysis, we demonstrate that protein arginine methyltransferase PRMT4 (CARM1) methylates TP2 at Arg(71), Arg(75), and Arg(92) residues, and lysine methyltransferase KMT7 (Set9) methylates TP2 at Lys(88) and Lys(91) residues. Further studies with modification-specific antibodies that recognize TP2K88me1 and TP2R92me1 modifications showed that they appear in elongating to condensing spermatids and predominantly associated with the chromatin-bound TP2. This work establishes the repertoire of post-translational modifications that occur on TP1 and TP2, which may play a significant role in various chromatin-templated events during spermiogenesis and in the establishment of the sperm epigenome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil Gupta
- From the Chromatin Biology Laboratory, Molecular Biology and Genetics Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur P.O., Bangalore 560064, India
| | - M Pradeepa Madapura
- From the Chromatin Biology Laboratory, Molecular Biology and Genetics Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur P.O., Bangalore 560064, India
| | - U Anayat Bhat
- From the Chromatin Biology Laboratory, Molecular Biology and Genetics Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur P.O., Bangalore 560064, India
| | - M R Satyanarayana Rao
- From the Chromatin Biology Laboratory, Molecular Biology and Genetics Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur P.O., Bangalore 560064, India
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Noblanc A, Kocer A, Drevet JR. Recent knowledge concerning mammalian sperm chromatin organization and its potential weaknesses when facing oxidative challenge. Basic Clin Androl 2014; 24:6. [PMID: 26779341 PMCID: PMC4715350 DOI: 10.1186/2051-4190-24-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2014] [Accepted: 02/26/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatozoa are the smallest and most cyto-differentiated mammalian cells. From a somatic cell-like appearance at the beginning of spermatogenesis, the male germ cell goes through a highly sophisticated process to reach its final organization entirely devoted to its mission which is to deliver the paternal genome to the oocyte. In order to fit the paternal DNA into the tiny spermatozoa head, complete chromatin remodeling is necessary. This review essentially focuses on present knowledge of this mammalian sperm nucleus compaction program. Particular attention is given to most recent advances that concern the specific organization of mammalian sperm chromatin and its potential weaknesses. Emphasis is placed on sperm DNA oxidative damage that may have dramatic consequences including infertility, abnormal embryonic development and the risk of transmission to descendants of an altered paternal genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anais Noblanc
- GReD Laboratory, CNRS UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103 - Clermont Université, Aubière, France
| | - Ayhan Kocer
- GReD Laboratory, CNRS UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103 - Clermont Université, Aubière, France
| | - Joël R Drevet
- GReD Laboratory, CNRS UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103 - Clermont Université, Aubière, France
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Rathke C, Baarends WM, Awe S, Renkawitz-Pohl R. Chromatin dynamics during spermiogenesis. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2014; 1839:155-68. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2013.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 339] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2013] [Revised: 08/06/2013] [Accepted: 08/09/2013] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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Meistrich ML, Mohapatra B, Shirley CR, Zhao M. Roles of transition nuclear proteins in spermiogenesis. Chromosoma 2003; 111:483-8. [PMID: 12743712 DOI: 10.1007/s00412-002-0227-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 231] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2002] [Revised: 11/26/2002] [Accepted: 11/26/2002] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The transition nuclear proteins (TPs) constitute 90% of the chromatin basic proteins during the steps of spermiogenesis between histone removal and the deposition of the protamines. We first summarize the properties of the two major transition nuclear proteins, TP1 and TP2, and present concepts, based on their time of appearance in vivo and in vitro properties, regarding their roles. Distinct roles for the two TPs in histone displacement, sperm nuclear shaping, chromatin condensation, and maintenance of DNA integrity have been proposed. More definitive information on their roles in spermiogenesis has recently been obtained using mice with null mutations in the Tnp1 or Tnp2 genes for TP1 and TP2, respectively. In these mice, histone displacement and sperm nuclear shaping appear to progress quite normally. Spermatid nuclear condensation occurs, albeit in an abnormal fashion, and the mature sperm of the Tnp -null mutants are not as condensed as wild-type sperm. There is also evidence that sperm from these mutant mice contain an elevated level of DNA strand breaks. The mutant sperm showed several unexpected phenotypes, including a high incidence of configurational defects, such as heads bent back on midpieces, midpieces in hairpin configurations, coils, and clumps, other midpiece defects, reduced levels of proteolytic processing of protamine 2 during maturation, and reduced motility. The two TPs appear partly to compensate for each other as both Tnp1 - and Tnp2 -null mice were able to produce offspring, and appear to have largely overlapping functions as the two mutants had similar phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marvin L Meistrich
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Meetei AR, Ullas KS, Rao MR. Identification of two novel zinc finger modules and nuclear localization signal in rat spermatidal protein TP2 by site-directed mutagenesis. J Biol Chem 2000; 275:38500-7. [PMID: 10961985 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m002734200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatidal protein TP2, which appears transiently during stages 12-16 of mammalian spermiogenesis, is a DNA condensing zinc metalloprotein with a preference to GC-rich DNA. We have carried out a detailed site-directed mutagenesis analysis of rat spermatidal protein TP2 to delineate the amino acid residues involved in coordination with two atoms of zinc. Two zinc fingers modules have been identified involving 4 histidine and 4 cysteine residues, respectively. The modular structure of the two zinc fingers identified in TP2 define a new class of zinc finger proteins that do not fall into any of the known classes of zinc fingers. Transfection experiments with COS-7 cells using wild type and the two zinc finger pocket mutants have shown that TP2 preferentially localizes to nucleolus. The nuclear localization signal in TP2 was identified to be (87)GKVSKRKAV(95) present in the C-terminal third of TP2 as a part of an extended NoLS sequence.
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Affiliation(s)
- A R Meetei
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560 012, India
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