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Elofsson A, Han L, Bianchi E, Wright GJ, Jovine L. Deep learning insights into the architecture of the mammalian egg-sperm fusion synapse. eLife 2024; 13:RP93131. [PMID: 38666763 PMCID: PMC11052572 DOI: 10.7554/elife.93131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
A crucial event in sexual reproduction is when haploid sperm and egg fuse to form a new diploid organism at fertilization. In mammals, direct interaction between egg JUNO and sperm IZUMO1 mediates gamete membrane adhesion, yet their role in fusion remains enigmatic. We used AlphaFold to predict the structure of other extracellular proteins essential for fertilization to determine if they could form a complex that may mediate fusion. We first identified TMEM81, whose gene is expressed by mouse and human spermatids, as a protein having structural homologies with both IZUMO1 and another sperm molecule essential for gamete fusion, SPACA6. Using a set of proteins known to be important for fertilization and TMEM81, we then systematically searched for predicted binary interactions using an unguided approach and identified a pentameric complex involving sperm IZUMO1, SPACA6, TMEM81 and egg JUNO, CD9. This complex is structurally consistent with both the expected topology on opposing gamete membranes and the location of predicted N-glycans not modeled by AlphaFold-Multimer, suggesting that its components could organize into a synapse-like assembly at the point of fusion. Finally, the structural modeling approach described here could be more generally useful to gain insights into transient protein complexes difficult to detect experimentally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arne Elofsson
- Science for Life Laboratory and Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm UniversitySolnaSweden
| | - Ling Han
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska InstitutetHuddingeSweden
| | - Enrica Bianchi
- Department of Biology, Hull York Medical School, York Biomedical Research Institute, University of YorkYorkUnited Kingdom
| | - Gavin J Wright
- Department of Biology, Hull York Medical School, York Biomedical Research Institute, University of YorkYorkUnited Kingdom
| | - Luca Jovine
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska InstitutetHuddingeSweden
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2
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Pisciottano F, Campos MC, Penna C, Bruque CD, Gabaldón T, Saragüeta P. Positive selection in gamete interaction proteins in Carnivora. Mol Ecol 2024; 33:e17263. [PMID: 38318732 DOI: 10.1111/mec.17263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
The absence of robust interspecific isolation barriers among pantherines, including the iconic South American jaguar (Panthera onca), led us to study molecular evolution of typically rapidly evolving reproductive proteins within this subfamily and related groups. In this study, we delved into the evolutionary forces acting on the zona pellucida (ZP) gamete interaction protein family and the sperm-oocyte fusion protein pair IZUMO1-JUNO across the Carnivora order, distinguishing between Caniformia and Feliformia suborders and anticipating few significant diversifying changes in the Pantherinae subfamily. A chromosome-resolved jaguar genome assembly facilitated coding sequences, enabling the reconstruction of protein evolutionary histories. Examining sequence variability across more than 30 Carnivora species revealed that Feliformia exhibited significantly lower diversity compared to its sister taxa, Caniformia. Molecular evolution analyses of ZP2 and ZP3, subunits directly involved in sperm-recognition, unveiled diversifying positive selection in Feliformia, Caniformia and Pantherinae, although no significant changes were linked to sperm binding. Structural cross-linking ZP subunits, ZP4 and ZP1 exhibited lower levels or complete absence of positive selection. Notably, the fusion protein IZUMO1 displayed prominent positive selection signatures and sites in basal lineages of both Caniformia and Feliformia, extending along the Caniformia subtree but absent in Pantherinae. Conversely, JUNO did not exhibit any positive selection signatures across tested lineages and clades. Eight Caniformia-specific positive selected sites in IZUMO1 were detected within two JUNO-interaction clusters. Our findings provide for the first time insights into the evolutionary trajectories of ZP proteins and the IZUMO1-JUNO gamete interaction pair within the Carnivora order.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Pisciottano
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Clara Campos
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Clementina Penna
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carlos David Bruque
- Unidad de Conocimiento Traslacional Hospitalaria Patagónica, Hospital de Alta Complejidad El Calafate SAMIC, El Calafate, Santa Cruz, Argentina
| | - Toni Gabaldón
- Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC), Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), and Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Patricia Saragüeta
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Lai X, Liu R, Li M, Fan Y, Li H, Han G, Guo R, Ma H, Su H, Xing W. Participation of WD repeat-containing protein 54 (WDR54) in rat sperm-oocyte fusion through interaction with both IZUMO1 and JUNO. Theriogenology 2024; 214:286-297. [PMID: 37951137 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.10.031] [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: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/13/2023]
Abstract
Fertilization is a complex process that depends on the fusion of the cell membrane of sperm with that of oocyte, and it involves sperm-oocyte recognition, binding, and fusion, which are mediated by multiple proteins. Among those proteins, IZUMO1 and its receptor JUNO have been identified as essential factors for sperm-oocyte recognition and fusion. However, the interaction between IZUMO1 and JUNO alone does not lead to cell membrane fusion, suggesting the involvement of additional proteins in sperm-oocyte membrane fusion. In this study, we have discovered that a protein called WDR54, which consists of WD-repeat modules, is located on the cell membrane of sperm, as well as on the cell membrane and in the cytoplasm of the oocyte. We have found that WDR54 is involved in sperm-oocyte fertilization. When sperm and oocyte were treated with anti-WDR54 ascites, the in vitro fertilization (IVF) rate significantly decreased. Furthermore, our research has shown that WDR54 interacts with both IZUMO1 and JUNO, and it colocalizes with IZUMO1 on the surface of the sperm head and with JUNO on the oocyte surface. Through structural analysis of the putative complexes of WDR54-IZUMO1 and WDR54-JUNO, we infer that these three proteins could form a complex of JUNO-WDR54-IZUMO1-JUNO (referred to as the "JWIJ complex") on the oocyte surface. Our findings suggest that WDR54 is an important factor involved in sperm-oocyte adhesion and fusion. This discovery provides new insight into the mechanisms of mammalian sperm-oocyte adhesion and fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiong Lai
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory for Molecular Regulation of the Cell, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, PR China
| | - Ruizhuo Liu
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory for Molecular Regulation of the Cell, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, PR China
| | - Mengyu Li
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory for Molecular Regulation of the Cell, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, PR China
| | - Yaochun Fan
- Inner Mongolia Comprehensive Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hohhot, PR China
| | - Hongxia Li
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, PR China
| | - Guotao Han
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory for Molecular Regulation of the Cell, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, PR China
| | - Ruijie Guo
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory for Molecular Regulation of the Cell, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, PR China
| | - Hairui Ma
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory for Molecular Regulation of the Cell, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, PR China
| | - Huimin Su
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory for Molecular Regulation of the Cell, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, PR China.
| | - Wanjin Xing
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory for Molecular Regulation of the Cell, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, PR China.
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Noubissi FK, Odubanjo OV, Ogle BM, Tchounwou PB. Mechanisms of Cell Fusion in Cancer. Results Probl Cell Differ 2024; 71:407-432. [PMID: 37996688 PMCID: PMC10893907 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-37936-9_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Cell-cell fusion is a normal physiological mechanism that requires a well-orchestrated regulation of intracellular and extracellular factors. Dysregulation of this process could lead to diseases such as osteoporosis, malformation of muscles, difficulties in pregnancy, and cancer. Extensive literature demonstrates that fusion occurs between cancer cells and other cell types to potentially promote cancer progression and metastasis. However, the mechanisms governing this process in cancer initiation, promotion, and progression are less well-studied. Fusogens involved in normal physiological processes such as syncytins and associated factors such as phosphatidylserine and annexins have been observed to be critical in cancer cell fusion as well. Some of the extracellular factors associated with cancer cell fusion include chronic inflammation and inflammatory cytokines, hypoxia, and viral infection. The interaction between these extracellular factors and cell's intrinsic factors potentially modulates actin dynamics to drive the fusion of cancer cells. In this review, we have discussed the different mechanisms that have been identified or postulated to drive cancer cell fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicite K Noubissi
- Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS, USA.
- Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI), Center for Health Disparity Research (RCMI-CHDR), Jackson State University, Jackson, MS, USA.
| | - Oluwatoyin V Odubanjo
- Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS, USA
- Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI), Center for Health Disparity Research (RCMI-CHDR), Jackson State University, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Brenda M Ogle
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Paul B Tchounwou
- Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS, USA
- Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI), Center for Health Disparity Research (RCMI-CHDR), Jackson State University, Jackson, MS, USA
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Ogawa Y, Lu Y, Kiyozumi D, Chang HY, Ikawa M. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing reveals seven testis-enriched transmembrane glycoproteins dispensable for male fertility in mice. Andrology 2023:10.1111/andr.13564. [PMID: 38084666 PMCID: PMC11166886 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mammalian fertilization is mediated by multiple sperm acrosomal proteins, many of which are testis-enriched transmembrane glycoproteins expressed during spermiogenesis (e.g., Izumo sperm-egg fusion 1, Sperm acrosome associated 6, and Transmembrane protein 95). METHODS We hypothesized that proteins with these features might have a role in sperm-egg interaction and thus carried out an in-silico screen based on multiple public databases. We generated knockout mouse lines lacking seven candidate proteins by the CRISPR/Cas9 system and conducted detailed analyses on the fecundity of the knockout males, as well as their testis appearance and weight, testis and epididymis histology, and sperm motility and morphology. RESULTS Through the in-silico screen, we identified 4932438H23Rik, A disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain-containing protein 29, SAYSvFN domain-containing protein 1, Sel-1 suppressor of lin-12-like 2 (C. elegans), Testis-expressed protein 2, Transmembrane and immunoglobulin domain-containing 3, and Zinc and ring finger 4. Phenotypic analyses unveiled that the knockout males showed normal testis gross appearance, normal testis and epididymis histology, and normal sperm morphology and motility. Fertility tests further indicated that the knockout male mice could sire pups with normal litter sizes when paired with wild-type females. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION These findings suggest that these seven proteins are individually dispensable for male reproduction and fertilization. Future studies are warranted to devise advanced in-silico screening approaches that permit effective identification of gamete fusion-required sperm proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yo Ogawa
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yonggang Lu
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Premium Research Institute for Human Metaverse Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Daiji Kiyozumi
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi 464-0805, Japan
| | - Hsin-Yi Chang
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
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6
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Pacak P, Kluger C, Vogel V. Molecular dynamics of JUNO-IZUMO1 complexation suggests biologically relevant mechanisms in fertilization. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20342. [PMID: 37990051 PMCID: PMC10663542 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46835-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
JUNO-IZUMO1 binding is the first known physical link created between the sperm and egg membranes in fertilization, however, how this initiates sperm-egg fusion remains elusive. As advanced structural insights will help to combat the infertility crisis, or advance fertility control, we employed all-atom Molecular Dynamics (MD) to derive dynamic structural insights that are difficult to obtain experimentally. We found that the hydrated JUNO-IZUMO1 interface is composed of a large set of short-lived non-covalent interactions. The contact interface is destabilized by strategically located point mutations, as well as by Zn2+ ions, which shift IZUMO1 into the non-binding "boomerang" conformation. We hypothesize that the latter might explain how the transient zinc spark, as released after sperm entry into the oocyte, might contribute to block polyspermy. To address a second mystery, we performed another set of simulations, as it was previously suggested that JUNO in solution is unable to bind to folate despite it belonging to the folate receptor family. MD now suggests that JUNO complexation with IZUMO1 opens up the binding pocket thereby enabling folate insertion. Our MD simulations thus provide crucial new hypotheses how the dynamics of the JUNO-IZUMO1 complex upon solvation might regulate fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Pacak
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Carleen Kluger
- Lehrstuhl für Angewandte Physik and Center for NanoScience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, München, Munich, Germany
- Evotec München GmbH, Neuried, Germany
| | - Viola Vogel
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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Mai J, Wu L, Yang L, Sun T, Liu X, Yin R, Jiang Y, Li J, Li Q. Therapeutic strategies targeting folate receptor α for ovarian cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1254532. [PMID: 37711615 PMCID: PMC10499382 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1254532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the deadliest gynecological cancer, and presents a major clinical challenge due to limited treatment options. Folate receptor alpha (FRα), encoded by the FOLR1 gene, is an attractive therapeutically target due to its prevalent and high expression in EOC cells. Recent basic and translational studies have explored several modalities, such as antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), monoclonal antibodies, small molecules, and folate-drug conjugate, to exploit FRα for EOC treatment. In this review, we summarize the function of FRα, and clinical efficacies of various FRα-based therapeutics. We highlight mirvetuximab soravtansine (MIRV), or Elahere (ImmunoGen), the first FRα-targeting ADC approved by the FDA to treat platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. We discuss potential mechanisms and management of ocular adverse events associated with MIRV administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Mai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Development and Related Diseases of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Limei Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Development and Related Diseases of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chengdu Second People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ling Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Development and Related Diseases of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ting Sun
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The first Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaojuan Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Development and Related Diseases of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Rutie Yin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Development and Related Diseases of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yongmei Jiang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Development and Related Diseases of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jinke Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Development and Related Diseases of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qintong Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Development and Related Diseases of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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8
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Howard SA, Benhabbour SR. Non-Hormonal Contraception. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4791. [PMID: 37510905 PMCID: PMC10381146 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12144791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
While hormonal contraceptives are efficacious and available in several forms for women, perception of safety and concern over side effects are a deterrent for many. Existing non-hormonal contraceptives include permanent sterilization, copper intrauterine devices (IUDs), chemical/physical barriers such as spermicides and condoms, as well as traditional family planning methods including withdrawal and the rhythm method. Individuals who wish to retain their fertility in the future can achieve highest adherence and efficacy with long-acting, reversible contraceptives (LARCs), though there is only one, the copper IUD, that is non-hormonal. As rates of unintended pregnancies remain high with existing contraceptive options, it is becoming increasingly attractive to develop novel pregnancy prevention methods for both women and men. Non-hormonal contraceptives can target a variety of critical reproductive processes discussed here. This review focuses on identified non-hormonal contraceptive targets and subsequent drug candidates in development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Anne Howard
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Soumya Rahima Benhabbour
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University and The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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Azimi FC, Dean TT, Minari K, Basso LGM, Vance TDR, Serrão VHB. A Frame-by-Frame Glance at Membrane Fusion Mechanisms: From Viral Infections to Fertilization. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1130. [PMID: 37509166 PMCID: PMC10377500 DOI: 10.3390/biom13071130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral entry and fertilization are distinct biological processes that share a common mechanism: membrane fusion. In viral entry, enveloped viruses attach to the host cell membrane, triggering a series of conformational changes in the viral fusion proteins. This results in the exposure of a hydrophobic fusion peptide, which inserts into the host membrane and brings the viral and host membranes into close proximity. Subsequent structural rearrangements in opposing membranes lead to their fusion. Similarly, membrane fusion occurs when gametes merge during the fertilization process, though the exact mechanism remains unclear. Structural biology has played a pivotal role in elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying membrane fusion. High-resolution structures of the viral and fertilization fusion-related proteins have provided valuable insights into the conformational changes that occur during this process. Understanding these mechanisms at a molecular level is essential for the development of antiviral therapeutics and tools to influence fertility. In this review, we will highlight the biological importance of membrane fusion and how protein structures have helped visualize both common elements and subtle divergences in the mechanisms behind fusion; in addition, we will examine the new tools that recent advances in structural biology provide researchers interested in a frame-by-frame understanding of membrane fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farshad C. Azimi
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada;
| | - Trevor T. Dean
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA;
| | - Karine Minari
- Biomolecular Cryo-Electron Microscopy Facility, University of California-Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA;
| | - Luis G. M. Basso
- Laboratório de Ciências Físicas, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro 28013-602, Brazil;
| | - Tyler D. R. Vance
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada;
| | - Vitor Hugo B. Serrão
- Biomolecular Cryo-Electron Microscopy Facility, University of California-Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA;
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California-Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
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10
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Wang J, Zhao P, Chen Z, Wang H, Wang Y, Lin Q. Non-viral gene therapy using RNA interference with PDGFR-α mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transformation for proliferative vitreoretinopathy. Mater Today Bio 2023; 20:100632. [PMID: 37122836 PMCID: PMC10130499 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100632] [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: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrotic eye diseases, a series of severe oculopathy, that will destroy normal ocular refractive media and imaging structures. It is characterized by the transformation of the epithelial cells into mesenchyme cells. Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is one of these representative diseases. In this investigation, polyethylene glycol grafted branched Polyethyleneimine (PEI-g-PEG) was used as a non-viral gene vector in gene therapy of PVR to achieve anti-fibroblastic effects in vitro and in vivo by interfering with platelet-derived growth factor alpha receptor (PDGFR-α) in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells. The plasmid was wrapped by electrostatic conjugation. Physical characterization of the complexes indicated that the gene complexes were successfully prepared. In vitro, cellular experiments showed excellent biocompatibility of PEI-g-PEG, efficient cellular uptake of the gene complexes, and successful expression of the corresponding fragments. Through gene silencing technique, PEI-g-PEG/PDGFR-α shRNA successfully inhibited the process of EMT in vitro. Furthermore, in vivo animal experiments suggested that this method could effectively inhibit the progression of fibroproliferative membranes of PVR. Herein, a feasible and promising clinical idea was provided for developing non-viral gene vectors and preventing fibroblastic eye diseases by RNA interference (RNAi) technology.
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11
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Zarin P, Shwartz Y, Ortiz-Lopez A, Hanna BS, Sassone-Corsi M, Hsu YC, Mathis D, Benoist C. Treg cells require Izumo1R to regulate γδT cell-driven inflammation in the skin. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2221255120. [PMID: 36972453 PMCID: PMC10083566 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2221255120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Izumo1R is a pseudo-folate receptor with an essential role in mediating tight oocyte/spermatozoa contacts during fertilization. Intriguingly, it is also expressed in CD4+ T lymphocytes, in particular Treg cells under the control of Foxp3. To understand Izumo1R function in Treg cells, we analyzed mice with Treg-specific Izumo1r deficiency (Iz1rTrKO). Treg differentiation and homeostasis were largely normal, with no overt autoimmunity and only marginal increases in PD1+ and CD44hi Treg phenotypes. pTreg differentiation was also unaffected. Iz1rTrKO mice proved uniquely susceptible to imiquimod-induced, γδT cell-dependent, skin disease, contrasting with normal responses to several inflammatory or tumor challenges, including other models of skin inflammation. Analysis of Iz1rTrKO skin revealed a subclinical inflammation that presaged IMQ-induced changes, with an imbalance of Rorγ+ γδT cells. Immunostaining of normal mouse skin revealed the expression of Izumo1, the ligand for Izumo1R, electively in dermal γδT cells. We propose that Izumo1R on Tregs enables tight contacts with γδT cells, thereby controlling a particular path of skin inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Payam Zarin
- Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02115
| | - Yulia Shwartz
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA02138
| | | | - Bola S. Hanna
- Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02115
| | | | - Ya-chieh Hsu
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA02138
| | - Diane Mathis
- Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02115
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12
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Dittmar T, Hass R. Intrinsic signalling factors associated with cancer cell-cell fusion. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:68. [PMID: 37016404 PMCID: PMC10071245 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01085-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular fusion e.g. between cancer cells and normal cells represents a stepwise process that is tightly regulated. During a pre-hybrid preparation program somatic cells and/or cancer cells are promoted to a pro-fusogenic state as a prerequisite to prepare a fusion process. A pro-fusogenic state requires significant changes including restructure of the cytoskeleton, e.g., by the formation of F-actin. Moreover, distinct plasma membrane lipids such as phosphatidylserine play an important role during cell fusion. In addition, the expression of distinct fusogenic factors such as syncytins and corresponding receptors are of fundamental importance to enable cellular mergers. Subsequent hybrid formation and fusion are followed by a post-hybrid selection process. Fusion among normal cells is important and often required during organismal development. Cancer cells fusion appears more rarely and is associated with the generation of new cancer hybrid cell populations. These cancer hybrid cells contribute to an elevated tumour plasticity by altered metastatic behaviour, changes in therapeutic and apoptotic responses, and even in the formation of cancer stem/ initiating cells. While many parts within this multi-step cascade are still poorly understood, this review article predominantly focusses on the intracellular necessities for fusion among cancer cells or with other cell populations of the tumour microenvironment. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Dittmar
- Institute of Immunology, Centre for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, Stockumer Str. 10, 58448, Witten, Germany.
| | - Ralf Hass
- Biochemistry and Tumor Biology Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hannover Medical School, 30625, Hannover, Germany.
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13
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Dittmar T, Hass R. Extracellular Events Involved in Cancer Cell-Cell Fusion. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232416071. [PMID: 36555709 PMCID: PMC9784959 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232416071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Fusion among different cell populations represents a rare process that is mediated by both intrinsic and extracellular events. Cellular hybrid formation is relayed by orchestrating tightly regulated signaling pathways that can involve both normal and neoplastic cells. Certain important cell merger processes are often required during distinct organismal and tissue development, including placenta and skeletal muscle. In a neoplastic environment, however, cancer cell fusion can generate new cancer hybrid cells. Following survival during a subsequent post-hybrid selection process (PHSP), the new cancer hybrid cells express different tumorigenic properties. These can include elevated proliferative capacity, increased metastatic potential, resistance to certain therapeutic compounds, and formation of cancer stem-like cells, all of which characterize significantly enhanced tumor plasticity. However, many parts within this multi-step cascade are still poorly understood. Aside from intrinsic factors, cell fusion is particularly affected by extracellular conditions, including an inflammatory microenvironment, viruses, pH and ionic stress, hypoxia, and exosome signaling. Accordingly, the present review article will primarily highlight the influence of extracellular events that contribute to cell fusion in normal and tumorigenic tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Dittmar
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, Stockumer Str. 10, 58448 Witten, Germany
- Correspondence: (T.D.); (R.H.); Tel.: +49-2302-926165 (T.D.); +49-5115-326070 (R.H.)
| | - Ralf Hass
- Biochemistry and Tumor Biology Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Correspondence: (T.D.); (R.H.); Tel.: +49-2302-926165 (T.D.); +49-5115-326070 (R.H.)
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14
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Vondrakova J, Frolikova M, Ded L, Cerny J, Postlerova P, Palenikova V, Simonik O, Nahacka Z, Basus K, Valaskova E, Machan R, Pacey A, Holubcova Z, Koubek P, Ezrova Z, Park S, Liu R, Partha R, Clark N, Neuzil J, Ikawa M, Erickson K, Lam KS, Moore H, Komrskova K. MAIA, Fc receptor-like 3, supersedes JUNO as IZUMO1 receptor during human fertilization. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabn0047. [PMID: 36070373 PMCID: PMC9451160 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abn0047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Gamete fusion is a critical event of mammalian fertilization. A random one-bead one-compound combinatorial peptide library represented synthetic human egg mimics and identified a previously unidentified ligand as Fc receptor-like 3, named MAIA after the mythological goddess intertwined with JUNO. This immunoglobulin super family receptor was expressed on human oolemma and played a major role during sperm-egg adhesion and fusion. MAIA forms a highly stable interaction with the known IZUMO1/JUNO sperm-egg complex, permitting specific gamete fusion. The complexity of the MAIA isotype may offer a cryptic sexual selection mechanism to avoid genetic incompatibility and achieve favorable fitness outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Vondrakova
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Michaela Frolikova
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Lukas Ded
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Cerny
- Laboratory of Structural Bioinformatics of Proteins, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Pavla Postlerova
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food, and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamycka 129, 165 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Palenikova
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Simonik
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Zuzana Nahacka
- Laboratory of Molecular Therapy, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Krystof Basus
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Eliska Valaskova
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Radek Machan
- Imaging Methods Core Facility at BIOCEV, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prumyslova 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Allan Pacey
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Medical School, Sheffield S10 2RX, UK
| | - Zuzana Holubcova
- Reprofit International, Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Koubek
- ProCrea Swiss IVF Center, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Zuzana Ezrova
- Laboratory of Molecular Therapy, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Soojin Park
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ruiwu Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Raghavendran Partha
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Nathan Clark
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Jiri Neuzil
- Laboratory of Molecular Therapy, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Science, Griffith University, Parklands Avenue, Southport, Qld 4222, Australia
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kent Erickson
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Kit S. Lam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Harry Moore
- Centre for Stem Cell Biology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Katerina Komrskova
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Vinicna 7, 128 44 Prague, Czech Republic
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15
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Alblihy A, Ali R, Algethami M, Shoqafi A, Toss MS, Brownlie J, Tatum NJ, Hickson I, Moran PO, Grabowska A, Jeyapalan JN, Mongan NP, Rakha EA, Madhusudan S. Targeting Mre11 overcomes platinum resistance and induces synthetic lethality in XRCC1 deficient epithelial ovarian cancers. NPJ Precis Oncol 2022; 6:51. [PMID: 35853939 PMCID: PMC9296550 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-022-00298-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Platinum resistance is a clinical challenge in ovarian cancer. Platinating agents induce DNA damage which activate Mre11 nuclease directed DNA damage signalling and response (DDR). Upregulation of DDR may promote chemotherapy resistance. Here we have comprehensively evaluated Mre11 in epithelial ovarian cancers. In clinical cohort that received platinum- based chemotherapy (n = 331), Mre11 protein overexpression was associated with aggressive phenotype and poor progression free survival (PFS) (p = 0.002). In the ovarian cancer genome atlas (TCGA) cohort (n = 498), Mre11 gene amplification was observed in a subset of serous tumours (5%) which correlated highly with Mre11 mRNA levels (p < 0.0001). Altered Mre11 levels was linked with genome wide alterations that can influence platinum sensitivity. At the transcriptomic level (n = 1259), Mre11 overexpression was associated with poor PFS (p = 0.003). ROC analysis showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.642 for response to platinum-based chemotherapy. Pre-clinically, Mre11 depletion by gene knock down or blockade by small molecule inhibitor (Mirin) reversed platinum resistance in ovarian cancer cells and in 3D spheroid models. Importantly, Mre11 inhibition was synthetically lethal in platinum sensitive XRCC1 deficient ovarian cancer cells and 3D-spheroids. Selective cytotoxicity was associated with DNA double strand break (DSB) accumulation, S-phase cell cycle arrest and increased apoptosis. We conclude that pharmaceutical development of Mre11 inhibitors is a viable clinical strategy for platinum sensitization and synthetic lethality in ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adel Alblihy
- Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 3RD, UK
- Medical Center, King Fahad Security College (KFSC), Riyadh, 11461, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reem Ali
- Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 3RD, UK
| | - Mashael Algethami
- Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 3RD, UK
| | - Ahmed Shoqafi
- Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 3RD, UK
| | - Michael S Toss
- Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 3RD, UK
- Department of Pathology, Nottingham University Hospitals, City Hospital Campus, Nottingham, NG5 1PB, UK
| | - Juliette Brownlie
- Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 3RD, UK
| | - Natalie J Tatum
- Cancer Research UK Newcastle Drug Discovery Unit, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Ian Hickson
- Cancer Research UK Newcastle Drug Discovery Unit, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Paloma Ordonez Moran
- Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 3RD, UK
| | - Anna Grabowska
- Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 3RD, UK
| | - Jennie N Jeyapalan
- Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 3RD, UK
| | - Nigel P Mongan
- Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 3RD, UK
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, 10065, NY, USA
| | - Emad A Rakha
- Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 3RD, UK
- Department of Pathology, Nottingham University Hospitals, City Hospital Campus, Nottingham, NG5 1PB, UK
| | - Srinivasan Madhusudan
- Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 3RD, UK.
- Department of Oncology, Nottingham University Hospitals, Nottingham, NG51PB, UK.
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16
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Generation of Cancer Stem/Initiating Cells by Cell-Cell Fusion. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094514. [PMID: 35562905 PMCID: PMC9101717 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
CS/ICs have raised great expectations in cancer research and therapy, as eradication of this key cancer cell type is expected to lead to a complete cure. Unfortunately, the biology of CS/ICs is rather complex, since no common CS/IC marker has yet been identified. Certain surface markers or ALDH1 expression can be used for detection, but some studies indicated that cancer cells exhibit a certain plasticity, so CS/ICs can also arise from non-CS/ICs. Another problem is intratumoral heterogeneity, from which it can be inferred that different CS/IC subclones must be present in the tumor. Cell–cell fusion between cancer cells and normal cells, such as macrophages and stem cells, has been associated with the generation of tumor hybrids that can exhibit novel properties, such as an enhanced metastatic capacity and even CS/IC properties. Moreover, cell–cell fusion is a complex process in which parental chromosomes are mixed and randomly distributed among daughter cells, resulting in multiple, unique tumor hybrids. These, if they have CS/IC properties, may contribute to the heterogeneity of the CS/IC pool. In this review, we will discuss whether cell–cell fusion could also lead to the origin of different CS/ICs that may expand the overall CS/IC pool in a primary tumor.
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17
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The Role of Sperm Proteins IZUMO1 and TMEM95 in Mammalian Fertilization: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073929. [PMID: 35409288 PMCID: PMC8999778 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Gamete membrane fusion is a critical cellular event in sexual reproduction. In addition, the generation of knockout models has provided a powerful tool for testing the functional relevance of proteins thought to be involved in mammalian fertilization, suggesting IZUMO1 and TMEM95 (transmembrane protein 95) as essential proteins. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the process remain largely unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to summarize the current knowledge about IZUMO1 and TMEM95 during mammalian fertilization. Hence, three distinct databases were consulted—PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science—using single keywords. As a result, a total of 429 articles were identified. Based on both inclusion and exclusion criteria, the final number of articles included in this study was 103. The results showed that IZUMO1 is mostly studied in rodents whereas TMEM95 is studied primarily in bovines. Despite the research, the topological localization of IZUMO1 remains controversial. IZUMO1 may be involved in organizing or stabilizing a multiprotein complex essential for the membrane fusion in which TMEM95 could act as a fusogen due to its possible interaction with IZUMO1. Overall, the expression of these two proteins is not sufficient for sperm–oocyte fusion; therefore, other molecules must be involved in the membrane fusion process.
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18
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Satouh Y, Inoue N. Involvement of cellular protrusions in gamete interactions. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2022; 129:93-102. [PMID: 35370088 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.03.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Gamete fusion is of considerable importance in reproductive events, as it determines the gamete pairs or chromosomes that the next generation will inherit. To preserve species specificity with an appropriate karyotype, the fusion between gametes requires regulatory mechanisms to ensure limited fusion competency. In many organisms, gamete surfaces are not smooth, but present constitutive or transient cellular protrusions suggested to be involved in gamete fusion. However, the molecular mechanisms and the factors essential for the membrane-membrane fusion process and cellular protrusion involvement have remained unclear. Recent advances in the identification and functional analysis of the essential factors for gamete interaction have revealed the molecular mechanisms underlying their activity regulation and dynamics. In homogametic fertilization, dynamic regulation of the fusion core machinery on cellular protrusions was precisely uncovered. In heterogametic fertilization, oocyte fusion competency was suggested to correlate with the compartmentalization of the fusion essential factor and protrusion formation. These findings shed light on the significance of cellular protrusions in gamete fusion as a physically and functionally specialized site for cellular fusion. In this review, we consider the developments in gamete interaction research in various species with different fertilization modes, highlighting the commonalities in the relationship between gamete fusion and cellular protrusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhkoh Satouh
- Laboratory of Molecular Traffic, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation, Gunma University, Maebashi, Gunma, Japan.
| | - Naokazu Inoue
- Department of Cell Science, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Fukushima, Japan.
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19
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Matsumura T, Noda T, Satouh Y, Morohoshi A, Yuri S, Ogawa M, Lu Y, Isotani A, Ikawa M. Sperm IZUMO1 Is Required for Binding Preceding Fusion With Oolemma in Mice and Rats. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:810118. [PMID: 35096839 PMCID: PMC8790511 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.810118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Fertilization occurs as the culmination of multi-step complex processes. First, mammalian spermatozoa undergo the acrosome reaction to become fusion-competent. Then, the acrosome-reacted spermatozoa penetrate the zona pellucida and adhere to and finally fuse with the egg plasma membrane. IZUMO1 is the first sperm protein proven to be essential for sperm-egg fusion in mammals, as Izumo1 knockout mouse spermatozoa adhere to but fail to fuse with the oolemma. However, the IZUMO1 function in other species remains largely unknown. Here, we generated Izumo1 knockout rats by CRISPR/Cas9 and found the male rats were infertile. Unlike in mice, Izumo1 knockout rat spermatozoa failed to bind to the oolemma. Further investigation revealed that the acrosome-intact sperm binding conceals a decreased number of the acrosome-reacted sperm bound to the oolemma in Izumo1 knockout mice. Of note, we could not see any apparent defects in the binding of the acrosome-reacted sperm to the oolemma in the mice lacking recently found fusion-indispensable genes, Fimp, Sof1, Spaca6, or Tmem95. Collectively, our data suggest that IZUMO1 is required for the sperm-oolemma binding prior to fusion at least in rat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takafumi Matsumura
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Taichi Noda
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Division of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Resource Development and Analysis, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
- Priority Organization for Innovation and Excellence, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yuhkoh Satouh
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Akane Morohoshi
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Yuri
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Ikoma, Japan
| | - Masaki Ogawa
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Yonggang Lu
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Ayako Isotani
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Ikoma, Japan
- Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Laboratory of Reproductive Systems Biology, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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20
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Allingham J, Floriano WB. Genetic diversity in the IZUMO1-JUNO protein-receptor pair involved in human reproduction. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0260692. [PMID: 34879103 PMCID: PMC8654184 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Fertilization in mammals begins with the union of egg and sperm, an event that starts a cascade of cellular processes. The molecular-level understanding of these processes can guide the development of new strategies for controlling and/or promoting fertilization, and inform researchers and medical professional on the best choice of interventions. The proteins encoded by the IZUMO1 and JUNO genes form a ligand-receptor protein pair involved in the recognition of sperm and egg. Due to their role in the fertilization process, these proteins are potential targets for the development of novel anti-contraceptive, as well as infertility treatments. Here we present a comprehensive analysis of these gene sequences, with the objective of identifying evolutionary patterns that may support their relevance as targets for preventing or improving fertility among humans. JUNO and IZUMO1 gene sequences were identified within the genomes of over 2,000 humans sequenced in the 1000 Genomes Project. The human sequences were subjected to analyses of nucleotide diversity, deviation from neutrality of genetic variation, population-based differentiation (FST), haplotype inference, and whole chromosome scanning for signals of positive or of balancing selection. Derived alleles were determined by comparison to archaic hominin and other primate genomes. The potential effect of common non-synonymous variants on protein-protein interaction was also assessed. IZUMO1 displays higher variability among human individuals than JUNO. Genetic differentiation between continental population pairs was within whole-genome estimates for all but the JUNO gene in the African population group with respect to the other 4 population groups (American, East Asian, South Asian, and European). Tajima’s D values demonstrated deviation from neutrality for both genes in comparison to a group of genes identified in the literature as under balancing or positive selection. Tajima’s D for IZUMO1 aligns with values calculated for genes presumed to be under balancing selection, whereas JUNO’s value aligned with genes presumed to be under positive selection. These inferences on selection are both supported by SNP density, nucleotide diversity and haplotype analysis. A JUNO haplotype carrying 3 derived alleles out of 5, one of which is a missense mutation implicated in polyspermy, was found to be significant in a population of African ancestry. Polyspermy has a disadvantageous impact on fertility and its presence in approximately 30% of the population of African ancestry may be associated to a potentially beneficial role of this haplotype. This role has not been established and may be related to a non-reproductive role of JUNO. The high degree of conservation of the JUNO sequence combined with a dominant haplotype across multiple population groups supports JUNO as a potential target for the development of contraceptive treatments. In addition to providing a detailed account of human genetic diversity across these 2 important and related genes, this study also provides a framework for large population-based studies investigating protein-protein interactions at the genome level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Allingham
- Department of Chemistry, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
| | - Wely B. Floriano
- Department of Chemistry, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
- * E-mail:
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21
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Dittmar T, Weiler J, Luo T, Hass R. Cell-Cell Fusion Mediated by Viruses and HERV-Derived Fusogens in Cancer Initiation and Progression. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5363. [PMID: 34771528 PMCID: PMC8582398 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell fusion is a well-known, but still scarcely understood biological phenomenon, which might play a role in cancer initiation, progression and formation of metastases. Although the merging of two (cancer) cells appears simple, the entire process is highly complex, energy-dependent and tightly regulated. Among cell fusion-inducing and -regulating factors, so-called fusogens have been identified as a specific type of proteins that are indispensable for overcoming fusion-associated energetic barriers and final merging of plasma membranes. About 8% of the human genome is of retroviral origin and some well-known fusogens, such as syncytin-1, are expressed by human (cancer) cells. Likewise, enveloped viruses can enable and facilitate cell fusion due to evolutionarily optimized fusogens, and are also capable to induce bi- and multinucleation underlining their fusion capacity. Moreover, multinucleated giant cancer cells have been found in tumors derived from oncogenic viruses. Accordingly, a potential correlation between viruses and fusogens of human endogenous retroviral origin in cancer cell fusion will be summarized in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Dittmar
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, 58448 Witten, Germany;
| | - Julian Weiler
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, 58448 Witten, Germany;
| | - Tianjiao Luo
- Biochemistry and Tumor Biology Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany;
| | - Ralf Hass
- Biochemistry and Tumor Biology Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany;
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22
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Siu KK, Serrão VHB, Ziyyat A, Lee JE. The cell biology of fertilization: Gamete attachment and fusion. J Cell Biol 2021; 220:e202102146. [PMID: 34459848 PMCID: PMC8406655 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202102146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Fertilization is defined as the union of two gametes. During fertilization, sperm and egg fuse to form a diploid zygote to initiate prenatal development. In mammals, fertilization involves multiple ordered steps, including the acrosome reaction, zona pellucida penetration, sperm-egg attachment, and membrane fusion. Given the success of in vitro fertilization, one would think that the mechanisms of fertilization are understood; however, the precise details for many of the steps in fertilization remain a mystery. Recent studies using genetic knockout mouse models and structural biology are providing valuable insight into the molecular basis of sperm-egg attachment and fusion. Here, we review the cell biology of fertilization, specifically summarizing data from recent structural and functional studies that provide insights into the interactions involved in human gamete attachment and fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen K. Siu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Vitor Hugo B. Serrão
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ahmed Ziyyat
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Paris, France
- Service d’Histologie, d’Embryologie, Biologie de la Reproduction, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Cochin, Paris, France
| | - Jeffrey E. Lee
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Mori M, Yao T, Mishina T, Endoh H, Tanaka M, Yonezawa N, Shimamoto Y, Yonemura S, Yamagata K, Kitajima TS, Ikawa M. RanGTP and the actin cytoskeleton keep paternal and maternal chromosomes apart during fertilization. J Cell Biol 2021; 220:e202012001. [PMID: 34424312 PMCID: PMC8404465 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202012001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Zygotes require two accurate sets of parental chromosomes, one each from the mother and the father, to undergo normal embryogenesis. However, upon egg-sperm fusion in vertebrates, the zygote has three sets of chromosomes, one from the sperm and two from the egg. The zygote therefore eliminates one set of maternal chromosomes (but not the paternal chromosomes) into the polar body through meiosis, but how the paternal chromosomes are protected from maternal meiosis has been unclear. Here we report that RanGTP and F-actin dynamics prevent egg-sperm fusion in proximity to maternal chromosomes. RanGTP prevents the localization of Juno and CD9, egg membrane proteins that mediate sperm fusion, at the cell surface in proximity to maternal chromosomes. Following egg-sperm fusion, F-actin keeps paternal chromosomes away from maternal chromosomes. Disruption of these mechanisms causes the elimination of paternal chromosomes during maternal meiosis. This study reveals a novel critical mechanism that prevents aneuploidy in zygotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masashi Mori
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- Laboratory for Chromosome Segregation, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Japan
| | - Tatsuma Yao
- Research and Development Center, Fuso Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd., Osaka, Japan
- Graduate School of Biology-Oriented Science and Technology, Kindai University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Tappei Mishina
- Laboratory for Chromosome Segregation, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Japan
| | - Hiromi Endoh
- Laboratory for Ultrastructural Research, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Japan
| | - Masahito Tanaka
- Physics and Cell Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics & Department of Genetics, SOKENDAI University, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Nao Yonezawa
- Graduate School of Biology-Oriented Science and Technology, Kindai University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Yuta Shimamoto
- Physics and Cell Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics & Department of Genetics, SOKENDAI University, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Shigenobu Yonemura
- Laboratory for Ultrastructural Research, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Japan
- Department of Cell Biology, Tokushima University Graduate School of Medical Science, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Kazuo Yamagata
- Graduate School of Biology-Oriented Science and Technology, Kindai University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Tomoya S. Kitajima
- Laboratory for Chromosome Segregation, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Japan
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
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24
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Fujihara Y, Herberg S, Blaha A, Panser K, Kobayashi K, Larasati T, Novatchkova M, Theussl HC, Olszanska O, Ikawa M, Pauli A. The conserved fertility factor SPACA4/Bouncer has divergent modes of action in vertebrate fertilization. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2108777118. [PMID: 34556579 PMCID: PMC8488580 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2108777118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Fertilization is the fundamental process that initiates the development of a new individual in all sexually reproducing species. Despite its importance, our understanding of the molecular players that govern mammalian sperm-egg interaction is incomplete, partly because many of the essential factors found in nonmammalian species do not have obvious mammalian homologs. We have recently identified the lymphocyte antigen-6 (Ly6)/urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) protein Bouncer as an essential fertilization factor in zebrafish [S. Herberg, K. R. Gert, A. Schleiffer, A. Pauli, Science 361, 1029-1033 (2018)]. Here, we show that Bouncer's homolog in mammals, Sperm Acrosome Associated 4 (SPACA4), is also required for efficient fertilization in mice. In contrast to fish, in which Bouncer is expressed specifically in the egg, SPACA4 is expressed exclusively in the sperm. Male knockout mice are severely subfertile, and sperm lacking SPACA4 fail to fertilize wild-type eggs in vitro. Interestingly, removal of the zona pellucida rescues the fertilization defect of Spaca4-deficient sperm in vitro, indicating that SPACA4 is not required for the interaction of sperm and the oolemma but rather of sperm and the zona pellucida. Our work identifies SPACA4 as an important sperm protein necessary for zona pellucida penetration during mammalian fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshitaka Fujihara
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan
- Department of Bioscience and Genetics, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Suita 564-8565, Japan
| | - Sarah Herberg
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna BioCenter, Campus-Vienna-Biocenter 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Andreas Blaha
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna BioCenter, Campus-Vienna-Biocenter 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria
- Vienna BioCenter PhD Program, Doctoral School of the University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Karin Panser
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna BioCenter, Campus-Vienna-Biocenter 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Kiyonori Kobayashi
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan
| | - Tamara Larasati
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan
| | - Maria Novatchkova
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna BioCenter, Campus-Vienna-Biocenter 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Hans-Christian Theussl
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna BioCenter, Campus-Vienna-Biocenter 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Olga Olszanska
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna BioCenter, Campus-Vienna-Biocenter 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan;
- The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
| | - Andrea Pauli
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna BioCenter, Campus-Vienna-Biocenter 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria;
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25
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Hybrid Formation and Fusion of Cancer Cells In Vitro and In Vivo. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13174496. [PMID: 34503305 PMCID: PMC8431460 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13174496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cell fusion as a fundamental biological process is required for various physiological processes, including fertilization, placentation, myogenesis, osteoclastogenesis, and wound healing/tissue regeneration. However, cell fusion is also observed during pathophysiological processes like tumor development. Mesenchymal stroma/stem-like cells (MSC) which play an important role within the tumor microenvironment like other cell types such as macrophages can closely interact and hybridize with cancer cells. The formation of cancer hybrid cells can involve various different mechanisms whereby the genomic parts of the hybrid cells require rearrangement to form a new functional hybrid cell. The fusion of cancer cells with neighboring cell types may represent an important mechanism during tumor development since cancer hybrid cells are detectable in various tumor tissues. During this rare event with resulting genomic instability the cancer hybrid cells undergo a post-hybrid selection process (PHSP) to reorganize chromosomes of the two parental nuclei whereby the majority of the hybrid population undergoes cell death. The remaining cancer hybrid cells survive by displaying altered properties within the tumor tissue. Abstract The generation of cancer hybrid cells by intra-tumoral cell fusion opens new avenues for tumor plasticity to develop cancer stem cells with altered properties, to escape from immune surveillance, to change metastatic behavior, and to broaden drug responsiveness/resistance. Genomic instability and chromosomal rearrangements in bi- or multinucleated aneuploid cancer hybrid cells contribute to these new functions. However, the significance of cell fusion in tumorigenesis is controversial with respect to the low frequency of cancer cell fusion events and a clonal advantage of surviving cancer hybrid cells following a post-hybrid selection process. This review highlights alternative processes of cancer hybrid cell development such as entosis, emperipolesis, cannibalism, therapy-induced polyploidization/endoreduplication, horizontal or lateral gene transfer, and focusses on the predominant mechanisms of cell fusion. Based upon new properties of cancer hybrid cells the arising clinical consequences of the subsequent tumor heterogeneity after cancer cell fusion represent a major therapeutic challenge.
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26
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Wang H, Tang Z, Guo M, Liu X, Yu M. Genome-wide association study identifies variants associated with AFS and GL in Danish Yorkshire pig population. Anim Genet 2021; 52:772-773. [PMID: 34342034 DOI: 10.1111/age.13122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hongtao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Zhenshuang Tang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Meng Guo
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Xiaolei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Mei Yu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
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27
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Abstract
Fertilization is a multistep process that culminates in the fusion of sperm and egg, thus marking the beginning of a new organism in sexually reproducing species. Despite its importance for reproduction, the molecular mechanisms that regulate this singular event, particularly sperm-egg fusion, have remained mysterious for many decades. Here, we summarize our current molecular understanding of sperm-egg interaction, focusing mainly on mammalian fertilization. Given the fundamental importance of sperm-egg fusion yet the lack of knowledge of this process in vertebrates, we discuss hallmarks and emerging themes of cell fusion by drawing from well-studied examples such as viral entry, placenta formation, and muscle development. We conclude by identifying open questions and exciting avenues for future studies in gamete fusion. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Cell and Developmental Biology, Volume 37 is October 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria E Deneke
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030 Vienna, Austria; ,
| | - Andrea Pauli
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030 Vienna, Austria; ,
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28
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Sieler M, Weiler J, Dittmar T. Cell-Cell Fusion and the Roads to Novel Properties of Tumor Hybrid Cells. Cells 2021; 10:cells10061465. [PMID: 34207991 PMCID: PMC8230653 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The phenomenon of cancer cell–cell fusion is commonly associated with the origin of more malignant tumor cells exhibiting novel properties, such as increased drug resistance or an enhanced metastatic capacity. However, the whole process of cell–cell fusion is still not well understood and seems to be rather inefficient since only a certain number of (cancer) cells are capable of fusing and only a rather small population of fused tumor hybrids will survive at all. The low survivability of tumor hybrids is attributed to post-fusion processes, which are characterized by the random segregation of mixed parental chromosomes, the induction of aneuploidy and further random chromosomal aberrations and genetic/epigenetic alterations in daughter cells. As post-fusion processes also run in a unique manner in surviving tumor hybrids, the occurrence of novel properties could thus also be a random event, whereby it might be speculated that the tumor microenvironment and its spatial habitats could direct evolving tumor hybrids towards a specific phenotype.
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29
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Jiménez-Movilla M, Hamze JG, Romar R. Oolemma Receptors in Mammalian Molecular Fertilization: Function and New Methods of Study. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:662032. [PMID: 34095128 PMCID: PMC8170029 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.662032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Fertilization is a key process in biology to the extent that a new individual will be born from the fusion of two cells, one of which leaves the organism in which it was produced to exert its function within a different organism. The structure and function of gametes, and main aspects of fertilization are well known. However, we have limited knowledge about the specific molecules participating in each of the steps of the fertilization process due to the transient nature of gamete interaction. Moreover, if we specifically focus in the fusion of both gametes’ membrane, we might say our molecular knowledge is practically null, despite that molecular mechanisms of cell-to-cell adhesion are well studied in somatic cells. Moreover, between both gametes, the molecular knowledge in the egg is even scarcer than in the spermatozoon for different reasons addressed in this review. Sperm-specific protein IZUMO1 and its oocyte partner, JUNO, are the first cell surface receptor pair essential for sperm–egg plasma membrane binding. Recently, thanks to gene editing tools and the development and validation of in vitro models, new oocyte molecules are being suggested in gamete fusion such as phosphatidylserine recognition receptors. Undoubtedly, we are in a new era for widening our comprehension on molecular fertilization. In this work, we comprehensively address the proposed molecules involved in gamete binding and fusion, from the oocyte perspective, and the new methods that are providing a better understanding of these crucial molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Jiménez-Movilla
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.,Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain.,International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Julieta G Hamze
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.,Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain.,International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Raquel Romar
- Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain.,International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
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30
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Recovery of Sea Star Egg Cell Surface Proteins Released at Fertilization. Methods Mol Biol 2021. [PMID: 33074539 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0974-3_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
To provide a better understanding of the composition of the egg cell membrane, we describe a method in which proteins and peptides that are either naturally released by the egg or cleaved by sperm proteases can be collected, analyzed, and identified. Such molecules are captured and isolated from the surrounding seawater via biotinylation, before being concentrated by an affinity interaction and subsequently analyzed by western blotting and mass spectrometry.
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31
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Hu W, Dong X, Tian Z, Zhang Z, Tang J, Liang B, Liu Q, Chu M. Expression, structure and function analysis of the sperm-oocyte fusion genes Juno and Izumo1 in sheep (Ovis aries). J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2021; 12:37. [PMID: 33706805 PMCID: PMC7953763 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-021-00548-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background JUNO and IZUMO1 are the first receptor-ligand protein pairs discovered to be essential for sperm-oocyte fusion; their interaction is indispensable for fertilization. Methods PCR was used to clone the full-length DNA sequence of the Juno gene in sheep. The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci of Juno were genotyped by Sequenom MassARRAY®. PCR combined with rapid amplification of cDNA Ends were used to clone the full-length cDNA sequence of Juno and Izumo1. Reverse transcriptase-PCR (RT-PCR) and real time-quantitative-PCR (RT-qPCR) were used to analyze the genes’ expression in tissues of sheep, and single cell RNA-seq was used to analyze the genes’ expression in oocytes, granulosa cells and follicular theca of polytocous and monotocous Small Tail Han ewes. Bioinformatics was used to analyze advanced structure and phylogeny of JUNO and IZUMO1 proteins. Results The full-length DNA sequence of the Juno gene in sheep was cloned and nine SNPs were screened. We found a significant association between the g.848253 C > A locus of Juno and litter size of Small Tail Han sheep (P < 0.05). The full-length cDNA sequence of Juno and Izumo1 genes from Small Tail Han sheep were obtained. We found a new segment of the Izumo1 CDS consisting of 35 bp, and we confirmed the Izumo1 gene has 9 exons, not 8. RT-qPCR showed that Juno and Izumo1 genes were highly expressed in ovarian and testicular tissues, respectively (P < 0.01). Single cell RNA-seq showed Juno was specifically expressed in oocytes, but not in granulosa cells or follicular theca, while Izumo1 displayed little to no expression in all three cell types. There was no difference in expression of the Juno gene in oocyte and ovarian tissue in sheep with different litter sizes, indicating expression of Juno is not related to litter size traits. Bioinformatic analysis revealed the g.848253 C > A locus of Juno results in a nonconservative missense point mutation leading to a change from Phe to Leu at position 219 in the amino acid sequence. Conclusions For the first time, this study systematically analyzed the expression, structure and function of Juno and Izumo1 genes and their encoded proteins in Small Tail Han sheep, providing the basis for future studies of the regulatory mechanisms of Juno and Izumo1 genes. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40104-021-00548-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenping Hu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Xinlong Dong
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Zhilong Tian
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Zhuangbiao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jishun Tang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China.,Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
| | - Benmeng Liang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Qiuyue Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China. .,Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, the Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Mingxing Chu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China.
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32
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Chen Y, Wei H, Liu Y, Gao F, Chen Z, Wang P, Li L, Zhang S. Identification of new protein biomarkers associated with the boar fertility using iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomic analysis. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 162:50-59. [PMID: 32553959 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.06.102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we performed the isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) proteomic analysis in the spermatozoa of Landrace boars with different fertility potentials and investigated the ability of sperm acrosome associated 4 (SPACA4) and IZUMO family member 2 (IZUMO2) to predict the reproductive perform of boars. The iTRAQ results revealed that 202 proteins were up-regulated and 43 proteins were down-regulated in the spermatozoa from high fertility boars. SPACA4 and IZUMO2 protein levels were significantly up-regulated in the spermatozoa from high fertility boars. SPACA4 and IZUMO2 expression were specifically detected in the adult boar testis. SPACA4 levels were positively correlated with Sow's farrowing rate and reproductive efficiency, but not litter size. IZUMO2 were positively correlated with litter size, Sow's farrowing rate and reproductive efficiency. Treating the boar semen with SPACA4 or IZUMO2 antibodies for 30 min and 60 min failed to affect the sperm motility; while treating the semen with SPACA4 antibody significantly reduced the fertilization and cleavage rates. Similar results for fertilization and cleavage rates were found in IZUMO2 antibody-treated semen. Collectively, our results indicated that protein levels of SPACA4 and IZUMO2 in the spermatozoa were positively related to the reproductive performance of Landrace boars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuming Chen
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Hengxi Wei
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
| | - Yanting Liu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Fenglei Gao
- Department of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry, College of Guangdong Agriculture Industry Business Polytechnic, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510507, China
| | - Zhilin Chen
- Technology Department, Guangdong Wen's Foodstuffs Group Co., Ltd., Yunfu, Guangdong 527400, China
| | - Ping Wang
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Li Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Shouquan Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
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33
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Paes VM, de Figueiredo JR, Ryan PL, Willard ST, Feugang JM. Comparative Analysis of Porcine Follicular Fluid Proteomes of Small and Large Ovarian Follicles. BIOLOGY 2020; 9:biology9050101. [PMID: 32429601 PMCID: PMC7285177 DOI: 10.3390/biology9050101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian follicular fluid is widely used for in vitro oocyte maturation, but its in-depth characterization to extract full beneficial effects remains unclear. Here, we performed both shotgun (nanoscale liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry or nanoLC-MS/MS) and gel-based (two dimension-differential in-gel electrophoresis or 2D-DIGE) proteomics, followed by functional bioinformatics to compare the proteomes of follicular fluids collected from small (<4 mm) and large (>6-12 mm) follicles of pig ovaries. A total of 2321 unique spots were detected with the 2D-DIGE across small and large follicles, while 2876 proteins with 88% successful annotations were detected with the shotgun approach. The shotgun and 2D-DIGE approaches revealed about 426 and 300 proteins that were respectively common across samples. Six proteins detected with both technical approaches were significantly differently expressed between small and large follicles. Pathways such as estrogen and PI3K-Akt signaling were significantly enriched in small follicles while the complement and coagulation cascades pathways were significantly represented in large follicles. Up-regulated proteins in small follicles were in favor of oocyte maturation, while those in large follicles were involved in the ovulatory process preparation. Few proteins with potential roles during sperm-oocyte interactions were especially detected in FF of large follicles and supporting the potential role of the ovarian FF on the intrafallopian sperm migration and interaction with the oocyte.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor M. Paes
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39759, USA; (V.M.P.); (P.L.R.); (S.T.W.)
- Laboratory of Manipulation of Oocyte and Preantral follicles, State University of Ceará, CEP, 60740 903 Fortaleza, Brazil;
| | - José R. de Figueiredo
- Laboratory of Manipulation of Oocyte and Preantral follicles, State University of Ceará, CEP, 60740 903 Fortaleza, Brazil;
| | - Peter L. Ryan
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39759, USA; (V.M.P.); (P.L.R.); (S.T.W.)
| | - Scott T. Willard
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39759, USA; (V.M.P.); (P.L.R.); (S.T.W.)
| | - Jean M. Feugang
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39759, USA; (V.M.P.); (P.L.R.); (S.T.W.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +662-325-7567; Fax: +662-325-8873
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Sperm proteins SOF1, TMEM95, and SPACA6 are required for sperm-oocyte fusion in mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:11493-11502. [PMID: 32393636 PMCID: PMC7261011 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1922650117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm-oocyte membrane fusion is one of the most important events for fertilization. So far, IZUMO1 and Fertilization Influencing Membrane Protein (FIMP) on the sperm membrane and CD9 and JUNO (IZUMO1R/FOLR4) on the oocyte membrane have been identified as fusion-required proteins. However, the molecular mechanisms for sperm-oocyte fusion are still unclear. Here, we show that testis-enriched genes, sperm-oocyte fusion required 1 (Sof1/Llcfc1/1700034O15Rik), transmembrane protein 95 (Tmem95), and sperm acrosome associated 6 (Spaca6), encode sperm proteins required for sperm-oocyte fusion in mice. These knockout (KO) spermatozoa carry IZUMO1 but cannot fuse with the oocyte plasma membrane, leading to male sterility. Transgenic mice which expressed mouse Sof1, Tmem95, and Spaca6 rescued the sterility of Sof1, Tmem95, and Spaca6 KO males, respectively. SOF1 and SPACA6 remain in acrosome-reacted spermatozoa, and SPACA6 translocates to the equatorial segment of these spermatozoa. The coexpression of SOF1, TMEM95, and SPACA6 in IZUMO1-expressing cultured cells did not enhance their ability to adhere to the oocyte membrane or allow them to fuse with oocytes. SOF1, TMEM95, and SPACA6 may function cooperatively with IZUMO1 and/or unknown fusogens in sperm-oocyte fusion.
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Spermatozoa lacking Fertilization Influencing Membrane Protein (FIMP) fail to fuse with oocytes in mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:9393-9400. [PMID: 32295885 PMCID: PMC7196805 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1917060117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
As the human body is composed of 60 trillion cells that originate from a fertilized egg, sperm–oocyte fusion is the initial event of our life. Few sperm–oocyte fusion factors have been unveiled to date, and only IZUMO1 has been identified as a sperm-specific fusion-mediating protein. Here, we identified the testis-specific 4930451I11Rik gene important for male fertility, playing a role in sperm–oocyte fusion during fertilization. Based on its functional role, we renamed this gene fertilization influencing membrane protein (Fimp). We discovered a factor responsible for sperm–oocyte fusion in mammals, and this knowledge could be used to develop in vitro and in vivo infertility treatments as well as male contraceptives. Sperm–oocyte fusion is a critical event in mammalian fertilization, categorized by three indispensable proteins. Sperm membrane protein IZUMO1 and its counterpart oocyte membrane protein JUNO make a protein complex allowing sperm to interact with the oocyte, and subsequent sperm–oocyte fusion. Oocyte tetraspanin protein CD9 also contributes to sperm–oocyte fusion. However, the fusion process cannot be explained solely by these three essential factors. In this study, we focused on analyzing a testis-specific gene 4930451I11Rik and generated mutant mice using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Although IZUMO1 remained in 4930451I11Rik knockout (KO) spermatozoa, the KO spermatozoa were unable to fuse with oocytes and the KO males were severely subfertile. 4930451I11Rik encodes two isoforms: a transmembrane (TM) form and a secreted form. Both CRISPR/Cas9-mediated TM deletion and transgenic (Tg) rescue with the TM form revealed that only the TM form plays a critical role in sperm–oocyte fusion. Thus, we renamed this TM form Fertilization Influencing Membrane Protein (FIMP). The mCherry-tagged FIMP TM form was localized to the sperm equatorial segment where the sperm–oocyte fusion event occurs. Thus, FIMP is a sperm-specific transmembrane protein that is necessary for the sperm–oocyte fusion process.
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36
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Umeda R, Satouh Y, Takemoto M, Nakada-Nakura Y, Liu K, Yokoyama T, Shirouzu M, Iwata S, Nomura N, Sato K, Ikawa M, Nishizawa T, Nureki O. Structural insights into tetraspanin CD9 function. Nat Commun 2020; 11:1606. [PMID: 32231207 PMCID: PMC7105497 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-15459-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Tetraspanins play critical roles in various physiological processes, ranging from cell adhesion to virus infection. The members of the tetraspanin family have four membrane-spanning domains and short and large extracellular loops, and associate with a broad range of other functional proteins to exert cellular functions. Here we report the crystal structure of CD9 and the cryo-electron microscopic structure of CD9 in complex with its single membrane-spanning partner protein, EWI-2. The reversed cone-like molecular shape of CD9 generates membrane curvature in the crystalline lipid layers, which explains the CD9 localization in regions with high membrane curvature and its implications in membrane remodeling. The molecular interaction between CD9 and EWI-2 is mainly mediated through the small residues in the transmembrane region and protein/lipid interactions, whereas the fertilization assay revealed the critical involvement of the LEL region in the sperm-egg fusion, indicating the different dependency of each binding domain for other partner proteins. Tetraspanins play critical roles in various physiological processes, ranging from cell adhesion to virus infection. Here authors report the crystal structure of CD9 and the cryo-electron microscopic structure of CD9 in complex with its single membrane-spanning partner protein, EWI-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rie Umeda
- Department of Biological Sciences Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuhkoh Satouh
- Laboratory of Molecular Traffic, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation (IMCR), Gunma University, Maebashi, 371-8512, Japan.,Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Mizuki Takemoto
- Department of Biological Sciences Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.,Preferred Networks, Inc., Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshiko Nakada-Nakura
- Department of Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kehong Liu
- Department of Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takeshi Yokoyama
- Laboratory for Protein Functional and Structural Biology, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Mikako Shirouzu
- Laboratory for Protein Functional and Structural Biology, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan
| | - So Iwata
- Department of Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.,RIKEN SPring-8 Center, 1-1-1 Kouto, Sayo-cho, Sayo-gun, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Norimichi Nomura
- Department of Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ken Sato
- Laboratory of Molecular Traffic, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation (IMCR), Gunma University, Maebashi, 371-8512, Japan.,Gunma University Initiative for Advanced Research (GIAR), Gunma University, Maebashi, 371-8512, Japan
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Nishizawa
- Department of Biological Sciences Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan. .,Precursory Research for Embryonic Science and Technology (PRESTO), Japan Science and Technology, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Osamu Nureki
- Department of Biological Sciences Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
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Abstract
The perpetuation and preservation of distinct species rely on mechanisms that ensure that only interactions between gametes of the same species can give rise to viable and fertile offspring. Species-specificity can act at various stages, ranging from physical/behavioral pre-copulatory mechanisms, to pre-zygotic incompatibility during fertilization, to post-zygotic hybrid incompatibility. Herein, we focus on our current knowledge of the molecular mechanisms responsible for species-specificity during fertilization. While still poorly understood, decades of research have led to the discovery of molecules implicated in species-specific gamete interactions, starting from initial sperm-egg attraction to the binding of sperm and egg. While many of these molecules have been described as species-specific in their mode of action, relatively few have been demonstrated as such with definitive evidence. Thus, we also raise remaining questions that need to be addressed in order to characterize gamete interaction molecules as species-specific.
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38
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Gaikwad AS, Anderson AL, Merriner DJ, O'Connor AE, Houston BJ, Aitken RJ, O'Bryan MK, Nixon B. GLIPR1L1 is an IZUMO-binding protein required for optimal fertilization in the mouse. BMC Biol 2019; 17:86. [PMID: 31672133 PMCID: PMC6824042 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-019-0701-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The sperm protein IZUMO1 (Izumo sperm-egg fusion 1) and its recently identified binding partner on the oolemma, IZUMO1R, are among the first ligand-receptor pairs shown to be essential for gamete recognition and adhesion. However, the IZUMO1-IZUMO1R interaction does not appear to be directly responsible for promoting the fusion of the gamete membranes, suggesting that this critical phase of the fertilization cascade requires the concerted action of alternative fusogenic machinery. It has therefore been proposed that IZUMO1 may play a secondary role in the organization and/or stabilization of higher-order heteromeric complexes in spermatozoa that are required for membrane fusion. Results Here, we show that fertilization-competent (acrosome reacted) mouse spermatozoa harbor several high molecular weight protein complexes, a subset of which are readily able to adhere to solubilized oolemmal proteins. At least two of these complexes contain IZUMO1 in partnership with GLI pathogenesis-related 1 like 1 (GLIPR1L1). This interaction is associated with lipid rafts and is dynamically remodeled upon the induction of acrosomal exocytosis in preparation for sperm adhesion to the oolemma. Accordingly, the selective ablation of GLIPR1L1 leads to compromised sperm function characterized by a reduced ability to undergo the acrosome reaction and a failure of IZUMO1 redistribution. Conclusions Collectively, this study characterizes multimeric protein complexes on the sperm surface and identifies GLIPRL1L1 as a physiologically relevant regulator of IZUMO1 function and the fertilization process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avinash S Gaikwad
- The School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Amanda L Anderson
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - D Jo Merriner
- The School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Anne E O'Connor
- The School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Brendan J Houston
- The School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - R John Aitken
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Moira K O'Bryan
- The School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia.
| | - Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.
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39
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Mortimer D. The functional anatomy of the human spermatozoon: relating ultrastructure and function. Mol Hum Reprod 2019; 24:567-592. [PMID: 30215807 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gay040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Internet, magazine articles, and even biomedical journal articles, are full of cartoons of spermatozoa that bear minimal resemblance to real spermatozoa, especially human spermatozoa, and this had led to many misconceptions about what spermatozoa look like and how they are constituted. This review summarizes the historical and current state of knowledge of mammalian sperm ultrastructure, with particular emphasis on and relevance to human spermatozoa, combining information obtained from a variety of electron microscopic (EM) techniques. Available information on the composition and configuration of the various ultrastructural components of the spermatozoon has been related to their mechanistic purpose and roles in the primary aspects of sperm function and fertilization: motility, hyperactivation, capacitation, the acrosome reaction and sperm-oocyte fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Mortimer
- Oozoa Biomedical Inc., Caulfeild Village, West Vancouver, BC, Canada
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40
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Bhakta HH, Refai FH, Avella MA. The molecular mechanisms mediating mammalian fertilization. Development 2019; 146:146/15/dev176966. [PMID: 31375552 DOI: 10.1242/dev.176966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Fertilization is a key biological process in which the egg and sperm must recognize one another and fuse to form a zygote. Although the process is a continuum, mammalian fertilization has been studied as a sequence of steps: sperm bind and penetrate through the zona pellucida of the egg, adhere to the egg plasma membrane and finally fuse with the egg. Following fusion, effective blocks to polyspermy ensure monospermic fertilization. Here, we review how recent advances obtained using genetically modified mouse lines bring new insights into the molecular mechanisms regulating mammalian fertilization. We discuss models for these processes and we include studies showing that these mechanisms may be conserved across different mammalian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanisha H Bhakta
- Department of Biological Science, College of Engineering and Natural Sciences, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK 74104, USA
| | - Fares H Refai
- Department of Biological Science, College of Engineering and Natural Sciences, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK 74104, USA
| | - Matteo A Avella
- Department of Biological Science, College of Engineering and Natural Sciences, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK 74104, USA
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41
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Okabe M. Sperm-egg interaction and fertilization: past, present, and future. Biol Reprod 2019; 99:134-146. [PMID: 29462236 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2017] [Accepted: 02/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Fifty years have passed since the findings of capacitation and acrosome reaction. These discoveries and the extensive effort of researchers led to the success of in vitro fertilization, which has become a top choice for patients at infertility clinics today. The effort to understand the mechanism of fertilization is ongoing, but the small number of eggs and similarly small quantity of spermatozoa continue to hinder biochemical experiments. The emergence of transgenic animals and gene disruption techniques has had a significant effect on fertilization research. Factors considered important in the early years were shown not to be essential and were replaced by newly found proteins. However, there is much about sperm-egg interaction which remains to be learned before we can outline the mechanism of fertilization. In fact, our understanding of sperm-egg interaction is entering a new stage. Progress in transgenic spermatozoa helped us to observe the behavior of spermatozoa in vivo and/or at the moment of sperm-egg fusion. These advancements are discussed together with the paradigm-shifting research in related fields to help us picture the direction which fertilization research may take in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaru Okabe
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
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42
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Brukman NG, Uygur B, Podbilewicz B, Chernomordik LV. How cells fuse. J Cell Biol 2019; 218:1436-1451. [PMID: 30936162 PMCID: PMC6504885 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201901017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Brukman et al. review cell–cell fusion mechanisms, focusing on the identity of the fusogens that mediate these processes and the regulation of their activities. Cell–cell fusion remains the least understood type of membrane fusion process. However, the last few years have brought about major advances in understanding fusion between gametes, myoblasts, macrophages, trophoblasts, epithelial, cancer, and other cells in normal development and in diseases. While different cell fusion processes appear to proceed via similar membrane rearrangements, proteins that have been identified as necessary and sufficient for cell fusion (fusogens) use diverse mechanisms. Some fusions are controlled by a single fusogen; other fusions depend on several proteins that either work together throughout the fusion pathway or drive distinct stages. Furthermore, some fusions require fusogens to be present on both fusing membranes, and in other fusions, fusogens have to be on only one of the membranes. Remarkably, some of the proteins that fuse cells also sculpt single cells, repair neurons, promote scission of endocytic vesicles, and seal phagosomes. In this review, we discuss the properties and diversity of the known proteins mediating cell–cell fusion and highlight their different working mechanisms in various contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas G Brukman
- Department of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Berna Uygur
- Section on Membrane Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | | | - Leonid V Chernomordik
- Section on Membrane Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
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43
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Herberg S, Gert KR, Schleiffer A, Pauli A. The Ly6/uPAR protein Bouncer is necessary and sufficient for species-specific fertilization. Science 2018; 361:1029-1033. [PMID: 30190407 DOI: 10.1126/science.aat7113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Fertilization is fundamental for sexual reproduction, yet its molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. We found that an oocyte-expressed Ly6/uPAR protein, which we call Bouncer, is a crucial fertilization factor in zebrafish. Membrane-bound Bouncer mediates sperm-egg binding and is thus essential for sperm entry into the egg. Remarkably, Bouncer not only is required for sperm-egg interaction but is also sufficient to allow cross-species fertilization between zebrafish and medaka, two fish species that diverged more than 200 million years ago. Our study thus identifies Bouncer as a key determinant of species-specific fertilization in fish. Bouncer's closest homolog in tetrapods, SPACA4, is restricted to the male germline in internally fertilizing vertebrates, which suggests that our findings in fish have relevance to human biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Herberg
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna Biocenter (VBC), 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Krista R Gert
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna Biocenter (VBC), 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander Schleiffer
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna Biocenter (VBC), 1030 Vienna, Austria.,Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna Biocenter (VBC), 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Andrea Pauli
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna Biocenter (VBC), 1030 Vienna, Austria.
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44
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Satouh Y, Ikawa M. New Insights into the Molecular Events of Mammalian Fertilization. Trends Biochem Sci 2018; 43:818-828. [PMID: 30170889 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2018.08.006] [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: 04/28/2018] [Revised: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Currently, infertility affects ∼16% of couples worldwide. The causes are reported to involve both male and female factors, including fertilization failure between mature spermatozoa and eggs. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in each step of mammalian fertilization are yet to be fully elucidated. Although some of these steps can be rescued with assisted reproductive technologies, it is important to clarify the molecular mechanisms involved for the treatment and diagnosis of infertile couples. This review illustrates recent findings in mammalian fertilization, discovered by combining gene modification techniques with other new approaches, and aims to show how these findings will guide future research in mammalian fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhkoh Satouh
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 5650871, Japan.
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 5650871, Japan; The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 1088639, Japan.
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45
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Abstract
Cell-cell fusion is essential for fertilization and organ development. Dedicated proteins known as fusogens are responsible for mediating membrane fusion. However, until recently, these proteins either remained unidentified or were poorly understood at the mechanistic level. Here, we review how fusogens surmount multiple energy barriers to mediate cell-cell fusion. We describe how early preparatory steps bring membranes to a distance of ∼10 nm, while fusogens act in the final approach between membranes. The mechanical force exerted by cell fusogens and the accompanying lipidic rearrangements constitute the hallmarks of cell-cell fusion. Finally, we discuss the relationship between viral and eukaryotic fusogens, highlight a classification scheme regrouping a superfamily of fusogens called Fusexins, and propose new questions and avenues of enquiry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier M Hernández
- Department of Structural Biochemistry, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, D-44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Benjamin Podbilewicz
- Department of Biology, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel
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46
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Satouh Y, Nozawa K, Yamagata K, Fujimoto T, Ikawa M. Viable offspring after imaging of Ca2+ oscillations and visualization of the cortical reaction in mouse eggs. Biol Reprod 2017; 96:563-575. [PMID: 28339615 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/iox002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 01/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
– During mammalian fertilization, egg Ca 2+ oscillations are known to play pivotal roles in triggering downstream events such as resumption of the cell cycle and the establishment of blocks to polyspermy. However, viable offspring have not been obtained after monitoring Ca 2+ oscillations, and their spatiotemporal links to subsequent events are still to be examined. Therefore, the development of imaging methods to avoid phototoxic damage while labeling these events is required. Here, we examined the usefulness of genetically encoded Ca 2+ indicators for optical imaging (GECOs), in combination with spinning-disk confocal imaging. The Ca 2+ imaging of fertilized mouse eggs with GEM-, G-, or R-GECO recorded successful oscillations (8.19 ± 0.31, 7.56 ± 0.23, or 7.53 ± 0.27 spikes in the first 2 h, respectively), similar to those obtained with chemical indicators. Then, in vitro viability tests revealed that imaging with G- or R-GECO did not interfere with the rate of development to the blastocyst stage (61.8 or 70.0%, respectively, vs 75.0% in control). Furthermore, two-cell transfer to recipient female mice after imaging with G- or R-GECO resulted in a similar birthrate (53.3 or 52.0%, respectively) to that of controls (48.7%). Next, we assessed the quality of the cortical reaction (CR) in artificially activated or fertilized eggs using fluorescently labeled Lens culinaris agglutinin fluorescein isothiocyanate. Multicolor imaging demonstrated that the first few Ca 2+ spikes are sufficient for the completion of the CR and subsequent hardening of the zona pellucida in mouse eggs. These methods provide a framework for studying Ca 2+ dynamics in mammalian fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhkoh Satouh
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kaori Nozawa
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.,Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kazuo Yamagata
- Department of Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Biology-Oriented Science and Technology, Kindai University, Kinokawa, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Takao Fujimoto
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.,Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.,Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.,Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
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47
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Inoue N. Novel insights into the molecular mechanism of sperm-egg fusion via IZUMO1. JOURNAL OF PLANT RESEARCH 2017; 130:475-478. [PMID: 27995377 DOI: 10.1007/s10265-016-0895-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 11/24/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
When a spermatozoon fertilizes an oocyte in mammals, there must be an extremely precise regulation system for successful gamete fusion to occur, which is the final step of fertilization. Using gene-modified animals, IZUMO1 on the sperm side and its receptor, JUNO, on the ovum side, have been unveiled as indispensable factors for triggering membrane fusion. We recently analyzed the detailed molecular machinery of the IZUMO1-JUNO recognition system and clarified the tertiary architecture of the IZUMO1-JUNO complex based on the crystal structure. Over the past 2 years, important discoveries have successively emerged, presenting a new perspective on fertilization. In this mini-review, I will initially explain the historical background of the molecular mechanism study of gamete fusion, and go on to describe our latest study data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naokazu Inoue
- Department of Cell Science, School of Medicine, Institutes for Biomedical Sciences, Fukushima Medical University, Hikarigaoka 1, Fukushima-City, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan.
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Abstract
Male infertility has become a very serious problem in the human reproduction system, but the molecular mechanism of infertility remains largely unknown.
Fertilization is the phenomenon in which a sperm and oocyte find each other, interact, and fuse. Sperm-oocyte fusion-related factors on the sperm side play
crucial roles in male infertility. For example, IZUMO1 is well-known as a sperm protein essential for fusion of a sperm and oocyte, but its dysfunction or
mutation can result in male infertility. Recent studies showed a novel sperm protein named Bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (BPI), which takes part
in the sperm-oocyte fusion process. The complexity and expected redundancy of the factors involved makes the process intricate, with a still poorly understood
mechanism, which is difficult to comprehend in full detail. This review summarizes the known molecules involved in the process of sperm-oocyte fusion, mainly
focusing on the relevant factors on the sperm side, whose dysregulation may potentially be associated with male infertility. New insights may come from these
molecules in this review, can facilitate the development of new treatments of male infertility, and may have a diagnostic value in infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisha Mou
- Shenzhen Xenotransplantation Medical Engineering Research and Development Center, Institute of Translational Medicine, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
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Affiliation(s)
- Karsten Melcher
- Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503, USA
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