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Weigel Muñoz M, Cohen DJ, Da Ros VG, González SN, Rebagliati Cid A, Sulzyk V, Cuasnicu PS. Physiological and pathological aspects of epididymal sperm maturation. Mol Aspects Med 2024; 100:101321. [PMID: 39340983 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2024.101321] [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: 07/08/2024] [Revised: 09/10/2024] [Accepted: 09/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024]
Abstract
In mammals, sperm that leave the testes are nonfunctional and require a complex post-testicular maturation process to acquire their ability to recognize and fertilize the egg. The crucial maturation changes that provide sperm their fertilizing capability occur while passing through the epididymis. Due to the widespread use of assisted reproductive technologies to address male infertility, there has been a significant decrease in research focusing on the mechanisms underlying the maturation process over the past decades. Considering that up to 40% of male infertility is idiopathic and could be reflecting sperm maturation defects, the study of post-testicular sperm maturation will clearly contribute to a better understanding of the causes of male infertility and to the development of both new approaches to maturing sperm in vitro and safer male contraceptive methods. Based on this, the present review focuses on the physiopathology of the epididymis as well as on current approaches under investigation to improve research in sperm maturation and as potential therapeutic options for male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Weigel Muñoz
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME). Fundación IBYME. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Débora J Cohen
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME). Fundación IBYME. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Vanina G Da Ros
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME). Fundación IBYME. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Soledad N González
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME). Fundación IBYME. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Abril Rebagliati Cid
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME). Fundación IBYME. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Valeria Sulzyk
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME). Fundación IBYME. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Patricia S Cuasnicu
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME). Fundación IBYME. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Skerrett-Byrne DA, Stanger SJ, Trigg NA, Anderson AL, Sipilä P, Bernstein IR, Lord T, Schjenken JE, Murray HC, Verrills NM, Dun MD, Pang TY, Nixon B. Phosphoproteomic analysis of the adaption of epididymal epithelial cells to corticosterone challenge. Andrology 2024; 12:1038-1057. [PMID: 38576152 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13636] [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] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The epididymis has long been of interest owing to its role in promoting the functional maturation of the male germline. More recent evidence has also implicated the epididymis as an important sensory tissue responsible for remodeling of the sperm epigenome, both under physiological conditions and in response to diverse forms of environmental stress. Despite this knowledge, the intricacies of the molecular pathways involved in regulating the adaptation of epididymal tissue to paternal stressors remains to be fully resolved. OBJECTIVE The overall objective of this study was to investigate the direct impact of corticosterone challenge on a tractable epididymal epithelial cell line (i.e., mECap18 cells), in terms of driving adaptation of the cellular proteome and phosphoproteome signaling networks. MATERIALS AND METHODS The newly developed phosphoproteomic platform EasyPhos coupled with sequencing via an Orbitrap Exploris 480 mass spectrometer, was applied to survey global changes in the mECap18 cell (phospho)proteome resulting from sub-chronic (10-day) corticosterone challenge. RESULTS The imposed corticosterone exposure regimen elicited relatively subtle modifications of the global mECap18 proteome (i.e., only 73 out of 4171 [∼1.8%] proteins displayed altered abundance). By contrast, ∼15% of the mECap18 phosphoproteome was substantially altered following corticosterone challenge. In silico analysis of the corresponding parent proteins revealed an activation of pathways linked to DNA damage repair and oxidative stress responses as well as a reciprocal inhibition of pathways associated with organismal death. Corticosterone challenge also induced the phosphorylation of several proteins linked to the biogenesis of microRNAs. Accordingly, orthogonal validation strategies confirmed an increase in DNA damage, which was ameliorated upon selective kinase inhibition, and an altered abundance profile of a subset of microRNAs in corticosterone-treated cells. CONCLUSIONS Together, these data confirm that epididymal epithelial cells are reactive to corticosterone challenge, and that their response is tightly coupled to the opposing action of cellular kinases and phosphatases.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Skerrett-Byrne
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New Lambton, NSW, Australia
| | - Simone J Stanger
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New Lambton, NSW, Australia
| | - Natalie A Trigg
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New Lambton, NSW, Australia
| | - Amanda L Anderson
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New Lambton, NSW, Australia
| | - Petra Sipilä
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, and Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Ilana R Bernstein
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New Lambton, NSW, Australia
| | - Tessa Lord
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New Lambton, NSW, Australia
| | - John E Schjenken
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New Lambton, NSW, Australia
| | - Heather C Murray
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New Lambton, NSW, Australia
| | - Nicole M Verrills
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New Lambton, NSW, Australia
| | - Matthew D Dun
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New Lambton, NSW, Australia
| | - Terence Y Pang
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New Lambton, NSW, Australia
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Hobbs RJ, Upton R, Calatayud NE, Silla AJ, Daly J, McFadden MS, O’Brien JK. Cryopreservation Cooling Rate Impacts Post-Thaw Sperm Motility and Survival in Litoria booroolongensis. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3014. [PMID: 37835620 PMCID: PMC10571529 DOI: 10.3390/ani13193014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The cryopreservation and storage of gametes (biobanking) can provide a long-term, low-cost option for the preservation of population genetic diversity and is particularly impactful when applied to manage selective breeding within conservation breeding programs (CBPs). This study aimed to develop a sperm cryopreservation protocol for the critically endangered Booroolong frog (Litoria booroolongensis) to capture founder genetics within the recently established (est. 2019) CBP for this species. Hormone-induced sperm release was achieved using established protocols, and spermic urine samples were collected over a 6-h period. Pooled spermic urine samples (n = 3 males) were divided equally between two cryoprotectant (CPA) treatments and diluted by 1:5 (sperm:CPA) with either 15% (v/v) dimethyl sulfoxide + 1% (w/v) sucrose in simplified amphibian Ringer's (SAR; CPAA) or 10% (v/v) dimethylformamide + 10% (w/v) trehalose dihydrate in SAR (CPAB). The samples were cryopreserved in 0.25 mL straws using either a programmable freezer (FrA) or an adapted dry shipper method (FrB). The thawed samples were activated via dilution in water and assessed for viability and motility using both manual assessment and computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA; 0 h, 0.5 h post-thaw). Upon activation, the survival and recovery of motility (total motility, forward progression and velocity) of cryopreserved sperm suspensions were higher for sperm preserved using FrB than FrA, regardless of CPA composition. This work supports our long-term goal to pioneer the integration of biobanked cryopreserved sperm with population genetic management to maximize restoration program outcomes for Australian amphibian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J. Hobbs
- Taronga Institute of Science and Learning, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Mosman, NSW 2088, Australia (J.K.O.)
| | - Rose Upton
- Conservation Biology Research Group, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Natalie E. Calatayud
- Beckman Center for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, 15600 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA 92025, USA
| | - Aimee J. Silla
- School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia;
| | - Jonathan Daly
- Taronga Institute of Science and Learning, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Mosman, NSW 2088, Australia (J.K.O.)
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Michael S. McFadden
- Taronga Institute of Science and Learning, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Mosman, NSW 2088, Australia (J.K.O.)
| | - Justine K. O’Brien
- Taronga Institute of Science and Learning, Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Mosman, NSW 2088, Australia (J.K.O.)
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
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Nixon B, Schjenken JE, Burke ND, Skerrett-Byrne DA, Hart HM, De Iuliis GN, Martin JH, Lord T, Bromfield EG. New horizons in human sperm selection for assisted reproduction. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1145533. [PMID: 36909306 PMCID: PMC9992892 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1145533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Male infertility is a commonly encountered pathology that is estimated to be a contributory factor in approximately 50% of couples seeking recourse to assisted reproductive technologies. Upon clinical presentation, such males are commonly subjected to conventional diagnostic andrological practices that rely on descriptive criteria to define their fertility based on the number of morphologically normal, motile spermatozoa encountered within their ejaculate. Despite the virtual ubiquitous adoption of such diagnostic practices, they are not without their limitations and accordingly, there is now increasing awareness of the importance of assessing sperm quality in order to more accurately predict a male's fertility status. This realization raises the important question of which characteristics signify a high-quality, fertilization competent sperm cell. In this review, we reflect on recent advances in our mechanistic understanding of sperm biology and function, which are contributing to a growing armory of innovative approaches to diagnose and treat male infertility. In particular we review progress toward the implementation of precision medicine; the robust clinical adoption of which in the setting of fertility, currently lags well behind that of other fields of medicine. Despite this, research shows that the application of advanced technology platforms such as whole exome sequencing and proteomic analyses hold considerable promise in optimizing outcomes for the management of male infertility by uncovering and expanding our inventory of candidate infertility biomarkers, as well as those associated with recurrent pregnancy loss. Similarly, the development of advanced imaging technologies in tandem with machine learning artificial intelligence are poised to disrupt the fertility care paradigm by advancing our understanding of the molecular and biological causes of infertility to provide novel avenues for future diagnostics and treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: Brett Nixon,
| | - John E. Schjenken
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Nathan D. Burke
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - David A. Skerrett-Byrne
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Hanah M. Hart
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Geoffry N. De Iuliis
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Jacinta H. Martin
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Tessa Lord
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Elizabeth G. Bromfield
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
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Breed B, Leigh C, Ahmer I. Morphological events at the time of oocyte maturation and sperm–egg interactions during fertilisation in a dasyurid marsupial. AUST J ZOOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1071/zo22030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
In marsupials there have been several studies on oocyte maturation and sperm–egg interactions at the time of fertilisation, but controversy exists as to when and how some of the processes occur. Here we present a summary of relevant data from a species of dasyurid marsupial, the fat-tailed dunnart (Sminthopsis crassicaudata). The findings show that in oocytes of developing ovarian follicles cortical granules are produced with many of the granules sometimes initially congregating around the cytoplasmic vacuoles before migrating to the proximity of the oocyte cell membrane. During fertilisation the spermatozoon binds to the zona pellucida that surrounds the oocyte with its tail lying parallel to the long axis of the head. As the spermatozoon passes through the zona pellucida it is surrounded by the zona matrix and, when entering the egg cytoplasm, a localised area of elevated ooplasm occurs around the spermatozoon. Also, unlike a recent claim to the contrary, the head of the spermatozoon travels a considerable distance into the egg cytoplasm before chromatin decondensation occurs, an event that probably minimises the chances of chromatin disruption by the sperm tail at the time of its incorporation.
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Sansegundo E, Tourmente M, Roldan ERS. Energy Metabolism and Hyperactivation of Spermatozoa from Three Mouse Species under Capacitating Conditions. Cells 2022; 11:220. [PMID: 35053337 PMCID: PMC8773617 DOI: 10.3390/cells11020220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian sperm differ widely in sperm morphology, and several explanations have been presented to account for this diversity. Less is known about variation in sperm physiology and cellular processes that can give sperm cells an advantage when competing to fertilize oocytes. Capacitation of spermatozoa, a process essential for mammalian fertilization, correlates with changes in motility that result in a characteristic swimming pattern known as hyperactivation. Previous studies revealed that sperm motility and velocity depend on the amount of ATP available and, therefore, changes in sperm movement occurring during capacitation and hyperactivation may involve changes in sperm bioenergetics. Here, we examine differences in ATP levels of sperm from three mouse species (genus Mus), differing in sperm competition levels, incubated under non-capacitating and capacitating conditions, to analyse relationships between energetics, capacitation, and swimming patterns. We found that, in general terms, the amount of sperm ATP decreased more rapidly under capacitating conditions. This descent was related to the development of a hyperactivated pattern of movement in two species (M. musculus and M. spicilegus) but not in the other (M. spretus), suggesting that, in the latter, temporal dynamics and energetic demands of capacitation and hyperactivation may be decoupled or that the hyperactivation pattern differs. The decrease in ATP levels during capacitation was steeper in species with higher levels of sperm competition than in those with lower levels. Our results suggest that, during capacitation, sperm consume more ATP than under non-capacitating conditions. This higher ATP consumption may be linked to higher velocity and lateral head displacement, which are associated with hyperactivated motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ester Sansegundo
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, Spanish Research Council (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Maximiliano Tourmente
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, Spanish Research Council (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain;
- Centro de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Cordoba X5016GCA, Argentina
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas (IIByT), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científica y Técnicas (CONICET), Cordoba X5016GCA, Argentina
| | - Eduardo R. S. Roldan
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, Spanish Research Council (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain;
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Teves ME, Roldan ERS. Sperm bauplan and function and underlying processes of sperm formation and selection. Physiol Rev 2022; 102:7-60. [PMID: 33880962 PMCID: PMC8812575 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00009.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The spermatozoon is a highly differentiated and polarized cell, with two main structures: the head, containing a haploid nucleus and the acrosomal exocytotic granule, and the flagellum, which generates energy and propels the cell; both structures are connected by the neck. The sperm's main aim is to participate in fertilization, thus activating development. Despite this common bauplan and function, there is an enormous diversity in structure and performance of sperm cells. For example, mammalian spermatozoa may exhibit several head patterns and overall sperm lengths ranging from ∼30 to 350 µm. Mechanisms of transport in the female tract, preparation for fertilization, and recognition of and interaction with the oocyte also show considerable variation. There has been much interest in understanding the origin of this diversity, both in evolutionary terms and in relation to mechanisms underlying sperm differentiation in the testis. Here, relationships between sperm bauplan and function are examined at two levels: first, by analyzing the selective forces that drive changes in sperm structure and physiology to understand the adaptive values of this variation and impact on male reproductive success and second, by examining cellular and molecular mechanisms of sperm formation in the testis that may explain how differentiation can give rise to such a wide array of sperm forms and functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Eugenia Teves
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Eduardo R S Roldan
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
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Chai S, Huang X, Wu T, Xu S, Ren W, Yang G. Comparative genomics reveals molecular mechanisms underlying health and reproduction in cryptorchid mammals. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:763. [PMID: 34702182 PMCID: PMC8547080 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-08084-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mammals have wide variations in testicular position, with scrotal testes in some species and ascrotal testes in others. Although cryptorchidism is hazardous to human health, some mammalian taxa are natural cryptorchids. However, the evolution of testicular position and the molecular mechanisms underlying the maintenance of health, including reproductive health, in ascrotal mammals are not clear. RESULTS In the present study, comparative genomics and evolutionary analyses revealed that genes associated with the extracellular matrix and muscle, contributing to the development of the gubernaculum, were involved in the evolution of testicular position in mammals. Moreover, genes related to testicular position were significantly associated with spermatogenesis and sperm fertility. These genes showed rapid evolution and the signature of positive selection, with specific substitutions in ascrotal mammals. Genes associated with testicular position were significantly enriched in functions and pathways related to cancer, DNA repair, DNA replication, and autophagy. CONCLUSIONS Our results revealed that alterations in gubernaculum development contributed to the evolution of testicular position in mammals and provided the first support for two hypotheses for variation in testicular position in mammals, the "cooling hypothesis", which proposes that the scrotum provides a cool environment for acutely heat-sensitive sperm and the "training hypothesis", which proposes that the scrotum develops the sperm by exposing them to an exterior environment. Further, we identified cancer resistance and DNA repair as potential protective mechanisms in natural cryptorchids. These findings provide general insights into cryptorchidism and have implications for health and infertility both in humans and domestic mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simin Chai
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xin Huang
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tianzhen Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shixia Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wenhua Ren
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Guang Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China.
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9
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Chen H, Alves MBR, Belleannée C. Contribution of epididymal epithelial cell functions to sperm epigenetic changes and the health of progeny. Hum Reprod Update 2021; 28:51-66. [PMID: 34618012 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmab029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spermatozoa acquire their motility and fertilizing abilities during their maturation through the epididymis. This process is controlled by epididymal epithelial cells that possess features adapted to sense and respond to their surrounding environment and to communicate with spermatozoa. During the past decade, new intercellular communication processes have been discovered, including the secretion and transport of molecules from the epithelium to spermatozoa via extracellular vesicles (EVs), as well as sensing of the intraluminal milieu by cellular extensions. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review addresses recent findings regarding epididymal epithelial cell features and interactions between spermatozoa and the epididymal epithelium as well as epigenetic modifications undergone by spermatozoa during transit through the epididymal microenvironment. SEARCH METHODS A systematic search was conducted in Pubmed with the keyword 'epididymis'. Results were filtered on original research articles published from 2009 to 2021 and written in the English language. One hundred fifteen original articles presenting recent advancements on the epididymis contribution to sperm maturation were selected. Some additional papers cited in the primary reference were also included. A special focus was given to higher mammalian species, particularly rodents, bovines and humans, that are the most studied in this field. OUTCOMES This review provides novel insights into the contribution of epididymal epithelium and EVs to post-testicular sperm maturation. First, new immune cell populations have been described in the epididymis, where they are proposed to play a role in protecting the environment surrounding sperm against infections or autoimmune responses. Second, novel epididymal cell extensions, including dendrites, axopodia and primary cilia, have been identified as sensors of the environment surrounding sperm. Third, new functions have been outlined for epididymal EVs, which modify the sperm epigenetic profile and participate in transgenerational epigenetic inheritance of paternal traits. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Although the majority of these findings result from studies in rodents, this fundamental research will ultimately improve our knowledge of human reproductive physiopathologies. Recent discoveries linking sperm epigenetic modifications with paternal environmental exposure and progeny outcome further stress the importance of advancing fundamental research on the epididymis. From this, new therapeutic options for infertile couples and better counseling strategies may arise to increase positive health outcomes in children conceived either naturally or with ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Chen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Université Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Clémence Belleannée
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Université Laval, Quebec, Canada
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10
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Nixon B, Cafe SL, Eamens AL, De Iuliis GN, Bromfield EG, Martin JH, Skerrett-Byrne DA, Dun MD. Molecular insights into the divergence and diversity of post-testicular maturation strategies. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 517:110955. [PMID: 32783903 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Competition to achieve paternity has coerced the development of a multitude of male reproductive strategies. In one of the most well-studied examples, the spermatozoa of all mammalian species must undergo a series of physiological changes as they transit the male (epididymal maturation) and female (capacitation) reproductive tracts prior to realizing their potential to fertilize an ovum. However, the origin and adaptive advantage afforded by these intricate processes of post-testicular sperm maturation remain to be fully elucidated. Here, we review literature pertaining to the nature and the physiological role of epididymal maturation and subsequent capacitation in comparative vertebrate taxa including representative species from the avian, reptilian, and mammalian lineages. Such insights are discussed in terms of the framework they provide for helping to understand the evolutionary significance of post-testicular sperm maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia.
| | - Shenae L Cafe
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Andrew L Eamens
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Geoffry N De Iuliis
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Elizabeth G Bromfield
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Jacinta H Martin
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - David A Skerrett-Byrne
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Matthew D Dun
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia; Priority Research Centre for Cancer Research Innovation and Translation, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Lambton, NSW, 2305, Australia
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11
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Lovegrove BG. Obligatory Nocturnalism in Triassic Archaic Mammals: Preservation of Sperm Quality? Physiol Biochem Zool 2019; 92:544-553. [DOI: 10.1086/705440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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12
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Peirce EJ, McLennan HJ, Tuke J, Leigh CM, Breed WG. Evolution of the testis and spermatozoon in mice and rats (Subfamily
Murinae
) in the absence of sperm competition. J Zool (1987) 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- E. J. Peirce
- Adelaide Medical School Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences The University of Adelaide Adelaide SA Australia
| | - H. J. McLennan
- Adelaide Medical School Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences The University of Adelaide Adelaide SA Australia
| | - J. Tuke
- School of Mathematical Sciences The University of Adelaide Adelaide SA Australia
| | - C. M. Leigh
- Adelaide Medical School Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences The University of Adelaide Adelaide SA Australia
| | - W. G. Breed
- School of Biological Sciences Faculty of Sciences The University of Adelaide Adelaide SA Australia
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13
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Yanagimachi R, Alikani M. Remembering J Michael Bedford (1932 – 2018): a great thinker and scholar. Reprod Biomed Online 2018; 37:4-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2018.04.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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14
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Castillo J, Jodar M, Oliva R. The contribution of human sperm proteins to the development and epigenome of the preimplantation embryo. Hum Reprod Update 2018; 24:535-555. [DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmy017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Judit Castillo
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Group, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Casanova, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Meritxell Jodar
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Group, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Casanova, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rafael Oliva
- Molecular Biology of Reproduction and Development Group, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Fundació Clínic per a la Recerca Biomèdica, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Casanova, Barcelona, Spain
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clínic, Villarroel, Barcelona, Spain
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15
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Pahl T, McLennan HJ, Wang Y, Achmadi AS, Rowe KC, Aplin K, Breed WG. Sperm morphology of the Rattini – are the interspecific differences due to variation in intensity of intermale sperm competition? Reprod Fertil Dev 2018; 30:1434-1442. [DOI: 10.1071/rd17431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
It is widely accepted that in mammals a causal relationship exists between postcopulatory sexual selection and relative testes mass of the species concerned, but how much it determines sperm size and shape is debatable. Here we detailed for the largest murine rodent tribe, the Rattini, the interspecific differences in relative testes mass and sperm form. We found that residual testes mass correlates with sperm head apical hook length as well as its angle, together with tail length, and that within several lineages a few species have evolved highly divergent sperm morphology with a reduced or absent apical hook and shorter tail. Although most species have a relative testes mass of 1–4%, these derived sperm traits invariably co-occur in species with much smaller relative testes mass. We therefore suggest that high levels of intermale sperm competition maintain a sperm head with a long apical hook and long tail, whereas low levels of intermale sperm competition generally result in divergent sperm heads with a short or non-existent apical hook and shorter tail. We thus conclude that sexual selection is a major selective force in driving sperm head form and tail length in this large tribe of murine rodents.
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16
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Adams GP, Ratto MH, Silva ME, Carrasco RA. Ovulation-inducing factor (OIF/NGF) in seminal plasma: a review and update. Reprod Domest Anim 2016; 51 Suppl 2:4-17. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.12795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- GP Adams
- Veterinary Biomedical Sciences; Western College of Veterinary Medicine; University of Saskatchewan; Saskatoon SK Canada
| | - MH Ratto
- Faculty of Veterinary Sciences; Universidad Austral de Chile; Valdivia Chile
| | - ME Silva
- School of Veterinary Medicine; Núcleo de Investigación en Producción Alimentaria; Universidad Católica de Temuco; Temuco Chile
| | - RA Carrasco
- Veterinary Biomedical Sciences; Western College of Veterinary Medicine; University of Saskatchewan; Saskatoon SK Canada
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17
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Belmonte SA, Mayorga LS, Tomes CN. The Molecules of Sperm Exocytosis. ADVANCES IN ANATOMY EMBRYOLOGY AND CELL BIOLOGY 2016; 220:71-92. [PMID: 27194350 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-30567-7_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Exocytosis is a fundamental process used by eukaryotic cells to release biological compounds and to insert lipids and proteins in the plasma membrane. Specialized secretory cells undergo regulated exocytosis in response to physiological signals. Sperm exocytosis or acrosome reaction (AR) is essentially a regulated secretion with special characteristics. We will focus here on some of these unique features, covering the topology, kinetics, and molecular mechanisms that prepare, drive, and regulate membrane fusion during the AR. Last, we will compare acrosomal release with exocytosis in other model systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia A Belmonte
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Histología y Embriología, IHEM-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, 5500, Mendoza, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Luis S Mayorga
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Histología y Embriología, IHEM-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, 5500, Mendoza, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Claudia N Tomes
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Histología y Embriología, IHEM-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, 5500, Mendoza, Mendoza, Argentina.
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18
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Batista RITP, Moro LN, Corbin E, Alminana C, Souza-Fabjan JMG, de Figueirêdo Freitas VJ, Mermillod P. Combination of oviduct fluid and heparin to improve monospermic zygotes production during porcine in vitro fertilization. Theriogenology 2016; 86:495-502. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.01.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2015] [Revised: 01/29/2016] [Accepted: 01/30/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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19
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Lovegrove BG. A phenology of the evolution of endothermy in birds and mammals. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2016; 92:1213-1240. [DOI: 10.1111/brv.12280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Revised: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 04/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Barry G. Lovegrove
- School of Life Sciences; University of KwaZulu-Natal; P/Bag X01 Scottsville Pietermaritzburg 3209 South Africa
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20
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Acrosome Reaction as a Preparation for Gamete Fusion. SPERM ACROSOME BIOGENESIS AND FUNCTION DURING FERTILIZATION 2016; 220:159-72. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-30567-7_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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21
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Sánchez-Calabuig MJ, de la Fuente J, Laguna-Barraza R, Beltrán-Breña P, Martínez-Nevado E, Johnston SD, Rizos D, Gutiérrez-Adán A, Pérez-Gutiérrez JF. Heterologous murine and bovine IVF using bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) spermatozoa. Theriogenology 2015; 84:983-94. [PMID: 26149074 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2015] [Revised: 06/04/2015] [Accepted: 06/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technologies are of great importance for increasing the genetic diversity in captive animals. The use of bovine or murine oocytes in heterologous IVF provides advantages compared to homologous IVF in nondomestic animals, such as the accessibility to oocytes and the availability of well-developed in vitro maturation systems. The aim of this study was to determine the heterologous IVF parameters using cryopreserved dolphin spermatozoa and zona-intact bovine or murine oocytes and to examine the nuclear chromatin status of the dolphin spermatozoa. All the processes involved in the fertilization including embryo cleavage were observed by confocal microscopy and hybrid embryo formation was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction. Heterologous bovine IVF showed no polyspermy, lower percentages of pronuclear formation, and a lower cleavage rate compared to homologous IVF group (34.8% vs. 89.3%). Heterologous murine IVF showed a lower cleavage rate than homologous IVF (9.6% vs. 77.1%). With respect to dolphin sperm chromatin, it was more stable, i.e. more resistant to EDTA-SDS decondensation than the bovine sperm chromatin. This study revealed the stability of the dolphin sperm chromatin and the ability of the dolphin spermatozoa to penetrate zona-intact bovine and murine oocytes, leading to hybrid embryo formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Sánchez-Calabuig
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - J de la Fuente
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - R Laguna-Barraza
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - P Beltrán-Breña
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - S D Johnston
- Wildlife Science Unit, School of Agriculture and Food Science, University of Queensland, Gatton, Australia
| | - D Rizos
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - A Gutiérrez-Adán
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - J F Pérez-Gutiérrez
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
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22
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Vazquez-Levin MH, Marín-Briggiler CI, Caballero JN, Veiga MF. Epithelial and neural cadherin expression in the mammalian reproductive tract and gametes and their participation in fertilization-related events. Dev Biol 2015; 401:2-16. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2014.12.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2014] [Revised: 12/23/2014] [Accepted: 12/28/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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23
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van Wely M, Barbey N, Meissner A, Repping S, Silber SJ. Live birth rates after MESA or TESE in men with obstructive azoospermia: is there a difference? Hum Reprod 2015; 30:761-6. [PMID: 25740877 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dev032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION How do live birth rates compare after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) for men with obstructive azoospermia when using sperm derived from testicular sperm extraction (TESE) versus microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration (MESA)? SUMMARY ANSWER Our study suggests that proximal epididymal sperm (from MESA) result in higher live birth rates as compared with testicular sperm (from TESE) in couples where the man has obstructive azoospermia due to congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD) or vasectomy. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY For couples with obstructive azoospermia, MESA (epididymal sperm) and TESE (testicular sperm) have generally been assumed to be equivalent for use in ICSI. But this assumption has never been confirmed, and this view has important clinical and basic scientific consequences. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This was a retrospective study of a consecutive cohort of 374 men with obstructive azoospermia and normal spermatogenesis, who underwent IVF and ICSI using either epididymal sperm or testicular sperm in the period 2000-2009. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The study included men undergoing MESA or TESE at St. Luke's Hospital for obstructive azoospermia due to CBAVD or vasectomy. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE A total of 280 couples underwent MESA and 94 underwent TESE with ICSI. The live birth rate was 39% after MESA-ICSI and 24% after TESE-ICSI. The MESA-ICSI cycles also resulted in a significantly higher implantation rate and significantly higher clinical and ongoing pregnancy rates than the TESE-ICSI cycles. There was no significant difference in results between fresh or frozen sperm for both MESA and TESE. When adjusted for the available confounders, the odds ratio for live birth was significantly in favour of MESA-ICSI versus TESE-ICSI (OR 1.82; 95% CI 1.05-3.67). The only significant confounders were female age and ovarian reserve. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This is a retrospective cohort study and not a randomized clinical trial. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our study suggests that some aspect of sperm maturation after the sperm leaves the testicle to enter the epididymis is required for the most optimal results, even when ICSI is used for fertilization. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS No funding was used and there are no competing interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madelon van Wely
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women's and Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Natalie Barbey
- Infertility Center of St. Louis, St. Luke's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63017, USA
| | - Andreas Meissner
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women's and Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd Repping
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women's and Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sherman J Silber
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women's and Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands Infertility Center of St. Louis, St. Luke's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63017, USA
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24
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25
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Lovegrove BG. Cool sperm: why some placental mammals have a scrotum. J Evol Biol 2014; 27:801-14. [DOI: 10.1111/jeb.12373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2013] [Revised: 03/11/2014] [Accepted: 03/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- B. G. Lovegrove
- School of Life Sciences; University of KwaZulu-Natal; Scottsville South Africa
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26
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Drew S, Leigh C, Breed WG. Spermatozoa of the old endemic rodents of Australia - the possible functional significance of their ventral processes. Reprod Fertil Dev 2013; 26:1183-7. [PMID: 24138753 DOI: 10.1071/rd13162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2013] [Accepted: 09/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatozoa of the plains mouse (Pseudomys australis), like those of most Australian old endemic rodents, contain, in addition to an apical hook, two further processes that extend from the upper concave surface of the head, the ventral processes. This study shows that these processes contain thiol-rich cytoskeletal proteins, which presumably help to maintain their rigidity during sperm transport, together with the overlying cell membrane having abundant intramembranous proteins. To determine the possible functional significance of these processes, an in vitro study of spermatozoon-zona binding was undertaken. The findings suggest that initial sperm binding occurs by way of the cell membrane over the acrosome of the apical hook and that, subsequently, the lateral surfaces of the ventral processes also become tightly bound to the zona matrix. These ventral processes may therefore have evolved to increase sperm adhesion to the outer zona surface and/or to enhance stabilisation of the spermatozoon at the time of zona binding and initial penetration of the egg coat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Drew
- Discipline of Anatomy and Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Heath Sciences, The University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Chris Leigh
- Discipline of Anatomy and Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Heath Sciences, The University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - William G Breed
- Discipline of Anatomy and Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Heath Sciences, The University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
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27
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Mortimer D, Barratt CLR, Björndahl L, de Jager C, Jequier AM, Muller CH. What should it take to describe a substance or product as 'sperm-safe'. Hum Reprod Update 2013; 19 Suppl 1:i1-45. [PMID: 23552271 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmt008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Male reproductive potential continues to be adversely affected by many environmental, industrial and pharmaceutical toxins. Pre-emptive testing for reproductive toxicological (side-)effects remains limited, or even non-existent. Many products that come into direct contact with spermatozoa lack adequate testing for the absence of adverse effects, and numerous products that are intended for exposure to spermatozoa have only a general assumption of safety based on the absence of evidence of actual harm. Such assumptions can have unfortunate adverse impacts on at-risk individuals (e.g. couples who are trying to conceive), illustrating a clear need for appropriate up-front testing to establish actual 'sperm safety'. METHODS After compiling a list of general areas within the review's scope, relevant literature and other information was obtained from the authors' personal professional libraries and archives, and supplemented as necessary using PubMed and Google searches. Review by co-authors identified and eliminated errors of omission or bias. RESULTS This review provides an overview of the broad range of substances, materials and products that can affect male fertility, especially through sperm fertilizing ability, along with a discussion of practical methods and bioassays for their evaluation. It is concluded that products can only be claimed to be 'sperm-safe' after performing objective, properly designed experimental studies; extrapolation from supposed predicate products or other assumptions cannot be trusted. CONCLUSIONS We call for adopting the precautionary principle, especially when exposure to a product might affect not only a couple's fertility potential but also the health of resulting offspring and perhaps future generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Mortimer
- Oozoa Biomedical Inc., Caulfeild Village, West Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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28
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Mouse sperm acquire a new structure on the apical hook during epididymal maturation. Asian J Androl 2013; 15:523-8. [PMID: 23728587 DOI: 10.1038/aja.2013.46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2013] [Revised: 02/22/2013] [Accepted: 03/30/2013] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatozoa emerging from the testis undergo a maturation process in the epididymis during which they change morphologically, biochemically and physiologically to gain motility and the ability to fertilize ova. We examined mouse epididymal sperm with immunostaining and transmission electron microscopy (EM) and identified a previously unknown structure on the apical hook. The structure has a coiled configuration around 11 nm in thickness and is present at the tip of each corner of the triangular-rod shaped perforatorium. Surveying sperm isolated from various regions of the epididymis indicated that mouse sperm acquire the hook rim (HR) structure during its passage through the proximal two-thirds of the caput epididymidis. The structure withstands vigorous sonication and harsh chemical treatments and remains intact after the acrosome reaction. Its location and sturdiness suggest a function in protecting the apical hook from mechanical wear during fertilization. Our EM images of epididymal sperm also revealed additional novel structures as well as lateral asymmetry of the sperm head, indicating that mouse sperm head has a structure more complex than previously recognized.
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29
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Dorman F, Balsamo P, Leigh C, Breed WG. Co-evolution of gametes of the Greater Bandicoot Rat,Bandicota indica- a murine rodent from South-East Asia. ACTA ZOOL-STOCKHOLM 2013. [DOI: 10.1111/azo.12036] [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]
Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Dorman
- Discipline of Anatomy and Pathology; Faculty of Health Sciences; School of Medical Sciences; The University of Adelaide; Adelaide South Australia 5005 Australia
| | - Priscilla Balsamo
- Discipline of Anatomy and Pathology; Faculty of Health Sciences; School of Medical Sciences; The University of Adelaide; Adelaide South Australia 5005 Australia
| | - Chris Leigh
- Discipline of Anatomy and Pathology; Faculty of Health Sciences; School of Medical Sciences; The University of Adelaide; Adelaide South Australia 5005 Australia
| | - William G. Breed
- Discipline of Anatomy and Pathology; Faculty of Health Sciences; School of Medical Sciences; The University of Adelaide; Adelaide South Australia 5005 Australia
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30
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Mondéjar I, Avilés M, Coy P. The human is an exception to the evolutionarily-conserved phenomenon of pre-fertilization zona pellucida resistance to proteolysis induced by oviductal fluid. Hum Reprod 2013; 28:718-28. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/des423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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31
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Beguelini MR, Puga CCI, Martins FF, Betoli AHS, Taboga SR, Morielle-Versute E. Morphological Variation of Primary Reproductive Structures in Males of Five Families of Neotropical Bats. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2012; 296:156-67. [DOI: 10.1002/ar.22613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2012] [Accepted: 09/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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32
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Rozhkova IN, Brusentsev EY, Amstislavsky SY. Coats of preimplantation mammalian embryos as a target of reproductive technologies. Russ J Dev Biol 2012. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062360412050074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Abstract
A component in seminal fluid elicits an ovulatory response and has been discovered in every species examined thus far. The existence of an ovulation-inducing factor (OIF) in seminal plasma has broad implications and evokes questions about identity, tissue sources, mechanism of action, role among species, and clinical relevance in infertility. Most of these questions remain unanswered. The goal of this study was to determine the identity of OIF in support of the hypothesis that it is a single distinct and widely conserved entity. Seminal plasma from llamas and bulls was used as representative of induced and spontaneous ovulators, respectively. A fraction isolated from llama seminal plasma by column chromatography was identified as OIF by eliciting luteinizing hormone (LH) release and ovulation in llamas. MALDI-TOF revealed a molecular mass of 13,221 Da, and 12-23 aa sequences of OIF had homology with human, porcine, bovine, and murine sequences of β nerve growth factor (β-NGF). X-ray diffraction data were used to solve the full sequence and structure of OIF as β-NGF. Neurite development and up-regulation of trkA in phaeochromocytoma (PC(12)) cells in vitro confirmed NGF-like properties of OIF. Western blot analysis of llama and bull seminal plasma confirmed immunorecognition of OIF using polyclonal mouse anti-NGF, and administration of β-NGF from mouse submandibular glands induced ovulation in llamas. We conclude that OIF in seminal plasma is β-NGF and that it is highly conserved. An endocrine route of action of NGF elucidates a previously unknown pathway for the direct influence of the male on the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis of the inseminated female.
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34
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Leahy T, de Graaf SP. Seminal plasma and its effect on ruminant spermatozoa during processing. Reprod Domest Anim 2012; 47 Suppl 4:207-13. [PMID: 22827372 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2012.02077.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Seminal plasma can both inhibit and stimulate sperm function, making its use as a supportive medium somewhat contradictory. These effects are directed by the multifunctional action of numerous inorganic and organic components, but it is the direct association of seminal plasma proteins with the sperm membrane that is thought to exert the most significant response. In vitro handling of spermatozoa in preparation for artificial insemination may involve washing, dilution, cooling, freezing, re-warming and sex-sorting. These processes can alter proteins of the sperm surface and reduce seminal plasma in the sperm environment. This, among other factors, may destabilize the sperm membrane and reduce the fertilizable lifespan of spermatozoa. Such handling-induced damage may be prevented or reversed through supplementation of seminal plasma, but the effectiveness of this technique differs with species, and the source and subsequent treatment of both spermatozoa and seminal plasma. Seminal plasma appears to act as a protective medium during in vitro processing of ram spermatozoa, but this does not appear to be the case for bull spermatozoa. The reasons for this divergent effect will be discussed with particular emphasis on the influence of the major proteins of ruminant seminal plasma, known as BSP proteins. The biochemical and biophysical properties of these proteins are well documented, and this information has provided greater insight into the signalling pathways of capacitation and the protective action of extender components.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Leahy
- Faculty of Science, School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, Australia.
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Krutskikh A, Poliandri A, Cabrera-Sharp V, Dacheux JL, Poutanen M, Huhtaniemi I. Epididymal protein Rnase10 is required for post-testicular sperm maturation and male fertility. FASEB J 2012; 26:4198-209. [PMID: 22750516 PMCID: PMC3513842 DOI: 10.1096/fj.12-205211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Eutherian spermatozoa are dependent on the environment of the proximal epididymis to complete their maturation; however, no specific epididymal factors that mediate this process have so far been identified. Here, we show that targeted disruption of the novel gene Rnase10 encoding a secreted proximal epididymal protein in the mouse results in a binding defect in spermatozoa and their inability to pass through the uterotubal junction in the female. The failure to gain the site of fertilization in the knockout spermatozoa is associated with a gradual loss of ADAM3 and ADAM6 proteins during epididymal transit. In the distal epididymis, these spermatozoa appear to lack calcium-dependent associations with the immobilizing glutinous extracellular material and are released as single, vigorously motile cells that display no tendency for head-to-head agglutination and lack affinity to the oviductal epithelium. In sperm-egg binding assay, they are unable to establish a tenacious association with the zona pellucida, yet they are capable of fertilization. Furthermore, these sperm show accelerated capacitation resulting in an overall in vitro fertilizing ability superior to that of wild-type sperm. We conclude that the physiological role of sperm adhesiveness is in the mechanism of restricted sperm entry into the oviduct rather than in sperm-egg interaction.—Krutskikh, A., Poliandri, A., Cabrera-Sharp, V., Dacheux, J. L., Poutanen, M., Huhtaniemi, I. Epididymal protein Rnase10 is required for post-testicular sperm maturation and male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton Krutskikh
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Rd., London, W12 0NN, UK
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Coy P, Jiménez-Movilla M, García-Vázquez FA, Mondéjar I, Grullón L, Romar R. Oocytes use the plasminogen-plasmin system to remove supernumerary spermatozoa. Hum Reprod 2012; 27:1985-93. [PMID: 22556378 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/des146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of the plasminogen-plasmin (PLG-PLA) system in fertilization is unknown, although its dysfunction has been associated with subfertility in humans. We have recently detected and quantified plasminogen in the oviductal fluid of two mammals and showed a reduction in sperm penetration during IVF when plasminogen is present. The objective of this study was to describe the mechanism by which PLG-PLA system regulates sperm entry into the oocyte. METHODS AND RESULTS By combining biochemical, functional, electron microscopic, immunocytochemical and live cell imaging methods, we show here that (i) plasminogen is activated into the protease plasmin, by gamete interaction; (ii) urokinase-type and tissue-type plasminogen activators are present in oocytes, but they are not of cortical granule origin; (iii) sperm binding to oocytes triggers the releasing of plasminogen activators and (iv) the generated plasmin causes sperm detachment from the zona pellucida. CONCLUSIONS Our results describe a novel mechanism for the success or failure of fertilization in mammals, by which molecules present in the oviductal environment are activated by molecules originating within the gametes. We anticipate that therapeutic up- or down-regulation of this physiological mechanism may be used to help in conception or as a contraceptive tool. Since components of the PLG-PLA system are already available as drugs for heart attacks or cancer therapies, basic research on this novel function would be rapidly transferable for clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar Coy
- Physiology of Reproduction Group, Departamento de Fisiología, Universidad de Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum, Murcia 30071, Spain.
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Leahy T, Gadella BM. Sperm surface changes and physiological consequences induced by sperm handling and storage. Reproduction 2011; 142:759-78. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-11-0310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Spermatozoa interact with their immediate environment and this contact remodels the sperm surface in preparation for fertilisation. These fundamental membrane changes will be critically covered in this review with special emphasis on the very specific surface destabilisation event, capacitation. This process involves very subtle and intricate modifications of the sperm membrane including removal of suppression (decapacitation) factors and changes in the lateral organisation of the proteins and lipids of the sperm surface. Processing of sperm for assisted reproduction (storage, sex-sorting, etc.) subjects spermatozoa to numerous stressors, and it is possible that this processing overrides such delicate processes resulting in sperm instability and cell damage. To improve sperm quality, novel mechanisms must be used to stabilise the sperm surface during handling. In this review, different types of membrane stress are considered, as well as novel surface manipulation methods to improve sperm stability.
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Characterization and short-term storage of Tasmanian devil sperm collected post-mortem. Theriogenology 2011; 76:705-14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2010] [Revised: 03/27/2011] [Accepted: 04/03/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Leahy T, Gadella BM. Capacitation and Capacitation-like Sperm Surface Changes Induced by Handling Boar Semen. Reprod Domest Anim 2011; 46 Suppl 2:7-13. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2011.01799.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Ding X, Leigh CM, Goodman SM, Bedford JM, Carleton MD, Breed WG. Sperm morphology in the Malagasy rodents (Muroidea: Nesomyinae). J Morphol 2011; 271:1493-500. [PMID: 20927800 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.10889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The morphology of the spermatozoon of representative species of the subfamily Nesomyinae (Muroidea: Nesomyidae), a monophyletic group of rodents endemic to Madagascar, was examined by light and electron microscopy to determine the sperm head shape and tail length across the species. Marked interspecific differences were found to occur in both the form of the sperm head and length of the tail. The species that possess a sperm head with an apical hook, which largely contains acrosomal material, generally displayed longer sperm tails, and a species with a spatulate sperm head had the shortest tail. The association between sperm head shape and tail length mirrors that previously found in Eurasian and Australasian murine rodents. Thus, the repeated association between sperm head shape and tail length across these groups of muroid rodents clearly indicates a functional relationship between these two features. A comparison of sperm morphology of the nesomyines to that of related muroid rodents on the mainland of Africa suggests that the possession of an apical hook is the ancestral condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodan Ding
- Discipline of Anatomy and Pathology, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, South Australia, Australia
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Rasweiler JJ, Badwaik NK, Mechineni KV. Ovulation, fertilization, and early embryonic development in the menstruating fruit bat, Carollia perspicillata. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2011; 294:506-19. [PMID: 21337714 PMCID: PMC3090725 DOI: 10.1002/ar.21304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2010] [Revised: 09/14/2010] [Accepted: 09/30/2010] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
To characterize periovulatory events, reproductive tracts were collected at 12 hr intervals from captive-bred, short-tailed fruit bats, Carollia perspicillata, on days 1-3 post coitum and examined histologically. Most bats bred readily. Graafian follicles developed large antra and exhibited preovulatory expansion of the cumulus oophorus. Ovulation had occurred in some on the morning, and in most by the evening, of day 1. The single ovum was released as a secondary oocyte and fertilized in the oviductal ampulla. Ovulated secondary oocytes were loosely associated with their cumulus cells, which were lost around the initiation of fertilization. Supernumerary spermatozoa were occasionally noted attached to the zonae pellucidae of oviductal ova, but never within the perivitelline space. By day 2, most ova had reached the pronuclear stage and by day 3, early cleavage stages. Several lines of evidence indicate that C. perspicillata is a spontaneous ovulator with a functional luteal phase. Most newly mated females had recently formed, but regressing corpora lutea, and thickened (albeit menstrual) uteri despite having been housed with males only for brief periods (<23 days). Menstruation is usually periovulatory in this species. Furthermore, the interval between successive estrus periods in most mated females that failed to establish ongoing pregnancies at the first was 21-27 days. Menstruation involved substantial endometrial desquamation, plus associated bleeding, and generally extended to the evening of day 3, the last time point studied. In nearly all females with a recent corpus luteum (n = 24 of 25; 96%), the preovulatory or newly ruptured follicle was in the opposite ovary.
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Affiliation(s)
- John J Rasweiler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, 450 Clarkson Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA.
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Rasweiler JJ, Badwaik NK, Mechineni KV. Selectivity in the transport of spermatozoa to oviductal reservoirs in the menstruating fruit bat, Carollia perspicillata. Reproduction 2010; 140:743-57. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-10-0130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
To better document the timing of ovulation and fertilization, female reproductive tracts were collected every 12 h from captive-bred fruit bats (Carollia perspicillata) on days 1–3 postcoitum and examined histologically. This also permitted observations on sperm transport, storage, and disposition. As the animals had previously been sexually segregated, most had been cycling and possessed menstrual uteri at the time of collection. Menstruation is periovulatory in this species. A widespread, headfirst orientation of spermatozoa to the uterine mucosa was observed in specimens apparently collected soon after insemination. Thereafter, however, this relationship was limited in most cases to the area around the entrance of each uterotubal junction (UTJ). A small number of spermatozoa also colonized the UTJs, which functioned as temporary sperm reservoirs on days 1–2. AlthoughC. perspicillatais monovular, no consistent differences were observed between the two oviducts in the pattern of sperm storage and release. Very few sperm were ever observed in the isthmus or ampulla (the site of fertilization). Menstrual debris (including fine particulate matter) and leukocytes present in the uterine cavity in most tracts did not gain access to the UTJ with the spermatozoa. Smooth muscle and abundant elastic fibers in the wall of the intramural UTJ, as well as receptors on its luminal epithelial cells, may play roles in the selective transport of spermatozoa to the fertilization site. While some spermatozoa are phagocytosed in the uterine lumen or by epithelial cells in the UTJ, the fate of most is probably expulsion into the vagina.
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Avilés M, Gutiérrez-Adán A, Coy P. Oviductal secretions: will they be key factors for the future ARTs? Mol Hum Reprod 2010; 16:896-906. [PMID: 20584881 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaq056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
A variety of evolutionary processes has led to the development of different organs to ensure that internal fertilization occur successfully. Fallopian tubes are a particularly interesting example of such organs. Some of the key events during fertilization and early embryo development occur in the oviduct. Knowledge of the different components described in the oviduct is extensive. Oviductal components include hormones, growth factors and their receptors that have important roles in the physiology of the oviduct and embryo development. Other oviductal factors protect the gamete and the embryos against oxidative stress and pathogens. Different proteins and enzymes are present in the oviductal fluid and have the ability to interact with the oocyte and the sperm before the fertilization occurs. Of special interest is the oviduct-specific glycoprotein (OVGP1), a glycoprotein that is conserved in different mammals, and its association with the zona pellucida (ZP). Interaction of the oocyte with oviductal secretions leads us to emphasize the concept of 'ZP maturation' within the oviduct. The ZP changes produced in the oviduct result in an increased efficiency of the in vitro fertilization technique in some animal models, contributing in particular to the control of polyspermy and suggesting that a similar role could be played by oviductal factors in human beings. Finally, attention should be given to the presence in the oviductal fluid of several embryotrophic factors and their importance in relation to the in vivo versus in vitro developmental ability of the embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Avilés
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
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Arienti G, Mazzoni M, Spapperi C, Saccardi C, Palmerini CA. Effect of FSH and progesterone on human spermatozoa cytosolic calcium. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2010; 120:180-3. [PMID: 20417711 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2010.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2009] [Revised: 04/14/2010] [Accepted: 04/15/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Ejaculated spermatozoa must undergo a number of modifications before fertilizing the oocyte: among these the capacitation and the acrosome reaction. Calcium signals play an essential role in these functional and structural modifications. Mature spermatozoa have few organelles and a very small cytoplasmic volume but maintain the homeostasis of [Ca(2+)](c) with great accuracy. We study Ca(2+) mobilization in human spermatozoa exposed to FSH and progesterone by measuring the [Ca(2+)](c) with the FURA-2AM method and report for the first time that the exposure to FSH (up to 98ng/ml) produced an increase of [Ca(2+)](c) to an extent comparable to that observed with 1muM progesterone. FSH and progesterone increase the spermatozoa [Ca(2+)](c) by acting primarily on calcium entry from the external medium. The effects of the two hormones on [Ca(2+)](c) were similar but not identical; the pre-treatment of progesterone blocks the effects of FSH, but not vice-versa. The increase of [Ca(2+)](c) due to FSH was more sensitive to nifedipine (VOCCs inhibitor) than that of progesterone. The effects of these hormones on calcium homeostasis may be relevant for sperm activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Arienti
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Internal Medicine, Via del Giochetto, 06127 Perugia, Italy
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Abstract
Heat stress can have large effects on most aspects of reproductive function in mammals. These include disruptions in spermatogenesis and oocyte development, oocyte maturation, early embryonic development, foetal and placental growth and lactation. These deleterious effects of heat stress are the result of either the hyperthermia associated with heat stress or the physiological adjustments made by the heat-stressed animal to regulate body temperature. Many effects of elevated temperature on gametes and the early embryo involve increased production of reactive oxygen species. Genetic adaptation to heat stress is possible both with respect to regulation of body temperature and cellular resistance to elevated temperature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Hansen
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, PO Box 110910, Gainesville, FL 32611-0910, USA.
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Breed WG, Leigh CM. The spermatozoon of the Old Endemic Australo-Papuan and Philippine rodents - its morphological diversity and evolution. ACTA ZOOL-STOCKHOLM 2009. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1463-6395.2009.00407.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]
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Abstract
Females that are socially bonded to a single male, either in a social monogamy or in a social polygyny, are often sexually polyandrous. Extrapair copulations (EPC) have often been suggested or rejected, on both empirical and theoretical grounds, as an important mechanism that enables females to avoid fertility risks in case their socially bonded male is infertile. Here, we explore this possibility in two steps. First, we present a mathematical model that assumes that females have no precopulatory information about male fertility, and shows that a female EPC strategy increases female reproductive success only if certain specific conditions are upheld in the nature of male infertility. In particular, these conditions require both (i) that fertile sperm precedence (FSP) is absent or incomplete within ejaculates of the same male (i.e. that an infertile male is, at least partly, truly infertile), and (ii) the existence of FSP among ejaculates of different males (such that infertile spermatozoa of the infertile male are at a disadvantage when competing against spermatozoa of a fertile male). Second, to evaluate their potential role in the evolution of female EPC, we review the abundance and FSP patterns of the different male infertility types. The conclusion is drawn that some common infertility types, such as poor sperm count or motility, contribute to the evolution of female EPC, whereas other common infertility types, such as sperm depletion or allocation in a social monogamy (but not in a social polygyny), and in particular male driven polyspermy, do not. Also, a deeper look at the arms race between sperm fertilization efficiency and female barriers to sperm may answer the non-trivial question: "why are some types of infertility so common?"
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Affiliation(s)
- Oren Hasson
- Biomathematics Unit, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv 69978, Israel.
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Velando A, Torres R, Alonso-Alvarez C. Avoiding bad genes: oxidatively damaged DNA in germ line and mate choice. Bioessays 2008; 30:1212-9. [DOI: 10.1002/bies.20838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Coy P, Cánovas S, Mondéjar I, Saavedra MD, Romar R, Grullón L, Matás C, Avilés M. Oviduct-specific glycoprotein and heparin modulate sperm-zona pellucida interaction during fertilization and contribute to the control of polyspermy. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2008; 105:15809-14. [PMID: 18838686 PMCID: PMC2572915 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0804422105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2008] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Polyspermy is an important anomaly of fertilization in placental mammals, causing premature death of the embryo. It is especially frequent under in vitro conditions, complicating the successful generation of viable embryos. A block to polyspermy develops as a result of changes after sperm entry (i.e., cortical granule exocytosis). However, additional factors may play an important role in regulating polyspermy by acting on gametes before sperm-oocyte interaction. Most studies have used rodents as models, but ungulates may differ in mechanisms preventing polyspermy. We hypothesize that zona pellucida (ZP) changes during transit of the oocyte along the oviductal ampulla modulate the interaction with spermatozoa, contributing to the regulation of polyspermy. We report here that periovulatory oviductal fluid (OF) from sows and heifers increases (both, con- and heterospecifically) ZP resistance to digestion with pronase (a parameter commonly used to measure the block to polyspermy), changing from digestion times of approximately 1 min (pig) or 2 min (cattle) to 45 min (pig) or several hours (cattle). Exposure of oocytes to OF increases monospermy after in vitro fertilization in both species, and in pigs, sperm-ZP binding decreases. The resistance of OF-exposed oocytes to pronase was abolished by exposure to heparin-depleted medium; in a medium with heparin it was not altered. Proteomic analysis of the content released in the heparin-depleted medium after removal of OF-exposed oocytes allowed the isolation and identification of oviduct-specific glycoprotein. Thus, an oviduct-specific glycoprotein-heparin protein complex seems to be responsible for ZP changes in the oviduct before fertilization, affecting sperm binding and contributing to the regulation of polyspermy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar Coy
- Physiology of Reproduction Group, Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia 30071, Spain.
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