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Sečová P, Hackerová L, Horovská Ľ, Michalková K, Jankovičová J, Postlerová P, Antalíková J. Complexity and modification of the bull sperm glycocalyx during epididymal maturation. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23687. [PMID: 38785390 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202400551rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Mammalian spermatozoa have a surface covered with glycocalyx, consisting of heterogeneous glycoproteins and glycolipids. This complexity arises from diverse monosaccharides, distinct linkages, various isomeric glycans, branching levels, and saccharide sequences. The glycocalyx is synthesized by spermatozoa developing in the testis, and its subsequent alterations during their transit through the epididymis are a critical process for the sperm acquisition of fertilizing ability. In this study, we performed detailed analysis of the glycocalyx on the sperm surface of bull spermatozoa in relation to individual parts of the epididymis using a wide range (24) of lectins with specific carbohydrate binding preferences. Fluorescence analysis of intact sperm isolated from the bull epididymides was complemented by Western blot detection of protein extracts from the sperm plasma membrane fractions. Our experimental results revealed predominant sequential modification of bull sperm glycans with N-acetyllactosamine (LacNAc), followed by subsequent sialylation and fucosylation in a highly specific manner. Additionally, variations in the lectin detection on the sperm surface may indicate the acquisition or release of glycans or glycoproteins. Our study is the first to provide a complex analysis of the bull sperm glycocalyx modification during epididymal maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Sečová
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Lenka Hackerová
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ľubica Horovská
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Katarína Michalková
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Jana Jankovičová
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Pavla Postlerová
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Antalíková
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
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Vašíček J, Baláži A, Svoradová A, Vozaf J, Dujíčková L, Makarevich AV, Bauer M, Chrenek P. Comprehensive Flow-Cytometric Quality Assessment of Ram Sperm Intended for Gene Banking Using Standard and Novel Fertility Biomarkers. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23115920. [PMID: 35682598 PMCID: PMC9180808 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23115920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Flow cytometry becomes a common method for analysis of spermatozoa quality. Standard sperm characteristics such as viability, acrosome and chromatin integrity, oxidative damage (ROS) etc. can be easily assess in any animal semen samples. Moreover, several fertility-related markers were observed in humans and some other mammals. However, these fertility biomarkers have not been previously studied in ram. The aim of this study was to optimize the flow-cytometric analysis of these standard and novel markers in ram semen. Ram semen samples from Slovak native sheep breeds were analyzed using CASA system for motility and concentration and were subsequently stained with several fluorescent dyes or specific antibodies to evaluate sperm viability (SYBR-14), apoptosis (Annexin V, YO-PRO-1, FLICA, Caspases 3/7), acrosome status (PNA, LCA, GAPDHS), capacitation (merocyanine 540, FLUO-4 AM), mitochondrial activity (MitoTracker Green, rhodamine 123, JC-1), ROS (CM-H2DCFDA, DHE, MitoSOX Red, BODIPY), chromatin (acridine orange), leukocyte content, ubiquitination and aggresome formation, and overexpression of negative biomarkers (MKRN1, SPTRX-3, PAWP, H3K4me2). Analyzed semen samples were divided into two groups according to viability as indicators of semen quality: Group 1 (viability over 60%) and Group 2 (viability under 60%). Significant (p < 0.05) differences were found between these groups in sperm motility and concentration, apoptosis, acrosome integrity (only PNA), mitochondrial activity, ROS production (except for DHE), leukocyte and aggresome content, and high PAWP expression. In conclusion, several standard and novel fluorescent probes have been confirmed to be suitable for multiplex ram semen analysis by flow cytometry as well as several antibodies have been validated for the specific detection of ubiquitin, PAWP and H3K4me2 in ram spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaromír Vašíček
- Institute of Farm Animal Genetics and Reproduction, NPPC, Research Institute for Animal Production Nitra, Hlohovecká 2, 951 41 Lužianky, Slovakia; (A.B.); (A.S.); (L.D.); (A.V.M.); (M.B.)
- Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Science, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia;
- Correspondence: (J.V.); (P.C.); Tel.: +421-37-654-6600 (J.V.); +421-37-641-4274 (P.C.)
| | - Andrej Baláži
- Institute of Farm Animal Genetics and Reproduction, NPPC, Research Institute for Animal Production Nitra, Hlohovecká 2, 951 41 Lužianky, Slovakia; (A.B.); (A.S.); (L.D.); (A.V.M.); (M.B.)
| | - Andrea Svoradová
- Institute of Farm Animal Genetics and Reproduction, NPPC, Research Institute for Animal Production Nitra, Hlohovecká 2, 951 41 Lužianky, Slovakia; (A.B.); (A.S.); (L.D.); (A.V.M.); (M.B.)
- Department of Morphology, Physiology and Animal Genetics, Faculty of Agri Sciences, Mendel University in Brno, Zemědělská 1/1665, 613 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jakub Vozaf
- Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Science, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia;
| | - Linda Dujíčková
- Institute of Farm Animal Genetics and Reproduction, NPPC, Research Institute for Animal Production Nitra, Hlohovecká 2, 951 41 Lužianky, Slovakia; (A.B.); (A.S.); (L.D.); (A.V.M.); (M.B.)
- Department of Botany and Genetics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, Nábrežie Mládeže 91, 949 74 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Alexander V. Makarevich
- Institute of Farm Animal Genetics and Reproduction, NPPC, Research Institute for Animal Production Nitra, Hlohovecká 2, 951 41 Lužianky, Slovakia; (A.B.); (A.S.); (L.D.); (A.V.M.); (M.B.)
| | - Miroslav Bauer
- Institute of Farm Animal Genetics and Reproduction, NPPC, Research Institute for Animal Production Nitra, Hlohovecká 2, 951 41 Lužianky, Slovakia; (A.B.); (A.S.); (L.D.); (A.V.M.); (M.B.)
- Department of Botany and Genetics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, Nábrežie Mládeže 91, 949 74 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Peter Chrenek
- Institute of Farm Animal Genetics and Reproduction, NPPC, Research Institute for Animal Production Nitra, Hlohovecká 2, 951 41 Lužianky, Slovakia; (A.B.); (A.S.); (L.D.); (A.V.M.); (M.B.)
- Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Science, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia;
- Correspondence: (J.V.); (P.C.); Tel.: +421-37-654-6600 (J.V.); +421-37-641-4274 (P.C.)
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Xia M, Xia J, Niu C, Zhong Y, Ge T, Ding Y, Zheng Y. Testis-expressed protein 33 is not essential for spermiogenesis and fertility in mice. Mol Med Rep 2021; 23:317. [PMID: 33760102 PMCID: PMC7974414 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.11956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene expression analyses have revealed that there are >2,300 testis-enriched genes in mice, and gene knockout models have shown that a number of them are responsible for male fertility. However, the functions of numerous genes have yet to be clarified. The aim of the present study was to identify the expression pattern of testis-expressed protein 33 (TEX33) in mice and explore the role of TEX33 in male reproduction. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blot assays were used to investigate the mRNA and protein levels of TEX33 in mouse testes during the first wave of spermatogenesis. Immunofluorescence analysis was also performed to identify the cellular and structural localization of TEX33 protein in the testes. Tex33 knockout mice were generated by CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing. Histological analysis with hematoxylin and eosin or periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining, computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) and fertility testing, were also carried out to evaluate the effect of TEX33 on mouse spermiogenesis and male reproduction. The results showed that Tex33 mRNA and protein were exclusively expressed in mouse testes and were first detected on postnatal days 21–28 (spermiogenesis phase); their expression then remained into adulthood. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed that TEX33 protein was located in the spermatids and sperm within the seminiferous tubules of the mouse testes, and exhibited specific localization to the acrosome, flagellum and manchette during spermiogenesis. These results suggested that TEX33 may play a role in mouse spermiogenesis. However, Tex33 knockout mice presented no detectable difference in testis-to-body weight ratios when compared with wild-type mice. PAS staining and CASA revealed that spermatogenesis and sperm quality were normal in mice lacking Tex33. In addition, fertility testing suggested that the Tex33 knockout mice had normal reproductive functions. In summary, the findings of the present study indicate that TEX33 is associated with spermiogenesis but is not essential for sperm development and male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Xia
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, P.R. China
| | - Jing Xia
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, P.R. China
| | - Changmin Niu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, P.R. China
| | - Yanan Zhong
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, P.R. China
| | - Tingting Ge
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, P.R. China
| | - Yue Ding
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, P.R. China
| | - Ying Zheng
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, P.R. China
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Robles-Gómez L, González-Brusi L, Sáez-Espinosa P, Huerta-Retamal N, Cots-Rodríguez P, Avilés M, Gómez-Torres MJ. Specific lectin binding sites during in vitro capacitation and acrosome reaction in boar spermatozoa. ITALIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/1828051x.2021.1886611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Leopoldo González-Brusi
- Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum, Espinardo (30100) and IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | | | | | - Paula Cots-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum, Espinardo (30100) and IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Manuel Avilés
- Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum, Espinardo (30100) and IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - María José Gómez-Torres
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Universidad de Alicante, Alicante, Spain
- Cátedra Human Fertility, Universidad de Alicante, Alicante, Spain
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Villaverde AISB, Hetherington L, Baker MA. Quantitative Glycopeptide Changes in Rat Sperm During Epididymal Transit1. Biol Reprod 2016; 94:91. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.134114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
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Sutovsky P, Aarabi M, Miranda-Vizuete A, Oko R. Negative biomarker based male fertility evaluation: Sperm phenotypes associated with molecular-level anomalies. Asian J Androl 2016; 17:554-60. [PMID: 25999356 PMCID: PMC4492044 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.153847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomarker-based sperm analysis elevates the treatment of human infertility and ameliorates reproductive performance in livestock. The negative biomarker-based approach focuses on proteins and ligands unique to defective spermatozoa, regardless of their morphological phenotype, lending itself to analysis by flow cytometry (FC). A prime example is the spermatid specific thioredoxin SPTRX3/TXNDC8, retained in the nuclear vacuoles and superfluous cytoplasm of defective human spermatozoa. Infertile couples with high semen SPTRX3 are less likely to conceive by assisted reproductive therapies (ART) and more prone to recurrent miscarriage while low SPTRX3 has been associated with multiple ART births. Ubiquitin, a small, proteolysis-promoting covalent posttranslational protein modifier is found on the surface of defective posttesticular spermatozoa and in the damaged protein aggregates, the aggresomes of spermiogenic origin. Semen ubiquitin content correlates negatively with fertility and conventional semen parameters, and with sperm binding of lectins LCA (Lens culinaris agglutinin; reveals altered sperm surface) and PNA (Arachis hypogaea/peanut agglutinin; reveals acrosomal malformation or damage). The Postacrosomal Sheath WWI Domain Binding Protein (PAWP), implicated in oocyte activation during fertilization, is ectopic or absent from defective human and animal spermatozoa. Consequently, FC-parameters of PAWP correlate with ART outcomes in infertile couples and with fertility in bulls. Assays based on the above biomarkers have been combined into multiplex FC semen screening protocols, and the surface expression of lectins and ubiquitin has been utilized to develop nanoparticle-based bull semen purification method validated by field artificial insemination trials. These advances go hand-in-hand with the innovation of FC-technology and genomics/proteomics-based biomarker discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Sutovsky
- Division of Animal Science and Departments of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA,
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Dacheux JL, Dacheux F. New insights into epididymal function in relation to sperm maturation. Reproduction 2014; 147:R27-42. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-13-0420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 195] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Testicular spermatozoa acquire fertility only after 1 or 2 weeks of transit through the epididymis. At the end of this several meters long epididymal tubule, the male gamete is able to move, capacitate, migrate through the female tract, bind to the egg membrane and fuse to the oocyte to result in a viable embryo. All these sperm properties are acquired after sequential modifications occurring either at the level of the spermatozoon or in the epididymal surroundings. Over the last few decades, significant increases in the understanding of the composition of the male gamete and its surroundings have resulted from the use of new techniques such as genome sequencing, proteomics combined with high-sensitivity mass spectrometry, and gene-knockout approaches. This review reports and discusses the most relevant new results obtained in different species regarding the various cellular processes occurring at the sperm level, in particular, those related to the development of motility and egg binding during epididymal transit.
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Role of posttranslational protein modifications in epididymal sperm maturation and extracellular quality control. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2014; 759:159-80. [PMID: 25030764 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-0817-2_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The epididymal lumen is a complex microenvironment in which spermatozoa acquire motility and fertility. Spermatozoa are synthetically inactive and therefore the maturation process requires their interaction with proteins that are synthesized and secreted in a highly regionalized manner by the epididymal epithelium. In addition to the integration of epididymal secretory proteins, posttranslational modifications of existing sperm proteins are important for sperm maturation and acquisition of fertilizing potential. Phosphorylation, glycosylation, and processing are several of the posttranslational modifications that sperm proteins undergo during epididymal transit resulting in changes in protein function and localization ultimately leading to mature spermatozoa. In addition to these well-characterized modifications, protein aggregation and cross-linking also occur within the epididymal lumen and may represent unique mechanisms for controlling protein function including that for maturation as well as for extracellular quality control.
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Bonet S, Briz MD, Yeste M. A Proper Assessment of Boar Sperm Function May Not Only Require Conventional Analyses but Also Others Focused on Molecular Markers of Epididymal Maturation. Reprod Domest Anim 2012; 47 Suppl 3:52-64. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2012.02033.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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