1
|
Balder P, Jones C, Coward K, Yeste M. Sperm chromatin: Evaluation, epigenetic signatures and relevance for embryo development and assisted reproductive technology outcomes. Eur J Cell Biol 2024; 103:151429. [PMID: 38905808 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2024.151429] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Sperm chromatin is distinct from somatic cell chromatin, as a result of extensive remodeling during the final stages of spermatogenesis. In this process, the majority of histones is replaced with protamines. The chromatin is consequently highly condensed and inert, which facilitates protection of the DNA. The sperm epigenomic landscape is shaped by histone retention, histone and protamine modification, DNA methylation, and RNAs. In recent years, sperm chromatin integrity and its epigenetic marks have been increasingly studied, and the constitution of sperm chromatin is steadily being uncovered. This growing body of research prompts assessment of the frequently overlooked involvement of sperm in fertility and embryonic development. Moreover, numerous endogenous and exogenous factors are known to affect sperm chromatin, which may in turn impact the reproductive success. Concerns have been raised about the effects of assisted reproductive technology (ART) on the sperm epigenome, embryonic development and offspring health. This review examines the structure and epigenetic signatures of sperm chromatin in the context of fertility and early embryonic development. Additionally, sperm chromatin evaluation and causes of aberrant integrity are outlined. Building on the knowledge discussed in the current review, future research should aim to elucidate the intricate relationship between all aspects of sperm chromatin and embryo development. This could lead to the uncovering of new targets for treating infertility, as well as the acquisition of much needed insights into the possible reciprocal association between ART and sperm chromatin integrity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Balder
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Celine Jones
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Kevin Coward
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona ES-17003, Spain; Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona ES-17003, Spain; Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona ES-08010, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kramer EM, Enelamah J, Fang H, Tayjasanant PA. Karyotype depends on sperm head morphology in some amniote groups. Front Genet 2024; 15:1396530. [PMID: 38903758 PMCID: PMC11186999 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1396530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The karyotype of an organism is the set of gross features that characterize the way the genome is packaged into separate chromosomes. It has been known for decades that different taxonomic groups often have distinct karyotypic features, but whether selective forces act to maintain these differences over evolutionary timescales is an open question. In this paper we analyze a database of karyotype features and sperm head morphology in 103 mammal species with spatulate sperm heads and 90 sauropsid species (birds and non-avian reptiles) with vermiform heads. We find that mammal species with a larger head area have more chromosomes, while sauropsid species with longer heads have a wider range of chromosome lengths. These results remain significant after controlling for genome size, so sperm head morphology is the relevant variable. This suggest that post-copulatory sexual selection, by acting on sperm head shape, can influence genome architecture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric M. Kramer
- Department of Physics, Bard College at Simon’s Rock, Great Barrington, MA, United States
- Department of Biology, Bard College at Simon’s Rock, Great Barrington, MA, United States
| | - Joshua Enelamah
- Department of Physics, Bard College at Simon’s Rock, Great Barrington, MA, United States
| | - Hao Fang
- Department of Physics, Bard College at Simon’s Rock, Great Barrington, MA, United States
| | - P. A. Tayjasanant
- Department of Physics, Bard College at Simon’s Rock, Great Barrington, MA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Cassuto NG, Ogal N, Assou S, Ruoso L, Rogers EJ, Monteiro MJ, Thomas D, Siffroi JP, Rouen A. Different Nuclear Architecture in Human Sperm According to Their Morphology. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:464. [PMID: 38674398 PMCID: PMC11049835 DOI: 10.3390/genes15040464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Human sperm parameters serve as a first step in diagnosing male infertility, but not in determining the potential for successful pregnancy during assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) procedures. Here, we investigated the relationship between sperm head morphology at high magnification, based on strict morphologic criteria, and the nuclear architecture analyzed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). We included five men. Two of them had an elevated high-magnification morphology score of 6 points (Score 6) indicating high fertility potential, whereas three had a low score of 0 points (Score 0), indicating low fertility potential. We used FISH to study the inter-telomeric distance and the chromosomal territory area of chromosome 1 (Chr. 1). We then compared these two parameters between subjects with high and low scores. FISH data analysis showed that the inter-telomeric distance (ITD) and chromosomal territory area (CTA) of Chr. 1 were significantly higher in subjects with low scores (score 0) than high scores (score 6). Our results suggest that (i) there is a link between nuclear architecture and sperm head abnormalities, particularly vacuoles; and (ii) it is possible to select spermatozoa with normal nuclear architecture, which might indirectly explain the positive ART outcomes observed with this technique.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nino-Guy Cassuto
- ART Unit, Drouot Laboratory, 75009 Paris, France; (L.R.); (M.-J.M.); (D.T.)
| | - Nesrine Ogal
- Department of Medical Genetics, Armand-Trousseau Hospital, AP-HP, INSERM Unit U933, Sorbonne University, 75012 Paris, France; (N.O.); (E.-J.R.); (J.-P.S.)
| | - Said Assou
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine and Biotherapy, University Montpellier, INSERM, CHU Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France;
| | - Lea Ruoso
- ART Unit, Drouot Laboratory, 75009 Paris, France; (L.R.); (M.-J.M.); (D.T.)
| | - Eli-Jonathan Rogers
- Department of Medical Genetics, Armand-Trousseau Hospital, AP-HP, INSERM Unit U933, Sorbonne University, 75012 Paris, France; (N.O.); (E.-J.R.); (J.-P.S.)
| | | | - Daniel Thomas
- ART Unit, Drouot Laboratory, 75009 Paris, France; (L.R.); (M.-J.M.); (D.T.)
| | - Jean-Pierre Siffroi
- Department of Medical Genetics, Armand-Trousseau Hospital, AP-HP, INSERM Unit U933, Sorbonne University, 75012 Paris, France; (N.O.); (E.-J.R.); (J.-P.S.)
| | - Alexandre Rouen
- Maternity of Bluets, Medically Assisted Reproduction Service, 75012 Paris, France
- AP-HP, Hôtel-Dieu, Sleep and Vigilance Center, Université Paris Cité, VIFASOM, ERC 7330, 75010 Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Drevet JR, Hallak J, Nasr-Esfahani MH, Aitken RJ. Reactive Oxygen Species and Their Consequences on the Structure and Function of Mammalian Spermatozoa. Antioxid Redox Signal 2022; 37:481-500. [PMID: 34913729 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2021.0235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Significance: Among the 200 or so cell types that comprise mammals, spermatozoa have an ambiguous relationship with the reactive oxygen species (ROS) inherent in the consumption of oxygen that supports aerobic metabolism. Recent Advances: In this review, we shall see that spermatozoa need the action of ROS to reach their structural and functional maturity, but that due to intrinsic unique characteristics, they are, perhaps more than any other cell type, susceptible to oxidative damage. Recent studies have improved our knowledge of how oxidative damage affects sperm structures and functions. The focus of this review will be on how genetic and epigenetic oxidative alterations to spermatozoa can have dramatic unintended consequences in terms of both the support and the suppression of sperm function. Critical Issues: Oxidative stress can have dramatic consequences not only for the spermatozoon itself, but also, and above all, on its primary objective, which is to carry out fertilization and to ensure, in part, that the embryonic development program should lead to a healthy progeny. Future Directions: Sperm oxidative DNA damage largely affects the integrity of the paternal genetic material to such an extent that the oocyte may have difficulties in correcting it. Diagnostic and therapeutic actions should be considered more systematically, especially in men with difficulties to conceive. Research is underway to determine whether the epigenetic information carried by spermatozoa is also subject to changes mediated by pro-oxidative situations. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 37, 481-500.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joël R Drevet
- Faculty of Medicine, GReD Institute, INSERM U1103-CNRS UMR6293-Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Jorge Hallak
- Androscience, Science and Innovation Center in Andrology and High-Complex Clinical and Research Andrology Laboratory, São Paulo, Brazil.,Division of Urology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Men's Health Study Group, Institute for Advanced Studies, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Reproductive Toxicology Unit, Department of Pathology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mohammad-Hossein Nasr-Esfahani
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran.,Isfahan Fertility and Infertility Center, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Robert J Aitken
- Faculty of Science and Priority Research Center for Reproductive Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia.,Faculty of Health and Medicine, Priority Research Center for Reproductive Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Abstract
Sperm nuclei present a highly organized and condensed chromatin due to the interchange of histones by protamines during spermiogenesis. This high DNA condensation leads to almost inert chromatin, with the impossibility of conducting gene transcription as in most other somatic cells. The major chromosomal structure responsible for DNA condensation is the formation of protamine-DNA toroids containing 25-50 kilobases of DNA. These toroids are connected by toroid linker regions (TLR), which attach them to the nuclear matrix, as matrix attachment regions (MAR) do in somatic cells. Despite this high degree of condensation, evidence shows that sperm chromatin contains vulnerable elements that can be degraded even in fully condensed chromatin, which may correspond to chromatin regions that transfer functionality to the zygote at fertilization. This chapter covers an updated review of our model for sperm chromatin structure and its potential functional elements that affect embryo development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Ribas-Maynou
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Hieu Nguyen
- Department Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology, Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Hongwen Wu
- Department Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology, Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - W. Steven Ward
- Department Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology, Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
2D morphometric analysis of Arabidopsis thaliana nuclei reveals characteristic profiles of different cell types and accessions. Chromosome Res 2021; 30:5-24. [PMID: 34665365 PMCID: PMC8942920 DOI: 10.1007/s10577-021-09673-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Functional changes of cells upon developmental switches and in response to environmental cues are often reflected in nuclear phenotypes, showing distinctive chromatin states corresponding to transcriptional changes. Such characteristic nuclear shapes have been microscopically monitored and can be quantified after differential staining of euchromatin and heterochromatin domains. Here, we examined several nuclear parameters (size, DNA content, DNA density, chromatin compaction, relative heterochromatin fraction (RHF), and number of chromocenters) in relation to spatial distribution of genes and transposon elements (TEs), using standard 2D fluorescence microscopy. We provide nuclear profiles for different cell types and different accessions of Arabidopsis thaliana. A variable, yet significant, fraction of TEs was found outside chromocenters in all cell types, except for guard cells. The latter cell type features nuclei with the highest level of chromatin compaction, while their chromocenters seem to contain gene-rich regions. The highest number of parameter correlations was found in the accession Cvi, whereas Ler showed only few correlations. This may point at differences in phenotype robustness between accessions. The significantly high association of NOR chromocenters in accessions Ws and Cvi corresponds to their low RHF level.
Collapse
|
7
|
Turner KJ, Watson EM, Skinner BM, Griffin DK. Telomere Distribution in Human Sperm Heads and Its Relation to Sperm Nuclear Morphology: A New Marker for Male Factor Infertility? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147599. [PMID: 34299219 PMCID: PMC8306796 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility is a problem affecting an increasing number of couples worldwide. Currently, marker tests for male factor infertility are complex, highly technical and relatively subjective. Up to 40% of cases of male factor infertility are currently diagnosed as idiopathic therefore, there is a clear need for further research into better ways of diagnosing it. Changes in sperm telomere length have been associated with infertility and closely linked to DNA damage and fragmentation, which are also known to be related to infertility. However, telomere distribution is a parameter thus far underexplored as an infertility marker. Here, we assessed morphological parameters of sperm nuclei in fertile control and male factor infertile cohorts. In addition, we used 2D and 3D fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to compare telomere distribution between these two groups. Our findings indicate that the infertile cohort sperm nuclei were, on average, 2.9% larger in area and showed subtle differences in sperm head height and width. Telomeres were mainly distributed towards the periphery of the nuclei in the control cohort, with diminishing telomere signals towards the center of the nuclei. Sperm nuclei of infertile males, however, had more telomere signals towards the center of the nuclei, a finding supported by 3D imaging. We conclude that, with further development, both morphology and telomere distribution may prove useful investigative tools in the fertility clinic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kara J. Turner
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Giles Lane, Canterbury CT2 7NH, UK;
| | - Eleanor M. Watson
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK; (E.M.W.); (B.M.S.)
| | - Benjamin M. Skinner
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK; (E.M.W.); (B.M.S.)
| | - Darren K. Griffin
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Giles Lane, Canterbury CT2 7NH, UK;
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Bloch A, Rogers EJ, Nicolas C, Martin-Denavit T, Monteiro M, Thomas D, Morel H, Lévy R, Siffroi JP, Dupont C, Rouen A. Detailed cell-level analysis of sperm nuclear quality among the different hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST) classes. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:2491-2499. [PMID: 34076795 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02232-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We studied the quality differences between the different hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST) classes, as measured by criteria of DNA fragmentation, DNA decondensation, and nuclear architecture. The aim was to find particular HOST classes associated with good-quality metrics, which may be potentially used in ICSI (intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection). METHODS Ten patients from the Department of Reproductive Medicine at Tenon Hospital (Paris, France) were included. Their semen samples were collected and divided into two fractions: one was incubated in a hypo-osmotic solution as per HOST protocol and sorted by sperm morphology, and a second was incubated without undergoing the HOST protocol to serve as an unsorted baseline. Three parameters were assessed: DNA fragmentation (TUNEL assay), DNA decondensation (chromomycin A3 assay), and nuclear architecture (FISH, with telomeric and whole chromosome painting probes). The different HOST classes were evaluated for these three parameters, and statistical analysis was performed for each class versus the unsorted non-HOST-treated sperm. Results with p<0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS For each of the parameters evaluated, we found significant differences between HOST-selected spermatozoa and non-selected spermatozoa. Overall, spermatozoa of HOST classes B and B+ exhibited the highest quality based on four metrics (low DNA fragmentation, low DNA decondensation, short inter-telomeric distance, and small chromosome 1 territory area), while spermatozoa of HOST classes A and G exhibited the poorest quality by these metrics. CONCLUSION In addition to their pathophysiological interest, our results open possibilities of sperm selection prior to ICSI, which may allow for optimization of reproductive outcomes in heretofore unstudied patient populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adrien Bloch
- Département de Génétique Médicale, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Maladies génétiques d'expression pédiatrique, APHP, Hôpital d'Enfants Armand Trousseau, 26 avenue du Dr Arnold Netter, F-75012, Paris, France
| | - Eli J Rogers
- Département de Génétique Médicale, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Maladies génétiques d'expression pédiatrique, APHP, Hôpital d'Enfants Armand Trousseau, 26 avenue du Dr Arnold Netter, F-75012, Paris, France
| | - Cynthia Nicolas
- Département de Génétique Médicale, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Maladies génétiques d'expression pédiatrique, APHP, Hôpital d'Enfants Armand Trousseau, 26 avenue du Dr Arnold Netter, F-75012, Paris, France
| | | | | | | | - Hélène Morel
- Département de Génétique Médicale, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Maladies génétiques d'expression pédiatrique, APHP, Hôpital d'Enfants Armand Trousseau, 26 avenue du Dr Arnold Netter, F-75012, Paris, France
| | - Rachel Lévy
- Service de Biologie de la Reproduction CECOS, Hôpital Tenon (AP-HP), Sorbonne-Université, 75020, Paris, France.,Centre de recherche Saint-Antoine, Inserm US938, Sorbonne Université, 75012, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Pierre Siffroi
- Département de Génétique Médicale, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Maladies génétiques d'expression pédiatrique, APHP, Hôpital d'Enfants Armand Trousseau, 26 avenue du Dr Arnold Netter, F-75012, Paris, France
| | - Charlotte Dupont
- Service de Biologie de la Reproduction CECOS, Hôpital Tenon (AP-HP), Sorbonne-Université, 75020, Paris, France.,Centre de recherche Saint-Antoine, Inserm US938, Sorbonne Université, 75012, Paris, France
| | - Alexandre Rouen
- Département de Génétique Médicale, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Maladies génétiques d'expression pédiatrique, APHP, Hôpital d'Enfants Armand Trousseau, 26 avenue du Dr Arnold Netter, F-75012, Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ribas-Maynou J, Garcia-Bonavila E, Hidalgo CO, Catalán J, Miró J, Yeste M. Species-Specific Differences in Sperm Chromatin Decondensation Between Eutherian Mammals Underlie Distinct Lysis Requirements. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:669182. [PMID: 33996825 PMCID: PMC8120241 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.669182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm present a highly particular DNA condensation that is acquired during their differentiation. Protamines are key elements for DNA condensation. However, whereas the presence of protamine 1 (P1) is conserved across mammalian species, that of protamine 2 (P2) has evolved differentially, existing only few species that use both protamines for sperm DNA condensation. In addition, altered P1/P2 ratios and alterations in the expression of P1 have previously been associated to infertility and DNA damage disorders. On the other hand, different methods evaluating DNA integrity, such as Sperm Chromatin Dispersion (SCD) and Comet tests, need a previous complete DNA decondensation to properly assess DNA breaks. Related with this, the present study aims to analyze the resilience of sperm DNA to decodensation in different eutherian mammals. Sperm samples from humans, horses, cattle, pigs and donkeys were used. Samples were embedded in low melting point agarose and treated with lysis solutions to induce DNA decondensation and formation of sperm haloes. The treatment consisted of three steps: (1) incubation in SDS + DTT for 30 min; (2) incubation in DTT + NaCl for 30 min; and (3) incubation in DTT + NaCl with or without proteinase K for a variable time of 0, 30, or 180 min. How incubation with the third lysis solution (with or without proteinase K) for 0, 30, and 180 min affected DNA decondensation was tested through analyzing core and halo diameters in 50 sperm per sample. Halo/core length ratio was used as an indicator of complete chromatin decondensation. While incubation time with the third lysis solution had no impact on halo/core length ratios in species having P1 and P2 (human, equine and donkey), DNA decondensation of pig and cattle sperm, which only present P1, significantly (P < 0.05) increased following incubation with the third lysis solution for 180 min. In addition, the inclusion of proteinase K was found to accelerate DNA decondensation. In conclusion, longer incubations in lysis solution including proteinase K lead to higher DNA decondensation in porcine and bovine sperm. This suggests that tests intended to analyze DNA damage, such as halo or Comet assays, require complete chromatin deprotamination to achieve high sensitivity in the detection of DNA breaks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Ribas-Maynou
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.,Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Estela Garcia-Bonavila
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.,Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Carlos O Hidalgo
- Department of Animal Selection and Reproduction, Regional Agrifood Research and Development Service of Asturias (SERIDA), Gijón, Spain
| | - Jaime Catalán
- Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Jordi Miró
- Equine Reproduction Service, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.,Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Manfrevola F, Guillou F, Fasano S, Pierantoni R, Chianese R. LINCking the Nuclear Envelope to Sperm Architecture. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12050658. [PMID: 33925685 PMCID: PMC8145172 DOI: 10.3390/genes12050658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear architecture undergoes an extensive remodeling during spermatogenesis, especially at levels of spermatocytes (SPC) and spermatids (SPT). Interestingly, typical events of spermiogenesis, such as nuclear elongation, acrosome biogenesis, and flagellum formation, need a functional cooperation between proteins of the nuclear envelope and acroplaxome/manchette structures. In addition, nuclear envelope plays a key role in chromosome distribution. In this scenario, special attention has been focused on the LINC (linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton) complex, a nuclear envelope-bridge structure involved in the connection of the nucleoskeleton to the cytoskeleton, governing mechanotransduction. It includes two integral proteins: KASH- and SUN-domain proteins, on the outer (ONM) and inner (INM) nuclear membrane, respectively. The LINC complex is involved in several functions fundamental to the correct development of sperm cells such as head formation and head to tail connection, and, therefore, it seems to be important in determining male fertility. This review provides a global overview of the main LINC complex components, with a special attention to their subcellular localization in sperm cells, their roles in the regulation of sperm morphological maturation, and, lastly, LINC complex alterations associated to male infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Manfrevola
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy; (F.M.); (S.F.); (R.P.)
| | - Florian Guillou
- PRC, CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, University of Tours, 37380 Nouzilly, France;
| | - Silvia Fasano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy; (F.M.); (S.F.); (R.P.)
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy; (F.M.); (S.F.); (R.P.)
| | - Rosanna Chianese
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy; (F.M.); (S.F.); (R.P.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Cherezov RO, Vorontsova JE, Simonova OB. TBP-Related Factor 2 as a Trigger for Robertsonian Translocations and Speciation. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E8871. [PMID: 33238614 PMCID: PMC7700478 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Robertsonian (centric-fusion) translocation is the form of chromosomal translocation in which two long arms of acrocentric chromosomes are fused to form one metacentric. These translocations reduce the number of chromosomes while preserving existing genes and are considered to contribute to speciation. We asked whether hypomorphic mutations in genes that disrupt the formation of pericentromeric regions could lead to centric fusion. TBP-related factor 2 (Trf2) encodes an alternative general transcription factor. A decrease of TRF2 expression disrupts the structure of the pericentromeric regions and prevents their association into chromocenter. We revealed several centric fusions in two lines of Drosophila melanogaster with weak Trf2 alleles in genetic experiments. We performed an RNAi-mediated knock-down of Trf2 in Drosophila and S2 cells and demonstrated that Trf2 upregulates expression of D1-one of the major genes responsible for chromocenter formation and nuclear integrity in Drosophila. Our data, for the first time, indicate that Trf2 may be involved in transcription program responsible for structuring of pericentromeric regions and may contribute to new karyotypes formation in particular by promoting centric fusion. Insight into the molecular mechanisms of Trf2 function and its new targets in different tissues will contribute to our understanding of its phenomenon.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Olga B. Simonova
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilova str. 26, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (R.O.C.); (J.E.V.)
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Imperador CHL, Bardella VB, Dos Anjos EHM, Rodrigues VLCC, Cabral-de-Mello DC, Mello MLS. Spatial Distribution of Heterochromatin Bodies in the Nuclei of Triatoma infestans (Klug). MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA, MICROBEAM ANALYSIS SOCIETY, MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 2020; 26:567-574. [PMID: 32393416 DOI: 10.1017/s143192762000149x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Constitutive heterochromatin typically exhibits low gene density and is commonly found adjacent or close to the nuclear periphery, in contrast to transcriptionally active genes concentrated in the innermost nuclear region. In Triatoma infestans cells, conspicuous constitutive heterochromatin forms deeply stained structures named chromocenters. However, to the best of our knowledge, no information exists regarding whether these chromocenters acquire a precise topology in the cell nuclei or whether their 18S rDNA, which is important for ribosome function, faces the nuclear center preferentially. In this work, the spatial distribution of fluorescent Feulgen-stained chromocenters and the distribution of their 18S rDNA was analyzed in Malpighian tubule cells of T. infestans using confocal microscopy. The chromocenters were shown to be spatially positioned relatively close to the nuclear periphery, though not adjacent to it. The variable distance between the chromocenters and the nuclear periphery suggests mobility of these bodies within the cell nuclei. The distribution of 18S rDNA at the edge of the chromocenters was not found to face the nuclear interior exclusively. Because the genome regions containing 18S rDNA in the chromocenters also face the nuclear periphery, the proximity of the chromocenters to this nuclear region is not assumed to be associated with overall gene silencing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Henrique L Imperador
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (Unicamp), Rua Monteiro Lobato 255, 13083-862Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Vanessa B Bardella
- Department of Biology, Institute of Biosciences, State University of São Paulo (Unesp), Avenida 24-A, 1515, 13506-900Rio Claro, SP, Brazil
| | - Eli Heber M Dos Anjos
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (Unicamp), Rua Monteiro Lobato 255, 13083-862Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Vera L C C Rodrigues
- Superintendence for Control of Endemic Diseases (SUCEN), Rua Afonso Pessini, 86, 13845-206Mogi-Guaçu, SP, Brazil
| | - Diogo C Cabral-de-Mello
- Department of Biology, Institute of Biosciences, State University of São Paulo (Unesp), Avenida 24-A, 1515, 13506-900Rio Claro, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria Luiza S Mello
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (Unicamp), Rua Monteiro Lobato 255, 13083-862Campinas, SP, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Di Dio C, Longobardi V, Zullo G, Parma P, Pauciullo A, Perucatti A, Higgins J, Iannuzzi A. Analysis of meiotic segregation by triple-color fish on both total and motile sperm fractions in a t(1p;18) river buffalo bull. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0232592. [PMID: 32365118 PMCID: PMC7197801 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0232592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromosomal aberrations are relatively frequent pathologies in both humans and animals. Among them, translocations present a specific meiotic segregation pattern able to give a higher percentage of unbalanced gametes that can induce fertility problems. In this study, the meiotic segregation patterns of 1p, 1q and 18 Bubalus bubalis chromosomes were analyzed in both total sperm fraction and motile sperm fraction of a t(1p;18) carrier and a control bulls by triple-color FISH analysis with a pool of specific BAC probes. The frequencies of each total sperm fraction products in the carrier resulting from alternate, adjacent I, adjacent II and 3:1 segregation were 39%, 20%, 1% and 38%, respectively. On the other hand, the frequencies of each motile sperm fraction products in the carrier resulting from alternate, adjacent I, adjacent II and 3:1 segregation were 93%, 5%, 0% and 2%, respectively. The frequencies of normal sperms in the carrier were 27% and 69% in total sperm fraction and motile sperm fraction, respectively. The frequencies detected in motile sperm fraction were also validated by comparison with bull’s progeny. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the meiotic segregation patterns in motile sperm fractions of B. bubalis bull carrying a chromosomal translocation. These data suggest that translocation has a very limited effect on aneuploidy in the gametes, and therefore, on the reproductive abilities of the bull.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Di Dio
- Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Valentina Longobardi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Zullo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Pietro Parma
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Milan University, Milan, Italy
| | - Alfredo Pauciullo
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, University of Torino, Grugliasco (TO), Italy
| | - Angela Perucatti
- Laboratory of Animal Cytogenetics and Genomics, National Research Council (CNR)- ISPAAM, Naples, Italy
| | - James Higgins
- Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Alessandra Iannuzzi
- Laboratory of Animal Cytogenetics and Genomics, National Research Council (CNR)- ISPAAM, Naples, Italy
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Mebrek ML, Clède S, de Chalus A, Heide S, Ruoso L, Rogers E, Lédée N, Prat-Ellenberg L, Cassuto NG, Siffroi JP, Rouen A. Simple FISH-based evaluation of spermatic nuclear architecture shows an abnormal chromosomal organization in balanced chromosomal rearrangement carriers. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:803-809. [PMID: 32193768 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01736-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Interphasic DNA has a constant three-dimensional conformation, which is particularly striking for spermatic DNA, with distinct chromosomal territories and a constant chromosomal conformation. We hypothesized that this organization is fragile, and that an excess or a lack of chromosomal segments could hinder the genomic structure as a whole. METHODS Five human male chromosomal translocation carriers and five controls were included. Spermatic DNA spatial organization was studied, in both balanced and unbalanced spermatozoa, with two-dimensional fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) via analysis of chromosomes not implicated in the cases' translocations, compared to that of normal controls. Two parameters were studied: the distance between the two telomeric ends of chromosome 1, and the area of the chromosomal territories of chromosomes 1 and 17. RESULTS Sperm FISH analysis of rearrangement carriers revealed changes in the nuclear architecture compared to that of controls. Inter-telomeric distance and chromosomal territories areas were both significantly increased. DISCUSSION We show that an excess or lack of chromosomal segments can hinder the normal spatial nuclear architecture in sperm. These results show that nuclear architecture is a fragile assembly, and that local chromosomal abnormalities may impact the nucleus as a whole. This suggests a potential avenue for selection of spermatozoa prior to in vitro fertilization, not only in rearrangement carriers but also in the infertile population at large. Furthermore, we suggest that 2D-FISH could possibly be a useful tool in assessing spermatic nuclear organization in a way to evaluate male fertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Majda Lyna Mebrek
- Département de Génétique Médicale, Hôpital Armand-Trousseau, AP-HP, 26 avenue du Dr Arnold Netter, 75012, Paris, France
| | | | - Aliénor de Chalus
- Département de Génétique Médicale, Hôpital Armand-Trousseau, AP-HP, 26 avenue du Dr Arnold Netter, 75012, Paris, France
| | - Solveig Heide
- Département de Génétique Médicale, Hôpital Armand-Trousseau, AP-HP, 26 avenue du Dr Arnold Netter, 75012, Paris, France
| | - Léa Ruoso
- Laboratoire Drouot, 21 rue Drouot, 75009, Paris, France
| | - Eli Rogers
- Département de Génétique Médicale, Hôpital Armand-Trousseau, AP-HP, 26 avenue du Dr Arnold Netter, 75012, Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Lédée
- Service de Procréation Médicalement Assistée, Maternité des Bluets, 4 rue Lasson, 75012, Paris, France
| | - Laura Prat-Ellenberg
- Service de Procréation Médicalement Assistée, Maternité des Bluets, 4 rue Lasson, 75012, Paris, France
| | | | - Jean-Pierre Siffroi
- Département de Génétique Médicale, Hôpital Armand-Trousseau, AP-HP, 26 avenue du Dr Arnold Netter, 75012, Paris, France
| | - Alexandre Rouen
- Département de Génétique Médicale, Hôpital Armand-Trousseau, AP-HP, 26 avenue du Dr Arnold Netter, 75012, Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Xavier MJ, Nixon B, Roman SD, Scott RJ, Drevet JR, Aitken RJ. Paternal impacts on development: identification of genomic regions vulnerable to oxidative DNA damage in human spermatozoa. Hum Reprod 2019; 34:1876-1890. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Revised: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION
Do all regions of the paternal genome within the gamete display equivalent vulnerability to oxidative DNA damage?
SUMMARY ANSWER
Oxidative DNA damage is not randomly distributed in mature human spermatozoa but is instead targeted, with particular chromosomes being especially vulnerable to oxidative stress.
WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY
Oxidative DNA damage is frequently encountered in the spermatozoa of male infertility patients. Such lesions can influence the incidence of de novo mutations in children, yet it remains to be established whether all regions of the sperm genome display equivalent susceptibility to attack by reactive oxygen species.
STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION
Human spermatozoa obtained from normozoospermic males (n = 8) were split into equivalent samples and subjected to either hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) treatment or vehicle controls before extraction of oxidized DNA using a modified DNA immunoprecipitation (MoDIP) protocol. Specific regions of the genome susceptible to oxidative damage were identified by next-generation sequencing and validated in the spermatozoa of normozoospermic males (n = 18) and in patients undergoing infertility evaluation (n = 14).
PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS
Human spermatozoa were obtained from normozoospermic males and divided into two identical samples prior to being incubated with either H2O2 (5 mm, 1 h) to elicit oxidative stress or an equal volume of vehicle (untreated controls). Alternatively, spermatozoa were obtained from fertility patients assessed as having high basal levels of oxidative stress within their spermatozoa. All semen samples were subjected to MoDIP to selectively isolate oxidized DNA, prior to sequencing of the resultant DNA fragments using a next-generation whole-genomic sequencing platform. Bioinformatic analysis was then employed to identify genomic regions vulnerable to oxidative damage, several of which were selected for real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) validation.
MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE
Approximately 9000 genomic regions, 150–1000 bp in size, were identified as highly vulnerable to oxidative damage in human spermatozoa. Specific chromosomes showed differential susceptibility to damage, with chromosome 15 being particularly sensitive to oxidative attack while the sex chromosomes were protected. Susceptible regions generally lay outside protamine- and histone-packaged domains. Furthermore, we confirmed that these susceptible genomic sites experienced a dramatic (2–15-fold) increase in their burden of oxidative DNA damage in patients undergoing infertility evaluation compared to normal healthy donors.
LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION
The limited number of samples analysed in this study warrants external validation, as do the implications of our findings. Selection of male fertility patients was based on high basal levels of oxidative stress within their spermatozoa as opposed to specific sub-classes of male factor infertility.
WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS
The identification of genomic regions susceptible to oxidation in the male germ line will be of value in focusing future analyses into the mutational load carried by children in response to paternal factors such as age, the treatment of male infertility using ART and paternal exposure to environmental toxicants.
STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)
Project support was provided by the University of Newcastle’s (UoN) Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science. M.J.X. was a recipient of a UoN International Postgraduate Research Scholarship. B.N. is the recipient of a National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia Senior Research Fellowship. Authors declare no conflict of interest.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M J Xavier
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - B Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - S D Roman
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Drug Development, Faculty of Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - R J Scott
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Medical Genetics, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Pathology North, John Hunter Hospital, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - J R Drevet
- GReD Laboratory, CNRS UMR6293—INSERM U1103—Clermont Université, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - R J Aitken
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Medical Genetics, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Abstract
Infertility affects nearly 15 per cent of all couples within the reproductive age worldwide, with about 50 per cent being exhibited in the male, called male factor infertility. Successful reproduction is dependent on sperm chromatin integrity. Spermatozoa are highly specialized cells that aim to transmit the paternal genomic blueprint to the oocyte. The spermatozoon is regulated by redox mechanisms during its epididymal transit to acquire fertilizing ability. While, at physiological levels, the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) supports the spermatozoon to acquire its fertilizing ability, at high concentrations, it affects sperm function leading to infertility. Emerging proteomic technologies provide an opportunity to address these key issues that may solve many fertility-associated problems resulting from oxidative stress (OS). This review highlights the need for an efficient therapeutic approach to male infertility with the application of high-throughput OS-mediated proteomic technology, and also addresses the question as to whether targeting these altered sperm-specific proteins may help in designing an efficient and reversible male contraceptive.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gayatri Mohanty
- Department of Zoology, Redox Biology Laboratory, Ravenshaw University, Cuttack, India
| | - Luna Samanta
- Department of Zoology, Redox Biology Laboratory, Ravenshaw University, Cuttack, India
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Fice HE, Robaire B. Telomere Dynamics Throughout Spermatogenesis. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:genes10070525. [PMID: 31336906 PMCID: PMC6678359 DOI: 10.3390/genes10070525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomeres are repeat regions of DNA that cap either end of each chromosome, thereby providing stability and protection from the degradation of gene-rich regions. Each cell replication causes the loss of telomeric repeats due to incomplete DNA replication, though it is well-established that progressive telomere shortening is evaded in male germ cells by the maintenance of active telomerase. However, germ cell telomeres are still susceptible to disruption or insult by oxidative stress, toxicant exposure, and aging. Our aim was to examine the relative telomere length (rTL) in an outbred Sprague Dawley (SD) and an inbred Brown Norway (BN) rat model for paternal aging. No significant differences were found when comparing pachytene spermatocytes (PS), round spermatids (RS), and sperm obtained from the caput and cauda of the epididymis of young and aged SD rats; this is likely due to the high variance observed among individuals. A significant age-dependent decrease in rTL was observed from 115.6 (±6.5) to 93.3 (±6.3) in caput sperm and from 142.4 (±14.6) to 105.3 (±2.5) in cauda sperm from BN rats. Additionally, an increase in rTL during epididymal maturation was observed in both strains, most strikingly from 115.6 (±6.5) to 142 (±14.6) in young BN rats. These results confirm the decrease in rTL in rodents, but only when an inbred strain is used, and represent the first demonstration that rTL changes as sperm transit through the epididymis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heather E Fice
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Bernard Robaire
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada.
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Ioannou D, Tempest HG. Human Sperm Chromosomes: To Form Hairpin-Loops, Or Not to Form Hairpin-Loops, That Is the Question. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:genes10070504. [PMID: 31277336 PMCID: PMC6678829 DOI: 10.3390/genes10070504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genomes are non-randomly organized within the interphase nucleus; and spermatozoa are proposed to have a unique hairpin-loop configuration, which has been hypothesized to be critical for the ordered exodus of the paternal genome following fertilization. Recent studies suggest that the hairpin-loop model of sperm chromatin organization is more segmentally organized. The purpose of this study is to examine the 3D organization and hairpin-loop configurations of chromosomes in human spermatozoa. METHODS Three-color sperm-fluorescence in-situ hybridization was utilized against the centromeres, and chromosome p- and q-arms of eight chromosomes from five normozoospermic donors. Wide-field fluorescence microscopy and 3D modelling established the radial organization and hairpin-loop chromosome configurations in spermatozoa. RESULTS All chromosomes possessed reproducible non-random radial organization (p < 0.05) and formed discrete hairpin-loop configurations. However, chromosomes preferentially formed narrow or wide hairpin-loops. We did not find evidence to support the existence of a centralized chromocenter(s) with centromeres being more peripherally localized than one or both of their respective chromosome arms. CONCLUSION This provides further evidence to support a more segmental organization of chromatin in the human sperm nucleus. This may be of significance for fertilization and early embryogenesis as specific genomic regions are likely to be exposed, remodeled, and activated first, following fertilization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Ioannou
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - Helen G Tempest
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA.
- Biomolecular Sciences Institute, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Ivanova NG, Stefanova VN, Ostromyshenskii DI, Podgornaya OI. Tandem Repeats in the Genome of Sus scrofa, Their Localization on Chromosomes and in the Spermatogenic Cell Nuclei. RUSS J GENET+ 2019. [DOI: 10.1134/s102279541907007x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
20
|
Wiland E, Olszewska M, Huleyuk N, Chernykh VB, Kurpisz M. The effect of Robertsonian translocations on the intranuclear positioning of NORs (nucleolar organizing regions) in human sperm cells. Sci Rep 2019; 9:2213. [PMID: 30778082 PMCID: PMC6379386 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-38478-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Only a few studies have described sperm chromosome intranuclear positioning changes in men with reproductive failure and an incorrect somatic karyotype. We studied the influence of Robertsonian translocations on the acrocentric chromosome positioning in human sperm cells. The basis of the analysis was the localization of NORs (nucleolar organizing regions) in sperm nuclei from three Robertsonian translocation carriers, namely, rob(13;22), rob(13;15) and rob(13;14), with a known meiotic segregation pattern. All three carriers presented with a similar percentage of genetically normal sperm cells (i.e., approximately 40%). To visualize NORs, we performed 2D-FISH with directly labelled probes. We used the linear and radial topologies of the nucleus to analyse the NORs distribution. We found an affected positioning of NORs in each case of the Robertsonian translocations. Moreover, the NORs tended to group, most often in two clusters. Both in Robertsonian carriers and control sperm cells, NORs mostly colocalized in the medial areas of the nuclei. In the case of the Roberstonian carriers, NORs were mostly concentrated in the peripheral part of the medial area, in contrast to control sperm cells in which the distribution was more dispersed towards the internal area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Wiland
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Marta Olszewska
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Nataliya Huleyuk
- Institute of Hereditary Pathology, Ukrainian Academy of Medical Sciences, Lviv, Ukraine
| | - Vyacheslav B Chernykh
- Research Centre for Medical Genetics, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Maciej Kurpisz
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Olszewska M, Wiland E, Huleyuk N, Fraczek M, Midro AT, Zastavna D, Kurpisz M. Chromosome (re)positioning in spermatozoa of fathers and sons - carriers of reciprocal chromosome translocation (RCT). BMC Med Genomics 2019; 12:30. [PMID: 30709354 PMCID: PMC6359769 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-018-0470-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Non-random chromosome positioning has been observed in the nuclei of several different tissue types, including human spermatozoa. The nuclear arrangement of chromosomes can be altered in men with decreased semen parameters or increased DNA fragmentation and in males with chromosomal numerical or structural aberrations. An aim of this study was to determine whether and how the positioning of nine chromosome centromeres was (re)arranged in the spermatozoa of fathers and sons – carriers of the same reciprocal chromosome translocation (RCT). Methods Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was applied to analyse the positioning of sperm chromosomes in a group of 13 carriers of 11 RCTs, including two familial RCT cases: t(4;5) and t(7;10), followed by analysis of eight control individuals. Additionally, sperm chromatin integrity was evaluated using TUNEL and Aniline Blue techniques. Results In the analysed familial RCT cases, repositioning of the chromosomes occurred in a similar way when compared to the data generated in healthy controls, even if some differences between father and son were further observed. These differences might have arisen from various statuses of sperm chromatin disintegration. Conclusions Nuclear topology appears as another aspect of epigenetic genomic regulation that may influence DNA functioning. We have re-documented that chromosomal positioning is defined in control males and that a particular RCT is reflected in the individual pattern of chromosomal topology. The present study examining the collected RCT group, including two familial cases, additionally showed that chromosomal factors (karyotype and hyperhaploidy) have superior effects, strongly influencing the chromosomal topology, when confronted with sperm chromatin integrity components (DNA fragmentation or chromatin deprotamination). Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12920-018-0470-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Olszewska
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszynska 32, 60-479, Poznan, Poland
| | - Ewa Wiland
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszynska 32, 60-479, Poznan, Poland
| | - Nataliya Huleyuk
- National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, Institute of Hereditary Pathology, Lysenko Str. 31a, Lviv, 79000, Ukraine
| | - Monika Fraczek
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszynska 32, 60-479, Poznan, Poland
| | - Alina T Midro
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Medical University of Bialystok, Waszyngtona 13, PO Box 22, 15-089, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Danuta Zastavna
- National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, Institute of Hereditary Pathology, Lysenko Str. 31a, Lviv, 79000, Ukraine.,Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Chemistry, Rzeszow University of Technology, Al. Powstancow Warszawy 6, 35-959, Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Maciej Kurpisz
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszynska 32, 60-479, Poznan, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Skinner BM, Bacon J, Rathje CC, Larson EL, Kopania EEK, Good JM, Affara NA, Ellis PJI. Automated Nuclear Cartography Reveals Conserved Sperm Chromosome Territory Localization across 2 Million Years of Mouse Evolution. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:genes10020109. [PMID: 30717218 PMCID: PMC6409866 DOI: 10.3390/genes10020109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2018] [Revised: 01/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Measurements of nuclear organization in asymmetric nuclei in 2D images have traditionally been manual. This is exemplified by attempts to measure chromosome position in sperm samples, typically by dividing the nucleus into zones, and manually scoring which zone a fluorescence in-situ hybridisation (FISH) signal lies in. This is time consuming, limiting the number of nuclei that can be analyzed, and prone to subjectivity. We have developed a new approach for automated mapping of FISH signals in asymmetric nuclei, integrated into an existing image analysis tool for nuclear morphology. Automatic landmark detection defines equivalent structural regions in each nucleus, then dynamic warping of the FISH images to a common shape allows us to generate a composite of the signal within the entire cell population. Using this approach, we mapped the positions of the sex chromosomes and two autosomes in three mouse lineages (Mus musculus domesticus, Mus musculus musculus and Mus spretus). We found that in all three, chromosomes 11 and 19 tend to interact with each other, but are shielded from interactions with the sex chromosomes. This organization is conserved across 2 million years of mouse evolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Joanne Bacon
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1QP, UK.
| | | | - Erica Lee Larson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Denver, Denver, CO 80208, USA.
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, MT 59812, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Mayans C, Blanco J, Valero O, Vidal F, Sarrate Z. Unpaired sex chromosomes in metaphase I human spermatocytes locally modify autosomal bivalents positioning. Asian J Androl 2018; 20:626-628. [PMID: 29956687 PMCID: PMC6219308 DOI: 10.4103/aja.aja_45_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Carla Mayans
- Genetics of Male Fertility Group, Unitat de Biologia Cel·lular, Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Facultat de Biociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès) 08193, Spain
| | - Joan Blanco
- Genetics of Male Fertility Group, Unitat de Biologia Cel·lular, Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Facultat de Biociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès) 08193, Spain
| | - Oliver Valero
- Servei d’Estadística Aplicada, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès) 08193, Spain
| | - Francesca Vidal
- Genetics of Male Fertility Group, Unitat de Biologia Cel·lular, Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Facultat de Biociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès) 08193, Spain
| | - Zaida Sarrate
- Genetics of Male Fertility Group, Unitat de Biologia Cel·lular, Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Facultat de Biociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès) 08193, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Altered three-dimensional organization of sperm genome in DPY19L2-deficient globozoospermic patients. J Assist Reprod Genet 2018; 36:69-77. [PMID: 30362053 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-018-1342-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore the three-dimensional (3D) organization of sperm genome in DPY19L2-deficient globozoospermic patients speculating a link between DPY19L2 and genome organization of sperm nucleus. METHODS This is a study of chromatin organization in DPY19L2-deficient globozoospermic patients and healthy donors using three-dimensional fluorescence in situ hybridization (3D-FISH) combined with confocal laser scanning microscopy followed by 3D image analysis. The 3D structures of sperm nuclei, chromocenter, telomeric regions and chromosome territories (CTs), were reconstructed using IMARIS software, and the relative radial position for each individual signal was calculated. Statistical analysis used a non-parametric Mann-Whitney test was appropriate with significance at p < 0.05. RESULTS DPY19L2-deficient globozoospermic patients display impaired sperm chromocenter organization resulting in an increased number of chromocenters (5.4 vs 3.5; p < 0.0001). Moreover, radial positions of telomeres are modified with a more central position in globozoospermic nuclei. 3D-FISH analysis of five chromosome territories (CTs) (X, Y, 7, 17, 18) showed that DPY19L2-deficient globozoospermic sperm nuclei display altered spatial organization of CT X, CT 7 and CT 18. CONCLUSIONS Our findings strengthen the hypothesis that DPY19L2 might be considered as a LINC-like protein having a crucial role in the organization of nuclear chromatin in sperm nucleus through its interaction with nuclear lamina. Our results might also explain defective embryonic development after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) performed with DPY19L2-deficient globozoospermic sperm.
Collapse
|
25
|
Champroux A, Damon-Soubeyrand C, Goubely C, Bravard S, Henry-Berger J, Guiton R, Saez F, Drevet J, Kocer A. Nuclear Integrity but Not Topology of Mouse Sperm Chromosome is Affected by Oxidative DNA Damage. Genes (Basel) 2018; 9:genes9100501. [PMID: 30336622 PMCID: PMC6210505 DOI: 10.3390/genes9100501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Revised: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have revealed a well-defined higher order of chromosome architecture, named chromosome territories, in the human sperm nuclei. The purpose of this work was, first, to investigate the topology of a selected number of chromosomes in murine sperm; second, to evaluate whether sperm DNA damage has any consequence on chromosome architecture. Using fluorescence in situ hybridization, confocal microscopy, and 3D-reconstruction approaches we demonstrate that chromosome positioning in the mouse sperm nucleus is not random. Some chromosomes tend to occupy preferentially discrete positions, while others, such as chromosome 2 in the mouse sperm nucleus are less defined. Using a mouse transgenic model (Gpx5−/−) of sperm nuclear oxidation, we show that oxidative DNA damage does not disrupt chromosome organization. However, when looking at specific nuclear 3D-parameters, we observed that they were significantly affected in the transgenic sperm, compared to the wild-type. Mild reductive DNA challenge confirmed the fragility of the organization of the oxidized sperm nucleus, which may have unforeseen consequences during post-fertilization events. These data suggest that in addition to the sperm DNA fragmentation, which is already known to modify sperm nucleus organization, the more frequent and, to date, the less highly-regarded phenomenon of sperm DNA oxidation also affects sperm chromatin packaging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Champroux
- GReD "Genetics, Reproduction & Development" Laboratory, UMR CNRS 6293, INSERM U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France.
| | - Christelle Damon-Soubeyrand
- GReD "Genetics, Reproduction & Development" Laboratory, UMR CNRS 6293, INSERM U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France.
| | - Chantal Goubely
- GReD "Genetics, Reproduction & Development" Laboratory, UMR CNRS 6293, INSERM U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France.
| | - Stephanie Bravard
- GReD "Genetics, Reproduction & Development" Laboratory, UMR CNRS 6293, INSERM U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France.
| | - Joelle Henry-Berger
- GReD "Genetics, Reproduction & Development" Laboratory, UMR CNRS 6293, INSERM U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France.
| | - Rachel Guiton
- GReD "Genetics, Reproduction & Development" Laboratory, UMR CNRS 6293, INSERM U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France.
| | - Fabrice Saez
- GReD "Genetics, Reproduction & Development" Laboratory, UMR CNRS 6293, INSERM U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France.
| | - Joel Drevet
- GReD "Genetics, Reproduction & Development" Laboratory, UMR CNRS 6293, INSERM U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France.
| | - Ayhan Kocer
- GReD "Genetics, Reproduction & Development" Laboratory, UMR CNRS 6293, INSERM U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Chromosome positioning and male infertility: it comes with the territory. J Assist Reprod Genet 2018; 35:1929-1938. [PMID: 30229502 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-018-1313-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The production of functional spermatozoa through spermatogenesis requires a spatially and temporally highly regulated gene expression pattern, which in case of alterations, leads to male infertility. Changes of gene expression by chromosome anomalies, gene variants, and epigenetic alterations have been described as the main genetic causes of male infertility. Recent molecular and cytogenetic approaches have revealed that higher order chromosome positioning is essential for basic genome functions, including gene expression. This review addresses this issue by exposing well-founded evidences which support that alterations on the chromosome topology in spermatogenetic cells leads to defective sperm function and could be considered as an additional genetic cause of male infertility.
Collapse
|
27
|
Qiu GH, Huang C, Zheng X, Yang X. The protective function of noncoding DNA in genome defense of eukaryotic male germ cells. Epigenomics 2018; 10:499-517. [PMID: 29616594 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2017-0103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Peripheral and abundant noncoding DNA has been hypothesized to protect the genome and the central protein-coding sequences against DNA damage in somatic genome. In the cytosol, invading exogenous nucleic acids may first be deactivated by small RNAs encoded by noncoding DNA via mechanisms similar to the prokaryotic CRISPR-Cas system. In the nucleus, the radicals generated by radiation in the cytosol, radiation energy and invading exogenous nucleic acids are absorbed, blocked and/or reduced by peripheral heterochromatin, and damaged DNA in heterochromatin is removed and excluded from the nucleus to the cytoplasm through nuclear pore complexes. To further strengthen the hypothesis, this review summarizes the experimental evidence supporting the protective function of noncoding DNA in the genome of male germ cells. Based on these data, this review provides evidence supporting the protective role of noncoding DNA in the genome defense of sperm genome through similar mechanisms to those of the somatic genome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Hua Qiu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for the Prevention & Control of Animal Infectious Diseases & Biotechnology; Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnology, Fujian Province University; College of Life Sciences, Longyan University, Longyan 364012, Fujian, PR China
| | - Cuiqin Huang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for the Prevention & Control of Animal Infectious Diseases & Biotechnology; Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnology, Fujian Province University; College of Life Sciences, Longyan University, Longyan 364012, Fujian, PR China
| | - Xintian Zheng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for the Prevention & Control of Animal Infectious Diseases & Biotechnology; Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnology, Fujian Province University; College of Life Sciences, Longyan University, Longyan 364012, Fujian, PR China
| | - Xiaoyan Yang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for the Prevention & Control of Animal Infectious Diseases & Biotechnology; Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnology, Fujian Province University; College of Life Sciences, Longyan University, Longyan 364012, Fujian, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Chagin V, Zalensky A, Nazarov I, Mudrak O. Preferable location of chromosomes 1, 29, and X in bovine spermatozoa. AIMS GENETICS 2018; 5:113-123. [PMID: 31435516 PMCID: PMC6698578 DOI: 10.3934/genet.2018.2.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 03/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Chromosome positioning in sperm nucleus may have a functional significance by influencing the sequence of post-fertilization events. In this study we present data on preferential locations of chromosomes 1, 29 and X in Bos taurus spermatozoa. Here we demonstrate that the position of X chromosome in the sperm nucleus is more restricted as compared to the position of chromosome 1, which is about of the same size. Our data support the concept of the functional significance of genome architecture in male germline cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vadim Chagin
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation
| | - Andrei Zalensky
- The Jones Institute for Reproductive Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Virginia, USA
| | - Igor Nazarov
- The Jones Institute for Reproductive Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Virginia, USA
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation
| | - Olga Mudrak
- The Jones Institute for Reproductive Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Virginia, USA
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Zhu WJ. Transmission electron microscopy analysis of the origin and incidence of sperm intranuclear cytoplasmic retention in fertile and teratozoospermia men. Andrology 2018; 6:317-324. [PMID: 29457364 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Revised: 12/31/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The human sperm nucleus contains cytoplasm. However, the origin and incidence of human sperm intranuclear cytoplasmic retention (INCR) remain unknown. The objectives of this study were to observe the morphological origin of INCR within the seminiferous epithelium and investigate the incidence of INCR in fertile and teratozoospermia men using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). By TEM, INCR initially appeared in elongating round spermatid nuclei and varied in size, number, shape, content, location and distribution within sperm nuclei. The teratozoospermia group (n = 16) demonstrated a higher incidence of INCR than did the fertile group (n = 16) (17.6 ± 5.2% vs. 9.7 ± 3.4%; p = 0.000). In the fertile group, no correlations were found between the incidence of INCR and abnormal sperm morphology, nuclear vacuole, acrosome integrity, motility or concentration (p > 0.05). However, the incidence of INCR exhibited a positive relationship with sperm abnormal morphology in the teratozoospermia group (r = 0.616, p = 0.011). These results demonstrate that INCR occurs in the early process of spermatogenesis and is an alteration found in the nucleus. Spermatozoa from teratozoospermia men contained more INCRs than those from fertile males. More attention should be paid to the possibility of spermatozoa containing INCR when using spermatozoa with abnormal head morphology for clinical or diagnostic purposes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- W-J Zhu
- Department of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Malo AF, Martinez-Pastor F, Garcia-Gonzalez F, Garde J, Ballou JD, Lacy RC. A father effect explains sex-ratio bias. Proc Biol Sci 2018; 284:rspb.2017.1159. [PMID: 28855362 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2017.1159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex ratio allocation has important fitness consequences, and theory predicts that parents should adjust offspring sex ratio in cases where the fitness returns of producing male and female offspring vary. The ability of fathers to bias offspring sex ratios has traditionally been dismissed given the expectation of an equal proportion of X- and Y-chromosome-bearing sperm (CBS) in ejaculates due to segregation of sex chromosomes at meiosis. This expectation has been recently refuted. Here we used Peromyscus leucopus to demonstrate that sex ratio is explained by an exclusive effect of the father, and suggest a likely mechanism by which male-driven sex-ratio bias is attained. We identified a male sperm morphological marker that is associated with the mechanism leading to sex ratio bias; differences among males in the sperm nucleus area (a proxy for the sex chromosome that the sperm contains) explain 22% variation in litter sex ratio. We further show the role played by the sperm nucleus area as a mediator in the relationship between individual genetic variation and sex-ratio bias. Fathers with high levels of genetic variation had ejaculates with a higher proportion of sperm with small nuclei area. This, in turn, led to siring a higher proportion of sons (25% increase in sons per 0.1 decrease in the inbreeding coefficient). Our results reveal a plausible mechanism underlying unexplored male-driven sex-ratio biases. We also discuss why this pattern of paternal bias can be adaptive. This research puts to rest the idea that father contribution to sex ratio variation should be disregarded in vertebrates, and will stimulate research on evolutionary constraints to sex ratios-for example, whether fathers and mothers have divergent, coinciding, or neutral sex allocation interests. Finally, these results offer a potential explanation for those intriguing cases in which there are sex ratio biases, such as in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aurelio F Malo
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PS, UK .,Chicago Zoological Society, Brookfield, IL, USA.,Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Felipe Martinez-Pastor
- SaBio IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Campus Universitario s. n. 02071, Albacete, Spain.,INDEGSAL and Molecular Biology (Cell Biology), University of León, León, Spain
| | - Francisco Garcia-Gonzalez
- Estacion Biológica de Doñana, CSIC, Sevilla, Spain.,Centre for Evolutionary Biology, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Julián Garde
- SaBio IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Campus Universitario s. n. 02071, Albacete, Spain
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Ioannou D, Tempest HG. Does genome organization matter in spermatozoa? A refined hypothesis to awaken the silent vessel. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2018; 64:518-534. [DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2017.1421278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Ioannou
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
- IVF Florida Reproductive Associates, Margate, FL, USA
| | - Helen G. Tempest
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
- Biomolecular Sciences Institute, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Meyer RG, Ketchum CC, Meyer-Ficca ML. Heritable sperm chromatin epigenetics: a break to remember†. Biol Reprod 2017; 97:784-797. [DOI: 10.1093/biolre/iox137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
|
33
|
Lafuente R, Bosch-Rue E, Ribas-Maynou J, Alvarez J, Brassesco C, Amengual MJ, Benet J, Garcia-Peiró A, Brassesco M. Sperm telomere length in motile sperm selection techniques: A qFISH approach. Andrologia 2017; 50. [PMID: 28699197 DOI: 10.1111/and.12840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies have associated telomere shortening with alterations in reproductive function. The objective of the present study was to determine telomere length (TL) in spermatozoa selected by either density-gradient centrifugation (DGC) or swim-up. The analysis of TL was performed using quantitative fluorescent in situ hybridisation (qFISH) using PNA probes in combination with a chromatin decompaction protocol in sperm cells. Results of TL were 24.64 ± 5.00 Kb and 24.95 ± 4.60 Kb before and after DGC, respectively, and 19.59 ± 8.02 Kb and 20.22 ± 5.18 Kb before and after swim-up respectively. Sperm selected by DGC or swim-up did not show any significant differences in TL as compared to nonselected sperm (p > .05). Negative correlations between TL and sperm motility (r = -.308; p = .049) and concentration (r = -.353; p = .028) were found. Furthermore, exposure of sperm to increasing concentrations of hydrogen peroxide during incubation resulted in a reduction in TL. These data indicate that oxidative stress may be one of the main factors involved in the reduction of TL in sperm. Preliminary clinical results from patients included in this study indicate that TL was shorter in spermatozoa from couples who never achieved a pregnancy compared to couples who did achieve at least one natural pregnancy (p < .05); however, the clinical utility of this biomarker still needs to be confirmed in further studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Lafuente
- Centro de Infertilidad y Reproducción Humana (CIRH), Barcelona, Spain
| | - E Bosch-Rue
- CIMAB, Centro de Infertilidad Masculina y Análisis de Barcelona, Edificio Eureka, Parc de Recerca de la UAB, Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - J Ribas-Maynou
- CIMAB, Centro de Infertilidad Masculina y Análisis de Barcelona, Edificio Eureka, Parc de Recerca de la UAB, Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - J Alvarez
- Centro Androgen, La Coruña, Spain.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - C Brassesco
- Centro de Infertilidad y Reproducción Humana (CIRH), Barcelona, Spain
| | - M J Amengual
- UDIAT, Centre Diagnòstic, Corporació Sanitària i Universitària Parc Taulí, Institut Universitari Parc Taulí-UAB, Sabadell, Spain
| | - J Benet
- Facultat de Medicina, Unitat de Biologia Cel·lular i Genètica Mèdica, Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Garcia-Peiró
- CIMAB, Centro de Infertilidad Masculina y Análisis de Barcelona, Edificio Eureka, Parc de Recerca de la UAB, Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Brassesco
- Centro de Infertilidad y Reproducción Humana (CIRH), Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Ioannou D, Millan NM, Jordan E, Tempest HG. A new model of sperm nuclear architecture following assessment of the organization of centromeres and telomeres in three-dimensions. Sci Rep 2017; 7:41585. [PMID: 28139771 PMCID: PMC5282497 DOI: 10.1038/srep41585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The organization of chromosomes in sperm nuclei has been proposed to possess a unique “hairpin-loop” arrangement, which is hypothesized to aid in the ordered exodus of the paternal genome following fertilization. This study simultaneously assessed the 3D and 2D radial and longitudinal organization of telomeres, centromeres, and investigated whether chromosomes formed the same centromere clusters in sperm cells. Reproducible radial and longitudinal non-random organization was observed for all investigated loci using both 3D and 2D approaches in multiple subjects. We report novel findings, with telomeres and centromeres being localized throughout the nucleus but demonstrating roughly a 1:1 distribution in the nuclear periphery and the intermediate regions with <15% occupying the nuclear interior. Telomeres and centromeres were observed to aggregate in sperm nuclei, forming an average of 20 and 7 clusters, respectively. Reproducible
longitudinal organization demonstrated preferential localization of telomeres and centromeres in the mid region of the sperm cell. Preliminary evidence is also provided to support the hypothesis that specific chromosomes preferentially form the same centromere clusters. The more segmental distribution of telomeres and centromeres as described in this study could more readily accommodate and facilitate the sequential exodus of paternal chromosomes following fertilization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Ioannou
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Nicole M Millan
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Elizabeth Jordan
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Helen G Tempest
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA.,Biomolecular Sciences Institute, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Champroux A, Torres-Carreira J, Gharagozloo P, Drevet JR, Kocer A. Mammalian sperm nuclear organization: resiliencies and vulnerabilities. Basic Clin Androl 2016; 26:17. [PMID: 28031843 PMCID: PMC5175393 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-016-0044-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 11/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm cells are remarkably complex and highly specialized compared to somatic cells. Their function is to deliver to the oocyte the paternal genomic blueprint along with a pool of proteins and RNAs so a new generation can begin. Reproductive success, including optimal embryonic development and healthy offspring, greatly depends on the integrity of the sperm chromatin structure. It is now well documented that DNA damage in sperm is linked to reproductive failures both in natural and assisted conception (Assisted Reproductive Technologies [ART]). This manuscript reviews recent important findings concerning - the unusual organization of mammalian sperm chromatin and its impact on reproductive success when modified. This review is focused on sperm chromatin damage and their impact on embryonic development and transgenerational inheritance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A. Champroux
- GReD “Genetics, Reproduction & Development” Laboratory, UMR CNRS 6293, INSERM U1103, Clermont Université, BP60026 - TSA60026, 63178 Aubière cedex, France
| | - J. Torres-Carreira
- Centro Universitário Rio Preto, UNIRP, Rodovia Br153, Km 69, CEP15093-450 São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo Brazil
| | - P. Gharagozloo
- CellOxess LLC, 830 Bear Tavern Road, Ewing, NJ 08628 USA
| | - J. R. Drevet
- GReD “Genetics, Reproduction & Development” Laboratory, UMR CNRS 6293, INSERM U1103, Clermont Université, BP60026 - TSA60026, 63178 Aubière cedex, France
| | - A. Kocer
- GReD “Genetics, Reproduction & Development” Laboratory, UMR CNRS 6293, INSERM U1103, Clermont Université, BP60026 - TSA60026, 63178 Aubière cedex, France
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Altered bivalent positioning in metaphase I human spermatocytes from Robertsonian translocation carriers. J Assist Reprod Genet 2016; 34:131-138. [PMID: 27655390 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-016-0809-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Accepted: 09/05/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The study aims to determine whether there is an altered bivalent positioning in metaphase I human spermatocytes from Robertsonian translocation carriers. METHODS Metaphase I human spermatocytes from three 45,XY,der(13;14)(q10;q10) individuals and a 45,XY,der(14;15)(q10;q10) individual were analyzed. Proximity relationships of bivalents were established by analyzing meiotic preparations combining Leishman staining and multiplex-FISH procedures. Poisson regression model was used to determine proximity frequencies between bivalents and to assess associations with chromosome size, gene density, acrocentric morphology, and chromosomes with heterochromatic blocks. The hierarchical cluster Ward method was used to characterize the groups of bivalents with preferred proximities in a cluster analysis. Bivalent groups obtained were individually compared with those obtained in normal karyotype individuals evaluated in a previous study. RESULTS A total of 1288 bivalents were examined, giving a total of 2289 proximity data. Only four positive significant proximities were detected for each type of Robertsonian translocation. Significant bivalent associations were only observed by small-size chromosomes for MI,22,XY,III(13q14q). These results were clearly divergent from 46,XY individuals. Moreover, cluster analysis revealed that about 30 % of the bivalents showed changes in their proximity relationships in metaphase I. CONCLUSIONS The territorial organization of bivalents in metaphase I human spermatocytes changes in the presence of a Robertsonian translocation.
Collapse
|
37
|
Topology of chromosome centromeres in human sperm nuclei with high levels of DNA damage. Sci Rep 2016; 6:31614. [PMID: 27558650 PMCID: PMC4997348 DOI: 10.1038/srep31614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2016] [Accepted: 07/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies have shown that the 'poor' sperm DNA quality appears to be an important factor affecting male reproductive ability. In the case of sperm cells from males with the correct somatic karyotype but with deficient spermatogenesis, resulting in a high degree of sperm DNA fragmentation, we observed changes in the preferential topology of the chromosome 7, 9, 15, 18, X and Y centromeres. The changes occurred in radial localization and may have been directly linked to the sperm chromatin damage. This conclusion is mainly based on a comparison of FISH signals that were observed simultaneously in the TUNEL-positive and TUNEL-negative sperm cells. The analyzed cells originated from the same ejaculated sample and FISH was performed on the same slides, after in situ TUNEL reaction. Based on the observed changes and previous data, it appears that the sperm nucleus architecture can be disrupted by a variety of factors and has a negative influence on spermatogenesis at the same time. Often, these factors coexist (e.g. chromosomal translocations, aneuploidies, a higher DNA fragmentation, abnormal seminology), but no direct correlations between the factors were observed.
Collapse
|
38
|
Abstract
The paternal contribution to fertilization and embryogenesis is frequently overlooked as the spermatozoon is often considered to be a silent vessel whose only function is to safely deliver the paternal genome to the maternal oocyte. In this article, we hope to demonstrate that this perception is far from the truth. Typically, infertile men have been unable to conceive naturally (or through regular IVF), and therefore, a perturbation of the genetic integrity of sperm heads in infertile males has been under-considered. The advent of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) however has led to very successful treatment of male factor infertility and subsequent widespread use in IVF clinics worldwide. Until recently, little concern has been raised about the genetic quality of sperm in ICSI patients or the impact genetic aberrations could have on fertility and embryogenesis. This review highlights the importance of chromatin packaging in the sperm nucleus as essential for the establishment and maintenance of a viable pregnancy.
Collapse
|
39
|
Olszewska M, Wanowska E, Kishore A, Huleyuk N, Georgiadis AP, Yatsenko AN, Mikula M, Zastavna D, Wiland E, Kurpisz M. Genetic dosage and position effect of small supernumerary marker chromosome (sSMC) in human sperm nuclei in infertile male patient. Sci Rep 2015; 5:17408. [PMID: 26616419 PMCID: PMC4663790 DOI: 10.1038/srep17408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2015] [Accepted: 10/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromosomes occupy specific distinct areas in the nucleus of the sperm cell that may be altered in males with disrupted spermatogenesis. Here, we present alterations in the positioning of the human chromosomes 15, 18, X and Y between spermatozoa with the small supernumerary marker chromosome (sSMC; sSMC+) and spermatozoa with normal chromosome complement (sSMC−), for the first time described in the same ejaculate of an infertile, phenotypically normal male patient. Using classical and confocal fluorescent microscopy, the nuclear colocalization of chromosomes 15 and sSMC was analyzed. The molecular cytogenetic characteristics of sSMC delineated the karyotype as 47,XY,+der(15)(pter->p11.2::q11.1->q11.2::p11.2->pter)mat. Analysis of meiotic segregation showed a 1:1 ratio of sSMC+ to sSMC− spermatozoa, while evaluation of sperm aneuploidy status indicated an increased level of chromosome 13, 18, 21 and 22 disomy, up to 7 × (2.7 − 15.1). Sperm chromatin integrity assessment did not reveal any increase in deprotamination in the patient’s sperm chromatin. Importantly, we found significant repositioning of chromosomes X and Y towards the nuclear periphery, where both chromosomes were localized in close proximity to the sSMC. This suggests the possible influence of sSMC/XY colocalization on meiotic chromosome division, resulting in abnormal chromosome segregation, and leading to male infertility in the patient.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Olszewska
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Reproductive Biology and Stem Cells, Strzeszynska 32, 60-479 Poznan, Poland
| | - Elzbieta Wanowska
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Reproductive Biology and Stem Cells, Strzeszynska 32, 60-479 Poznan, Poland
| | - Archana Kishore
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh 15213, PA, USA
| | - Nataliya Huleyuk
- Institute of Hereditary Pathology, Ukrainian Academy of Medical Sciences, Lysenko Str. 31a, 79000 Lviv, Ukraine
| | - Andrew P Georgiadis
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh 15213, PA, USA
| | - Alexander N Yatsenko
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh 15213, PA, USA
| | - Mariya Mikula
- Institute of Hereditary Pathology, Ukrainian Academy of Medical Sciences, Lysenko Str. 31a, 79000 Lviv, Ukraine
| | - Danuta Zastavna
- Institute of Hereditary Pathology, Ukrainian Academy of Medical Sciences, Lysenko Str. 31a, 79000 Lviv, Ukraine
| | - Ewa Wiland
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Reproductive Biology and Stem Cells, Strzeszynska 32, 60-479 Poznan, Poland
| | - Maciej Kurpisz
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Reproductive Biology and Stem Cells, Strzeszynska 32, 60-479 Poznan, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Rouen A, Lavillaureix A, Hyon C, Heide S, Clède S, Balet R, Kott E, Cassuto NG, Siffroi JP. Nuclear volume differences between balanced and unbalanced spermatozoa in chromosomal translocation carriers. Reprod Biomed Online 2015; 30:290-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2014.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2014] [Revised: 10/29/2014] [Accepted: 10/29/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
|
41
|
Meiotic Nondisjunction: Insights into the Origin and Significance of Aneuploidy in Human Spermatozoa. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2015; 868:1-21. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-18881-2_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
|
42
|
Noblanc A, Kocer A, Drevet JR. Recent knowledge concerning mammalian sperm chromatin organization and its potential weaknesses when facing oxidative challenge. Basic Clin Androl 2014; 24:6. [PMID: 26779341 PMCID: PMC4715350 DOI: 10.1186/2051-4190-24-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2014] [Accepted: 02/26/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatozoa are the smallest and most cyto-differentiated mammalian cells. From a somatic cell-like appearance at the beginning of spermatogenesis, the male germ cell goes through a highly sophisticated process to reach its final organization entirely devoted to its mission which is to deliver the paternal genome to the oocyte. In order to fit the paternal DNA into the tiny spermatozoa head, complete chromatin remodeling is necessary. This review essentially focuses on present knowledge of this mammalian sperm nucleus compaction program. Particular attention is given to most recent advances that concern the specific organization of mammalian sperm chromatin and its potential weaknesses. Emphasis is placed on sperm DNA oxidative damage that may have dramatic consequences including infertility, abnormal embryonic development and the risk of transmission to descendants of an altered paternal genome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anais Noblanc
- GReD Laboratory, CNRS UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103 - Clermont Université, Aubière, France
| | - Ayhan Kocer
- GReD Laboratory, CNRS UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103 - Clermont Université, Aubière, France
| | - Joël R Drevet
- GReD Laboratory, CNRS UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103 - Clermont Université, Aubière, France
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Time-lapse dynamics of the mouse oocyte chromatin organisation during meiotic resumption. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:207357. [PMID: 24864231 PMCID: PMC4016838 DOI: 10.1155/2014/207357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2014] [Accepted: 02/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In the mammalian oocyte, distinct patterns of centromeres and pericentromeric heterochromatin localisation correlate with the gamete's developmental competence. Mouse antral oocytes display two main types of chromatin organisation: SN oocytes, with a ring of Hoechst-positive chromatin surrounding the nucleolus, and NSN oocytes lacking this ring. When matured to MII and fertilised, only SN oocytes develop beyond the 2-cell, and reach full term. To give detailed information on the dynamics of the SN or NSN chromatin during meiosis resumption, we performed a 9 hr time-lapse observation. The main significant differences recorded are: (1) reduction of the nuclear area only in SN oocytes; (2) ~17 min delay of GVBD in NSN oocytes; (3) chromatin condensation, after GVBD, in SN oocytes; (4) formation of 4-5 CHCs in SN oocytes; (5) increase of the perivitelline space, ~57 min later in NSN oocytes; (6) formation of a rosette-like disposition of CHCs, ~84 min later in SN oocytes; (7) appearance of the MI plate ~40 min later in NSN oocytes. Overall, we described a pathway of transition from the GV to the MII stage that is punctuated of discrete recordable events showing their specificity and occurring with different time kinetics in the two types of oocytes.
Collapse
|
44
|
Chromosome size, morphology, and gene density determine bivalent positioning in metaphase I human spermatocytes. Fertil Steril 2014; 101:818-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2013.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2013] [Revised: 10/18/2013] [Accepted: 11/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
|
45
|
Shete A, Rao P, Pati D, Merchant F. Spatial quantitation of FISH signals in diploid versus aneuploid nuclei. Cytometry A 2013; 85:339-52. [PMID: 24347051 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.22426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2013] [Revised: 09/27/2013] [Accepted: 11/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is the most widely used molecular technique to visualize chromosomal abnormalities. Here, we describe a novel 3D modeling approach to allow precise shape estimation and localization of FISH signals in the nucleus of human embryonic stem cells (hES) undergoing progressive but defined aneuploidy. The hES cell line WA09 acquires an extra copy of chromosome 12 in culture with increasing passages. Both diploid and aneuploid nuclei were analyzed to quantitate the differences in the localization of centromeric FISH signals for chromosome 12 as it transitions from euploidy to aneuploidy. We employed superquadric modeling primitives coupled with principal component analysis to determine the 3D position of FISH signals within the nucleus. A novel aspect of our modeling approach is that it allows comparison of FISH signals across multiple cells by normalizing the position of the centromeric signals relative to a reference landmark in oriented nuclei. Using this model we present evidence of changes in the relative positioning of centromeres in trisomy-12 cells when compared with diploid cells from the same population. Our analysis also suggests a significant change in the spatial distribution of at least one of the FISH signals in the aneuploid chromosome complements implicating that an overall change in centromere position may occur in trisomy-12 due to the addition of an extra chromosome. These studies underscore the unique utility of our modeling algorithms in quantifying FISH signals in three dimensions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amol Shete
- Department of Computer Science, University of Houston, Houston, Texas
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Seo JH, Seo BB. A new approach of successful denaturation of human sperm chromatin without undergoing decondensation treatment. Genes Genomics 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s13258-013-0125-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
47
|
Acloque H, Bonnet-Garnier A, Mompart F, Pinton A, Yerle-Bouissou M. Sperm nuclear architecture is locally modified in presence of a Robertsonian translocation t(13;17). PLoS One 2013; 8:e78005. [PMID: 24205066 PMCID: PMC3815027 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0078005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2013] [Accepted: 09/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, the non-random organization of the sperm nucleus supports an early function during embryonic development. Altering this organization may interfere with the zygote development and reduce fertility or prolificity. Thus, rare studies on sperm cells from infertile patients described an altered nuclear organization that may be a cause or a consequence of their respective pathologies. Thereby, chromosomal rearrangements and aneuploidy can be studied not only for their adverse effects on production of normal/balanced gametes at meiosis but also for their possible impact on sperm nuclear architecture and the epigenetic consequences of altered chromosome positioning. We decided to compare the global architecture of sperm nuclei from boars, either with a normal chromosome composition or with a Robertsonian translocation involving chromosomes 13 and 17. We hypothesized that the fusion between these chromosomes may change their spatial organization and we examined to what extend it could also modify the global sperm nuclear architecture. Analysis of telomeres, centromeres and gonosomes repartition does not support a global nuclear disorganization. But specific analysis of chromosomes 13 and 17 territories highlights an influence of chromosome 17 for the positioning of the fused chromosomes within the nucleus. We also observed a specific clustering of centromeres depending of the chromosome subtypes. Altogether our results showed that chromosome fusion does not significantly alter sperm nucleus architecture but suggest that centromere remodelling after chromosome fusion locally impacts chromosome positioning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hervé Acloque
- INRA, UMR444 Génétique Cellulaire, Castanet Tolosan, France
- Université de Toulouse, INP, ENVT, UMR444 Génétique Cellulaire, Toulouse, France
- * E-mail:
| | - Amélie Bonnet-Garnier
- INRA, UMR444 Génétique Cellulaire, Castanet Tolosan, France
- Université de Toulouse, INP, ENVT, UMR444 Génétique Cellulaire, Toulouse, France
| | - Florence Mompart
- INRA, UMR444 Génétique Cellulaire, Castanet Tolosan, France
- Université de Toulouse, INP, ENVT, UMR444 Génétique Cellulaire, Toulouse, France
| | - Alain Pinton
- INRA, UMR444 Génétique Cellulaire, Castanet Tolosan, France
- Université de Toulouse, INP, ENVT, UMR444 Génétique Cellulaire, Toulouse, France
| | - Martine Yerle-Bouissou
- INRA, UMR444 Génétique Cellulaire, Castanet Tolosan, France
- Université de Toulouse, INP, ENVT, UMR444 Génétique Cellulaire, Toulouse, France
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Mompart F, Robelin D, Delcros C, Yerle-Bouissou M. 3D organization of telomeres in porcine neutrophils and analysis of LPS-activation effect. BMC Cell Biol 2013; 14:30. [PMID: 23803152 PMCID: PMC3701612 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2121-14-30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2013] [Accepted: 06/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While the essential role of 3D nuclear architecture on nuclear functions has been demonstrated for various cell types, information available for neutrophils, essential components of the immune system, remains limited. In this study, we analysed the spatial arrangements of telomeres which play a central role in cell fate. Our studies were carried out in swine, which is an excellent model organism for both biomedical research and agronomic applications. We isolated bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC)-containing subtelomeric p and q sequences specific to each porcine chromosome. This allowed us to study the behaviour of p and q telomeres of homologous chromosomes for seven pairs chosen for their difference in length and morphology. This was performed using 3D-FISH on structurally preserved neutrophils, and confocal microscopy. Resting and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated states were investigated to ascertain whether a response to a pathogen aggression modifies this organization. RESULTS The positions of the p and q telomeres relative to the nuclear outer border were determined in the two states. All p telomeres changed their position significantly during the activation process, although the effect was less pronounced for the q telomeres. The patterns of telomeric associations between homologs and their frequencies were analysed for 7 pairs of chromosomes. This analysis revealed that the distribution of pp, qq and pq associations differs significantly among the 7 chromosomes. This distribution does not fit with the theoretical distribution for each chromosome, suggesting that preferential associations occur between subtelomeres. CONCLUSIONS The percentage of nuclei harbouring at least one telomeric association between homologs varies significantly among the chromosomes, the smallest metacentric chromosome SSC12, which is also the richest in gene-density, harbouring the highest value. The distribution of types of telomeric associations is highly dependent on the chromosomes and is not affected by the activation process. The frequencies of telomeric associations are also highly dependent on the type of association and the type of chromosome. Overall, the LPS-activation process induces only minor changes in these patterns of associations. When telomeric associations occur, the associations of p and q arms from the same chromosome are the most frequent, suggesting that "chromosome bending" occurs in neutrophils as previously observed in gametes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Florence Mompart
- INRA, UMR 444, Génétique Cellulaire, F-31326 Castanet, Tolosan, France
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Meyer-Ficca ML, Lonchar JD, Ihara M, Bader JJ, Meyer RG. Alteration of poly(ADP-ribose) metabolism affects murine sperm nuclear architecture by impairing pericentric heterochromatin condensation. Chromosoma 2013; 122:319-35. [PMID: 23729169 DOI: 10.1007/s00412-013-0416-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2013] [Revised: 05/07/2013] [Accepted: 05/13/2013] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The mammalian sperm nucleus is characterized by unique properties that are important for fertilization. Sperm DNA retains only small numbers of histones in distinct positions, and the majority of the genome is protamine associated, which allows for extreme condensation and protection of the genetic material. Furthermore, sperm nuclei display a highly ordered architecture that is characterized by a centrally located chromocenter comprising the pericentromeric chromosome regions and peripherally positioned telomeres. Establishment of this unique and well-conserved nuclear organization during spermiogenesis is not well understood. Utilizing fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), we show that a large fraction of the histone-associated sperm genome is repetitive in nature, while a smaller fraction is associated with unique DNA sequences. Coordinated activity of poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR) polymerase and topoisomerase II beta has been shown to facilitate DNA relaxation and histone to protamine transition during spermatid condensation, and altered PAR metabolism is associated with an increase in sperm histone content. Combining FISH with three-dimensional laser scanning microscopy technology, we further show that altered PAR metabolism by genetic or pharmacological intervention leads to a disturbance of the overall sperm nuclear architecture with a lower degree of organization and condensation of the chromocenters formed by chromosomal pericentromeric heterochromatin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mirella L Meyer-Ficca
- Center for Animal Transgenesis and Germ Cell Research, Department of Animal Biology and Mari Lowe Center for Comparative Oncology, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Alçada-Morais S, Sousa AP, Paiva A, Almeida-Santos T, Ramalho-Santos J. Anterior positioning of sex chromosomes on the head of human sperm sorted using visible wavelengths. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2013; 59:223-6. [DOI: 10.3109/19396368.2013.787129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
|