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Martín-Hidalgo D, Izquierdo M, Garrido N, Bartolomé-García P, Macías-García B, González-Fernández L. Induction of acrosome reaction by 4-Br-A23187 alters the glycoproteomic profile of boar spermatozoa. Theriogenology 2024; 223:108-114. [PMID: 38703550 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.04.006] [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: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Protein glycosylation is a post-translational modification involved in wide range of biological processes. In mammalian spermatozoa this modification has been identified in numerous proteins, and membrane glycoproteins are involved in the fertilization process. The objective of the present study was to identify changes in protein glycosylation after acrosome reaction (AR) induction using the 4-Br-A23187 ionophore. Our results showed that treatment with 10 μM of 4-Br-A23187 for 20 min significantly increased the percentage of live acrosome-reacted spermatozoa compared to the control (69.8 ± 0.8 vs. 6.4 ± 0.5; mean % ± SEM, respectively). Also, we observed an increase in 32 kDa tyrosine-phosphorylated protein (p32) and a decrease in serine/threonine phosphorylation of the protein kinase A substrates (phospho-PKA-substrates) after ionophore treatment. Furthermore, changes in glycosylated proteins following AR induction were analyzed using different HRP-conjugated lectins (GNA, DSA, and SNA), revealing changes in mannose and sialic acid residues. Proteomic analysis of isolated proteins using GNA lectin revealed that 50 proteins exhibited significantly different abundance (q-value < 0.01). Subsequent analysis using Uniprot database identified 39 downregulated and 11 upregulated proteins in the presence of 4-Br-A23187. Notably, six of these proteins were classified as transmembrane proteins, namely LRRC37A/B like protein 1 C-terminal domain-containing protein, Membrane metalloendopeptidase like 1, VWFA domain-containing protein, Syndecan, Membrane spanning 4-domains A14 and Serine protease 54. This study shows a novel protocol to induce acrosome reaction in boar spermatozoa and identifies new transmembrane proteins containing mannose residues. Further work is needed to elucidate the role of these proteins in sperm-oocyte fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Martín-Hidalgo
- Departamento de Fisiología, Grupo de Investigación Señalización Intracelular y Tecnología de la Reproducción (SINTREP), Instituto de Investigación INBIO G+C, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Mercedes Izquierdo
- Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas de Extremadura (CICYTEX), Badajoz, Spain
| | - Nicolás Garrido
- MED-Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development & CHANGE-Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Escola Superior Agrária de Elvas, Departamento de Ciência Agrárias e Veterinárias, Elvas, Portugal
| | | | - Beatriz Macías-García
- Departamento de Medicina Animal, Grupo de Investigación Medicina Interna Veterinaria (MINVET), Instituto de Investigación INBIO G+C, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Lauro González-Fernández
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Grupo de Investigación Señalización Intracelular y Tecnología de la Reproducción (SINTREP), Instituto de Investigación INBIO G+C, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain.
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2
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Wang H, Iida-Norita R, Mashiko D, Pham AH, Miyata H, Ikawa M. Golgi associated RAB2 interactor protein family contributes to murine male fertility to various extents by assuring correct morphogenesis of sperm heads. PLoS Genet 2024; 20:e1011337. [PMID: 38935810 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Sperm heads contain not only the nucleus but also the acrosome which is a distinctive cap-like structure located anterior to the nucleus and is derived from the Golgi apparatus. The Golgi Associated RAB2 Interactors (GARINs; also known as FAM71) protein family shows predominant expression in the testis and all possess a RAB2-binding domain which confers binding affinity to RAB2, a small GTPase that is responsible for membrane transport and vesicle trafficking. Our previous study showed that GARIN1A and GARIN1B are important for acrosome biogenesis and that GARIN1B is indispensable for male fertility in mice. Here, we generated KO mice of other Garins, namely Garin2, Garin3, Garin4, Garin5a, and Garin5b (Garin2-5b). Using computer-assisted morphological analysis, we found that the loss of each Garin2-5b resulted in aberrant sperm head morphogenesis. While the fertilities of Garin2-/- and Garin4-/- males are normal, Garin5a-/- and Garin5b-/- males are subfertile, and Garin3-/- males are infertile. Further analysis revealed that Garin3-/- males exhibited abnormal acrosomal morphology, but not as severely as Garin1b-/- males; instead, the amounts of membrane proteins, particularly ADAM family proteins, decreased in Garin3 KO spermatozoa. Moreover, only Garin4 KO mice exhibit vacuoles in the sperm head. These results indicate that GARINs assure correct head morphogenesis and some members of the GARIN family function distinctively in male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoting Wang
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Rie Iida-Norita
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Daisuke Mashiko
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Anh Hoang Pham
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Haruhiko Miyata
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
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3
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Fuentes F, Contreras MJ, Arroyo-Salvo C, Cabrera P P, Silva M, Merino O, Arias ME, Felmer R. Effect of exogenous sperm capacitation inducers on stallion sperm. Theriogenology 2024; 226:29-38. [PMID: 38824691 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.05.042] [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: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Although under appropriate laboratory conditions, sperm from different mammalian species can be capacitated in vitro, the optimal conditions for sperm capacitation in the stallion have been elusive. This study evaluated the effect of different capacitating inducers in Whitten and Tyrode media and assessed their impact on capacitation-related factors. Stallion sperm were incubated with different combinations of capacitating inducers at 38.5 °C in an air atmosphere. Sperm quality variables such as motility, mitochondrial membrane potential, and lipid peroxidation were assessed. Membrane fluidity and intracellular calcium levels were evaluated as early markers of capacitation, while tyrosine phosphorylation events and the sperm's ability to perform acrosomal exocytosis were used as late capacitation markers. Finally, these sperm were evaluated using a heterologous zona pellucida binding assay. The findings confirm that capacitating conditions evaluated increase intracellular calcium levels and membrane fluidity in both media. Similarly, including 2 or 3 inducers in both media increased tyrosine phosphorylation levels and acrosomal exocytosis after exposure to progesterone, confirming that stallion sperm incubated in these conditions shows cellular and molecular changes consistent with sperm capacitation. Furthermore, the zona pellucida binding assay confirmed the binding capacity of sperm incubated in capacitation conditions, a key step for stallion in vitro fertilization success. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effect of these conditions on in vitro fertilization in the horse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Fuentes
- Laboratory of Reproduction, Center of Reproductive Biotechnology (CEBIOR-BIOREN), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile; Doctoral Program in Applied Cellular and Molecular Biology, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Maria Jose Contreras
- Laboratory of Reproduction, Center of Reproductive Biotechnology (CEBIOR-BIOREN), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Camila Arroyo-Salvo
- Laboratory of Reproduction, Center of Reproductive Biotechnology (CEBIOR-BIOREN), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Paulina Cabrera P
- Laboratory of Reproduction, Center of Reproductive Biotechnology (CEBIOR-BIOREN), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Mauricio Silva
- Department of Veterinary Sciences and Public Health, Universidad Catolica de Temuco, Temuco, Chile
| | - Osvaldo Merino
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine. Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Maria Elena Arias
- Laboratory of Reproduction, Center of Reproductive Biotechnology (CEBIOR-BIOREN), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile; Department of Agricultural Production, Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Ricardo Felmer
- Laboratory of Reproduction, Center of Reproductive Biotechnology (CEBIOR-BIOREN), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile; Department of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile.
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4
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Lee KH, Hwang JY. Ca 2+ homeostasis and male fertility: a target for a new male contraceptive system. Anim Cells Syst (Seoul) 2024; 28:171-183. [PMID: 38686363 PMCID: PMC11057403 DOI: 10.1080/19768354.2024.2345647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Ca2+ is a key secondary messenger that determines sperm motility patterns. Mammalian sperm undergo capacitation, a process to acquire fertilizing ability, in the female reproductive tract. Capacitated sperm change their flagellar waveform to develop hyperactivated motility, which is crucial for successful sperm navigation to the eggs and fertilization. The sperm-specific channel, CATSPER, and an ATPase transporter, PMCA4, serve as major paths for Ca2+ influx and efflux, respectively, in sperm. The ionic paths coordinate Ca2+ homeostasis in the sperm, and their loss-of-function impairs sperm motility, to cause male infertility. In this review, we summarize the physiological significance of these two Ca2+ gates and suggest their potential applications in novel male contraceptives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung-Ha Lee
- Department of Molecular Biology, Pusan National University, Busan, South Korea
- Institute of Systems Biology, Pusan National University, Busan, South Korea
| | - Jae Yeon Hwang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Pusan National University, Busan, South Korea
- Institute of Systems Biology, Pusan National University, Busan, South Korea
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5
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Brukman NG, Valansi C, Podbilewicz B. Sperm induction of somatic cell-cell fusion as a novel functional test. eLife 2024; 13:e94228. [PMID: 38265078 PMCID: PMC10883674 DOI: 10.7554/elife.94228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The fusion of mammalian gametes requires the interaction between IZUMO1 on the sperm and JUNO on the oocyte. We have recently shown that ectopic expression of mouse IZUMO1 induces cell-cell fusion and that sperm can fuse to fibroblasts expressing JUNO. Here, we found that the incubation of mouse sperm with hamster fibroblasts or human epithelial cells in culture induces the fusion between these somatic cells and the formation of syncytia, a pattern previously observed with some animal viruses. This sperm-induced cell-cell fusion requires a species-matching JUNO on both fusing cells, can be blocked by an antibody against IZUMO1, and does not rely on the synthesis of new proteins. The fusion is dependent on the sperm's fusogenic capacity, making this a reliable, fast, and simple method for predicting sperm function during the diagnosis of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas G Brukman
- Department of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Clari Valansi
- Department of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
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6
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Wakayama T, Ogura A. In memory of Dr. Ryuzo Yanagimachi (Yana) (1928-2023). J Reprod Dev 2024; 70:i-iv. [PMID: 38569840 PMCID: PMC11017095 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2024-e01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Teruhiko Wakayama
- Advanced Biotechnology Center, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan
| | - Atsuo Ogura
- RIKEN BioResource Research Center, Ibaraki 305-0074, Japan
- RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan
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7
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Guo S, Liu Y, Xu Y, Gai K, Cong B, Xing K, Qi X, Wang X, Xiao L, Long C, Guo Y, Chen L, Sheng X. Identification of key genes affecting sperm motility in chicken based on whole-transcriptome sequencing. Poult Sci 2023; 102:103135. [PMID: 37856906 PMCID: PMC10590750 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.103135] [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: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm motility is an important index for the evaluation of semen quality. Improving sperm motility is important to improve reproductive performance, promote breeding process, and reduce production cost. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating sperm motility in chickens remain unclear. In this study, histological observation and whole-transcriptome analysis were performed on testicular tissue of chickens with high and low sperm motility. Histological observations showed that roosters with high sperm motility exhibited better semen quality than those with low sperm motility. In addition, the germinal epithelial cells of roosters with low sperm motility were loosely arranged and contained many vacuoles. RNA-seq results revealed the expression of 23,033 mRNAs, 2,893 lncRNAs, and 515 miRNAs in chicken testes. Among them, there were 417 differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs), 106 differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs), and 15 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) between high and low sperm motility testes. These differentially expressed genes were involved in the G protein-coupled receptor signaling pathway, cilia structure, Wnt signaling, MAPK signaling, GnRH signaling, and mTOR signaling. By integrating the competitive relationships between DEmRNAs, DElncRNAs, and DEmiRNAs, we identified the regulatory pathway of MSTRG.3077.3/MSTRG.9085.1-gga-miR-138-5p-CADM1 and MSTRG.2290.1-gga-miR-142-3p-GNAQ/PPP3CA as crucial in the modulation of chicken sperm motility. This study provides new insights into the function and mechanism of ceRNAs in regulating sperm motility in chicken testes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihao Guo
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Yizheng Liu
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Yaxi Xu
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Kai Gai
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Bailin Cong
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Kai Xing
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Xiaolong Qi
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Xiangguo Wang
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Longfei Xiao
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Cheng Long
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Yong Guo
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Li Chen
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Xihui Sheng
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China.
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8
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Jaiswal RK, Lei KH, Chastain M, Wang Y, Shiva O, Li S, You Z, Chi P, Chai W. CaMKK2 and CHK1 phosphorylate human STN1 in response to replication stress to protect stalled forks from aberrant resection. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7882. [PMID: 38036565 PMCID: PMC10689503 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43685-2] [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: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Keeping replication fork stable is essential for safeguarding genome integrity; hence, its protection is highly regulated. The CTC1-STN1-TEN1 (CST) complex protects stalled forks from aberrant MRE11-mediated nascent strand DNA degradation (NSD). However, the activation mechanism for CST at forks is unknown. Here, we report that STN1 is phosphorylated in its intrinsic disordered region. Loss of STN1 phosphorylation reduces the replication stress-induced STN1 localization to stalled forks, elevates NSD, increases MRE11 access to stalled forks, and decreases RAD51 localization at forks, leading to increased genome instability under perturbed DNA replication condition. STN1 is phosphorylated by both the ATR-CHK1 and the calcium-sensing kinase CaMKK2 in response to hydroxyurea/aphidicolin treatment or elevated cytosolic calcium concentration. Cancer-associated STN1 variants impair STN1 phosphorylation, conferring inability of fork protection. Collectively, our study uncovers that CaMKK2 and ATR-CHK1 target STN1 to enable its fork protective function, and suggests an important role of STN1 phosphorylation in cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rishi Kumar Jaiswal
- Department of Cancer Biology, Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Kai-Hang Lei
- Institute of Biochemical Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Megan Chastain
- Office of Research, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, USA
| | - Yuan Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Olga Shiva
- Office of Research, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, USA
| | - Shan Li
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Zhongsheng You
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Peter Chi
- Institute of Biochemical Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Weihang Chai
- Department of Cancer Biology, Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL, USA.
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9
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Faggi M, Vanzetti A, Teijeiro JM. Effect of glucose and reactive oxygen species on boar sperm induced-acrosome exocytosis. Res Vet Sci 2023; 164:105013. [PMID: 37742485 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2023.105013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Ejaculated boar spermatozoa can be liquid preserved for several days and be easily activated to produce physiological changes. One of the major changes is acrosome exocytosis that is physiologically related to capacitation. Glycolysis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were studied regarding several boar sperm functions, but data available about their effect on boar sperm acrosome exocytosis are scarce. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of glucose and ROS on boar sperm acrosome exocytosis. We evaluated acrosome exocytosis by progesterone induction of capacitated sperm and assess viability, kinematics parameters, ROS levels, ATP content and Protein Kinase A activity in media with or without glucose and hydrogen peroxide or potassium chromate, as source of ROS. Our results show that glucose has no effect on acrosome exocytosis and also, it is not necessary for boar sperm capacitation, although it has a positive effect in the presence of ROS. On the other hand, ROS effects are related to spontaneous acrosome reaction. We conclude that glycolysis may function as a metabolic pathway that provides sustain but is not directly involved in boar sperm acrosome exocytosis and capacitation. Also, ROS do not promote capacitation in boar sperm, but affect spontaneous acrosome exocytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melina Faggi
- Laboratorio de Medicina Reproductiva, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Suipacha 531, Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Agustín Vanzetti
- Laboratorio de Medicina Reproductiva, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Suipacha 531, Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Juan Manuel Teijeiro
- Laboratorio de Medicina Reproductiva, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Suipacha 531, Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina; CONICET.
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10
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Hernández-Avilés C, Ramírez-Agámez L, Varner DD, Love CC. Lactate-induced spontaneous acrosomal exocytosis as a method to study acrosome function in stallion sperm. Theriogenology 2023; 210:169-181. [PMID: 37517302 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.07.024] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Evaluation of acrosome function in stallion sperm is mostly based on the use of inducers of acrosomal exocytosis (AE), such as the calcium ionophore A23187 or progesterone. Recently, it has been reported that incubation of stallion sperm under presumed capacitating conditions (i.e., medium formulated with calcium, bicarbonate, and bovine serum albumin) using a lactate-only containing medium (Lac-MW) results in a high rate of spontaneous AE in viable sperm (AE/Viable). In the current study, we developed an alternative assay of acrosome function for stallion sperm following the incubation of sperm in a medium formulated only with lactate as an energy substrate (Lac-MW). In Experiment 1, freshly ejaculated stallion sperm was incubated with 10 μM A23187, Lac-MW, or Control, for up to 6 h under capacitating conditions. The percentages of motile sperm, viable sperm, total AE (Total AE), and AE in viable sperm (AE/Viable) were compared among treatment groups. Incubation in Lac-MW, but not with Control or A23187, resulted in a time-dependent increase in the percentage of AE/Viable, as determined by flow cytometry, particularly at 4 and 6 h of incubation (P < 0.05). In Experiment 2, freshly ejaculated sperm was incubated in Lac-MW for up to 6 h, and the occurrence of protein tyrosine phosphorylation and AE/Viable were determined. At 4h and 6h of incubation in Lac-MW, ∼40% of the sperm displayed a protein tyrosine phosphorylation immunofluorescence pattern that coincides with that recently associated with stallion sperm capacitation (i.e., immunofluorescence signal at the acrosome and midpiece). In Experiment 3, the rate of AE/Viable sperm was compared among freshly ejaculated, cool-stored, and frozen/thawed stallion sperm. Except at 2h incubation in Lac-MW, differences in mean AE/Viable among fresh, cool-stored, and frozen/thawed sperm were not observed (P > 0.05). In Experiment 4, the relationship between Total AE (A23187), or AE/Viable (Lac-MW), and in vivo fertility of 5 stallions was determined. A linear relationship was observed between mean AE/Viable and the per-cycle (r = 0.93; P < 0.05) and seasonal (r = 0.66; P < 0.05) pregnancy rates of five stallions used for artificial insemination with cool-stored semen. In Experiment 5, frozen/thawed sperm from subfertile Thoroughbred (TB) stallions, known to carry the susceptibility genotype for Impaired Acrosomal Exocytosis (IAE; FKBP6 A/A-A/A) was evaluated following incubation in Lac-MW. Sperm from subfertile TB stallions with IAE had lower mean AE/Viable, at both 4h and 6h incubation in Lac-MW, when compared to that of fertile control stallions (P < 0.05). Overall, the Lac-MW model validated in the current study may be a useful complementary assay to evaluate the ability of stallion sperm to physiologically undergo AE and to study stallion fertility potential. This acrosome function assay can be used to evaluate fresh, cool-stored, or frozen/thawed stallion sperm, and describes a strong linear relationship with in vivo-fertility of stallions used in artificial insemination programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilo Hernández-Avilés
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-4475, USA.
| | - Luisa Ramírez-Agámez
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-4475, USA
| | - Dickson D Varner
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-4475, USA
| | - Charles C Love
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-4475, USA
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11
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Tao HP, Lu TF, Li S, Jia GX, Zhang XN, Yang QE, Hou YP. Pancreatic lipase-related protein 2 is selectively expressed by peritubular myoid cells in the murine testis and sustains long-term spermatogenesis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:217. [PMID: 37468762 PMCID: PMC11072130 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04872-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complicated process of germ cell differentiation that occurs within the seminiferous tubule in the testis. Peritubular myoid cells (PTMCs) produce major components of the basement membrane that separates and ensures the structural integrity of seminiferous tubules. These cells secrete niche factors to promote spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) maintenance and mediate androgen signals to direct spermatid development. However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying the identity and function of PTMCs have not been fully elucidated. In the present study, we showed that the expression of pancreatic lipase-related protein 2 (Pnliprp2) was restricted in PTMCs in the testis and that its genetic ablation caused age-dependent defects in spermatogenesis. The fertility of Pnliprp2 knockout animals (Pnliprp2-/-) was normal at a young age but declined sharply beginning at 9 months. Pnliprp2 deletion impaired the homeostasis of undifferentiated spermatogonia and severely disrupted the development and function of spermatids. Integrated analyses of single-cell RNA-seq and metabolomics data revealed that glyceride metabolism was changed in PTMCs from Pnliprp2-/- mice. Further analysis found that 60 metabolites were altered in the sperm of the Pnliprp2-/- animals; notably, lipid metabolism was significantly dysregulated. Collectively, these results revealed that Pnliprp2 was exclusively expressed in PTMCs in the testis and played a novel role in supporting continual spermatogenesis in mice. The outcomes of these findings highlight the function of lipid metabolism in reproduction and provide new insights into the regulation of PTMCs in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Ping Tao
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810008, Qinghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Qinghai Key Laboratory of Animal Ecological Genomics, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810001, Qinghai, China
| | - Teng-Fei Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Farm Animal Biotechnology Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Shuang Li
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810008, Qinghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Qinghai Key Laboratory of Animal Ecological Genomics, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810001, Qinghai, China
| | - Gong-Xue Jia
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810008, Qinghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Qinghai Key Laboratory of Animal Ecological Genomics, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810001, Qinghai, China
| | - Xiao-Na Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810008, Qinghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Qinghai Key Laboratory of Animal Ecological Genomics, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810001, Qinghai, China
| | - Qi-En Yang
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810008, Qinghai, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
- Qinghai Key Laboratory of Animal Ecological Genomics, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810001, Qinghai, China.
| | - Yun-Peng Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Farm Animal Biotechnology Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
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12
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Takei GL, Ogura Y, Ujihara Y, Toyama F, Hayashi K, Fujita T. Hamster Sperm Possess Functional Na +/Ca 2+-Exchanger 1: Its Implication in Hyperactivation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108905. [PMID: 37240252 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies demonstrated that hamster sperm hyperactivation is suppressed by extracellular Na+ by lowering intracellular Ca2+ levels, and Na+/Ca2+-exchanger (NCX) specific inhibitors canceled the suppressive effects of extracellular Na+. These results suggest the involvement of NCX in the regulation of hyperactivation. However, direct evidence of the presence and functionality of NCX in hamster spermatozoa is still lacking. This study aimed to reveal that NCX is present and is functional in hamster spermatozoa. First, NCX1 and NCX2 transcripts were detected via RNA-seq analyses of hamster testis mRNAs, but only the NCX1 protein was detected. Next, NCX activity was determined by measuring the Na+-dependent Ca2+ influx using the Ca2+ indicator Fura-2. The Na+-dependent Ca2+ influx was detected in hamster spermatozoa, notably in the tail region. The Na+-dependent Ca2+ influx was inhibited by the NCX inhibitor SEA0400 at NCX1-specific concentrations. NCX1 activity was reduced after 3 h of incubation in capacitating conditions. These results, together with authors' previous study, showed that hamster spermatozoa possesses functional NCX1 and that its activity was downregulated upon capacitation to trigger hyperactivation. This is the first study to successfully reveal the presence of NCX1 and its physiological function as a hyperactivation brake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gen L Takei
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Dokkyo Medical University, 880 Kitakobayashi, Mibu, Tochigi 321-0293, Japan
| | - Yuhei Ogura
- Department of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Nagoya 466-8555, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Ujihara
- Department of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Nagoya 466-8555, Japan
| | - Fubito Toyama
- School of Engineering, Utsunomiya University, Yoto 7-1-2, Utsunomiya 321-8585, Japan
| | - Keitaro Hayashi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Dokkyo Medical University, 880 Kitakobayashi, Mibu, Tochigi 321-0293, Japan
| | - Tomoe Fujita
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Dokkyo Medical University, 880 Kitakobayashi, Mibu, Tochigi 321-0293, Japan
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13
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Magli MC, Crippa A, Perruzza D, Azzena S, Graziosi S, Coppola F, Tabanelli C, Ferraretti AP, Gianaroli L. Birefringence properties of human immotile spermatozoa and ICSI outcome. Reprod Biomed Online 2023; 46:597-606. [PMID: 36642560 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2022.11.015] [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: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION In sperm samples with complete asthenozoospermia, pregnancies are achieved by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), but this condition has a negative impact on fertilization and embryo development owing to the difficulty of identifying viable cells for oocyte injection. Is the selection of sperm cells with head birefringence properties under polarizing light a successful strategy to identify viable spermatozoa? DESIGN This study included 192 ICSI cycles with complete asthenozoospermia (83 ejaculated and 109 testicular samples) performed under polarized light. Two types of sperm head birefringence were distinguished: partial (presumably reacted spermatozoa) and total (presumably intact acrosome). In some sperm cells, no birefringence was present. The main outcome of the study was the cumulative live birth rate (cLBR) per ICSI cycle. RESULTS Seventy-three deliveries resulted with 38.0% cLBR per ICSI cycle. The injection of birefringent spermatozoa led to significantly higher rates of fertilization, embryo development and implantation compared with the absence of birefringence (P < 0.001). Similarly, the resulting cLBR were 53.6% and 9.0%, respectively (P < 0.001). Spermatozoa with partial head birefringence yielded significantly higher fertilization and embryo utilization rates compared with total birefringence. The cLBR showed the same trend (62.7% and 46.7%, respectively, P = 0.048). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed the pattern of partial birefringence to be strongly associated with live birth rate. CONCLUSIONS Immotile sperm cells with birefringence properties under polarized light have higher chances of inducing fertilization and embryo development compared with non-birefringent cells. In addition, a pattern of partial birefringence, associated with a reacted acrosome, is the strongest predictive factor for live birth delivery, both in ejaculated and testicular samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Cristina Magli
- SISMER, Reproductive Medicine Unit, Via Mazzini 12, 40138 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Andor Crippa
- SISMER, Reproductive Medicine Unit, Via Mazzini 12, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Davide Perruzza
- SISMER, Reproductive Medicine Unit, Via Mazzini 12, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Silvia Azzena
- SISMER, Reproductive Medicine Unit, Via Mazzini 12, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Serena Graziosi
- SISMER, Reproductive Medicine Unit, Via Mazzini 12, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Carla Tabanelli
- SISMER, Reproductive Medicine Unit, Via Mazzini 12, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Anna P Ferraretti
- SISMER, Reproductive Medicine Unit, Via Mazzini 12, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Gianaroli
- SISMER, Reproductive Medicine Unit, Via Mazzini 12, 40138 Bologna, Italy
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14
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The secretion and metabolism of cumulus cells support fertilization in the bovine model. Theriogenology 2022; 193:136-145. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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15
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Piroozmanesh H, Jannatifar R, Ebrahimi SM, Fazaeli H, Naserpoor L, Dimitriadis E, Nejatbakhsh R. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) analog and phosphodiesterase inhibitor (IBMX) ameliorate human sperm capacitation and motility. Rev Int Androl 2022; 20 Suppl 1:S24-S30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.androl.2021.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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16
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L Takei G. [Regulation of sperm hyperactivation by transporters involved in Na + homeostasis]. Nihon Yakurigaku Zasshi 2022; 157:176-180. [PMID: 35491113 DOI: 10.1254/fpj.21110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian sperm have to undergo several physiological and biochemical changes to be fertilization-competent. These changes are collectively called "capacitation". Capacitated sperm show frantic whiplash-like flagellar movement called "hyperactivation". Recently, it has been reported that treatments of sperm to enhance hyperactivation improve in vitro fertilization (IVF) and development of the fertilized embryos. This fact indicates that hyperactivation is an attractive target to improve assisted reproductive technologies. However, the detailed mechanisms which regulate hyperactivation have not been fully elucidated. Recently, it was found out that Na+ and K+ concentration of the oviductal fluid considerably differs from those in the medium used for IVF. Thus, the effect of the Na+ and K+ concentration on sperm hyperactivation was investigated using hamsters as a model. The results revealed that hamster sperm hyperactivation was suppressed by extracellular Na+ via an action of Na+/Ca2+ exchanger. Moreover, it was shown that the activity of testis specific isoform of Na+/K+ ATPase (NKA) α subunit, α4, is necessary for the hyperactivation-associated change of the flagellar movement. By contrast, there was no significant effect of raising the K+ concentration up to 20 mM on sperm hyperactivation although it significantly depolarized the membrane potential. These results suggests that transporters involved in primary and secondary active transport which regulates cellular Na+ homeostasis has a crucial role in the regulation of hyperactivation, and these transporters can be an attractive target for the improvement of assisted reproductive technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gen L Takei
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Dokkyo Medical University
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17
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Wiesehöfer C, Wiesehöfer M, Dankert JT, Chung JJ, von Ostau NE, Singer BB, Wennemuth G. CatSper and its CaM-like Ca 2+ sensor EFCAB9 are necessary for the path chirality of sperm. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22288. [PMID: 35438819 PMCID: PMC9835897 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101656rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Successful fertilization depends on sperm motility adaptation. Ejaculated and activated sperm beat symmetrically in high frequency, move linearly, and swim with clockwise chirality. After capacitation, sperm beat asymmetrically with lower amplitude and a high lateral head excursion. This motility change called hyperactivation requires CatSper activation and an increase in intracellular Ca2+ . However, whether CatSper-mediated Ca2+ influx participates in controlling the swim path chirality is unknown. In this study, we show that the clockwise path chirality is preserved in mouse sperm regardless of capacitation state but is lost in the sperm either lacking the entire CatSper channel or its Ca2+ sensor EFCAB9. Pharmacological inhibition of CatSper with either mibefradil or NNC 55-0396 leads to the same loss in swim path chirality. Exposure of sperm to the recombinant N-terminal part of the zona pellucida protein 2 randomizes chirality in capacitated cells, but not in non-capacitated ones. We conclude that Ca2+ sensitive regulation of CatSper activity orchestrates clockwise swim path chirality of sperm and any substantial change, such as the physiological stimulus of zona pellucida glycoproteins, results in a loss of chirality.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marc Wiesehöfer
- Department of Anatomy, University Duisburg-Essen, D-45147 Essen, Germany
| | | | - Jean-Ju Chung
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Nicola Edith von Ostau
- Department of Anatomy, University Duisburg-Essen, D-45147 Essen, Germany,Department of Urology, University Hospital Essen, D-45147 Essen, Germany
| | | | - Gunther Wennemuth
- Department of Anatomy, University Duisburg-Essen, D-45147 Essen, Germany,Correspondence to
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18
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Hyperactivation is sufficient to release porcine sperm from immobilized oviduct glycans. Sci Rep 2022; 12:6446. [PMID: 35440797 PMCID: PMC9019019 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-10390-x] [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: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Fertilizing sperm are retained by adhesion to specific glycans on the epithelium of the oviduct forming a reservoir before sperm are released from the reservoir so fertilization can ensue. Capacitated sperm lose affinity for the oviduct epithelium but the components of capacitation that are important for sperm release are uncertain. One important correlate of capacitation is the development of hyperactivated motility. Hyperactivation is characterized by asymmetrical flagellar beating with high beat amplitude. We tested whether the development of full-type asymmetrical motility was sufficient to release sperm from immobilized oviduct glycans. Sperm hyperactivation was induced by four different compounds, a cell-permeable cAMP analog (cBiMPS), CatSper activators (4-aminopyridine and procaine), and an endogenous steroid (progesterone). Using standard analysis (CASA) and direct visualization with high-speed video microscopy, we first confirmed that all four compounds induced hyperactivation. Subsequently, sperm were allowed to bind to immobilized oviduct glycans, and compounds or vehicle controls were added. All compounds caused sperm release from immobilized glycans, demonstrating that hyperactivation was sufficient to release sperm from oviduct cells and immobilized glycans. Pharmacological inhibition of the non-genomic progesterone receptor and CatSper diminished sperm release from oviduct glycans. Inhibition of the proteolytic activities of the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), implicated in the regulation of sperm capacitation, diminished sperm release in response to all hyperactivation inducers. In summary, induction of sperm hyperactivation was sufficient to induce sperm release from immobilized oviduct glycans and release was dependent on CatSper and the UPS.
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19
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Yanagimachi R. Mysteries and unsolved problems of mammalian fertilization and related topics. Biol Reprod 2022; 106:644-675. [PMID: 35292804 PMCID: PMC9040664 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian fertilization is a fascinating process that leads to the formation of a new individual. Eggs and sperm are complex cells that must meet at the appropriate time and position within the female reproductive tract for successful fertilization. I have been studying various aspects of mammalian fertilization over 60 years. In this review, I discuss many different aspects of mammalian fertilization, some of my laboratory's contribution to the field, and discuss enigmas and mysteries that remain to be solved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryuzo Yanagimachi
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, University of Hawaii Medical School, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
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20
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Yang F, Gracia Gervasi M, Orta G, Tourzani DA, De la Vega-Beltrán JL, Ruthel G, Darszon A, Visconti PE, Wang PJ. C2CD6 regulates targeting and organization of the CatSper calcium channel complex in sperm flagella. Development 2022; 149:dev199988. [PMID: 34919125 PMCID: PMC8774747 DOI: 10.1242/dev.199988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The CatSper cation channel is essential for sperm capacitation and male fertility. The multi-subunit CatSper complexes form highly organized calcium signaling nanodomains on flagellar membranes. Here, we report identification of an uncharacterized protein, C2CD6, as a subunit of the mouse CatSper complex. C2CD6 contains a calcium-dependent, membrane-targeting C2 domain. C2CD6 associates with the CatSper calcium-selective, core-forming subunits. Deficiency of C2CD6 depletes the CatSper nanodomains from the flagellum and results in male sterility. C2CD6-deficient sperm are defective in hyperactivation and fail to fertilize oocytes both in vitro and in vivo. CatSper currents are present but at a significantly lower level in C2CD6-deficient sperm. Transient treatments with either Ca2+ ionophore, starvation, or a combination of both restore the fertilization capacity of C2CD6-deficient sperm. C2CD6 interacts with EFCAB9, a pH-dependent calcium sensor in the CatSper complex. We postulate that C2CD6 facilitates incorporation of the CatSper complex into the flagellar plasma membrane and may function as a calcium sensor. The identification of C2CD6 may enable the long-sought reconstitution of the CatSper ion channel complex in a heterologous system for male contraceptive development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Yang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Maria Gracia Gervasi
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Gerardo Orta
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, México
| | - Darya A. Tourzani
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Jose Luis De la Vega-Beltrán
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, México
| | - Gordon Ruthel
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Alberto Darszon
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, México
| | - Pablo E. Visconti
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - P. Jeremy Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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21
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Hwang JY, Wang H, Lu Y, Ikawa M, Chung JJ. C2cd6-encoded CatSperτ targets sperm calcium channel to Ca 2+ signaling domains in the flagellar membrane. Cell Rep 2022; 38:110226. [PMID: 34998468 PMCID: PMC8857959 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.110226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammalian sperm cells, regulation of spatiotemporal Ca2+ signaling relies on the quadrilinear Ca2+ signaling nanodomains in the flagellar membrane. The sperm-specific, multi-subunit CatSper Ca2+ channel, which is crucial for sperm hyperactivated motility and male fertility, organizes the nanodomains. Here, we report CatSperτ, the C2cd6-encoded membrane-associating C2 domain protein, can independently migrate to the flagella and serve as a major targeting component of the CatSper channel complex. CatSperτ loss of function in mice demonstrates that it is essential for sperm hyperactivated motility and male fertility. CatSpertτ targets the CatSper channel into the quadrilinear nanodomains in the flagella of developing spermatids, whereas it is dispensable for functional channel assembly. CatSperτ interacts with ciliary trafficking machinery in a C2-dependent manner. These findings provide insights into the CatSper channel trafficking to the Ca2+ signaling nanodomains and the shared molecular mechanisms of ciliary and flagellar membrane targeting. Hwang et al. report that the C2 domain protein CatSperτ targets the sperm CatSper Ca2+ channel to linear domains of the sperm flagellum during development. The findings provide fundamental insights into CatSper trafficking and the shared molecular mechanisms among ciliary and flagellar membrane targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Yeon Hwang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Huafeng Wang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Yonggang Lu
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 5650871, Japan
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 5650871, Japan
| | - Jean-Ju Chung
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
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22
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Liu R, Yan Z, Fan Y, Qu R, Chen B, Li B, Wu L, Wu H, Mu J, Zhao L, Wang W, Dong J, Zeng Y, Li Q, Wang L, Sang Q, Zhang Z, Kuang Y. OUP accepted manuscript. Hum Reprod 2022; 37:1394-1405. [PMID: 35551387 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ruyi Liu
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zheng Yan
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong Fan
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ronggui Qu
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Biaobang Chen
- Institute of Reproductive Health, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Li
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling Wu
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Haibo Wu
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Mu
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin Zhao
- Institute of Reproductive Health, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjing Wang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Dong
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Zeng
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiaoli Li
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Sang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhihua Zhang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, The State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanping Kuang
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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23
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Aguado-García A, Priego-Espinosa DA, Aldana A, Darszon A, Martínez-Mekler G. Mathematical model reveals that heterogeneity in the number of ion transporters regulates the fraction of mouse sperm capacitation. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0245816. [PMID: 34793454 PMCID: PMC8601445 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0245816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Capacitation is a complex maturation process mammalian sperm must undergo in the female genital tract to be able to fertilize an egg. This process involves, amongst others, physiological changes in flagellar beating pattern, membrane potential, intracellular ion concentrations and protein phosphorylation. Typically, in a capacitation medium, only a fraction of sperm achieve this state. The cause for this heterogeneous response is still not well understood and remains an open question. Here, one of our principal results is to develop a discrete regulatory network, with mostly deterministic dynamics in conjunction with some stochastic elements, for the main biochemical and biophysical processes involved in the early events of capacitation. The model criterion for capacitation requires the convergence of specific levels of a select set of nodes. Besides reproducing several experimental results and providing some insight on the network interrelations, the main contribution of the model is the suggestion that the degree of variability in the total amount and individual number of ion transporters among spermatozoa regulates the fraction of capacitated spermatozoa. This conclusion is consistent with recently reported experimental results. Based on this mathematical analysis, experimental clues are proposed for the control of capacitation levels. Furthermore, cooperative and interference traits that become apparent in the modelling among some components also call for future theoretical and experimental studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Aguado-García
- Instituto de Ciencias Básicas y Aplicadas, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
- Instituto de Ciencias Físicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | | | - Andrés Aldana
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
- Centro de Ciencias de la Complejidad, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CDMX, México
| | - Alberto Darszon
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Gustavo Martínez-Mekler
- Instituto de Ciencias Físicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
- Centro de Ciencias de la Complejidad, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CDMX, México
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24
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Yániz JL, Palacín I, Silvestre MA, Hidalgo CO, Tamargo C, Santolaria P. Ability of the ISAS3Fun Method to Detect Sperm Acrosome Integrity and Its Potential to Discriminate between High and Low Field Fertility Bulls. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10111135. [PMID: 34827128 PMCID: PMC8615164 DOI: 10.3390/biology10111135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The objective of the present study was to investigate whether fertility differences in bulls are reflected in variations of sperm quality when analysing only one ejaculate per male. Two experiments were performed. In the first experiment, frozen semen samples from 20 adult bulls were tested; 10 bulls had high field fertility and 10 bulls had low field fertility. Analyses of sperm motility, membrane integrity, and membrane–acrosome integrity with the ISAS3Fun method were performed. Sperm morphometry of the fluorescence sperm subpopulations obtained with the ISAS3Fun method was also analysed. Significant differences between high- and low-fertility groups were only found with the ISAS3Fun technique, specifically in sperm acrosome integrity, the proportion of spermatozoa with an intact acrosome and damaged membrane, and in sperm head width of spermatozoa with intact structures. Discriminant analyses allowed us to correctly classify 90% of sperm samples in their fertility group using sperm quality parameters. Given that only the results obtained with the ISAS3Fun technique were related to bull fertility, we performed a second experiment aimed to validate the efficacy of this technique to detect the acrosomal integrity of bull spermatozoa, comparing them with the conventional FITC-PNA/propidium iodide (PNA/PI) combination under capacitating conditions. The results indicated that the ISAS3Fun combination provided an accurate assessment of both viability and acrosomal integrity for ejaculated spermatozoa, while the PNA/PI combination underestimated the extension of acrosomal damage due to false negatives. It was concluded that the simultaneous assessment of sperm plasma membranes and acrosome integrity with the ISAS3Fun method is precise and seems to have a greater potential to discriminate between high- and low-fertility bulls than more conventional in vitro sperm quality tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús L. Yániz
- BIOFITER Research Group, Institute of Environmental Sciences (IUCA), University of Zaragoza, 22071 Huesca, Spain; (I.P.); (P.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Inmaculada Palacín
- BIOFITER Research Group, Institute of Environmental Sciences (IUCA), University of Zaragoza, 22071 Huesca, Spain; (I.P.); (P.S.)
| | - Miguel A. Silvestre
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Biología Funcional y Antropología Física, Universidad de Valencia, 46100 Burjassot, Spain;
| | - Carlos Olegario Hidalgo
- Animal Genetics and Reproduction Area, Regional Agrifood Research and Development Service (SERIDA), 33394 Gijón, Spain; (C.O.H.); (C.T.)
| | - Carolina Tamargo
- Animal Genetics and Reproduction Area, Regional Agrifood Research and Development Service (SERIDA), 33394 Gijón, Spain; (C.O.H.); (C.T.)
| | - Pilar Santolaria
- BIOFITER Research Group, Institute of Environmental Sciences (IUCA), University of Zaragoza, 22071 Huesca, Spain; (I.P.); (P.S.)
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25
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Martín-Hidalgo D, Macías-García B, González-Fernández L. Influence of different cellular concentrations of boar sperm suspensions on the induction of capacitation and acrosome reaction. J Reprod Dev 2021; 68:68-73. [PMID: 34690211 PMCID: PMC8872744 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2021-075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to analyze the influence of different cellular concentrations of boar sperm suspensions on the induction of capacitation and acrosome reaction. When spermatozoa were incubated at
100 or 200 mill/ml, significant increases in protein tyrosine phosphorylation in the p32 protein were observed, compared to those at 50 mill/ml. In addition, sperm concentration-dependent
increases were observed in plasma membrane lipid disorganization (50 mill/ml vs. 200 mill/ml), induction of the acrosome reaction (50 mill/ml vs. 100
mill/ml and 200 mill/ml), and sperm viability (50 mill/ml vs. 100 mill/ml and 200 mill/ml). Our data indicate that an increase in sperm concentration stimulates the
induction of capacitation and acrosome reaction in boars.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Martín-Hidalgo
- Research Group of Intracellular Signalling and Technology of Reproduction (Research Institute INBIO G+C), University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Beatriz Macías-García
- Research Group of Intracellular Signalling and Technology of Reproduction (Research Institute INBIO G+C), University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain.,Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Lauro González-Fernández
- Research Group of Intracellular Signalling and Technology of Reproduction (Research Institute INBIO G+C), University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
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26
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Li N, Kang H, Peng Z, Wang HF, Weng SQ, Zeng XH. Physiologically detectable bisphenol A impairs human sperm functions by reducing protein-tyrosine phosphorylation. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 221:112418. [PMID: 34146982 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Revised: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bisphenol A (BPA), a widely used plastic monomer and plasticizer, is detectable in blood, urine and semen of a healthy people, with concentrations ranging from 0.1 nM to 10 nM. It has been shown that in vitro exposure of BPA as low as 0.001 nM could significantly inhibited mouse sperm motility and acrosome reaction. However, it is still unclear whether BPA at those physiologically detectable concentration affects human sperm. METHODS The effects of different concentrations of BPA (0, 10-3, 10-2, 10-1, 10, 103 nM) on sperm functions were examined, including human sperm viability, kinematic parameters, hyperactivation and capacitation. RESULTS BPA caused a remarkable decline in human sperm viability, motility and progressive motility, hyperactivation, capacitation and progesterone-induced acrosome reaction. Mechanism studies showed that BPA could suppress the protein tyrosine phosphorylation level of human sperm, but had no effect on sperm calcium signaling. CONCLUSIONS Physiologically detectable concentrations of BPA may impair human sperm functions via suppressing protein tyrosine phosphorylation of human sperm, implying that environmental pollution of BPA might be a factor contributing to male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Li
- Clinical Medical Research Center, Yichun People's Hospital, Yichun, Jiangxi 336000, PR China; Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, PR China; Laboratory Department, Affiliated Reproductive Hospital of Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, PR China
| | - Hang Kang
- Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, PR China
| | - Zhen Peng
- Clinical Medical Research Center, Yichun People's Hospital, Yichun, Jiangxi 336000, PR China; Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, PR China
| | - Hua-Feng Wang
- Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, PR China
| | - Shi-Qi Weng
- Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, PR China
| | - Xu-Hui Zeng
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226000, PR China; Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, PR China.
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27
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Yamatoya K, Kousaka M, Ito C, Nakata K, Hatano M, Araki Y, Toshimori K. Cleavage of SPACA1 regulates assembly of sperm-egg membrane fusion machinery in mature spermatozoa†. Biol Reprod 2021; 102:750-757. [PMID: 31836887 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The acrosome reaction is a multi-step event essential for physiological fertilization. During the acrosome reaction, gamete fusion-related factor IZUMO1 translocates from the anterior acrosome to the equatorial segment and assembles the gamete fusion machinery. The morphological changes in the acrosome reaction process have been well studied, but little is known about the molecular mechanisms of acrosome reorganization essential for physiological gamete membrane fusion. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of IZUMO1 translocation, the steps of the acrosome reaction during that process must be clarified. In this study, we established a method to detect the early steps of the acrosome reaction and subdivided the process into seven populations through the use of two epitope-defined antibodies, anti-IZUMO1 and anti-SPACA1, a fertilization-inhibiting antibody. We found that part of the SPACA1 C-terminus in the periacrosomal space was cleaved and had begun to disappear when the vesiculation of the anterior acrosome occurred. The IZUMO1 epitope externalized from the acrosomal lumen before acrosomal vesiculation and phosphorylation of IZUMO1 occurred during the translocation to the equatorial segment. IZUMO1 circumvented the area of the equatorial segment where the SPACA1C-terminus was still localized. We therefore propose an IZUMO1 translocation model and involvement of SPACA1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Yamatoya
- Institute for Environmental and Gender-Specific Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Urayasu, Chiba, Japan.,Department of Applied Biological Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Noda, Chiba, Japan.,Department of Reproductive Biology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan.,Biomedical Research Center, Chiba University, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan
| | - Marika Kousaka
- Department of Applied Biological Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Noda, Chiba, Japan
| | - Chizuru Ito
- Department of Reproductive Biology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan.,Department of Functional Anatomy, Reproductive Biology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kazuya Nakata
- Department of Applied Biological Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Noda, Chiba, Japan.,Graduate School of Bio-Applications and Systems Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Koganei, Tokyo, Japan and
| | - Masahiko Hatano
- Biomedical Research Center, Chiba University, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yoshihiko Araki
- Institute for Environmental and Gender-Specific Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Urayasu, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kiyotaka Toshimori
- Department of Reproductive Biology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan.,Future Medicine Research Center, Chiba University, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan
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28
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Reynoso S, Castillo V, Katkar GD, Lopez-Sanchez I, Taheri S, Espinoza C, Rohena C, Sahoo D, Gagneux P, Ghosh P. GIV/Girdin, a non-receptor modulator for Gαi/s, regulates spatiotemporal signaling during sperm capacitation and is required for male fertility. eLife 2021; 10:69160. [PMID: 34409938 PMCID: PMC8376251 DOI: 10.7554/elife.69160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
For a sperm to successfully fertilize an egg, it must first undergo capacitation in the female reproductive tract and later undergo acrosomal reaction (AR) upon encountering an egg surrounded by its vestment. How premature AR is avoided despite rapid surges in signaling cascades during capacitation remains unknown. Using a combination of conditional knockout (cKO) mice and cell-penetrating peptides, we show that GIV (CCDC88A), a guanine nucleotide-exchange modulator (GEM) for trimeric GTPases, is highly expressed in spermatocytes and is required for male fertility. GIV is rapidly phosphoregulated on key tyrosine and serine residues in human and murine spermatozoa. These phosphomodifications enable GIV-GEM to orchestrate two distinct compartmentalized signaling programs in the sperm tail and head; in the tail, GIV enhances PI3K→Akt signals, sperm motility and survival, whereas in the head it inhibits cAMP surge and premature AR. Furthermore, GIV transcripts are downregulated in the testis and semen of infertile men. These findings exemplify the spatiotemporally segregated signaling programs that support sperm capacitation and shed light on a hitherto unforeseen cause of infertility in men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sequoyah Reynoso
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, United States
| | - Vanessa Castillo
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, United States
| | - Gajanan Dattatray Katkar
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, United States
| | - Inmaculada Lopez-Sanchez
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, United States
| | - Sahar Taheri
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Jacob's School of Engineering, University of California San Diego, San Diego, United States
| | - Celia Espinoza
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, United States
| | - Cristina Rohena
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, United States
| | - Debashis Sahoo
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Jacob's School of Engineering, University of California San Diego, San Diego, United States.,Moore's Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, San Diego, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, United States
| | - Pascal Gagneux
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, United States
| | - Pradipta Ghosh
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, United States.,Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, United States.,Moore's Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, San Diego, United States.,Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Washington DC, United States
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29
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Karuo Y, Shiraki R, Yoshida A, Tsunokawa R, Nakahara-Yamada M, Tarui A, Sato K, Kawai K, Omote M, Nishimura H. Identification and Synthesis of DDI-6, a Quinolinol Analog Capable of Activating Both Caenorhabditis elegans and Mouse Spermatozoa. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 2021; 69:557-563. [PMID: 34078802 DOI: 10.1248/cpb.c21-00127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Sperm activation is an essential process by which the male gametes become capable of fertilization. Because the process in Caenorhabditis elegans is readily reproducible in vitro, this organism serves as an excellent model to investigate it. C. elegans sperm activation in vivo occurs during spermiogenesis. Membranous organelles (MOs) contained within spermatids fuse with the plasma membrane, resulting in extracellular release of their contents and relocation of some proteins indispensable for fertilization from the MO membrane onto the sperm surface. Intriguingly, these cytological alternations are exhibited similarly in mouse spermatozoa during the acrosome reaction, which also represents a form of sperm activation, prompting us to hypothesize that C. elegans and mice share a common mechanism for sperm activation. To explore this, we first screened a chemical library to identify compounds that activate C. elegans spermatozoa. Because a quinolinol analog named DDI-6 seemed to be a candidate sperm activator, we synthesized it to use for further analyses. This involved direct dechlorination and hydrogenolysis of commercially available 5-chloro-8-quinolinol, both of which are key steps to yield 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-8-quinolinol, and we subsequently introduced the sulfonamide group to the compound. When C. elegans spermatids were stimulated with solvent alone or the newly synthesized DDI-6, approx. 3% and approx. 28% of spermatids became MO-fused spermatozoa, respectively. Moreover, DDI-6 triggered the acrosome reaction in approx. 20% of mouse spermatozoa, while approx. 12% became acrosome-reacted after mock stimulation. Thus, DDI-6 serves as a moderately effective activator for both C. elegans and mouse spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukiko Karuo
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Setsunan University
| | - Riona Shiraki
- Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Setsunan University
| | - Ayaka Yoshida
- Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Setsunan University
| | - Ryo Tsunokawa
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Setsunan University
| | | | - Atsushi Tarui
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Setsunan University
| | - Kazuyuki Sato
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Setsunan University
| | - Kentaro Kawai
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Setsunan University
| | - Masaaki Omote
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Setsunan University
| | - Hitoshi Nishimura
- Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Setsunan University
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30
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Sánchez-Cárdenas C, Romarowski A, Orta G, De la Vega-Beltrán JL, Martín-Hidalgo D, Hernández-Cruz A, Visconti PE, Darszon A. Starvation induces an increase in intracellular calcium and potentiates the progesterone-induced mouse sperm acrosome reaction. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21528. [PMID: 33742713 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202100122r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
We have recently reported two different methodologies that improve sperm functionality. The first method involved transient exposure to the Ca2+ ionophore A23187 , and the second required sperm incubation in the absence of energy nutrients (starvation). Both methods were associated with an initial loss of motility followed by a rescue step involving ionophore removal or addition of energy metabolites, respectively. In this work, we show that starvation is accompanied by an increase in intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+ ]i ). Additionally, the starved cells acquire a significantly enhanced capacity to undergo a progesterone-induced acrosome reaction. Electrophysiological measurements show that CatSper channel remains active in starvation conditions. However, the increase in [Ca2+ ]i was also observed in sperm from CatSper null mice. Upon starvation, addition of energy nutrients reversed the effects on [Ca2+ ]i and decreased the effect of progesterone on the acrosome reaction to control levels. These data indicate that both methods have common molecular features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Sánchez-Cárdenas
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, UNAM, Cuernavaca, México
| | - Ana Romarowski
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Gerardo Orta
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, UNAM, Cuernavaca, México
| | - José Luis De la Vega-Beltrán
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, UNAM, Cuernavaca, México
| | - David Martín-Hidalgo
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA.,Research Group of Intracellular Signalling and Technology of Reproduction (Research Institute INBIO G+C), University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Arturo Hernández-Cruz
- Departamento de Neurociencia Cognitiva and Laboratorio Nacional de Canalopatías, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, UNAM, Ciudad Universitaria, México, México
| | - Pablo E Visconti
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Alberto Darszon
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, UNAM, Cuernavaca, México
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31
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Abstract
Environmental hypoxia exposure causes fertility problems in human and animals. Compelling evidence suggests that chronic hypoxia impairs spermatogenesis and reduces sperm motility. However, it is unclear whether paternal hypoxic exposure affects fertilization and early embryo development. In the present study, we exposed male mice to high altitude (3200 m above sea level) for 7 or 60 days to evaluate the effects of hypoxia on sperm quality, zygotic DNA methylation and blastocyst formation. Compared with age-matched controls, hypoxia-treated males exhibited reduced fertility after mating with normoxic females as a result of defects in sperm motility and function. Results of in vitro fertilization (IVF) experiments revealed that 60 days' exposure significantly reduced cleavage and blastocyst rates by 30% and 70%, respectively. Immunohistochemical staining of pronuclear formation indicated that the pronuclear formation process was disturbed and expression of imprinted genes was reduced in early embryos after paternal hypoxia. Overall, the findings of this study suggested that exposing male mice to hypoxia impaired sperm function and affected key events during early embryo development in mammals.
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32
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Sampaio B, Ortiz I, Resende H, Felix M, Varner D, Hinrichs K. Factors affecting intracellular calcium influx in response to calcium ionophore A23187 in equine sperm. Andrology 2021; 9:1631-1651. [PMID: 33998170 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to the calcium ionophore A23187 may present a "universal" sperm treatment for IVF, as it bypasses capacitation pathways. However, success in utilizing A23187 is variable, especially in equine spermatozoa. Notably, albumin is used during A23187 treatment but paradoxically is thought to suppress A23187 action. Essentially no critical data are available on the effects of A23187 and albumin concentrations, ratios, or addition protocols on changes in intracellular calcium ([Ca]i ) in any cell type. OBJECTIVE To determine factors that affect the action of A23187 on [Ca]i in equine and murine spermatozoa. METHODS Spermatozoa were loaded with Fluo-4 and changes in fluorescence after A23187 treatment were measured under various conditions using a microplate reader. RESULTS Concentrations of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and A23187, type of BSA, makeup of A23187 stock solutions (i.e., 1° stock (DMSO) or 2° stock made with medium, water or DMSO), order of addition of spermatozoa and A23187, incubation of media before sperm addition, species of spermatozoa, and time of addition of BSA all affected [Ca]i in response to A23187 treatment. In equine spermatozoa already exposed to 10 µM A23187, addition of BSA to 33 mg/ml to "quench" the A23187 did not affect [Ca]i . When this concentration of BSA was added to spermatozoa exposed to 1 µM A23187, [Ca]i in murine spermatozoa returned to baseline, however, equine spermatozoa continued to exhibit increased [Ca]i . Addition of BSA to 33 mg/ml to media containing 1 µM A23187, prior to addition of spermatozoa, completely inhibited change in [Ca]i in both murine and equine spermatozoa. CONCLUSION These results represent some of the first critical data on the effects of albumin and other procedural factors on A23187-induced changes in [Ca]i in any cell type. Our findings help to explain the variability in reported response of spermatozoa to A23187 among species and among laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Breno Sampaio
- College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Isabel Ortiz
- College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Hélène Resende
- College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Matheus Felix
- College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Dickson Varner
- College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Katrin Hinrichs
- College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
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33
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Flow-cytometric analysis of membrane integrity of stallion sperm in the face of agglutination: the "zombie sperm" dilemma. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:2465-2480. [PMID: 33991296 PMCID: PMC8490572 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02134-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To define the effect of sperm agglutination, associated with incubation under capacitating conditions, on accuracy of membrane assessment via flow cytometry and to develop methods to mitigate that effect. METHODS Sperm motility was measured by CASA. Sperm were stained with PI-PSA or a novel method, LD-PSA, using fixable live/dead stain and cell dissociation treatment, before flow-cytometric analysis. Using LD-PSA, acrosome reaction and plasma membrane status were determined in equine sperm treated with 10 μm A23187 for 10 min, followed by 0, 1, or 2 h incubation in capacitating conditions. RESULTS Using PI-PSA, measured membrane integrity (MI; live sperm) was dramatically lower than was total motility (TMOT), indicating spurious results ("zombie sperm"). Sperm aggregates were largely of motile sperm. Loss of motility after A23187 treatment was associated with disaggregation and increased MI. On disaggregation using LD-PSA, MI rose, and MI then corresponded with TMOT. In equine sperm incubated after A23187 treatment, as the percentage of live acrosome-reacted sperm increased, TMOT decreased to near 0. CONCLUSION Flow cytometry assesses only individualized sperm; thus, agglutination of viable sperm alters recorded membrane integrity. As viable sperm become immotile, they individualize; therefore, factors that decrease motility, such as A23187, result in increased measured MI. Disaggregation before assessment allows more accurate determination of sperm membrane status; in this case we documented a mismatch between motility and live acrosome-reacted equine sperm that may relate to the poor repeatability of A23187 treatment for equine IVF. These findings are of profound value to future studies on sperm capacitation.
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34
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Hwang JY, Maziarz J, Wagner GP, Chung JJ. Molecular Evolution of CatSper in Mammals and Function of Sperm Hyperactivation in Gray Short-Tailed Opossum. Cells 2021; 10:cells10051047. [PMID: 33946695 PMCID: PMC8147001 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Males have evolved species-specifical sperm morphology and swimming patterns to adapt to different fertilization environments. In eutherians, only a small fraction of the sperm overcome the diverse obstacles in the female reproductive tract and successfully migrate to the fertilizing site. Sperm arriving at the fertilizing site show hyperactivated motility, a unique motility pattern displaying asymmetric beating of sperm flagella with increased amplitude. This motility change is triggered by Ca2+ influx through the sperm-specific ion channel, CatSper. However, the current understanding of the CatSper function and its molecular regulation is limited in eutherians. Here, we report molecular evolution and conservation of the CatSper channel in the genome throughout eutherians and marsupials. Sequence analyses reveal that CatSper proteins are slowly evolved in marsupials. Using an American marsupial, gray short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica), we demonstrate the expression of CatSper in testes and its function in hyperactivation and unpairing of sperm. We demonstrate that a conserved IQ-like motif in CatSperζ is required for CatSperζ interaction with the pH-tuned Ca2+ sensor, EFCAB9, for regulating CatSper activity. Recombinant opossum EFCAB9 can interact with mouse CatSperζ despite high sequence divergence of CatSperζ among CatSper subunits in therians. Our finding suggests that molecular characteristics and functions of CatSper are evolutionarily conserved in gray short-tailed opossum, unraveling the significance of sperm hyperactivation and fertilization in marsupials for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Yeon Hwang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Correspondence: (J.Y.H.); (J.-J.C.)
| | - Jamie Maziarz
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; (J.M.); (G.P.W.)
- Yale Systems Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Günter P. Wagner
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; (J.M.); (G.P.W.)
- Yale Systems Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Jean-Ju Chung
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Correspondence: (J.Y.H.); (J.-J.C.)
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35
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Amjad S, Rahman MS, Pang WK, Ryu DY, Adegoke EO, Park YJ, Pang MG. Effects of phthalates on the functions and fertility of mouse spermatozoa. Toxicology 2021; 454:152746. [PMID: 33711355 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2021.152746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Phthalates are common environmental pollutants that are presumed to negatively impact male fertility including animals and humans. Particularly, these potential xenoestrogens may alter male fertility by binding to specific sperm receptors. Although several studies have characterized the toxic effects of single phthalates, epidemiological studies indicate that humans are typically exposed to phthalate mixtures. Here, we tested an environmental-related phthalate combination composed of 21 % di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, 15 % diisononyl phthalate, 8% diisobutyl phthalate, 15 % dibutyl phthalate, 35 % diethyl phthalate, and 5% benzylbutyl phthalate. Specifically, the effects of short-term exposure (90 min) to various concentrations (1, 10, 100, and 500 μg/mL) of this phthalate mixture on several important sperm processes, oocyte fertilization, and embryo production were assessed. All phthalate concentrations significantly decreased sperm motility and hyperactivity by compromising the sperm's ability to generate ATP. Additionally, short-term phthalate exposure (>10 μg/mL) also induced abnormal capacitation and the acrosome reaction by upregulating protein tyrosine phosphorylation via a protein kinase-A-dependent pathway. Furthermore, phthalate exposure (particularly at doses exceeding 10 μg/mL) significantly affected fertilization and early embryonic development. Together, our findings indicate that the studied phthalate mixtures adversely affected sperm motility, capacitation, and acrosome reaction, which resulted in poor fertilization rates and repressed embryonic development. Moreover, the lowest-observed-adverse-effect dose of the phthalate mixture tested can be assumed to be < 1 μg/mL in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shehreen Amjad
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Md Saidur Rahman
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Ki Pang
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Do-Yeal Ryu
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Elikanah Olusayo Adegoke
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoo-Jin Park
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung-Geol Pang
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea.
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36
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Bhandari S, Sharma J, Rizal S, Yi YJ, Manandhar G. Artemisia vulgaris extract causes precocious acrosome reaction and viability loss but low rate of membrane damage in mouse spermatozoa. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2021; 63:58-68. [PMID: 33987584 PMCID: PMC7882851 DOI: 10.5187/jast.2021.e8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Several herbs including Artemisia are known to possess conceptive property. In the present study, mouse spermatozoa were incubated with ethanol extract of Artemisia vulgaris leaves. The effect of extract on acrosome exocytosis was studied by labeling spermatozoa with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) peanut agglutinin and by staining with Coomassie blue. Viability and membrane integrity were studied by Trypan-blue staining and hypo-osmotic swelling test. Artemisia extract at very low concentration caused precocious acrosome reaction and loss of sperm viability. Acrosome reaction increased remarkably from 22.63% to 88.42% with increasing extract concentration from 0 to 2,000 µg/mL. However, the viability loss of spermatozoa was increased from 11.71% in control to 63.73% in samples treated, evaluated by Trypan-blue staining method. Membrane damage caused by the extract, evaluated by hypo-osmotic swelling test was even low, ranging from 2.27% to only 24.23%. These results indicate that Artemisia extract might block fertilization by causing precocious acrosome exocytosis in spermatozoa. A direct contraceptive effect was tested by injecting the plant extract into the vagina of female mice and then allowing them to mate with normal males. The treated female mice delivered significantly fewer litters in comparison to the control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabina Bhandari
- Central Department of Biotechnology, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu 44618, Nepal
| | - Jayaswori Sharma
- Central Department of Biotechnology, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu 44618, Nepal
| | - Sarbesh Rizal
- Central Department of Biotechnology, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu 44618, Nepal
| | - Young-Joo Yi
- Department of Agricultural Education, College of Education, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Korea
| | - Gaurishankar Manandhar
- Central Department of Biotechnology, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu 44618, Nepal
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37
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Expression and Possible Role of Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor ε Subunit (AChRe) in Mouse Sperm. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10010046. [PMID: 33440720 PMCID: PMC7826850 DOI: 10.3390/biology10010046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) is one of the receptors of acetylcholine (ACh), and nicotine (NIC) acts as an agonist of this receptor. Among the nAChR subunits, we found that the ε subunit (AChRe) had approximately 10 to 1000 times higher level of mRNA expression in mouse testes than the other subunits. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the expression and localization of AChRe in the testes and spermatozoa of mice and clarify the effect of AChRe on sperm function. Immunocytochemistry showed that AChRe was expressed in the murine testes and spermatozoa. We found that AChRe was localized only in elongated spermatids from step 12 onwards in the testes. In spermatozoa, AChRe was localized in the head, especially in the anterior region of the acrosome, but only approximately 50% of spermatozoa showed this immunoreactivity. Additionally, we analyzed the effects of ACh and NIC on sperm acrosome reaction (AR) and found that both ACh and NIC suppressed the AR rate, which was restored by an AChRe-specific antagonist. These results suggest that AChRe may be a regulator of mammalian sperm AR.
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38
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Sperm ion channels and transporters in male fertility and infertility. Nat Rev Urol 2020; 18:46-66. [PMID: 33214707 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-020-00390-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian sperm cells must respond to cues originating from along the female reproductive tract and from the layers of the egg in order to complete their fertilization journey. Dynamic regulation of ion signalling is, therefore, essential for sperm cells to adapt to their constantly changing environment. Over the past 15 years, direct electrophysiological recordings together with genetically modified mouse models and human genetics have confirmed the importance of ion channels, including the principal Ca2+-selective plasma membrane ion channel CatSper, for sperm activity. Sperm ion channels and membrane receptors are attractive targets for both the development of contraceptives and infertility treatment drugs. Furthermore, in this era of assisted reproductive technologies, understanding the signalling processes implicated in defective sperm function, particularly those arising from genetic abnormalities, is of the utmost importance not only for the development of infertility treatments but also to assess the overall health of a patient and his children. Future studies to improve reproductive health care and overall health care as a function of the ability to reproduce should include identification and analyses of gene variants that underlie human infertility and research into fertility-related molecules.
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39
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Balestrini PA, Jabloñski M, Schiavi-Ehrenhaus LJ, Marín-Briggiler CI, Sánchez-Cárdenas C, Darszon A, Krapf D, Buffone MG. Seeing is believing: Current methods to observe sperm acrosomal exocytosis in real time. Mol Reprod Dev 2020; 87:1188-1198. [PMID: 33118273 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Acrosomal exocytosis (AR) is a critical process that sperm need to undergo to fertilize an egg. The evaluation of the presence or absence of the acrosome is usually performed by using lectins or dyes in fixed cells. With this approach, it is neither possible to monitor the dynamic process of exocytosis and related molecular events while discriminating between live and dead cells, nor to evaluate the acrosomal status while sperm reside in the female reproductive tract. However, over the last two decades, several new methodologies have been used to assess the occurrence of AR in living cells allowing different groups to obtain information that was not possible in the past. These techniques have revolutionized the whole study of this process. This review summarizes current methods available to analyze AR in living cells as well as the important information that emerged from studies using these approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula A Balestrini
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Martina Jabloñski
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | - Claudia Sánchez-Cárdenas
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Alberto Darszon
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Darío Krapf
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario, CONICET-UNR, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Mariano G Buffone
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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40
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Ded L, Hwang JY, Miki K, Shi HF, Chung JJ. 3D in situ imaging of the female reproductive tract reveals molecular signatures of fertilizing spermatozoa in mice. eLife 2020; 9:62043. [PMID: 33078708 PMCID: PMC7707823 DOI: 10.7554/elife.62043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Out of millions of ejaculated sperm, a few reach the fertilization site in mammals. Flagellar Ca2+ signaling nanodomains, organized by multi-subunit CatSper calcium channel complexes, are pivotal for sperm migration in the female tract, implicating CatSper-dependent mechanisms in sperm selection. Here using biochemical and pharmacological studies, we demonstrate that CatSper1 is an O-linked glycosylated protein, undergoing capacitation-induced processing dependent on Ca2+ and phosphorylation cascades. CatSper1 processing correlates with protein tyrosine phosphorylation (pY) development in sperm cells capacitated in vitro and in vivo. Using 3D in situ molecular imaging and ANN-based automatic detection of sperm distributed along the cleared female tract, we demonstrate that spermatozoa past the utero-tubal junction possess the intact CatSper1 signals. Together, we reveal that fertilizing mouse spermatozoa in situ are characterized by intact CatSper channel, lack of pY, and reacted acrosomes. These findings provide molecular insight into sperm selection for successful fertilization in the female reproductive tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Ded
- Department of Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, United States.,Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Jae Yeon Hwang
- Department of Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, United States
| | - Kiyoshi Miki
- Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, United States
| | - Huanan F Shi
- Department of Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, United States
| | - Jean-Ju Chung
- Department of Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, United States.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, United States
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41
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Hidalgo DM, Romarowski A, Gervasi MG, Navarrete F, Balbach M, Salicioni AM, Levin LR, Buck J, Visconti PE. Capacitation increases glucose consumption in murine sperm. Mol Reprod Dev 2020; 87:1037-1047. [PMID: 32914502 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian sperm acquire fertilization capacity in the female reproductive tract in a process known as capacitation. During capacitation, sperm change their motility pattern (i.e., hyperactivation) and become competent to undergo the acrosome reaction. We have recently shown that, in the mouse, sperm capacitation is associated with increased uptake of fluorescently labeled deoxyglucose and with extracellular acidification suggesting enhanced glycolysis. Consistently, in the present work we showed that glucose consumption is enhanced in media that support mouse sperm capacitation suggesting upregulation of glucose metabolic pathways. The increase in glucose consumption was modulated by bicarbonate and blocked by protein kinase A and soluble adenylyl cyclase inhibitors. Moreover, permeable cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) agonists increase glucose consumption in sperm incubated in conditions that do not support capacitation. Also, the increase in glucose consumption was reduced when sperm were incubated in low calcium conditions. Interestingly, this reduction was not overcome with cAMP agonists. Despite these findings, glucose consumption of sperm from Catsper1 knockout mice was similar to the one from wild type suggesting that other sources of calcium are also relevant. Altogether, these results suggest that cAMP and calcium pathways are involved in the regulation of glycolytic energy pathways during murine sperm capacitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Hidalgo
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA.,Research Group of Intracellular Signaling and Technology of Reproduction (SINTREP), Institute of Biotechnology in Agriculture and Livestock (INBIO G+C), University of Extremadura, Caceres, Spain
| | - Ana Romarowski
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - María G Gervasi
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Felipe Navarrete
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Melanie Balbach
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell New York, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Ana M Salicioni
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lonny R Levin
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell New York, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Jochen Buck
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell New York, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Pablo E Visconti
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
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42
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Machado SA, Sharif M, Kadirvel G, Bovin N, Miller DJ. Adhesion to oviduct glycans regulates porcine sperm Ca2+ influx and viability. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0237666. [PMID: 32822385 PMCID: PMC7442259 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Before fertilization, sperm bind to epithelial cells of the oviduct isthmus to form a reservoir that regulates sperm viability and capacitation. The sperm reservoir maintains optimum fertility in species, like swine, in which semen deposition and ovulation may not be well synchronized. We demonstrated previously that porcine sperm bind to two oviductal glycan motifs, a biantennary 6-sialylated N-acetyllactosamine (bi-SiaLN) oligosaccharide and 3-O-sulfated Lewis X trisaccharide (suLeX). Here, we assessed the ability of these glycans to regulate sperm Ca2+ influx, capacitation and affect sperm lifespan. After 24 h, the viability of sperm bound to immobilized bi-SiaLN and suLeX was higher (46% and 41% respectively) compared to viability of free-swimming sperm (10–12%). Ca2+ is a central regulator of sperm function so we assessed whether oviduct glycans could affect the Ca2+ influx that occurs during capacitation. Using a fluorescent intracellular Ca2+ probe, we observed that both oviduct glycans suppressed the Ca2+ increase that occurs during capacitation. Thus, specific oviduct glycans can regulate intracellular Ca2+. Because the increase in intracellular Ca2+ was suppressed by oviduct glycans, we examined whether glycans affected capacitation, as determined by protein tyrosine phosphorylation and the ability to undergo a Ca2+ ionophore-induced acrosome reaction. We found no discernable suppression of capacitation in sperm bound to oviduct glycans. We also detected no effect of oviduct glycans on sperm motility during capacitation. In summary, LeX and bi-SiaLN glycan motifs found on oviduct oligosaccharides suppress the Ca2+ influx that occurs during capacitation and extend sperm lifespan but do not affect sperm capacitation or motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio A. Machado
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States of America
| | - Momal Sharif
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States of America
| | - Govindasamy Kadirvel
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States of America
| | - Nicolai Bovin
- Shemyakin Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry RAS, Moscow, Russia
| | - David J. Miller
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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43
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Cafe SL, Anderson AL, Nixon B. In vitro Induction and Detection of Acrosomal Exocytosis in Human Spermatozoa. Bio Protoc 2020; 10:e3689. [PMID: 33659359 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.3689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The acrosome reaction is a highly regulated exocytotic event that primes spermatozoa for successful fertilization. Upon induction, acrosomal exocytosis proceeds via a wave of vesiculation that radiates across the sperm head, destabilizing the acrosomal vesicle and resulting in the release of the acrosomal contents. Having shed their acrosome, spermatozoa are then capable of penetrating the outer vestments of the oocyte and initiating fertilization. Accordingly, the failure of spermatozoa to complete an acrosome reaction represents a relatively common etiology in male infertility patients, and the ability to induce acrosomal exocytosis has found clinical utility in the evaluation of sperm fertilizing capacity. Here, we firstly describe protocols for driving the capacitation of human spermatozoa in vitro using chemically defined media in order to prime the cells for completion of acrosomal exocytosis. We then describe methodology routinely used for the induction of acrosomal exocytosis incorporating either a physiological agonist (i.e., the steroidal hormone, progesterone) or pharmacological reagent (i.e., the divalent cation ionophore, A23187). Finally, we describe the application of histochemical and immunofluorescence techniques that can be applied to study the completion of the acrosome reaction. Such protocols have important diagnostic utility for sperm function testing in both clinical and andrological research laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenae L Cafe
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Amanda L Anderson
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
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44
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Balbach M, Gervasi MG, Hidalgo DM, Visconti PE, Levin LR, Buck J. Metabolic changes in mouse sperm during capacitation†. Biol Reprod 2020; 103:791-801. [PMID: 32614044 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian sperm are stored in the epididymis in a dormant state. Upon ejaculation, they must immediately start producing sufficient energy to maintain motility and support capacitation. While this increased energy demand during capacitation is well established, it remains unclear how mouse sperm modify their metabolism to meet this need. We now show that capacitating mouse sperm enhance glucose uptake, identifying glucose uptake as a functional marker of capacitation. Using an extracellular flux analyzer, we show that glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation increase during capacitation. Furthermore, this increase in oxidative phosphorylation is dependent on glycolysis, providing experimental evidence for a link between glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation in mouse sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Balbach
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Maria Gracia Gervasi
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Integrated Science Building (ISB), University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - David Martin Hidalgo
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Integrated Science Building (ISB), University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Pablo E Visconti
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Integrated Science Building (ISB), University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Lonny R Levin
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jochen Buck
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
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45
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Wu PH, Fu Y, Cecchini K, Özata DM, Arif A, Yu T, Colpan C, Gainetdinov I, Weng Z, Zamore PD. The evolutionarily conserved piRNA-producing locus pi6 is required for male mouse fertility. Nat Genet 2020; 52:728-739. [PMID: 32601478 PMCID: PMC7383350 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-020-0657-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Pachytene PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), which comprise >80% of small RNAs in the adult mouse testis, have been proposed to bind and regulate target RNAs like microRNAs, cleave targets like short interfering RNAs or lack biological function altogether. Although piRNA pathway protein mutants are male sterile, no biological function has been identified for any mammalian piRNA-producing locus. Here, we report that males lacking piRNAs from a conserved mouse pachytene piRNA locus on chromosome 6 (pi6) produce sperm with defects in capacitation and egg fertilization. Moreover, heterozygous embryos sired by pi6-/- fathers show reduced viability in utero. Molecular analyses suggest that pi6 piRNAs repress gene expression by cleaving messenger RNAs encoding proteins required for sperm function. pi6 also participates in a network of piRNA-piRNA precursor interactions that initiate piRNA production from a second piRNA locus on chromosome 10, as well as pi6 itself. Our data establish a direct role for pachytene piRNAs in spermiogenesis and embryo viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Hsuan Wu
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
| | - Yu Fu
- Bioinformatics Program, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.,Program in Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.,Oncology Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Katharine Cecchini
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Deniz M Özata
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Amena Arif
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Tianxiong Yu
- Program in Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.,School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cansu Colpan
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Ildar Gainetdinov
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Zhiping Weng
- Program in Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA. .,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
| | - Phillip D Zamore
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
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46
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Successful selection of mouse sperm with high viability and fertility using microfluidics chip cell sorter. Sci Rep 2020; 10:8862. [PMID: 32483250 PMCID: PMC7264210 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-65931-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell sorting via flow cytometry is a powerful tool to select subpopulations of cells in many biological fields. Selection of fertilisation-prone sperm is a critical step to ensure a stable and high fertilisation rate in in vitro fertilisation (IVF). However, a combination of conventional cell sorting and IVF system has not been established because of severe mechanical damages to the sperm during the sorting process. A cell sorter with microfluidics chip technology that lessens cell damage during cell sorting may address this problem. We evaluated the effects of microfluidics chip cell sorting on the sperm using the parameters, such as motility and fertility, and found this cell sorting method had minimal harmful effect on the sperm. Then, sperm were selected by a marker for acrosome reaction and showed higher fertilisation rate than that of the population of acrosome-intact sperm. Embryo derived from these sperm developed normally. These results indicated that microfluidics chip cell sorting can select fertile sperm to improve IVF technique.
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47
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Saha SR, Sakase M, Fukushima M, Harayama H. Effects of digoxin on full-type hyperactivation in bovine ejaculated spermatozoa with relatively lower survivability for incubation with stimulators of cAMP signaling cascades. Theriogenology 2020; 154:100-109. [PMID: 32540510 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Previous researches of our laboratory reported that addition of cAMP analog cBiMPS and protein phosphatase inhibitor calyculin A (stimulators of cAMP signaling cascades) improved the capacity of incubation medium to induce full-type hyperactivation in bovine ejaculated spermatozoa. However, this modified medium was valid only for samples with relatively good survivability for incubation with stimulators of cAMP signaling cascades. Thus, it is necessary to make further modified medium for evaluation of potentials to exhibit full-type hyperactivation in bovine sperm samples with relatively lower survivability. Na+/K+-ATPase is an integral membrane protein and involved with the regulation of rodent sperm motility. To make further modification of the medium, we examined effects of Na+/K+-ATPase inhibition with digoxin on motility, full-type hyperactivation and protein tyrosine phosphorylation in bovine ejaculated spermatozoa with relatively lower survivability for incubation with stimulators of cAMP signaling cascades and also performed the immunodetection of bovine sperm Na+/K+-ATPase. The addition of Na+/K+-ATPase inhibitor digoxin to the incubation medium containing cBiMPS and calyculin A had the tendency to lessen the decreases in the percentages of motile spermatozoa in all of 12 samples after the incubation for 1-3 h and significantly increased the percentages of full-type hyperactivation in one group of 4 samples (Sample-A1) and another group of 4 samples (Sample-A2) after 1 and 2 h respectively, though it had no significant effects on full-type hyperactivation in the other group of 4 samples (Sample-B). In addition, incubation time-related changes in the sperm protein tyrosine phosphorylation (a good marker for sperm capacitation) were correlated with those in the percentages of full-type hyperactivation in Sample-A1 containing digoxin. Immunodetection showed that Na+/K+-ATPase is present in the middle and principal pieces of the flagella, indicating that Na+/K+-ATPase has possible relations with sperm motility. These results obtained with bull ejaculated spermatozoa with relatively lower survivability indicate that incubation method using digoxin is useful to evaluate potentials of sperm samples to exhibit full-type hyperactivation, that digoxin has effects on suppressing reduction of sperm motility, and that prolonged incubation with digoxin induces reduction of capacitation state which may suppress the maintenance of full-type hyperactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soma Rani Saha
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Division of Animal Science, Department of Bioresource Science, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kobe University, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiro Sakase
- Hokubu Agricultural Technology Institute, Hyogo Prefectural Technology Center for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Asago, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Moriyuki Fukushima
- Hokubu Agricultural Technology Institute, Hyogo Prefectural Technology Center for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Asago, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Harayama
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Division of Animal Science, Department of Bioresource Science, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kobe University, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan.
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48
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Yang Q, Wen Y, Wang L, Peng Z, Yeerken R, Zhen L, Li P, Li X. Ca 2+ ionophore A23187 inhibits ATP generation reducing mouse sperm motility and PKA-dependent phosphorylation. Tissue Cell 2020; 66:101381. [PMID: 32933704 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2020.101381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Male infertility is a global problem in modern society of which capacitating defects are a major cause. Previous studies have demonstrated that Ca2+ ionophore A23187 can make mouse sperm capable of fertilizing in vitro, which may aid in clinical treatment of capacitating defects. However, the detailed role and mechanism of Ca2+ in the capacitating process are still unclear especially how A23187 quickly renders sperm immotile and inhibits cAMP/PKA-mediated phosphorylation. We report that A23187 induces a Ca2+ flux in the mitochondria enriched sperm tail and excess Ca2+ inhibits key metabolic enzymes involved in acetyl-CoA biosynthesis, TCA cycle and electron transport chain pathways resulting in reduced ATP and overall energy production, however this flux does not destroy the structure of the sperm tail. Due to the decrease in ATP production, which is the main phosphate group donator and the power of sperm, the sperm is rendered immobile and PKA-mediated phosphorylation is inhibited. Our study proposed a possible mechanism through which A23187 reduces sperm motility and PKA-mediated phosphorylation from ATP generation, thus providing basic data for exploring the functional roles of Ca2+ in sperm in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiangzhen Yang
- Shanghai Key Lab of Veterinary Biotechnology, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yi Wen
- Shanghai Key Lab of Veterinary Biotechnology, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Lirui Wang
- Shanghai Key Lab of Veterinary Biotechnology, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Zijun Peng
- Shanghai Key Lab of Veterinary Biotechnology, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Ranna Yeerken
- Shanghai Key Lab of Veterinary Biotechnology, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Linqing Zhen
- Shanghai Key Lab of Veterinary Biotechnology, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Peifei Li
- Shanghai Key Lab of Veterinary Biotechnology, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xinhong Li
- Shanghai Key Lab of Veterinary Biotechnology, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
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49
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Leemans B, Stout TAE, De Schauwer C, Heras S, Nelis H, Hoogewijs M, Van Soom A, Gadella BM. Update on mammalian sperm capacitation: how much does the horse differ from other species? Reproduction 2020; 157:R181-R197. [PMID: 30721132 DOI: 10.1530/rep-18-0541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
In contrast to various other mammalian species, conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF) with horse gametes is not reliably successful. In particular, stallion spermatozoa fails to penetrate the zona pellucida, most likely due to incomplete activation of stallion spermatozoa (capacitation) under in vitro conditions. In other mammalian species, specific capacitation triggers have been described; unfortunately, none of these is able to induce full capacitation in stallion spermatozoa. Nevertheless, knowledge of capacitation pathways and their molecular triggers might improve our understanding of capacitation-related events observed in stallion sperm. When sperm cells are exposed to appropriate capacitation triggers, several molecular and biochemical changes should be induced in the sperm plasma membrane and cytoplasm. At the level of the sperm plasma membrane, (1) an increase in membrane fluidity, (2) cholesterol depletion and (3) lipid raft aggregation should occur consecutively; the cytoplasmic changes consist of protein tyrosine phosphorylation and elevated pH, cAMP and Ca2+ concentrations. These capacitation-related events enable the switch from progressive to hyperactivated motility of the sperm cells, and the induction of the acrosome reaction. These final capacitation triggers are indispensable for sperm cells to migrate through the viscous oviductal environment, penetrate the cumulus cells and zona pellucida and, finally, fuse with the oolemma. This review will focus on molecular aspects of sperm capacitation and known triggers in various mammalian species. Similarities and differences with the horse will be highlighted to improve our understanding of equine sperm capacitation/fertilizing events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart Leemans
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tom A E Stout
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Catharina De Schauwer
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sonia Heras
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hilde Nelis
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Maarten Hoogewijs
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bart M Gadella
- Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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50
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A framework for high-resolution phenotyping of candidate male infertility mutants: from human to mouse. Hum Genet 2020; 140:155-182. [PMID: 32248361 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-020-02159-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Male infertility is a heterogeneous condition of largely unknown etiology that affects at least 7% of men worldwide. Classical genetic approaches and emerging next-generation sequencing studies support genetic variants as a frequent cause of male infertility. Meanwhile, the barriers to transmission of this disease mean that most individual genetic cases will be rare, but because of the large percentage of the genome required for spermatogenesis, the number of distinct causal mutations is potentially large. Identifying bona fide causes of male infertility thus requires advanced filtering techniques to select for high-probability candidates, including the ability to test causality in animal models. The mouse remains the gold standard for defining the genotype-phenotype connection in male fertility. Here, we present a best practice guide consisting of (a) major points to consider when interpreting next-generation sequencing data performed on infertile men, and, (b) a systematic strategy to categorize infertility types and how they relate to human male infertility. Phenotyping infertility in mice can involve investigating the function of multiple cell types across the testis and epididymis, as well as sperm function. These findings will feed into the diagnosis and treatment of male infertility as well as male health broadly.
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