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Zuo J, Peng A, Wu P, Chen J, Yao C, Pan J, Zhu E, Weng Y, Zhang K, Feng H, Jin Z, Qian Z. Charge-regulated fluorescent anchors enable high-fidelity tracking of plasma membrane dynamics during biological events. Chem Sci 2024; 15:8934-8945. [PMID: 38873067 PMCID: PMC11168104 DOI: 10.1039/d4sc01423e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Many biological processes generally require long-term visualization tools for time-scale dynamic changes of the plasma membrane, but there is still a lack of design rules for such imaging tools based on small-molecule fluorescent probes. Herein, we revealed the key regulatory roles of charge number and species of fluorescent dyes in the anchoring ability of the plasma membrane and found that the introduction of multi-charged units and appropriate charge species is often required for fluorescent dyes with strong plasma membrane anchoring ability by systematically investigating the structure-function relationship of cyanostyrylpyridium (CSP) dyes with different charge numbers and species and their imaging performance for the plasma membrane. The CSP-DBO dye constructed exhibits strong plasma membrane anchoring ability in staining the plasma membrane of cells, in addition to many other advantages such as excellent biocompatibility and general universality of cell types. Such a fluorescent anchor has been successfully used to monitor chemically induced plasma membrane damage and dynamically track various cellular biological events such as cell fusion and cytokinesis over a long period of time by continuously monitoring the dynamic morphological changes of the plasma membrane, providing a valuable precise visualization tool to study the physiological response to chemical stimuli and reveal the structural morphological changes and functions of the plasma membrane during these important biological events from a dynamic perspective. Furthermore, CSP-DBO exhibits excellent biocompatibility and imaging capability in vivo such as labelling the plasma membrane in vivo and monitoring the metabolic process of lipofuscin as an aging indicator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Zuo
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, College of Chemistry and Material Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University Yingbin Road 688 Jinhua 321004 China
| | - Aohui Peng
- College of Life Science, Zhejiang Normal University YIngbin Road 688 JInhua 321004 China
| | - Penglei Wu
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, College of Chemistry and Material Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University Yingbin Road 688 Jinhua 321004 China
| | - Junyi Chen
- College of Life Science, Zhejiang Normal University YIngbin Road 688 JInhua 321004 China
| | - Chuangye Yao
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, College of Chemistry and Material Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University Yingbin Road 688 Jinhua 321004 China
| | - Junjun Pan
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, College of Chemistry and Material Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University Yingbin Road 688 Jinhua 321004 China
| | - Engao Zhu
- College of Life Science, Zhejiang Normal University YIngbin Road 688 JInhua 321004 China
| | - Yingye Weng
- College of Life Science, Zhejiang Normal University YIngbin Road 688 JInhua 321004 China
| | - Kewei Zhang
- College of Life Science, Zhejiang Normal University YIngbin Road 688 JInhua 321004 China
| | - Hui Feng
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, College of Chemistry and Material Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University Yingbin Road 688 Jinhua 321004 China
| | - Zhigang Jin
- College of Life Science, Zhejiang Normal University YIngbin Road 688 JInhua 321004 China
| | - Zhaosheng Qian
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, College of Chemistry and Material Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University Yingbin Road 688 Jinhua 321004 China
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2
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Chi P, Ou G, Qin D, Han Z, Li J, Xiao Q, Gao Z, Xu C, Qi Q, Liu Q, Liu S, Li J, Guo L, Lu Y, Chen J, Wang X, Shi H, Li L, Deng D. Structural basis of the subcortical maternal complex and its implications in reproductive disorders. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2024; 31:115-124. [PMID: 38177687 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-023-01153-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
The subcortical maternal complex (SCMC) plays a crucial role in early embryonic development. Malfunction of SCMC leads to reproductive diseases in women. However, the molecular function and assembly basis for SCMC remain elusive. Here we reconstituted mouse SCMC and solved the structure at atomic resolution using single-particle cryo-electron microscopy. The core complex of SCMC was formed by MATER, TLE6 and FLOPED, and MATER embraced TLE6 and FLOPED via its NACHT and LRR domains. Two core complexes further dimerize through interactions between two LRR domains of MATERs in vitro. FILIA integrates into SCMC by interacting with the carboxyl-terminal region of FLOPED. Zygotes from mice with Floped C-terminus truncation showed delayed development and resembled the phenotype of zygotes from Filia knockout mice. More importantly, the assembly of mouse SCMC was affected by corresponding clinical variants associated with female reproductive diseases and corresponded with a prediction based on the mouse SCMC structure. Our study paves the way for further investigations on SCMC functions during mammalian preimplantation embryonic development and reveals underlying causes of female reproductive diseases related to SCMC mutations, providing a new strategy for the diagnosis of female reproductive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengliang Chi
- Department of Obstetrics, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Disease of Women and Children of MOE, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Guojin Ou
- Department of Obstetrics, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Disease of Women and Children of MOE, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Clinical Laboratory, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Dandan Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Beijing Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Zoology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhuo Han
- Department of Obstetrics, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Disease of Women and Children of MOE, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Chronobiology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Development and Related Diseases of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jialu Li
- Department of Obstetrics, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Disease of Women and Children of MOE, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Chronobiology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Development and Related Diseases of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qingjie Xiao
- Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Zheng Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chengpeng Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Beijing Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Zoology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qianqian Qi
- Clinical Laboratory, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qingting Liu
- Department of Obstetrics, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Disease of Women and Children of MOE, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Sibei Liu
- Department of Obstetrics, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Disease of Women and Children of MOE, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jinhong Li
- Department of Obstetrics, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Disease of Women and Children of MOE, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Li Guo
- Department of Obstetrics, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Disease of Women and Children of MOE, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuechao Lu
- Department of Obstetrics, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Disease of Women and Children of MOE, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Laboratory of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Pediatric Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiang Wang
- Department of Obstetrics, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Disease of Women and Children of MOE, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Chronobiology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Development and Related Diseases of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hubing Shi
- Department of Obstetrics, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Disease of Women and Children of MOE, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, Clinical Research Center for Breast, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, China
| | - Lei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Beijing Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Zoology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Dong Deng
- Department of Obstetrics, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Disease of Women and Children of MOE, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Chronobiology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
- Development and Related Diseases of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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3
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Bourdais A, Dehapiot B, Halet G. MRCK activates mouse oocyte myosin II for spindle rotation and male pronucleus centration. J Cell Biol 2023; 222:e202211029. [PMID: 37651121 PMCID: PMC10470461 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202211029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Asymmetric meiotic divisions in oocytes rely on spindle positioning in close vicinity to the cortex. In metaphase II mouse oocytes, eccentric spindle positioning triggers cortical polarization, including the build-up of an actin cap surrounded by a ring of activated myosin II. While the role of the actin cap in promoting polar body formation is established, ring myosin II activation mechanisms and functions have remained elusive. Here, we show that ring myosin II activation requires myotonic dystrophy kinase-related Cdc42-binding kinase (MRCK), downstream of polarized Cdc42. MRCK inhibition resulted in spindle rotation defects during anaphase II, precluding polar body extrusion. Remarkably, disengagement of segregated chromatids from the anaphase spindle could rescue rotation. We further show that the MRCK/myosin II pathway is activated in the fertilization cone and is required for male pronucleus migration toward the center of the zygote. These findings provide novel insights into the mechanism of myosin II activation in oocytes and its role in orchestrating asymmetric division and pronucleus centration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Bourdais
- University of Rennes, CNRS - UMR 6290, Institute of Genetics and Development of Rennes, Rennes, France
| | - Benoit Dehapiot
- University of Rennes, CNRS - UMR 6290, Institute of Genetics and Development of Rennes, Rennes, France
| | - Guillaume Halet
- University of Rennes, CNRS - UMR 6290, Institute of Genetics and Development of Rennes, Rennes, France
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4
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Zhang Y, Sun L, Zhang D, Gao Y, Ma H, Xue Y, Zhang M. Butylparaben weakens female fertility via causing oocyte meiotic arrest and fertilization failure in mice. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 266:115561. [PMID: 37837697 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
Butylparaben is an ubiquitous environmental endocrine disruptor, that is commonly used in cosmetics and personal care product due to its anti-microbial properties. Butylparaben has been shown to cause developmental toxicity, endocrine and metabolic disorders and immune diseases. However, little is known about the impact on female fertility, especially oocyte quality. In the present study, we reported that butylparaben influenced female fertility by showing the disturbed oocyte meiotic capacity and fertilization potential. Specifically, butylparaben results in the oocyte maturation arrest by impairing spindle/chromosome structure and microtubule stability. Besides, butylparaben results in fertilization failure by impairing the dynamics of Juno and ovastacin and the sperm binding ability. Last, single-cell transcriptome analysis showed that butylparaben-induced oocyte deterioration was caused by mitochondrial dysfunction, which led to the accumulation of ROS and occurrence of apoptosis. Collectively, our study indicates that mitochondrial dysfunction and redox perturbation is the major cause of the weakened female fertility expoesd to butylparaben.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunhai Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Lei Sun
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Dandan Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, General Hospital of WanBei Coal Group, Suzhou 234000, China
| | - Yang Gao
- School of Life Sciences, Hefei Normal University, Hefei 230036, China; Department of Biomedical Engineering and Health Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru 81310, Malaysia
| | - Huijie Ma
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Yanfeng Xue
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China.
| | - Mianqun Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China.
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5
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Kang I, Koo M, Yoon H, Park BS, Jun JH, Lee J. Ovastacin: An oolemma protein that cleaves the zona pellucida to prevent polyspermy. Clin Exp Reprod Med 2023; 50:154-159. [PMID: 37643828 PMCID: PMC10477413 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2023.05981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Monospermy occurs in the process of normal fertilization where a single sperm fuses with the egg, resulting in the formation of a diploid zygote. During the process of fertilization, the sperm must penetrate the zona pellucida (ZP), the outer layer of the egg, to reach the egg's plasma membrane. Once a sperm binds to the ZP, it undergoes an acrosomal reaction, which involves the release of enzymes from the sperm's acrosome that help it to penetrate the ZP. Ovastacin is one of the enzymes that is involved in breaking down the ZP. Studies have shown that ovastacin is necessary for the breakdown of the ZP and for successful fertilization to occur. However, the activity of ovastacin is tightly regulated to ensure that only one sperm can fertilize the egg. One way in which ovastacin helps to prevent polyspermy (the fertilization of an egg by more than one sperm) is by rapidly degrading the ZP after a sperm has penetrated it. This makes it difficult for additional sperm to penetrate the ZP and fertilize the egg. Ovastacin is also thought to play a role in the block to polyspermy, a mechanism that prevents additional sperm from fusing with the egg's plasma membrane after fertilization has occurred. In summary, the role of ovastacin in monospermic fertilization is to help ensure that only one sperm can fertilize the egg, while preventing polyspermy and ensuring successful fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inyoung Kang
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, Eulji University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Myoungjoo Koo
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, Eulji University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyejin Yoon
- Department of Senior Healthcare, Graduate School of Eulji University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Beom Seok Park
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, Eulji University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
- Department of Senior Healthcare, Graduate School of Eulji University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Hyun Jun
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, Eulji University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
- Department of Senior Healthcare, Graduate School of Eulji University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
- Eulji Medi-Bio Research Institute (EMBRI), Eulji University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaewang Lee
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, Eulji University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
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6
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Han J, Zhang N, Cao Q, Shi X, Wang C, Rui X, Ding J, Zhao C, Zhang J, Ling X, Li H, Guan Y, Meng Q, Huo R. NLRP7 participates in the human subcortical maternal complex and its variants cause female infertility characterized by early embryo arrest. J Mol Med (Berl) 2023:10.1007/s00109-023-02322-7. [PMID: 37148315 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-023-02322-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Successful human reproduction requires normal oocyte maturation, fertilization, and early embryo development. Early embryo arrest is a common phenomenon leading to female infertility, but the genetic basis is largely unknown. NLR family pyrin domain-containing 7 (NLRP7) is a member of the NLRP subfamily. Previous studies have shown that variants of NLRP7 are one of the crucial causes of female recurrent hydatidiform mole, but whether NLRP7 variants can directly affect early embryo development is unclear. We performed whole-exome sequencing in patients who experienced early embryo arrest, and five heterozygous variants (c.251G > A, c.1258G > A, c.1441G > A, c. 2227G > A, c.2323C > T) of NLRP7 were identified in affected individuals. Plasmids of NLRP7 and subcortical maternal complex components were overexpressed in 293 T cells, and Co-IP experiments showed that NLRP7 interacted with NLRP5, TLE6, PADI6, NLRP2, KHDC3L, OOEP, and ZBED3. Injecting complementary RNAs in mouse oocytes and early embryos showed that NLRP7 variants influenced the oocyte quality and some of the variants significantly affected early embryo development. These findings contribute to our understanding of the role of NLRP7 in human early embryo development and provide a new genetic marker for clinical early embryo arrest patients. KEY MESSAGES: Five heterozygous variants of NLRP7 (c.1441G > A; 2227G > A; c.251G > A; c.1258G > A; c.2323C > T) were identified in five infertile patients who experienced early embryo arrest. NLRP7 is a component of human subcortical maternal complex. NLRP7 variants lead to poor quality of oocytes and early embryo development arrest. This study provides a new genetic marker for clinical early embryo arrest patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Han
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Department of Histology and Embryology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Nana Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qiqi Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Department of Histology and Embryology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaodan Shi
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Congjing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Department of Histology and Embryology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ximan Rui
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Department of Histology and Embryology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jie Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Department of Histology and Embryology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Reproductive Genetic Center, Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Suzhou, China
| | - Chun Zhao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Junqiang Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiufeng Ling
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Hong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Department of Histology and Embryology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Reproductive Genetic Center, Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Suzhou, China
| | - Yichun Guan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
| | - Qingxia Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Department of Histology and Embryology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
- Reproductive Genetic Center, Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Suzhou, China.
| | - Ran Huo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Department of Histology and Embryology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
- Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
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7
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Wang H, Christenson LK, Kinsey WH. Changes in cortical endoplasmic reticulum clusters in the fertilized mouse oocyte†. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:1254-1263. [PMID: 36136741 PMCID: PMC9663941 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac177] [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: 03/13/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Oocytes from many invertebrate and vertebrate species exhibit unique endoplasmic reticulum (ER) specializations (cortical ER clusters), which are thought to be essential for egg activation. In examination of cortical ER clusters, we observed that they were tethered to previously unreported fenestrae within the cortical actin layer. Furthermore, studies demonstrated that sperm preferentially bind to the plasma membrane overlying the fenestrae, establishing close proximity to underlying ER clusters. Moreover, following sperm-oocyte fusion, cortical ER clusters undergo a previously unrecognized global change in volume and shape that persists through sperm incorporation, before dispersing at the pronuclear stage. These changes did not occur in oocytes from females mated with Izumo1 -/- males. In addition to these global changes, highly localized ER modifications were noted at the sperm binding site as cortical ER clusters surround the sperm head during incorporation, then form a diffuse cloud surrounding the decondensing sperm nucleus. This study provides the first evidence that cortical ER clusters interact with the fertilizing sperm, indirectly through a previous unknown lattice work of actin fenestrae, and then directly during sperm incorporation. These observations raise the possibility that oocyte ER cluster-sperm interactions provide a competitive advantage to the oocyte, which may not occur during assisted reproductive technologies such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huizhen Wang
- Department Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Lane K Christenson
- Department Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - William H Kinsey
- Department Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, KS, USA
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8
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Zhang M, Sun L, Zhang Z, Shentu L, Zhang Y, Li Z, Zhang Y, Zhang Y. Alpha-lipoic acid supplementation restores the meiotic competency and fertilization capacity of porcine oocytes induced by arsenite. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:943757. [PMID: 36263016 PMCID: PMC9574060 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.943757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Arsenite is known as a well-known endocrine disrupting chemicals, and reported to be associated with an increased incidence of negative health effects, including reproductive disorders and dysfunction of the endocrine system. However, it still lacks of the research regarding the beneficial effects of ALA on arsenite exposed oocytes, and the underlying mechanisms have not been determined. Here, we report that supplementation of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), a strong antioxidant naturally present in all cells of the humans, is able to restore the declined meiotic competency and fertilization capacity of porcine oocytes induced by arsenite. Notably, ALA recovers the defective nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation of porcine oocytes caused by arsenite exposure, including the impaired spindle formation and actin polymerization, the defective mitochondrion integrity and cortical granules distribution. Also, ALA recovers the compromised sperm binding ability to maintain the fertilization potential of arsenite-exposed oocytes. Importantly, ALA suppresses the oxidative stress by reducing the levels of ROS and inhibits the occurrence of DNA damage along with apoptosis. Above all, we provide a new perspective for the application of ALA in effectively preventing the declined oocyte quality induced by environmental EDCs.
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9
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Brukman NG, Li X, Podbilewicz B. Fusexins, HAP2/GCS1 and Evolution of Gamete Fusion. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:824024. [PMID: 35083224 PMCID: PMC8784728 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.824024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Gamete fusion is the climax of fertilization in all sexually reproductive organisms, from unicellular fungi to humans. Similarly to other cell-cell fusion events, gamete fusion is mediated by specialized proteins, named fusogens, that overcome the energetic barriers during this process. In recent years, HAPLESS 2/GENERATIVE CELL-SPECIFIC 1 (HAP2/GCS1) was identified as the fusogen mediating sperm-egg fusion in flowering plants and protists, being both essential and sufficient for the membrane merger in some species. The identification of HAP2/GCS1 in invertebrates, opens the possibility that a similar fusogen may be used in vertebrate fertilization. HAP2/GCS1 proteins share a similar structure with two distinct families of exoplasmic fusogens: the somatic Fusion Family (FF) proteins discovered in nematodes, and class II viral glycoproteins (e.g., rubella and dengue viruses). Altogether, these fusogens form the Fusexin superfamily. While some attributes are shared among fusexins, for example the overall structure and the possibility of assembly into trimers, some other characteristics seem to be specific, such as the presence or not of hydrophobic loops or helices at the distal tip of the protein. Intriguingly, HAP2/GCS1 or other fusexins have neither been identified in vertebrates nor in fungi, raising the question of whether these genes were lost during evolution and were replaced by other fusion machinery or a significant divergence makes their identification difficult. Here, we discuss the biology of HAP2/GCS1, its involvement in gamete fusion and the structural, mechanistic and evolutionary relationships with other fusexins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas G Brukman
- Department of Biology, Technion- Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Xiaohui Li
- Department of Biology, Technion- Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
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10
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Rojas J, Hinostroza F, Vergara S, Pinto-Borguero I, Aguilera F, Fuentes R, Carvacho I. Knockin' on Egg's Door: Maternal Control of Egg Activation That Influences Cortical Granule Exocytosis in Animal Species. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:704867. [PMID: 34540828 PMCID: PMC8446563 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.704867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Fertilization by multiple sperm leads to lethal chromosomal number abnormalities, failed embryo development, and miscarriage. In some vertebrate and invertebrate eggs, the so-called cortical reaction contributes to their activation and prevents polyspermy during fertilization. This process involves biogenesis, redistribution, and subsequent accumulation of cortical granules (CGs) at the female gamete cortex during oogenesis. CGs are oocyte- and egg-specific secretory vesicles whose content is discharged during fertilization to block polyspermy. Here, we summarize the molecular mechanisms controlling critical aspects of CG biology prior to and after the gametes interaction. This allows to block polyspermy and provide protection to the developing embryo. We also examine how CGs form and are spatially redistributed during oogenesis. During egg activation, CG exocytosis (CGE) and content release are triggered by increases in intracellular calcium and relies on the function of maternally-loaded proteins. We also discuss how mutations in these factors impact CG dynamics, providing unprecedented models to investigate the genetic program executing fertilization. We further explore the phylogenetic distribution of maternal proteins and signaling pathways contributing to CGE and egg activation. We conclude that many important biological questions and genotype–phenotype relationships during fertilization remain unresolved, and therefore, novel molecular players of CG biology need to be discovered. Future functional and image-based studies are expected to elucidate the identity of genetic candidates and components of the molecular machinery involved in the egg activation. This, will open new therapeutic avenues for treating infertility in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Japhet Rojas
- Laboratorio Fisiología de la Reproducción, Departamento de Biología y Química, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile.,Escuela de Ingeniería en Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
| | - Fernando Hinostroza
- Laboratorio Fisiología de la Reproducción, Departamento de Biología y Química, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile.,Centro de Investigación de Estudios Avanzados del Maule (CIEAM), Vicerrectoría de Investigación y Postgrado, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile.,Centro de Investigación en Neuropsicología y Neurociencias Cognitivas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
| | - Sebastián Vergara
- Laboratorio Fisiología de la Reproducción, Departamento de Biología y Química, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile.,Escuela de Ingeniería en Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
| | - Ingrid Pinto-Borguero
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Felipe Aguilera
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Ricardo Fuentes
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Ingrid Carvacho
- Laboratorio Fisiología de la Reproducción, Departamento de Biología y Química, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
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11
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Bebbere D, Albertini DF, Coticchio G, Borini A, Ledda S. The subcortical maternal complex: emerging roles and novel perspectives. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 27:6311673. [PMID: 34191027 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaab043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Since its recent discovery, the subcortical maternal complex (SCMC) is emerging as a maternally inherited and crucial biological structure for the initial stages of embryogenesis in mammals. Uniquely expressed in oocytes and preimplantation embryos, where it localizes to the cell subcortex, this multiprotein complex is essential for early embryo development in the mouse and is functionally conserved across mammalian species, including humans. The complex has been linked to key processes leading the transition from oocyte to embryo, including meiotic spindle formation and positioning, regulation of translation, organelle redistribution, and epigenetic reprogramming. Yet, the underlying molecular mechanisms for these diverse functions are just beginning to be understood, hindered by unresolved interplay of SCMC components and variations in early lethal phenotypes. Here we review recent advances confirming involvement of the SCMC in human infertility, revealing an unexpected relationship with offspring health. Moreover, SCMC organization is being further revealed in terms of novel components and interactions with additional cell constituents. Collectively, this evidence prompts new avenues of investigation into possible roles during the process of oogenesis and the regulation of maternal transcript turnover during the oocyte to embryo transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Bebbere
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Sergio Ledda
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
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12
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Lee HC, Edmonds ME, Duncan FE, O'Halloran TV, Woodruff TK. Zinc exocytosis is sensitive to myosin light chain kinase inhibition in mouse and human eggs. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 26:228-239. [PMID: 32119740 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaaa017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Zinc dynamics are essential for oocyte meiotic maturation, egg activation, and preimplantation embryo development. During fertilisation and egg activation, the egg releases billions of zinc atoms (Zn2+) in an exocytotic event termed the 'zinc spark'. We hypothesised that this zinc transport and exocytosis is dependent upon the intracellular trafficking of cortical granules (CG) which requires myosin-actin-dependent motors. Treatment of mature mouse and human eggs with ML-7, a myosin light chain kinase inhibitor (MLCK), resulted in an 80% reduction in zinc spark intensity compared to untreated controls when activated with ionomycin. Moreover, CG migration towards the plasma membrane was significantly decreased in ML-7-treated eggs compared with controls when activated parthenogenetically with ionomycin. In sperm-induced fertilisation via intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), ML-7-treated mouse eggs exhibited decreased labile zinc intensity and cortical CG staining. Collectively, these data demonstrate that ML-7 treatment impairs zinc release from both murine and human eggs after activation, demonstrating that zinc exocytosis requires myosin light chain kinase activity. Further, these results provide additional support that zinc is likely stored and released from CGs. These data underscore the importance of intracellular zinc trafficking as a crucial component of egg maturation necessary for egg activation and early embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoi Chang Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Maxwell E Edmonds
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Francesca E Duncan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.,Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Thomas V O'Halloran
- Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.,Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Teresa K Woodruff
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.,Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
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13
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Homozygous variants in PANX1 cause human oocyte death and female infertility. Eur J Hum Genet 2021; 29:1396-1404. [PMID: 33495594 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-020-00807-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
PANX1, one of the members of the pannexin family, is a highly glycosylated channel-forming protein. Recently, we identified heterozygous variants in PANX1 that follow an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern and cause female infertility characterized by oocyte death. In this study, we screened for novel PANX1 variants in patients with the phenotype of oocyte death and discovered a new type of inheritance pattern accompanying PANX1 variants. We identified two novel homozygous missense variants in PANX1 [NM_015368.4 c.712T>C (p.(Ser238Pro) and c.899G>A (p.(Arg300Gln))] associated with the oocyte death phenotype in two families. Both of the homozygous variants altered the PANX1 glycosylation pattern in cultured cells, led to aberrant PANX1 channel activation, and resulted in mouse oocyte death after fertilization in vitro. It is worth noting that the destructive effect of the two homozygous variants on PANX1 function was weaker than that caused by the recently reported heterozygous variants. Our findings enrich the variational spectrum of PANX1 and expand the inheritance pattern of PANX1 variants to an autosomal recessive mode. This highlights the critical role of PANX1 in human oocyte development and helps us to better understand the genetic basis of female infertility due to oocyte death.
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14
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Fahrenkamp E, Algarra B, Jovine L. Mammalian egg coat modifications and the block to polyspermy. Mol Reprod Dev 2020; 87:326-340. [PMID: 32003503 PMCID: PMC7155028 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Fertilization by more than one sperm causes polyploidy, a condition that is generally lethal to the embryo in the majority of animal species. To prevent this occurrence, eggs have developed a series of mechanisms that block polyspermy at the level of the plasma membrane or their extracellular coat. In this review, we first introduce the mammalian egg coat, the zona pellucida (ZP), and summarize what is currently known about its composition, structure, and biological functions. We then describe how this specialized extracellular matrix is modified by the contents of cortical granules (CG), secretory organelles that are exocytosed by the egg after gamete fusion. This process releases proteases, glycosidases, lectins and zinc onto the ZP, resulting in a series of changes in the properties of the egg coat that are collectively referred to as hardening. By drawing parallels with comparable modifications of the vitelline envelope of nonmammalian eggs, we discuss how CG‐dependent modifications of the ZP are thought to contribute to the block to polyspermy. Moreover, we argue for the importance of obtaining more information on the architecture of the ZP, as well as systematically investigating the many facets of ZP hardening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen Fahrenkamp
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition & Center for Innovative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Blanca Algarra
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition & Center for Innovative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Luca Jovine
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition & Center for Innovative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
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15
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Trebichalská Z, Holubcová Z. Perfect date-the review of current research into molecular bases of mammalian fertilization. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:243-256. [PMID: 31909446 PMCID: PMC7056734 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-019-01679-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Fertilization is a multistep process during which two terminally differentiated haploid cells, an egg and a sperm, combine to produce a totipotent diploid zygote. In the early 1950s, it became possible to fertilize mammalian eggs in vitro and study the sequence of cellular and molecular events leading to embryo development. Despite all the achievements of assisted reproduction in the last four decades, remarkably little is known about the molecular aspects of human conception. Current fertility research in animal models is casting more light on the complexity of the process all our lives start with. This review article provides an update on the investigation of mammalian fertilization and highlights the practical implications of scientific discoveries in the context of human reproduction and reproductive medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Trebichalská
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Zuzana Holubcová
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Brno, Czech Republic. .,Reprofit International, Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Brno, Czech Republic.
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16
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Pleiotropic effects of alpha-SNAP M105I mutation on oocyte biology: ultrastructural and cellular changes that adversely affect female fertility in mice. Sci Rep 2019; 9:17374. [PMID: 31758001 PMCID: PMC6874563 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-53574-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
After sperm-oocyte fusion, cortical granules (CGs) located in oocyte cortex undergo exocytosis and their content is released into the perivitelline space to avoid polyspermy. Thus, cortical granule exocytosis (CGE) is a key process for fertilization success. We have demonstrated that alpha-SNAP -and its functional partner NSF- mediate fusion of CGs with the plasma membrane in mouse oocytes. Here, we examined at cellular and ultrastructural level oocytes from hyh (hydrocephalus with hop gait) mice, which present a missense mutation in the Napa gene that results in the substitution of methionine for isoleucine at position 105 (M105I) of alpha-SNAP. Mutated alpha-SNAP was mislocalized in hyh oocytes while NSF expression increased during oocyte maturation. Staining of CGs showed that 9.8% of hyh oocytes had abnormal localization of CGs and oval shape. Functional tests showed that CGE was impaired in hyh oocytes. Interestingly, in vitro fertilization assays showed a decreased fertilization rate for hyh oocytes. Furthermore, fertilized hyh oocytes presented an increased polyspermy rate compared to wild type ones. At ultrastructural level, hyh oocytes showed small mitochondria and a striking accumulation and secretion of degradative structures. Our findings demonstrate the negative effects of alpha-SNAP M105 mutation on oocyte biology and further confirm the relevance of alpha-SNAP in female fertility.
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17
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Abstract
Mammalian embryogenesis depends on maternal factors accumulated in eggs prior to fertilization and on placental transfers later in gestation. In this review, we focus on initial events when the organism has insufficient newly synthesized embryonic factors to sustain development. These maternal factors regulate preimplantation embryogenesis both uniquely in pronuclear formation, genome reprogramming and cell fate determination and more universally in regulating cell division, transcription and RNA metabolism. Depletion, disruption or inappropriate persistence of maternal factors can result in developmental defects in early embryos. To better understand the origins of these maternal effects, we include oocyte maturation processes that are responsible for their production. We focus on recent publications and reference comprehensive reviews that include earlier scientific literature of early mouse development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Wu
- Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Biology, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States.
| | - Jurrien Dean
- Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Biology, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States.
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18
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Bhakta HH, Refai FH, Avella MA. The molecular mechanisms mediating mammalian fertilization. Development 2019; 146:146/15/dev176966. [PMID: 31375552 DOI: 10.1242/dev.176966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Fertilization is a key biological process in which the egg and sperm must recognize one another and fuse to form a zygote. Although the process is a continuum, mammalian fertilization has been studied as a sequence of steps: sperm bind and penetrate through the zona pellucida of the egg, adhere to the egg plasma membrane and finally fuse with the egg. Following fusion, effective blocks to polyspermy ensure monospermic fertilization. Here, we review how recent advances obtained using genetically modified mouse lines bring new insights into the molecular mechanisms regulating mammalian fertilization. We discuss models for these processes and we include studies showing that these mechanisms may be conserved across different mammalian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanisha H Bhakta
- Department of Biological Science, College of Engineering and Natural Sciences, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK 74104, USA
| | - Fares H Refai
- Department of Biological Science, College of Engineering and Natural Sciences, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK 74104, USA
| | - Matteo A Avella
- Department of Biological Science, College of Engineering and Natural Sciences, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK 74104, USA
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