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Kyrilis FL, Low JKK, Mackay JP, Kastritis PL. Structural biology in cellulo: Minding the gap between conceptualization and realization. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2024; 87:102843. [PMID: 38788606 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2024.102843] [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: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Recent technological advances have deepened our perception of cellular structure. However, most structural data doesn't originate from intact cells, limiting our understanding of cellular processes. Here, we discuss current and future developments that will bring us towards a structural picture of the cell. Electron cryotomography is the standard bearer, with its ability to provide in cellulo snapshots. Single-particle electron microscopy (of purified biomolecules and of complex mixtures) and covalent crosslinking combined with mass spectrometry also have significant roles to play, as do artificial intelligence algorithms in their many guises. To integrate these multiple approaches, data curation and standardisation will be critical - as is the need to expand efforts beyond our current protein-centric view to the other (macro)molecules that sustain life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fotis L Kyrilis
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece. https://twitter.com/Fotansky_16
| | - Jason K K Low
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Joel P Mackay
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
| | - Panagiotis L Kastritis
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece; Interdisciplinary Research Center HALOmem, Charles Tanford Protein Center, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Straße 3a, Halle/Saale, Germany; Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Straße 3, Halle/Saale, Germany; Biozentrum, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Weinbergweg 22, Halle/Saale, Germany.
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2
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Priego Espinosa D, Espinal-Enríquez J, Aldana A, Aldana M, Martínez-Mekler G, Carneiro J, Darszon A. Reviewing mathematical models of sperm signaling networks. Mol Reprod Dev 2024; 91:e23766. [PMID: 39175359 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23766] [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: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
Dave Garbers' work significantly contributed to our understanding of sperm's regulated motility, capacitation, and the acrosome reaction. These key sperm functions involve complex multistep signaling pathways engaging numerous finely orchestrated elements. Despite significant progress, many parameters and interactions among these elements remain elusive. Mathematical modeling emerges as a potent tool to study sperm physiology, providing a framework to integrate experimental results and capture functional dynamics considering biochemical, biophysical, and cellular elements. Depending on research objectives, different modeling strategies, broadly categorized into continuous and discrete approaches, reveal valuable insights into cell function. These models allow the exploration of hypotheses regarding molecules, conditions, and pathways, whenever they become challenging to evaluate experimentally. This review presents an overview of current theoretical and experimental efforts to understand sperm motility regulation, capacitation, and the acrosome reaction. We discuss the strengths and weaknesses of different modeling strategies and highlight key findings and unresolved questions. Notable discoveries include the importance of specific ion channels, the role of intracellular molecular heterogeneity in capacitation and the acrosome reaction, and the impact of pH changes on acrosomal exocytosis. Ultimately, this review underscores the crucial importance of mathematical frameworks in advancing our understanding of sperm physiology and guiding future experimental investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jesús Espinal-Enríquez
- Computational Genomics Division, National Institute of Genomic Medicine (INMEGEN), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Andrés Aldana
- Network Science Institute, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Maximino Aldana
- Centro de Ciencias de la Complejidad, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City, México
- Instituto de Ciencias Físicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, México
| | - Gustavo Martínez-Mekler
- Centro de Ciencias de la Complejidad, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City, México
- Instituto de Ciencias Físicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, México
| | - Jorge Carneiro
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Alberto Darszon
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, México
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3
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He Y, Wang B, Huang J, Zhang D, Yuan Y. Environmental pollutants and male infertility: Effects on CatSper. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 277:116341. [PMID: 38653022 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116341] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Infertility is a growing health concern among many couples worldwide. Men account for half of infertility cases. CatSper, a sperm-specific Ca2+ channel, is expressed on the cell membrane of mammalian sperm. CatSper plays an important role in male fertility because it facilitates the entry of Ca2+ necessary for the rapid change in sperm motility, thereby allowing it to navigate the hurdles of the female reproductive tract and successfully locate the egg. Many pollutants present in the environment have been shown to affect the functions of CatSper and sperm, which is a matter of capital importance to understanding and solving male infertility issues. Environmental pollutants can act as partial agonists or inhibitors of CatSper or exhibit a synergistic effect. In this article, we briefly describe the structure, functions, and regulatory mechanisms of CatSper, and discuss the body of literature covering the effects of environmental pollutants on CatSper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin He
- Nanchang University Queen Mary School, Jiangxi Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Binhui Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Jian Huang
- Clinical Medical Experimental Center, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Dalei Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Yangyang Yuan
- Clinical Medical Experimental Center, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China.
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4
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Chávez JC, Carrasquel-Martínez G, Hernández-Garduño S, Matamoros Volante A, Treviño CL, Nishigaki T, Darszon A. Cytosolic and Acrosomal pH Regulation in Mammalian Sperm. Cells 2024; 13:865. [PMID: 38786087 PMCID: PMC11120249 DOI: 10.3390/cells13100865] [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: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
As in most cells, intracellular pH regulation is fundamental for sperm physiology. Key sperm functions like swimming, maturation, and a unique exocytotic process, the acrosome reaction, necessary for gamete fusion, are deeply influenced by pH. Sperm pH regulation, both intracellularly and within organelles such as the acrosome, requires a coordinated interplay of various transporters and channels, ensuring that this cell is primed for fertilization. Consistent with the pivotal importance of pH regulation in mammalian sperm physiology, several of its unique transporters are dependent on cytosolic pH. Examples include the Ca2+ channel CatSper and the K+ channel Slo3. The absence of these channels leads to male infertility. This review outlines the main transport elements involved in pH regulation, including cytosolic and acrosomal pH, that participate in these complex functions. We present a glimpse of how these transporters are regulated and how distinct sets of them are orchestrated to allow sperm to fertilize the egg. Much research is needed to begin to envision the complete set of players and the choreography of how cytosolic and organellar pH are regulated in each sperm function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio C. Chávez
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología (IBT), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca 62210, Morelos, Mexico; (J.C.C.); (G.C.-M.)
| | - Gabriela Carrasquel-Martínez
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología (IBT), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca 62210, Morelos, Mexico; (J.C.C.); (G.C.-M.)
- CITMER, Medicina Reproductiva, México City 11520, Mexico
| | - Sandra Hernández-Garduño
- Departamento de Morfología, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), México City 04510, Mexico;
| | - Arturo Matamoros Volante
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and School of Biomedical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA;
| | - Claudia L. Treviño
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología (IBT), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca 62210, Morelos, Mexico; (J.C.C.); (G.C.-M.)
| | - Takuya Nishigaki
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología (IBT), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca 62210, Morelos, Mexico; (J.C.C.); (G.C.-M.)
| | - Alberto Darszon
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología (IBT), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca 62210, Morelos, Mexico; (J.C.C.); (G.C.-M.)
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5
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Hwang JY. Sperm hyperactivation and the CatSper channel: current understanding and future contribution of domestic animals. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2024; 66:443-456. [PMID: 38975583 PMCID: PMC11222122 DOI: 10.5187/jast.2023.e133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
In female tract, mammalian sperm develop hyperactivated motility which is a key physiological event for sperm to fertilize eggs. This motility change is triggered by Ca2+ influx via the sperm-specific Ca2+ channel, CatSper. Although previous studies in human and mice largely contributed to understanding CatSper and Ca2+ signaling for sperm hyperactivation, the differences on their activation mechanisms are not well understood yet. There are several studies to examine expression and significance of the CatSper channel in non-human and non-mouse models, such as domestic animals. In this review, I summarize key knowledge for the CatSper channel from previous studies and propose future aspects for CatSper study using sperm from domestic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Yeon Hwang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Korea
- Institute of Systems Biology, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Korea
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6
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Lee KH, Hwang JY. Ca 2+ homeostasis and male fertility: a target for a new male contraceptive system. Anim Cells Syst (Seoul) 2024; 28:171-183. [PMID: 38686363 PMCID: PMC11057403 DOI: 10.1080/19768354.2024.2345647] [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: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Ca2+ is a key secondary messenger that determines sperm motility patterns. Mammalian sperm undergo capacitation, a process to acquire fertilizing ability, in the female reproductive tract. Capacitated sperm change their flagellar waveform to develop hyperactivated motility, which is crucial for successful sperm navigation to the eggs and fertilization. The sperm-specific channel, CATSPER, and an ATPase transporter, PMCA4, serve as major paths for Ca2+ influx and efflux, respectively, in sperm. The ionic paths coordinate Ca2+ homeostasis in the sperm, and their loss-of-function impairs sperm motility, to cause male infertility. In this review, we summarize the physiological significance of these two Ca2+ gates and suggest their potential applications in novel male contraceptives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung-Ha Lee
- Department of Molecular Biology, Pusan National University, Busan, South Korea
- Institute of Systems Biology, Pusan National University, Busan, South Korea
| | - Jae Yeon Hwang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Pusan National University, Busan, South Korea
- Institute of Systems Biology, Pusan National University, Busan, South Korea
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7
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Antonouli S, Di Nisio V, Messini C, Samara M, Salumets A, Daponte A, Anifandis G. Sperm plasma membrane ion transporters and male fertility potential: A perspective under the prism of cryopreservation. Cryobiology 2024; 114:104845. [PMID: 38184269 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2023.104845] [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: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
Intracellular calcium homeostasis plays a crucial role in spermatozoa by regulating physiological functions associated with sperm quality and male fertility potential. Intracellular calcium fine balance in the sperm cytoplasm is strictly dependent on sperm surface channels including the CatSper channel. CatSpers' role is to ensure the influx of extracellular calcium, while intracellular pH alkalinization serves as a stimulus for the activation of several channels, including CatSper. Overall, the generation of intracellular calcium spikes through CatSper is essential for fertilization-related processes, such as sperm hyperactivation, acrosome reaction, egg chemotaxis, and zona pellucida penetration. Multiple lines of evidence suggest that disruption in the close interaction among ions, pH, and CatSper could impair male fertility potential. In contemporary times, the growing reliance on Medically Assisted Reproduction procedures underscores the impact of cryopreservation on gametes. In fact, a large body of literature raises concerns about the cryo-damages provoked by the freeze-thawing processes, that can affect the plasma membrane integrity, thus the structure of pivotal ion channels, and the fine regulation of both intracellular calcium and pH. This review aims to provide an overview of the importance of the CatSper channel in sperm quality and further fertilization potential. Additionally, it addresses the emerging issue of cryopreservation's impact on the functionality of this sperm channel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sevastiani Antonouli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larisa, Greece.
| | - Valentina Di Nisio
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Christina Messini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larisa, Greece.
| | - Maria Samara
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larisa, Greece.
| | - Andres Salumets
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia; Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu, Estonia.
| | - Alexandros Daponte
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larisa, Greece.
| | - George Anifandis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larisa, Greece.
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Das P, Mekonnen B, Alkhofash R, Ingle AV, Workman EB, Feather A, Zhang G, Chasen N, Liu P, Lechtreck KF. The Small Interactor of PKD2 protein promotes the assembly and ciliary entry of the Chlamydomonas PKD2-mastigoneme complexes. J Cell Sci 2024; 137:jcs261497. [PMID: 38063216 PMCID: PMC10846610 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.261497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
In Chlamydomonas, the channel polycystin 2 (PKD2) is primarily present in the distal region of cilia, where it is attached to the axoneme and mastigonemes, extracellular polymers of MST1. In a smaller proximal ciliary region that lacks mastigonemes, PKD2 is more mobile. We show that the PKD2 regions are established early during ciliogenesis and increase proportionally in length as cilia elongate. In chimeric zygotes, tagged PKD2 rapidly entered the proximal region of PKD2-deficient cilia, whereas the assembly of the distal region was hindered, suggesting that axonemal binding of PKD2 requires de novo assembly of cilia. We identified the protein Small Interactor of PKD2 (SIP), a PKD2-related, single-pass transmembrane protein, as part of the PKD2-mastigoneme complex. In sip mutants, stability and proteolytic processing of PKD2 in the cell body were reduced and PKD2-mastigoneme complexes were absent from the cilia. Like the pkd2 and mst1 mutants, sip mutant cells swam with reduced velocity. Cilia of the pkd2 mutant beat with an increased frequency but were less efficient in moving the cells, suggesting a structural role for the PKD2-SIP-mastigoneme complex in increasing the effective surface of Chlamydomonas cilia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poulomi Das
- Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Betlehem Mekonnen
- Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Rama Alkhofash
- Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Abha V. Ingle
- Department of Computer Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - E. Blair Workman
- Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Alec Feather
- Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Gui Zhang
- Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Nathan Chasen
- Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Peiwei Liu
- Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Karl F. Lechtreck
- Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
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9
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Corkidi G, Montoya F, González-Cota AL, Hernández-Herrera P, Bruce NC, Bloomfield-Gadêlha H, Darszon A. Human sperm rotate with a conserved direction during free swimming in four dimensions. J Cell Sci 2023; 136:jcs261306. [PMID: 37902031 PMCID: PMC10729817 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.261306] [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: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Head rotation in human spermatozoa is essential for different swimming modes and fertilisation, as it links the molecular workings of the flagellar beat with sperm motion in three-dimensional (3D) space over time. Determining the direction of head rotation has been hindered by the symmetry and translucent nature of the sperm head, and by the fast 3D motion driven by the helical flagellar beat. Analysis has been mostly restricted to two-dimensional (2D) single focal plane image analysis, which enables tracking of head centre position but not tracking of head rotation. Despite the conserved helical beating of the human sperm flagellum, human sperm head rotation has been reported to be uni- or bi-directional, and even to intermittently change direction in a given cell. Here, we directly measure the head rotation of freely swimming human sperm using multi-plane 4D (3D+t) microscopy and show that: (1) 2D microscopy is unable to distinguish head rotation direction in human spermatozoa; (2) head rotation direction in non-capacitating and capacitating solutions, for both aqueous and viscous media, is counterclockwise (CCW), as seen from head to tail, in all rotating spermatozoa, regardless of the experimental conditions; and (3) head rotation is suppressed in 36% of spermatozoa swimming in non-capacitating viscous medium, although CCW rotation is recovered after incubation in capacitating conditions within the same viscous medium, possibly unveiling an unexplored aspect of the essential need of capacitation for fertilisation. Our observations show that the CCW head rotation in human sperm is conserved. It constitutes a robust and persistent helical driving mechanism that influences sperm navigation in 3D space over time, and thus is of critical importance in cell motility, propulsion of flagellated microorganisms, sperm motility assessments, human reproduction research, and self-organisation of flagellar beating patterns and swimming in 3D space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Corkidi
- Laboratorio de Imágenes y Visión por Computadora, Departamento de Ingeniería Celular y Biocatálisis, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca 62210, México
| | - Fernando Montoya
- Laboratorio de Imágenes y Visión por Computadora, Departamento de Ingeniería Celular y Biocatálisis, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca 62210, México
| | - Ana L. González-Cota
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular and Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca 62210, México
| | - Paul Hernández-Herrera
- Laboratorio Nacional de Microscopía Avanzada, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca 62210, México
| | - Neil C. Bruce
- Instituto de Ciencias Aplicadas y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Exterior S/N, Ciudad Universitaria, 04510 Ciudad de México, México
| | - Hermes Bloomfield-Gadêlha
- School of Engineering Mathematics and Technology & Bristol Robotics Laboratory, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TW, UK
| | - Alberto Darszon
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular and Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca 62210, México
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10
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Huang X, Miyata H, Wang H, Mori G, Iida-Norita R, Ikawa M, Percudani R, Chung JJ. A CUG-initiated CATSPERθ functions in the CatSper channel assembly and serves as a checkpoint for flagellar trafficking. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2304409120. [PMID: 37725640 PMCID: PMC10523455 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2304409120] [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: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Calcium signaling is critical for successful fertilization. In spermatozoa, calcium influx into the sperm flagella mediated by the sperm-specific CatSper calcium channel is necessary for hyperactivated motility and male fertility. CatSper is a macromolecular complex and is repeatedly arranged in zigzag rows within four linear nanodomains along the sperm flagella. Here, we report that the Tmem249-encoded transmembrane (TM) domain-containing protein, CATSPERθ is essential for the CatSper channel assembly during sperm tail formation. CATSPERθ facilitates the channel assembly by serving as a scaffold for a pore-forming subunit CATSPER4. CATSPERθ is specifically localized at the interface of a CatSper dimer and can self-interact, suggesting its potential role in CatSper dimer formation. Male mice lacking CATSPERθ are infertile because the sperm lack the entire CatSper channel from sperm flagella, rendering sperm unable to hyperactivate, regardless of their normal expression in the testis. In contrast, genetic abrogation of any of the other CatSper TM subunits results in loss of CATSPERθ protein in the spermatid cells during spermatogenesis. CATSPERθ might act as a checkpoint for the properly assembled CatSper channel complex to traffic to sperm flagella. This study provides insights into the CatSper channel assembly and elucidates the physiological role of CATSPERθ in sperm motility and male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofang Huang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT06510
| | - Haruhiko Miyata
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita565-0871, Japan
| | - Huafeng Wang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT06510
| | - Giulia Mori
- Department of Chemistry, Life sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma43124, Italy
| | - Rie Iida-Norita
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita565-0871, Japan
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita565-0871, Japan
| | - Riccardo Percudani
- Department of Chemistry, Life sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma43124, Italy
| | - Jean-Ju Chung
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT06510
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT06510
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11
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Vicente-Carrillo A, Álvarez-Rodríguez M, Rodriguez-Martinez H. The Cation/Calcium Channel of Sperm (CatSper): A Common Role Played Despite Inter-Species Variation? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13750. [PMID: 37762052 PMCID: PMC10531172 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813750] [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: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The main cation/calcium channel of spermatozoa (CatSper), first identified in 2001, has been thoroughly studied to elucidate its composition and function, while its distribution among species and sperm sources is yet incomplete. CatSper is composed of several subunits that build a pore-forming calcium channel, mainly activated in vivo in ejaculated sperm cells by intracellular alkalinization and progesterone, as suggested by the in vitro examinations. The CatSper channel relevance is dual: to maintain sperm homeostasis (alongside the plethora of membrane channels present) as well as being involved in pre-fertilization events, such as sperm capacitation, hyperactivation of sperm motility and the acrosome reaction, with remarkable species differences. Interestingly, the observed variations in CatSper localization in the plasma membrane seem to depend on the source of the sperm cells explored (i.e., epididymal or ejaculated, immature or mature, processed or not), the method used for examination and, particularly, on the specificity of the antibodies employed. In addition, despite multiple findings showing the relevance of CatSper in fertilization, few studies have studied CatSper as a biomarker to fine-tune diagnosis of sub-fertility in livestock or even consider its potential to control fertilization in plague animals, a more ethically defensible strategy than implicating CatSper to pharmacologically modify male-related fertility control in humans, pets or wild animals. This review describes inter- and intra-species differences in the localization, structure and function of the CatSper channel, calling for caution when considering its potential manipulation for fertility control or improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Vicente-Carrillo
- Department of Animal Production, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Álvarez-Rodríguez
- Department Animal Reproduction, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (INIA-CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
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12
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Grahn E, Kaufmann SV, Askarova M, Ninov M, Welp LM, Berger TK, Urlaub H, Kaupp UB. Control of intracellular pH and bicarbonate by CO 2 diffusion into human sperm. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5395. [PMID: 37669933 PMCID: PMC10480191 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40855-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The reaction of CO2 with H2O to form bicarbonate (HCO3-) and H+ controls sperm motility and fertilization via HCO3--stimulated cAMP synthesis. A complex network of signaling proteins participates in this reaction. Here, we identify key players that regulate intracellular pH (pHi) and HCO3- in human sperm by quantitative mass spectrometry (MS) and kinetic patch-clamp fluorometry. The resting pHi is set by amiloride-sensitive Na+/H+ exchange. The sperm-specific putative Na+/H+ exchanger SLC9C1, unlike its sea urchin homologue, is not gated by voltage or cAMP. Transporters and channels implied in HCO3- transport are not detected, and may be present at copy numbers < 10 molecules/sperm cell. Instead, HCO3- is produced by diffusion of CO2 into cells and readjustment of the CO2/HCO3-/H+ equilibrium. The proton channel Hv1 may serve as a unidirectional valve that blunts the acidification ensuing from HCO3- synthesis. This work provides a new framework for the study of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Grahn
- Max Planck Institute for Neurobiology of Behavior-caesar, Molecular Sensory Systems, Ludwig-Erhard-Allee 2, 53175, Bonn, Germany
| | - Svenja V Kaufmann
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Malika Askarova
- Max Planck Institute for Neurobiology of Behavior-caesar, Molecular Sensory Systems, Ludwig-Erhard-Allee 2, 53175, Bonn, Germany
| | - Momchil Ninov
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
- University Medical Center Göttingen, Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Bioanalytics, Robert-Koch-Strasse 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Luisa M Welp
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
- University Medical Center Göttingen, Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Bioanalytics, Robert-Koch-Strasse 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Thomas K Berger
- Max Planck Institute for Neurobiology of Behavior-caesar, Molecular Sensory Systems, Ludwig-Erhard-Allee 2, 53175, Bonn, Germany.
- Department of Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Philipps-University Marburg, Deutschhausstrasse 1-2, 35037, Marburg, Germany.
| | - Henning Urlaub
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077, Göttingen, Germany.
- University Medical Center Göttingen, Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Bioanalytics, Robert-Koch-Strasse 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany.
- Cluster of Excellence, Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells (MBExC), University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - U Benjamin Kaupp
- Max Planck Institute for Neurobiology of Behavior-caesar, Molecular Sensory Systems, Ludwig-Erhard-Allee 2, 53175, Bonn, Germany.
- Life & Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES), University Bonn, Carl-Troll-Strasse 31, 53115, Bonn, Germany.
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13
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Mariani NAP, Silva JV, Fardilha M, Silva EJR. Advances in non-hormonal male contraception targeting sperm motility. Hum Reprod Update 2023; 29:545-569. [PMID: 37141450 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmad008] [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: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The high rates of unintended pregnancy and the ever-growing world population impose health, economic, social, and environmental threats to countries. Expanding contraceptive options, including male methods, are urgently needed to tackle these global challenges. Male contraception is limited to condoms and vasectomy, which are unsuitable for many couples. Thus, novel male contraceptive methods may reduce unintended pregnancies, meet the contraceptive needs of couples, and foster gender equality in carrying the contraceptive burden. In this regard, the spermatozoon emerges as a source of druggable targets for on-demand, non-hormonal male contraception based on disrupting sperm motility or fertilization. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE A better understanding of the molecules governing sperm motility can lead to innovative approaches toward safe and effective male contraceptives. This review discusses cutting-edge knowledge on sperm-specific targets for male contraception, focusing on those with crucial roles in sperm motility. We also highlight challenges and opportunities in male contraceptive drug development targeting spermatozoa. SEARCH METHODS We conducted a literature search in the PubMed database using the following keywords: 'spermatozoa', 'sperm motility', 'male contraception', and 'drug targets' in combination with other related terms to the field. Publications until January 2023 written in English were considered. OUTCOMES Efforts for developing non-hormonal strategies for male contraception resulted in the identification of candidates specifically expressed or enriched in spermatozoa, including enzymes (PP1γ2, GAPDHS, and sAC), ion channels (CatSper and KSper), transmembrane transporters (sNHE, SLC26A8, and ATP1A4), and surface proteins (EPPIN). These targets are usually located in the sperm flagellum. Their indispensable roles in sperm motility and male fertility were confirmed by genetic or immunological approaches using animal models and gene mutations associated with male infertility due to sperm defects in humans. Their druggability was demonstrated by the identification of drug-like small organic ligands displaying spermiostatic activity in preclinical trials. WIDER IMPLICATIONS A wide range of sperm-associated proteins has arisen as key regulators of sperm motility, providing compelling druggable candidates for male contraception. Nevertheless, no pharmacological agent has reached clinical developmental stages. One reason is the slow progress in translating the preclinical and drug discovery findings into a drug-like candidate adequate for clinical development. Thus, intense collaboration among academia, private sectors, governments, and regulatory agencies will be crucial to combine expertise for the development of male contraceptives targeting sperm function by (i) improving target structural characterization and the design of highly selective ligands, (ii) conducting long-term preclinical safety, efficacy, and reversibility evaluation, and (iii) establishing rigorous guidelines and endpoints for clinical trials and regulatory evaluation, thus allowing their testing in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemia A P Mariani
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Joana V Silva
- Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
- QOPNA & LAQV, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
- Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Margarida Fardilha
- Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Erick J R Silva
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil
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14
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Ke S, Luo T. The Chemosensing Role of CatSper in Mammalian Sperm: An Updated Review. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:6995-7010. [PMID: 37754226 PMCID: PMC10528052 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45090442] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
After sperm enter the female reproductive tract, the physicochemical and biochemical microenvironment undergoes significant changes. In particular, the large changes in various ions encountered by sperm may alter the physiology of sperm, ultimately compromising capacitation and fertilization. Thus, the rapid response to environmental variations is vital for sperm functions. For example, Calcium, the most crucial ion for sperm functions, enters into sperm via Ca2+ permeable ion channels. The cation channel of sperm (CatSper) is a sperm-specific, pH-sensitive, and Ca2+-permeable ion channel. It is responsible for the predominant Ca2+ entry in mammalian sperm and is involved in nearly every event of sperm to acquire fertilizing capability. In addition, CatSper also serves as a pivotal polymodal chemosensor in mammalian sperm by responding to multiple chemical cues. Physiological chemicals (such as progesterone, prostaglandins, β-defensins, and odorants) provoke Ca2+ entry into sperm by activating CatSper and thus triggering sperm functions. Additionally, synthetic and natural chemicals (such as medicines, endocrine disrupting chemicals, drugs of abuse, and antioxidants) affect sperm functions by regulating CatSper-dependent Ca2+ signaling. Therefore, understanding the interactions between CatSper and extracellular ligands sheds light on the mechanisms underlying male infertility and offers innovative diagnostic and treatment approaches. This underscores the importance of CatSper as a crucial regulatory target in male reproduction, linking sperm function with the extracellular environment. In conclusion, this review comprehensively summarizes the relevant studies describing the environmental factors that affect CatSper in humans and rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sulun Ke
- Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China;
- Queen Mary School, Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Tao Luo
- Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China;
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology in Jiangxi Province, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
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15
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Wehrli L, Galdadas I, Voirol L, Smieško M, Cambet Y, Jaquet V, Guerrier S, Gervasio FL, Nef S, Rahban R. The action of physiological and synthetic steroids on the calcium channel CatSper in human sperm. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1221578. [PMID: 37547474 PMCID: PMC10397409 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1221578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The sperm-specific channel CatSper (cation channel of sperm) controls the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and plays an essential role in sperm function. It is mainly activated by the steroid progesterone (P4) but is also promiscuously activated by a wide range of synthetic and physiological compounds. These compounds include diverse steroids whose action on the channel is so far still controversial. To investigate the effect of these compounds on CatSper and sperm function, we developed a high-throughput screening (HTS) assay to measure changes in [Ca2+]i in human sperm and screened 1,280 approved and off-patent drugs including 90 steroids from the Prestwick chemical library. More than half of the steroids tested (53%) induced an increase in [Ca2+]i and reduced the P4-induced Ca2+ influx in human sperm in a dose-dependent manner. Ten of the most potent steroids (activating and P4-inhibiting) were selected for a detailed analysis of their action on CatSper and their ability to act on sperm acrosome reaction (AR) and penetration in viscous media. We found that these steroids show an inhibitory effect on P4 but not on prostaglandin E1-induced CatSper activation, suggesting that they compete for the same binding site as P4. Pregnenolone, dydrogesterone, epiandrosterone, nandrolone, and dehydroepiandrosterone acetate (DHEA) were found to activate CatSper at physiologically relevant concentrations within the nanomolar range. Like P4, most tested steroids did not significantly affect the AR while stanozolol and estropipate slightly increased sperm penetration into viscous medium. Furthermore, using a hybrid approach integrating pharmacophore analysis and statistical modelling, we were able to screen in silico for steroids that can activate the channel and define the physicochemical and structural properties required for a steroid to exhibit agonist activity against CatSper. Overall, our results indicate that not only physiological but also synthetic steroids can modulate the activity of CatSper with varying potency and if bound to CatSper prior to P4, could impair the timely CatSper activation necessary for proper fertilization to occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Wehrli
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ioannis Galdadas
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Lionel Voirol
- Research Center for Statistics, Geneva School of Economics and Management, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Martin Smieško
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Yves Cambet
- Readers, Assay Development and Screening Unit (READS Unit), Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Vincent Jaquet
- Readers, Assay Development and Screening Unit (READS Unit), Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Stéphane Guerrier
- Research Center for Statistics, Geneva School of Economics and Management, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Faculty of Science, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Francesco Luigi Gervasio
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Serge Nef
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Rita Rahban
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), Basel, Switzerland
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16
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Das P, Mekonnen B, Alkhofash R, Ingle A, Workman EB, Feather A, Liu P, Lechtreck KF. Small Interactor of PKD2 (SIP), a novel PKD2-related single-pass transmembrane protein, is required for proteolytic processing and ciliary import of Chlamydomonas PKD2. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.13.544839. [PMID: 37398320 PMCID: PMC10312728 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.13.544839] [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
In Chlamydomonas cilia, the ciliopathy-relevant TRP channel PKD2 is spatially compartmentalized into a distal region, in which PKD2 binds the axoneme and extracellular mastigonemes, and a smaller proximal region, in which PKD2 is more mobile and lacks mastigonemes. Here, we show that the two PKD2 regions are established early during cilia regeneration and increase in length as cilia elongate. In abnormally long cilia, only the distal region elongated whereas both regions adjusted in length during cilia shortening. In dikaryon rescue experiments, tagged PKD2 rapidly entered the proximal region of PKD2-deficient cilia whereas assembly of the distal region was hindered, suggesting that axonemal docking of PKD2 requires de novo ciliary assembly. We identified Small Interactor of PKD2 (SIP), a small PKD2-related protein, as a novel component of the PKD2-mastigoneme complex. In sip mutants, stability and proteolytic processing of PKD2 in the cell body were reduced and PKD2-mastigoneme complexes were absent from mutant cilia. Like the pkd2 and mst1 mutants, sip swims with reduced velocity. Cilia of the pkd2 mutant beat with normal frequency and bending pattern but were less efficient in moving cells supporting a passive role of the PKD2-SIP-mastigoneme complexes in increasing the effective surface of Chlamydomonas cilia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poulomi Das
- Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602
| | - Betlehem Mekonnen
- Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602
| | - Rama Alkhofash
- Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602
| | - Abha Ingle
- Department of Computer Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602
| | - E. Blair Workman
- Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602
| | - Alec Feather
- Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602
| | | | - Karl F. Lechtreck
- Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602
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17
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Hwang JY, Chung JJ. CatSper Calcium Channels: 20 Years On. Physiology (Bethesda) 2023; 38:0. [PMID: 36512352 PMCID: PMC10085559 DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00028.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The flagellar-specific Ca2+ channel CatSper is the predominant Ca2+ entry site in mammalian sperm. CatSper-mediated Ca2+ signaling affects nearly every event that regulates sperm to acquire fertilizing capability. In this review, we summarize some of the main findings from 20 years of CatSper research and highlight recent progress and prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Yeon Hwang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Jean-Ju Chung
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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18
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Pinto FM, Odriozola A, Candenas L, Subirán N. The Role of Sperm Membrane Potential and Ion Channels in Regulating Sperm Function. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:6995. [PMID: 37108159 PMCID: PMC10138380 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24086995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
During the last seventy years, studies on mammalian sperm cells have demonstrated the essential role of capacitation, hyperactivation and the acrosome reaction in the acquisition of fertilization ability. These studies revealed the important biochemical and physiological changes that sperm undergo in their travel throughout the female genital tract, including changes in membrane fluidity, the activation of soluble adenylate cyclase, increases in intracellular pH and Ca2+ and the development of motility. Sperm are highly polarized cells, with a resting membrane potential of about -40 mV, which must rapidly adapt to the ionic changes occurring through the sperm membrane. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the relationship between variations in the sperm potential membrane, including depolarization and hyperpolarization, and their correlation with changes in sperm motility and capacitation to further lead to the acrosome reaction, a calcium-dependent exocytosis process. We also review the functionality of different ion channels that are present in spermatozoa in order to understand their association with human infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco M. Pinto
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas, CSIC-University of Sevilla, Avenida Américo Vespucio 49, 41092 Sevilla, Spain;
| | - Ainize Odriozola
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursery, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Bizkaia, Spain; (A.O.); (N.S.)
- Biocruces-Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain
- MEPRO Medical Reproductive Solutions, 20009 San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Luz Candenas
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas, CSIC-University of Sevilla, Avenida Américo Vespucio 49, 41092 Sevilla, Spain;
| | - Nerea Subirán
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursery, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Bizkaia, Spain; (A.O.); (N.S.)
- Biocruces-Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain
- MEPRO Medical Reproductive Solutions, 20009 San Sebastian, Spain
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19
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Berger C, Premaraj N, Ravelli RBG, Knoops K, López-Iglesias C, Peters PJ. Cryo-electron tomography on focused ion beam lamellae transforms structural cell biology. Nat Methods 2023; 20:499-511. [PMID: 36914814 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-023-01783-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Cryogenic electron microscopy and data processing enable the determination of structures of isolated macromolecules to near-atomic resolution. However, these data do not provide structural information in the cellular environment where macromolecules perform their native functions, and vital molecular interactions can be lost during the isolation process. Cryogenic focused ion beam (FIB) fabrication generates thin lamellae of cellular samples and tissues, enabling structural studies on the near-native cellular interior and its surroundings by cryogenic electron tomography (cryo-ET). Cellular cryo-ET benefits from the technological developments in electron microscopes, detectors and data processing, and more in situ structures are being obtained and at increasingly higher resolution. In this Review, we discuss recent studies employing cryo-ET on FIB-generated lamellae and the technological developments in ultrarapid sample freezing, FIB fabrication of lamellae, tomography, data processing and correlative light and electron microscopy that have enabled these studies. Finally, we explore the future of cryo-ET in terms of both methods development and biological application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casper Berger
- Division of Nanoscopy, Maastricht MultiModal Molecular Imaging Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Structural Biology, The Rosalind Franklin Institute, Didcot, UK
| | - Navya Premaraj
- Division of Nanoscopy, Maastricht MultiModal Molecular Imaging Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Raimond B G Ravelli
- Division of Nanoscopy, Maastricht MultiModal Molecular Imaging Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Kèvin Knoops
- Division of Nanoscopy, Maastricht MultiModal Molecular Imaging Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Carmen López-Iglesias
- Division of Nanoscopy, Maastricht MultiModal Molecular Imaging Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Peter J Peters
- Division of Nanoscopy, Maastricht MultiModal Molecular Imaging Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
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20
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Huang X, Miyata H, Wang H, Mori G, Iida-Norita R, Ikawa M, Percudani R, Chung JJ. A CUG-initiated CATSPERθ functions in the CatSper channel assembly and serves as a checkpoint for flagellar trafficking. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.17.532952. [PMID: 36993167 PMCID: PMC10055175 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.17.532952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Calcium signaling is critical for successful fertilization. In spermatozoa, calcium influx into the sperm flagella mediated by the sperm specific CatSper calcium channel is necessary for hyperactivated motility and male fertility. CatSper is a macromolecular complex and is repeatedly arranged in zigzag rows within four linear nanodomains along the sperm flagella. Here, we report that the Tmem249 -encoded transmembrane domain containing protein, CATSPERθ, is essential for the CatSper channel assembly during sperm tail formation. CATSPERθ facilitates the channel assembly by serving as a scaffold for a pore forming subunit CATSPER4. CATSPERθ is specifically localized at the interface of a CatSper dimer and can self-interact, suggesting its potential role in CatSper dimer formation. Male mice lacking CATSPERθ are infertile because the sperm lack the entire CatSper channel from sperm flagella, rendering sperm unable to hyperactivate, regardless of their normal expression in the testis. In contrast, genetic abrogation of any of the other CatSper transmembrane subunits results in loss of CATSPERθ protein in the spermatid cells during spermatogenesis. CATSPERθ might acts as a checkpoint for the properly assembled CatSper channel complex to traffic to sperm flagella. This study provides insights into the CatSper channel assembly and elucidates the physiological role of CATSPERθ in sperm motility and male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofang Huang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Haruhiko Miyata
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita 5650871, Japan
| | - Huafeng Wang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Giulia Mori
- Department of Chemistry, Life sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma 43124, Italy
| | - Rie Iida-Norita
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita 5650871, Japan
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita 5650871, Japan
| | - Riccardo Percudani
- Department of Chemistry, Life sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma 43124, Italy
| | - Jean-Ju Chung
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06510
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21
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Pereira R, Sousa M. Morphological and Molecular Bases of Male Infertility: A Closer Look at Sperm Flagellum. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14020383. [PMID: 36833310 PMCID: PMC9956255 DOI: 10.3390/genes14020383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Infertility is a major health problem worldwide without an effective therapy or cure. It is estimated to affect 8-12% of couples in the reproductive age group, equally affecting both genders. There is no single cause of infertility, and its knowledge is still far from complete, with about 30% of infertile couples having no cause identified (named idiopathic infertility). Among male causes of infertility, asthenozoospermia (i.e., reduced sperm motility) is one of the most observed, being estimated that more than 20% of infertile men have this condition. In recent years, many researchers have focused on possible factors leading to asthenozoospermia, revealing the existence of many cellular and molecular players. So far, more than 4000 genes are thought to be involved in sperm production and as regulators of different aspects of sperm development, maturation, and function, and all can potentially cause male infertility if mutated. In this review, we aim to give a brief overview of the typical sperm flagellum morphology and compile some of the most relevant information regarding the genetic factors involved in male infertility, with a focus on sperm immotility and on genes related to sperm flagellum development, structure, or function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rute Pereira
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy, ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- UMIB-Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ITR-Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +35-1918-127-817
| | - Mário Sousa
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy, ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- UMIB-Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ITR-Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
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22
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Luque GM, Schiavi-Ehrenhaus LJ, Jabloñski M, Balestrini PA, Novero AG, Torres NI, Osycka-Salut CE, Darszon A, Krapf D, Buffone MG. High-throughput screening method for discovering CatSper inhibitors using membrane depolarization caused by external calcium chelation and fluorescent cell barcoding. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1010306. [PMID: 36743410 PMCID: PMC9892719 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1010306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The exclusive expression of CatSper in sperm and its critical role in sperm function makes this channel an attractive target for contraception. The strategy of blocking CatSper as a male, non-hormonal contraceptive has not been fully explored due to the lack of robust screening methods to discover novel and specific inhibitors. The reason for this lack of appropriate methodology is the structural and functional complexity of this channel. We have developed a high-throughput method to screen drugs with the capacity to block CatSper in mammalian sperm. The assay is based on removing external free divalent cations by chelation, inducing CatSper to efficiently conduct monovalent cations. Since Na+ is highly concentrated in the extracellular milieu, a sudden influx depolarizes the cell. Using CatSper1 KO sperm we demonstrated that this depolarization depends on CatSper function. A membrane potential (Em) assay was combined with fluorescent cell barcoding (FCB), enabling higher throughput flow cytometry based on unique fluorescent signatures of different sperm samples. These differentially labeled samples incubated in distinct experimental conditions can be combined into one tube for simultaneous acquisition. In this way, acquisition times are highly reduced, which is essential to perform larger screening experiments for drug discovery using live cells. Altogether, a simple strategy for assessing CatSper was validated, and this assay was used to develop a high-throughput drug screening for new CatSper blockers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermina M. Luque
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina,*Correspondence: Guillermina M. Luque, ; Mariano G. Buffone,
| | | | - Martina Jabloñski
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Paula A. Balestrini
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Analia G. Novero
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (CONICET-UNR), Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Nicolás I. Torres
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Claudia E. Osycka-Salut
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas, Universidad Nacional de San Martín (UNSAM-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Dario Krapf
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (CONICET-UNR), Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Mariano G. Buffone
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina,*Correspondence: Guillermina M. Luque, ; Mariano G. Buffone,
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23
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Frintrop L, Wiesehöfer C, Stoskus A, Hilken G, Dubicanac M, von Ostau NE, Rode S, Elgeti J, Dankert JT, Wennemuth G. cAMP and the Fibrous Sheath Protein CABYR (Ca2+-Binding Tyrosine-Phosphorylation-Regulated Protein) Is Required for 4D Sperm Movement. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810607. [PMID: 36142535 PMCID: PMC9502204 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A new life starts with successful fertilization whereby one sperm from a pool of millions fertilizes the oocyte. Sperm motility is one key factor for this selection process, which depends on a coordinated flagellar movement. The flagellar beat cycle is regulated by Ca2+ entry via CatSper, cAMP, Mg2+, ADP and ATP. This study characterizes the effects of these parameters for 4D sperm motility, especially for flagellar movement and the conserved clockwise (CW) path chirality of murine sperm. Therefore, we use detergent-extracted mouse sperm and digital holographic microscopy (DHM) to show that a balanced ratio of ATP to Mg2+ in addition with 18 µM cAMP and 1 mM ADP is necessary for controlled flagellar movement, induction of rolling along the long axis and CW path chirality. Rolling along the sperm’s long axis, a proposed mechanism for sperm selection, is absent in sea urchin sperm, lacking flagellar fibrous sheath (FS) and outer-dense fibers (ODFs). In sperm lacking CABYR, a Ca2+-binding tyrosine-phosphorylation regulated protein located in the FS, the swim path chirality is preserved. We conclude that specific concentrations of ATP, ADP, cAMP and Mg2+ as well as a functional CABYR play an important role for sperm motility especially for path chirality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Frintrop
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Caroline Wiesehöfer
- Institute of Anatomy, Department of Anatomy, University Duisburg-Essen, 47057 Essen, Germany
| | - Aura Stoskus
- Institute of Anatomy, Department of Anatomy, University Duisburg-Essen, 47057 Essen, Germany
| | - Gero Hilken
- Central Animal Laboratory, University Hospital Essen, 47057 Essen, Germany
| | - Marko Dubicanac
- Central Animal Laboratory, University Hospital Essen, 47057 Essen, Germany
| | | | - Sebastian Rode
- Theoretical Soft Matter and Biophysics, Institute of Complex Systems and Institute for Advanced Simulation, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Jens Elgeti
- Theoretical Soft Matter and Biophysics, Institute of Complex Systems and Institute for Advanced Simulation, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Jaroslaw Thomas Dankert
- Institute of Anatomy, Department of Anatomy, University Duisburg-Essen, 47057 Essen, Germany
| | - Gunther Wennemuth
- Institute of Anatomy, Department of Anatomy, University Duisburg-Essen, 47057 Essen, Germany
- Correspondence:
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