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Yap YT, Li W, Huang Q, Zhou Q, Zhang D, Sheng Y, Mladenovic-Lucas L, Yee SP, Orwig KE, Granneman JG, Williams DC, Hess RA, Toure A, Zhang Z. DNALI1 interacts with the MEIG1/PACRG complex within the manchette and is required for proper sperm flagellum assembly in mice. eLife 2023; 12:e79620. [PMID: 37083624 PMCID: PMC10185345 DOI: 10.7554/elife.79620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The manchette is a transient and unique structure present in elongating spermatids and required for proper differentiation of the germ cells during spermatogenesis. Previous work indicated that the MEIG1/PACRG complex locates in the manchette and is involved in the transport of cargos, such as SPAG16L, to build the sperm flagellum. Here, using co-immunoprecipitation and pull-down approaches in various cell systems, we established that DNALI1, an axonemal component originally cloned from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, recruits and stabilizes PACRG and we confirm in vivo, the co-localization of DNALI1 and PACRG in the manchette by immunofluorescence of elongating murine spermatids. We next generated mice with a specific deficiency of DNALI1 in male germ cells, and observed a dramatic reduction of the sperm cells, which results in male infertility. In addition, we observed that the majority of the sperm cells exhibited abnormal morphology including misshapen heads, bent tails, enlarged midpiece, discontinuous accessory structure, emphasizing the importance of DNALI1 in sperm differentiation. Examination of testis histology confirmed impaired spermiogenesis in the mutant mice. Importantly, while testicular levels of MEIG1, PACRG, and SPAG16L proteins were unchanged in the Dnali1 mutant mice, their localization within the manchette was greatly affected, indicating that DNALI1 is required for the formation of the MEIG1/PACRG complex within the manchette. Interestingly, in contrast to MEIG1 and PACRG-deficient mice, the DNALI1-deficient mice also showed impaired sperm spermiation/individualization, suggesting additional functions beyond its involvement in the manchette structure. Overall, our work identifies DNALI1 as a protein required for sperm development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Tian Yap
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of MedicineDetroitUnited States
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of MedicineDetroitUnited States
| | - Qian Huang
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of MedicineDetroitUnited States
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Qi Zhou
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of MedicineDetroitUnited States
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - David Zhang
- College of William and MaryWilliamsburgUnited States
| | - Yi Sheng
- Molecular Genetics and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghUnited States
| | - Ljljiana Mladenovic-Lucas
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of MedicineDetroitUnited States
| | - Siu-Pok Yee
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut Health CenterFarmingtonUnited States
| | - Kyle E Orwig
- Molecular Genetics and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghUnited States
| | - James G Granneman
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of MedicineDetroitUnited States
| | - David C Williams
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North CarolinaChapel HillUnited States
| | - Rex A Hess
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of IllinoisUrbanaUnited States
| | - Aminata Toure
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team Physiology and Pathophysiology of Sperm cells, Institute for Advanced BiosciencesGrenobleFrance
| | - Zhibing Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of MedicineDetroitUnited States
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Wayne State UniversityDetroitUnited States
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Hasse T, Zhang Z, Huang YMM. Molecular dynamics study reveals key disruptors of MEIG1-PACRG interaction. Proteins 2023; 91:555-566. [PMID: 36444670 PMCID: PMC10374433 DOI: 10.1002/prot.26449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Interactions between the meiosis-expressed gene 1 (MEIG1) and Parkin co-regulated gene (PACRG) protein are critical in the formation of mature sperm cells. Targeting either MEIG1 or PACRG protein could be a contraceptive strategy. The W50A and Y68A mutations on MEIG1 are known to interrupt the MEIG1-PACRG interactions resulting in defective sperm cells. However, the details about how the mutants disrupt the protein-protein binding are not clear. In this study, we reveal insights on MEIG1 and PACRG protein dynamics by applying Gaussian-accelerated molecular dynamics (GaMD) simulations and post-GaMD analysis. Our results show that the mutations destabilize the protein-protein interfacial interaction. The effect of the Y68A mutation is more significant than W50A as Y68 forms stronger polar interactions with PACRG. Because both human and mouse models demonstrate similar dynamic properties, the findings from mouse proteins can be applied to the human system. Moreover, we report a potential ligand binding pocket on the MEIG1 and PACRG interaction surface that could be a target for future drug design to inhibit the MEIG1-PACRG interaction. PACRG shows more qualified pockets along the protein-protein interface, implying that it is a better target than MEIG1. Our work provides a fundamental understanding of MEIG1 and PACRG protein dynamics, paving the way for drug discovery in male-based contraception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Hasse
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Zhibing Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Yu-Ming M Huang
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
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Single-Cell RNA Sequencing of the Testis of Ciona intestinalis Reveals the Dynamic Transcriptional Profile of Spermatogenesis in Protochordates. Cells 2022; 11:cells11243978. [PMID: 36552742 PMCID: PMC9776925 DOI: 10.3390/cells11243978] [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: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complex and continuous process of germ-cell differentiation. This complex process is regulated by many factors, of which gene regulation in spermatogenic cells plays a decisive role. Spermatogenesis has been widely studied in vertebrates, but little is known about spermatogenesis in protochordates. Here, for the first time, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) on 6832 germ cells from the testis of adult Ciona intestinalis. We identified six germ cell populations and revealed dynamic gene expression as well as transcriptional regulation during spermatogenesis. In particular, we identified four spermatocyte subtypes and key genes involved in meiosis in C. intestinalis. There were remarkable similarities and differences in gene expression during spermatogenesis between C. intestinalis and two other vertebrates (Chinese tongue sole and human). We identified many spermatogenic-cell-specific genes with functions that need to be verified. These findings will help to further improve research on spermatogenesis in chordates.
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Huo Y, Gu Y, Cao M, Mao Y, Wang Y, Wang X, Wang G, Li J. Identification and functional analysis of Tex11 and Meig1 in spermatogenesis of Hyriopsis cumingii. Front Physiol 2022; 13:961773. [PMID: 36091389 PMCID: PMC9449974 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.961773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract: The process of spermatogenesis is complex and controlled by many genes. In mammals, Testis-expressed gene 11 (Tex11) and meiosis expressed gene 1 (Meig1) are typical spermatogenesis-related genes. In this study, we obtained the full length cDNAs for Tex11 (3143bp) and Meig1 (1649bp) in Hyriopsis cumingii by cloning. Among them, Hc-Tex11 contains 930 amino acids and Hc-Meig1 contains 91 amino acids. The protein molecular masses (MW) of Hc-Tex11 and Hc-Meig1 were 105.63 kDa and 10.95 kDa, respectively. Protein secondary structure analysis showed that Hc-TEX11 protein has three TPR domains. The expression of Hc-Tex11 and Hc-Meig1 in different tissues showed higher levels in testes. At different ages, the expression of Hc-Tex11 and Hc-Meig1 was higher levels in 3-year-old male mussels. During spermatogenesis, the mRNA levels of Hc-Tex11, Hc-Meig1 gradually increased with the development of spermatogonia and reached a peak during sperm maturation. Hc-Tex11 and Hc-Meig1 mRNA signals were detected on spermatogonia and spermatocytes by in situ hybridization. In addition, RNA interference (RNAi) experiments of Hc-Tex11 caused a down-regulated of Dmrt1, KinaseX, Tra-2 and Klhl10 genes and an up-regulated of β-catenin gene. Based on the above experimental results, it can be speculated that Hc-Tex11 and Hc-Meig1 are important in the development of the male gonadal and spermatogenesis in H. cumingii, which can provide important clues to better comprehend the molecular mechanism of Tex11 and Meig1 in regulating spermatogenesis of bivalves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingduo Huo
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Collaborative Innovation for Aquatic Animal Genetics and Breeding, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Gu
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Collaborative Innovation for Aquatic Animal Genetics and Breeding, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mulian Cao
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Collaborative Innovation for Aquatic Animal Genetics and Breeding, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingrui Mao
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Collaborative Innovation for Aquatic Animal Genetics and Breeding, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yayu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Collaborative Innovation for Aquatic Animal Genetics and Breeding, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Collaborative Innovation for Aquatic Animal Genetics and Breeding, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guiling Wang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Collaborative Innovation for Aquatic Animal Genetics and Breeding, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Guiling Wang,
| | - Jiale Li
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Collaborative Innovation for Aquatic Animal Genetics and Breeding, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
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5
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Peng C, Cheng Q, Liu Y, Zhang Z, Wang Z, Ma H, Liu D, Wang L, Wang C. Marginal Zinc Deficiency in Mice Increased the Number of Abnormal Sperm and Altered the Expression Level of Spermatogenesis-Related Genes. Biol Trace Elem Res 2022; 200:3738-3749. [PMID: 34676520 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-021-02979-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Marginal zinc deficiency is more common than severe zinc deficiency, and the effect of marginal zinc deficiency on male reproduction is unknown. This study investigated the effect of marginal zinc deficiency on spermatogenesis and its mechanism. Male ICR mice were fed normal zinc (30 mg/kg) and marginal zinc deficiency (10 mg/kg) diets for 35 days. Zinc-dependent proteins and enzymes were measured as biomarkers of zinc levels in the body. Metallothionein and Cu-Zn SOD levels in the control group were higher than those in the marginal zinc deficiency group. Hematoxylin and eosin staining showed that the marginal zinc deficiency diet caused histopathological changes in the testis and destruction of the sperm head under scanning electron microscopy. Sperm parameters and sex hormone levels were also affected by marginal zinc deficiency. In addition, marginal zinc deficiency led to alter expression level of several important spermatogenesis-related genes in the epididymis and testes. These results indicate that although zinc intake in marginal zinc deficiency is close to the recommended reference value, low zinc intake interferes with the expression of genes related to spermatogenesis and may lead to sperm abnormalities in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Peng
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Cheng
- Angel Nutritech Company Limited, Yichang, 443000, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Youjiao Liu
- Angel Nutritech Company Limited, Yichang, 443000, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhaoyu Zhang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziqiong Wang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Haitao Ma
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Duanya Liu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunhong Wang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China.
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6
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Li W, Huang Q, Zhang L, Liu H, Zhang D, Yuan S, Yap Y, Qu W, Shiang R, Song S, Hess RA, Zhang Z. A single amino acid mutation in the mouse MEIG1 protein disrupts a cargo transport system necessary for sperm formation. J Biol Chem 2021; 297:101312. [PMID: 34673028 PMCID: PMC8592874 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.101312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian spermatogenesis is a highly coordinated process that requires cooperation between specific proteins to coordinate diverse biological functions. For example, mouse Parkin coregulated gene (PACRG) recruits meiosis-expressed gene 1 (MEIG1) to the manchette during normal spermiogenesis. Here we mutated Y68 of MEIG1 using the CRISPR/cas9 system and examined the biological and physiological consequences in mice. All homozygous mutant males examined were completely infertile, and sperm count was dramatically reduced. The few developed sperm were immotile and displayed multiple abnormalities. Histological staining showed impaired spermiogenesis in these mutant mice. Immunofluorescent staining further revealed that this mutant MEIG1 was still present in the cell body of spermatocytes, but also that more MEIG1 accumulated in the acrosome region of round spermatids. The mutant MEIG1 and a cargo protein of the MEIG1/PACRG complex, sperm-associated antigen 16L (SPAG16L), were no longer found to be present in the manchette; however, localization of the PACRG component was not changed in the mutants. These findings demonstrate that Y68 of MEIG1 is a key amino acid required for PACRG to recruit MEIG1 to the manchette to transport cargo proteins during sperm flagella formation. Given that MEIG1 and PACRG are conserved in humans, small molecules that block MEIG1/PACRG interaction are likely ideal targets for the development of male contraconception drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Qian Huang
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA; Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Hong Liu
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA; Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - David Zhang
- School of Arts and Sciences, College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Shuo Yuan
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA; Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yitian Yap
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Wei Qu
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA; Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Rita Shiang
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Shizheng Song
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Rex A Hess
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Zhibing Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA.
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7
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Functional Expression, Purification and Identification of Interaction Partners of PACRG. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26082308. [PMID: 33923444 PMCID: PMC8074078 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26082308] [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: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
PACRG (Parkin co-regulated gene) shares a bi-directional promoter with the Parkinson’s disease-associated gene Parkin, but the physiological roles of PACRG have not yet been fully elucidated. Recombinant expression methods are indispensable for protein structural and functional studies. In this study, the coding region of PACRG was cloned to a conventional vector pQE80L, as well as two cold-shock vectors pCold II and pCold-GST, respectively. The constructs were transformed into Escherichia coli (DE3), and the target proteins were overexpressed. The results showed that the cold-shock vectors are more suitable for PACRG expression. The soluble recombinant proteins were purified with Ni2+ chelating column, glutathione S-transferase (GST) affinity chromatography and gel filtration. His6 pull down assay and LC-MS/MS were carried out for identification of PACRG-binding proteins in HEK293T cell lysates, and a total number of 74 proteins were identified as potential interaction partners of PACRG. GO (Gene ontology) enrichment analysis (FunRich) of the 74 proteins revealed multiple molecular functions and biological processes. The highest proportion of the 74 proteins functioned as transcription regulator and transcription factor activity, suggesting that PACRG may play important roles in regulation of gene transcription.
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8
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Khan N, Pelletier D, McAlear TS, Croteau N, Veyron S, Bayne AN, Black C, Ichikawa M, Khalifa AAZ, Chaaban S, Kurinov I, Brouhard G, Bechstedt S, Bui KH, Trempe JF. Crystal structure of human PACRG in complex with MEIG1 reveals roles in axoneme formation and tubulin binding. Structure 2021; 29:572-586.e6. [PMID: 33529594 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2021.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The Parkin co-regulated gene protein (PACRG) binds at the inner junction between doublet microtubules of the axoneme, a structure found in flagella and cilia. PACRG binds to the adaptor protein meiosis expressed gene 1 (MEIG1), but how they bind to microtubules is unknown. Here, we report the crystal structure of human PACRG in complex with MEIG1. PACRG adopts a helical repeat fold with a loop that interacts with MEIG1. Using the structure of the axonemal doublet microtubule from the protozoan Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and single-molecule fluorescence microscopy, we propose that PACRG binds to microtubules while simultaneously recruiting free tubulin to catalyze formation of the inner junction. We show that the homologous PACRG-like protein also mediates dual tubulin interactions but does not bind MEIG1. Our findings establish a framework to assess the function of the PACRG family of proteins and MEIG1 in regulating axoneme assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nimra Khan
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Centre de Recherche en Biologie Structurale - FRQS, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Dylan Pelletier
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Centre de Recherche en Biologie Structurale - FRQS, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Thomas S McAlear
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Centre de Recherche en Biologie Structurale - FRQS, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Nathalie Croteau
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Centre de Recherche en Biologie Structurale - FRQS, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Simon Veyron
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Centre de Recherche en Biologie Structurale - FRQS, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Andrew N Bayne
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Centre de Recherche en Biologie Structurale - FRQS, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Corbin Black
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Centre de Recherche en Biologie Structurale - FRQS, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Muneyoshi Ichikawa
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Ahmad Abdelzaher Zaki Khalifa
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Centre de Recherche en Biologie Structurale - FRQS, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sami Chaaban
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Centre de Recherche en Biologie Structurale - FRQS, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Igor Kurinov
- NECAT, Cornell University, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Argonne, IL, USA
| | - Gary Brouhard
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Centre de Recherche en Biologie Structurale - FRQS, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Susanne Bechstedt
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Centre de Recherche en Biologie Structurale - FRQS, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Khanh Huy Bui
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Centre de Recherche en Biologie Structurale - FRQS, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jean-François Trempe
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Centre de Recherche en Biologie Structurale - FRQS, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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9
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Pleuger C, Lehti MS, Dunleavy JE, Fietz D, O'Bryan MK. Haploid male germ cells-the Grand Central Station of protein transport. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 26:474-500. [PMID: 32318721 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The precise movement of proteins and vesicles is an essential ability for all eukaryotic cells. Nowhere is this more evident than during the remarkable transformation that occurs in spermiogenesis-the transformation of haploid round spermatids into sperm. These transformations are critically dependent upon both the microtubule and the actin cytoskeleton, and defects in these processes are thought to underpin a significant percentage of human male infertility. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review is aimed at summarising and synthesising the current state of knowledge around protein/vesicle transport during haploid male germ cell development and identifying knowledge gaps and challenges for future research. To achieve this, we summarise the key discoveries related to protein transport using the mouse as a model system. Where relevant, we anchored these insights to knowledge in the field of human spermiogenesis and the causality of human male infertility. SEARCH METHODS Relevant studies published in English were identified using PubMed using a range of search terms related to the core focus of the review-protein/vesicle transport, intra-flagellar transport, intra-manchette transport, Golgi, acrosome, manchette, axoneme, outer dense fibres and fibrous sheath. Searches were not restricted to a particular time frame or species although the emphasis within the review is on mammalian spermiogenesis. OUTCOMES Spermiogenesis is the final phase of sperm development. It results in the transformation of a round cell into a highly polarised sperm with the capacity for fertility. It is critically dependent on the cytoskeleton and its ability to transport protein complexes and vesicles over long distances and often between distinct cytoplasmic compartments. The development of the acrosome covering the sperm head, the sperm tail within the ciliary lobe, the manchette and its role in sperm head shaping and protein transport into the tail, and the assembly of mitochondria into the mid-piece of sperm, may all be viewed as a series of overlapping and interconnected train tracks. Defects in this redistribution network lead to male infertility characterised by abnormal sperm morphology (teratozoospermia) and/or abnormal sperm motility (asthenozoospermia) and are likely to be causal of, or contribute to, a significant percentage of human male infertility. WIDER IMPLICATIONS A greater understanding of the mechanisms of protein transport in spermiogenesis offers the potential to precisely diagnose cases of male infertility and to forecast implications for children conceived using gametes containing these mutations. The manipulation of these processes will offer opportunities for male-based contraceptive development. Further, as increasingly evidenced in the literature, we believe that the continuous and spatiotemporally restrained nature of spermiogenesis provides an outstanding model system to identify, and de-code, cytoskeletal elements and transport mechanisms of relevance to multiple tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane Pleuger
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Australia.,Institute for Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen 35392, Germany.,Hessian Centre of Reproductive Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen 35392, Germany
| | - Mari S Lehti
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Australia.,Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku 20520, Finland
| | | | - Daniela Fietz
- Institute for Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen 35392, Germany.,Hessian Centre of Reproductive Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen 35392, Germany
| | - Moira K O'Bryan
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton 3800, Australia
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10
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Zhang Z, Li W, Zhang Y, Zhang L, Teves ME, Liu H, Strauss JF, Pazour GJ, Foster JA, Hess RA, Zhang Z. Intraflagellar transport protein IFT20 is essential for male fertility and spermiogenesis in mice. Mol Biol Cell 2016; 27:mbc.E16-05-0318. [PMID: 27682589 PMCID: PMC5170554 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e16-05-0318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Revised: 09/06/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Intraflagellar transport (IFT) is a conserved mechanism thought to be essential for the assembly and maintenance of cilia and flagella. However, little is known about its role in mammalian sperm flagella formation. To fill this gap, we disrupted the Ift20 gene in male germ cells. Homozygous mutant mice were infertile with significantly reduced sperm counts and motility. In addition, abnormally shaped elongating spermatid heads and bulbous round spermatids were found in the lumen of the seminiferous tubules. Electron microscopy revealed increased cytoplasmic vesicles, fiber-like structures, abnormal accumulation of mitochondria and a decrease in mature lysosomes. The few developed sperm had disrupted axonemes and some retained cytoplasmic lobe components on the flagella. ODF2 and SPAG16L, two sperm flagella proteins failed to be incorporated into sperm tails of the mutant mice, and in the germ cells, both were assembled into complexes with lighter density in the absence of IFT20. Disrupting IFT20 did not significantly change expression levels of IFT88, a component of IFT-B complex, and IFT140, a component of IFT-A complex. Even though the expression level of an autophagy core protein that associates with IFT20, ATG16, was reduced in the testis of the Ift20 mutant mice, expression levels of other major autophagy markers, including LC3 and ubiquitin were not changed. Our studies suggest that IFT20 is essential for male fertility and spermiogenesis in mice, and its major function is to transport cargo proteins for sperm flagella formation. It also appears to be involved in removing excess cytoplasmic components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengang Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China, 430030 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23298
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23298
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23298 Department of Dermatology, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China, 430030
| | - Ling Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23298 School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430065
| | - Maria E Teves
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23298
| | - Hong Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23298 School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430065
| | - Jerome F Strauss
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23298
| | - Gregory J Pazour
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605
| | - James A Foster
- Department of Biology, Randolph-Macon College, Ashland, VA 23005
| | - Rex A Hess
- Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, 2001 S. Lincoln, Urbana, IL 61802-6199
| | - Zhibing Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23298
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