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Zhang J, Pan Y, Zhao L, Zhao T, Yu S, Cui Y. Identification of key genes and biological pathways in different parts of yak oviduct based on transcriptome analysis. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:1016191. [PMID: 36504863 PMCID: PMC9727391 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1016191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The oviduct consists of three parts: the infundibulum (In), ampulla (Am), and isthmus (Is). These have the same histological structure, but different physiological functions. In this study, transcriptomics was used to analyze mRNA in these three parts of yak oviduct. The results showed that there were 325 up-regulated genes and 282 down-regulated genes in the infundibulum and ampulla. Moreover, there were 234 up-regulated genes and 776 down-regulated genes in the isthmus and ampulla, as well as 873 up-regulated genes and 297 down-regulated genes in the infundibulum and isthmus. The expression of C3 in the infundibulum was significantly higher than that in the ampulla and isthmus. The expression of FAU in the isthmus was significantly lower than that in the ampulla and infundibulum, and the expression of EEF1A1 in the ampulla was significantly higher than that in the ampulla and infundibulum. When the infundibulum was compared with the ampulla and isthmus, it was found that the up-regulated genes were enriched in the lysosome, phagosome, staphylococcus aureus infection, and leishmaniasis pathway. When the isthmus was compared with the ampulla and infundibulum, the up-regulated genes were present in the apoptosis pathway, oxidative phosphorylation, and viral myocarditis pathway. When the isthmus was compared with the infundibulum and ampulla, the down-regulated pathways were protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum and the endocytosis. The Epstein-Barr virus infection pathway was up-regulated according to a comparison of the isthmus and infundibulum and was down-regulated based on a comparison of the isthmus and ampulla. Transcriptional misregulation in the Middle East pathway was up-regulated based on a comparison of the isthmus and ampulla and was down-regulated based on a comparison of the isthmus and infundibulum. ERBB2, JUP, CTNND1, and KRT7 were defined as the hub genes of the yak oviduct. The results of this study provide sufficient omics data for yak fertilization, which is also of great significance to altitude medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China,Technology and Research Center of Gansu Province for Embryonic Engineering of Bovine and Sheep & Goat, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yangyang Pan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China,Technology and Research Center of Gansu Province for Embryonic Engineering of Bovine and Sheep & Goat, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ling Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China,Technology and Research Center of Gansu Province for Embryonic Engineering of Bovine and Sheep & Goat, Lanzhou, China
| | - Tian Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China,Technology and Research Center of Gansu Province for Embryonic Engineering of Bovine and Sheep & Goat, Lanzhou, China
| | - Sijiu Yu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China,Technology and Research Center of Gansu Province for Embryonic Engineering of Bovine and Sheep & Goat, Lanzhou, China,*Correspondence: Sijiu Yu
| | - Yan Cui
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China,Technology and Research Center of Gansu Province for Embryonic Engineering of Bovine and Sheep & Goat, Lanzhou, China,Yan Cui
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2
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Holt WV, Comizzoli P. Opportunities and Limitations for Reproductive Science in Species Conservation. Annu Rev Anim Biosci 2021; 10:491-511. [PMID: 34699258 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-animal-013120-030858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Reproductive science in the context of conservation biology is often understood solely in terms of breeding threatened species. Although technologies developed primarily for agriculture or biomedicine have a potentially important role in species conservation, their effectiveness is limited if we regard the main objective of animal conservation as helping to support populations rather than to breed a small number of individuals. The global threats facing wild species include the consequences of climate change, population growth, urbanization, atmospheric and water pollution, and the release of chemicals into the environment, to cite but a few. Reproductive sciences provide important and often unexpected windows into many of these consequences, and our aim here is both to demonstrate the breadth of reproductive science and the importance of basic knowledge and to suggest where some of the insights might be useful in mitigating the problems. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Animal Biosciences, Volume 10 is February 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- William V Holt
- Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, Department of Oncology & Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom;
| | - Pierre Comizzoli
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Washington, DC, USA;
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Saint-Dizier M, Mahé C, Reynaud K, Tsikis G, Mermillod P, Druart X. Sperm interactions with the female reproductive tract: A key for successful fertilization in mammals. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 516:110956. [PMID: 32712384 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Sperm migration through the female genital tract is not a quiet journey. Uterine contractions quickly operate a drastic selection, leading to a very restrictive number of sperm reaching the top of uterine horns and finally, provided the presence of key molecules on sperm, the oviduct, where fertilization takes place. During hours and sometimes days before fertilization, subpopulations of spermatozoa interact with dynamic and region-specific maternal components, including soluble proteins, extracellular vesicles and epithelial cells lining the lumen of the female tract. Interactions with uterine and oviductal cells play important roles for sperm survival as they modulate the maternal immune response and allow a transient storage before ovulation. The body of work reported here highlights the importance of sperm interactions with proteins originated from both the uterine and oviductal fluids, as well as hormonal signals around the time of ovulation for sperm acquisition of fertilizing competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Saint-Dizier
- INRAE, UMR PRC, 37380, Nouzilly, France; University of Tours, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, 37000, Tours, France.
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García-Martínez S, Gadea J, Coy P, Romar R. Addition of exogenous proteins detected in oviductal secretions to in vitro culture medium does not improve the efficiency of in vitro fertilization in pigs. Theriogenology 2020; 157:490-497. [PMID: 32898824 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This work was designed to study whether HSP70-1A, HSP90α, ezrin or PDI4, proteins previously identified in porcine oviductal secretions, have a role in zona pellucida (ZP) resistance to enzymatic digestion, in vitro fertilization (IVF) and sperm viability. In vitro matured porcine cumulus oocyte complexes were denuded and i) incubated for 1 h in TALP medium supplemented or not with each exogenous oviductal protein and in presence or absence of heparin to assess ZP digestion time by pronase; and ii) inseminated with fresh ejaculated boar spermatozoa in medium supplemented or not with each exogenous oviductal protein to assess their effect on fertilization results. Finally, spermatozoa were incubated in Tyrode's medium (0, 1 and 20 h) supplemented or not with HSP-701A, HSP-90α or ezrin, to assess simultaneously sperm viability and acrosome status by means of flow cytometry. Although all proteins increased the ZP digestion time, this increase was lower than 1 min, being ezrin the protein with a stronger effect. Presence of heparin in the medium reinforced the ZP hardening effect of ezrin and HSP-701A up to one more min, but not HSP-90α nor PDI4. Sperm penetration, but not IVF efficiency, increased when gametes were cocultured in medium containing PDIA4 whereas sperm penetration and polyspermy rates decreased in presence of ezrin and HSP proteins. This reduction was not the result of a detrimental effect of proteins on sperm viability or acrosome reaction. In conclusion, addition of exogenous proteins detected in oviductal secretions to artificial media does not reproduce the effect of adding such secretions nor improve the final efficiency of the porcine IVF system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soledad García-Martínez
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum and IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Joaquín Gadea
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum and IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Pilar Coy
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum and IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Raquel Romar
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum and IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain.
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Luongo C, González-Brusi L, Cots-Rodríguez P, Izquierdo-Rico MJ, Avilés M, García-Vázquez FA. Sperm Proteome after Interaction with Reproductive Fluids in Porcine: From the Ejaculation to the Fertilization Site. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21176060. [PMID: 32842715 PMCID: PMC7570189 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ejaculated sperm are exposed to different environments before encountering the oocyte. However, how the sperm proteome changes during this transit remains unsolved. This study aimed to identify proteomic changes in boar sperm after incubation with male (seminal plasma, SP) and/or female (uterine fluid, UF; and oviductal fluid, OF) reproductive fluids. The following experimental groups were analyzed: (1) SP: sperm + 20% SP; (2) UF: sperm + 20% UF; (3) OF: sperm + 20% OF; (4) SP + UF: sperm + 20% SP + 20% UF; and (5) SP+OF: sperm + 20% SP + 20% OF. The proteome analysis, performed by HPLC-MS/MS, allowed the identification of 265 proteins. A total of 69 proteins were detected in the UF, SP, and SP + UF groups, and 102 proteins in the OF, SP, and SP + OF groups. Our results showed a higher number of proteins when sperm were incubated with only one fluid than when they were co-incubated with two fluids. Additionally, the number of sperm-interacting proteins from the UF group was lower than the OF group. In conclusion, the interaction of sperm with reproductive fluids alters its proteome. The description of sperm-interacting proteins in porcine species after co-incubation with male and/or female reproductive fluids may be useful to understand sperm transport, selection, capacitation, or fertilization phenomena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Luongo
- Department of Physiology, Veterinary School, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research (Campus Mare Nostrum), University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain;
| | - Leopoldo González-Brusi
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (L.G.-B.); (P.C.-R.); (M.J.I.-R.)
| | - Paula Cots-Rodríguez
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (L.G.-B.); (P.C.-R.); (M.J.I.-R.)
| | - Mª José Izquierdo-Rico
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (L.G.-B.); (P.C.-R.); (M.J.I.-R.)
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia, IMIB-Arrixaca, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Manuel Avilés
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (L.G.-B.); (P.C.-R.); (M.J.I.-R.)
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia, IMIB-Arrixaca, 30100 Murcia, Spain
- Correspondence: (M.A.); (F.A.G.-V.)
| | - Francisco Alberto García-Vázquez
- Department of Physiology, Veterinary School, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research (Campus Mare Nostrum), University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain;
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia, IMIB-Arrixaca, 30100 Murcia, Spain
- Correspondence: (M.A.); (F.A.G.-V.)
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de Almeida Monteiro Melo Ferraz M, Nagashima JB, Noonan MJ, Crosier AE, Songsasen N. Oviductal Extracellular Vesicles Improve Post-Thaw Sperm Function in Red Wolves and Cheetahs. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E3733. [PMID: 32466321 PMCID: PMC7279450 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Artificial insemination (AI) is a valuable tool for ex situ wildlife conservation, allowing the re-infusion and dissemination of genetic material, even after death of the donor. However, the application of AI to species conservation is still limited, due mainly to the poor survival of cryopreserved sperm. Recent work demonstrated that oviductal extracellular vesicles (oEVs) improved cat sperm motility and reduced premature acrosomal exocytosis. Here, we build on these findings by describing the protein content of dog and cat oEVs and investigating whether the incubation of cryopreserved red wolf and cheetah sperm with oEVs during thawing improves sperm function. Both red wolf and cheetah sperm thawed with dog and cat oEVs, respectively, had more intact acrosomes than the non-EV controls. Moreover, red wolf sperm thawed in the presence of dog oEVs better maintained sperm motility over time (>15%) though such an improvement was not observed in cheetah sperm. Our work demonstrates that dog and cat oEVs carry proteins important for sperm function and improve post-thaw motility and/or acrosome integrity of red wolf and cheetah sperm in vitro. The findings show how oEVs can be a valuable tool for improving the success of AI with cryopreserved sperm in threatened species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jennifer Beth Nagashima
- Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, 1500 Remount Road, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA; (J.B.N.); (M.J.N.); (A.E.C.); (N.S.)
| | - Michael James Noonan
- Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, 1500 Remount Road, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA; (J.B.N.); (M.J.N.); (A.E.C.); (N.S.)
- The Irving K. Barber School of Arts and Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus, 1177 Research Road, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - Adrienne E. Crosier
- Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, 1500 Remount Road, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA; (J.B.N.); (M.J.N.); (A.E.C.); (N.S.)
| | - Nucharin Songsasen
- Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, 1500 Remount Road, Front Royal, VA 22630, USA; (J.B.N.); (M.J.N.); (A.E.C.); (N.S.)
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7
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Leahy T, Rickard JP, Bernecic NC, Druart X, de Graaf SP. Ram seminal plasma and its functional proteomic assessment. Reproduction 2020; 157:R243-R256. [PMID: 30844754 DOI: 10.1530/rep-18-0627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Ejaculation results in the confluence of epididymal spermatozoa with secretions of the accessory sex glands. This interaction is not a prerequisite for fertilisation success, but seminal factors do play a crucial role in prolonging the survival of spermatozoa both in vitro and in vivo by affording protection from handling induced stress and some selective mechanisms of the female reproductive tract. Reproductive biologists have long sought to identify specific factors in seminal plasma that influence sperm function and fertility in these contexts. Many seminal plasma proteins have been identified as diagnostic predictors of sperm function and have been isolated and applied in vitro to prevent sperm damage associated with the application of artificial reproductive technologies. Proteomic assessment of the spermatozoon, and its surroundings, has provided considerable advances towards these goals and allowed for greater understanding of their physiological function. In this review, the importance of seminal plasma will be examined through a proteomic lens to provide comprehensive analysis of the ram seminal proteome and detail the use of proteomic studies that correlate seminal plasma proteins with ram sperm function and preservation ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Leahy
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, New South Wales, Australia
| | - J P Rickard
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, New South Wales, Australia
| | - N C Bernecic
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, New South Wales, Australia
| | - X Druart
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et du Comportement, INRA, CNRS, IFCE, Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | - S P de Graaf
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, New South Wales, Australia
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Romar R, Cánovas S, Matás C, Gadea J, Coy P. Pig in vitro fertilization: Where are we and where do we go? Theriogenology 2019; 137:113-121. [PMID: 31182223 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.05.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The pig is an important livestock animal. Biotechnological interest in this species has increased due to its use, among others, in the generation of transgenic animals for use in biomedicine based on its greater physiological proximity to the human species than other large domestic animals. This development has paralleled an improvement in Assisted Reproduction Techniques (ART) used for this species. However, the ability to generate animals from embryos produced entirely in vitro is still limited and a wide margin for improvement remains. Here we review the procedures, additives, and devices used during pig in vitro fertilization (IVF), focusing on the main points of each step that have offered the best results in terms of increased efficiency of the system. The lack of standardized protocols and consensus on the parameters to be assessed makes it difficult to compare results across different studies, but some conclusions are drawn from the literature. We anticipate that new physiological protocols will advance the field of swine IVF, including induction of prefertilization ZP hardening with oviductal fluid, sperm preparation by swim-up method, increased viscosity through the addition of inert molecules or reproductive biofluids, and the incorporation of 3D devices. Here we also reflect on the need to expand the variables on which the efficiency of pig IVF is based, providing new parameters that should be considered to supply more objective and quantitative assessment of IVF additives and protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Romar
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum, IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Sebastián Cánovas
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum, IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Carmen Matás
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum, IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Joaquín Gadea
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum, IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Pilar Coy
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum, IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
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Papp SM, Fröhlich T, Radefeld K, Havlicek V, Kösters M, Yu H, Mayrhofer C, Brem G, Arnold GJ, Besenfelder U. A novel approach to study the bovine oviductal fluid proteome using transvaginal endoscopy. Theriogenology 2019; 132:53-61. [PMID: 30991169 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Revised: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The oviduct provides the optimal micro milieu for early embryo development. However, accessing the bovine oviductal fluid in vivo for analysis is still challenging and therefore the oviductal fluid is usually collected post mortem. In the study presented here we introduce a novel approach to gain minimal invasive access to the bovine oviductal fluid proteome in vivo by transvaginal endoscopy at different stages of the estrous cycle. The first experiment aimed at transferring C4 derivatised magnetic beads to bind the oviductal fluid proteome in situ. Protein carrying beads were recovered by flushing the oviduct and proteins were eluted. In the second experiment a flushing solution was injected into and aspirated from the oviduct repeatedly. The flushing solution was centrifuged to separate the fluid from the cellular debris. Proteins were identified by nano-LC-MS/MS. Two different stages of the estrous cycle (Day 1 and Day 3) were analyzed in samples from 30 heifers. Both methods were applied successfully and in total, more than 3000 proteins were identified, so far representing the most comprehensive OF proteome published. This new minimal invasive approach to access the bovine oviductal fluid proteome facilitates future innovative experimental designs to study the role of the oviductal micro environment during early embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie M Papp
- Reproduction Centre Wieselburg RCW, Institute for Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Fröhlich
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis LAFUGA, Gene Center, Ludwig- Maximilians-University of Munich, Germany
| | - Karina Radefeld
- Reproduction Centre Wieselburg RCW, Institute for Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Vitezslav Havlicek
- Reproduction Centre Wieselburg RCW, Institute for Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria; Institute of Biotechnology in Animal Production, Interuniversity Department of Agrobiotechnology (IFA Tulln), University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences Vienna, Tulln, Austria
| | - Miwako Kösters
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis LAFUGA, Gene Center, Ludwig- Maximilians-University of Munich, Germany
| | - Hans Yu
- Institute of Biotechnology in Animal Production, Interuniversity Department of Agrobiotechnology (IFA Tulln), University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences Vienna, Tulln, Austria
| | - Corina Mayrhofer
- Reproduction Centre Wieselburg RCW, Institute for Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria; Institute of Biotechnology in Animal Production, Interuniversity Department of Agrobiotechnology (IFA Tulln), University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences Vienna, Tulln, Austria
| | - Gottfried Brem
- Reproduction Centre Wieselburg RCW, Institute for Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Georg J Arnold
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis LAFUGA, Gene Center, Ludwig- Maximilians-University of Munich, Germany
| | - Urban Besenfelder
- Reproduction Centre Wieselburg RCW, Institute for Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria; Institute of Biotechnology in Animal Production, Interuniversity Department of Agrobiotechnology (IFA Tulln), University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences Vienna, Tulln, Austria.
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10
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Genes Encoding Mammalian Oviductal Proteins Involved in Fertilization are Subjected to Gene Death and Positive Selection. J Mol Evol 2018; 86:655-667. [PMID: 30456442 PMCID: PMC6267676 DOI: 10.1007/s00239-018-9878-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Oviductal proteins play an important role in mammalian fertilization, as proteins from seminal fluid. However, in contrast with the latter, their phylogenetic evolution has been poorly studied. Our objective was to study in 16 mammals the evolution of 16 genes that encode oviductal proteins involved in at least one of the following steps: (1) sperm–oviduct interaction, (2) acrosome reaction, and/or (3) sperm–zona pellucida interaction. Most genes were present in all studied mammals. However, some genes were lost along the evolution of mammals and found as pseudogenes: annexin A5 (ANXA5) and deleted in malignant brain tumor 1 (DMBT1) in tarsier; oviductin (OVGP1) in megabat; and probably progestagen-associated endometrial protein (PAEP) in tarsier, mouse, rat, rabbit, dolphin, and megabat; prostaglandin D2 synthase (PTGDS) in microbat; and plasminogen (PLG) in megabat. Four genes [ANXA1, ANXA4, ANXA5, and heat shock 70 kDa protein 5 (HSPA5)] showed branch-site positive selection, whereas for seven genes [ANXA2, lactotransferrin (LTF), OVGP1, PLG, S100 calcium-binding protein A11 (S100A11), Sperm adhesion molecule 1 (SPAM1), and osteopontin (SPP1)] branch-site model and model-site positive selection were observed. These results strongly suggest that genes encoding oviductal proteins that are known to be important for gamete fertilization are subjected to positive selection during evolution, as numerous genes encoding proteins from mammalian seminal fluid. This suggests that such a rapid evolution may have as a consequence that two isolated populations become separate species more rapidly.
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Pockley AG, Henderson B. Extracellular cell stress (heat shock) proteins-immune responses and disease: an overview. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2018; 373:rstb.2016.0522. [PMID: 29203707 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2016.0522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular cell stress proteins are highly conserved phylogenetically and have been shown to act as powerful signalling agonists and receptors for selected ligands in several different settings. They also act as immunostimulatory 'danger signals' for the innate and adaptive immune systems. Other studies have shown that cell stress proteins and the induction of immune reactivity to self-cell stress proteins can attenuate disease processes. Some proteins (e.g. Hsp60, Hsp70, gp96) exhibit both inflammatory and anti-inflammatory properties, depending on the context in which they encounter responding immune cells. The burgeoning literature reporting the presence of stress proteins in a range of biological fluids in healthy individuals/non-diseased settings, the association of extracellular stress protein levels with a plethora of clinical and pathological conditions and the selective expression of a membrane form of Hsp70 on cancer cells now supports the concept that extracellular cell stress proteins are involved in maintaining/regulating organismal homeostasis and in disease processes and phenotype. Cell stress proteins, therefore, form a biologically complex extracellular cell stress protein network having diverse biological, homeostatic and immunomodulatory properties, the understanding of which offers exciting opportunities for delivering novel approaches to predict, identify, diagnose, manage and treat disease.This article is part of the theme issue 'Heat shock proteins as modulators and therapeutic targets of chronic disease: an integrated perspective'.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Graham Pockley
- John van Geest Cancer Research Centre, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham NG11 8NS, UK
| | - Brian Henderson
- Division of Microbial Diseases, UCL Eastman Dental Institute, London WC1X 8LD, UK
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Abstract
Millions or billions of sperm are deposited by artificial insemination or natural mating into the cow reproductive tract but only a few arrive at the site of fertilization and only one fertilizes an oocyte. The remarkable journey that successful sperm take to reach an oocyte is long and tortuous, and includes movement through viscous fluid, avoiding dead ends and hostile immune cells. The privileged collection of sperm that complete this journey must pass selection steps in the vagina, cervix, uterus, utero-tubal junction and oviduct. In many locations in the female reproductive tract, sperm interact with the epithelium and the luminal fluid, which can affect sperm motility and function. Sperm must also be tolerated by the immune system of the female for an adequate time to allow fertilization to occur. This review emphasizes literature about cattle but also includes work in other species that emphasizes critical broad concepts. Although all parts of the female reproductive tract are reviewed, particular attention is given to the sperm destination, the oviduct.
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Casares-Crespo L, Fernández-Serrano P, Vicente JS, Marco-Jiménez F, Viudes-de-Castro MP. Rabbit seminal plasma proteome: The importance of the genetic origin. Anim Reprod Sci 2017; 189:30-42. [PMID: 29274750 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2017.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2017] [Revised: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 12/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The present study was conducted to characterise rabbit seminal plasma proteins (SP proteins) focusing on the influence of the genetic origin and seasonality. In addition, β-NGF protein quantity in SP was determined. Semen samples were recovered from January to December 2014 using 6 males belonging to genotype A and six from genotype R. For each genotype, one pooled sample at the beginning, middle and end of each season was selected to develop the experiment. A total of 24 pools (3 for each season and genetic line) were analysed. SP proteins of the two experimental groups were recovered and subjected to in-solution digestion nano LC-MS/MS and bioinformatics analysis. The resulting library included 402 identified proteins validated with ≥95% Confidence (unused Score ≥ 1.3). These data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD006308. Only 6 proteins were specifically implicated in reproductive processes according to Gene Ontology annotation. Twenty-three proteins were differentially expressed between genotypes, 11 over-expressed in genotype A and 12 in genotype R. Regarding the effect of season on rabbit SP proteome, results showed that there is no clear pattern of protein variation throughout the year. Similar β-NGF relative quantity was observed between seasons and genotypes. In conclusion, this study generates the largest library of SP proteins reported to date in rabbits and provides evidence that genotype is related to a specific abundance of SP proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Casares-Crespo
- Animal Technology and Research Center (CITA), Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias (IVIA), Polígono La Esperanza n° 100, 12400 Segorbe, Castellón, Spain
| | - Paula Fernández-Serrano
- Animal Technology and Research Center (CITA), Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias (IVIA), Polígono La Esperanza n° 100, 12400 Segorbe, Castellón, Spain
| | - José S Vicente
- Institute of Science and Animal Technology (ICTA), Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain
| | - Francisco Marco-Jiménez
- Institute of Science and Animal Technology (ICTA), Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain
| | - María Pilar Viudes-de-Castro
- Animal Technology and Research Center (CITA), Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias (IVIA), Polígono La Esperanza n° 100, 12400 Segorbe, Castellón, Spain.
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Maddison JW, Rickard JP, Bernecic NC, Tsikis G, Soleilhavoup C, Labas V, Combes-Soia L, Harichaux G, Druart X, Leahy T, de Graaf SP. Oestrus synchronisation and superovulation alter the cervicovaginal mucus proteome of the ewe. J Proteomics 2017; 155:1-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2017.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2016] [Revised: 01/02/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Abstract
Tribbles (TRIB) proteins, a family of evolutionary conserved psuedokinase proteins, modulate various signalling pathways within the cell. The regulatory roles of TRIB make them an important part of a number of biological processes ranging from cell proliferation to metabolism, immunity, inflammation and carcinogenesis. Innate immune system plays a pivotal role during the regulation of reproductive processes that allows successful creation of an offspring. Its involvement initiates from fertilization of the oocyte by spermatozoon and lasts throughout early embryonic development, pregnancy and labour. Therefore, there is a close cooperation between the reproductive system and the innate immune system. Evidence from our lab has demonstrated that improper activation of the innate immune system can reduce embryo implantation, thus leading to infertility. Therefore, control mechanisms regulating the innate immune system function can be critical for successful reproductive events.
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Fazeli A, Holt WV. Cross talk during the periconception period. Theriogenology 2016; 86:438-42. [PMID: 27160448 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.04.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2015] [Revised: 01/11/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The cross talk between gametes, embryos, and female reproductive tract plays a crucial role in fine tuning of different reproductive events as well as influencing the epigenetic profile of offspring and their health in adulthood. Here, we describe some background to the recent investigations leading to the discovery of this cross talk. We will also point to important requirements for understanding the maternal communication with gametes and embryos. Finally, we mention two probable hypotheses regarding how gametes and embryos are recognized by the female reproductive tract. It is clear that understanding this cross talk is leading to the production of new means for increasing fertility and potentials for affecting the epigenomic profile of an individual.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Fazeli
- Department of Oncology & Metabolism, Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
| | - William V Holt
- Department of Oncology & Metabolism, Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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Marei WFA, Raheem KA, Salavati M, Tremaine T, Khalid M, Fouladi-Nashta AA. Hyaluronan and hyaluronidase, which is better for embryo development? Theriogenology 2016; 86:940-948. [PMID: 27091071 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2015] [Revised: 03/06/2016] [Accepted: 03/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Our aim was to examine size-specific effects of Hyaluronan (HA) on preimplantation embryo development. We investigated the effects of Hyalovet (HA, 500-750 kDa; the size produced by HA synthase-3, which is abundant in the oviduct), or HA treated with Hyaluronidase-2 (Hyal2; also expressed in the oviduct that breaks down HA into 20 kDa fragments). In experiment 1 (in vivo), oviducts of synchronized and superovulated ewes (n = 20) were surgically exposed on Day 2 post-mating, ligated, and infused with either Hyalovet, Hyalovet + Hyal2, Hyal2, or PBS (control). Ewes were killed 5 days later for recovery of embryos and oviductal epithelial cells (OEC). Blastocyst rates were significantly higher in Hyal2 and Hyalovet + Hyal2 oviducts. Hyaluronidase-2 infusion resulted in higher blastocyst cell numbers and hatching rates. This was associated with increased HSP70 expression in OEC. In contrast, Hyalovet resulted in the lowest development to blastocyst stage and lowest hatching rates, and decreased IGF2 and IGFBP2 expression in OEC. IGF1 and IL1α expression were not affected. In experiment 2, to rule out indirect effects of oviductal factors, ovine embryos were produced and cultured with the same treatments in vitro from Day 2 to 8. Hyaluronidase-2, but not Hyalovet, enhanced blastocyst formation and reduced inner cell mass apoptosis. Hyalovet inhibited hatching. In conclusion, the presence of large-size HA (500-750 kDa) in the vicinity of developing embryos appears to disturb the oviductal environment and embryo development in vivo and in vitro. In contrast, we show evidence that breakdown of HA into smaller fragments is required to maximize embryo development and blastocyst quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waleed F A Marei
- Reproduction and Development Research Group, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Herts, UK; Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Kabir A Raheem
- Reproduction and Development Research Group, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Herts, UK; Department of Veterinary Surgery and Theriogenology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria
| | - Mazdak Salavati
- Reproduction and Development Research Group, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Herts, UK
| | - Tina Tremaine
- Reproduction and Development Research Group, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Herts, UK
| | - Muhammad Khalid
- Reproduction and Development Research Group, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Herts, UK
| | - Ali A Fouladi-Nashta
- Reproduction and Development Research Group, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Herts, UK.
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Holt W, Fazeli A. Sperm selection in the female mammalian reproductive tract. Focus on the oviduct: Hypotheses, mechanisms, and new opportunities. Theriogenology 2016; 85:105-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2015] [Revised: 07/13/2015] [Accepted: 07/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Soleilhavoup C, Riou C, Tsikis G, Labas V, Harichaux G, Kohnke P, Reynaud K, de Graaf SP, Gerard N, Druart X. Proteomes of the Female Genital Tract During the Oestrous Cycle. Mol Cell Proteomics 2016; 15:93-108. [PMID: 26518761 PMCID: PMC4762522 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.m115.052332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2015] [Revised: 09/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The female genital tract includes several anatomical regions whose luminal fluids successively interact with gametes and embryos and are involved in the fertilisation and development processes. The luminal fluids from the inner cervix, the uterus and the oviduct were collected along the oestrous cycle at oestrus (Day 0 of the cycle) and during the luteal phase (Day 10) from adult cyclic ewes. The proteomes were assessed by GeLC-MS/MS and quantified by spectral counting. A set of 940 proteins were identified including 291 proteins differentially present along the cycle in one or several regions. The global analysis of the fluid proteomes revealed a general pattern of endocrine regulation of the tract, with the cervix and the oviduct showing an increased differential proteins abundance mainly at oestrus while the uterus showed an increased abundance mainly during the luteal phase. The proteins more abundant at oestrus included several families such as the heat shock proteins (HSP), the mucins, the complement cascade proteins and several redox enzymes. Other proteins known for their interaction with gametes such as oviductin (OVGP), osteopontin, HSPA8, and the spermadhesin AWN were also overexpressed at oestrus. The proteins more abundant during the luteal phase were associated with the immune system such as ceruloplasmin, lactoferrin, DMBT1, or PIGR, and also with tissue remodeling such as galectin 3 binding protein, alkaline phosphatase, CD9, or fibulin. Several proteins differentially abundant between estrus and the luteal phase, such as myosin 9 and fibronectin, were also validated by immunohistochemistry. The potential roles in sperm transit and uterine receptivity of the proteins differentially regulated along the cycle in the female genital tract are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clement Soleilhavoup
- From the ‡INRA, UMR 85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; §CNRS, UMR7247, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; ¶Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37000 Tours, France; ‖IFCE, Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Cindy Riou
- From the ‡INRA, UMR 85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; §CNRS, UMR7247, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; ¶Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37000 Tours, France; ‖IFCE, Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Guillaume Tsikis
- From the ‡INRA, UMR 85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; §CNRS, UMR7247, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; ¶Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37000 Tours, France; ‖IFCE, Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Valerie Labas
- From the ‡INRA, UMR 85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; §CNRS, UMR7247, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; ¶Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37000 Tours, France; ‖IFCE, Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; **INRA, Plate-forme d'Analyse Intégrative des Biomolécules (PAIB), Laboratoire de Spectrométrie de Masse, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Gregoire Harichaux
- From the ‡INRA, UMR 85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; §CNRS, UMR7247, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; ¶Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37000 Tours, France; ‖IFCE, Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; **INRA, Plate-forme d'Analyse Intégrative des Biomolécules (PAIB), Laboratoire de Spectrométrie de Masse, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Philippa Kohnke
- From the ‡INRA, UMR 85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; §CNRS, UMR7247, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; ¶Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37000 Tours, France; ‖IFCE, Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Karine Reynaud
- From the ‡INRA, UMR 85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; §CNRS, UMR7247, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; ¶Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37000 Tours, France; ‖IFCE, Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; ‡‡Alfort Veterinary School, 94700 Maisons Alfort, France
| | - Simon P de Graaf
- §§Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Nadine Gerard
- From the ‡INRA, UMR 85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; §CNRS, UMR7247, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; ¶Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37000 Tours, France; ‖IFCE, Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Xavier Druart
- From the ‡INRA, UMR 85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; §CNRS, UMR7247, F-37380 Nouzilly, France; ¶Université François Rabelais de Tours, F-37000 Tours, France; ‖IFCE, Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation, F-37380 Nouzilly, France;
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Abstract
The capacity for sperm storage within the female reproductive tract occurs widely across all groups of vertebrate species and is exceptionally well developed in some reptiles (maximum duration seven years) and fishes (maximum duration >1 year). Although there are many reports on both the occurrence of female sperm storage in diverse species and its adaptive benefits, few studies have been directed toward explaining the mechanisms involved. In this article we review recent findings in birds and mammals in an effort to develop hypotheses that could be translated into research applications in animal breeding technologies. There are pockets of evidence to suggest that the local epithelial cells, sometimes arranged as sperm storage tubules, can respond to spermatozoa by producing heat shock proteins as well as providing an environment rich in antioxidants. Moreover, the local immune system seems to tolerate the arrival of spermatozoa, while retaining the ability to combat the arrival of infectious microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- William V Holt
- Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2SF, United Kingdom; ;
| | - Alireza Fazeli
- Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2SF, United Kingdom; ;
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21
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Miller DJ. Regulation of Sperm Function by Oviduct Fluid and the Epithelium: Insight into the Role of Glycans. Reprod Domest Anim 2015; 50 Suppl 2:31-9. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.12570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2015] [Accepted: 06/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- DJ Miller
- Department of Animal Sciences; University of Illinois; Urbana-Champaign IL USA
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Holt WV, Del Valle I, Fazeli A. Heat shock protein A8 stabilizes the bull sperm plasma membrane during cryopreservation: Effects of breed, protein concentration, and mode of use. Theriogenology 2015; 84:693-701. [PMID: 26047707 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2015] [Revised: 05/03/2015] [Accepted: 05/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Heat shock protein A8 (HSPA8) is a highly conserved member of the Hsp70 family, which is expressed in oviductal cells, translocated into oviductal fluid, and becomes attached to the sperm surface during sperm transport. Previous research has shown that HSPA8 supports mammalian sperm viability during in vitro incubation at both 5 °C and body temperature. The present series of experiments was designed to explore the possibility that bovine recombinant HSPA8 might therefore protect bull spermatozoa during cryopreservation through its beneficial effects on the sperm plasma membrane. Soy-based cryopreservation media were used in these experiments. The effects of HSPA8 addition before freezing were examined at concentrations ranging from 0.2 to 6.4 μg/mL, whereas the effects of postthaw HSPA8 addition were tested between 0.2 and 12.8 μg/mL. When bull spermatozoa (from beef and dairy breeds) were frozen in the presence of HSPA8, beneficial but complex effects on postthaw viability were observed. Low HSPA8 concentrations (0.2 and 0.4 μg/mL) resulted in significantly reduced postthaw sperm viability, but concentrations above 0.8 μg/mL improved plasma membrane integrity. If HSPA8 was added to spermatozoa after thawing, outcomes were also biphasic and beneficial effects on viability were only seen if the HSPA8 concentration exceeded 3.2 μg/mL. Beneficial effects were significantly more apparent with beef rather than dairy breeds. When HSPA8 was used in combination with cholesterol-loaded cyclodextrin, spermatozoa from the beef breeds showed significantly lower apoptotic effects. This was not observed with the dairy breeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- W V Holt
- Department of Human Metabolism, Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, Sheffield, UK.
| | - I Del Valle
- Department of Human Metabolism, Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, Sheffield, UK
| | - A Fazeli
- Department of Human Metabolism, Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, Sheffield, UK
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23
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Fazeli A, Moein Vaziri N, Holt WV. Proteomics of the periconception milieu. Proteomics 2015; 15:649-55. [PMID: 25404351 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201400362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2014] [Revised: 11/09/2014] [Accepted: 11/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
There is increasing realisation that human health status in adulthood depends critically upon environmental conditions pertaining around the time of conception and during pregnancy. Poor maternal diet or adverse environmental conditions around the periconception period somehow induces the resultant embryo to adapt predictively in order to survive this level of stress for the whole of its life. However, if there is a mismatch between expectation and reality, where the conditions during later life are better than expected, things go wrong and the adult suffers a range of illnesses, including diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and stroke. Understanding the molecular signals that direct the early embryo to adopt appropriate adaptations to suit its future life would be extremely valuable. However, although it appears to be an ideal task for proteomic applications, there are technical, ethical and practical limitations to what can be achieved with the current framework of proteomic technology. Here, we review what has been achieved to date, explain some of the experimental problems and suggest some strategies for taking this field forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Fazeli
- Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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24
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Yeste M, Holt WV, Bonet S, Rodríguez-Gil JE, Lloyd RE. Viable and morphologically normal boar spermatozoa alter the expression of heat-shock protein genes in oviductal epithelial cells during co-culture in vitro. Mol Reprod Dev 2014; 81:805-19. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2014] [Accepted: 06/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marc Yeste
- Institute of Zoology; Zoological Society of London; London United Kingdom
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery; Autonomous University of Barcelona; Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona) Spain
| | - William V. Holt
- Institute of Zoology; Zoological Society of London; London United Kingdom
- Academic Department of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine; University of Sheffield; Sheffield United Kingdom
| | - Sergi Bonet
- Department of Biology; University of Girona; Girona Spain
| | - Joan E. Rodríguez-Gil
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery; Autonomous University of Barcelona; Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona) Spain
| | - Rhiannon E. Lloyd
- Institute of Zoology; Zoological Society of London; London United Kingdom
- Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences; University of Portsmouth; Portsmouth United Kingdom
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25
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Novel SNPs in heat shock protein 70 gene and their association with sperm quality traits of Boer goats and Boer crosses. Anim Reprod Sci 2014; 146:176-81. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2014.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2013] [Revised: 01/25/2014] [Accepted: 03/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Moein-Vaziri N, Phillips I, Smith S, Almiňana C, Maside C, Gil MA, Roca J, Martinez EA, Holt WV, Pockley AG, Fazeli A. Heat-shock protein A8 restores sperm membrane integrity by increasing plasma membrane fluidity. Reproduction 2014; 147:719-32. [PMID: 24501193 DOI: 10.1530/rep-13-0631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The constitutive 70 kDa heat-shock protein, HSPA8, has previously been shown to contribute to the long-term survival of spermatozoa inside the mammalian female reproductive tract. Here, we show that a recombinant form of HSPA8 rapidly promotes the viability of uncapacitated spermatozoa, the ability of spermatozoa to bind to oviductal epithelial cells, enhances IVF performance, and decreases sperm mitochondrial activity. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching revealed that the repair of membrane damage is achieved by an almost instantaneous increase in sperm membrane fluidity. The ability of HSPA8 to influence membrane stability and fluidity, as well as its conserved nature among mammalian species, supports the idea that this protein protects sperm survival through membrane repair mechanisms. Free Persian abstract A Persian translation of the abstract is freely available online at http://www.reproduction-online.org/content/147/5/719/suppl/DC1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najmeh Moein-Vaziri
- Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, Department of Human Metabolism, The Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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Mondéjar I, Martínez-Martínez I, Avilés M, Coy P. Identification of Potential Oviductal Factors Responsible for Zona Pellucida Hardening and Monospermy During Fertilization in Mammals1. Biol Reprod 2013; 89:67. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.111385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
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28
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Alvarez-Rodríguez M, Alvarez M, Borragan S, Martinez-Pastor F, Holt W, Fazeli A, de Paz P, Anel L. The addition of heat shock protein HSPA8 to cryoprotective media improves the survival of brown bear (Ursus arctos) spermatozoa during chilling and after cryopreservation. Theriogenology 2013; 79:541-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2012.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2012] [Accepted: 11/01/2012] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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29
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Kadirvel G, Machado SA, Korneli C, Collins E, Miller P, Bess KN, Aoki K, Tiemeyer M, Bovin N, Miller DJ. Porcine sperm bind to specific 6-sialylated biantennary glycans to form the oviduct reservoir. Biol Reprod 2012; 87:147. [PMID: 23115267 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.112.103879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
After mating, many female mammals store a subpopulation of sperm in the lower portion of the oviduct, forming a reservoir. The reservoir lengthens sperm lifespan, regulates sperm capacitation, controls polyspermy, and selects normal sperm. It is believed that sperm bind to glycans on the oviduct epithelium to form the reservoir, but the specific adhesion molecules that retain sperm are unclear. Herein, using a glycan array to test 377 glycans for their ability to bind porcine sperm, we found two glycan motifs in common among all glycans with sperm-binding ability: the Lewis X trisaccharide and biantennary structures containing a mannose core with 6-sialylated lactosamine at one or more termini. Binding to both motifs was specific; isomers of each motif did not bind sperm. Further work focused on sialylated lactosamine. Sialylated lactosamine was found abundantly on the apical side of epithelial cells collected from the oviduct isthmus, among N-linked and O-linked glycans. Sialylated lactosamine bound to the head of sperm, the region that interacts with the oviduct epithelium. After capacitation, sperm lost affinity for sialylated lactosamine. Receptor modification may contribute to release from the reservoir so that sperm can move to the site of fertilization. Sialylated lactosamine was required for sperm to bind oviduct cells. Simbucus nigra agglutinin or an antibody specific to sialylated lactosamine with a preference for Neu5Acalpha2-6Gal rather than Neu5Acalpha2-3Gal reduced sperm binding to oviduct isthmic cells, as did occupying putative receptors on sperm with sialylated biantennary glycans. These results demonstrate that sperm binding to oviduct 6-sialylated biantennary glycans is necessary for normal adhesion to the oviduct.
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Affiliation(s)
- Govindasamy Kadirvel
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
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Mondéjar I, Acuña OS, Izquierdo-Rico MJ, Coy P, Avilés M. The oviduct: functional genomic and proteomic approach. Reprod Domest Anim 2012; 47 Suppl 3:22-9. [PMID: 22681295 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2012.02027.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian oviduct is an anatomical part of the female reproductive tract, which plays several important roles in the events related to fertilization and embryo development. This review examines and compares several studies related to the proteomic and transcriptomic profile of the oviduct in different domestic animals. This information could be important for clarifying the role of oviductal factors in different events regulating fertilization and early embryo development, as well as for improving synthetic media for in vitro maturation/in vitro fertilization/embryo culture techniques (IVM/IVF/EC).
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Affiliation(s)
- I Mondéjar
- Department of Physiology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
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Lloyd RE, Fazeli A, Watson PF, Holt WV. The oviducal protein, heat-shock 70-kDa protein 8, improves the long-term survival of ram spermatozoa during storage at 17°C in a commercial extender. Reprod Fertil Dev 2012; 24:543-9. [PMID: 22541542 DOI: 10.1071/rd11173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2011] [Accepted: 09/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Poor fertility rates are often observed when fresh ram semen stored in conventional extenders is used for cervical artificial insemination (AI). Heat-shock 70-kDa protein 8 (HSPA8), found within the oviduct, prolongs boar, ram and bull sperm survival at body temperatures in vitro. Here, we aimed to determine whether supplementing extenders (INRA-96 and RSD-1) with HSPA8 (4 µg mL⁻¹) would improve their performance in maintaining freshly collected ram sperm viability and sperm nuclear DNA integrity during storage over 48 h at 17°C. Sperm function was assessed at 1, 6, 24 and 48h and this experiment was repeated using 25 × 10⁶ and 800 × 10⁶ spermatozoa mL⁻¹. INRA96 supplemented with HSPA8 maintained sperm viability significantly better than INRA96 alone at both sperm concentrations. However, sperm nuclear DNA fragmentation (DF) increased significantly during storage using the higher sperm concentration, irrespective of the extender and the protein treatment used. Increasing levels of sperm nuclear DF over time could explain why poor fertility rates are often observed following cervical AI using stored ram semen. However, further research is required to ascertain whether supplementing the commercially available INRA96 extender with HSPA8 will improve fertility rates following cervical AI using stored ram semen.
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Affiliation(s)
- R E Lloyd
- Institute of Zoology, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK.
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Dun MD, Aitken RJ, Nixon B. The role of molecular chaperones in spermatogenesis and the post-testicular maturation of mammalian spermatozoa. Hum Reprod Update 2012; 18:420-35. [DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dms009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
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Goudet G. Fertilisation in the horse and paracrine signalling in the oviduct. Reprod Fertil Dev 2012; 23:941-51. [PMID: 22127000 DOI: 10.1071/rd10285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2010] [Accepted: 04/04/2011] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The mammalian oviduct plays a crucial role in the preparation of gametes for fertilisation (transport and final maturation) and fertilisation itself. An increasing number of studies offers a comprehensive overview of the functions of the oviduct and its secretions, but this topic has had limited investigation in the horse. Limited data are available on the final oocyte maturation in the equine oviduct. However, in vitro and in vivo systems have been established to analyse the influence of equine oviduct epithelial cells (OEC) during maturation on the potential of oocytes for fertilisation and development. Most studies focus on the role of the oviduct in equine sperm function, such as spermatozoa transport, attachment to oviduct epithelium, viability, motility and capacitation. Moreover, some possible candidate molecules for sperm-oviducal interactions have been identified in the horse. Finally, the low efficiency of conventional in vitro fertilisation and the in vivo fertilisation of equine oocytes transferred into the oviduct of an inseminated mare predicted an influence of oviduct in equine fertilisation. Actually, in vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrated a role of the oviduct in equine fertilisation. Moreover, recent studies showed a beneficial effect of homologous and heterologous OEC on equine in vitro fertilisation, and some candidate molecules have been studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghylène Goudet
- INRA, UMR85, Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Nouzilly, France.
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Teijeiro JM, Marini PE. Apical membranes prepared by peeling from whole porcine oviducts interact with homologous sperm. Cell Tissue Res 2012; 348:213-23. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-012-1338-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2011] [Accepted: 01/18/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Aldarmahi A, Elliott S, Russell J, Klonisch T, Hombach-Klonisch S, Fazeli A. Characterisation of an in vitro system to study maternal communication with spermatozoa. Reprod Fertil Dev 2012; 24:988-98. [DOI: 10.1071/rd11268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2011] [Accepted: 02/09/2012] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
In vivo, gamete maturation, fertilisation and early embryonic development take place inside the oviduct. Several studies have indicated that local responses towards gametes and embryos are generated by the maternal reproductive tract. However, no defined in vitro model currently exists to allow detailed and systematic investigation of maternal communications with gametes and embryos. Therefore, we characterised an in vitro model based on the interaction of boar spermatozoa with an immortalised porcine oviduct epithelial cell line to evaluate different factors that may affect this model. The factors tested were sperm viability, source of spermatozoa, cell passage effect and the effect of reproductive and non-reproductive epithelial cells in the interaction with spermatozoa. After 24 h of co-incubation, RNA was extracted and used to synthesise cDNA for quantitative real-time PCR. Alteration in the expression of genes such as adrenomedullin, heat-shock 70-kDa protein 8 and prostaglandin E synthase was considered as the end point of this assay. The results showed that sperm viability and cell passage number had an effect on oviductal gene expression in response to spermatozoa. Oviductal cells showed significant alterations in gene expression when compared with non-reproductive epithelial cells. The simple in vitro system described here has potential application for further studies in our understanding of mechanisms involved in maternal interactions with spermatozoa.
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Killian G. PHYSIOLOGY AND ENDOCRINOLOGY SYMPOSIUM: Evidence that oviduct secretions influence sperm function: A retrospective view for livestock1. J Anim Sci 2011; 89:1315-22. [DOI: 10.2527/jas.2010-3349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
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Holt WV, Fazeli A. The oviduct as a complex mediator of mammalian sperm function and selection. Mol Reprod Dev 2010; 77:934-43. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.21234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2010] [Accepted: 07/22/2010] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Coy P, Lloyd R, Romar R, Satake N, Matas C, Gadea J, Holt W. Effects of porcine pre-ovulatory oviductal fluid on boar sperm function. Theriogenology 2010; 74:632-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2010.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2009] [Revised: 02/05/2010] [Accepted: 03/07/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Holt W, Lloyd R. Sperm storage in the vertebrate female reproductive tract: How does it work so well? Theriogenology 2010; 73:713-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2009.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2009] [Accepted: 05/22/2009] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Zumoffen CM, Caille AM, Munuce MJ, Cabada MO, Ghersevich SA. Proteins from human oviductal tissue-conditioned medium modulate sperm capacitation. Hum Reprod 2010; 25:1504-12. [PMID: 20338958 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deq063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spermatozoa acquire the ability to fertilize an oocyte when they become capacitated. Capacitation takes place when sperm pass through the female reproductive tract, interacting with female fluids. Both tyrosine phosphorylation of sperm proteins and the ability to respond to acrosome reaction (AR) inducers have been associated with sperm capacitation. Recent data indicate that conditioned media (CM) from human oviductal tissue culture decrease sperm affinity for the zona pellucida in vitro. Since capacitation enables the sperm-oocyte interaction, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of CM on events related to sperm capacitation and to assess whether these effects were permanent. METHODS Oviductal tissue was obtained from premenopausal patients (scheduled for hysterectomies because of uterine fibromyoma). The tissues were cultured as explants and CM were collected. Explant viability was assessed as tissue DNA integrity. Normozoospermic semen samples were obtained from healthy donors. Motile spermatozoa were incubated under capacitating conditions with or without increasing protein concentrations of CM for 6 or 22 h. Human follicular fluid-induced AR was detected by the Pisum sativum technique. Tyrosine phosphorylated proteins were detected with a monoclonal anti-phosphotyrosine antibody. RESULTS The incubation of spermatozoa in the presence of increasing concentrations of conditioned medium (CM) proteins caused a dose-dependent decrease in both tyrosine phosphorylation of sperm proteins and in the level of AR induction. When CM was removed from the sperm incubation media, the effects were reversed. Heat-inactivated CM did not affect either tyrosine phosphorylation or the induction of AR. CONCLUSIONS The present data suggest that proteins secreted from human oviductal tissue are able to inhibit events associated with sperm capacitation in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M Zumoffen
- Laboratorio de Estudios Reproductivos, Area of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, National University of Rosario, Suipacha 531, 2000 Rosario, Argentina
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