1
|
Xin M, Li C, You S, Zhu B, Shen J, Dong W, Xue X, Shi W, Xiong Y, Shi J, Sun S. Site-specific N-glycoproteomic analysis reveals up-regulated fucosylation in seminal plasma of asthenozoospermia. Glycobiology 2024; 34:cwae054. [PMID: 39073901 DOI: 10.1093/glycob/cwae054] [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: 05/17/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
N-linked glycoproteins are rich in seminal plasma, playing essential roles in supporting sperm function and fertilization process. The alteration of seminal plasma glycans and its correspond glycoproteins may lead to sperm dysfunction and even infertility. In present study, an integrative analysis of glycoproteomic and proteomic was performed to investigate the changes of site-specific glycans and glycoptoteins in seminal plasma of asthenozoospermia. By large scale profiling and quantifying 5,018 intact N-glycopeptides in seminal plasma, we identified 92 intact N-glycopeptides from 34 glycoproteins changed in asthenozoospermia. Especially, fucosylated glycans containing lewis x, lewis y and core fucosylation were significantly up-regulated in asthenozoospermia compared to healthy donors. The up-regulation of fucosylated glycans in seminal plasma may interfere sperm surface compositions and regulation of immune response, which subsequently disrupts sperm function. Three differentiated expression of seminal vesicle-specific glycoproteins (fibronectin, seminogelin-2, and glycodelin) were also detected with fucosylation alteration in seminal plasma of asthenozoospermia. The interpretation of the altered site-specific glycan structures provides data for the diagnosis and etiology analysis of male infertility, as well as providing new insights into the potential therapeutic targets for male infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miaomiao Xin
- The Assisted Reproduction Center, Northwest Women and Children's Hospital, NO. 73, houzaimen, Xincheng Zone, Xi'an 710003, China
- Laboratory for Disease Glycoproteomics, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, P. R. China
| | - Cheng Li
- Laboratory for Disease Glycoproteomics, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, P. R. China
| | - Shanshan You
- Laboratory for Disease Glycoproteomics, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, P. R. China
| | - Bojing Zhu
- Laboratory for Disease Glycoproteomics, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, P. R. China
| | - Jiechen Shen
- Laboratory for Disease Glycoproteomics, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, P. R. China
| | - Wenbo Dong
- Laboratory for Disease Glycoproteomics, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, P. R. China
| | - Xia Xue
- The Assisted Reproduction Center, Northwest Women and Children's Hospital, NO. 73, houzaimen, Xincheng Zone, Xi'an 710003, China
| | - Wenhao Shi
- The Assisted Reproduction Center, Northwest Women and Children's Hospital, NO. 73, houzaimen, Xincheng Zone, Xi'an 710003, China
| | - Yao Xiong
- The Assisted Reproduction Center, Northwest Women and Children's Hospital, NO. 73, houzaimen, Xincheng Zone, Xi'an 710003, China
| | - Juanzi Shi
- The Assisted Reproduction Center, Northwest Women and Children's Hospital, NO. 73, houzaimen, Xincheng Zone, Xi'an 710003, China
| | - Shisheng Sun
- Laboratory for Disease Glycoproteomics, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hernández-Herrador M, Marilina GA, Luisa Hortas M, Carrillo-Lucena S, Caracuel Z, Castilla-Alcalá JA, Martín-García D, Redondo M. Clusterin expression and distribution in spermatozoa as predictor of male fertility. Mol Reprod Dev 2024; 91:e23764. [PMID: 39072963 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23764] [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: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Clusterin (CLU), one of the main glycoproteins in mammalian semen and the male reproductive tract, plays a role in spermatogenesis and sperm maturation. Given the poor reliability of classic seminal studies in determining male-fertilizing capacity and the differences in CLU abundance between normal and abnormal spermatozoa, we investigated the potential value of mRNA-CLU levels and protein distribution in spermatozoa as markers of sperm quality and predictors of male fertility. This multicenter study included 90 patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment with their partners, and a control group of 36 fertile males with normal seminograms. We assessed the relationship between IVF treatment outcomes, seminogram variables, mRNA-CLU levels by quantitative real-time-PCR and CLU distribution by immunostaining in spermatozoa. Our study reveals CLU staining in the acrosome (p = 0.002, OR 14.8, 95% CI: 2.7-79.3) and mRNA-CLU levels (p = 0.005, OR 10.85, 95% CI: 2.0-57.4) as independent risk factors for pregnancy failure, irrespective of traditional seminogram variables. Additionally, our results suggest that CLU, and specially its secreted isoform, constitutes a component of the protein pool that human spermatozoa can produce during its maturation process, exhibiting a variable abundance and distribution in spermatozoa from fertile men compared to those in patients with altered seminograms and infertile patients with normal seminograms. Our study is the first to identify mRNA-CLU levels and CLU immunostaining in the spermatozoa acrosome as independent risk factors for pregnancy failure, with distribution patterns correlating with sperm maturity and seminogram alterations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - García-Aranda Marilina
- Research and Innovation Unit, Hospital Universitario Costa del Sol, Marbella, Spain
- Surgical Specialties, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Malaga University, Malaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA)-Plataforma Bionand Research Institute, Malaga, Spain
- Research Network on Chronicity, Primary Care and Health Promotion (RICAPPS)
| | - María Luisa Hortas
- Clinical Laboratories Area, Hospital Universitario Costa del Sol, Marbella, Spain
| | | | - Zaira Caracuel
- Research and Innovation Unit, Hospital Universitario Costa del Sol, Marbella, Spain
| | - José Antonio Castilla-Alcalá
- Reproduction Unit (Clinical Laboratory and Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinical Management Units), Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria (ibs.GRANADA) Research Institute, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Desirée Martín-García
- Research and Innovation Unit, Hospital Universitario Costa del Sol, Marbella, Spain
- Surgical Specialties, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Malaga University, Malaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA)-Plataforma Bionand Research Institute, Malaga, Spain
- Research Network on Chronicity, Primary Care and Health Promotion (RICAPPS)
| | - Maximino Redondo
- Research and Innovation Unit, Hospital Universitario Costa del Sol, Marbella, Spain
- Surgical Specialties, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Malaga University, Malaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA)-Plataforma Bionand Research Institute, Malaga, Spain
- Research Network on Chronicity, Primary Care and Health Promotion (RICAPPS)
- REDISSEC (Health Research on Chronic Patients Network)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Palenikova V, Pavlova H, Kraus D, Kratka Z, Komrskova K, Postlerova P. The correlation between human seminal plasma sialoproteins and ejaculate parameters. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 266:131341. [PMID: 38574922 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131341] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Sialic acids are negatively charged carbohydrates that are components of saccharide chains covalently linked to macromolecules. Sialylated glycoproteins are important for most biological processes, including reproduction, where they are associated with spermatogenesis, sperm motility, immune responses, and fertilization. Changes in the glycoprotein profile or sialylation in glycoproteins are likely to affect the quality of ejaculate. The aim of this study was to determine differences in the degree of sialylation between normozoospermic ejaculates and ejaculates with a pathological spermiogram using two lectins, Sambucus nigra (SNA) and Maackia amurensis (MAL II/MAA) recognizing α-2,6 or α-2,3 linkage of Sia to galactosyl residues. Our results show a close relationship between seminal plasma (SP) sialoproteins and the presence of anti-sperm antibodies in the ejaculate, apoptotic spermatozoa, and ejaculate quality. Using mass spectrometry, we identified SP sialoproteins such as, semenogelins, glycodelin, prolactin-inducible protein, lactotransferrin, and clusterin that are associated with spermatozoa and contribute to the modulation of the immune response and sperm apoptosis. Our findings suggest a correlation between the degree of SP glycoprotein sialylation and the existence of possible pathological states of spermatozoa and reproductive organs. Glycoproteins sialylation represents a potential parameter reflecting the overall quality of ejaculate and could potentially be utilised in diagnostics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Palenikova
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Hlavova 8, 128 40 Prague 2, Czech Republic.
| | - Hana Pavlova
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Kraus
- Laboratory of Gene Expression, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
| | | | - Katerina Komrskova
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic; Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Vinicna 7, 128 44 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Pavla Postlerova
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic; Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamycka 129, 165 00 Prague 6, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yi S, Feng Y, Wang Y, Ma F. Sialylation: fate decision of mammalian sperm development, fertilization, and male fertility†. Biol Reprod 2023; 109:137-155. [PMID: 37379321 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad067] [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: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm development, maturation, and successful fertilization within the female reproductive tract are intricate and orderly processes that involve protein translation and post-translational modifications. Among these modifications, sialylation plays a crucial role. Any disruptions occurring throughout the sperm's life cycle can result in male infertility, yet our current understanding of this process remains limited. Conventional semen analysis often fails to diagnose some infertility cases associated with sperm sialylation, emphasizing the need to comprehend and investigate the characteristics of sperm sialylation. This review reanalyzes the significance of sialylation in sperm development and fertilization and evaluates the impact of sialylation damage on male fertility under pathological conditions. Sialylation serves a vital role in the life journey of sperm, providing a negatively charged glycocalyx and enriching the molecular structure of the sperm surface, which is beneficial to sperm reversible recognition and immune interaction. These characteristics are particularly crucial during sperm maturation and fertilization within the female reproductive tract. Moreover, enhancing the understanding of the mechanism underlying sperm sialylation can promote the development of relevant clinical indicators for infertility detection and treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shiqi Yi
- Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R. China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ying Feng
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Fang Ma
- Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R. China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
The Association between Clusterin Sialylation Degree and Levels of Oxidative–Antioxidant Balance Markers in Seminal Plasmas and Blood Sera of Male Partners with Abnormal Sperm Parameters. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810598. [PMID: 36142505 PMCID: PMC9501354 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Nearly 30% of infertility cases are caused by male factor. This study aimed at checking the associations between the sialylation degree of glycoprotein clusterin (CLU) and levels of oxidative–antioxidant balance markers in infertile men. Using lectin-ELISA with biotinylated lectins specific to α2,6-linked (Sambucus nigra agglutinin, SNA) and α2,3-linked (Maackia amurensis agglutinin, MAA) sialic acid (SA), the CLU sialylation in 132 seminal plasmas (SP) and 91 blood sera (BS) were analyzed. Oxidative–antioxidant status was measured by determining Sirtuin-3 (SIRT3), Sirtuin-5 (SIRT5), total antioxidant status (TAS), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) levels. We indicate that multiple sperm disorders are associated with decreased expression of MAA-reactive SA in SP. Decreased SP SIRT3 concentrations may be associated with teratozoospermia and oligoasthenoteratozoospermia. ROC curve and cluster analysis revealed that SP relative reactivity of CLU glycans with MAA, the value of MAA/SNA ratio, and SIRT3 and SIRT5 concentrations may constitute an additional set of markers differentiating infertile oligoasthenoteratozoospermic patients (OAT) from normozoospermic (N), asthenoteratozoospermic (AT) and teratozoospermic (T). The multinomial logistic regression analysis confirmed the potential utility of SIRT3 determinations for differentiation between N and OAT groups as well as between N and T groups for SIRT3 and SIRT5. For BS, based on ROC curve and cluster analysis, relative reactivities of CLU glycans with SNA, MAA, SIRT3 and FRAP concentrations may be useful in the differentiation of normozoospermic patients from those with sperm disorders. The multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that the SNA relative reactivity with CLU glycans significantly differentiated the N group from AT, OAT and T groups, and FRAP concentrations significantly differed between N and AT groups, which additionally confirms the potential utility of these biomarkers in the differentiation of infertile patients with abnormal sperm parameters. The knowledge about associations between examined parameters may also influence future research aimed at seeking new male infertility therapies.
Collapse
|
6
|
Olejnik B, Ferens-Sieczkowska M. Seminal Plasma Glycoproteins as Potential Ligands of Lectins Engaged in Immunity Regulation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:10489. [PMID: 36078205 PMCID: PMC9518496 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191710489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Environmental pollution, chronic stress, and unhealthy lifestyle are factors that negatively affect reproductive potential. Currently, 15-20% of couples in industrialized countries face the problem of infertility. This growing health and social problem prompts researchers to explore the regulatory mechanisms that may be important for successful fertilization. In recent years, more attention has been paid to male infertility factors, including the impact of seminal plasma components on regulation of the female immune response to allogenic sperm, embryo and fetal antigens. Directing this response to the tolerogenic pathway is crucial to achieve a healthy pregnancy. According to the fetoembryonic defense hypothesis, the regulatory mechanism may be associated with the interaction of lectins and immunomodulatory glycoepitopes. Such interactions may involve lectins of dendritic cells and macrophages, recruited to the cervical region immediately after intercourse. Carbohydrate binding receptors include C type lectins, such as DC-SIGN and MGL, as well as galectins and siglecs among others. In this article we discuss the expression of the possible lectin ligands, highly fucosylated and high mannose structures, which may be recognized by DC-SIGN, glycans of varying degrees of sialylation, which may differ in their interaction with siglecs, as well as T and Tn antigens in O-glycans.
Collapse
|
7
|
Seminal Plasma Protein N-Glycan Peaks Are Potential Predictors of Semen Pathology and Sperm Chromatin Maturity in Men. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11090989. [PMID: 34575138 PMCID: PMC8471228 DOI: 10.3390/life11090989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Male infertility is increasingly becoming a health and demographic problem. While it may originate from congenital or acquired diseases, it can also result from environmental exposure. Hence, the complexity of involved molecular mechanisms often requires a multiparametric approach. This study aimed to associate semen parameters with sperm DNA fragmentation, chromatin maturity and seminal plasma protein N-glycosylation. Methods: The study was conducted with 166 participants, 20–55 y old, 82 normozoospermic and 84 with pathological diagnosis. Sperm was analyzed by Halosperm assay and aniline blue staining, while seminal plasma total protein N-glycans were analyzed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography. Results: Sperm DNA fragmentation was significantly increased in the pathological group and was inversely correlated with sperm motility and viability. Seminal plasma total protein N-glycans were chromatographically separated in 37 individual peaks. The pattern of seminal plasma N-glycan peaks (SPGP) showed that SPGP14 significantly differs between men with normal and pathological semen parameters (p < 0.001). The multivariate analysis showed that when sperm chromatin maturity increases by 10%, SPGP17 decreases by 14% while SPGP25 increases by 25%. Conclusion: DNA integrity and seminal plasma N-glycans are associated with pathological sperm parameters. Specific N-glycans are also associated with sperm chromatin maturity and have a potential in future fertility research and clinical diagnostics.
Collapse
|
8
|
Janiszewska E, Kokot I, Gilowska I, Faundez R, Kratz EM. The possible association of clusterin fucosylation changes with male fertility disorders. Sci Rep 2021; 11:15674. [PMID: 34341430 PMCID: PMC8329075 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-95288-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In the seminal plasma (n = 118) and serum (n = 90) clusterin (CLU) the fucosylation and the expression of selected fucosyltransferases (FUTs) were analyzed. Samples from infertile men were divided into groups based on the results of the standard semen analysis: normozoospermic (N), teratozoospermic (T), asthenoteratozoospermic (AT) and oligoasthenoteratozoospermic (OAT). The CLU fucosylation was analyzed using lectin-ELISAs with biotinylated lectins specific to α1,3-, α1,2-linked antennary fucose, and α1,6-linked core fucose (LTA, UEA, and LCA, respectively). The concentrations of FUT3 and FUT4, reflecting the expression of Le oligosaccharide structures, were measured using ELISA tests. The differences in serum CLU and FUT4 concentrations, and in the expression of core fucose and antennary fucose α1,2-linked in CLU glycans between the N group and other groups examined suggest that the disturbances in sperm count, motility, and morphology are not the only cause of male infertility. Lack of similarities between levels of examined parameters in blood serum and seminal plasma may suggest the differences in mechanisms leading to glycoproteins glycosylation. It confirmed the observed differences in concentrations of seminal plasma CLU, FUT3, and FUT4 between the OAT group and N, T, AT groups, indicating that decreased sperm count may be related to these parameters expression. The serum CLU concentrations and expression of core fucose and fucose α1,2-linked in CLU, seem to be good markers differentiating normozoospermic men from those with abnormal sperm parameters, which was not observed for seminal plasma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Janiszewska
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, Division of Laboratory Diagnostics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska Street 211A, 50-556, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Izabela Kokot
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, Division of Laboratory Diagnostics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska Street 211A, 50-556, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Iwona Gilowska
- University of Opole, Institute of Health Sciences, Collegium Salutis Humanae, Katowicka Street 68, 45-060, Opole, Poland
- Clinical Center of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology in Opole, Reference Center for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Infertility, Reymonta Street 8, 45-066, Opole, Poland
| | - Ricardo Faundez
- InviMed Fertility Clinics, Rakowiecka Street 36, 02-532, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Maria Kratz
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, Division of Laboratory Diagnostics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska Street 211A, 50-556, Wrocław, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Szczykutowicz J, Tkaczuk-Włach J, Ferens-Sieczkowska M. Glycoproteins Presenting Galactose and N-Acetylgalactosamine in Human Seminal Plasma as Potential Players Involved in Immune Modulation in the Fertilization Process. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147331. [PMID: 34298952 PMCID: PMC8303229 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In light of recent research, there is increasing evidence showing that extracellular semen components have a significant impact on the immune reaction of the female partner, leading to the tolerogenic response enabling the embryo development and implantation as well as further progress of healthy pregnancy. Seminal plasma glycoproteins are rich in the unique immunomodulatory glycoepitopes that may serve as ligands for endogenous lectins that decorate the surface of immune cells. Such interaction may be involved in modulation of the maternal immune response. Among immunomodulatory glycans, Lewis type antigens have been of interest for at least two decades, while the importance of T/Tn antigens and related structures is still far from understanding. In the current work, we applied two plant lectins capable of distinguishing glycoepitopes with terminal GalNAc and Gal to identify glycoproteins that are their efficient carriers. By means of lectin blotting and lectin affinity chromatography followed by LC-MS, we identified lactotransferrin, prolactin inducible protein as well as fibronectin and semenogelins 1 and 2 as lectin-reactive. Net-O-glycosylation analysis results indicated that the latter three may actually carry T and/or Tn antigens, while in the case of prolactin inducible protein and lactotransferrin LacdiNAc and lactosamine glycoepitopes were more probable. STRING bioinformatics analysis linked the identified glycoproteins in the close network, indicating their involvement in immune (partially innate) processes. Overall, our research revealed potential seminal plasma ligands for endogenous Gal/GalNAc specific lectins with a possible role in modulation of maternal immune response during fertilization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Szczykutowicz
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunochemistry, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-369 Wrocław, Poland;
| | - Joanna Tkaczuk-Włach
- Laboratory of Diagnostic Techniques, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland;
- Family Health Centre AB OVO, 20-819 Lublin, Poland
| | - Mirosława Ferens-Sieczkowska
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunochemistry, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-369 Wrocław, Poland;
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Lan R, Xin M, Hao Z, You S, Xu Y, Wu J, Dang L, Zhang X, Sun S. Biological Functions and Large-Scale Profiling of Protein Glycosylation in Human Semen. J Proteome Res 2020; 19:3877-3889. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.9b00795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rongxia Lan
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province 710069, P. R. China
| | - Miaomiao Xin
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province 710069, P. R. China
- Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Research Institute of Fish Culture and Hydrobiology, Vodnany 38925, Czech Republic
| | - Zhifang Hao
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province 710069, P. R. China
| | - Shanshan You
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province 710069, P. R. China
| | - Yintai Xu
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province 710069, P. R. China
| | - Jingyu Wu
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province 710069, P. R. China
| | - Liuyi Dang
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province 710069, P. R. China
| | - Xinwen Zhang
- The Medical Genetics Centre, Xi 'an People's Hospital (Xi 'an Fourth Hospital), Xi’an Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province 710004, P. R. China
| | - Shisheng Sun
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province 710069, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|