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Lu W, Li Y, Meng L, Tan C, Nie H, Zhang Q, Song Y, Zhang H, Tan YQ, Tu C, Guo H, Wu L, Du J. Novel SPEF2 variants cause male infertility and likely primary ciliary dyskinesia. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:1485-1498. [PMID: 38568462 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03106-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to identify the genetic causes of male infertility and primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD)/PCD-like phenotypes in three unrelated Han Chinese families. METHODS We conducted whole-exome sequencing of three patients with male infertility and PCD/PCD-like phenotypes from three unrelated Chinese families. Ultrastructural and immunostaining analyses of patient spermatozoa and respiratory cilia and in vitro analyses were performed to analyze the effects of SPEF2 variants. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was administered to three affected patients. RESULTS We identified four novel SPEF2 variants, including one novel homozygous splicing site variant [NC_000005.10(NM_024867.4): c.4447 + 1G > A] of the SPEF2 gene in family 1, novel compound heterozygous nonsense variants [NC_000005.10(NM_024867.4): c.1339C > T (p.R447*) and NC_000005.10(NM_024867.4): c.1645G > T (p.E549*)] in family 2, and one novel homozygous missense variant [NC_000005.10(NM_024867.4): c.2524G > A (p.D842N)] in family 3. All the patients presented with male infertility and PCD/likely PCD. All variants were present at very low levels in public databases, predicted to be deleterious in silico prediction tools, and were further confirmed deleterious by in vitro analyses. Ultrastructural analyses of the spermatozoa of the patients revealed the absence of the central pair complex in the sperm flagella. Immunostaining of the spermatozoa and respiratory cilia of the patients validated the pathogenicity of the SPEF2 variants. All patients carrying SPEF2 variants underwent one ICSI cycle and delivered healthy infants. CONCLUSION Our study reported four novel pathogenic variants of SPEF2 in three male patients with infertility and PCD/PCD-like phenotypes, which not only extend the spectrum of SPEF2 mutations but also provide information for genetic counseling and treatment of such conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqing Lu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yong Li
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lanlan Meng
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Chen Tan
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Hongchuan Nie
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Qianjun Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Yuying Song
- Changsha Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Yue-Qiu Tan
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Chaofeng Tu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Haichun Guo
- Changsha Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha, China.
| | - Longxiang Wu
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Juan Du
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China.
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China.
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Barazandeh M, Kriti D, Fickel J, Nislow C. The Addis Ababa Lions: Whole-Genome Sequencing of a Rare and Precious Population. Genome Biol Evol 2024; 16:evae021. [PMID: 38302110 PMCID: PMC10871700 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evae021] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Lions are widely known as charismatic predators that once roamed across the globe, but their populations have been greatly affected by environmental factors and human activities over the last 150 yr. Of particular interest is the Addis Ababa lion population, which has been maintained in captivity at around 20 individuals for over 75 yr, while many wild African lion populations have become extinct. In order to understand the molecular features of this unique population, we conducted a whole-genome sequencing study on 15 Addis Ababa lions and detected 4.5 million distinct genomic variants compared with the reference African lion genome. Using functional annotation, we identified several genes with mutations that potentially impact various traits such as mane color, body size, reproduction, gastrointestinal functions, cardiovascular processes, and sensory perception. These findings offer valuable insights into the genetics of this threatened lion population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjan Barazandeh
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Divya Kriti
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jörns Fickel
- Institute for Biochemistry and Biology, University Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Research Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Berlin, Germany
| | - Corey Nislow
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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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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Wang J, Wang W, Shen L, Zheng A, Meng Q, Li H, Yang S. Clinical detection, diagnosis and treatment of morphological abnormalities of sperm flagella: A review of literature. Front Genet 2022; 13:1034951. [PMID: 36425067 PMCID: PMC9679630 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1034951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm carries male genetic information, and flagella help move the sperm to reach oocytes. When the ultrastructure of the flagella is abnormal, the sperm is unable to reach the oocyte and achieve insemination. Multiple morphological abnormalities of sperm flagella (MMAF) is a relatively rare idiopathic condition that is mainly characterized by multiple defects in sperm flagella. In the last decade, with the development of high-throughput DNA sequencing approaches, many genes have been revealed to be related to MMAF. However, the differences in sperm phenotypes and reproductive outcomes in many cases are attributed to different pathogenic genes or different pathogenic mutations in the same gene. Here, we will review information about the various phenotypes resulting from different pathogenic genes, including sperm ultrastructure and encoding proteins with their location and functions as well as assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes. We will share our clinical detection and diagnosis experience to provide additional clinical views and broaden the understanding of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Shenmin Yang
- Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
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Skerrett-Byrne DA, Anderson AL, Bromfield EG, Bernstein IR, Mulhall JE, Schjenken JE, Dun MD, Humphrey SJ, Nixon B. Global profiling of the proteomic changes associated with the post-testicular maturation of mouse spermatozoa. Cell Rep 2022; 41:111655. [DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Cho JH, Li ZA, Zhu L, Muegge BD, Roseman HF, Lee EY, Utterback T, Woodhams LG, Bayly PV, Hughes JW. Islet primary cilia motility controls insulin secretion. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabq8486. [PMID: 36149960 PMCID: PMC9506710 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abq8486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Primary cilia are specialized cell-surface organelles that mediate sensory perception and, in contrast to motile cilia and flagella, are thought to lack motility function. Here, we show that primary cilia in human and mouse pancreatic islets exhibit movement that is required for glucose-dependent insulin secretion. Islet primary cilia contain motor proteins conserved from those found in classic motile cilia, and their three-dimensional motion is dynein-driven and dependent on adenosine 5'-triphosphate and glucose metabolism. Inhibition of cilia motion blocks beta cell calcium influx and insulin secretion. Human beta cells have enriched ciliary gene expression, and motile cilia genes are altered in type 2 diabetes. Our findings redefine primary cilia as dynamic structures having both sensory and motile function and establish that pancreatic islet cilia movement plays a regulatory role in insulin secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Hoon Cho
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Zipeng A. Li
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Lifei Zhu
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Brian D. Muegge
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Medicine, VA Medical Center, 915 North Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Henry F. Roseman
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Eun Young Lee
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Toby Utterback
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University McKelvey School of Engineering, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Louis G. Woodhams
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University McKelvey School of Engineering, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Philip V. Bayly
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Washington University McKelvey School of Engineering, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jing W. Hughes
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO, USA
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Ji W, Tang Z, Chen Y, Wang C, Tan C, Liao J, Tong L, Xiao G. Ependymal Cilia: Physiology and Role in Hydrocephalus. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:927479. [PMID: 35903173 PMCID: PMC9315228 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.927479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), a colorless liquid that generally circulates from the lateral ventricles to the third and fourth ventricles, provides essential nutrients for brain homeostasis and growth factors during development. As evidenced by an increasing corpus of research, CSF serves a range of important functions. While it is considered that decreased CSF flow is associated to the development of hydrocephalus, it has recently been postulated that motile cilia, which line the apical surfaces of ependymal cells (ECs), play a role in stimulating CSF circulation by cilia beating. Ependymal cilia protrude from ECs, and their synchronous pulsing transports CSF from the lateral ventricle to the third and fourth ventricles, and then to the subarachnoid cavity for absorption. As a result, we postulated that malfunctioning ependymal cilia could disrupt normal CSF flow, raising the risk of hydrocephalus. This review aims to demonstrate the physiological functions of ependymal cilia, as well as how cilia immobility or disorientation causes problems. We also conclude conceivable ways of treatment of hydrocephalus currently for clinical application and provide theoretical support for regimen improvements by investigating the relationship between ependymal cilia and hydrocephalus development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiye Ji
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Diagnosis and Treatment Center for Hydrocephalus, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhi Tang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yibing Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Diagnosis and Treatment Center for Hydrocephalus, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chuansen Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Diagnosis and Treatment Center for Hydrocephalus, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Changwu Tan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Diagnosis and Treatment Center for Hydrocephalus, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Junbo Liao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Diagnosis and Treatment Center for Hydrocephalus, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lei Tong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Diagnosis and Treatment Center for Hydrocephalus, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Gelei Xiao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Diagnosis and Treatment Center for Hydrocephalus, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Gelei Xiao,
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