1
|
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 PMCID: PMC11224184 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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Whole-Genome Profile of Greek Patients with Teratozοοspermia: Identification of Candidate Variants and Genes. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13091606. [PMID: 36140773 PMCID: PMC9498395 DOI: 10.3390/genes13091606] [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: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Male infertility is a global health problem that affects a large number of couples worldwide. It can be categorized into specific subtypes, including teratozoospermia. The present study aimed to identify new variants associated with teratozoospermia in the Greek population and to explore the role of genes on which these were identified. For this reason, whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed on normozoospermic and teratozoospermic individuals, and after selecting only variants found in teratozoospermic men, these were further prioritized using a wide range of tools, functional and predictive algorithms, etc. An average of 600,000 variants were identified, and of them, 61 were characterized as high impact and 153 as moderate impact. Many of these are mapped in genes previously associated with male infertility, yet others are related for the first time to teratozoospermia. Furthermore, pathway enrichment analysis and Gene ontology (GO) analyses revealed the important role of the extracellular matrix in teratozoospermia. Therefore, the present study confirms the contribution of genes studied in the past to male infertility and sheds light on new molecular mechanisms by providing a list of variants and candidate genes associated with teratozoospermia in the Greek population.
Collapse
|
3
|
Levkova M, Radanova M, Angelova L. Potential role of dynein-related genes in the etiology of male infertility: A systematic review and a meta-analysis. Andrology 2022; 10:1484-1499. [PMID: 36057791 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The dynein-related genes may have a role in the etiology of male infertility, particularly in cases of impaired sperm motility. OBJECTIVES The goal of this review is to compile a list of the most important dynein-related candidate genes that may contribute to male factor infertility. MATERIALS AND METHODS Databases were searched using the keywords "dynein", "male", "infertility" and by applying strict inclusion criteria. A meta-analysis was also performed by using the eligible case-control studies. The odd ratios (OR), the Z-test score, and the level of significance were determined using a fixed model with a p value of 0.05. Funnel plots were used to check for publication bias. RESULTS There were 35 studies that met the inclusion criteria. There were a total of fifteen genes responsible for the production of dynein structural proteins, the production of dynein assembling factors, and potentially associated with male infertility. A total of five case-control studies were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Variants in the dynein-related genes were linked to an increased the risk of male infertility (OR = 21.52, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 8.34 - 55.50, Z test = 6.35, p < 0.05). The percentage of heterogeneity, I2 , was 47.00%. The lack of variants in the dynein genes was an advantage and this was statistically significant. DISCUSSION The results from the present review illustrate that pathogenic variants in genes both for dynein synthesis and for dynein assembly factors could be associated with isolated cases of male infertility without any other symptoms. CONCLUSIONS The genes addressed in this study, which are involved in both the production and assembly of dynein, could be used as molecular targets for future research into the etiology of sperm motility problems. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariya Levkova
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical University Varna, Marin Drinov Str 55, Varna, 9000, Bulgaria.,Laboratory of Medical Genetics, St. Marina Hospital, Hristo Smirnenski Blv 1, Varna, 9000, Bulgaria
| | - Maria Radanova
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Medicine and Nutrigenomics, Medical University Varna, Tzar Osvoboditel Str 84b, Varna, 9000, Bulgaria
| | - Lyudmila Angelova
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical University Varna, Marin Drinov Str 55, Varna, 9000, Bulgaria
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Liu Z, Wang C, Ni F, Yang F, Wei H, Li T, Wang J, Wang B. Novel compound heterozygous variants of DNAH17 in a Chinese infertile man with multiple morphological abnormalities of sperm flagella. Andrologia 2022; 54:e14553. [PMID: 35932098 DOI: 10.1111/and.14553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagellum (MMAF) have been reported to be an important cause of male infertility and reflect a heterogeneous genetic disorder. Previous studies have identified dozens of candidate pathogenic genes for MMAF, but the aetiology in approximately 50% of cases remains unexplained. The present study aimed to identify novel potentially pathogenic gene variants of MMAF. A Chinese family with a 32-year-old infertile proband presenting with MMAF was recruited, and sperm morphology of the patient was examined by Papanicolaou staining. Whole exome sequencing was performed on the proband and Sanger sequencing was used to identify genetic variants in the family. The frequencies of variants were assessed using public databases and the effects on protein structure and function were predicted by online bioinformatics tools. The patient exhibited asthenozoospermia and a MMAF phenotype. Novel compound heterozygous variants (c.5368C > T, p.R1790C and c.13183C > T, p.R4395W) of the DNAH17 gene were identified in the patient, and showed autosomal recessive inheritance in this family. These variants were very rare in the GnomAD database. The two mutated amino acids were located in a highly conserved region of the DNAH17 protein. In silico analysis revealed that the compound heterozygous variants may compromise the function of DNAH17. Our findings expand upon the spectrum of pathogenic DNAH17 variants that are responsible for MMAF, and provide new knowledge for genetic counselling of male infertility due to MMAF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhonglin Liu
- Center of Reproductive medicine, Affiliated hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Chunyan Wang
- Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Center for Genetics, National Research Institute of Family Planning, Beijing, China.,The Second Children & Women's Healthcare of Jinan City, Jinan, China
| | - Feng Ni
- Medicine Centre, 901st hospital of PLA Joint Logistic Support Force, Hefei, People's Republic of China
| | - Fenglian Yang
- Industrial College of Biomedicine and Health Industry, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Han Wei
- Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Center for Genetics, National Research Institute of Family Planning, Beijing, China
| | - Tengyan Li
- Center for Genetics, National Research Institute of Family Planning, Beijing, China
| | - Junli Wang
- Center of Reproductive medicine, Affiliated hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China.,Industrial College of Biomedicine and Health Industry, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Binbin Wang
- Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Center for Genetics, National Research Institute of Family Planning, Beijing, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Engineering Technology Research (NRIFP), Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Yin Y, Mu W, Yu X, Wang Z, Xu K, Wu X, Cai Y, Zhang M, Lu G, Chan WY, Ma J, Huang T, Liu H. LRRC46 Accumulates at the Midpiece of Sperm Flagella and Is Essential for Spermiogenesis and Male Fertility in Mouse. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:8525. [PMID: 35955660 PMCID: PMC9369233 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The sperm flagellum is essential for male fertility. Multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF) is a severe form of asthenoteratozoospermia. MMAF phenotypes are understood to result from pathogenic variants of genes from multiple families including AKAP, DANI, DNAH, RSPH, CCDC, CFAP, TTC, and LRRC, among others. The Leucine-rich repeat protein (LRRC) family includes two members reported to cause MMAF phenotypes: Lrrc6 and Lrrc50. Despite vigorous research towards understanding the pathogenesis of MMAF-related diseases, many genes remain unknown underlying the flagellum biogenesis. Here, we found that Leucine-rich repeat containing 46 (LRRC46) is specifically expressed in the testes of adult mice, and show that LRRC46 is essential for sperm flagellum biogenesis. Both scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Papanicolaou staining (PS) presents that the knockout of Lrrc46 in mice resulted in typical MMAF phenotypes, including sperm with short, coiled, and irregular flagella. The male KO mice had reduced total sperm counts, impaired sperm motility, and were completely infertile. No reproductive phenotypes were detected in Lrrc46-/- female mice. Immunofluorescence (IF) assays showed that LRRC46 was present throughout the entire flagella of control sperm, albeit with evident concentration at the mid-piece. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) demonstrated striking flagellar defects with axonemal and mitochondrial sheath malformations. About the important part of the Materials and Methods, SEM and PS were used to observe the typical MMAF-related irregular flagella morphological phenotypes, TEM was used to further inspect the sperm flagellum defects in ultrastructure, and IF was chosen to confirm the location of protein. Our study suggests that LRRC46 is an essential protein for sperm flagellum biogenesis, and its mutations might be associated with MMAF that causes male infertility. Thus, our study provides insights for understanding developmental processes underlying sperm flagellum formation and contribute to further observe the pathogenic genes that cause male infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Yin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; (Y.Y.); (W.M.); (X.Y.); (Z.W.); (K.X.); (X.W.); (Y.C.); (M.Z.); (J.M.)
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Wenyu Mu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; (Y.Y.); (W.M.); (X.Y.); (Z.W.); (K.X.); (X.W.); (Y.C.); (M.Z.); (J.M.)
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Xiaochen Yu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; (Y.Y.); (W.M.); (X.Y.); (Z.W.); (K.X.); (X.W.); (Y.C.); (M.Z.); (J.M.)
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Ziqi Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; (Y.Y.); (W.M.); (X.Y.); (Z.W.); (K.X.); (X.W.); (Y.C.); (M.Z.); (J.M.)
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Ke Xu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; (Y.Y.); (W.M.); (X.Y.); (Z.W.); (K.X.); (X.W.); (Y.C.); (M.Z.); (J.M.)
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Xinyue Wu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; (Y.Y.); (W.M.); (X.Y.); (Z.W.); (K.X.); (X.W.); (Y.C.); (M.Z.); (J.M.)
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Yuling Cai
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; (Y.Y.); (W.M.); (X.Y.); (Z.W.); (K.X.); (X.W.); (Y.C.); (M.Z.); (J.M.)
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Mingyu Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; (Y.Y.); (W.M.); (X.Y.); (Z.W.); (K.X.); (X.W.); (Y.C.); (M.Z.); (J.M.)
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Gang Lu
- CUHK-SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (G.L.); (W.-Y.C.)
| | - Wai-Yee Chan
- CUHK-SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (G.L.); (W.-Y.C.)
| | - Jinlong Ma
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; (Y.Y.); (W.M.); (X.Y.); (Z.W.); (K.X.); (X.W.); (Y.C.); (M.Z.); (J.M.)
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
- CUHK-SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (G.L.); (W.-Y.C.)
| | - Tao Huang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; (Y.Y.); (W.M.); (X.Y.); (Z.W.); (K.X.); (X.W.); (Y.C.); (M.Z.); (J.M.)
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Hongbin Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; (Y.Y.); (W.M.); (X.Y.); (Z.W.); (K.X.); (X.W.); (Y.C.); (M.Z.); (J.M.)
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
- CUHK-SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (G.L.); (W.-Y.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Li K, Wang G, Lv M, Wang J, Gao Y, Tang F, Xu C, Yang W, Yu H, Shao Z, Geng H, Tan Q, Shen Q, Tang D, Ni X, Wang T, Song B, Wu H, Huo R, Zhang Z, Xu Y, Zhou P, Tao F, Wei Z, He X, Cao Y. Bi-allelic variants in DNAH10 cause asthenoteratozoospermia and male infertility. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:251-259. [PMID: 34657236 PMCID: PMC8866613 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02306-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Multiple morphological abnormalities in the sperm flagella (MMAF) comprise a severe phenotype of asthenoteratozoospermia with reduced or absent spermatozoa motility. Whereas dozens of candidate pathogenic genes for MMAF have been identified, the genetic cause in a large proportion of patients is unknown. We attempted to identify novel genetic explanations for MMAF. METHODS We performed whole-exome sequencing of patients with MMAF to identify pathogenic variants. The phenotypes of spermatozoa in patients carrying DNAH10 variants were investigated using haematoxylin and eosin staining, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The expression and location of DNAH10 and other spermatozoa structure-related proteins were analyzed using immunofluorescence assays. RESULTS We found one homozygous frameshift DNAH10 variant (NM_207437: c.2514delG:p.L839*) and one compound heterozygous DNAH10 variant (NM_207437: c.10820 T > C:p.M3607T; c.12692C > T:p.T4231I) in two patients with MMAF. These variants were absent or rare in the general population. Haematoxylin and eosin staining and scanning electron microscopy revealed the significant disruption of sperm flagella in the patients. In addition, ultrastructural analysis by transmission electron microscopy showed significant inner dynein arm (IDA) deficiency in sperm flagella. Using immunofluorescence assays, we found a significant reduction in IDA-related proteins including DNAH10 and DNAH1. CONCLUSIONS We identified putative novel pathogenic variants in DNAH10 for MMAF, which might advance the genetic diagnosis and clinical genetic counselling for male infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kuokuo Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Guanxiong Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Mingrong Lv
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Jieyu Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Yang Gao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Fei Tang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Chuan Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Wen Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Hui Yu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Zhongmei Shao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Hao Geng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Qing Tan
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- Anhui Provincial Human Sperm Bank, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Qunshan Shen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Dongdong Tang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaoqing Ni
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Tianjuan Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Bing Song
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Huan Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Ran Huo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211166, China
| | - Zhiguo Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Yuping Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Ping Zhou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Fangbiao Tao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Zhaolian Wei
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaojin He
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
- Anhui Provincial Human Sperm Bank, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China.
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Li Y, Wang Y, Wen Y, Zhang T, Wang X, Jiang C, Zheng R, Zhou F, Chen D, Yang Y, Shen Y. Whole-exome sequencing of a cohort of infertile men reveals novel causative genes in teratozoospermia that are chiefly related to sperm head defects. Hum Reprod 2021; 37:152-177. [PMID: 34791246 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can whole-exome sequencing (WES) and in vitro validation studies identify new causative genes associated with teratozoospermia, particularly for sperm head defect? SUMMARY ANSWER We investigated a core group of infertile patients, including 82 cases with unexplained abnormal sperm head and 67 individuals with multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF), and revealed rare and novel deleterious gene variants correlated with morphological abnormalities of the sperm head or tail defects. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Teratozoospermia is one of the most common factors causing male infertility. Owing to high phenotypic variability, currently known genetic causes of teratozoospermia can only explain a rather minor component for patients with anomalous sperm-head shapes, and the agents responsible for atypical sperm head shapes remain largely unknown. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We executed WES analysis of a Chinese cohort of patients (N = 149) with teratozoospermia to identify novel genetic causes particularly for defective sperm head. We also sought to reveal the influence of different abnormalities of sperm morphology on ICSI outcome. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS In this study, a cohort of 149 infertile men (82 with abnormal sperm head and 67 with MMAF) were recruited. We implemented WES on infertile patients and analyzed the negative effects of the mutations of candidate genes on their protein conformations and/or expression. We also investigated the candidate genes' spatiotemporal expression/localization during spermatogenesis in both humans and mice, and explored their interactions with proteins that are known to be involved in sperm development. We also compared the ICSI outcomes of the affected individuals with various aberrations in sperm morphology. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE We identified rare and deleterious variants of piwi like RNA-mediated gene silencing 4 (PIWIL4: 1/82 patients, 1.21%), coiled-coil and C2 domain containing 1B (CC2D1B: 1/82 patients, 1.21%), cyclin B3 (CCNB3: 1/82 patients, 1.21%), KIAA1210 (KIAA1210: 2/82 patients, 2.43%) and choline phosphotransferase 1 (CHPT1: 1/82 patients, 1.21%), which are novel correlates of morphological abnormalities of the sperm head; functional evidence supports roles for all of these genes in sperm head formation. The mutations of septin 12 (SEPTIN12: 2/82 patients, 2.43%) are suggested to be associated with acrosome defects. We additionally observed novel causative mutations of dynein axonemal heavy chain 2 (DNAH2: 1/67 patients, 1.49%), dynein axonemal heavy chain 10 (DNAH10: 1/67 patients, 1.49%) and dynein axonemal heavy chain 12 (DNAH12: 1/67 patients, 1.49%) in patients with MMAF, and revealed a significantly lower fertilization rate of the abnormal sperm-head group compared to the MMAF group following ICSI. Consequently, our study also suggests that the mutations of PIWIL4 and CC2D1B might be circumvented by ICSI to a degree, and that CHPT1 and KIAA1210 loss-of-function variants might be associated with failed ICSI treatment. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION In this study, we discovered the relationship between the genotype and phenotype of the novel causative genes of sperm head deformities in humans. However, the molecular mechanism of the relevant genes involved in sperm head development needs to be further illuminated in future research. Furthermore, evidence should be provided using knockout/knock-in mouse models for additional confirmation of the roles of these novel genes in spermatogenesis. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This cohort study of 149 Chinese infertile men documents novel genetic factors involved in teratozoospermia, particularly in anomalous sperm head formation. For the first time, we suggest that SEPTIN12 is related to human acrosomal hypoplasia, and that CCNB3 is a novel causative gene for globozoospermia in humans. We also uncovered variants in two genes-KIAA1210 and CHPT1associated with acrosomal biogenesis in patients with small or absent acrosomes. Additionally, it is postulated that loss-of-function mutations of PIWIL4 and CC2D1B have a contribution to the abnormal sperm-head formation. Furthermore, we are first to demonstrate the influence of different sperm morphologies on ICSI outcomes and indicates that the abnormal sperm head may play a significant role in fertilization failure. Our findings therefore provide valuable information for the diagnosis of teratozoospermia, particularly with respect to abnormalities of the sperm head. This will allow clinicians to adopt the optimal treatment strategy and to develop personalized medicine directly targeting these effects. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was financed by the West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University (KS369 and KL042). The authors declare that they do not have any conflicts of interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaqian Li
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SCU-CUHK), Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Reproduction Medical Center of West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuting Wen
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SCU-CUHK), Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Reproduction Medical Center of West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaodong Wang
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SCU-CUHK), Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chuan Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SCU-CUHK), Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Rui Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SCU-CUHK), Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fan Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SCU-CUHK), Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Daijuan Chen
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SCU-CUHK), Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yihong Yang
- Reproduction Medical Center of West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ying Shen
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SCU-CUHK), Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Xiong Y, Xia H, Yuan L, Deng S, Ding Z, Deng H. Identification of compound heterozygous DNAH11 variants in a Han-Chinese family with primary ciliary dyskinesia. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:9028-9037. [PMID: 34405951 PMCID: PMC8435457 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a group of genetically and clinically heterogeneous disorders with motile cilia dysfunction. It is clinically characterized by oto‐sino‐pulmonary diseases and subfertility, and half of the patients have situs inversus (Kartagener syndrome). To identify the genetic cause in a Han‐Chinese pedigree, whole‐exome sequencing was conducted in the 37‐year‐old proband, and then, Sanger sequencing was performed on available family members. Minigene splicing assay was applied to verify the impact of the splice‐site variant. Compound heterozygous variants including a splice‐site variant (c.1974‐1G>C, rs1359107415) and a missense variant (c.7787G>A, p.(Arg2596Gln), rs780492669), in the dynein axonemal heavy chain 11 gene (DNAH11) were identified and confirmed as the disease‐associated variants of this lineage. The minigene expression in vitro revealed that the c.1974‐1G>C variant could cause skipping over exon 12, predicted to result in a truncated protein. This discovery may enlarge the DNAH11 variant spectrum of PCD, promote accurate genetic counselling and contribute to PCD diagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Xiong
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hong Xia
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Emergency, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lamei Yuan
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Disease Genome Research Center, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Sheng Deng
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zerui Ding
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hao Deng
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Disease Genome Research Center, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Neurology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Genes dysregulated in the blood of people with Williams syndrome are enriched in protein-coding genes positively selected in humans. Eur J Med Genet 2020; 63:103828. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2019.103828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 11/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
|