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Ding X, Tian Y, Qiu Y, Duan P, Wang X, Li Z, Li L, Liu Y, Wang L. Effects of Long-Term Cryopreservation on the Transcriptomes of Giant Grouper Sperm. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:523. [PMID: 38674457 PMCID: PMC11050297 DOI: 10.3390/genes15040523] [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: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The giant grouper fish (Epinephelus lanceolatus), one of the largest and rarest groupers, is a fast-growing economic fish. Grouper sperm is often used for cross-breeding with other fish and therefore sperm cryopreservation is important. However, freezing damage cannot be avoided. Herein, we performed a transcriptome analysis to compare fresh and frozen sperm of the giant grouper with frozen storage times of 0, 23, 49, and 61 months. In total, 1911 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 91 in El-0-vs-El-23 (40 upregulated and 51 downregulated), 251 in El-0-vs-El-49 (152 upregulated and 69 downregulated), and 1569 in El-0-vs-El-61 (984 upregulated and 585 downregulated), were obtained in the giant grouper sperm. DEGs were significantly increased at 61 months of cryopreservation (p < 0.05). GO and KEGG enrichment analyses of the DEGs revealed significant enrichment in the pilus assembly, metabolic process, MAPK signaling pathway, apoptosis, and P53 signaling pathway. Time-series expression profiling of the DEGs showed that consistently upregulated modules were also significantly enriched in signaling pathways associated with apoptosis. Four genes, scarb1, odf3, exoc8, and atp5f1d, were associated with mitochondria and flagella in a weighted correlation network analysis. These genes may play an important role in the response to sperm freezing. The experimental results show that long-term cryopreservation results in freezing damage to the giant grouper sperm. This study provides rich data for studies of the mechanism underlying frozen fish sperm damage as well as a technical reference and evaluation index for the long-term cryopreservation of fish sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; (X.D.)
| | - Yongsheng Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; (X.D.)
- Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao 266237, China
- Hainan Innovation Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Sanya 572000, China
| | - Yishu Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; (X.D.)
| | - Pengfei Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; (X.D.)
| | - Xinyi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; (X.D.)
| | - Zhentong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; (X.D.)
- Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao 266237, China
- Hainan Innovation Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Sanya 572000, China
| | - Linlin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; (X.D.)
- Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao 266237, China
- Hainan Innovation Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Sanya 572000, China
| | - Yang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; (X.D.)
- Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao 266237, China
- Hainan Innovation Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Sanya 572000, China
| | - Linna Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Biobreeding and Sustainable Goods, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China; (X.D.)
- Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao 266237, China
- Hainan Innovation Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Sanya 572000, China
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Vigolo V, Gautier C, Ertl R, Aurich C, Falomo ME. Protamine 2 and phospholipase C zeta 1 are possible biomarkers for the diagnosis of male subfertility in frozen-thawed stallion semen. Theriogenology 2024; 215:343-350. [PMID: 38142472 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Subfertility is one of the main issues in horse breeding and the study of mRNAs in sperm might help in elucidating the reasons that lead to this diagnosis. The present study aims at assessing the differences in the expression of 10 potential candidate genes in stallions of different fertility. Frozen-thawed semen of 29 stallions was included. Each sample was classified into two groups according to pregnancy rates (PR) achieved with this semen: "good fertility" (GF; n = 17; PR ≥ 30 %) or "poor fertility" (PF; n = 12; PR <20 %). All stallions underwent a breeding soundness examination (BSE) before semen production and were only included into the semen cryopreservation program when raw semen characteristics at BSE met minimal requirements. Semen was cryopreserved following European Union regulations and all stallions met the respective health requirements. Each sample was assessed for concentration (NucleoCounter SP-100), motility (CASA), membrane functionality (SYBR-14/PI), mitochondrial membrane potential (JC-1), morphology (SpermacStain), acrosome integrity (SpermacStain), membrane integrity (HOS test) and chromatin integrity (Aniline blue). Sperm RNAs were extracted using the Direct-zol RNA Miniprep Kit (Zymo Research) and RT-qPCR was performed for each target gene. ACTB and RPL32 were included as reference genes (RGs) for normalization. For each variable of each group, mean, standard deviation and SEM were calculated. The difference in gene expression levels between the GF and PF group were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman's rank correlation. Significant results were considered with p < 0.05. Sperm quality parameters did not differ significantly between the two groups except for concentration, that was significantly higher in GF (p = 0.043). In GF a positive correlation was identified for PRM1/PRM2 with r = +0.6, while PRM1/ACR (r = -0.495), PRM2/ZPBP (r = -0.645) and CRISP3/ACR (r = -0.551) were inversely correlated. In PF direct correlations were registered for PRM1/PRM2 (r = +0.629), PRM1/PRM3 (r = +0.657), PRM2/SPA17 (r = +0.685), SPA17/PLCZ1 (r = +0.786) and PRM3/ACR (r = +0.627). In the total sample (GF + PF), positive correlations were detected for PRM1/PRM2 (r = +0.625), PRM1/PRM3 (r = +0.368); PRM2/SPA17 (r = +0.465), SPA17/PLCZ1 (r = +0.637) and PLCZ1/ZAN (r = +0.587). Only two of the genes considered were differentially expressed in the 2 groups: PRM2 and PLCZ1, that were significantly (p < 0.05) overexpressed in the GF group. Stallions frozen-thawed semen with higher expression levels of PRM2 and PLCZ1 are more likely to belong to animals with a good pregnancy rate. Further studies are needed to investigate the role of sperm transcripts in male subfertility in stallions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Vigolo
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health (MAPS), Università di Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020, Legnaro, PD, Italy; Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Department for Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Camille Gautier
- Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Department for Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Reinhard Ertl
- VetCore Facility for Research, Vetmeduni Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christine Aurich
- Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Department for Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Maria Elena Falomo
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health (MAPS), Università di Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020, Legnaro, PD, Italy
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Dewry RK, Mohanty TK, Nath S, Bhakat M, Yadav HP, Baithalu RK. Comparative RNA isolation methods from fresh ejaculated spermatozoa in Sahiwal cattle ( Bos indicus) and Murrah buffalo ( Bubalus bubalis) bulls for high quality and enhanced RNA yield. Anim Biotechnol 2023; 34:5180-5191. [PMID: 37965764 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2023.2276713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Sperm mRNA transcriptional profiling can be used to evaluate the fertility of breeding bulls. The aim of the study was to compare the modified RNA isolation methods for higher RNA yield and quality from freshly ejaculated sperm of cattle and buffalo bulls. Ten fresh ejaculates from each Sahiwal (n = 10 bulls × 10 ejaculates) and Murrah bulls (n = 10 bulls x 10 ejaculates) were used for RNA isolation. From the recovered live sperm, total sperm RNA was isolated by conventional methods (TRIzol, Double TRIzol), membrane-based methods combined with TRIzol (RNeasy + TRIzol) with the addition of β-mercaptoethanol (BME) and Kit (RNeasy mini) methods in fresh semen. Among different isolation methods; the membrane-based modified methods combined with TRIzol (RNeasy + TRIzol) with the addition of β-mercaptoethanol (BME) resulted significantly (p < .05) higher total RNA quantity (300-340 ng/µL) and better purity in different concentrations of spermatozoa viz., 30-40 million, 70-80 million and 300-400 million sperm. The study concluded that the inclusion of BME to the combined membrane-based methods with somatic cell lysis buffer solution was best for constant increased yield and purity of RNA isolation from Sahiwal cattle and Murrah buffalo bull sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raju Kumar Dewry
- Artificial Breeding Research Centre, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute (Deemed University), Karnal, India
| | - Tushar Kumar Mohanty
- Artificial Breeding Research Centre, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute (Deemed University), Karnal, India
| | - Sapna Nath
- Artificial Breeding Research Centre, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute (Deemed University), Karnal, India
| | - Mukesh Bhakat
- Artificial Breeding Research Centre, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute (Deemed University), Karnal, India
| | - Hanuman Prasad Yadav
- Artificial Breeding Research Centre, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute (Deemed University), Karnal, India
| | - Rubina Kumari Baithalu
- Reproductive Biotechnology Laboratory ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute (Deemed University), Karnal, India
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Abedin SN, Baruah A, Baruah KK, Bora A, Dutta DJ, Kadirvel G, Katiyar R, Doley S, Das S, Khargharia G, Sarkar B, Sinha S, Phookan A, Dewry RK, Kalita MK, Chakravarty H, Deori S. Zinc oxide and selenium nanoparticles can improve semen quality and heat shock protein expression in cryopreserved goat (Capra hircus) spermatozoa. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2023; 80:127296. [PMID: 37659125 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2023.127296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are strongly linked with oxidative stress (OS) generated during the process of sperm cryopreservation. Indeed, cellular damage from ROS has been implicated during sperm cryopreservation which causes deterioration in sperm quality and antioxidant nanoparticles (NPs) have been successful in preventing such damage. The interaction of NPs with sperm cells has been less frequently explored in farm animals. OBJECTIVE The present study explored the effect of NP supplementation on sperm ultrastructure, potential interaction with sperm membrane (plasma and acrosome membrane), heat shock protein (HSP) gene expression levels and sperm quality in cryopreserved buck semen. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-two (32) ejaculates were collected from four (4) adult male bucks and then diluted in Tris- citric acid- fructose- egg yolk (TCFY) extender containing the Zinc-oxide (ZnO) and Selenium (Se) NP treatments (T0: Control; TZn: 0.1 mg/mL ZnO NPs and TSe: 1 µg/mL Se NPs) after initial evaluation. Diluted semen was packed in 0.25 mL French mini straws and then stored in liquid nitrogen (LN2). Sperm parameters, lipid peroxidation (LPO) profile, sperm head morphology ultrastructural classification under transmission electron microscope (TEM), potential interaction of NPs with sperm membrane and expression of HSP genes were evaluated in the different treatment groups. RESULTS We found a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the percentage of spermatozoa with intact plasma membrane, and intact acrosome in the ZnO (0.1 mg/mL) and Se (1 µg/mL) NP supplemented groups in comparison to the frozen control group. TEM assessment revealed no internalization of both ZnO and Se NPs into the sperm structure. Few occasional contacts of ZnO NPs with the sperm membrane and a few agglomerates of Se NPs around the area of damaged membranes were visualized. HSP70 and HSP90 mRNA levels were significantly (p < 0.001) higher in the NP supplemented groups in comparison to the control. HSP70 and HSP90 mRNA levels had a strong positive association with sperm motility and a weak to moderate association with other sperm parameters. CONCLUSIONS Current findings indicated that ZnO NPs are more potent than Se NPs in ameliorating peroxidative damages during sperm cryopreservation, increases semen quality parameters possibly by increasing the expression levels of HSP genes in buck semen. Furthermore, NP supplementation may have a potential role in preserving sperm head ultrastructure by acting as an antioxidant and reducing OS during various degrees of cellular insults, which needs to be further explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayed Nabil Abedin
- College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Guwahati, India
| | - Anubha Baruah
- College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Guwahati, India
| | - Kishore Kumar Baruah
- Division of Animal and Fisheries Science, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region, Meghalaya, India
| | - Arundhati Bora
- College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Guwahati, India
| | - Devo Jyoti Dutta
- College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Guwahati, India
| | - Govindasamy Kadirvel
- Division of Animal and Fisheries Science, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region, Meghalaya, India
| | - Rahul Katiyar
- Division of Animal and Fisheries Science, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region, Meghalaya, India
| | - Sunil Doley
- Division of Animal and Fisheries Science, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region, Meghalaya, India
| | - Samir Das
- Division of Animal and Fisheries Science, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region, Meghalaya, India
| | - Gautam Khargharia
- Division of Animal and Fisheries Science, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region, Meghalaya, India
| | - Biplab Sarkar
- Indian Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Ranchi, India
| | - Sudip Sinha
- College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Guwahati, India
| | - Arundhati Phookan
- College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Guwahati, India
| | - Raju Kumar Dewry
- Division of Animal and Fisheries Science, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region, Meghalaya, India
| | - Manoj Kumar Kalita
- College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Guwahati, India
| | - Himsikha Chakravarty
- Division of Animal and Fisheries Science, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region, Meghalaya, India
| | - Sourabh Deori
- Division of Animal and Fisheries Science, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region, Meghalaya, India.
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Hodge MJ, de Las Heras-Saldana S, Rindfleish SJ, Stephen CP, Pant SD. QTLs and Candidate Genes Associated with Semen Traits in Merino Sheep. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2286. [PMID: 37508063 PMCID: PMC10376747 DOI: 10.3390/ani13142286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Ram semen traits play a significant role in conception outcomes, which in turn may influence reproductive efficiency and the overall productivity and profitability of sheep enterprises. Since hundreds of ewes may be inseminated from a single ejaculate, it is important to evaluate semen quality prior to use in sheep breeding programs. Given that semen traits have been found to be heritable, genetic variation likely contributes to the variability observed in these traits. Identifying such genetic variants could provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying variability in semen traits. Therefore, this study aimed to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with semen traits in Merino sheep. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was undertaken using 4506 semen collection records from 246 Merino rams collected between January 2002 and May 2021. The R package RepeatABEL was used to perform a GWAS for semen volume, gross motility, concentration, and percent post-thaw motility. A total of 35 QTLs, located on 16 Ovis aries autosomes (OARs), were significantly associated with either of the four semen traits in this study. A total of 89, 95, 33, and 73 candidate genes were identified, via modified Bonferroni, within the QTLs significantly associated with volume, gross motility, concentration, and percent post-thaw motility, respectively. Among the candidate genes identified, SORD, SH2B1, and NT5E have been previously described to significantly influence spermatogenesis, spermatozoal motility, and high percent post-thaw motility, respectively. Several candidate genes identified could potentially influence ram semen traits based on existing evidence in the literature. As such, validation of these putative candidates may offer the potential to develop future strategies to improve sheep reproductive efficiency. Furthermore, Merino ram semen traits are lowly heritable (0.071-0.139), and thus may be improved by selective breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marnie J Hodge
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia
- Apiam Animal Health, Apiam Genetic Services, Dubbo, NSW 2830, Australia
| | - Sara de Las Heras-Saldana
- Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit, a Joint Venture of NSW Department of Primary Industries and University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia
| | | | - Cyril P Stephen
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia
- Gulbali Institute, Charles Sturt University, Boorooma Street, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia
| | - Sameer D Pant
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia
- Gulbali Institute, Charles Sturt University, Boorooma Street, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia
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Indriastuti R, Pardede BP, Gunawan A, Ulum MF, Arifiantini RI, Purwantara B. Sperm Transcriptome Analysis Accurately Reveals Male Fertility Potential in Livestock. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:2955. [PMID: 36359078 PMCID: PMC9657999 DOI: 10.3390/ani12212955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, selection of superior male candidates in livestock as a source of frozen semen based on sperm quality at the cellular level is not considered accurate enough for predicting the potential of male fertility. Sperm transcriptome analysis approaches, such as messenger RNA levels, have been shown to correlate with fertility rates. Using this technology in livestock growth has become the principal method, which can be widely applied to predict male fertility potential in the livestock industry through the analysis of the sperm transcriptome. It provides the gene expression to validate the function of sperm in spermatogenesis, fertilization, and embryo development, as the parameters of male fertility. This review proposes a transcriptomic analysis approach as a high-throughput method to predict the fertility potential of livestock more accurately in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhesti Indriastuti
- Reproductive Biology Study Program, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor 16680, Indonesia
- Tuah Sakato Technology and Resource Development Center, Department of Animal Husbandry and Animal Health of West Sumatra, Payakumbuh 26229, Indonesia
| | - Berlin Pandapotan Pardede
- Department of Veterinary Clinic, Reproduction, and Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor 16680, Indonesia
| | - Asep Gunawan
- Department of Animal Production and Technology, Faculty of Animal Science, IPB University, Bogor 16680, Indonesia
| | - Mokhamad Fakhrul Ulum
- Department of Veterinary Clinic, Reproduction, and Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor 16680, Indonesia
| | - Raden Iis Arifiantini
- Department of Veterinary Clinic, Reproduction, and Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor 16680, Indonesia
| | - Bambang Purwantara
- Department of Veterinary Clinic, Reproduction, and Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor 16680, Indonesia
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Bicarbonate-Triggered In Vitro Capacitation of Boar Spermatozoa Conveys an Increased Relative Abundance of the Canonical Transient Receptor Potential Cation (TRPC) Channels 3, 4, 6 and 7 and of CatSper-γ Subunit mRNA Transcripts. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12081012. [PMID: 35454259 PMCID: PMC9031844 DOI: 10.3390/ani12081012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The detection of sub-fertile boars has been a difficult task, and despite their prevalence being low, its impact is very significant because it implies economic drawbacks for artificial insemination (AI) centers and farms. Unfortunately, some crucial reproductive processes fall beyond the routine analysis performed in the porcine model, such as sperm capacitation, which is a necessary event for fertilization. A synergistic action of bicarbonate (HCO3−) with calcium (Ca2+) is needed to achieve capacitation. The transport of Ca2+ is mediated by CatSper channels and Canonical Transient Potential Channels (TRPC). We quantified mRNA transcripts of different subunits of CatSper (β, γ and δ) and TRPC (1, 3, 4, 6 and 7) before and after in vitro capacitation by HCO3− ions. Our results showed that in vitro capacitation using HCO3− increases the relative abundance of mRNA transcripts of almost all subunits of Ca2+ channels, except CatSper-δ and TRPC1, which were significantly reduced. More studies are needed to elucidate the specific roles of the TRPC channels at a physiological and functional level. Abstract Sperm capacitation is a stepwise complex biochemical process towards fertilization. It includes a crucial early calcium (Ca2+) transport mediated by CatSper channels and Canonical Transient Potential Channels (TRPC). We studied the relative abundance of mRNA transcripts changes of the CatSper β, γ and δ subunits and TRPC-channels 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 in pig spermatozoa, after triggering in vitro capacitation by bicarbonate ions at levels present in vivo at the fertilization site. For this purpose, we analyzedfive5 ejaculate pools (from three fertile adult boars) before (control-fresh samples) and after in vitro exposure to capacitation conditions (37 mM NaHCO3, 2.25 mM CaCl2, 2 mM caffeine, 0.5% bovine serum albumin and 310 mM lactose) at 38 °C, 5% CO2 for 30 min. In vitro capacitation using bicarbonate elicits an increase in the relative abundance of mRNA transcripts of almost all studied Ca2+ channels, except CatSper-δ and TRPC1 (significantly reduced). These findings open new avenues of research to identify the specific role of each channel in boar sperm capacitation and elucidate the physiological meaning of the changes on sperm mRNA cargo.
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Hernández-Silva G, Caballero-Campo P, Chirinos M. Sperm mRNAs as potential markers of male fertility. Reprod Biol 2022; 22:100636. [PMID: 35338912 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2022.100636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Advances in transcriptomic technologies are contributing to an increased understanding of the role of spermatozoal RNA in sperm physiology. Although sperm transcriptomic studies have delivered large amounts of valuable information, no new male fertility biomarkers have emerged from such studies to date. This review summarizes current knowledge about the potential relevance of certain mRNA as biomarkers, focusing on comparative studies of human spermatozoa transcriptomic profiles from fertile and pathological semen samples. Asthenozoospermia is the semen aberrant condition that has been most exhaustively investigated to date. We cross-analyzed findings from three different studies on the transcriptome of asthenozoospermic semen samples and identified 100 transcripts that were consistently differentially expressed and that consequently are candidates for characterizing the molecular source of this sperm anomaly. The potential use of sperm mRNAs as predictors of outcomes of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) is also reviewed. Improving the understanding of the human spermatozoa mRNA content is expected to improve the evaluation and diagnosis of infertile men, and ultimately facilitate the selection of the best treatment to overcome infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Hernández-Silva
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción Dr. Carlos Gual Castro, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Pedro Caballero-Campo
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción Dr. Carlos Gual Castro, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Mayel Chirinos
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción Dr. Carlos Gual Castro, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City 14080, Mexico.
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Alvarez-Rodriguez M, Martinez CA, Roca J, Rodriguez-Martinez H. mRNA expression of oxidative-reductive proteins in boars with documented different fertility can identify relevant prognostic biomarkers. Res Vet Sci 2021; 141:195-202. [PMID: 34763256 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2021.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Oxidative stress unbalance is a major factor causing impairment of sperm function and, ultimately, sperm death. In this study, we identified transcriptomic and proteomic markers for oxidative-related protectors from the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in spermatozoa from breeding boars with documented high- or low-fertility. Particular attention was paid to glutathione peroxidases, and to transcripts related to DNA stabilization and compaction, as protamine and transition proteins. mRNA cargo analysis was performed using porcine-specific micro-arrays (GeneChip® miRNA 4.0 and GeneChip® Porcine Gene 1.0 ST) and qPCR validation. Differences between fertility-classed boars were ample among biomarkers; some upregulated only at protein level (catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) and glutathione proteins), or only at the mRNA level (ATOX1, Antioxidant Protein 1). In addition, protamines 2 and 3, essential for sperm DNA condensation and also transition proteins 1 and 2 (TNP1 and TNP2), required during histone-to-protamine replacement, were overexpressed in spermatozoa from high-fertile boars. This up-regulation seems concerted to reduce DNA accessibility to ROS attack, protecting the DNA. The upregulated intracellular phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase (GPx4), in high-fertile boars at mRNA level, can be considered a most relevant biomarker for fertility disclosure during sperm evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Alvarez-Rodriguez
- Department of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-58185 Linköping, Sweden; Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Cristina A Martinez
- Department of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-58185 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Jordi Roca
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Heriberto Rodriguez-Martinez
- Department of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-58185 Linköping, Sweden
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10
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Corredor FA, Sanglard LP, Ross JW, Keating AF, Leach RJ, Serão NVL. Phenotypic and genomic relationships between vulva score categories and reproductive performance in first-parity sows. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2021; 12:7. [PMID: 33436104 PMCID: PMC7805112 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-020-00527-1] [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: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background One of the biggest challenges in the swine industry is to increase female reproductive efficiency. Recently, vulva score categories (VSC), assessed prior to puberty, has been proposed as an indicator trait of efficient reproductive performance in sows. The objective of this study was to validate the use of VSC as an indicator trait for reproductive performance, and to perform genetic and genomic analyses for VSC. Methods The phenotypic relationship of VSC, using a three-point scale: small (VSC-S), medium (VSC-M), and large (VSC-L), on reproductive performance was evaluated on three farms. VSC was measured at 15 weeks of age, for farms 1 and 2, and at 14 weeks of age for farm 3 on 3981 Yorkshire gilts, in which 1083 had genotypes (~ 50 K SNPs). Genetic parameters for VSC with reproductive traits were estimated using ssGBLUP. A Genome-wide association study (GWAS) for VSC was performed using BayesB. Results For the phenotypic analysis of VSC across datasets, differences in performance were identified there was a significant effect (P ≤ 0.05) for the interaction between Farm and VSC for total number dead (TND), and a trend (P < 0.10) for total number born (TNB). There were significant (P ≤ 0.05) pre-defined contrasts of VSC-S versus VSC-M + L on TNB, number born alive (NBA), TND, number of stillborn (NSB), and number of mummies (MUM). Heritability estimates for VSC as a categorical trait (VSCc) and a quantitative trait (VSCq) were 0.40 ± 0.02 and 0.83 ± 0.02, respectively, for across farm, 0.13 ± 0.07 and 0.20 ± 0.10, respectively, for Farm1, 0.07 ± 0.07 and 0.09 ± 0.09, respectively, for Farm2, and 0.20 ± 0.03 and 0.34 ± 0.05, respectively, for Farm3. For across farms, favorable genetic correlations estimates were found for TNB (0.28 ± 0.19) and NBA (0.26 ± 0.17). Within farms, moderate genetic correlations between VSC with reproductive traits were found for TNB (0.61 ± 0.47) and MUM (0.69 ± 0.47) for farm 1, for number of services until first farrow (NS; 0.69 ± 0.38) and unique service with successful first farrow (SFS; − 0.71 ± 0.38) for farm 3. Multiple genomic regions associated with VSCc were identified. Of these, a QTL located on chromosome 3 at 33–34 Mb accounted for about 7.1% of the genetic variance for VSCc and VSCq. This region harbors the gene PRM1 that has been associated with early embryonic development in pigs. Conclusions The results support potential of VSC for improved reproductive efficiency on first-parity performance, but the results might depend on the interaction between environmental factors and VSC, as well as potentially additive genetics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Leticia P Sanglard
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - Jason W Ross
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA.,Iowa Pork Industry Center, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - Aileen F Keating
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - Richard J Leach
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - Nick V L Serão
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA.
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11
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Lymbery RA, Evans JP, Kennington WJ. Post-ejaculation thermal stress causes changes to the RNA profile of sperm in an external fertilizer. Proc Biol Sci 2020; 287:20202147. [PMID: 33171088 PMCID: PMC7735278 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.2147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm cells experience considerable post-ejaculation environmental variation. However, little is known about whether this affects their molecular composition, probably owing to the assumption that sperm are transcriptionally quiescent. Nevertheless, recent evidence shows sperm have distinct RNA profiles that affect fertilization and embryo viability. Moreover, RNAs are expected to be highly sensitive to extracellular changes. One such group of RNAs are heat shock protein (hsp) transcripts, which function in stress responses and are enriched in sperm. Here, we exploit the experimental tractability of the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis by exposing paired samples of ejaculated sperm to ambient (19°C) and increased (25°C) temperatures, then measure (i) sperm motility phenotypes, and (ii) messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of two target genes (hsp70 and hsp90) and several putative reference genes. We find no phenotypic changes in motility, but reduced mRNA levels for hsp90 and the putative reference gene gapdh at 25°C. This could reflect either decay of specific RNAs, or changes in translation and degradation rates of transcripts to maintain sperm function under stress. These findings represent, to our knowledge, the first evidence for changes in sperm RNA profiles owing to post-ejaculation environments, and suggest that sperm may be more vulnerable to stress from rising temperatures than currently thought.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rowan A. Lymbery
- Centre for Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
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12
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Ing NH, Konganti K, Ghaffari N, Johnson CD, Forrest DW, Love CC, Varner DD. Identification and quantification of coding and long non-coding RNAs in stallion spermatozoa separated by density. Andrology 2020; 8:1409-1418. [PMID: 32243084 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is not unusual for stallions to have fertility problems. For many, artificial insemination with more dense spermatozoa (isolated by density gradient centrifugation) results in greater pregnancy rates compared with the rates when using unfractionated spermatozoa. RNAs in spermatozoa delivered to the oocyte at conception are required for embryo development. Novel molecular assays of spermatozoa that reflect function are needed to predict the fertility of stallions. OBJECTIVES To describe and compare the RNA populations in more dense and less dense spermatozoa from stallions. MATERIALS AND METHODS Spermatozoa from five stallions were separated into more dense and less dense populations by density gradient centrifugation. Complementary DNA libraries were made from each of the ten total RNA samples after ribosomal RNA removal. Next-generation sequencing characterized the RNA populations in more and less dense spermatozoa. Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR was used to confirm differential expression of selected RNAs. RESULTS Stallion spermatozoa contain 11 215 RNAs, with the most prevalent RNA being a 1492 base long non-coding RNA. The levels of 159 RNAs were greater in more dense spermatozoa, while levels of seven other RNAs were greater in less dense spermatozoa. Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR confirmed the threefold greater levels of solute carrier family 26 member 8 (SLC26A8) mRNA in less dense spermatozoa, and sixfold and threefold greater expression levels of the SCP2 sterol binding domain containing 1 (SCP2D1) and spermatogenesis-associated protein 31D1 (SPATA31D1) mRNAs in more dense spermatozoa, respectively. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION We identified 11 215 RNAs in stallion spermatozoa and 166 with differential expression between more dense and less dense fractions. Many prevalent RNAs were also found in bull, boar, and human spermatozoa. Many differentially expressed RNAs are known to be testis- or spermatozoa-specific. Our results may lead to identification of an RNA population in spermatozoa that is optimal for establishing successful pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy H Ing
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Kranti Konganti
- Texas A&M Institute for Genome Sciences and Society, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Noushin Ghaffari
- AgriLife Genomics and Bioinformatics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.,Roy G. Perry College of Engineering, Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX, USA
| | - Charles D Johnson
- AgriLife Genomics and Bioinformatics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - David W Forrest
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Charles C Love
- Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Dickson D Varner
- Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
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13
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Paternal inheritance of diet induced metabolic traits correlates with germline regulation of diet induced coding gene expression. Genomics 2020; 112:567-573. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2019.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Revised: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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14
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Li Y, Chen J, Li Z, Li C. Mitochondrial OXPHOS is involved in the protective effects of L-arginine against heat-induced low sperm motility of boar. J Therm Biol 2019; 84:236-244. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2019.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Revised: 06/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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15
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Yang Y, Liu D, Wu L, Huang W, Yang S, Xia J, Liu X, Meng Z. Comparative transcriptome analyses reveal changes of gene expression in fresh and cryopreserved yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco) sperm and the effects of Cryoprotectant Me 2SO. Int J Biol Macromol 2019; 133:457-465. [PMID: 31002905 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.04.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
This study, for the first time in fish, compared the transcriptome of fresh and frozen-thawed sperm, and would help to better understand the effect of cryopreservation on fish sperm and then better preserve the aquatic germplasm resources. Here, we employed high-throughput sequencing technology to obtain the transcriptome of yellow catfish from fresh sperm, cryopreserved sperm with and without cryoprotectant. When cryoprotectant (Me2SO) was excluded, down-regulated genes were significantly enriched into calcium ion binding, cytoskeletal protein binding, microfilament motor activity, calmodulin binding and carnitine O-acyltransferase activity, which affected Ca2+ regulation, cellular morphology, motility and metabolism. Moreover, heat shock proteins and genes associated with regulation of cholesterol, HCO3- and protein tyrosine phosphorylation (PTP) were down-regulated, and thus would impair ability against stress, membrane rigidity, pH regulation and signal transduction of cryopreserved sperm. After Me2SO was added, the amounts of DEGs decreased significantly and down-regulation of genes were found mainly in cytoskeleton and heat shock proteins, thereby suggesting that Me2SO effectively reduced the impact caused by low temperature on gene expression. Whether adding Me2SO or not, the up-regulated genes were mainly found in ribosomal proteins genes. However, when Me2SO was added, over-expression of some genes might contribute to maintain normal function of cryopreserved sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Dongqing Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lina Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenhua Huang
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Sen Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Junhong Xia
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Xiaochun Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Zining Meng
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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Spermatozoal mRNAs expression implicated in embryonic development were influenced by dietary folate supplementation of breeder roosters by altering spermatozoal piRNA expression profiles. Theriogenology 2019; 138:102-110. [PMID: 31325740 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Revised: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Dietary folate intake, together with changes in its metabolism process, have effects on male reproduction, sperm epigenetic patterning and offspring outcome. Previous studies have proven that PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) play important roles in successful spermatogenesis and regulating genes expression of sperm and offspring embryo. Herein, we fed breeder roosters with five different levels (0, 0.25, 1.25, 2.50, and 5.00 mg/kg) of folate throughout life and found that paternal folate supplementation was beneficial to the growth and organ development of offspring broilers. Further spermatozoal mRNAs sequencing analyses implied that the dietary folate supplementation could regulate the spermatozoal mRNA abundance of genes related to the fetal development. Furthermore, global piRNAs analyses of breeder roosters' sperm revealed that differential concentration of dietary folate supplementation could change piRNAs profiles. Combined mRNAs sequencing and target gene prediction of differentially expressed gene-derived piRNAs, embryonic development and metabolism related pathways and biological processes, which were consisted to the regulatory roles of paternal folate supplementations, were significantly affected by the differentially expressed gene-derived piRNAs based on the GO and KEGG analyses. Overall, our results provided a novel insight into the role of piRNAs in response to folate intake, which will broaden the understanding about the relationship between folate and sperm epigenetic patterning of breeder roosters.
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17
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Kasimanickam VR, Kasimanickam RK. An Efficient Approach for RNA Extraction from Boar Sperm and Seminal Plasma. Bio Protoc 2019; 9:e3284. [PMID: 33654799 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.3284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2019] [Revised: 06/23/2019] [Accepted: 06/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite transcriptional silencing in mature sperm and cytoplasmic expulsion of RNA during the final sperm maturation process, thousands of RNAs have been successfully identified in ejaculated sperm. Although most of RNAs' function is still unknown, it is suggested that sperm RNAs have a vital biological role in fertilization and post-fertilization events. Nevertheless, the lack of accurate RNA isolation techniques and the resultant good quality sperm RNA has hampered the exploration of sperm RNAs function. Additionally, small non-coding RNAs are found in extracellular fluids including seminal plasma. These small RNAs may participate in cell to cell communication or intracellular and extracellular message transmission. Developing precise protocols to extract RNA from sperm and seminal plasma is critical to elucidate sperm physiology and paternal contributions to fertilization and post-fertilization events. A detailed procedure consisting of semen collection, separation of sperm and seminal plasma, extracting RNA from sperm and seminal plasma, and determining the quantity and quality of RNA for boar semen is presented here. This efficient protocol can be extrapolated to isolate RNAs from sperm and seminal plasma across mammalian species.
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18
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Dai DH, Qazi IH, Ran MX, Liang K, Zhang Y, Zhang M, Zhou GB, Angel C, Zeng CJ. Exploration of miRNA and mRNA Profiles in Fresh and Frozen-Thawed Boar Sperm by Transcriptome and Small RNA Sequencing. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20040802. [PMID: 30781801 PMCID: PMC6413023 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20040802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to lower farrowing rate and reduced litter size with frozen-thawed semen, over 90% of artificial insemination (AI) is conducted using liquid stored boar semen. Although substantial progress has been made towards optimizing the cryopreservation protocols for boar sperm, the influencing factors and underlying mechanisms related to cryoinjury and freeze tolerance of boar sperm remain largely unknown. In this study, we report the differential expression of mRNAs and miRNAs between fresh and frozen-thawed boar sperm using high-throughput RNA sequencing. Our results showed that 567 mRNAs and 135 miRNAs were differentially expressed (DE) in fresh and frozen-thawed boar sperm. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses revealed that the majority of DE mRNAs were enriched in environmental information processing such as cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions, PI3K-Akt signaling, cell adhesion, MAPK, and calcium signaling pathways. Moreover, the targets of DE miRNAs were enriched in significant GO terms such as cell process, protein binding, and response to stimuli. In conclusion, we speculate that DE mRNAs and miRNAs are heavily involved in boar sperm response to environment stimuli, apoptosis, and metabolic activities. The differences in expression also reflect the various structural and functional changes in sperm during cryopreservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ding-Hui Dai
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, and Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China.
| | - Izhar Hyder Qazi
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, and Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China.
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy & Histology, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Sakrand 67210, Pakistan.
| | - Ming-Xia Ran
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, and Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China.
| | - Kai Liang
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, and Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China.
| | - Yan Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, and Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China.
| | - Ming Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, and Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China.
| | - Guang-Bin Zhou
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, and Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China.
| | - Christiana Angel
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China.
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Sakrand 67210, Pakistan.
| | - Chang-Jun Zeng
- College of Animal Sciences and Technology, and Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China.
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Hezavehei M, Sharafi M, Kouchesfahani HM, Henkel R, Agarwal A, Esmaeili V, Shahverdi A. Sperm cryopreservation: A review on current molecular cryobiology and advanced approaches. Reprod Biomed Online 2018; 37:327-339. [PMID: 30143329 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2018.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 195] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2017] [Revised: 05/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The cryopreservation of spermatozoa was introduced in the 1960s as a route to fertility preservation. Despite the extensive progress that has been made in this field, the biological and biochemical mechanisms involved in cryopreservation have not been thoroughly elucidated to date. Various factors during the freezing process, including sudden temperature changes, ice formation and osmotic stress, have been proposed as reasons for poor sperm quality post-thaw. Little is known regarding the new aspects of sperm cryobiology, such as epigenetic and proteomic modulation of sperm and trans-generational effects of sperm freezing. This article reviews recent reports on molecular and cellular modifications of spermatozoa during cryopreservation in order to collate the existing understanding in this field. The aim is to discuss current freezing techniques and novel strategies that have been developed for sperm protection against cryo-damage, as well as evaluating the probable effects of sperm freezing on offspring health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Hezavehei
- Department of EmbryologyReproductive Biomedicine Research CentreRoyan Institute for Reproductive BiomedicineACECRTehranIran; Department of Animal BiologyFaculty of Biological SciencesKharazmi UniversityTehranIran
| | - Mohsen Sharafi
- Department of Poultry ScienceFaculty of AgricultureTarbiat Modares UniversityTehranIran.
| | | | - Ralf Henkel
- American Centre for Reproductive MedicineCleveland ClinicClevelandUSA
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- Department of Medical BioscienceUniversity of the Western CapeBellvilleSouth Africa
| | - Vahid Esmaeili
- Department of EmbryologyReproductive Biomedicine Research CentreRoyan Institute for Reproductive BiomedicineACECRTehranIran
| | - Abdolhossein Shahverdi
- Department of EmbryologyReproductive Biomedicine Research CentreRoyan Institute for Reproductive BiomedicineACECRTehranIran.
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20
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Reddy VS, Yadav B, Yadav CL, Anand M, Swain DK, Kumar D, Kritania D, Madan AK, Kumar J, Yadav S. Effect of sericin supplementation on heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) expression, redox status and post thaw semen quality in goat. Cryobiology 2018; 84:33-39. [PMID: 30098997 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2018.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Revised: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Cryopreservation results in substantial deterioration of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and ultra-structural changes in sperm organelles, resulting in a marked reduction in post-thaw semen quality. The present study was aimed to explicate the effect of sericin supplementation on expression profile of HSP70, redox status and post-thaw semen quality in Barbari goat. Five Barbari bucks were used to collect thirty semen ejaculates by using artificial vagina and each ejaculate was divided into three aliquots to which sericin was supplemented at 0% (Control), 0.25% (T1) and 0.50% (T2). Further, extended semen samples were equilibrated followed by their cryopreservation. Post-thaw semen characteristics, redox status of seminal plasma, enzyme leakage and HSP70 gene/protein expression in spermatozoa were assessed in all the groups. Per cent progressive motile spermatozoa, spermatozoa having intact plasma membrane (HOST + ve) and intact acrosomes in post-thaw spermatozoa were significantly (p < 0.01) higher in T1 and T2 as compared to control. A significant (p < 0.01) reduction in abnormal spermatozoa was found in T1 as compared to T2. Sericin supplementation significantly (p < 0.05) improved the antioxidative status (SOD, GST, CAT), reduced lipid peroxidation (MDA) and also prevented enzyme (ALT, LDH) leakage as compared to control samples. qRT-PCR results revealed that HSP70 mRNA expression was significantly (p < 0.01) upregulated in T1 and T2 group as compared to control. The positive effect of sericin on expression of HSP70 was further confirmed by immunoblotting followed by densitometry revealing higher expression in T1 and T2 compared to control. Inclusion of 0.25% w/v sericin in semen extender ameliorated the post-thaw semen quality by improving antioxidative status and minimizing the leakage of intracellular enzymes. Sericin supplementation had a beneficial effect on HSP70/HSP70 mRNA expression either by induction or by protection of HSP70/HSP70 mRNA as evident from the gene expression and immunoblotting studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vidya Sagar Reddy
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Veterinary University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Brijesh Yadav
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Veterinary University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Chhote Lal Yadav
- Department of Veterinary Gynecology and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Veterinary University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Mukul Anand
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Veterinary University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Dilip Kumar Swain
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Veterinary University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Devendra Kumar
- College of Biotechnology, Veterinary University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Deepika Kritania
- College of Biotechnology, Veterinary University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Arun Kumar Madan
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Veterinary University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Jitender Kumar
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Veterinary University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sarvajeet Yadav
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Veterinary University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Luo ZY, Dai XL, Ran XQ, Cen YX, Niu X, Li S, Huang SH, Wang JF. Identification and profile of microRNAs in Xiang pig testes in four different ages detected by Solexa sequencing. Theriogenology 2017; 117:61-71. [PMID: 28683952 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Revised: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 06/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
To further understand the role of microRNA (miRNA) during testicular development, we constructed four small RNA libraries from the testes of the Chinese indigenous Xiang pig at four different ages, which were sequenced using high-throughput Solexa deep sequencing methods. It yielded over 23 million high-quality reads and 1,342,579 unique sequences. At two and three months of age, the proportion which represented miRNAs was the most abundant class of small RNAs, but it was gradually replaced by the category that represented piRNAs in adult testes. We identified 543 known and homologous conserved porcine miRNAs and 49 potential novel miRNAs. There were 306 known miRNAs which were co-expressed in four libraries. Six miRNAs and three potential novel miRNAs were validated in testes and sperms of Xiang pig by RT-qPCR method. Many clusters of mature miRNA variants were observed, in which let-7 family was the most abundant one. After comparison among libraries, 204 miRNAs were identified as being differentially expressed and likely involved in the development and spermatogenesis of pig testes. This work presented a general genome-wide expression profile of the testes-expressed small RNAs in different ages of pig testes. Our results suggested that miRNAs performed a role in the regulation of mRNAs in puberty pig testes while piRNAs likely functioned mainly in sexually mature pig testes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Yu Luo
- College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Xin-Lan Dai
- Institute of Agro-Bioengineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Xue-Qin Ran
- College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China.
| | - Yong-Xiu Cen
- College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Xi Niu
- Institute of Agro-Bioengineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Sheng Li
- Institute of Agro-Bioengineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Shi-Hui Huang
- College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Jia-Fu Wang
- Institute of Agro-Bioengineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China; Tongren University, Tongren, China.
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Relative abundance of heat shock proteins and clusterin transcripts in spermatozoa collected from boar routinely utilised in an artificial insemination centre: preliminary results. Vet Res Commun 2017; 41:233-239. [PMID: 28429153 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-017-9689-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2016] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
It is widely accepted that mature sperm contains RNA. The first hypothesis was that sperm RNAs have no functions of their own but are simply residues of spermatogenesis reflecting the events that occurred during their formation in the testes. More recently new discoveries have essentially expanded these views, showing that sperm mRNAs constitute a population of stable full-length transcripts, many of which are selectively retained during spermatogenesis and delivered to oocytes contributing to early embryo development. It is well known that semen quality can be influenced by occasional physical stress, infection, and variation in temperature and the definition of new markers for evaluation of semen could offer knowledge about the fertility potential of a semen sample. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the presence and the relative quantity of transcripts and protein of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), 90 (HSP90) and clusterin (CLU) in Percoll-selected spermatozoa collected from seven adult boars of proven fertility routinely employed for artificial insemination. Our results showed the presence of HSP70, HSP90 and CLU transcripts with different level of expression: high for HSPs and low for CLU transcripts. The transcript level of both HSPs are similar among selected spermatozoa derived from high quality sperm with the exception of one boar that showed a reduced content of HSP70 and HSP90 mRNA together with a lower semen quality. At protein level, both HSPs were detected with similar amount among all seven boars whilst no band was evidenced for CLU protein.
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Aggregation of cloned embryos in empty zona pellucida improves derivation efficiency of pig ES-like cells. ZYGOTE 2016; 24:909-917. [PMID: 27692031 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199416000241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The development of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) from large animal species has become an important model for therapeutic cloning using ESCs derived by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). However, poor embryo quality and blastocyst formation have been major limitations for derivation of cloned ESCs (ntESCs). In this study, we have tried to overcome these problems by treating these cells with histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) and aggregating porcine embryos. First, cloned embryos were treated with Scriptaid to confirm the effect of HDACi on cloned embryo quality. The Scriptaid-treated blastocysts showed significantly higher total cell numbers (29.50 ± 2.10) than non-treated blastocysts (22.29 ± 1.50, P < 0.05). Next, cloned embryo quality and blastocyst formation were analyzed in aggregates. Three zona-free, reconstructed, four-cell-stage SCNT embryos were injected into the empty zona of hatched parthenogenetic (PA) blastocysts. Blastocyst formation and total cell number of cloned blastocysts increased significantly for all aggregates (76.4% and 83.18 ± 8.33) compared with non-aggregates (25.5% and 27.11 ± 1.67, P < 0.05). Finally, aggregated blastocysts were cultured on a feeder layer to examine the efficiency of porcine ES-like cell derivation. Aggregated blastocysts showed a higher primary colony formation rate than non-aggregated cloned blastocysts (17.6 ± 12.3% vs. 2.2 ± 1.35%, respectively, P < 0.05). In addition, derived ES-like cells showed typical characters of ESCs. In conclusion, the aggregation of porcine SCNT embryos at the four-cell stage could be a useful technique for improving the development rate and quality of porcine-cloned blastocysts and the derivation efficiency of porcine ntESCs.
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Hwang JY, Oh JN, Park CH, Lee DK, Lee CK. Dosage compensation of X-chromosome inactivation center-linked genes in porcine preimplantation embryos: Non-chromosome-wide initiation of X-chromosome inactivation in blastocysts. Mech Dev 2015; 138 Pt 3:246-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2015.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2015] [Revised: 10/05/2015] [Accepted: 10/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Yeste M. Sperm cryopreservation update: Cryodamage, markers, and factors affecting the sperm freezability in pigs. Theriogenology 2015; 85:47-64. [PMID: 26506124 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.09.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 215] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2015] [Revised: 09/20/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Cryopreservation is the most efficient method for long-term preservation of mammalian sperm. However, freeze-thawing procedures may strongly impair the sperm function and survival and thus decrease the reproductive performance. In addition, the sperm resilience to withstand cryopreservation, also known as freezability, presents a high individual variability. The present work summarizes the principles of cryoinjury and the relevance of permeating and nonpermeating cryoprotective agents. Descriptions about sperm cryodamage are mainly focused on boar sperm, but reference to other mammalian species is also made when relevant. Main cryoinjuries not only regard to sperm motility and membrane integrity, but also to the degradation effect exerted by freeze-thawing on other important components for sperm fertilizing ability, such as mRNAs. After delving into the main differences between good and poor freezability boar ejaculates, those protein markers predicting the sperm ability to sustain cryopreservation are also mentioned. Moreover, factors that may influence sperm freezability, such as season, diet, breed, or ejaculate fractions are discussed, together with the effects of different additives, like seminal plasma and antioxidants. After briefly referring to the effects of long-term sperm preservation in frozen state and the reproductive performance of frozen-thawed boar sperm, this work speculates with new research horizons on the preservation of boar sperm, such as vitrification and freeze-drying.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Yeste
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK.
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Hwang JY, Choi KH, Lee DK, Kim SH, Kim EB, Hyun SH, Lee CK. Overexpression of OCT4A ortholog elevates endogenous XIST in porcine parthenogenic blastocysts. J Reprod Dev 2015; 61:533-40. [PMID: 26255835 PMCID: PMC4685219 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2015-017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) is an epigenetic process that equalizes expression of X-borne genes between
male and female eutherians. This process is observed in early eutherian embryo development in a
species-specific manner. Until recently, various pluripotent factors have been suggested to regulate the
process of XCI by repressing XIST expression, which is the master inducer for XCI. Recent
insights into the process and its regulation have been restricted in mouse species despite the evolutionary
diversity of the process and molecular mechanism among the species. OCT4A is one of the
represented pluripotent factors, the gate-keeper for maintaining pluripotency, and an XIST
repressor. Therefore, in here, we examined the relation between OCT4A and X-linked genes in
porcine preimplantation embryos. Three X-linked genes, XIST,
LOC102165544, and RLIM, were selected in present study because their
orthologues have been known to regulate XCI in mice. Expression levels of OCT4A were
positively correlated with XIST and LOC102165544 in female blastocysts.
Furthermore, overexpression of exogenous human OCT4A in cleaved parthenotes generated
blastocysts with increased XIST expression levels. However, increased XIST
expression was not observed when exogenous OCT4A was obtained from early blastocysts. These
results suggest the possibility that OCT4A would be directly or indirectly involved in
XIST expression in earlier stage porcine embryos rather than blastocysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Yeon Hwang
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Animal Biotechnology Major, and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-921, Republic of Korea
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Parthipan S, Selvaraju S, Somashekar L, Kolte AP, Arangasamy A, Ravindra JP. Spermatozoa input concentrations and RNA isolation methods on RNA yield and quality in bull (Bos taurus). Anal Biochem 2015; 482:32-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2015.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2015] [Revised: 03/14/2015] [Accepted: 03/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Abstract
SummaryTo ascertain whether aromatase (CYP19A1) expression is linked to sperm fertility of pigs, the present study determined the expression of the CYP19A1 gene in porcine sperm and its relationship with fertilization in vitro. First, to investigate its role in fertility, the presence of CYP19A1 of mRNA and protein expression in porcine sperm were confirmed by real-time (RT) or quantitative polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR) and by western blots. The expression levels were determined quantitatively using two sperm groups recovered by a Percoll gradient, which revealed that the sperm group with a low density had a higher penetration rate than that of the high-density group (P < 0.05). However, the expression level of CYP19A1 was not significantly different between the two groups. Secondly, to examine the effect of aromatase activity on fertilization, fresh semen was treated with a steroidal inhibitor, exemestane (50 μM for 0.5 h), followed by the dose- and time-dependent viability test. Our results clearly showed that an exemestane treatment effect (P < 0.05) was found for both the sperm-penetration rate and the oocyte cleavage rate. These results indicated that CYP19A1 could be involved in sperm fertility and its expression in sperm plays an important role in fertilization.
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Hwang JY, Oh JN, Lee DK, Choi KH, Park CH, Lee CK. Identification and differential expression patterns of porcine OCT4 variants. Reproduction 2014; 149:55-66. [PMID: 25342174 DOI: 10.1530/rep-14-0403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OCT4 encoded by POU5F1 has a crucial role of maintaining pluripotency in embryonic stem cells during early embryonic development and several OCT4 variants have been identified in mouse and human studies. The objective of this study was to identify different variants of OCT4 and analyze their expression patterns in preimplantation porcine embryos and various tissues. In this study, we showed that POU5F1 transcribes its three variants, namely OCT4A, OCT4B, and OCT4B1. The OCT4B transcript consists of exons identical to the major form of the OCT4 variant, OCT4A, with a differential N-terminal domain-coding exon. The structure of OCT4B1 mRNA was the same as that of OCT4B mRNA, but harbored a cryptic exon. Based on these findings, the transcription levels were investigated and found that OCT4B and OCT4B1 made up ∼20% among the variants in the embryonic stage and this indicates that OCT4A mRNA is dominantly expressed during preimplantation embryo development. In addition, OCT4B mRNA was detected in all tissues examined, while OCT4A and OCT4B1 were detected only in testis but not in other tissues examined. OCT4B1 showed inversely correlated expression with SOX2 and NANOG expression. OCT4A protein was specifically localized to the nuclei, whereas OCT4B was mainly localized to the cytoplasm of the porcine embryos at the blastocyst stage. The findings of this study reveal that the porcine OCT4 gene can potentially encode three variants (OCT4A, OCT4B, and OCT4B1), and they are differentially expressed and would have roles dissimilar between each other in preimplantation embryos and various adult tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Yeon Hwang
- Department of Agricultural BiotechnologyAnimal Biotechnology Major, Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-921, KoreaInstitute of Green Bio Science and TechnologySeoul National University, Kangwon-do 232-916, Korea
| | - Jong-Nam Oh
- Department of Agricultural BiotechnologyAnimal Biotechnology Major, Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-921, KoreaInstitute of Green Bio Science and TechnologySeoul National University, Kangwon-do 232-916, Korea
| | - Dong-Kyung Lee
- Department of Agricultural BiotechnologyAnimal Biotechnology Major, Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-921, KoreaInstitute of Green Bio Science and TechnologySeoul National University, Kangwon-do 232-916, Korea
| | - Kwang-Hwan Choi
- Department of Agricultural BiotechnologyAnimal Biotechnology Major, Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-921, KoreaInstitute of Green Bio Science and TechnologySeoul National University, Kangwon-do 232-916, Korea
| | - Chi-Hun Park
- Department of Agricultural BiotechnologyAnimal Biotechnology Major, Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-921, KoreaInstitute of Green Bio Science and TechnologySeoul National University, Kangwon-do 232-916, Korea
| | - Chang-Kyu Lee
- Department of Agricultural BiotechnologyAnimal Biotechnology Major, Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-921, KoreaInstitute of Green Bio Science and TechnologySeoul National University, Kangwon-do 232-916, Korea Department of Agricultural BiotechnologyAnimal Biotechnology Major, Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-921, KoreaInstitute of Green Bio Science and TechnologySeoul National University, Kangwon-do 232-916, Korea
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Jodar M, Selvaraju S, Sendler E, Diamond MP, Krawetz SA. The presence, role and clinical use of spermatozoal RNAs. Hum Reprod Update 2013; 19:604-24. [PMID: 23856356 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmt031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 233] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spermatozoa are highly differentiated, transcriptionally inert cells characterized by a compact nucleus with minimal cytoplasm. Nevertheless they contain a suite of unique RNAs that are delivered to oocyte upon fertilization. They are likely integrated as part of many different processes including genome recognition, consolidation-confrontation, early embryonic development and epigenetic transgenerational inherence. Spermatozoal RNAs also provide a window into the developmental history of each sperm thereby providing biomarkers of fertility and pregnancy outcome which are being intensely studied. METHODS Literature searches were performed to review the majority of spermatozoal RNA studies that described potential functions and clinical applications with emphasis on Next-Generation Sequencing. Human, mouse, bovine and stallion were compared as their distribution and composition of spermatozoal RNAs, using these techniques, have been described. RESULTS Comparisons highlighted the complexity of the population of spermatozoal RNAs that comprises rRNA, mRNA and both large and small non-coding RNAs. RNA-seq analysis has revealed that only a fraction of the larger RNAs retain their structure. While rRNAs are the most abundant and are highly fragmented, ensuring a translationally quiescent state, other RNAs including some mRNAs retain their functional potential, thereby increasing the opportunity for regulatory interactions. Abundant small non-coding RNAs retained in spermatozoa include miRNAs and piRNAs. Some, like miR-34c are essential to the early embryo development required for the first cellular division. Others like the piRNAs are likely part of the genomic dance of confrontation and consolidation. Other non-coding spermatozoal RNAs include transposable elements, annotated lnc-RNAs, intronic retained elements, exonic elements, chromatin-associated RNAs, small-nuclear ILF3/NF30 associated RNAs, quiescent RNAs, mse-tRNAs and YRNAs. Some non-coding RNAs are known to act as epigenetic modifiers, inducing histone modifications and DNA methylation, perhaps playing a role in transgenerational epigenetic inherence. Transcript profiling holds considerable potential for the discovery of fertility biomarkers for both agriculture and human medicine. Comparing the differential RNA profiles of infertile and fertile individuals as well as assessing species similarities, should resolve the regulatory pathways contributing to male factor infertility. CONCLUSIONS Dad delivers a complex population of RNAs to the oocyte at fertilization that likely influences fertilization, embryo development, the phenotype of the offspring and possibly future generations. Development is continuing on the use of spermatozoal RNA profiles as phenotypic markers of male factor status for use as clinical diagnostics of the father's contribution to the birth of a healthy child.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meritxell Jodar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
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