1
|
Yamatoya K, Kurosawa M, Hirose M, Miura Y, Taka H, Nakano T, Hasegawa A, Kagami K, Yoshitake H, Goto K, Ueno T, Fujiwara H, Shinkai Y, Kan FWK, Ogura A, Araki Y. The fluid factor OVGP1 provides a significant oviductal microenvironment for the reproductive process in golden hamster†. Biol Reprod 2024; 110:465-475. [PMID: 37995271 PMCID: PMC10941085 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad159] [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: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The mammalian oviductal lumen is a specialized chamber that provides an environment that strictly regulates fertilization and early embryogenesis, but the regulatory mechanisms to gametes and zygotes are unclear. We evaluated the oviductal regulation of early embryonic development using Ovgp1 (encoding an oviductal humoral factor, OVGP1)-knockout golden hamsters. The experimental results revealed the following: (1) female Ovgp1-knockout hamsters failed to produce litters; (2) in the oviducts of Ovgp1-knockout animals, fertilized eggs were sometimes identified, but their morphology showed abnormal features; (3) the number of implantations in the Ovgp1-knockout females was low; (4) even if implantations occurred, the embryos developed abnormally and eventually died; and (5) Ovgp1-knockout female ovaries transferred to wild-type females resulted in the production of Ovgp1-knockout egg-derived OVGP1-null litters, but the reverse experiment did not. These results suggest that OVGP1-mediated physiological events are crucial for reproductive process in vivo, from fertilization to early embryonic development. This animal model shows that the fate of the zygote is determined not only genetically, but also by the surrounding oviductal microenvironment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Yamatoya
- Institute for Environmental & Gender-Specific Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Masaru Kurosawa
- Institute for Environmental & Gender-Specific Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Michiko Hirose
- Bioresource Engineering Division, RIKEN BioResource Research Center, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Miura
- Laboratory of Proteomics & Biomolecular Sciences, Biomedical Research Core Facilities, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hikari Taka
- Laboratory of Proteomics & Biomolecular Sciences, Biomedical Research Core Facilities, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Nakano
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Yamagata University School of Medicine, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Akiko Hasegawa
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Hyogo Medical University, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Kyosuke Kagami
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Yoshitake
- Institute for Environmental & Gender-Specific Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kaoru Goto
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Yamagata University School of Medicine, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Takashi Ueno
- Laboratory of Proteomics & Biomolecular Sciences, Biomedical Research Core Facilities, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Fujiwara
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Yoichi Shinkai
- Cellular Memory Laboratory, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research, RIKEN, Saitama, Japan
| | - Frederick W K Kan
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Atsuo Ogura
- Bioresource Engineering Division, RIKEN BioResource Research Center, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Yoshihiko Araki
- Institute for Environmental & Gender-Specific Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Alpha-mannosidase activity in stallion epididymal fluid and spermatozoa. Theriogenology 2012; 78:252-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2012.02.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2011] [Revised: 12/05/2011] [Accepted: 02/25/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|
3
|
Tulsiani DRP, Abou-Haila A. Biological Processes that Prepare Mammalian Spermatozoa to Interact with an Egg and Fertilize It. SCIENTIFICA 2012; 2012:607427. [PMID: 24278720 PMCID: PMC3820447 DOI: 10.6064/2012/607427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2012] [Accepted: 05/10/2012] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
In the mouse and other mammals studied, including man, ejaculated spermatozoa cannot immediately fertilize an egg. They require a certain period of residence in the female genital tract to become functionally competent cells. As spermatozoa traverse through the female genital tract, they undergo multiple biochemical and physiological changes collectively referred to as capacitation. Only capacitated spermatozoa interact with the extracellular egg coat, the zona pellucida. The tight irreversible binding of the opposite gametes triggers a Ca(2+)-dependent signal transduction cascade. The net result is the fusion of the sperm plasma membrane and the underlying outer acrosomal membrane at multiple sites that causes the release of acrosomal contents at the site of sperm-egg adhesion. The hydrolytic action of the acrosomal enzymes released, along with the hyperactivated beat pattern of the bound spermatozoon, is important factor that directs the sperm to penetrate the egg coat and fertilize the egg. The sperm capacitation and the induction of the acrosomal reaction are Ca(2+)-dependent signaling events that have been of wide interest to reproductive biologists for over half a century. In this paper, we intend to discuss data from this and other laboratories that highlight the biological processes which prepare spermatozoa to interact with an egg and fertilize it.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daulat R. P. Tulsiani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Aïda Abou-Haila
- UFR Biomédicale, Université Paris Descartes, 75270 Paris Cedex 06, France
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Dun MD, Mitchell LA, Aitken RJ, Nixon B. Sperm-zona pellucida interaction: molecular mechanisms and the potential for contraceptive intervention. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2010:139-178. [PMID: 20839091 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-02062-9_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
At the moment of insemination, millions of mammalian sperm cells are released into the female reproductive tract with the single goal of finding the oocyte. The spermatozoa subsequently ignore the thousands of cells they make contact with during their journey to the site of fertilization, until they reach the surface of the oocyte. At this point, they bind tenaciously to the acellular coat, known as the zona pellucida, which surrounds the oocyte and orchestrate a cascade of cellular interactions that culminate in fertilization. These exquisitely cell- and species- specific recognition events are among the most strategically important cellular interactions in biology. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underpin them has implications for the etiology of human infertility and the development of novel targets for fertility regulation. Herein we describe our current understanding of the molecular basis of successful sperm-zona pellucida binding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D Dun
- Reproductive Science Group, School of Environmental & Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kon Y, Iwata H, Shiono H, Matsubara K, Kurita A, Sakaguchi Y, Kuwayama T, Monji Y. Effect of Carbohydrates on the Ability of Bull Sperm to Bind to Bovine Oviduct Epithelial Cells. Reprod Domest Anim 2009; 44:365-70. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2007.01013.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
6
|
Tian YH, Xiong JW, Hu L, Huang DH, Xiong CL. Candida albicans and filtrates interfere with human spermatozoal motility and alter the ultrastructure of spermatozoa: an in vitro study. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 30:421-9. [PMID: 17298548 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2605.2006.00734.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The in vitro effects of Candida albicans and its filtrates on the motility and ultrastructure of human spermatozoa from healthy donors were studied. A significant reduction in sperm progressive motility and signs of membrane alteration, directly related to contact time were observed. Distinct adhesion of spermatozoa to C. albicans and agglutination were observed. Light and transmission electron microscopy examinations showed that spermatozoa attached to C. albicans mainly via the head. Multiple ultrastructural lesions were present, which were the possible morphological reasons for spermatozoan immobilization observed in the present study. It is concluded that C. albicans as well as its filtrates had an inhibitory effect on human sperm motility and impaired the ultrastructure of human spermatozoa, which could be associated with male infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Hong Tian
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Family Planning Research, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong Science and Technology University, Wuhan, China
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Tanghe S, Van Soom A, Duchateau L, De Kruif A. Inhibition of bovine sperm-oocyte fusion by the p-aminophenyl derivative of D-mannose. Mol Reprod Dev 2004; 67:224-32. [PMID: 14694439 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.10387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Several steps in the process of mammalian fertilization are mediated by carbohydrates. This study investigated the role of the p-aminophenyl derivative of d-mannose (APMP) during bovine fertilization. Inseminating cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) in the presence of increasing APMP concentrations resulted in a significant dose-dependent decrease of the fertilization rate (P < 0.05). No negative effect of 50 mM APMP on total sperm motility and progressive motility was found. Subsequently, the fertilization steps at which this blocking effect could be exerted were investigated, i.e., sperm penetration of the cumulus oophorus, sperm-zona binding, acrosome reaction, sperm-oolemma binding, and/or sperm-oocyte fusion. Inseminating cumulus-enclosed and cumulus-denuded oocytes in the presence of 50 mM APMP significantly decreased the fertilization rate to a comparable minimum level (P < 0.05). There was no significant relationship between the number of spermatozoa bound to the zona pellucida and the APMP concentration, and APMP nor d-mannosylated bovine serum albumin (BSA) suppressed or stimulated sperm acrosomal status. Inseminating zona-free oocytes in the presence of 50 mM APMP did not influence sperm-oolemma binding, but significantly inhibited sperm-oocyte fusion (P < 0.05). Preincubating zona-free oocytes with 200 microg/ml Con A but not with 50 mM APMP inhibited the sperm-oocyte fusion rate to the same extent as when the gametes were simultaneously exposed to 50 mM APMP. These data indicate that the blocking effect of APMP on bovine fertilization is mainly due to an inhibition of sperm-oocyte fusion, probably by specific obstruction of the sperm receptor sites that are responsible for the fusion process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sofie Tanghe
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Chiu PCN, Tsang HY, Koistinen R, Koistinen H, Seppala M, Lee KF, Yeung WSB. The Contribution of d-Mannose, l-Fucose, N-Acetylglucosamine, and Selectin Residues on the Binding of Glycodelin Isoforms to Human Spermatozoa1. Biol Reprod 2004; 70:1710-9. [PMID: 14973265 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.103.023259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous data showed that glycodelin-A from amniotic fluid and glycodelin-F from follicular fluid inhibited sperm-zona pellucida binding. Solubilized zona pellucida reduced the binding of glycodelin-F to sperm extract dose dependently. This study demonstrated that the zona pellucida proteins also reduced the binding of glycodelin-A to sperm extract. Ionophore-induced acrosome reaction reduced the binding of iodinated glycodelin-A and -F to sperm, indicating that the glycodelin-binding sites are on the outer acrosomal membrane or on the sperm plasma membrane overlying the acrosome. While the binding of glycodelin-A to sperm was suppressed by mannose and fucose neoglycoproteins, that of glycodelin-F was also reduced by acetylglucosamine neoglycoprotein. Pretreatment of sperm with inhibitors of mannosidase and acetylglucosaminidase reduced the binding of glycodelin-F to sperm. On the other hand, inhibitor of mannosidase but not of acetylglucosaminidase inhibited the binding of glycodelin-A. In a competition binding assay, mannosidase reduced both glycodelin-A and -F binding whereas acetylglucosaminidase reduced only glycodelin-F binding. While fucosidase reduced the binding of both glycodelins, fucosidase inhibitor was marginally active in suppressing the binding of glycodelins to human sperm. Among the selectins tested, only E-selectin had a slight inhibitory effect on the binding of glycodelin-A to sperm. The binding of glycodelin-F was unaffected by selectins and their antibodies. In conclusion, the binding of glycodelin-A to sperm involves mannose, fucose, and possibly E- selectin residues, while that of glycodelin-F involves mannose, fucose, and N-acetylglucosamine but not the selectin residue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P C N Chiu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Tanghe S, Van Soom A, Duchateau L, Nauwynck H, de Kruif A. Carbohydrates and glycoproteins involved in bovine fertilization in vitro. Mol Reprod Dev 2004; 68:492-9. [PMID: 15236335 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.20095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, efforts were made towards identifying carbohydrates and glycoproteins involved in bovine in vitro fertilization (IVF). In vitro matured cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were inseminated in the presence of a variety of carbohydrates and glycoproteins to determine which glycoconjugates act as competitive inhibitors of oocyte penetration. Among the carbohydrates and glycoproteins tested, D-mannose, fucoidan, dextran sulfate, and fibronectin were the most potent inhibitors of oocyte penetration (90% or more inhibition), while L-fucose and vitronectin inhibited the penetration rate to a lesser extent (around 50% inhibition). Other carbohydrates caused less than 40% inhibition (i.e., D-galactose, N-acetyl-D-galactosamine, D-fucose, and sialic acid) or were not effective as inhibitors of oocyte penetration (i.e., mannan, N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, dextran, and heparan sulfate). Heparin was the only carbohydrate that significantly increased the penetration rate. To exclude a possible toxic effect on spermatozoa, sperm motility was evaluated over time by means of computer-assisted sperm analysis in the presence of carbohydrates and/or glycoproteins that inhibited the penetration rate with 40% or more. L-fucose, dextran sulfate, and vitronectin did not significantly influence total and progressive sperm motility, whereas D-mannose, fucoidan, and fibronectin caused a significant, but slight reduction in both motility parameters. These results are indicative for the involvement of D-mannose, L-fucose, fucoidan, dextran sulfate, fibronectin, and vitronectin in bovine IVF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Tanghe
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Araki Y, Nohara M, Yoshida-Komiya H, Kuramochi T, Ito M, Hoshi H, Shinkai Y, Sendai Y. Effect of a null mutation of the oviduct-specific glycoprotein gene on mouse fertilization. Biochem J 2003; 374:551-7. [PMID: 12814341 PMCID: PMC1223620 DOI: 10.1042/bj20030466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2003] [Revised: 06/06/2003] [Accepted: 06/18/2003] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian fertilization process takes place in a complex microenvironment within the female genital tract. A member of the chitinase protein family, oviduct-specific glycoprotein (OGP), has been identified in oviductal fluid from various mammalian species, including humans. Although OGP is widely believed to be involved in the process of mammalian fertilization, including spermatozoon function and gamete interactions, based on experimental results obtained in vitro, its physiological significance remains controversial. The present study established OGP gene-null ( ogp (-/-)) mice, and primarily characterized their reproductive properties to study the physiological function(s) of OGP. Results obtained from studies using an in vivo or in vitro system showed that the fertility of ogp (-/-) females was within normal limits. These results indicate that OGP is not essential for the process of in vivo fertilization, at least in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihiko Araki
- Department of Immunology and Parasitology, Yamagata University School of Medicine, 2-2-2 Iida-Nishi, Yamagata 990-9585, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Bendahmane M, Tulsiani DRP. Capacitated acrosome-intact mouse spermatozoa bind to Sepharose beads coated with functional neoglycoproteins. Arch Biochem Biophys 2003; 415:203-12. [PMID: 12831843 DOI: 10.1016/s0003-9861(03)00257-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Capacitated acrosome-intact mouse spermatozoa bind to the egg's extracellular coat, the zona pellucida (ZP), in a carbohydrate-mediated receptor-ligand manner. The tight irreversible binding of the opposite gametes triggers a signal transduction pathway resulting in the exocytosis of acrosomal contents (i.e., induction of the acrosome reaction [AR]). Previously, we demonstrated that a hexose (mannose) and two amino sugars (N-acetylglucosamine and N-acetylgalactosamine), when covalently conjugated to bovine serum albumin (BSA) (functional neoglycoproteins, ngps), mimicked mZP3 and induced the AR [Biol. Reprod. 60 (1999) 94-101]. To further elucidate the specificity of sperm-ngp interaction and the mZP3 mimicking role of the functional ngps, we have examined binding of the mouse spermatozoa to Sepharose 4B beads coated with the functional and non-functional ngps as well as BSA, ovalbumin (OVA), or asialofetuin (ASF). A significantly greater number of capacitated acrosome-intact spermatozoa bound to the beads coated with functional ngps than the beads coated with non-functional ngps, BSA, OVA, or ASF. The binding was temperature-sensitive and was highest when the sperm-bead assay was carried out at 37 degrees C. Blocking of in vitro capacitation, by including calmodulin antagonists in the incubation medium, prevented sperm from binding to the beads. Furthermore, inclusion of free sugars (mannose, N-acetylglucosamine, or N-acetylgalactosamine) in the binding assay, either individually or as a mixture, inhibited sperm-bead binding in a concentration-dependent manner. Taken together, our data provide evidence strongly suggesting that binding of capacitated spermatozoa to the ngp-coated Sepharose beads is specific. The beads that mimic zona-intact eggs provide an excellent tool for examining pharmacological effects of reagents that alter the sperm function. In addition, the immobilized ngp(s) will be useful as an affinity medium to isolate the sperm surface receptor(s) that recognize and bind to the sugar residues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Malika Bendahmane
- Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Room D-3243 MCN, Nashville, TN 37232-2633, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Talbot P, Shur BD, Myles DG. Cell adhesion and fertilization: steps in oocyte transport, sperm-zona pellucida interactions, and sperm-egg fusion. Biol Reprod 2003; 68:1-9. [PMID: 12493688 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.102.007856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Fertilization in mammals requires the successful completion of many steps, starting with the transport of gametes in the reproductive tract and ending with sperm-egg membrane fusion. In this minireview, we focus on three adhesion steps in this multistep process. The first is oocyte "pick-up," in which the degree of adhesion between the extracellular matrix of the cumulus cells and oviductal epithelial cells controls the successful pick-up of the oocyte-cumulus complex and its subsequent transfer into the oviduct. The second part of this review is concerned with the interaction between the sperm and the zona pellucida of the egg. Evidence is discussed that a plasma membrane form of galactosyltransferase on the surface of mouse sperm binds to ZP3 in the zona pellucida and initiates an acrosome reaction. Additional evidence raises the possibility that initial sperm binding to the zona pellucida is independent of ZP3. Last, we address the relationship between sperm adhesion to the egg plasma membrane and membrane fusion, especially the role of ADAM family proteins on the sperm surface and egg integrins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Prudence Talbot
- Department of Neuroscience, University of California-Riverside, Riverside, California 92521, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Bendahmane M, Zeng HT, Tulsiani DRP. Assessment of acrosomal status in rat spermatozoa: studies on carbohydrate and non-carbohydrate agonists. Arch Biochem Biophys 2002; 404:38-47. [PMID: 12127067 DOI: 10.1016/s0003-9861(02)00278-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
In the mouse and several other species, including man, capacitated acrosome-intact spermatozoa interact with natural [soluble zona pellucida (ZP) and progesterone (P4)] and synthetic [neoglycoproteins (ngps) and calcium (Ca(2+)) ionophore] agonists, prior to the initiation of a Ca(2+)-dependent signal transduction cascade. The net result is the fusion of the sperm plasma membrane overlying the outer acrosomal membrane at multiple sites and exocytosis of acrosomal contents [i.e., induction of the acrosome reaction (AR)]. This step is believed to be a prerequisite that enables the acrosome-reacted spermatozoon to penetrate the ZP and fertilize the egg. Although the rat is one of the most commonly used laboratory animals, very little is known about the chemical nature of agonists that induce the AR in this species. The lack of this information is primarily due to the fact that the rat sperm acrosome is a relatively thin structure. Thus, it is difficult to assess the status of the sperm acrosome in this species. In this report, we describe the use of a Coomassie brilliant blue dye staining procedure to assess the status of the rat sperm acrosome by light microscopy. The procedure is highly reproducible and has allowed us to determine the effects of carbohydrate (ngps and mouse ZP) and noncarbohydrate (P4 and Ca(2+) ionophore) agonists on capacitated spermatozoa. In addition, we have used a pharmacological approach to examine the functional significance of calmodulin (CaM), a Ca(2+)-binding protein, in induction of the AR in spermatozoa. Data presented in this report demonstrate that several ngps, solubilized mZP, P4, and Ca(2+) ionophores induce the AR in rat spermatozoa. Furthermore, we demonstrate that, whereas CaM antagonists blocked P4-induced AR, most of the inhibitors used had no significant effect on the Ca(2+) ionophore-induced (nonphysiological) AR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Malika Bendahmane
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232-2633, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Maegawa M, Kamada M, Yamamoto S, Yamano S, Irahara M, Kido H, Aono T. Involvement of carbohydrate molecules on zona pellucida in human fertilization. J Reprod Immunol 2002; 53:79-89. [PMID: 11730906 DOI: 10.1016/s0165-0378(01)00096-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Although the involvement of several receptors and ligand molecules in sperm-zona interaction in many species have been proposed, there has been a little analysis of the kinetics between these molecules during the interaction. In the present study, we applied the detection method using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) by a BIAcore apparatus for the analysis of the putative receptor-ligand interaction of sperm-egg binding. Mannose-BSA or [man](5)-[GlcNAc](2)-Asp was immobilized on the surface of a sensor chip. When concanavalin A (Con A) was delivered to each of two different sensor chips to evaluate their usefulness, the resonance signal after sample injection onto a [man](5)-[GlcNAc](2)-Asp-fixed chip decreased rapidly than the mannose-BSA-fixed chip. However, the amount of binding for Con A during the injection onto the [man](5)-[GlcNAc](2)-Asp-fixed chip was high. When acid sperm extracts (acid extracts) and fractions through a CM column, containing protease activity (protease fractions), were delivered to the mannose-BSA-fixed chip, the SPR signal during the injection was not obviously changed compared with that of the control. However, when sperm samples were delivered to the [man](5)-[GlcNAc](2)-Asp-fixed chip, the SPR response during the injection was enormous. These results suggest that the [man](5)-[GlcNAc](2)-Asp-fixed chip is more useful than the mannose-BSA-fixed chip for investigating the interactions with sperm extracts and that the sensitive method using SPR by a BIAcore apparatus is applicable for the analysis of the putative receptor-ligand interaction of sperm-egg binding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masahiko Maegawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, The University of Tokushima, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Weerachatyanukul W, Rattanachaiyanont M, Carmona E, Furimsky A, Mai A, Shoushtarian A, Sirichotiyakul S, Ballakier H, Leader A, Tanphaichitr N. Sulfogalactosylglycerolipid is involved in human gamete interaction. Mol Reprod Dev 2001; 60:569-78. [PMID: 11746968 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.1122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Recent results from our laboratory have revealed the role of sulfogalactosylglycerolipid (SGG) in mouse sperm-zona pellucida (ZP) binding. In this report, we demonstrated the presence of SGG in Percoll-gradient centrifuged (PGC) human sperm by high performance thin layer chromatography with orcinol and Azure A staining, specific for glycolipids and sulfolipids, respectively. SGG in human PGC sperm was quantified by its affinity to Azure A to be 12-15 mol% of sperm lipids. Indirect immunofluorescence revealed that SGG existed on both live and aldehyde fixed human sperm in the head region. Pretreatment of human PGC sperm with affinity purified antiSGG Fab markedly inhibited sperm binding to the ZP in a concentration dependent manner, without any changes in the spontaneous acrosome rate or sperm motility parameters. Fluorescently labeled SGG liposomes also bound uniformly to isolated human ZP, while fluorescently labeled galactosylglycerolipid (GG, SGG's parental lipid) or phosphatidylserine (PS, negatively charged like SGG) liposomes did not. All of these results suggested the role of human sperm SGG in ZP binding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- W Weerachatyanukul
- Hormones/Growth/Development, Ottawa Health Research Institute, University of Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1Y 4E9
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Horrocks AJ, Stewart S, Jackson L, Wishart GJ. Induction of acrosomal exocytosis in chicken spermatozoa by inner perivitelline-derived N-linked glycans. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2000; 278:84-9. [PMID: 11071859 DOI: 10.1006/bbrc.2000.3766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In birds, the ovum is surrounded by a glycoprotein coat known as the inner perivitelline layer (IPVL), which is analogous to the mammalian zona pellucida and, as such, is the site of initial sperm binding and induction of acrosomal exocytosis (the acrosome reaction). In this study, we demonstrate that oligosaccharides isolated from chicken-IPVL glycoproteins are capable of inducing the acrosome reaction in chicken spermatozoa. Preparations containing only O-linked glycans were unable to induce the acrosome reaction whereas N-linked oligosaccharides released from the IPVL by PNGaseF treatment could induce the acrosome reaction. Addition of galactose to terminal N-acetyglucosamine residues suppressed the acrosome reaction-inducing capacity of the oligosaccharide preparation; however, this capacity could be restored by co-incubation with beta-galactosidase. This evidence suggests that the acrosome reaction-inducing factor is probably an N-linked oligosaccharide with terminal N-acetyl-glucosamine residues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A J Horrocks
- Avian Reproduction Group, Division of Molecular and Life Sciences, School of Science and Engineering, University of Abertay Dundee, Bell Street, Dundee, DD1 1HG, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Tulsiani DR. Structural analysis of the asparagine-linked glycan units of the ZP2 and ZP3 glycoproteins from mouse zona pellucida. Arch Biochem Biophys 2000; 382:275-83. [PMID: 11068879 DOI: 10.1006/abbi.2000.2038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Zona pellucida (ZP), the extracellular glycocalyx that surrounds the mammalian egg plasma membrane, is a relatively simple structure consisting of three to four glycoproteins. In the mouse, the ZP is composed of three glycoproteins, namely ZP1 (200 kDa), ZP2 (120 kDa), and ZP3 (83 kDa). Extensive studies in this species have resulted in the identification of primary (mZP3) and secondary (mZP2) binding sites for spermatozoa. The two zona components are highly glycosylated containing N-linked and O-linked glycan units. In an attempt to characterize N-linked glycan units, mZP2 and mZP3 were purified and the N-linked carbohydrate chains were released by exhaustive digestion with N-glycanase. The released oligosaccharides (OSs) were radiolabeled by reduction with NaB3H4 and resolved by gel filtration on a column of Bio-Gel P-4. The OSs separated into several peaks indicating the presence of a variety of N-linked glycans. Interestingly, the radioactive peaks resolved from mZP2 and mZP3 were quite different, a result suggesting qualitative and quantitative differences in the glycans. The [SH]-labeled glycans present in mZP2 and mZP3 were pooled separately and fractionated by serial lectin chromatography. Experimental evidence included in this report strongly suggests that mZP3 (but not mZP2) contains polylactosaminyl glycan with terminal, nonreducing alpha-galactosyl residues. The mZP3 glycans eluted from the immobilized lectin columns were further characterized by lectin and sizing column chromatography before or after digestion with endo-/ exo-glycohydrolases. Data revealed the presence of a variety of OSs, including poly-N-acetyllactosaminyl, bi-, tri-, and tetraantennary complex-type, and high-mannose-type glycans. Taken together, these results provide additional evidence on the complex nature of the glycan chains present on mZP glycoconjugates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D R Tulsiani
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-2633, USA.
| |
Collapse
|