1
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Ribeiro RP, Null RW, Özpolat BD. Sex-biased gene expression precedes sexual dimorphism in the agonadal annelid Platynereis dumerilii. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.12.598746. [PMID: 38915681 PMCID: PMC11195272 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.12.598746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Gametogenesis is the process by which germ cells differentiate into mature sperm and oocytes, cells essential for sexual reproduction. The sex-specific molecular programs that drive spermatogenesis and oogenesis can also serve as sex identification markers. Platynereis dumerilii is a research organism that has been studied in many areas of developmental biology. However investigations often disregard sex, as P. dumerilii juveniles lack sexual dimorphism. The molecular mechanisms of gametogenesis in the segmented worm P. dumerilii are also largely unknown. In this study, we used RNA sequencing to investigate the transcriptomic profiles of gametogenesis in P. dumerilii juveniles. Our analysis revealed that sex-biased gene expression becomes increasingly pronounced during the advanced developmental stages, particularly during the meiotic phases of gametogenesis. We identified conserved genes associated with spermatogenesis, such as dmrt1 , and a novel gene psmt , that is associated with oogenesis. Additionally, putative long non-coding RNAs were upregulated in both male and female gametogenic programs. This study provides a foundational resource for germ cell research in P. dumerilii, markers for sex identification, and offers comparative data to enhance our understanding of the evolution of gametogenesis mechanisms across species. Summary statement This study provides insights into the mechanisms of gametogenesis in Platynereis dumerilii through comparative transcriptomics, unveiling sex-biased genes, including conserved and novel genes, governing this largely unexplored process.
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Dai P, Zou M, Cai Z, Zeng X, Zhang X, Liang M. pH Homeodynamics and Male Fertility: A Coordinated Regulation of Acid-Based Balance during Sperm Journey to Fertilization. Biomolecules 2024; 14:685. [PMID: 38927088 DOI: 10.3390/biom14060685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
pH homeostasis is crucial for spermatogenesis, sperm maturation, sperm physiological function, and fertilization in mammals. HCO3- and H+ are the most significant factors involved in regulating pH homeostasis in the male reproductive system. Multiple pH-regulating transporters and ion channels localize in the testis, epididymis, and spermatozoa, such as HCO3- transporters (solute carrier family 4 and solute carrier family 26 transporters), carbonic anhydrases, and H+-transport channels and enzymes (e.g., Na+-H+ exchangers, monocarboxylate transporters, H+-ATPases, and voltage-gated proton channels). Hormone-mediated signals impose an influence on the production of some HCO3- or H+ transporters, such as NBCe1, SLC4A2, MCT4, etc. Additionally, ion channels including sperm-specific cationic channels for Ca2+ (CatSper) and K+ (SLO3) are directly or indirectly regulated by pH, exerting specific actions on spermatozoa. The slightly alkaline testicular pH is conducive to spermatogenesis, whereas the epididymis's low HCO3- concentration and acidic lumen are favorable for sperm maturation and storage. Spermatozoa pH increases substantially after being fused with seminal fluid to enhance motility. In the female reproductive tract, sperm are subjected to increasing concentrations of HCO3- in the uterine and fallopian tube, causing a rise in the intracellular pH (pHi) of spermatozoa, leading to hyperpolarization of sperm plasma membranes, capacitation, hyperactivation, acrosome reaction, and ultimately fertilization. The physiological regulation initiated by SLC26A3, SLC26A8, NHA1, sNHE, and CFTR localized in sperm is proven for certain to be involved in male fertility. This review intends to present the key factors and characteristics of pHi regulation in the testes, efferent duct, epididymis, seminal fluid, and female reproductive tract, as well as the associated mechanisms during the sperm journey to fertilization, proposing insights into outstanding subjects and future research trends.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengyuan Dai
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China
| | - Meng Zou
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China
| | - Ziyi Cai
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China
| | - Xuhui Zeng
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China
| | - Xiaoning Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China
| | - Min Liang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China
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3
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Morita M, Hanahara N, Teramoto MM, Tarigan AI. Conservation of Protein Kinase A Substrates in the Cnidarian Coral Spermatozoa Among Animals and Their Molecular Evolution. J Mol Evol 2024; 92:217-257. [PMID: 38662235 DOI: 10.1007/s00239-024-10168-x] [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: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
The coral Acropora spp., known for its reef-building abilities, is a simultaneous hermaphroditic broadcast spawning species. Acropora spp. release gametes into seawater, activating sperm motility. This activation is mediated by adenylyl cyclase (AC) and protein kinase A (PKA). Notably, membrane-permeable cAMP (8-bromo-cAMP) promotes sperm motility activation of Acropora florida. While the signal transduction for PKA-dependent motility activation is highly conserved among animals, the downstream signaling of PKA remains unclear. In this study, we used mass spectrometry (MS) analyses to identify sperm proteins in the coral Acropora digitifera, as well as the serine/threonine residues of potential PKA substrates, and then, we investigated the conservation of these proteins from corals to vertebrates. We identified 148 sperm proteins of A. digitifera with typical PKA recognition motifs, namely RRXT and RRXS. We subsequently used ORTHOSCOPE to screen for orthologs encoding these 148 proteins from corals to vertebrates. Among the isolated orthologs, we identified positive selection in 48 protein-encoding genes from 18 Acropora spp. Subsequently, we compared the conservation rates of the PKA phosphorylation motif residues between the orthologs under positive and purifying selections. Notably, the serine residues of the orthologs under positive selection were more conserved. Therefore, adaptive evolution might have occurred in the orthologs of PKA substrate candidates from corals to vertebrates, accompanied by phosphorylation residue conservation. Collectively, our findings suggest that while PKA signal transduction, including substrates in sperm, may have been conserved, the substrates may have evolved to adapt to diverse fertilization conditions, such as synchronous broadcast spawning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaya Morita
- Sesoko Station, Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, Motobu, Okinawa, 905-0227, Japan.
| | - Nozomi Hanahara
- Sesoko Station, Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, Motobu, Okinawa, 905-0227, Japan
- Okinawa Churahima Foundation, 888 Ishikawa, Motobu, Okinawa, 905-0206, Japan
| | - Mariko M Teramoto
- Sesoko Station, Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, Motobu, Okinawa, 905-0227, Japan
| | - Ariyo Imanuel Tarigan
- Sesoko Station, Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, Motobu, Okinawa, 905-0227, Japan
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4
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Chávez JC, Carrasquel-Martínez G, Hernández-Garduño S, Matamoros Volante A, Treviño CL, Nishigaki T, Darszon A. Cytosolic and Acrosomal pH Regulation in Mammalian Sperm. Cells 2024; 13:865. [PMID: 38786087 PMCID: PMC11120249 DOI: 10.3390/cells13100865] [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: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
As in most cells, intracellular pH regulation is fundamental for sperm physiology. Key sperm functions like swimming, maturation, and a unique exocytotic process, the acrosome reaction, necessary for gamete fusion, are deeply influenced by pH. Sperm pH regulation, both intracellularly and within organelles such as the acrosome, requires a coordinated interplay of various transporters and channels, ensuring that this cell is primed for fertilization. Consistent with the pivotal importance of pH regulation in mammalian sperm physiology, several of its unique transporters are dependent on cytosolic pH. Examples include the Ca2+ channel CatSper and the K+ channel Slo3. The absence of these channels leads to male infertility. This review outlines the main transport elements involved in pH regulation, including cytosolic and acrosomal pH, that participate in these complex functions. We present a glimpse of how these transporters are regulated and how distinct sets of them are orchestrated to allow sperm to fertilize the egg. Much research is needed to begin to envision the complete set of players and the choreography of how cytosolic and organellar pH are regulated in each sperm function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio C. Chávez
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología (IBT), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca 62210, Morelos, Mexico; (J.C.C.); (G.C.-M.)
| | - Gabriela Carrasquel-Martínez
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología (IBT), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca 62210, Morelos, Mexico; (J.C.C.); (G.C.-M.)
- CITMER, Medicina Reproductiva, México City 11520, Mexico
| | - Sandra Hernández-Garduño
- Departamento de Morfología, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), México City 04510, Mexico;
| | - Arturo Matamoros Volante
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and School of Biomedical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA;
| | - Claudia L. Treviño
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología (IBT), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca 62210, Morelos, Mexico; (J.C.C.); (G.C.-M.)
| | - Takuya Nishigaki
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología (IBT), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca 62210, Morelos, Mexico; (J.C.C.); (G.C.-M.)
| | - Alberto Darszon
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología (IBT), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca 62210, Morelos, Mexico; (J.C.C.); (G.C.-M.)
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5
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Cui X, Cai X, Zhang F, Zhang W, Liu H, Mu S, Guo S, Wan H, Zhang H, Zhang Z, Kang X. Comparative Proteomics Elucidates the Potential Mechanism of Sperm Capacitation of Chinese Mitten Crabs ( Eriocheir sinensis). J Proteome Res 2024; 23:1603-1614. [PMID: 38557073 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.3c00711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Sperm capacitation is broadly defined as a suite of biochemical and biophysical changes resulting from the acquisition of fertilization ability. To gain insights into the regulation mechanism of crustacean sperm capacitation, 4D label-free quantitative proteomics was first applied to analyze the changes of sperm in Eriocheir sinensis under three sequential physiological conditions: seminal vesicles (X2), hatched with the seminal receptacle content (X3), and incubated with egg water (X5). In total, 1536 proteins were identified, among which 880 proteins were quantified, with 82 and 224 proteins significantly altered after incubation with the seminal receptacle contents and egg water. Most differentially expressed proteins were attributed to biological processes by Gene Ontology annotation analysis. As the fundamental bioenergetic metabolism of sperm, the oxidative phosphorylation, glycolysis, and the pentose phosphate pathway presented significant changes under the treatment of seminal receptacle contents, indicating intensive regulation for sperm in the seminal receptacle. Additionally, the seminal receptacle contents also significantly increased the oxidation level of sperm, whereas the enhancement of abundance in superoxide dismutase, peroxiredoxin 1, and glutathione S-transferase after incubation with egg water significantly improved the resistance against oxidation. These results provided a new perspective for reproduction studies in crustaceans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodong Cui
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding 071000, China
| | - Xueqian Cai
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding 071000, China
| | - Fenghao Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding 071000, China
| | - Weiwei Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding 071000, China
| | - Huan Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding 071000, China
| | - Shumei Mu
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding 071000, China
| | - Shuai Guo
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding 071000, China
| | - Haifu Wan
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding 071000, China
| | - Han Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding 071000, China
| | - Zhaohui Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Baoding First Central Hospital, Baoding 071000, China
| | - Xianjiang Kang
- College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding 071000, China
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6
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Yamamoto C, Takahashi F, Suetsugu N, Yamada K, Yoshikawa S, Kohchi T, Kasahara M. The cAMP signaling module regulates sperm motility in the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2322211121. [PMID: 38593080 PMCID: PMC11032487 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2322211121] [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: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) is a universal signaling molecule that acts as a second messenger in various organisms. It is well established that cAMP plays essential roles across the tree of life, although the function of cAMP in land plants has long been debated. We previously identified the enzyme with both adenylyl cyclase (AC) and cAMP phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity as the cAMP-synthesis/hydrolysis enzyme COMBINED AC with PDE (CAPE) in the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha. CAPE is conserved in streptophytes that reproduce with motile sperm; however, the precise function of CAPE is not yet known. In this study, we demonstrate that the loss of function of CAPE in M. polymorpha led to male infertility due to impaired sperm flagellar motility. We also found that two genes encoding the regulatory subunits of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA-R) were also involved in sperm motility. Based on these findings, it is evident that CAPE and PKA-Rs act as a cAMP signaling module that regulates sperm motility in M. polymorpha. Therefore, our results have shed light on the function of cAMP signaling and sperm motility regulators in land plants. This study suggests that cAMP signaling plays a common role in plant and animal sperm motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiaki Yamamoto
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu525-8577, Japan
| | - Fumio Takahashi
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu525-8577, Japan
| | - Noriyuki Suetsugu
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo153-8902, Japan
| | - Kazumasa Yamada
- Department of Marine Science and Technology, Faculty of Marine Science and Technology, Fukui Prefectural University, Obama917-0003, Japan
| | - Shinya Yoshikawa
- Department of Marine Science and Technology, Faculty of Marine Science and Technology, Fukui Prefectural University, Obama917-0003, Japan
| | - Takayuki Kohchi
- Division of Integrated Life Science, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto606-8502, Japan
| | - Masahiro Kasahara
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu525-8577, Japan
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7
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Potter AE, White CR, Marshall DJ. Per capita sperm metabolism is density dependent. J Exp Biol 2024; 227:jeb246674. [PMID: 38380562 PMCID: PMC11006396 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.246674] [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: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
From bacteria to metazoans, higher density populations have lower per capita metabolic rates than lower density populations. The negative covariance between population density and metabolic rate is thought to represent a form of adaptive metabolic plasticity. A relationship between density and metabolism was actually first noted 100 years ago, and was focused on spermatozoa; even then, it was postulated that adaptive plasticity drove this pattern. Since then, contemporary studies of sperm metabolism specifically assume that sperm concentration has no effect on metabolism and that sperm metabolic rates show no adaptive plasticity. We did a systematic review to estimate the relationship between sperm aerobic metabolism and sperm concentration, for 198 estimates spanning 49 species, from protostomes to humans from 88 studies. We found strong evidence that per capita metabolic rates are concentration dependent: both within and among species, sperm have lower metabolisms in dense ejaculates, but increase their metabolism when diluted. On average, a 10-fold decrease in sperm concentration increased per capita metabolic rate by 35%. Metabolic plasticity in sperm appears to be an adaptive response, whereby sperm maximize their chances of encountering eggs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley E. Potter
- Centre for Geometric Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Craig R. White
- Centre for Geometric Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Dustin J. Marshall
- Centre for Geometric Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
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8
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Yeo H, Mehta V, Gulati A, Drew D. Structure and electromechanical coupling of a voltage-gated Na +/H + exchanger. Nature 2023; 623:193-201. [PMID: 37880360 PMCID: PMC10620092 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06518-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Voltage-sensing domains control the activation of voltage-gated ion channels, with a few exceptions1. One such exception is the sperm-specific Na+/H+ exchanger SLC9C1, which is the only known transporter to be regulated by voltage-sensing domains2-5. After hyperpolarization of sperm flagella, SLC9C1 becomes active, causing pH alkalinization and CatSper Ca2+ channel activation, which drives chemotaxis2,6. SLC9C1 activation is further regulated by cAMP2,7, which is produced by soluble adenyl cyclase (sAC). SLC9C1 is therefore an essential component of the pH-sAC-cAMP signalling pathway in metazoa8,9, required for sperm motility and fertilization4. Despite its importance, the molecular basis of SLC9C1 voltage activation is unclear. Here we report cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of sea urchin SLC9C1 in detergent and nanodiscs. We show that the voltage-sensing domains are positioned in an unusual configuration, sandwiching each side of the SLC9C1 homodimer. The S4 segment is very long, 90 Å in length, and connects the voltage-sensing domains to the cytoplasmic cyclic-nucleotide-binding domains. The S4 segment is in the up configuration-the inactive state of SLC9C1. Consistently, although a negatively charged cavity is accessible for Na+ to bind to the ion-transporting domains of SLC9C1, an intracellular helix connected to S4 restricts their movement. On the basis of the differences in the cryo-EM structure of SLC9C1 in the presence of cAMP, we propose that, upon hyperpolarization, the S4 segment moves down, removing this constriction and enabling Na+/H+ exchange.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunku Yeo
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ved Mehta
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ashutosh Gulati
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - David Drew
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.
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9
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Kalienkova V, Peter MF, Rheinberger J, Paulino C. Structures of a sperm-specific solute carrier gated by voltage and cAMP. Nature 2023; 623:202-209. [PMID: 37880361 PMCID: PMC10620091 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06629-w] [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: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
The newly characterized sperm-specific Na+/H+ exchanger stands out by its unique tripartite domain composition1,2. It unites a classical solute carrier unit with regulatory domains usually found in ion channels, namely, a voltage-sensing domain and a cyclic-nucleotide binding domain1,3, which makes it a mechanistic chimera and a secondary-active transporter activated strictly by membrane voltage. Our structures of the sea urchin SpSLC9C1 in the absence and presence of ligands reveal the overall domain arrangement and new structural coupling elements. They allow us to propose a gating model, where movements in the voltage sensor indirectly cause the release of the exchanging unit from a locked state through long-distance allosteric effects transmitted by the newly characterized coupling helices. We further propose that modulation by its ligand cyclic AMP occurs by means of disruption of the cytosolic dimer interface, which lowers the energy barrier for S4 movements in the voltage-sensing domain. As SLC9C1 members have been shown to be essential for male fertility, including in mammals2,4,5, our structure represents a potential new platform for the development of new on-demand contraceptives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Kalienkova
- Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Martin F Peter
- Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Biochemistry Center, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jan Rheinberger
- Biochemistry Center, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Cristina Paulino
- Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
- Biochemistry Center, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.
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Shiba K, Inaba K. The Role of Soluble Adenylyl Cyclase in the Regulation of Flagellar Motility in Ascidian Sperm. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1594. [PMID: 38002275 PMCID: PMC10668965 DOI: 10.3390/biom13111594] [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: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Flagellar motility in sperm is activated and regulated by factors related to the eggs at fertilization. In the ascidian Ciona intestinalis, a sulfated steroid called the SAAF (sperm activating and attracting factor) induces both sperm motility activation and chemotaxis. Cyclic AMP (cAMP) is one of the most important intracellular factors in the sperm signaling pathway. Adenylyl cyclase (AC) is the key enzyme that synthesizes cAMP at the onset of the signaling pathway in all cellular functions. We previously reported that both transmembrane AC (tmAC) and soluble AC (sAC) play important roles in sperm motility in Ciona. The tmAC plays a major role in the SAAF-induced activation of sperm motility. On the other hand, sAC is involved in the regulation of flagellar beat frequency and the Ca2+-dependent chemotactic movement of sperm. In this study, we focused on the role of sAC in the regulation of flagellar motility in Ciona sperm chemotaxis. The immunochemical analysis revealed that several isoforms of sAC protein were expressed in Ciona sperm, as reported in mammals and sea urchins. We demonstrated that sAC inhibition caused strong and transient asymmetrization during the chemotactic turn, and then sperm failed to turn toward the SAAF. In addition, real-time Ca2+ imaging in sperm flagella revealed that sAC inhibition induced an excessive and prolonged Ca2+ influx to flagella. These results indicate that sAC plays a key role in sperm chemotaxis by regulating the clearance of [Ca2+]i and by modulating Ca2+-dependent flagellar waveform conversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kogiku Shiba
- Shimoda Marine Research Center, University of Tsukuba, Shimoda 415-0025, Japan;
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11
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Chowdhury S, Pal K. Architecture and rearrangements of a sperm-specific Na +/H + exchanger. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3396005. [PMID: 37886505 PMCID: PMC10602139 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3396005/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
The sperm-specific sodium hydrogen exchanger, SLC9C1, underlies hyperpolarization and cyclic nucleotide stimulated proton fluxes across sperm membranes and regulates their hyperactivated motility. SLC9C1 is the first known instance of an ion transporter that uses a canonical voltage-sensing domain (VSD) and an evolutionarily conserved cyclic nucleotide binding domain (CNBD) to influence the dynamics of its ion-exchange domain (ED). The structural organization of this 'tripartite transporter' and the mechanisms whereby it integrates physical (membrane voltage) and chemical (cyclic nucleotide) cues are unknown. In this study, we use single particle cryo-electron microscopy to determine structures of a metazoan SLC9C1 in different conformational states. We find that the three structural domains are uniquely organized around a distinct ring-shaped scaffold that we call the 'allosteric ring domain' or ARD. The ARD undergoes coupled proton-dependent rearrangements with the ED and acts as a 'signaling hub' enabling allosteric communication between the key functional modules of sp9C1. We demonstrate that binding of cAMP causes large conformational changes in the cytoplasmic domains and disrupts key ARD-linked interfaces. We propose that these structural changes rescue the transmembrane domains from an auto-inhibited state and facilitate their functional dynamics. Our study provides a structural framework to understand and further probe electrochemical linkage in SLC9C1.
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12
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Glass BH, Ashey J, Okongwu AR, Putnam HM, Barott KL. Characterization of a sperm motility signalling pathway in a gonochoric coral suggests conservation across cnidarian sexual systems. Proc Biol Sci 2023; 290:20230085. [PMID: 37528706 PMCID: PMC10394420 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.0085] [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: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Most stony corals liberate their gametes into the water column via broadcast spawning, where fertilization hinges upon the activation of directional sperm motility. Sperm from gonochoric and hermaphroditic corals display distinct morphological and molecular phenotypes, yet it is unknown whether the signalling pathways controlling sperm motility are also distinct between these sexual systems. Here, we addressed this knowledge gap using the gonochoric, broadcast spawning coral Astrangia poculata. We found that cytosolic alkalinization of sperm activates the pH-sensing enzyme soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC), which is required for motility. Additionally, we demonstrate for the first time in any cnidarian that sAC activity leads to protein kinase A (PKA) activation, and that PKA activity contributes to sperm motility activation. Ultrastructures of A. poculata sperm displayed morphological homology with other gonochoric cnidarians, and sAC exhibited broad structural and functional conservation across this phylum. These results indicate a conserved role for pH-dependent sAC-cAMP-PKA signalling in sperm motility across coral sexual systems, and suggest that the role of this pathway in sperm motility may be ancestral in metazoans. Finally, the dynamics of this pH-sensitive pathway may play a critical role in determining the sensitivity of marine invertebrate reproduction to anthropogenic ocean acidification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin H. Glass
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jill Ashey
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
| | | | - Hollie M. Putnam
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
| | - Katie L. Barott
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Glass BH, Schmitt AH, Brown KT, Speer KF, Barott KL. Parental exposure to ocean acidification impacts gamete production and physiology but not offspring performance in Nematostella vectensis. Biol Open 2023; 12:bio059746. [PMID: 36716103 PMCID: PMC10003076 DOI: 10.1242/bio.059746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Ocean acidification (OA) resulting from anthropogenic CO2 emissions is impairing the reproduction of marine organisms. While parental exposure to OA can protect offspring via carryover effects, this phenomenon is poorly understood in many marine invertebrate taxa. Here, we examined how parental exposure to acidified (pH 7.40) versus ambient (pH 7.72) seawater influenced reproduction and offspring performance across six gametogenic cycles (13 weeks) in the estuarine sea anemone Nematostella vectensis. Females exhibited reproductive plasticity under acidic conditions, releasing significantly fewer but larger eggs compared to ambient females after 4 weeks of exposure, and larger eggs in two of the four following spawning cycles despite recovering fecundity, indicating long-term acclimatization and greater investment in eggs. Males showed no changes in fecundity under acidic conditions but produced a greater percentage of sperm with high mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP; a proxy for elevated motility), which corresponded with higher fertilization rates relative to ambient males. Finally, parental exposure to acidic conditions did not significantly influence offspring development rates, respiration rates, or heat tolerance. Overall, this study demonstrates that parental exposure to acidic conditions impacts gamete production and physiology but not offspring performance in N. vectensis, suggesting that increased investment in individual gametes may promote fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin H. Glass
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Angela H. Schmitt
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Kristen T. Brown
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Kelsey F. Speer
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Katie L. Barott
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Alkaline Dilution Alters Sperm Motility in Dairy Goat by Affecting sAC/cAMP/PKA Pathway Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021771. [PMID: 36675287 PMCID: PMC9863640 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In dairy goat farming, increasing the female kid rate is beneficial to milk production and is, therefore, economically beneficial to farms. Our previous study demonstrated that alkaline incubation enriched the concentration of X-chromosome-bearing sperm; however, the mechanism by which pH affects the motility of X-chromosome-bearing sperm remains unclear. In this study, we explored this mechanism by incubating dairy goat sperm in alkaline dilutions, examining the pattern of changes in sperm internal pH and Ca2+ concentrations and investigating the role of the sAC/cAMP/PKA pathway in influencing sperm motility. The results showed that adding a calcium channel inhibitor during incubation resulted in a concentration-dependent decrease in the proportion of spermatozoa with forward motility, and the sperm sAC protein activity was positively correlated with the calcium ion concentration (r = 0.9972). The total motility activity, proportion of forward motility, and proportion of X-chromosome-bearing sperm decreased (p < 0.05) when cAMP/PKA protease activity was inhibited. Meanwhile, the enrichment of X-chromosome-bearing sperm by pH did not affect the sperm capacitation state. These results indicate that alkaline dilution incubation reduces Ca2+ entry into X-sperm and the motility was slowed down through the sAC/cAMP/PKA signaling pathway, providing a theoretical foundation for further optimization of the sex control method.
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Hossen S, Sukhan ZP, Cho Y, Choi CY, Kho KH. Saccharides Influence Sperm Quality and Expressions of Motility and Fertilization-Associated Genes in Cryopreserved Sperm of Pacific Abalone, Haliotis discus hannai. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:935667. [PMID: 35927989 PMCID: PMC9343956 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.935667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pacific abalone, Haliotis discus hannai, is a highly commercial seafood in Southeast Asia. The present study aimed to determine the influence of saccharides and vitamins on post-thaw sperm quality, ATP content, fertilization capacity, hatching capacity, and mRNA content of motility and fertilization-associated genes of Pacific abalone. Sperm cryopreserved using saccharides improved the post-thaw sperm quality including motility, acrosome integrity (AI), plasma membrane integrity (PMI), and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). However, vitamins (l-ascorbic acid) did not result in any significant improvement in sperm quality. Sperm cryopreserved using saccharides also improved ATP content, DNA integrity, and mRNA content of motility and fertilization-associated genes of post-thaw sperm than sperm cryopreserved without saccharides. Among sperm cryopreserved using different saccharides, post-thaw sperm quality indicators (except PMI) and mRNA content of motility and fertilization-associated genes did not show significant differences between sperm cryopreserved using 3% sucrose (S) combined with 8% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and sperm cryopreserved using 1% glucose (G) combined with 8% ethylene glycol (EG). However, sperm cryopreserved using 3% S + 8% DMSO showed higher post-thaw sperm quality (motility: 58.4 ± 2.9%, AI: 57.1 ± 3.2%, PMI: 65.3 ± 3.3%, and MMP: 59.1 ± 3.2%), ATP content (48.4 ± 1.8 nmol/ml), and % DNA in tail (2.09 ± 0.20%) than sperm cryopreserved using other saccharides. When sperms were cryopreserved using 3% S + 8% DMSO, the mRNA content of motility (heat shock protein 70, HSP70; heat shock protein 90, HSP90; protein kinase A, PKA-C; axonemal protein 66.0, Axpp66.0; and tektin-4) and fertilization-associated (sperm protein 18 kDa, SP18 kDa) genes were higher than in sperm cryopreserved using other saccharides. However, changes in the mRNA contents of these genes were insignificant between sperm cryopreserved using 3% S + 8% DMSO and 1% G + 8% EG. Taken together, these results indicate that cryopreservation using 3% S + 8% DMSO can improve post-thaw sperm quality and mRNA contents better than other examined cryoprotectants. The present study suggests that 3% S + 8% DMSO is a suitable cryoprotectant for sperm cryopreservation and molecular conservation of this valuable species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaharior Hossen
- Department of Fisheries Science, College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, Chonnam National University, Yeosu, South Korea
| | - Zahid Parvez Sukhan
- Department of Fisheries Science, College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, Chonnam National University, Yeosu, South Korea
| | - Yusin Cho
- Department of Fisheries Science, College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, Chonnam National University, Yeosu, South Korea
| | - Cheol Young Choi
- Division of Marine BioScience, National Korea Maritime and Ocean University, Busan, South Korea
| | - Kang Hee Kho
- Department of Fisheries Science, College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, Chonnam National University, Yeosu, South Korea
- *Correspondence: Kang Hee Kho,
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Shiba K, Inaba K. The Roles of Two CNG Channels in the Regulation of Ascidian Sperm Chemotaxis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031648. [PMID: 35163568 PMCID: PMC8835908 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatozoa sense and respond to their environmental signals to ensure fertilization success. Reception and transduction of signals are reflected rapidly in sperm flagellar waveforms and swimming behavior. In the ascidian Ciona intestinalis (type A; also called C. robusta), an egg-derived sulfated steroid called SAAF (sperm activating and attracting factor), induces both sperm motility activation and chemotaxis. Two types of CNG (cyclic nucleotide-gated) channels, Ci-tetra KCNG (tetrameric, cyclic nucleotide-gated, K+-selective) and Ci-HCN (hyperpolarization-activated and cyclic nucleotide-gated), are highly expressed in Ciona testis from the comprehensive gene expression analysis. To elucidate the sperm signaling pathway to regulate flagellar motility, we focus on the role of CNG channels. In this study, the immunochemical analysis revealed that both CNG channels are expressed in Ciona sperm and localized to sperm flagella. Sperm motility analysis and Ca2+ imaging during chemotaxis showed that CNG channel inhibition affected the changes in flagellar waveforms and Ca2+ efflux needed for the chemotactic turn. These results suggest that CNG channels in Ciona sperm play a vital role in regulating sperm motility and intracellular Ca2+ regulation during chemotaxis.
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Rivera AM, Swanson WJ. The Importance of Gene Duplication and Domain Repeat Expansion for the Function and Evolution of Fertilization Proteins. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:827454. [PMID: 35155436 PMCID: PMC8830517 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.827454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The process of gene duplication followed by gene loss or evolution of new functions has been studied extensively, yet the role gene duplication plays in the function and evolution of fertilization proteins is underappreciated. Gene duplication is observed in many fertilization protein families including Izumo, DCST, ZP, and the TFP superfamily. Molecules mediating fertilization are part of larger gene families expressed in a variety of tissues, but gene duplication followed by structural modifications has often facilitated their cooption into a fertilization function. Repeat expansions of functional domains within a gene also provide opportunities for the evolution of novel fertilization protein. ZP proteins with domain repeat expansions are linked to species-specificity in fertilization and TFP proteins that experienced domain duplications were coopted into a novel sperm function. This review outlines the importance of gene duplications and repeat domain expansions in the evolution of fertilization proteins.
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Lindemann CB. The flagellar germ-line hypothesis: How flagellate and ciliate gametes significantly shaped the evolution of organismal complexity. Bioessays 2021; 44:e2100143. [PMID: 34967029 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202100143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
This essay presents a hypothesis which contends that the development of organismic complexity in the eukaryotes depended extensively on propagation via flagellated and ciliated gametes. Organisms utilizing flagellate and ciliate gametes to propagate their germ line have contributed most of the organismic complexity found in the higher animals. The genes of the flagellum and the flagellar assembly system (intraflagellar transport) have played a disproportionately important role in the construction of complex tissues and organs. The hypothesis also proposes that competition between large numbers of haploid flagellated male gametes rigorously conserved the functionality of a key set of flagellar genes for more than 700 million years. This in turn has insured that a large set (>600) of highly functional cytoskeletal and signal pathway genes is always present in the lineage of organisms with flagellated or ciliated gametes to act as a dependable resource, or "toolkit," for organ elaboration.
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