1
|
Voss ER, Nachman MW. Mating system variation and gene expression in the male reproductive tract of Peromyscus mice. Mol Ecol 2024:e17433. [PMID: 39031829 DOI: 10.1111/mec.17433] [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: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
Genes involved in reproduction often evolve rapidly at the sequence level due to postcopulatory sexual selection (PCSS) driven by male-male competition and male-female sexual conflict, but the impact of PCSS on gene expression has been under-explored. Further, though multiple tissues contribute to male reproductive success, most studies have focused on the testes. To explore the influence of mating system variation on reproductive tract gene expression in natural populations, we captured adult males from monogamous Peromyscus californicus and polygynandrous P. boylii and P. maniculatus. We generated RNAseq libraries, quantified gene expression in the testis, seminal vesicle, epididymis, and liver, and identified 3627 mating system-associated differentially expressed genes (MS-DEGs), where expression shifted in the same direction in P. maniculatus and P. boylii relative to P. californicus. Gene expression variation was most strongly associated with mating behaviour in the seminal vesicles, where 89% of differentially expressed genes were MS-DEGs, including the key seminal fluid proteins Svs2 and Pate4. We also used published rodent genomes to test for positive and relaxed selection on Peromyscus-expressed genes. Though we did not observe more overlap than expected by chance between MS-DEGs and positively selected genes, 203 MS-DEGs showed evidence of positive selection. Fourteen reproductive genes were under tree-wide positive selection but convergent relaxed selection in P. californicus and Microtus ochrogaster, a distantly related monogamous species. Changes in transcript abundance and gene sequence evolution in association with mating behaviour suggest that male mice may respond to sexual selection intensity by altering aspects of sperm motility, sperm-egg binding and copulatory plug formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erin R Voss
- Department of Integrative Biology and Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Michael W Nachman
- Department of Integrative Biology and Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wang Z, Wang Y, Zhou T, Chen S, Morris D, Magalhães RDM, Li M, Wang S, Wang H, Xie Y, McSwiggin H, Oliver D, Yuan S, Zheng H, Mohammed J, Lai EC, McCarrey JR, Yan W. The rapidly evolving X-linked MIR-506 family fine-tunes spermatogenesis to enhance sperm competition. eLife 2024; 13:RP90203. [PMID: 38639482 PMCID: PMC11031087 DOI: 10.7554/elife.90203] [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: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite rapid evolution across eutherian mammals, the X-linked MIR-506 family miRNAs are located in a region flanked by two highly conserved protein-coding genes (SLITRK2 and FMR1) on the X chromosome. Intriguingly, these miRNAs are predominantly expressed in the testis, suggesting a potential role in spermatogenesis and male fertility. Here, we report that the X-linked MIR-506 family miRNAs were derived from the MER91C DNA transposons. Selective inactivation of individual miRNAs or clusters caused no discernible defects, but simultaneous ablation of five clusters containing 19 members of the MIR-506 family led to reduced male fertility in mice. Despite normal sperm counts, motility, and morphology, the KO sperm were less competitive than wild-type sperm when subjected to a polyandrous mating scheme. Transcriptomic and bioinformatic analyses revealed that these X-linked MIR-506 family miRNAs, in addition to targeting a set of conserved genes, have more targets that are critical for spermatogenesis and embryonic development during evolution. Our data suggest that the MIR-506 family miRNAs function to enhance sperm competitiveness and reproductive fitness of the male by finetuning gene expression during spermatogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhuqing Wang
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of MedicineRenoUnited States
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical CenterTorranceUnited States
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of MedicineRenoUnited States
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical CenterTorranceUnited States
| | - Tong Zhou
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of MedicineRenoUnited States
| | - Sheng Chen
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of MedicineRenoUnited States
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical CenterTorranceUnited States
| | - Dayton Morris
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical CenterTorranceUnited States
| | | | - Musheng Li
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of MedicineRenoUnited States
| | - Shawn Wang
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of MedicineRenoUnited States
| | - Hetan Wang
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of MedicineRenoUnited States
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical CenterTorranceUnited States
| | - Yeming Xie
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of MedicineRenoUnited States
| | - Hayden McSwiggin
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of MedicineRenoUnited States
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical CenterTorranceUnited States
| | - Daniel Oliver
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of MedicineRenoUnited States
| | - Shuiqiao Yuan
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of MedicineRenoUnited States
| | - Huili Zheng
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of MedicineRenoUnited States
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical CenterTorranceUnited States
| | - Jaaved Mohammed
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering InstituteNew YorkUnited States
| | - Eric C Lai
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering InstituteNew YorkUnited States
| | - John R McCarrey
- Department of Neuroscience, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, University of Texas at San AntonioSan AntonioUnited States
| | - Wei Yan
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of MedicineRenoUnited States
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical CenterTorranceUnited States
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesUnited States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wang Z, Wang Y, Zhou T, Chen S, Morris D, Magalhães RDM, Li M, Wang S, Wang H, Xie Y, McSwiggin H, Oliver D, Yuan S, Zheng H, Mohammed J, Lai EC, McCarrey JR, Yan W. The Rapidly Evolving X-linked miR-506 Family Finetunes Spermatogenesis to Enhance Sperm Competition. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.06.14.544876. [PMID: 37398484 PMCID: PMC10312769 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.14.544876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Despite rapid evolution across eutherian mammals, the X-linked miR-506 family miRNAs are located in a region flanked by two highly conserved protein-coding genes (Slitrk2 and Fmr1) on the X chromosome. Intriguingly, these miRNAs are predominantly expressed in the testis, suggesting a potential role in spermatogenesis and male fertility. Here, we report that the X-linked miR-506 family miRNAs were derived from the MER91C DNA transposons. Selective inactivation of individual miRNAs or clusters caused no discernable defects, but simultaneous ablation of five clusters containing nineteen members of the miR-506 family led to reduced male fertility in mice. Despite normal sperm counts, motility and morphology, the KO sperm were less competitive than wild-type sperm when subjected to a polyandrous mating scheme. Transcriptomic and bioinformatic analyses revealed that these X-linked miR-506 family miRNAs, in addition to targeting a set of conserved genes, have more targets that are critical for spermatogenesis and embryonic development during evolution. Our data suggest that the miR-506 family miRNAs function to enhance sperm competitiveness and reproductive fitness of the male by finetuning gene expression during spermatogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhuqing Wang
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV 89557, USA
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV 89557, USA
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Tong Zhou
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Sheng Chen
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV 89557, USA
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Dayton Morris
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | | | - Musheng Li
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Shawn Wang
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Hetan Wang
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV 89557, USA
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Yeming Xie
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Hayden McSwiggin
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV 89557, USA
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Daniel Oliver
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Shuiqiao Yuan
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Huili Zheng
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV 89557, USA
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Jaaved Mohammed
- Department of Developmental Biology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Institute, 1275 York Ave, Box 252, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Eric C. Lai
- Department of Developmental Biology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Institute, 1275 York Ave, Box 252, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - John R. McCarrey
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Wei Yan
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV 89557, USA
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Khanal S, Jaiswal A, Chowdanayaka R, Puente N, Turner K, Assefa KY, Nawras M, Back ED, Royfman A, Burkett JP, Cheong SH, Fisher HS, Sindhwani P, Gray J, Ramachandra NB, Avidor-Reiss T. The evolution of centriole degradation in mouse sperm. Nat Commun 2024; 15:117. [PMID: 38168044 PMCID: PMC10761967 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44411-8] [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: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Centrioles are subcellular organelles found at the cilia base with an evolutionarily conserved structure and a shock absorber-like function. In sperm, centrioles are found at the flagellum base and are essential for embryo development in basal animals. Yet, sperm centrioles have evolved diverse forms, sometimes acting like a transmission system, as in cattle, and sometimes becoming dispensable, as in house mice. How the essential sperm centriole evolved to become dispensable in some organisms is unclear. Here, we test the hypothesis that this transition occurred through a cascade of evolutionary changes to the proteins, structure, and function of sperm centrioles and was possibly driven by sperm competition. We found that the final steps in this cascade are associated with a change in the primary structure of the centriolar inner scaffold protein FAM161A in rodents. This information provides the first insight into the molecular mechanisms and adaptive evolution underlying a major evolutionary transition within the internal structure of the mammalian sperm neck.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sushil Khanal
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Ankit Jaiswal
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Rajanikanth Chowdanayaka
- Department of Studies in Genetics and Genomics, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysuru, India
| | - Nahshon Puente
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Katerina Turner
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | | | - Mohamad Nawras
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Ezekiel David Back
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Abigail Royfman
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - James P Burkett
- Department of Neurosciences, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Soon Hon Cheong
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Heidi S Fisher
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland College Park, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Puneet Sindhwani
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - John Gray
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | | | - Tomer Avidor-Reiss
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA.
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hirst MA, Rodas-Martínez AZ, Milich KM, Cortés-Ortiz L. Differences in sperm morphology between Alouatta palliata and Alouatta pigra are consistent with the intensity of sperm competition in each species. Am J Primatol 2023; 85:e23538. [PMID: 37487624 PMCID: PMC10528854 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23538] [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: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
The intensity of sperm competition, in which sperm compete within the female reproductive tract to reach and fertilize her eggs, varies in species with different mating systems. Sperm competition is more intense in species where males cannot monopolize access to reproductive females and females mate with multiple males. In this scenario, a morphological change that increases the ability of sperm to reach and fertilize eggs should rapidly spread in the population, leading to sperm morphological differences between closely related species. Differences in sperm morphology have been reported among primate species with different mating systems. However, due to the inherent logistical and ethical difficulties to sample sperm from wild primates, the extent of variation in sperm morphology within species and among closely related species remains understudied. Here, we compared sperm morphological traits from two sister howler monkey species (Alouatta palliata and Alouatta pigra) that have different mating systems to investigate the effect of sperm competition on sperm morphological traits. We predicted that sperm from A. palliata, where females have more opportunities to mate with multiple males, would show differences in traits associated with increase sperm competitiveness compared to A. pigra where females mostly mate with the central male. We used linear mixed models to determine species differences in sperm morphology, controlling for individual variation. We found that midpieces and heads in A. palliata sperm were on average 26.2% and 11.0% longer, respectively, than those of A. pigra. Differences in these traits are important for sperm speed and hydrodynamic movement in other species and can affect fertilization success. This study provides empirical evidence of sperm morphological traits that evolved through sexual selection in sister primate species with different mating systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Molly A. Hirst
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, 1105 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor, MI, USA 48109
| | - Alba Z. Rodas-Martínez
- División Académica de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, km 0.5 Carr. Villahermosa-Cárdenas S/N, entroque a Bosques de Saloya, 86039 Villahermosa, Tabasco, México
| | - Krista M. Milich
- Department of Anthropology, Washington University in St. Louis, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, USA 63130
| | - Liliana Cortés-Ortiz
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, 1105 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor, MI, USA 48109
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wilsterman K, Cunningham K. Evolution in reproductive tempo and investment across the Peromyscus radiation. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY. PART A, ECOLOGICAL AND INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 339:13-27. [PMID: 36289026 PMCID: PMC10092142 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Mammals display diverse reproductive strategies, however, the ultimate and proximate mechanisms that underlie this diversity and its composite traits remain poorly understood from both evolutionary and physiological perspectives. The Peromyscus genus of rodents, which is found throughout the north and central Americas, has diversified along life history gradients, varying both within and among species in reproductive strategies. This variation provides a useful model for studying reproductive diversity. Here, we combine a literature review with new analyses of captive colony breeding records from six Peromyscus species to assess our current understanding of how plasticity and local adaptation contribute to diversity in two classes of reproductive traits: phenology and litter investment. There is substantial evidence that many traits underlying phenology and litter investment have diverged among populations in ways that are likely to be locally adaptive, though plasticity in these traits remains common. However, these conclusions are largely based on data collected from the two most widespread Peromyscus species: P. maniculatus and P. leucopus. The majority of Peromyscus species diversity remains understudied regarding reproductive phenology and litter traits. We conclude by discussing key challenges and considerations relevant to using Peromyscus as a mammalian model for reproductive trait diversity and evolution moving forward.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Wilsterman
- Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA.,Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, USA
| | - Kirksey Cunningham
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wang S, Zhang Y, Yang W, Shen Y, Lin Z, Zhang S, Song G. Duplicate genes as sources for rapid adaptive evolution of sperm under environmental pollution in tree sparrow. Mol Ecol 2022; 32:1673-1684. [PMID: 36567644 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Environmental pollution can result in poor sperm quality either directly or indirectly in birds. However, adaptive and compensatory sperm morphology changes and motility improvements have rapidly evolved in tree sparrows (Passer montanus) inhabiting polluted areas over the past 65 years. To identify the genetic underpinnings of the rapidly evolving sperm phenotype, we carried out population genomics and transcriptomics on tree sparrow populations in the two differently polluted places. We identified a gene encoding the serine/threonine protein kinase PIM1, which may drive rapid phenotypic evolution of sperm. An unprecedented and remarkable expansion of the PIM gene family, caused by tandem and segmental duplication of PIM1, was subsequently observed in the tree sparrow genome. Most PIM1 duplicates showed a testis-specific expression pattern, suggesting that their functions are related to male reproduction. Furthermore, the elevated expression level of PIM1 was consistent with our earlier findings of longer and faster swimming sperm in polluted sites, indicating an important role for duplicated PIM1 in facilitating the rapid evolution of sperm. Our results suggest that duplicated PIM1 provides sources of genetic variation that may enable the rapid evolution of sperm under environmental heavy metal pollution. The findings of this study indicated that duplicated genes can be targets of selection and predominant sources for rapid adaptation to environmental change and shed light on sperm evolution under pollution stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shengnan Wang
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Science, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yingmei Zhang
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Science, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Wenzhi Yang
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Science, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yue Shen
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Science, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhaocun Lin
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Science, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Sheng Zhang
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, School of Life Science, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Gang Song
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
An enhancer of Agouti contributes to parallel evolution of cryptically colored beach mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2202862119. [PMID: 35776547 PMCID: PMC9271204 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2202862119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Identifying the genetic basis of repeatedly evolved traits provides a way to reconstruct their evolutionary history and ultimately investigate the predictability of evolution. Here, we focus on the oldfield mouse (Peromyscus polionotus), which occurs in the southeastern United States, where it exhibits considerable color variation. Dorsal coats range from dark brown in mainland mice to near white in mice inhabiting sandy beaches; this light pelage has evolved independently on Florida's Gulf and Atlantic coasts as camouflage from predators. To facilitate genomic analyses, we first generated a chromosome-level genome assembly of Peromyscus polionotus subgriseus. Next, in a uniquely variable mainland population (Peromyscus polionotus albifrons), we scored 23 pigment traits and performed targeted resequencing in 168 mice. We find that pigment variation is strongly associated with an ∼2-kb region ∼5 kb upstream of the Agouti signaling protein coding region. Using a reporter-gene assay, we demonstrate that this regulatory region contains an enhancer that drives expression in the dermis of mouse embryos during the establishment of pigment prepatterns. Moreover, extended tracts of homozygosity in this Agouti region indicate that the light allele experienced recent and strong positive selection. Notably, this same light allele appears fixed in both Gulf and Atlantic coast beach mice, despite these populations being separated by >1,000 km. Together, our results suggest that this identified Agouti enhancer allele has been maintained in mainland populations as standing genetic variation and from there, has spread to and been selected in two independent beach mouse lineages, thereby facilitating their rapid and parallel evolution.
Collapse
|
9
|
McDiarmid CS, Hurley LL, Le Mesurier M, Blunsden AC, Griffith SC. The impact of diet quality on sperm velocity, morphology and normality in the zebra finch Taeniopygia guttata. J Exp Biol 2022; 225:275326. [PMID: 35403680 PMCID: PMC9163447 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.243715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Sperm traits can influence fertilisation success, but there is still much we do not understand about sperm condition dependence, that is, how much sperm traits depend on the male's energy acquisition and allocation. This is especially pronounced in avian taxa, despite extensive observational studies and sampling in wild populations. In this study we collected sperm samples before and after experimentally reducing diet quality of wild-derived captive zebra finches in small mixed-sex groups, which we compared to individuals on a control diet. We measured the length of sperm components (head, midpiece, flagellum and total sperm length), the proportion of sperm with normal morphology, the proportion of sperm that were progressively motile, and swimming velocity (curvilinear velocity; VCL). The only sperm trait we found to be impacted by reduced diet quality was a significant decrease in sperm midpiece length. This is consistent with emerging evidence in other non-model systems, as well the fact that diet can alter mitochondrial density and structure in other tissue types. There was also a significant decrease in sperm velocity and the proportion of motile sperm over the course of the experiment for both experimental groups (i.e. unrelated to diet). That in the control group experienced this decrease in sperm velocity was marked by no change in any sperm morphological measure highlights the existence of other important determinants of sperm velocity in passerine birds, likely including variation in other components of the seminal fluid.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Callum S. McDiarmid
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Laura L. Hurley
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Madiline Le Mesurier
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew C. Blunsden
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Simon C. Griffith
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kivisaari K, Calhim S, Lehmann P, Boratyński Z, Mousseau TA, Møller AP, Mappes T. Chronic Background Radiation Correlates With Sperm Swimming Endurance in Bank Voles From Chernobyl. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.736389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm quantity and quality are key features explaining intra- and interspecific variation in male reproductive success. Spermatogenesis is sensitive to ionizing radiation and laboratory studies investigating acute effects of ionizing radiation have indeed found negative effects of radiation on sperm quantity and quality. In nature, levels of natural background radiation vary dramatically, and chronic effects of low-level background radiation exposure on spermatogenesis are poorly understood. The Chernobyl region offers a unique research opportunity for investigating effects of chronic low-level ionizing radiation on reproductive properties of wild organisms. We captured male bank voles (Myodes glareolus) from 24 locations in the Chernobyl exclusion zone in 2011 and 2015 and collected information on sperm morphology and kinetics. The dataset is limited in size and there overall was a relatively weak correlation between background radiation and sperm quality. Still, some correlations are worth discussing. First, mid-piece segments of spermatozoa tended to be smaller in bank vole males from areas with elevated background radiation levels. Second, we demonstrated a significant positive relationship between background radiation dose rates and the proportion of static spermatozoa among males within and among study locations after 10 as well as 60 min of incubation. Our results provide novel evidence of damaging effects of low dose ionizing radiation on sperm performance in wild rodent populations, and highlight that this topic requires further study across the natural gradients of background radiation that exist in nature.
Collapse
|
11
|
Mitochondria-cytoskeleton interactions in mammalian sperm revealed by cryoelectron tomography. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2118020118. [PMID: 34819381 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2118020118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
|
12
|
In-cell structures of conserved supramolecular protein arrays at the mitochondria-cytoskeleton interface in mammalian sperm. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2110996118. [PMID: 34737233 PMCID: PMC8609336 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2110996118] [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] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Spatial organization of mitochondria is vital for cellular function. In many specialized cell types, mitochondria are immobilized at specific subcellular loci through interactions with the cytoskeleton. One of the most striking mitochondrial configurations occurs in mammalian sperm, where mitochondria wrap around the flagellum. Malformation of the mitochondrial sheath causes infertility, but the molecular structures underlying this intricate arrangement are unknown. Here, we analyzed the mitochondrial sheath in sperm from three mammalian species. We find that although mitochondrial dimensions and cristae architecture vary across species, molecular assemblies mediating intermitochondria and mitochondria–cytoskeleton interactions are conserved. These findings yield important insight into sperm physiology and evolution and are relevant for other polarized cell types, such as muscles, neurons, photoreceptors, and hair cells. Mitochondria–cytoskeleton interactions modulate cellular physiology by regulating mitochondrial transport, positioning, and immobilization. However, there is very little structural information defining mitochondria–cytoskeleton interfaces in any cell type. Here, we use cryofocused ion beam milling-enabled cryoelectron tomography to image mammalian sperm, where mitochondria wrap around the flagellar cytoskeleton. We find that mitochondria are tethered to their neighbors through intermitochondrial linkers and are anchored to the cytoskeleton through ordered arrays on the outer mitochondrial membrane. We use subtomogram averaging to resolve in-cell structures of these arrays from three mammalian species, revealing they are conserved across species despite variations in mitochondrial dimensions and cristae organization. We find that the arrays consist of boat-shaped particles anchored on a network of membrane pores whose arrangement and dimensions are consistent with voltage-dependent anion channels. Proteomics and in-cell cross-linking mass spectrometry suggest that the conserved arrays are composed of glycerol kinase-like proteins. Ordered supramolecular assemblies may serve to stabilize similar contact sites in other cell types in which mitochondria need to be immobilized in specific subcellular environments, such as in muscles and neurons.
Collapse
|
13
|
Syed ZA, Dallai R, Nasirzadeh N, Brill JA, O’Grady PM, Cong S, Leef EM, Rice S, Asif A, Nguyen S, Hansen MM, Dorus S, Pitnick S. Sperm Cyst "Looping": A Developmental Novelty Enabling Extreme Male Ornament Evolution. Cells 2021; 10:cells10102762. [PMID: 34685746 PMCID: PMC8534658 DOI: 10.3390/cells10102762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Postcopulatory sexual selection is credited as a principal force behind the rapid evolution of reproductive characters, often generating a pattern of correlated evolution between interacting, sex-specific traits. Because the female reproductive tract is the selective environment for sperm, one taxonomically widespread example of this pattern is the co-diversification of sperm length and female sperm-storage organ dimension. In Drosophila, having testes that are longer than the sperm they manufacture was believed to be a universal physiological constraint. Further, the energetic and time costs of developing long testes have been credited with underlying the steep evolutionary allometry of sperm length and constraining sperm length evolution in Drosophila. Here, we report on the discovery of a novel spermatogenic mechanism—sperm cyst looping—that enables males to produce relatively long sperm in short testis. This phenomenon (restricted to members of the saltans and willistoni species groups) begins early during spermatogenesis and is potentially attributable to heterochronic evolution, resulting in growth asynchrony between spermatid tails and the surrounding spermatid and somatic cyst cell membranes. By removing the allometric constraint on sperm length, this evolutionary innovation appears to have enabled males to evolve extremely long sperm for their body mass while evading delays in reproductive maturation time. On the other hand, sperm cyst looping was found to exact a cost by requiring greater total energetic investment in testes and a pronounced reduction in male lifespan. We speculate on the ecological selection pressures underlying the evolutionary origin and maintenance of this unique adaptation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zeeshan A. Syed
- Center for Reproductive Evolution, Department of Biology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA; (S.C.); (E.M.L.); (S.R.); (A.A.); (S.N.); (M.M.H.); (S.D.)
- Correspondence: (Z.A.S.); (S.P.)
| | - Romano Dallai
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | - Negar Nasirzadeh
- Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; (N.N.); (J.A.B.)
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Julie A. Brill
- Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; (N.N.); (J.A.B.)
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | | | - Siyuan Cong
- Center for Reproductive Evolution, Department of Biology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA; (S.C.); (E.M.L.); (S.R.); (A.A.); (S.N.); (M.M.H.); (S.D.)
| | - Ethan M. Leef
- Center for Reproductive Evolution, Department of Biology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA; (S.C.); (E.M.L.); (S.R.); (A.A.); (S.N.); (M.M.H.); (S.D.)
| | - Sarah Rice
- Center for Reproductive Evolution, Department of Biology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA; (S.C.); (E.M.L.); (S.R.); (A.A.); (S.N.); (M.M.H.); (S.D.)
| | - Amaar Asif
- Center for Reproductive Evolution, Department of Biology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA; (S.C.); (E.M.L.); (S.R.); (A.A.); (S.N.); (M.M.H.); (S.D.)
| | - Stephanie Nguyen
- Center for Reproductive Evolution, Department of Biology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA; (S.C.); (E.M.L.); (S.R.); (A.A.); (S.N.); (M.M.H.); (S.D.)
| | - Matthew M. Hansen
- Center for Reproductive Evolution, Department of Biology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA; (S.C.); (E.M.L.); (S.R.); (A.A.); (S.N.); (M.M.H.); (S.D.)
| | - Steve Dorus
- Center for Reproductive Evolution, Department of Biology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA; (S.C.); (E.M.L.); (S.R.); (A.A.); (S.N.); (M.M.H.); (S.D.)
| | - Scott Pitnick
- Center for Reproductive Evolution, Department of Biology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA; (S.C.); (E.M.L.); (S.R.); (A.A.); (S.N.); (M.M.H.); (S.D.)
- Correspondence: (Z.A.S.); (S.P.)
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Knief U, Forstmeier W, Kempenaers B, Wolf JBW. A sex chromosome inversion is associated with copy number variation of mitochondrial DNA in zebra finch sperm. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2021; 8:211025. [PMID: 34540261 PMCID: PMC8437020 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.211025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The propulsion of sperm cells via movement of the flagellum is of vital importance for successful fertilization. While the exact mechanism of energy production for this movement varies between species, in avian species energy is thought to come predominantly from the mitochondria located in the sperm midpiece. Larger midpieces may contain more mitochondria, which should enhance the energetic capacity and possibly promote mobility. Due to an inversion polymorphism on their sex chromosome TguZ, zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata castanotis) exhibit large within-species variation in sperm midpiece length, and those sperm with the longest midpieces swim the fastest. Here, we test through quantitative real-time PCR in zebra finch ejaculates whether the inversion genotype has an effect on the copy number of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). We find that zebra finches carrying the derived allele (correlated with longer sperm midpieces) have more copies of the mtDNA in their ejaculates than those homozygous for the ancestral allele (shorter midpieces). We suggest downstream effects of mtDNA copy number variation on the rate of adenosine triphosphate production, which in turn may influence sperm swimming speed and fertilization success. Central components of gamete energy metabolism may thus be the proximate cause for a fitness-relevant genetic polymorphism, stabilizing a megabase-scale inversion at an intermediate allele frequency in the wild.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Knief
- Division of Evolutionary Biology, Faculty of Biology, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Planegg-Martinsried 82152, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Forstmeier
- Department of Behavioural Ecology and Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Seewiesen 82319, Germany
| | - Bart Kempenaers
- Department of Behavioural Ecology and Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Seewiesen 82319, Germany
| | - Jochen B. W. Wolf
- Division of Evolutionary Biology, Faculty of Biology, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Planegg-Martinsried 82152, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Slater GP, Smith NMA, Harpur BA. Prospects in Connecting Genetic Variation to Variation in Fertility in Male Bees. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:1251. [PMID: 34440424 PMCID: PMC8392204 DOI: 10.3390/genes12081251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Bees are economically and ecologically important pollinating species. Managed and native bee species face increasing pressures from human-created stressors such as habitat loss, pesticide use, and introduced pathogens. There has been increasing attention towards how each of these factors impacts fertility, especially sperm production and maintenance in males. Here, we turn our attention towards another important factor impacting phenotypic variation: genetics. Using honey bees as a model, we explore the current understanding of how genetic variation within and between populations contributes to variation in sperm production, sperm maintenance, and insemination success among males. We conclude with perspectives and future directions in the study of male fertility in honey bees and non-Apis pollinators more broadly, which still remain largely understudied.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Garett P. Slater
- Department of Entomology, Purdue University, 901 W State St., West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA;
| | - Nicholas M. A. Smith
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia;
| | - Brock A. Harpur
- Department of Entomology, Purdue University, 901 W State St., West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Ferreira CER, Campos GS, Schmidt PI, Sollero BP, Goularte KL, Corcini CD, Gasperin BG, Lucia T, Boligon AA, Cardoso FF. Genome-wide association and genomic prediction for scrotal circumference in Hereford and Braford bulls. Theriogenology 2021; 172:268-280. [PMID: 34303226 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.07.007] [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: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Scrotal circumference (SC) is widely used as a selection criterion for bulls in breeding programs, since it is easily assessed and correlated with several desirable reproductive traits. The objectives of this study were: to perform a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify genomic regions associated with SC adjusted for age (SCa) and for both age and weight (SCaw); to select Tag SNPs from GWAS to construct low-density panel for genomic prediction; and to compare the prediction accuracy of the SC through different methods for Braford and Hereford bulls from the same genetic breeding program. Data of SC from 18,172 bulls (30.4 ± 3.7 cm) and of genotypes from 131 sires and 3,545 animals were used. From GWAS, the top 1% of 1-Mb windows were observed on chromosome (BTA) 2, 20, 7, 8, 15, 3, 16, 27, 6 and 8 for SCa and on BTA 8, 15, 16, 21, 19, 2, 6, 5 and 10 for SCaw, representing 17.4% and 18.8% of the additive genetic variance of SCa and SCaw, respectively. The MeSH analysis was able to translate genomic information providing biological meanings of more specific gene functions related to the SCa and SCaw. The genomic enhancement methods, especially single step GBLUP, that combined phenotype and pedigree data with direct genomic values generated gains in accuracy in relation to pedigree BLUP, suggesting that genomic predictions should be applied to improve genetic gain and to narrow the generation interval compared to traditional methods. The proposed Tag-SNP panels may be useful for lower-cost commercial genomic prediction applications in the future, when the number of bulls in the reference population increases for SC in Hereford and Braford breeds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos E R Ferreira
- ReproPel, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil.
| | - Gabriel S Campos
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Faculdade de Agronomia Eliseu Maciel, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Patricia I Schmidt
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual de São Paulo, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Karina L Goularte
- ReproPel, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Carine D Corcini
- ReproPel, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Bernardo G Gasperin
- ReproPel, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Thomaz Lucia
- ReproPel, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Arione A Boligon
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Faculdade de Agronomia Eliseu Maciel, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Fernando F Cardoso
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Faculdade de Agronomia Eliseu Maciel, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil; Embrapa Pecuária Sul, Bagé, RS, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Cramer ERA, Garcia-del-Rey E, Johannessen LE, Laskemoen T, Marthinsen G, Johnsen A, Lifjeld JT. Longer Sperm Swim More Slowly in the Canary Islands Chiffchaff. Cells 2021; 10:cells10061358. [PMID: 34073133 PMCID: PMC8228216 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm swimming performance affects male fertilization success, particularly in species with high sperm competition. Understanding how sperm morphology impacts swimming performance is therefore important. Sperm swimming speed is hypothesized to increase with total sperm length, relative flagellum length (with the flagellum generating forward thrust), and relative midpiece length (as the midpiece contains the mitochondria). We tested these hypotheses and tested for divergence in sperm traits in five island populations of Canary Islands chiffchaff (Phylloscopus canariensis). We confirmed incipient mitochondrial DNA differentiation between Gran Canaria and the other islands. Sperm swimming speed correlated negatively with total sperm length, did not correlate with relative flagellum length, and correlated negatively with relative midpiece length (for Gran Canaria only). The proportion of motile cells increased with relative flagellum length on Gran Canaria only. Sperm morphology was similar across islands. We thus add to a growing number of studies on passerine birds that do not support sperm morphology-swimming speed hypotheses. We suggest that the swimming mechanics of passerine sperm are sufficiently different from mammalian sperm that predictions from mammalian hydrodynamic models should no longer be applied for this taxon. While both sperm morphology and sperm swimming speed are likely under selection in passerines, the relationship between them requires further elucidation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily R. A. Cramer
- Sex and Evolution Research Group, Natural History Museum, University of Oslo, 0318 Oslo, Norway; (L.E.J.); (T.L.); (G.M.); (A.J.); (J.T.L.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Eduardo Garcia-del-Rey
- Macaronesian Institute of Field Ornithology, 38001 Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain;
| | - Lars Erik Johannessen
- Sex and Evolution Research Group, Natural History Museum, University of Oslo, 0318 Oslo, Norway; (L.E.J.); (T.L.); (G.M.); (A.J.); (J.T.L.)
| | - Terje Laskemoen
- Sex and Evolution Research Group, Natural History Museum, University of Oslo, 0318 Oslo, Norway; (L.E.J.); (T.L.); (G.M.); (A.J.); (J.T.L.)
| | - Gunnhild Marthinsen
- Sex and Evolution Research Group, Natural History Museum, University of Oslo, 0318 Oslo, Norway; (L.E.J.); (T.L.); (G.M.); (A.J.); (J.T.L.)
| | - Arild Johnsen
- Sex and Evolution Research Group, Natural History Museum, University of Oslo, 0318 Oslo, Norway; (L.E.J.); (T.L.); (G.M.); (A.J.); (J.T.L.)
| | - Jan T. Lifjeld
- Sex and Evolution Research Group, Natural History Museum, University of Oslo, 0318 Oslo, Norway; (L.E.J.); (T.L.); (G.M.); (A.J.); (J.T.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Characterization of Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) Sperm Based on Morphometric Traits. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10050355. [PMID: 33922110 PMCID: PMC8143526 DOI: 10.3390/biology10050355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Dolphins are one of the best adapted aquatic mammalians in captivity. While these animals can reproduce naturally in aquaria, many aspects related to their reproduction are still unknown. Their behavior, sociability with humans and ability to learn make dolphins ideal subjects for investigating their reproduction features for conservation programs aimed at this aquatic species and others. It is known that dolphins use a multi-male mating strategy, in which sperm competition could play a fundamental role. This study aims to characterize the shape and dimensions of dolphin sperm from two mature males and putatively classifies them into subpopulations. Moreover, the influence of sex hormone levels (testosterone) and refrigeration (temperature and storage period) with sperm dimension was evaluated. The results indicated that sperm dimensions and shape differed between the two males studied and that the sperm of both males could be classified into two subpopulations depending on their dimensions. Moreover, both testosterone levels and refrigeration were seen to influence sperm dimensions. This investigation provides new insights into sperm competition in dolphin species, and the results could be extrapolated to other endangered aquatic mammalian species. Abstract Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) males follow many reproductive strategies to ensure their paternity. However, little is known about the sperm traits, including morphometric features, that contribute to their reproductive success. Our aim was to study dolphin sperm morphometry (a total of 13 parameters) in two adult males to evaluate (i) presumptive sperm subpopulations, (ii) the correlation of sperm morphometry with testosterone levels and (iii) the effect of refrigerated storage on the sperm morphometry. Sperm populations were classified into four principal components (PCs) based on morphometry (>94% of cumulative variance). The PCs clustered into two different sperm subpopulations, which differed between males. Furthermore, the levels of serum testosterone were positively correlated with the length of the midpiece but negatively correlated with head width and the principal piece, flagellum and total sperm lengths. Most of the sperm morphometric parameters changed during the storage period (day 1 vs. day 7), but only the principal piece length was affected by the storage temperature (5 °C vs. 15 °C). This is the first study to identify dolphin sperm subpopulations based on morphometry and the influence of serum testosterone and refrigeration on sperm morphometry.
Collapse
|
19
|
Matsuzaki M, Hirohashi N, Tsudzuki M, Haqani MI, Maeda T, Mizushima S, Sasanami T. Longer and faster sperm exhibit better fertilization success in Japanese quail. Poult Sci 2021; 100:100980. [PMID: 33610899 PMCID: PMC7905478 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2021.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
In birds, sperm storage tubules (SST) located in the utero-vaginal junction are thought to be a site of sperm selection; however, the exact mechanism of sperm selection is poorly understood. Here, we investigated sperm entry into the SST and subsequent fertilization success under a competitive situation created by artificial insemination of a sperm mixture obtained from 2 males. We employed 2 quail strains, a wild-type and a dominant black (DB) type, as this allows easy assessment of paternity by feather coloration. We found paternity of embryos was biased toward DB males when a sperm mix with similar sperm numbers from the 2 males strains was artificially inseminated into females. Our novel sperm staining method with 2 different fluorescent dyes showed that the DB-biased fertilization was because of the better ability of DB sperm to enter the SST. Moreover, we found that DB sperm had a longer flagellum and midpiece. These characteristics probably allow sperm to swim faster in a high viscosity medium, which may be a similar environment to the lumen of the female reproductive tract. Our results indicated that sperm competition occurs to win a place in the SST and that filling the SST with their own spermatozoa is a critical step to achieve better fertilization success for the male Japanese quail.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mei Matsuzaki
- Program of Food and AgriLife Science, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima City, Hiroshima 739-8528, Japan
| | - Noritaka Hirohashi
- Oki Marine Biological Station, Education and Research Center for Biological Resources, Faculty of Life and Environmental Science, Shimane University, Oki, Shimane 685-0024, Japan
| | - Masaoki Tsudzuki
- Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima City, Hiroshima 739-8528, Japan; Japanese Avian Bioresource Project Research Center, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima City, Hiroshima 739-8528, Japan
| | - Mohammad Ibrahim Haqani
- Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima City, Hiroshima 739-8528, Japan
| | - Teruo Maeda
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima City, Hiroshima 739-8528, Japan; Japanese Avian Bioresource Project Research Center, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima City, Hiroshima 739-8528, Japan
| | - Shusei Mizushima
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0810, Japan; Japanese Avian Bioresource Project Research Center, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima City, Hiroshima 739-8528, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Sasanami
- Department of Applied Life Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan; Japanese Avian Bioresource Project Research Center, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima City, Hiroshima 739-8528, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Relationship between the Length of Sperm Tail Mitochondrial Sheath and Fertility Traits in Boars Used for Artificial Insemination. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:antiox9111033. [PMID: 33113996 PMCID: PMC7690677 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9111033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The length of sperm tail midpiece, occupied by the mitochondrial sheath (MS), has been correlated with reproductive traits of mice, fish, and birds; however, it is not known whether such a correlation exists in higher order species such as domestic pigs. As the mitochondria provide for sperm motility and generate the fertility-affecting reactive oxygen species (ROS), we hypothesized that MS length correlates with boar semen parameters and artificial insemination (AI) fertility. Sperm samples collected from 57 boars and used for single sire AI were labeled with ProteoStat Aggresome probe (AGG; Enzo Life Sciences) for MS imaging by epifluorescence microscopy and image-based flow cytometry (IBFC). The mean boar MS length was 7.26 ± 0.2 µm, ranging from 6.94 ± 0.18 µm to 7.65 ± 0.31 µm. The absolute longest MS measured was 9.19 µm and the shortest was 5.83 µm. Boars in the high tertile of MS length had significantly higher conception rate (CR; p = 0.05) and sperm parameters. Boars within the high tertile of average number piglets born per litter had significantly shorter MS and more varied MS length than boars in the low tertile (p = 0.04). MS length data correlated with conventional sperm parameters including percent viable and intact acrosomes (p = 0.03), basal:induced oxidation ratio (measure of intracellular ROS levels; p = 0.02) and Comp DNA (chromatin integrity; p = 0.06) along with many flow cytometric AGG parameters in IBFC. Sperm head AGG intensity median absolute deviation had a negative correlation with total born (r = −0.423 p = 0.004). These data reveal a complex relationship between sperm MS length and aggresome abundance to sperm parameters and boar reproductive success in AI service.
Collapse
|
21
|
Lindsey LL, Platt RN, Phillips CD, Ray DA, Bradley RD. Differential Expression in Testis and Liver Transcriptomes from Four Species of Peromyscus (Rodentia: Cricetidae). Genome Biol Evol 2020; 12:3698-3709. [PMID: 31909812 PMCID: PMC6967398 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evz280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The genus Peromyscus represents a rapidly diverged clade of Cricetid rodents that contains multiple cryptic species and has a propensity for morphologic conservation across its members. The unresolved relationships in previously proposed phylogenies reflect a suspected rapid adaptive radiation. To identify functional groups of genes that may be important in reproductive isolation in a reoccurring fashion across the Peromyscus phylogeny, liver and testis transcriptomes from four species (P. attwateri, P. boylii, P. leucopus, and P. maniculatus) were generated and differential expression (DE) tests were conducted. Taxa were selected to represent members diverged from a common ancestor: P. attwateri + P. boylii (clade A), and P. leucopus + P. maniculatus (clade B). Comparison of clades (A vs. B) suggested that 252 transcripts had significant DE in the liver data set, whereas significant DE was identified for 657 transcripts in the testis data set. Further, 45 genes had DE isoforms in the 657 testis transcripts and most of these functioned in major reproductive roles such as acrosome assembly, spermatogenesis, and cell cycle processes (meiosis). DE transcripts in the liver mapped to more broad gene ontology terms (metabolic processes, catabolic processes, response to chemical, and regulatory processes), and DE transcripts in the testis mapped to gene ontology terms associated with reproductive processes, such as meiosis, sperm motility, acrosome assembly, and sperm–egg fusion. These results suggest that a suite of genes that conduct similar functions in the testes may be responsible for the adaptive radiation events and potential reoccurring speciation of Peromyscus in terms of reproduction through varying expression levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Roy N Platt
- Genetics Department, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Caleb D Phillips
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University.,Natural Science Research Laboratory, Museum of Texas Tech University
| | - David A Ray
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University
| | - Robert D Bradley
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University.,Natural Science Research Laboratory, Museum of Texas Tech University
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Kustra MC, Kahrl AF, Reedy AM, Warner DA, Cox RM. Sperm morphology and count vary with fine-scale changes in local density in a wild lizard population. Oecologia 2019; 191:555-564. [PMID: 31624957 PMCID: PMC6825022 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-019-04511-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 10/30/2022]
Abstract
Given that sperm production can be costly, theory predicts that males should optimally adjust the quantity and/or quality of their sperm in response to their social environment to maximize their paternity success. Although experiments demonstrate that males can alter their ejaculates in response to manipulations of the social environment and studies show that ejaculate traits covary with social environment across populations, it is unknown whether individual variation in sperm traits corresponds to natural variation found within wild populations. Using an island population of brown anole lizards (Anolis sagrei), we tested the prediction that sperm traits (sperm count, sperm morphology, sperm velocity) respond to natural variation in the risk of sperm competition, as inferred from the local density and operational sex ratio (OSR) of conspecifics. We found that males living in high-density areas of the island produced relatively larger sperm midpieces, smaller sperm heads, and lower sperm counts. Sperm traits were unrelated to OSR after accounting for the covariance between OSR and density. Our findings broaden the implications of sperm competition theory to intrapopulation social environment variation by showing that sperm count and sperm morphology vary with fine-scale differences in density within a single wild population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew C Kustra
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA.,Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Ariel F Kahrl
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA. .,Stockholm University, Zoologiska institutionen: Etologi, 106 91, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Aaron M Reedy
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Daniel A Warner
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Robert M Cox
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22904, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Civetta A, Ranz JM. Genetic Factors Influencing Sperm Competition. Front Genet 2019; 10:820. [PMID: 31572439 PMCID: PMC6753916 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Females of many different species often mate with multiple males, creating opportunities for competition among their sperm. Although originally unappreciated, sperm competition is now considered a central form of post-copulatory male–male competition that biases fertilization. Assays of differences in sperm competitive ability between males, and interactions between females and males, have made it possible to infer some of the main mechanisms of sperm competition. Nevertheless, classical genetic approaches have encountered difficulties in identifying loci influencing sperm competitiveness while functional and comparative genomic methodologies, as well as genetic variant association studies, have uncovered some interesting candidate genes. We highlight how the systematic implementation of approaches that incorporate gene perturbation assays in experimental competitive settings, together with the monitoring of progeny output or sperm features and behavior, has allowed the identification of genes unambiguously linked to sperm competitiveness. The emerging portrait from 45 genes (33 from fruit flies, 8 from rodents, 2 from nematodes, and 2 from ants) is their remarkable breadth of biological roles exerted through males and females, the non-preponderance of sperm genes, and their overall pleiotropic nature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Civetta
- Department of Biology, University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - José M Ranz
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Gu NH, Zhao WL, Wang GS, Sun F. Comparative analysis of mammalian sperm ultrastructure reveals relationships between sperm morphology, mitochondrial functions and motility. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2019; 17:66. [PMID: 31416446 PMCID: PMC6696699 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-019-0510-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sperm morphology mainly refers to the shape of the head, the length of the flagellar segments, including the midpiece, principal piece and end piece, and the size of the accessory structures, including axonemes, outer dense fibers (ODFs), mitochondrial sheath (MS) and fibrous sheath (FS). Across species, there is considerable diversity in morphology. An established theory posits that the length of the sperm flagellum, especially the length of the midpiece, is a critical factor influencing sperm metabolism and velocity. However, our understanding of the relationships between sperm ultrastructures and the sperm flagellar length is incomplete. METHODS The morphologies of sperm from 10 mammalian species, human, mouse, rat, dog, rabbit, goat, pig, bull, guinea pig and golden hamster, were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). According to the SEM and TME images, the length of sperm heads and flagellar segments, the cross-sectional areas of the accessory structures and flagella and the width of sperm heads were measured using Image J software. The variation tendencies (referred to as slope) of the accessory structures along flagella were calculated by the linear regression method. Mitochondrial functions were measured using commercial kits. The velocities of sperm were measured using CASA software. RESULTS The three-dimensional morphologies of sperm from 10 species and the slopes of internal accessory structures along flagella were obtained. The width of the axoneme tapered slightly from the base to the tip of the sperm flagellum, and slopes of the axonemes correlated negatively with the variability in flagellar length across species. Additionally, the cross-sectional areas of the ODFs and/or the MS were positively correlated with the lengths of the midpiece, principal piece, and total flagellum, as well as with sperm velocities. Mitochondrial volumes were positively correlated with ATP content and sperm swimming velocities. CONCLUSIONS Our results not only show the relationship between sperm internal structures, flagellar length and sperm physiology but also provide sizes of mitochondria and ODFs as new targets with which to study the regulation of sperm length and velocity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ni-Hao Gu
- 0000 0004 0368 8293grid.16821.3cInternational Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine,Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030 China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Orignal Diseases, Shanghai, 200030 China
- 0000 0004 0368 8293grid.16821.3cShanghai Municipal Key Clinical Speciality, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030 China
| | - Wen-Long Zhao
- 0000 0004 0368 8293grid.16821.3cInternational Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine,Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030 China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Orignal Diseases, Shanghai, 200030 China
- 0000 0004 0368 8293grid.16821.3cShanghai Municipal Key Clinical Speciality, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030 China
| | - Gui-Shuan Wang
- 0000 0000 9530 8833grid.260483.bInstitute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001 Jiangsu China
| | - Fei Sun
- 0000 0004 0368 8293grid.16821.3cInternational Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine,Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030 China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Orignal Diseases, Shanghai, 200030 China
- 0000 0004 0368 8293grid.16821.3cShanghai Municipal Key Clinical Speciality, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030 China
- 0000 0000 9530 8833grid.260483.bInstitute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001 Jiangsu China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Avidor-Reiss T, Fishman EL. It takes two (centrioles) to tango. Reproduction 2019; 157:R33-R51. [PMID: 30496124 PMCID: PMC6494718 DOI: 10.1530/rep-18-0350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cells that divide during embryo development require precisely two centrioles during interphase and four centrioles during mitosis. This precise number is maintained by allowing each centriole to nucleate only one centriole per cell cycle (i.e. centriole duplication). Yet, how the first cell of the embryo, the zygote, obtains two centrioles has remained a mystery in most mammals and insects. The mystery arose because the female gamete (oocyte) is thought to have no functional centrioles and the male gamete (spermatozoon) is thought to have only one functional centriole, resulting in a zygote with a single centriole. However, recent studies in fruit flies, beetles and mammals, including humans, suggest an alternative explanation: spermatozoa have a typical centriole and an atypical centriole. The sperm typical centriole has a normal structure but distinct protein composition, whereas the sperm atypical centriole is distinct in both. During fertilization, the atypical centriole is released into the zygote, nucleates a new centriole and participates in spindle pole formation. Thus, the spermatozoa's atypical centriole acts as a second centriole in the zygote. Here, we review centriole biology in general and especially in reproduction, we describe the discovery of the spermatozoon atypical centriole, and we provide an updated model for centriole inherence during sexual reproduction. While we focus on humans and other non-rodent mammals, we also provide a broader evolutionary perspective.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomer Avidor-Reiss
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toledo, 2801 W. Bancroft Rd., Wolfe Hall 4259, Toledo, OH 43606
| | - Emily L. Fishman
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toledo, 2801 W. Bancroft Rd., Wolfe Hall 4259, Toledo, OH 43606
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Rowe M, Skerget S, Rosenow MA, Karr TL. Identification and characterization of the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) sperm proteome. J Proteomics 2018; 193:192-204. [PMID: 30366121 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2018.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Revised: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Spermatozoa exhibit remarkable variability in size, shape, and performance. Our understanding of the molecular basis of this variation, however, is limited, especially in avian taxa. The zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) is a model organism in the study of avian sperm biology and sperm competition. Using LC-MS based proteomics, we identify and describe 494 proteins of the zebra finch sperm proteome (ZfSP). Gene ontology and associated bioinformatics analyses revealed a rich repertoire of proteins essential to sperm structure and function, including proteins linked to metabolism and energetics, as well as tubulin binding and microtubule related functions. The ZfSP also contained a number of immunity and defense proteins and proteins linked to sperm motility and sperm-egg interactions. Additionally, while most proteins in the ZfSP appear to be evolutionarily constrained, a small subset of proteins are evolving rapidly. Finally, in a comparison with the sperm proteome of the domestic chicken, we found an enrichment of proteins linked to catalytic activity and cytoskeleton related processes. As the first described passerine sperm proteome, and one of only two characterized avian sperm proteomes, the ZfSP provides a significant step towards a platform for studies of the molecular basis of sperm function and evolution in birds. SIGNIFICANCE: Using highly purified spermatozoa and LC-MS proteomics, we characterise the sperm proteome of the Zebra finch; the main model species for the avian order Passeriformes, the largest and most diverse of the avian clades. As the first described passerine sperm proteome, and one of only two reported avian sperm proteomes, these results will facilitate studies of sperm biology and mechanisms of fertilisation in passerines, as well as comparative studies of sperm evolution and reproduction across birds and other vertebrates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melissah Rowe
- Natural History Museum, University of Oslo, Oslo 0562, Norway; Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo 0316, Norway.
| | - Sheri Skerget
- Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | | | - Timothy L Karr
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, AZ, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Fisher HS, Hook KA, Weber WD, Hoekstra HE. Sibling rivalry: Males with more brothers develop larger testes. Ecol Evol 2018; 8:8197-8203. [PMID: 30250695 PMCID: PMC6145022 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.4337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Revised: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 06/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
When females mate with multiple partners in a reproductive cycle, the relative number of competing sperm from rival males is often the most critical factor in determining paternity. Gamete production is directly related to testis size in most species, and is associated with both mating behavior and perceived risk of competition. Deer mice, Peromyscus maniculatus, are naturally promiscuous and males invest significantly more in sperm production than males of P. polionotus, their monogamous sister-species. Here, we show that the larger testes in P. maniculatus are retained after decades of enforced monogamy in captivity. While these results suggest that differences in sperm production between species with divergent evolutionary histories can be maintained in captivity, we also show that the early rearing environment of males can strongly influence their testis size as adults. Using a second-generation hybrid population to increase variation within the population, we show that males reared in litters with more brothers develop larger testes as adults. Importantly, this difference in testis size is also associated with increased fertility. Together, our findings suggest that sperm production may be both broadly shaped by natural selection over evolutionary timescales and also finely tuned during early development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heidi S. Fisher
- Department of BiologyUniversity of MarylandCollege ParkMaryland
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary BiologyDepartment of Molecular and Cellular BiologyMuseum of Comparative ZoologyHoward Hughes Medical InstituteHarvard UniversityCambridgeMassachusetts
| | - Kristin A. Hook
- Department of BiologyUniversity of MarylandCollege ParkMaryland
| | - W. David Weber
- Department of BiologyUniversity of MarylandCollege ParkMaryland
| | - Hopi E. Hoekstra
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary BiologyDepartment of Molecular and Cellular BiologyMuseum of Comparative ZoologyHoward Hughes Medical InstituteHarvard UniversityCambridgeMassachusetts
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Schumacher J, Herlyn H. Correlates of evolutionary rates in the murine sperm proteome. BMC Evol Biol 2018; 18:35. [PMID: 29580206 PMCID: PMC5870804 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-018-1157-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Protein-coding genes expressed in sperm evolve at different rates. To gain deeper insight into the factors underlying this heterogeneity we examined the relative importance of a diverse set of previously described rate correlates in determining the evolution of murine sperm proteins. Results Using partial rank correlations we detected several major rate indicators: Phyletic gene age, numbers of protein-protein interactions, and survival essentiality emerged as particularly important rate correlates in murine sperm proteins. Tissue specificity, numbers of paralogs, and untranslated region lengths also correlate significantly with sperm genes’ evolutionary rates, albeit to a lesser extent. Multifunctionality, coding sequence or average intron lengths, and mean expression level have insignificant or virtually no independent effects on evolutionary rates in murine sperm genes. Gene ontology enrichment analyses of three equally sized murine sperm protein groups classified based on their evolutionary rates indicate strongest sperm-specific functional specialization in the most quickly evolving gene class. Conclusions We propose a model according to which slowly evolving murine sperm proteins tend to be constrained by factors such as survival essentiality, network connectivity, and/or broad expression. In contrast, evolutionary change may arise especially in less constrained sperm proteins, which might, moreover, be prone to specialize to reproduction-related functions. Our results should be taken into account in future studies on rate variations of reproductive genes. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12862-018-1157-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Schumacher
- Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution, Anthropology, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany.
| | - Holger Herlyn
- Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution, Anthropology, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Liberti J, Baer B, Boomsma JJ. Rival seminal fluid induces enhanced sperm motility in a polyandrous ant. BMC Evol Biol 2018; 18:28. [PMID: 29566664 PMCID: PMC5865361 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-018-1144-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Promiscuous mating and sperm competition often induce arms races between the sexes with detrimental outcomes for females. However, ants with multiply-inseminated queens have only a single time-window for sperm competition and queens are predicted to gain control over the outcome of sperm storage quickly. The seminal fluid of Acromyrmex leaf-cutting ants reduces the viability of rival sperm, but how confrontations between unrelated ejaculates affect sperm storage remains unknown. Results We investigated the effects of ejaculate admixture on sperm motility in A. echinatior and found that the proportion of motile spermatozoa, sperm swimming speed, and linearity of sperm movement increased when rival ejaculates were mixed in vitro. Major effects induced by the seminal fluid of rival males were of similar magnitude to those generated by queen reproductive tract secretions, whereas own seminal fluid induced lower sperm activation levels. Conclusions Our results suggest that ant sperm respond via a self–non-self recognition mechanism to similar or shared molecules expressed in the reproductive secretions of both sexes. Lower sperm motility in the presence of own seminal fluid indicates that enhanced motility is costly and may trade-off with sperm viability during sperm storage, consistent with studies in vertebrates. Our results imply that ant spermatozoa have evolved to adjust their energetic expenditure during insemination depending on the perceived level of sperm competition. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12862-018-1144-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanito Liberti
- Centre for Social Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Boris Baer
- Centre for Integrative Bee Research (CIBER), Department of Entomology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Jacobus J Boomsma
- Centre for Social Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Cooper JC, Phadnis N. Parallel Evolution of Sperm Hyper-Activation Ca2+ Channels. Genome Biol Evol 2017; 9:1938-1949. [PMID: 28810709 PMCID: PMC5553355 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evx131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm hyper-activation is a dramatic change in sperm behavior where mature sperm burst into a final sprint in the race to the egg. The mechanism of sperm hyper-activation in many metazoans, including humans, consists of a jolt of Ca2+ into the sperm flagellum via CatSper ion channels. Surprisingly, all nine CatSper genes have been independently lost in several animal lineages. In Drosophila, sperm hyper-activation is performed through the cooption of the polycystic kidney disease 2 (pkd2) Ca2+ channel. The parallels between CatSpers in primates and pkd2 in Drosophila provide a unique opportunity to examine the molecular evolution of the sperm hyper-activation machinery in two independent, nonhomologous calcium channels separated by > 500 million years of divergence. Here, we use a comprehensive phylogenomic approach to investigate the selective pressures on these sperm hyper-activation channels. First, we find that the entire CatSper complex evolves rapidly under recurrent positive selection in primates. Second, we find that pkd2 has parallel patterns of adaptive evolution in Drosophila. Third, we show that this adaptive evolution of pkd2 is driven by its role in sperm hyper-activation. These patterns of selection suggest that the evolution of the sperm hyper-activation machinery is driven by sexual conflict with antagonistic ligands that modulate channel activity. Together, our results add sperm hyper-activation channels to the class of fast evolving reproductive proteins and provide insights into the mechanisms used by the sexes to manipulate sperm behavior.
Collapse
|
31
|
Zhao W, Li Z, Ping P, Wang G, Yuan X, Sun F. Outer dense fibers stabilize the axoneme to maintain sperm motility. J Cell Mol Med 2017; 22:1755-1768. [PMID: 29168316 PMCID: PMC5824370 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.13457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Outer dense fibers (ODFs), as unique accessory structures in mammalian sperm, are considered to play a role in the protection of the sperm tail against shear forces. However, the role and relevant mechanisms of ODFs in modulating sperm motility and its pathological involvement in asthenozoospermia were unknown. Here, we found that the percentage of ODF defects was higher in asthenozoospermic samples than that in control samples and was significantly correlated with the percentage of axoneme defects and non-motile sperm. Furthermore, the expression levels of ODF major components (Odf1, 2, 3, 4) were frequently down-regulated in asthenozoospermic samples. Intriguingly, the positive relationship between ODF size and sperm motility existed across species. The conditional disruption of Odf2 expression in mice led to reduced sperm motility and the characteristics of asthenozoospermia. Meanwhile, the expression of acetylated α-tubulin was decreased in sperm from both Odf2 conditional knockout (cKO) mice and asthenozoospermic men. Immunofluorescence and biochemistry analyses showed that Odf2 could bind to acetylated α-tubulin and protect the acetylation level of α-tubulin in HEK293T cells in a cold environment. Finally, we found that lithium elevated the expression levels of Odf family proteins and acetylated α-tubulin, elongated the midpiece length and increased the percentage of rapidly moving sperm in mice. Our results demonstrate that ODFs are beneficial for sperm motility via stabilization of the axoneme and that hypo-expression of Odf family proteins is involved in the pathogenesis of asthenozoospermia. The lithium administration assay will provide valuable insights into the development of new treatments for asthenozoospermia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenlong Zhao
- International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhengzheng Li
- International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Ping
- International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Assistant Reproduction, International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Guishuan Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaobing Yuan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Genomics (East China Normal University), Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.,Hussman Institute for Autism, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Fei Sun
- International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Vicens A, Borziak K, Karr TL, Roldan ERS, Dorus S. Comparative Sperm Proteomics in Mouse Species with Divergent Mating Systems. Mol Biol Evol 2017; 34:1403-1416. [PMID: 28333336 PMCID: PMC5435083 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msx084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexual selection is the pervasive force underlying the dramatic divergence of sperm form and function. Although it has been demonstrated that testis gene expression evolves rapidly, exploration of the proteomic basis of sperm diversity is in its infancy. We have employed a whole-cell proteomics approach to characterize sperm divergence among closely related Mus species that experience different sperm competition regimes and exhibit pronounced variation in sperm energetics, motility and fertilization capacity. Interspecific comparisons revealed significant abundance differences amongst proteins involved in fertilization capacity, including those that govern sperm-zona pellucida interactions, axoneme components and metabolic proteins. Ancestral reconstruction of relative testis size suggests that the reduction of zona pellucida binding proteins and heavy-chain dyneins was associated with a relaxation in sperm competition in the M. musculus lineage. Additionally, the decreased reliance on ATP derived from glycolysis in high sperm competition species was reflected in abundance decreases in glycolytic proteins of the principle piece in M. spretus and M. spicilegus. Comparison of protein abundance and stage-specific testis expression revealed a significant correlation during spermatid development when dynamic morphological changes occur. Proteins underlying sperm diversification were also more likely to be subject to translational repression, suggesting that sperm composition is influenced by the evolution of translation control mechanisms. The identification of functionally coherent classes of proteins relating to sperm competition highlights the utility of evolutionary proteomic analyses and reveals that both intensified and relaxed sperm competition can have a pronounced impact on the molecular composition of the male gamete.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Vicens
- Reproductive Biology and Evolution Group, Department of Biodiversity and Biological Evolution, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Kirill Borziak
- Department of Biology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY
| | - Timothy L Karr
- Department of Genomics and Genetic Resources, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Eduardo R S Roldan
- Reproductive Biology and Evolution Group, Department of Biodiversity and Biological Evolution, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Steve Dorus
- Department of Biology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Shang Y, Zhu F, Wang L, Ouyang YC, Dong MZ, Liu C, Zhao H, Cui X, Ma D, Zhang Z, Yang X, Guo Y, Liu F, Yuan L, Gao F, Guo X, Sun QY, Cao Y, Li W. Essential role for SUN5 in anchoring sperm head to the tail. eLife 2017; 6:28199. [PMID: 28945193 PMCID: PMC5634783 DOI: 10.7554/elife.28199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
SUN (Sad1 and UNC84 domain containing)-domain proteins are reported to reside on the nuclear membrane playing distinct roles in nuclear dynamics. SUN5 is a new member of the SUN family, with little knowledge regarding its function. Here, we generated Sun5−/− mice and found that male mice were infertile. Most Sun5-null spermatozoa displayed a globozoospermia-like phenotype but they were actually acephalic spermatozoa. Additional studies revealed that SUN5 was located in the neck of the spermatozoa, anchoring sperm head to the tail, and without functional SUN5 the sperm head to tail coupling apparatus was detached from nucleus during spermatid elongation. Finally, we found that healthy heterozygous offspring could be obtained via intracytoplasmic injection of Sun5-mutated sperm heads for both male mice and patients. Our studies reveal the essential role of SUN5 in anchoring sperm head to the tail and provide a promising way to treat this kind of acephalic spermatozoa-associated male infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yongliang Shang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fuxi Zhu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Institute of Reproductive Genetics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Lina Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ying-Chun Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ming-Zhe Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Haichao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiuhong Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Dongyuan Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiguo Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Institute of Reproductive Genetics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaoyu Yang
- Center of Clinical Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yueshuai Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Feng Liu
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Li Yuan
- Savaid School of Medicine, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xuejiang Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qing-Yuan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Institute of Reproductive Genetics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Wei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|