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Visconti PE, Levin LR, Buck J. David Garbers and the Birth of cAMP Biology in Mammalian Sperm. Mol Reprod Dev 2024; 91:e23773. [PMID: 39385557 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23773] [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: 07/29/2024] [Accepted: 09/13/2024] [Indexed: 10/12/2024]
Abstract
Dr. David Garbers made many impactful contributions to science and vastly improved our understanding of sperm biology. In this review, we focus on his identification of a key role for the second messenger cAMP in mammalian sperm. As a graduate student David discovered that sperm motility, which is essential for sperm to fertilize the egg, is under the control of the (at the time) recently identified, prototypical second messenger cAMP. Fast-forwarding to the present, agents which turn off sperm's ability to generate cAMP and block sperm motility are being investigated as potential nonhormonal contraceptives for men and women. Should these efforts prove successful, Dave's discoveries will prove to be the spark which ignited a revolution in human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo E Visconti
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lonny R Levin
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jochen Buck
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
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2
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Dai P, Chen C, Yu J, Ma C, Zhang X. New insights into sperm physiology regulation: Enlightenment from G-protein-coupled receptors. Andrology 2024; 12:1253-1271. [PMID: 38225815 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13593] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND G-protein-coupled receptors are critical in many physiological and pathological processes in various organs. Serving as the control panel for sensing extracellular stimuli, G-protein-coupled receptors recognise various ligands, including light, temperature, odours, pheromones, hormones, neurotransmitters, chemokines, etc. Most recently, G-protein-coupled receptors residing in spermatozoa have been found to be indispensable for sperm function. OBJECTIVE Here, we have summarised cutting-edge findings on the functional mechanisms of G-protein-coupled receptors that are known to be associated with sperm functions and the activation of their downstream effectors, providing new insights into the roles of G-protein-coupled receptors in sperm physiology. RESULTS Emerging studies hint that alterations in G-protein-coupled receptors could affect sperm function, implicating their role in fertility, but solid evidence needs to be continuing excavated with various means. Several members of the G-protein-coupled receptor superfamily, including olfactory receptors, opsins, orphan G-protein-coupled receptors, CXC chemokine receptor 4, CC chemokine receptor 5 and CC chemokine receptor 6 as well as their downstream effector β-arrestins, etc., were suggested to be essential for sperm motility, capacitation, thermotaxis, chemotaxis, Ca2+ influx through CatSper channel and fertilisation capacity. CONCLUSION The present review provides a comprehensive overview of studies describing G-protein-coupled receptors and their potential action in sperm function. We also present a critical discussion of these issues, and a possible framework for future investigations on the diverse ligands, biological functions and cell signalling of G-protein-coupled receptors in spermatozoa. Here, the G-protein-coupled receptors and their related G proteins that specifically were identified in spermatozoa were summarised, and provided references valuable for further illumination, despite the evidence that is not overwhelming in most cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengyuan Dai
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, PR China
| | - Chen Chen
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, PR China
| | - Jingyan Yu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, PR China
| | - Chaoye Ma
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, PR China
| | - Xiaoning Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, PR China
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Hwang JY. Sperm hyperactivation and the CatSper channel: current understanding and future contribution of domestic animals. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2024; 66:443-456. [PMID: 38975583 PMCID: PMC11222122 DOI: 10.5187/jast.2023.e133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
In female tract, mammalian sperm develop hyperactivated motility which is a key physiological event for sperm to fertilize eggs. This motility change is triggered by Ca2+ influx via the sperm-specific Ca2+ channel, CatSper. Although previous studies in human and mice largely contributed to understanding CatSper and Ca2+ signaling for sperm hyperactivation, the differences on their activation mechanisms are not well understood yet. There are several studies to examine expression and significance of the CatSper channel in non-human and non-mouse models, such as domestic animals. In this review, I summarize key knowledge for the CatSper channel from previous studies and propose future aspects for CatSper study using sperm from domestic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Yeon Hwang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Korea
- Institute of Systems Biology, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Korea
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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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Cormier N, Worsham AE, Rich KA, Hardy DM. SMA20/PMIS2 Is a Rapidly Evolving Sperm Membrane Alloantigen with Possible Species-Divergent Function in Fertilization. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3652. [PMID: 38612464 PMCID: PMC11011635 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073652] [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: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunodominant alloantigens in pig sperm membranes include 15 known gene products and a previously undiscovered Mr 20,000 sperm membrane-specific protein (SMA20). Here we characterize SMA20 and identify it as the unannotated pig ortholog of PMIS2. A composite SMA20 cDNA encoded a 126 amino acid polypeptide comprising two predicted transmembrane segments and an N-terminal alanine- and proline (AP)-rich region with no apparent signal peptide. The Northern blots showed that the composite SMA20 cDNA was derived from a 1.1 kb testis-specific transcript. A BLASTp search retrieved no SMA20 match from the pig genome, but it did retrieve a 99% match to the Pmis2 gene product in warthog. Sequence identity to predicted PMIS2 orthologs from other placental mammals ranged from no more than 80% overall in Cetartiodactyla to less than 60% in Primates, with the AP-rich region showing the highest divergence, including, in the extreme, its absence in most rodents, including the mouse. SMA20 immunoreactivity localized to the acrosome/apical head of methanol-fixed boar spermatozoa but not live, motile cells. Ultrastructurally, the SMA20 AP-rich domain immunolocalized to the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane, the outer acrosomal membrane, and the acrosomal contents of ejaculated spermatozoa. Gene name search failed to retrieve annotated Pmis2 from most mammalian genomes. Nevertheless, individual pairwise interrogation of loci spanning Atp4a-Haus5 identified Pmis2 in all placental mammals, but not in marsupials or monotremes. We conclude that the gene encoding sperm-specific SMA20/PMIS2 arose de novo in Eutheria after divergence from Metatheria, whereupon rapid molecular evolution likely drove the acquisition of a species-divergent function unique to fertilization in placental mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaly Cormier
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Whitewater, WI 53190, USA
| | - Asha E. Worsham
- Department of Cell Biology & Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; (A.E.W.); (K.A.R.)
| | - Kinsey A. Rich
- Department of Cell Biology & Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; (A.E.W.); (K.A.R.)
| | - Daniel M. Hardy
- Department of Cell Biology & Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; (A.E.W.); (K.A.R.)
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Guignard S, Guillaume C, Tornero L, Moreau J, Carles M, Isus F, Huyghe É, Ravel C, Vergnolle N, Deraison C, Bonnart C, Gatimel N. Involvement of CATSPER 2 mutation in a familial context of unexplained infertility and fertilization failure associated with hearing loss: a case report. F S Rep 2024; 5:114-122. [PMID: 38524220 PMCID: PMC10958707 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfre.2023.12.003] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To explore the functional implications of a homozygous CATSPER 2 (cation channel for sperm) deletion within the acrosome reaction pathway during fertilization in 2 brothers, who have unexplained infertility and hearing loss. Design Case report. Patients Two twin brothers aged 30 years with hearing loss and unexplained infertility. Exposure or Intervention Molecular genetic diagnosis of deafness. Evaluation of the acrosome reaction and calcium mobilization assays after induction by progesterone and ionomycin on spermatozoa of the CATSPER 2-mutated patient and on fertile controls. Main Outcome Measures Fertilization rate during conventional in vitro fertilization. Molecular genetic test. Percentage of acrosome-reacted spermatozoa with peanut agglutinin lectin staining. Recording of progesterone and ionomycin-induced intracellular calcium signals with a fluorescent probe. Results Mr. S and his brother have normal, conventional sperm parameters. Both brothers have had repeated intrauterine insemination failures and one fertilization failure after conventional in vitro fertilization. Mr. S obtained 2 healthy babies after intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Genetic analysis found a homozygote deletion of the STRC (stereocilin) gene (NM 153700: c.1-? 5328+?del) that removes the CATSPER 2 gene. Mutation of the STRC gene is known to be associated with hearing loss. Sperm functional tests revealed an inability of progesterone to activate intracellular calcium signaling and to induce acrosome reaction. Conclusion We demonstrate the absence of a calcium signal and acrosome reaction after progesterone in our patient with a CATSPER 2 mutation. We emphasize the importance of the male medical interview and of the genetic investigation of hearing loss. We show that in vitro fertilization-intracytoplasmic sperm injection is necessary, even where normal sperm parameters are present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Guignard
- IRSD, Université de Toulouse, INSERM, INRAE, ENVT, Univ Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier (UPS), Toulouse, France
| | - Christina Guillaume
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Paule de Viguier Hospital, Toulouse Teaching Hospital Group Toulouse, France
| | - Laurie Tornero
- IRSD, Université de Toulouse, INSERM, INRAE, ENVT, Univ Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier (UPS), Toulouse, France
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Paule de Viguier Hospital, Toulouse Teaching Hospital Group Toulouse, France
| | - Jessika Moreau
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Paule de Viguier Hospital, Toulouse Teaching Hospital Group Toulouse, France
| | - Manon Carles
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Paule de Viguier Hospital, Toulouse Teaching Hospital Group Toulouse, France
- DEFE (Développement Embryonnaire, Fertilité, Environnement - Embryonic Development, Fertility, Environment), UMR1203, INSERM - Universities of Toulouse and Montpellier, Paule de Viguier Hospital, Toulouse, France
| | - François Isus
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Paule de Viguier Hospital, Toulouse Teaching Hospital Group Toulouse, France
| | - Éric Huyghe
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Paule de Viguier Hospital, Toulouse Teaching Hospital Group Toulouse, France
- DEFE (Développement Embryonnaire, Fertilité, Environnement - Embryonic Development, Fertility, Environment), UMR1203, INSERM - Universities of Toulouse and Montpellier, Paule de Viguier Hospital, Toulouse, France
| | - Célia Ravel
- Univ Rennes, CHU Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France
| | - Nathalie Vergnolle
- IRSD, Université de Toulouse, INSERM, INRAE, ENVT, Univ Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier (UPS), Toulouse, France
| | - Céline Deraison
- IRSD, Université de Toulouse, INSERM, INRAE, ENVT, Univ Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier (UPS), Toulouse, France
| | - Chrystelle Bonnart
- IRSD, Université de Toulouse, INSERM, INRAE, ENVT, Univ Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier (UPS), Toulouse, France
| | - Nicolas Gatimel
- IRSD, Université de Toulouse, INSERM, INRAE, ENVT, Univ Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier (UPS), Toulouse, France
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Paule de Viguier Hospital, Toulouse Teaching Hospital Group Toulouse, France
- DEFE (Développement Embryonnaire, Fertilité, Environnement - Embryonic Development, Fertility, Environment), UMR1203, INSERM - Universities of Toulouse and Montpellier, Paule de Viguier Hospital, Toulouse, France
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7
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Young S, Schiffer C, Wagner A, Patz J, Potapenko A, Herrmann L, Nordhoff V, Pock T, Krallmann C, Stallmeyer B, Röpke A, Kierzek M, Biagioni C, Wang T, Haalck L, Deuster D, Hansen JN, Wachten D, Risse B, Behre HM, Schlatt S, Kliesch S, Tüttelmann F, Brenker C, Strünker T. Human fertilization in vivo and in vitro requires the CatSper channel to initiate sperm hyperactivation. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e173564. [PMID: 38165034 PMCID: PMC10760960 DOI: 10.1172/jci173564] [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: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The infertility of many couples rests on an enigmatic dysfunction of the man's sperm. To gain insight into the underlying pathomechanisms, we assessed the function of the sperm-specific multisubunit CatSper-channel complex in the sperm of almost 2,300 men undergoing a fertility workup, using a simple motility-based test. We identified a group of men with normal semen parameters but defective CatSper function. These men or couples failed to conceive naturally and upon medically assisted reproduction via intrauterine insemination and in vitro fertilization. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was, ultimately, required to conceive a child. We revealed that the defective CatSper function was caused by variations in CATSPER genes. Moreover, we unveiled that CatSper-deficient human sperm were unable to undergo hyperactive motility and, therefore, failed to penetrate the egg coat. Thus, our study provides the experimental evidence that sperm hyperactivation is required for human fertilization, explaining the infertility of CatSper-deficient men and the need of ICSI for medically assisted reproduction. Finally, our study also revealed that defective CatSper function and ensuing failure to hyperactivate represents the most common cause of unexplained male infertility known thus far and that this sperm channelopathy can readily be diagnosed, enabling future evidence-based treatment of affected couples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Young
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Christian Schiffer
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Alice Wagner
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics
| | - Jannika Patz
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Anton Potapenko
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Leonie Herrmann
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Verena Nordhoff
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Tim Pock
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Claudia Krallmann
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | | | | | - Michelina Kierzek
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- CiM-IMPRS Graduate School
| | - Cristina Biagioni
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Tao Wang
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Lars Haalck
- Institute of Geoinformatics, Computer Vision and Machine Learning Systems, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Dirk Deuster
- Department of Phoniatrics and Pedaudiology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Jan N. Hansen
- Institute of Innate Immunity, Department of Biophysical Imaging, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Dagmar Wachten
- Institute of Innate Immunity, Department of Biophysical Imaging, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Benjamin Risse
- Institute of Geoinformatics, Computer Vision and Machine Learning Systems, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Computer Science Department, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Hermann M. Behre
- UKM Fertility Centre, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Stefan Schlatt
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Sabine Kliesch
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | | | - Christoph Brenker
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Timo Strünker
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Cells in Motion Interfaculty Centre, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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Jahan N, Wasim M, Rubaya R, Radeen KR, Alim MA, Hossain MMK, Zohora FT, Das KC, Salimullah M, Bhuyan AA, Alam J. Sequence variability of CatSper1 and TNP2 gene in indigenous and crossbred cattle in Bangladesh. Anim Biotechnol 2023; 34:2007-2016. [PMID: 35446730 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2022.2063729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
CatSper1 and TNP2 genes are known to affect semen quality and fertility parameters, including sperm motility and maturation. However, studies are yet to examine the genes in indigenous and crossbred cattle in Bangladesh. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the genetic variants of CatSper1 and TNP2 in indigenous and crossbred cattle in Bangladesh. Blood samples were collected from 130 indigenous and 70 crossbred (Holstein Friesian × indigenous) cattle. Nucleotide variation was evaluated by PCR-RFLP and sequencing. The results of the study showed that the indigenous cattle possessed only TT genotype (1.0), whereas the crossbreds possessed both TT (0.91) and CT (0.09) genotypes, which was validated by gene sequencing. Additionally, the CatSper1 was conserved in both the indigenous and crossbred cattle, suggesting good semen quality and fertility. However, the TNP2 was conserved in the indigenous breeds and mostly conserved in the crossbreds. The findings of this study reveal the diversity of CatSper1 and TNP2 genes in indigenous and crossbred cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nusrat Jahan
- Animal Biotechnology Division, National Institute of Biotechnology, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Muhammad Wasim
- Animal Biotechnology Division, National Institute of Biotechnology, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail, Bangladesh
| | - Rubaya Rubaya
- Animal Biotechnology Division, National Institute of Biotechnology, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Kazi Rafsan Radeen
- Environmental Biotechnology Division, National Institute of Biotechnology, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Abdul Alim
- Animal Biotechnology Division, National Institute of Biotechnology, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - M M Kamal Hossain
- Animal Biotechnology Division, National Institute of Biotechnology, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Fatama Tous Zohora
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail, Bangladesh
| | - Keshob Chandra Das
- Molecular Biotechnology Division, National Institute of Biotechnology, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Salimullah
- Molecular Biotechnology Division, National Institute of Biotechnology, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Anjuman Ara Bhuyan
- Animal Biotechnology Division, National Institute of Biotechnology, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Jahangir Alam
- Animal Biotechnology Division, National Institute of Biotechnology, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Kijima T, Kurokawa D, Sasakura Y, Ogasawara M, Aratake S, Yoshida K, Yoshida M. CatSper mediates not only chemotactic behavior but also the motility of ascidian sperm. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1136537. [PMID: 38020915 PMCID: PMC10652287 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1136537] [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: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Sperm motility, including chemotactic behavior, is regulated by changes in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration, and the sperm-specific Ca2+ channel CatSper has been shown to play an important role in the regulation of intracellular Ca2+. In particular, in mammals, CatSper is the only functional Ca2+ channel in the sperm, and mice deficient in the genes comprising the pore region of the Ca2+ channel are infertile due to the inhibition of sperm hyperactivation. CatSper is also thought to be involved in sea urchin chemotaxis. In contrast, in ascidian Ciona intestinalis, SAAF, a sperm attractant, interacts with Ca2+/ATPase, a Ca2+ pump. Although the existence of CatSper genes has been reported, it is not clear whether CatSper is a functional Ca2+ channel in sperm. Results: We showed that CatSper is present in the sperm flagella of C. intestinalis as in mammalian species, although a small level of gene expression was found in other tissues. The spermatozoa of CatSper3 KO animals were significantly less motile, and some motile sperms did not show any chemotactic behavior. These results suggest that CatSper plays an important role in ascidians and mammals, and is involved in spermatogenesis and basic motility mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taiga Kijima
- Misaki Marine Biological Station, School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Miura, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Daisuke Kurokawa
- Misaki Marine Biological Station, School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Miura, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yasunori Sasakura
- Shimoda Marine Research Center, University of Tsukuba, Shimoda, Japan
| | - Michio Ogasawara
- Department of Biology, Graduate School of Science, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Satoe Aratake
- Misaki Marine Biological Station, School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Miura, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kaoru Yoshida
- Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Toin University of Yokohama, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Manabu Yoshida
- Misaki Marine Biological Station, School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Miura, Kanagawa, Japan
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10
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Huang X, Miyata H, Wang H, Mori G, Iida-Norita R, Ikawa M, Percudani R, Chung JJ. A CUG-initiated CATSPERθ functions in the CatSper channel assembly and serves as a checkpoint for flagellar trafficking. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2304409120. [PMID: 37725640 PMCID: PMC10523455 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2304409120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Calcium signaling is critical for successful fertilization. In spermatozoa, calcium influx into the sperm flagella mediated by the sperm-specific CatSper calcium channel is necessary for hyperactivated motility and male fertility. CatSper is a macromolecular complex and is repeatedly arranged in zigzag rows within four linear nanodomains along the sperm flagella. Here, we report that the Tmem249-encoded transmembrane (TM) domain-containing protein, CATSPERθ is essential for the CatSper channel assembly during sperm tail formation. CATSPERθ facilitates the channel assembly by serving as a scaffold for a pore-forming subunit CATSPER4. CATSPERθ is specifically localized at the interface of a CatSper dimer and can self-interact, suggesting its potential role in CatSper dimer formation. Male mice lacking CATSPERθ are infertile because the sperm lack the entire CatSper channel from sperm flagella, rendering sperm unable to hyperactivate, regardless of their normal expression in the testis. In contrast, genetic abrogation of any of the other CatSper TM subunits results in loss of CATSPERθ protein in the spermatid cells during spermatogenesis. CATSPERθ might act as a checkpoint for the properly assembled CatSper channel complex to traffic to sperm flagella. This study provides insights into the CatSper channel assembly and elucidates the physiological role of CATSPERθ in sperm motility and male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofang Huang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT06510
| | - Haruhiko Miyata
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita565-0871, Japan
| | - Huafeng Wang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT06510
| | - Giulia Mori
- Department of Chemistry, Life sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma43124, Italy
| | - Rie Iida-Norita
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita565-0871, Japan
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita565-0871, Japan
| | - Riccardo Percudani
- Department of Chemistry, Life sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma43124, Italy
| | - Jean-Ju Chung
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT06510
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT06510
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11
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Vicente-Carrillo A, Álvarez-Rodríguez M, Rodriguez-Martinez H. The Cation/Calcium Channel of Sperm (CatSper): A Common Role Played Despite Inter-Species Variation? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13750. [PMID: 37762052 PMCID: PMC10531172 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The main cation/calcium channel of spermatozoa (CatSper), first identified in 2001, has been thoroughly studied to elucidate its composition and function, while its distribution among species and sperm sources is yet incomplete. CatSper is composed of several subunits that build a pore-forming calcium channel, mainly activated in vivo in ejaculated sperm cells by intracellular alkalinization and progesterone, as suggested by the in vitro examinations. The CatSper channel relevance is dual: to maintain sperm homeostasis (alongside the plethora of membrane channels present) as well as being involved in pre-fertilization events, such as sperm capacitation, hyperactivation of sperm motility and the acrosome reaction, with remarkable species differences. Interestingly, the observed variations in CatSper localization in the plasma membrane seem to depend on the source of the sperm cells explored (i.e., epididymal or ejaculated, immature or mature, processed or not), the method used for examination and, particularly, on the specificity of the antibodies employed. In addition, despite multiple findings showing the relevance of CatSper in fertilization, few studies have studied CatSper as a biomarker to fine-tune diagnosis of sub-fertility in livestock or even consider its potential to control fertilization in plague animals, a more ethically defensible strategy than implicating CatSper to pharmacologically modify male-related fertility control in humans, pets or wild animals. This review describes inter- and intra-species differences in the localization, structure and function of the CatSper channel, calling for caution when considering its potential manipulation for fertility control or improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Vicente-Carrillo
- Department of Animal Production, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Álvarez-Rodríguez
- Department Animal Reproduction, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (INIA-CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
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12
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Mariani NAP, Silva JV, Fardilha M, Silva EJR. Advances in non-hormonal male contraception targeting sperm motility. Hum Reprod Update 2023; 29:545-569. [PMID: 37141450 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmad008] [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: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The high rates of unintended pregnancy and the ever-growing world population impose health, economic, social, and environmental threats to countries. Expanding contraceptive options, including male methods, are urgently needed to tackle these global challenges. Male contraception is limited to condoms and vasectomy, which are unsuitable for many couples. Thus, novel male contraceptive methods may reduce unintended pregnancies, meet the contraceptive needs of couples, and foster gender equality in carrying the contraceptive burden. In this regard, the spermatozoon emerges as a source of druggable targets for on-demand, non-hormonal male contraception based on disrupting sperm motility or fertilization. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE A better understanding of the molecules governing sperm motility can lead to innovative approaches toward safe and effective male contraceptives. This review discusses cutting-edge knowledge on sperm-specific targets for male contraception, focusing on those with crucial roles in sperm motility. We also highlight challenges and opportunities in male contraceptive drug development targeting spermatozoa. SEARCH METHODS We conducted a literature search in the PubMed database using the following keywords: 'spermatozoa', 'sperm motility', 'male contraception', and 'drug targets' in combination with other related terms to the field. Publications until January 2023 written in English were considered. OUTCOMES Efforts for developing non-hormonal strategies for male contraception resulted in the identification of candidates specifically expressed or enriched in spermatozoa, including enzymes (PP1γ2, GAPDHS, and sAC), ion channels (CatSper and KSper), transmembrane transporters (sNHE, SLC26A8, and ATP1A4), and surface proteins (EPPIN). These targets are usually located in the sperm flagellum. Their indispensable roles in sperm motility and male fertility were confirmed by genetic or immunological approaches using animal models and gene mutations associated with male infertility due to sperm defects in humans. Their druggability was demonstrated by the identification of drug-like small organic ligands displaying spermiostatic activity in preclinical trials. WIDER IMPLICATIONS A wide range of sperm-associated proteins has arisen as key regulators of sperm motility, providing compelling druggable candidates for male contraception. Nevertheless, no pharmacological agent has reached clinical developmental stages. One reason is the slow progress in translating the preclinical and drug discovery findings into a drug-like candidate adequate for clinical development. Thus, intense collaboration among academia, private sectors, governments, and regulatory agencies will be crucial to combine expertise for the development of male contraceptives targeting sperm function by (i) improving target structural characterization and the design of highly selective ligands, (ii) conducting long-term preclinical safety, efficacy, and reversibility evaluation, and (iii) establishing rigorous guidelines and endpoints for clinical trials and regulatory evaluation, thus allowing their testing in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemia A P Mariani
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Joana V Silva
- Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
- QOPNA & LAQV, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
- Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Margarida Fardilha
- Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Erick J R Silva
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil
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13
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Wehrli L, Galdadas I, Voirol L, Smieško M, Cambet Y, Jaquet V, Guerrier S, Gervasio FL, Nef S, Rahban R. The action of physiological and synthetic steroids on the calcium channel CatSper in human sperm. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1221578. [PMID: 37547474 PMCID: PMC10397409 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1221578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The sperm-specific channel CatSper (cation channel of sperm) controls the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and plays an essential role in sperm function. It is mainly activated by the steroid progesterone (P4) but is also promiscuously activated by a wide range of synthetic and physiological compounds. These compounds include diverse steroids whose action on the channel is so far still controversial. To investigate the effect of these compounds on CatSper and sperm function, we developed a high-throughput screening (HTS) assay to measure changes in [Ca2+]i in human sperm and screened 1,280 approved and off-patent drugs including 90 steroids from the Prestwick chemical library. More than half of the steroids tested (53%) induced an increase in [Ca2+]i and reduced the P4-induced Ca2+ influx in human sperm in a dose-dependent manner. Ten of the most potent steroids (activating and P4-inhibiting) were selected for a detailed analysis of their action on CatSper and their ability to act on sperm acrosome reaction (AR) and penetration in viscous media. We found that these steroids show an inhibitory effect on P4 but not on prostaglandin E1-induced CatSper activation, suggesting that they compete for the same binding site as P4. Pregnenolone, dydrogesterone, epiandrosterone, nandrolone, and dehydroepiandrosterone acetate (DHEA) were found to activate CatSper at physiologically relevant concentrations within the nanomolar range. Like P4, most tested steroids did not significantly affect the AR while stanozolol and estropipate slightly increased sperm penetration into viscous medium. Furthermore, using a hybrid approach integrating pharmacophore analysis and statistical modelling, we were able to screen in silico for steroids that can activate the channel and define the physicochemical and structural properties required for a steroid to exhibit agonist activity against CatSper. Overall, our results indicate that not only physiological but also synthetic steroids can modulate the activity of CatSper with varying potency and if bound to CatSper prior to P4, could impair the timely CatSper activation necessary for proper fertilization to occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Wehrli
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ioannis Galdadas
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Lionel Voirol
- Research Center for Statistics, Geneva School of Economics and Management, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Martin Smieško
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Yves Cambet
- Readers, Assay Development and Screening Unit (READS Unit), Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Vincent Jaquet
- Readers, Assay Development and Screening Unit (READS Unit), Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Stéphane Guerrier
- Research Center for Statistics, Geneva School of Economics and Management, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Faculty of Science, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Francesco Luigi Gervasio
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Serge Nef
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), Basel, Switzerland
| | - Rita Rahban
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), Basel, Switzerland
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14
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Chen GL, Li J, Zhang J, Zeng B. To Be or Not to Be an Ion Channel: Cryo-EM Structures Have a Say. Cells 2023; 12:1870. [PMID: 37508534 PMCID: PMC10378246 DOI: 10.3390/cells12141870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Ion channels are the second largest class of drug targets after G protein-coupled receptors. In addition to well-recognized ones like voltage-gated Na/K/Ca channels in the heart and neurons, novel ion channels are continuously discovered in both excitable and non-excitable cells and demonstrated to play important roles in many physiological processes and diseases such as developmental disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. However, in the field of ion channel discovery, there are an unignorable number of published studies that are unsolid and misleading. Despite being the gold standard of a functional assay for ion channels, electrophysiological recordings are often accompanied by electrical noise, leak conductance, and background currents of the membrane system. These unwanted signals, if not treated properly, lead to the mischaracterization of proteins with seemingly unusual ion-conducting properties. In the recent ten years, the technical revolution of cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) has greatly advanced our understanding of the structures and gating mechanisms of various ion channels and also raised concerns about the pore-forming ability of some previously identified channel proteins. In this review, we summarize cryo-EM findings on ion channels with molecular identities recognized or disputed in recent ten years and discuss current knowledge of proposed channel proteins awaiting cryo-EM analyses. We also present a classification of ion channels according to their architectures and evolutionary relationships and discuss the possibility and strategy of identifying more ion channels by analyzing structures of transmembrane proteins of unknown function. We propose that cross-validation by electrophysiological and structural analyses should be essentially required for determining molecular identities of novel ion channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gui-Lan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education & Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Jian Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Bo Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education & Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
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15
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Hwang JY, Chung JJ. CatSper Calcium Channels: 20 Years On. Physiology (Bethesda) 2023; 38:0. [PMID: 36512352 PMCID: PMC10085559 DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00028.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The flagellar-specific Ca2+ channel CatSper is the predominant Ca2+ entry site in mammalian sperm. CatSper-mediated Ca2+ signaling affects nearly every event that regulates sperm to acquire fertilizing capability. In this review, we summarize some of the main findings from 20 years of CatSper research and highlight recent progress and prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Yeon Hwang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Jean-Ju Chung
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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16
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Pinto FM, Odriozola A, Candenas L, Subirán N. The Role of Sperm Membrane Potential and Ion Channels in Regulating Sperm Function. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:6995. [PMID: 37108159 PMCID: PMC10138380 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24086995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
During the last seventy years, studies on mammalian sperm cells have demonstrated the essential role of capacitation, hyperactivation and the acrosome reaction in the acquisition of fertilization ability. These studies revealed the important biochemical and physiological changes that sperm undergo in their travel throughout the female genital tract, including changes in membrane fluidity, the activation of soluble adenylate cyclase, increases in intracellular pH and Ca2+ and the development of motility. Sperm are highly polarized cells, with a resting membrane potential of about -40 mV, which must rapidly adapt to the ionic changes occurring through the sperm membrane. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the relationship between variations in the sperm potential membrane, including depolarization and hyperpolarization, and their correlation with changes in sperm motility and capacitation to further lead to the acrosome reaction, a calcium-dependent exocytosis process. We also review the functionality of different ion channels that are present in spermatozoa in order to understand their association with human infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco M. Pinto
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas, CSIC-University of Sevilla, Avenida Américo Vespucio 49, 41092 Sevilla, Spain;
| | - Ainize Odriozola
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursery, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Bizkaia, Spain; (A.O.); (N.S.)
- Biocruces-Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain
- MEPRO Medical Reproductive Solutions, 20009 San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Luz Candenas
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas, CSIC-University of Sevilla, Avenida Américo Vespucio 49, 41092 Sevilla, Spain;
| | - Nerea Subirán
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursery, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Bizkaia, Spain; (A.O.); (N.S.)
- Biocruces-Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain
- MEPRO Medical Reproductive Solutions, 20009 San Sebastian, Spain
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17
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Huang X, Miyata H, Wang H, Mori G, Iida-Norita R, Ikawa M, Percudani R, Chung JJ. A CUG-initiated CATSPERθ functions in the CatSper channel assembly and serves as a checkpoint for flagellar trafficking. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.17.532952. [PMID: 36993167 PMCID: PMC10055175 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.17.532952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Calcium signaling is critical for successful fertilization. In spermatozoa, calcium influx into the sperm flagella mediated by the sperm specific CatSper calcium channel is necessary for hyperactivated motility and male fertility. CatSper is a macromolecular complex and is repeatedly arranged in zigzag rows within four linear nanodomains along the sperm flagella. Here, we report that the Tmem249 -encoded transmembrane domain containing protein, CATSPERθ, is essential for the CatSper channel assembly during sperm tail formation. CATSPERθ facilitates the channel assembly by serving as a scaffold for a pore forming subunit CATSPER4. CATSPERθ is specifically localized at the interface of a CatSper dimer and can self-interact, suggesting its potential role in CatSper dimer formation. Male mice lacking CATSPERθ are infertile because the sperm lack the entire CatSper channel from sperm flagella, rendering sperm unable to hyperactivate, regardless of their normal expression in the testis. In contrast, genetic abrogation of any of the other CatSper transmembrane subunits results in loss of CATSPERθ protein in the spermatid cells during spermatogenesis. CATSPERθ might acts as a checkpoint for the properly assembled CatSper channel complex to traffic to sperm flagella. This study provides insights into the CatSper channel assembly and elucidates the physiological role of CATSPERθ in sperm motility and male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofang Huang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Haruhiko Miyata
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita 5650871, Japan
| | - Huafeng Wang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Giulia Mori
- Department of Chemistry, Life sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma 43124, Italy
| | - Rie Iida-Norita
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita 5650871, Japan
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita 5650871, Japan
| | - Riccardo Percudani
- Department of Chemistry, Life sciences, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma 43124, Italy
| | - Jean-Ju Chung
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06510
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18
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Luque GM, Schiavi-Ehrenhaus LJ, Jabloñski M, Balestrini PA, Novero AG, Torres NI, Osycka-Salut CE, Darszon A, Krapf D, Buffone MG. High-throughput screening method for discovering CatSper inhibitors using membrane depolarization caused by external calcium chelation and fluorescent cell barcoding. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1010306. [PMID: 36743410 PMCID: PMC9892719 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1010306] [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: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The exclusive expression of CatSper in sperm and its critical role in sperm function makes this channel an attractive target for contraception. The strategy of blocking CatSper as a male, non-hormonal contraceptive has not been fully explored due to the lack of robust screening methods to discover novel and specific inhibitors. The reason for this lack of appropriate methodology is the structural and functional complexity of this channel. We have developed a high-throughput method to screen drugs with the capacity to block CatSper in mammalian sperm. The assay is based on removing external free divalent cations by chelation, inducing CatSper to efficiently conduct monovalent cations. Since Na+ is highly concentrated in the extracellular milieu, a sudden influx depolarizes the cell. Using CatSper1 KO sperm we demonstrated that this depolarization depends on CatSper function. A membrane potential (Em) assay was combined with fluorescent cell barcoding (FCB), enabling higher throughput flow cytometry based on unique fluorescent signatures of different sperm samples. These differentially labeled samples incubated in distinct experimental conditions can be combined into one tube for simultaneous acquisition. In this way, acquisition times are highly reduced, which is essential to perform larger screening experiments for drug discovery using live cells. Altogether, a simple strategy for assessing CatSper was validated, and this assay was used to develop a high-throughput drug screening for new CatSper blockers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermina M. Luque
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina,*Correspondence: Guillermina M. Luque, ; Mariano G. Buffone,
| | | | - Martina Jabloñski
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Paula A. Balestrini
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Analia G. Novero
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (CONICET-UNR), Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Nicolás I. Torres
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Claudia E. Osycka-Salut
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas, Universidad Nacional de San Martín (UNSAM-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Dario Krapf
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (CONICET-UNR), Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Mariano G. Buffone
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina,*Correspondence: Guillermina M. Luque, ; Mariano G. Buffone,
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19
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Contreras‐Marciales ADP, López‐Guzmán SF, Benítez‐Hess ML, Oviedo N, Hernández‐Sánchez J. Characterization of the promoter region of the murine Catsper2 gene. FEBS Open Bio 2022; 12:2236-2249. [PMID: 36345591 PMCID: PMC9714369 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
CATSPER2 (Cation channel sperm-associated protein 2) protein, which is part of the calcium CATSPER channel located in the membrane of the flagellar principal piece of the sperm cell, is only expressed in the testis during spermatogenesis. Deletions or mutations in the Catsper2 gene are associated with the deafness-infertility syndrome (DIS) and non-syndromic male infertility. However, the mechanisms by which Catsper2 is regulated are unknown. Here, we report the characterization of the promoter region of murine Catsper2 and the role of CTCF and CREMτ in its transcription. We report that the promoter region has transcriptional activity in both directions, as determined by observing luciferase activity in mouse Sertoli and GC-1 spg transfected cells. WGBS data analysis indicated that a CpG island identified in silico is non-methylated; Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-seq data analysis revealed that histone marks H3K4me3 and H3K36me3 are present in the promoter and body of the Catsper2 gene respectively, indicating that Catsper2 is subject to epigenetic regulation. In addition, the murine Catsper2 core promoter was delimited to a region between -54/+189 relative to the transcription start site (TSS), where three CTCF and one CRE binding site were predicted. The functionality of these sites was determined by mutation of the CTCF sites and deletion of the CRE site. Finally, ChIP assays confirmed that CREMτ and CTCF bind to the Catsper2 minimal promoter region. This study represents the first functional analysis of the murine Catsper2 promoter region and the mechanisms that regulate its expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea del Pilar Contreras‐Marciales
- Departamento de Genética y Biología MolecularCentro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV)Ciudad de MéxicoMexico
| | - Sergio Federico López‐Guzmán
- Departamento de Genética y Biología MolecularCentro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV)Ciudad de MéxicoMexico
| | - María Luisa Benítez‐Hess
- Departamento de Genética y Biología MolecularCentro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV)Ciudad de MéxicoMexico
| | - Norma Oviedo
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Inmunología e Infectología, Centro Médico Nacional, La RazaInstituto Mexicano del Seguro SocialCiudad de MéxicoMexico
| | - Javier Hernández‐Sánchez
- Departamento de Genética y Biología MolecularCentro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV)Ciudad de MéxicoMexico
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20
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Carlson EJ, Francis R, Liu Y, Li P, Lyon M, Santi CM, Hook DJ, Hawkinson JE, Georg GI. Discovery and Characterization of Multiple Classes of Human CatSper Blockers. ChemMedChem 2022; 17:e202000499. [PMID: 35644882 PMCID: PMC9378630 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202000499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The cation channel of sperm (CatSper) is a validated target for nonhormonal male contraception, but it lacks selective blockers, hindering studies to establish its role in both motility and capacitation. Via an innovative calcium uptake assay utilizing human sperm we discovered novel inhibitors of CatSper function from a high-throughput screening campaign of 72,000 compounds. Preliminary SAR was established for seven hit series. HTS hits or their more potent analogs blocked potassium-induced depolarization and noncompetitively inhibited progesterone-induced CatSper activation. CatSper channel blockade was confirmed by patch clamp electrophysiology and these compounds inhibited progesterone- and prostaglandin E1-induced hyperactivated sperm motility. One of the hit compounds is a potent CatSper inhibitor with high selectivity for CatSper over hCav1.2, hNav1.5, moderate selectivity over hSlo3 and hERG, and low cytotoxicity and is therefore the most promising inhibitor identified in this study. These new CatSper blockers serve as useful starting points for chemical probe development and drug discovery efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erick J. Carlson
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry andInstitute for Therapeutics Discovery and DevelopmentCollege of PharmacyUniversity of Minnesota717 Delaware Street, SEMinneapolisMN 55414USA
| | - Rawle Francis
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry andInstitute for Therapeutics Discovery and DevelopmentCollege of PharmacyUniversity of Minnesota717 Delaware Street, SEMinneapolisMN 55414USA
| | - Yutong Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry andInstitute for Therapeutics Discovery and DevelopmentCollege of PharmacyUniversity of Minnesota717 Delaware Street, SEMinneapolisMN 55414USA
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyWashington University School of Medicine425 S. Euclid AvenueSt. LouisMO 63110USA
| | - Maximilian Lyon
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyWashington University School of Medicine425 S. Euclid AvenueSt. LouisMO 63110USA
| | - Celia M. Santi
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyWashington University School of Medicine425 S. Euclid AvenueSt. LouisMO 63110USA
| | - Derek J. Hook
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry andInstitute for Therapeutics Discovery and DevelopmentCollege of PharmacyUniversity of Minnesota717 Delaware Street, SEMinneapolisMN 55414USA
| | - Jon E. Hawkinson
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry andInstitute for Therapeutics Discovery and DevelopmentCollege of PharmacyUniversity of Minnesota717 Delaware Street, SEMinneapolisMN 55414USA
| | - Gunda I. Georg
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry andInstitute for Therapeutics Discovery and DevelopmentCollege of PharmacyUniversity of Minnesota717 Delaware Street, SEMinneapolisMN 55414USA
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21
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Forero-Forero A, López-Ramírez S, Felix R, Hernández-Sánchez J, Tesoro-Cruz E, Orozco-Suárez S, Murbartián J, Soria-Castro E, Olivares A, Bekker-Méndez C, Paredes-Cervantes V, Oviedo N. Down Regulation of Catsper1 Expression by Calmodulin Inhibitor (Calmidazolium): Possible Implications for Fertility. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158070. [PMID: 35897646 PMCID: PMC9331981 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The CatSper channel localizes exclusively in the flagella of sperm cells. The Catsper1 protein, together with three pore units, is essential for the CatSper Channel formation, which produces flagellum hyperactivation and confers sperm fertility. Catsper1 expression is dependent on Sox transcription factors, which can recognize in vitro at least three Sox binding sites on the promoter. Sox transcription factors have calmodulin-binding domains for nuclear importation. Calmodulin (CaM) is affected by the specific inhibitor calmidazolium (CMZ), which prevents the nuclear transport of Sox factors. In this work, we assess the regulation of the Catsper1 promoter in vivo by Sox factors in the murine testis and evaluate the effects of the inhibitor calmidazolium on the expression of the Casper genes, and the motility and fertility of the sperm. Catsper1 promoter has significant transcriptional activity in vivo; on the contrary, three Sox site mutants in the Catsper1 promoter reduced transcriptional activity in the testis. CaM inhibition affects Sox factor nuclear transport and has notable implications in the expression and production of Catsper1, as well as in the motility and fertility capability of sperm. The molecular mechanism described here might conform to the basis of a male contraceptive strategy acting at the transcriptional level by affecting the production of the CatSper channel, a fundamental piece of male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Forero-Forero
- Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (Cinvestav-IPN), Departamento de Biología Celular, Ciudad de México 07360, Mexico; (A.F.-F.); (R.F.)
| | - Stephany López-Ramírez
- Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Hospital General de Zona Núm. 68, Ecatepec 55400, Mexico;
| | - Ricardo Felix
- Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (Cinvestav-IPN), Departamento de Biología Celular, Ciudad de México 07360, Mexico; (A.F.-F.); (R.F.)
| | - Javier Hernández-Sánchez
- Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (Cinvestav-IPN), Departamento de Genética y Biología Molecular, Ciudad de México 07360, Mexico;
| | - Emiliano Tesoro-Cruz
- Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Hospital de Infectología del Centro Médico Nacional La Raza, Unidad de Investigación Médica en Inmunología e Infectología, Ciudad de México 02990, Mexico; (E.T.-C.); (C.B.-M.); (V.P.-C.)
| | - Sandra Orozco-Suárez
- Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Centro Médico Nacional siglo XXI, Hospital de Especialidades, Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Neurológicas, Ciudad de México 06720, Mexico;
| | - Janet Murbartián
- Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (Cinvestav-IPN), Sede sur, Departamento de Farmacobiología, Ciudad de México 14330, Mexico;
| | - Elizabeth Soria-Castro
- Instituto Nacional de Cardiología “Ignacio Chavéz”, Departamento de Biomedicina Cardiovascular, Ciudad de México 14080, Mexico;
| | - Aleida Olivares
- Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Hospital de Gineco Obstetricia No. 4 Luis Castelazo Ayala, Unidad de Investigación Médica en Medicina Reproductiva, Ciudad de México 01090, Mexico;
| | - Carolina Bekker-Méndez
- Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Hospital de Infectología del Centro Médico Nacional La Raza, Unidad de Investigación Médica en Inmunología e Infectología, Ciudad de México 02990, Mexico; (E.T.-C.); (C.B.-M.); (V.P.-C.)
| | - Vladimir Paredes-Cervantes
- Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Hospital de Infectología del Centro Médico Nacional La Raza, Unidad de Investigación Médica en Inmunología e Infectología, Ciudad de México 02990, Mexico; (E.T.-C.); (C.B.-M.); (V.P.-C.)
| | - Norma Oviedo
- Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Hospital de Infectología del Centro Médico Nacional La Raza, Unidad de Investigación Médica en Inmunología e Infectología, Ciudad de México 02990, Mexico; (E.T.-C.); (C.B.-M.); (V.P.-C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +52-5557821088 (ext. 24315)
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22
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Anderegg MA, Gyimesi G, Ho TM, Hediger MA, Fuster DG. The Less Well-Known Little Brothers: The SLC9B/NHA Sodium Proton Exchanger Subfamily—Structure, Function, Regulation and Potential Drug-Target Approaches. Front Physiol 2022; 13:898508. [PMID: 35694410 PMCID: PMC9174904 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.898508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The SLC9 gene family encodes Na+/H+ exchangers (NHEs), a group of membrane transport proteins critically involved in the regulation of cytoplasmic and organellar pH, cell volume, as well as systemic acid-base and volume homeostasis. NHEs of the SLC9A subfamily (NHE 1–9) are well-known for their roles in human physiology and disease. Much less is known about the two members of the SLC9B subfamily, NHA1 and NHA2, which share higher similarity to prokaryotic NHEs than the SLC9A paralogs. NHA2 (also known as SLC9B2) is ubiquitously expressed and has recently been shown to participate in renal blood pressure and electrolyte regulation, insulin secretion and systemic glucose homeostasis. In addition, NHA2 has been proposed to contribute to the pathogenesis of polycystic kidney disease, the most common inherited kidney disease in humans. NHA1 (also known as SLC9B1) is mainly expressed in testis and is important for sperm motility and thus male fertility, but has not been associated with human disease thus far. In this review, we present a summary of the structure, function and regulation of expression of the SLC9B subfamily members, focusing primarily on the better-studied SLC9B paralog, NHA2. Furthermore, we will review the potential of the SLC9B subfamily as drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel A. Anderegg
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Manuel A. Anderegg,
| | - Gergely Gyimesi
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Membrane Transport Discovery Lab, Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Tin Manh Ho
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Matthias A. Hediger
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Membrane Transport Discovery Lab, Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Daniel G. Fuster
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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23
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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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24
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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: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [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. CatSperτ 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.
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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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25
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Vogiatzi P, Pouliakis A, Sakellariou M, Athanasiou A, Athanasiou A, Colaghis A, Finelli R, Loutradis D, Henkel R, Agarwal A. Male Age and Progressive Sperm Motility Are Critical Factors Affecting Embryological and Clinical Outcomes in Oocyte Donor ICSI Cycles. Reprod Sci 2021; 29:883-895. [PMID: 34782988 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00801-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This retrospective cohort study aimed to explore whether paternal age and semen quality parameters affect the embryological and clinical outcomes of ICSI with oocyte donation. A total of 339 oocyte donation (OD)-ICSI cycles were categorized into four groups according to the semen parameter profiles of the male counterparts: normozoospermia (NS, n = 184), oligozoospermia (OS, n = 41), asthenozoospermia (AS, n = 50), and oligoasthenozoospermia (OAS, n = 64). The effect of age, total sperm count, and progressive motility was separately analyzed for reproductive outcomes and compared between the study groups: fertilization, blastulation, and top-quality embryo rate, biochemical and clinical pregnancy, live birth, and miscarriage. A negative correlation between male age and fertilization rate was observed (rs = - 0.23, p < 0.0001), while male age was a significant factor for biochemical pregnancy (p = 0.0002), clinical pregnancy (p = 0.0017), and live birth (p = 0.0038). Reduced total sperm count and lowered progressive motility led to poorer fertilization rates (rs = 0.19 and 0.35, respectively, p < 0.0001) and affected embryo quality (rs = 0.13, p = 0.02, and rs = 0.22, p < 0.0001, respectively). OD-ICSI cycles with asthenozoospermia had significantly lowered success rates in biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, and live birth (p < 0.05). Our study demonstrated that both advanced male age and reduced progressive motility of spermatozoa exert a significant negative influence on the outcome of assisted reproduction, even in controlled procedures with gamete selection and optimization such as in OD-ICSI. Improvement in treatment strategies and male fertility evaluation requires incorporation of such evidence to obtain better prognosis towards personalized management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paraskevi Vogiatzi
- IVF Athens Reproduction Center, 5 Kifissias Avenue, 151 23, Maroussi, Greece. .,Andromed Health & Reproduction, Fertility Diagnostics Laboratory, 3 Mesogion Str, 15126, Maroussi, Greece.
| | - Abraham Pouliakis
- Second Department of Pathology, "Attikon" University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 1 Rimini Street, 12462, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Sakellariou
- IVF Athens Reproduction Center, 5 Kifissias Avenue, 151 23, Maroussi, Greece
| | | | | | - Alexandros Colaghis
- IVF Athens Reproduction Center, 5 Kifissias Avenue, 151 23, Maroussi, Greece
| | - Renata Finelli
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, 10681 Carnegie Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Dimitrios Loutradis
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, "Alexandra" Maternity Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 80 Vassilissis Sophias Avenue, 115 28, Athens, Greece
| | - Ralf Henkel
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, 10681 Carnegie Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.,Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2BX, UK.,Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Robert Sobukwe Road, Bellville, 7535, South Africa
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, 10681 Carnegie Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
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26
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Carlson EJ, Georg GI, Hawkinson JE. Steroidal Antagonists of Progesterone- and Prostaglandin E 1-Induced Activation of the Cation Channel of Sperm. Mol Pharmacol 2021; 101:56-67. [PMID: 34718225 PMCID: PMC8969127 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.121.000349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The cation channel of sperm (CatSper) is the principal entry point for calcium in human spermatozoa and its proper function is essential for successful fertilization. As CatSper is potently activated by progesterone, we evaluated a range of steroids to define the structure-activity relationships for channel activation and found that CatSper is activated by a broad range of steroids with diverse structural modifications. By testing steroids that failed to elicit calcium influx as inhibitors of channel activation, we discovered that medroxyprogesterone acetate, levonorgestrel, and aldosterone inhibited calcium influx produced by progesterone, prostaglandin E1, and the fungal natural product l-sirenin, but these steroidal inhibitors failed to prevent calcium influx in response to elevated K+ and pH. In contrast to these steroid antagonists, we demonstrated for the first time that the T-type calcium channel blocker ML218 acts similarly to mibefradil, blocking CatSper channels activated by both ligands and alkalinization/depolarization. These T-type calcium channel blockers produced an insurmountable blockade of CatSper, whereas the three steroids produced antagonism that was surmountable by increasing concentrations of each activator, indicating that the steroids selectively antagonize ligand-induced activation of CatSper rather than blocking channel function. Both the channel blockers and the steroid antagonists markedly reduced hyperactivated motility of human sperm assessed by computer-aided sperm analysis, consistent with inhibition of CatSper activation. Unlike the channel blockers mibefradil and ML218, which reduced total and progressive motility, medroxyprogesterone acetate, levonorgestrel, and aldosterone had little effect on these motility parameters, indicating that these steroids are selective inhibitors of hyperactivated sperm motility. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The steroids medroxyprogesterone acetate, levonorgestrel, and aldosterone selectively antagonize progesterone- and prostaglandin E1-induced calcium influx through the CatSper cation channel in human sperm. In contrast to T-type calcium channel blockers that prevent all modes of CatSper activation, these steroid CatSper antagonists preferentially reduce hyperactivated sperm motility, which is required for fertilization. The discovery of competitive antagonists of ligand-induced CatSper activation provides starting points for future discovery of male contraceptive agents acting by this unique mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erick J Carlson
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry (E.J.C., G.I.G., J.E.H.) and Institute for Therapeutics Discovery and Development (G.I.G., J.E.H.), University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Gunda I Georg
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry (E.J.C., G.I.G., J.E.H.) and Institute for Therapeutics Discovery and Development (G.I.G., J.E.H.), University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Jon E Hawkinson
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry (E.J.C., G.I.G., J.E.H.) and Institute for Therapeutics Discovery and Development (G.I.G., J.E.H.), University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
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27
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Barratt CLR. The structure of CatSper is revealed: happy days for sperm biology. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:2811-2813. [PMID: 34491347 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher L R Barratt
- Division of Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD19SY, UK
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28
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Florman HM. Male contraception: Are we seeing the end of the beginning? Mol Reprod Dev 2021; 88:647-649. [PMID: 34462988 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Harvey M Florman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
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29
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30
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Luque GM, Xu X, Romarowski A, Gervasi MG, Orta G, De la Vega-Beltrán JL, Stival C, Gilio N, Dalotto-Moreno T, Krapf D, Visconti PE, Krapf D, Darszon A, Buffone MG. Cdc42 localized in the CatSper signaling complex regulates cAMP-dependent pathways in mouse sperm. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21723. [PMID: 34224609 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202002773rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Sperm acquire the ability to fertilize in a process called capacitation and undergo hyperactivation, a change in the motility pattern, which depends on Ca2+ transport by CatSper channels. CatSper is essential for fertilization and it is subjected to a complex regulation that is not fully understood. Here, we report that similar to CatSper, Cdc42 distribution in the principal piece is confined to four linear domains and this localization is disrupted in CatSper1-null sperm. Cdc42 inhibition impaired CatSper activity and other Ca2+ -dependent downstream events resulting in a severe compromise of the sperm fertilizing potential. We also demonstrate that Cdc42 is essential for CatSper function by modulating cAMP production by soluble adenylate cyclase (sAC), providing a new regulatory mechanism for the stimulation of CatSper by the cAMP-dependent pathway. These results reveal a broad mechanistic insight into the regulation of Ca2+ in mammalian sperm, a matter of critical importance in male infertility as well as in contraception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermina M Luque
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Xinran Xu
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Ana Romarowski
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - María G Gervasi
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Gerardo Orta
- Instituto de Biotecnología, UNAM, Cuernavaca, México
| | | | - Cintia Stival
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (CONICET-UNR), Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Nicolás Gilio
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Tomás Dalotto-Moreno
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Dario Krapf
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (CONICET-UNR), Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Pablo E Visconti
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Diego Krapf
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | | | - Mariano G Buffone
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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31
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Lin S, Ke M, Zhang Y, Yan Z, Wu J. Structure of a mammalian sperm cation channel complex. Nature 2021; 595:746-750. [PMID: 34225353 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-03742-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The cation channel of sperm (CatSper) is essential for sperm motility and fertility1,2. CatSper comprises the pore-forming proteins CATSPER1-4 and multiple auxiliary subunits, including CATSPERβ, γ, δ, ε, ζ, and EFCAB91,3-9. Here we report the cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure of the CatSper complex isolated from mouse sperm. In the extracellular view, CATSPER1-4 conform to the conventional domain-swapped voltage-gated ion channel fold10, following a counterclockwise arrangement. The auxiliary subunits CATSPERβ, γ, δ and ε-each of which contains a single transmembrane segment and a large extracellular domain-constitute a pavilion-like structure that stabilizes the entire complex through interactions with CATSPER4, 1, 3 and 2, respectively. Our EM map reveals several previously uncharacterized components, exemplified by the organic anion transporter SLCO6C1. We name this channel-transporter ultracomplex the CatSpermasome. The assembly and organization details of the CatSpermasome presented here lay the foundation for the development of CatSpermasome-related treatments for male infertility and non-hormonal contraceptives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyi Lin
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China.,Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, China
| | - Meng Ke
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China.,Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuqi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China.,Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhen Yan
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China.,Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianping Wu
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China. .,Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, China. .,Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, China.
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32
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Ali MA, Wang Y, Qin Z, Yuan X, Zhang Y, Zeng C. Odorant and Taste Receptors in Sperm Chemotaxis and Cryopreservation: Roles and Implications in Sperm Capacitation, Motility and Fertility. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12040488. [PMID: 33801624 PMCID: PMC8065900 DOI: 10.3390/genes12040488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm chemotaxis, which guide sperm toward oocyte, is tightly associated with sperm capacitation, motility, and fertility. However, the molecular mechanism of sperm chemotaxis is not known. Reproductive odorant and taste receptors, belong to G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) super-family, cause an increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration which is pre-requisite for sperm capacitation and acrosomal reaction, and result in sperm hyperpolarization and increase motility through activation of Ca2+-dependent Cl¯ channels. Recently, odorant receptors (ORs) in olfactory transduction pathway were thought to be associated with post-thaw sperm motility, freeze tolerance or freezability and cryo-capacitation-like change during cryopreservation. Investigation of the roles of odorant and taste receptors (TRs) is important for our understanding of the freeze tolerance or freezability mechanism and improve the motility and fertility of post-thaw sperm. Here, we reviewed the roles, mode of action, impact of odorant and taste receptors on sperm chemotaxis and post-thaw sperm quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malik Ahsan Ali
- College of Animal Science and Technology and Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China; (Y.W.); (Z.Q.); (X.Y.); (Y.Z.)
- Department of Theriogenology, Riphah College of Veterinary Sciences, Lahore 54000, Punjab, Pakistan;
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38000, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Yihan Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology and Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China; (Y.W.); (Z.Q.); (X.Y.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Ziyue Qin
- College of Animal Science and Technology and Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China; (Y.W.); (Z.Q.); (X.Y.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Xiang Yuan
- College of Animal Science and Technology and Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China; (Y.W.); (Z.Q.); (X.Y.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Yan Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology and Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China; (Y.W.); (Z.Q.); (X.Y.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Changjun Zeng
- College of Animal Science and Technology and Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, Sichuan, China; (Y.W.); (Z.Q.); (X.Y.); (Y.Z.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +86-28-86291010
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Yasuda K, Yoshida A, Okada H. Conflicting Nongenomic Effects of Progesterone in the Myometrium of Pregnant Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:2154. [PMID: 33671517 PMCID: PMC7926872 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22042154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, it has been suggested that progesterone affects the contractile activity of pregnant myometrium via nongenomic pathways; therefore, we aimed to clarify whether progesterone causes and/or inhibits pregnant myometrial contractions via nongenomic pathways. Our in vitro experiments using myometrial strips obtained from rats at 20 days of gestation revealed that progesterone caused myometrial contractions in a concentration- and time-dependent manner at concentrations up to 5 × 10-7 M; however, this effect decreased at concentrations higher than 5 × 10-5 M. Similarly, progesterone enhanced oxytocin-induced contractions up to 5 × 10-7 M and inhibited contractions at concentrations higher than 5 × 10-5 M. Conversely, progesterone did not enhance high-KCl-induced contractions but inhibited contractions in a concentration- and time-dependent manner at concentrations higher than 5 × 10-7 M. We also found that RU486 did not affect progesterone-induced contractions or the progesterone-induced inhibition of high-KCl-induced contractions; however, progesterone-induced contractions were blocked by calcium-free phosphate saline solution, verapamil, and nifedipine. In addition, FPL64176, an activator of L-type voltage-dependent calcium channels, enhanced high-KCl-induced contractions and rescued the decrease in high-KCl-induced contractions caused by progesterone. Together, these results suggest that progesterone exerts conflicting nongenomic effects on the contractions of pregnant myometrium via putative L-type voltage-dependent calcium channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsuhiko Yasuda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kansai Medical University, 2-5-1 Shinmachi, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1010, Japan; (A.Y.); (H.O.)
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Wang J, Tang H, Zou Q, Zheng A, Li H, Yang S, Xiang J. Patient with CATSPER3 mutations-related failure of sperm acrosome reaction with successful pregnancy outcome from intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Mol Genet Genomic Med 2020; 9:e1579. [PMID: 33350607 PMCID: PMC8077087 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.1579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study is intended to investigate the candidate pathogenic gene in a patient with primary infertility but without the defect in routine semen parameters from a consanguineous family and explore the potential impacts of mutations on assisted reproductive technology outcome. Methods Whole‐exome sequencing (WES) was carried out. A variant in his family found by WES was verified by Sanger sequencing. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was applied to obtain a successful outcome. Results A Cation Channel of Sperm 3(CATSPER3) homozygous variant (NM_ 178019.3:exon5:c.707T>A, p.L236*) was identified for the first time. The anti‐CD46 immunofluorescence analysis revealed the failure of sperm acrosome reaction (AR) caused by the mutation. ICSI treatment was successful. Conclusion This is the first report of a homozygous pathogenic CATSPER3 mutation. This mutation may cause male infertility with the failure of AR but without the defect in routine semen parameters. ICSI was supposed to be the most appropriate therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxiong Wang
- Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Hui Tang
- Suzhou Center Affiliated to State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Suzhou Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Qinyan Zou
- Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Aiyan Zheng
- Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Hong Li
- Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Shenmin Yang
- Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jingjing Xiang
- Suzhou Center Affiliated to State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Suzhou Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
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35
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Rahban R, Nef S. CatSper: The complex main gate of calcium entry in mammalian spermatozoa. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 518:110951. [PMID: 32712386 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Calcium ions (Ca2+) are involved in nearly every aspect of cellular life. They are one of the most abundant elements in mammals and play a vital role in physiological and biochemical processes acting mainly as intracellular messengers. In spermatozoa, several key functions are regulated by cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration such as sperm capacitation, chemotaxis, hyperactive motility, and acrosome reaction. The sperm-specific ion channel CatSper is the principal calcium channel in sperm mediating the calcium influx into the sperm flagellum and acting as an essential modulator of downstream mechanisms involved in fertilization. This review aims to provide insights into the structure, localization, and function of the mammalian CatSper channel, primarily human and mice. The activation of CatSper by progesterone and prostaglandins, as well as the ligand-independent regulation of the channel by a change in the membrane voltage and intracellular pH are going to be addressed. Finally, major questions, challenges, and perspectives are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Rahban
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), Switzerland; Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Rue Michel-Servet 1, 1206, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Serge Nef
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), Switzerland; Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Rue Michel-Servet 1, 1206, Geneva, Switzerland.
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36
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Balbach M, Hamzeh H, Jikeli JF, Brenker C, Schiffer C, Hansen JN, Neugebauer P, Trötschel C, Jovine L, Han L, Florman HM, Kaupp UB, Strünker T, Wachten D. Molecular Mechanism Underlying the Action of Zona-pellucida Glycoproteins on Mouse Sperm. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:572735. [PMID: 32984353 PMCID: PMC7487327 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.572735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian oocytes are enveloped by the zona pellucida (ZP), an extracellular matrix of glycoproteins. In sperm, stimulation with ZP proteins evokes a rapid Ca2+ influx via the sperm-specific, pH-sensitive Ca2+ channel CatSper. However, the physiological role and molecular mechanisms underlying ZP-dependent activation of CatSper are unknown. Here, we delineate the sequence of ZP-signaling events in mouse sperm. We show that ZP proteins evoke a rapid intracellular pHi increase that rests predominantly on Na+/H+ exchange by NHA1 and requires cAMP synthesis by the soluble adenylyl cyclase sAC as well as a sufficiently negative membrane potential set by the spem-specific K+ channel Slo3. The alkaline-activated CatSper channel translates the ZP-induced pHi increase into a Ca2+ response. Our findings reveal the molecular components underlying ZP action on mouse sperm, opening up new avenues for understanding the basic principles of sperm function and, thereby, mammalian fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Balbach
- Center of Advanced European Studies and Research, Department of Molecular Sensory Systems, Bonn, Germany
| | - Hussein Hamzeh
- Center of Advanced European Studies and Research, Department of Molecular Sensory Systems, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jan F Jikeli
- Institute of Innate Immunity, Department of Biophysical Imaging, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Christoph Brenker
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Christian Schiffer
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Jan N Hansen
- Institute of Innate Immunity, Department of Biophysical Imaging, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Pia Neugebauer
- Institute of Innate Immunity, Department of Biophysical Imaging, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Luca Jovine
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Ling Han
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Harvey M Florman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Massachusetts Medical School Worcester, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - U Benjamin Kaupp
- Center of Advanced European Studies and Research, Department of Molecular Sensory Systems, Bonn, Germany.,Life and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Timo Strünker
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Dagmar Wachten
- Institute of Innate Immunity, Department of Biophysical Imaging, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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37
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Gallagher MT, Cupples G, Ooi EH, Kirkman-Brown JC, Smith DJ. Rapid sperm capture: high-throughput flagellar waveform analysis. Hum Reprod 2020; 34:1173-1185. [PMID: 31170729 PMCID: PMC6613345 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can flagellar analyses be scaled up to provide automated tracking of motile sperm, and does knowledge of the flagellar waveform provide new insight not provided by routine head tracking? SUMMARY ANSWER High-throughput flagellar waveform tracking and analysis enable measurement of experimentally intractable quantities such as energy dissipation, disturbance of the surrounding medium and viscous stresses, which are not possible by tracking the sperm head alone. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The clinical gold standard for sperm motility analysis comprises a manual analysis by a trained professional, with existing automated sperm diagnostics [computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA)] relying on tracking the sperm head and extrapolating measures. It is not currently possible with either of these approaches to track the sperm flagellar waveform for large numbers of cells in order to unlock the potential wealth of information enclosed within. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The software tool in this manuscript has been developed to enable high-throughput, repeatable, accurate and verifiable analysis of the sperm flagellar beat. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Using the software tool [Flagellar Analysis and Sperm Tracking (FAST)] described in this manuscript, we have analysed 176 experimental microscopy videos and have tracked the head and flagellum of 205 progressive cells in diluted semen (DSM), 119 progressive cells in a high-viscosity medium (HVM) and 42 stuck cells in a low-viscosity medium. Unscreened donors were recruited at Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust after giving informed consent. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE We describe fully automated tracking and analysis of flagellar movement for large cell numbers. The analysis is demonstrated on freely motile cells in low- and high-viscosity fluids and validated on published data of tethered cells undergoing pharmacological hyperactivation. Direct analysis of the flagellar beat reveals that the CASA measure 'beat cross frequency' does not measure beat frequency; attempting to fit a straight line between the two measures gives ${\mathrm{R}}^2$ values of 0.042 and 0.00054 for cells in DSM and HVM, respectively. A new measurement, track centroid speed, is validated as an accurate differentiator of progressive motility. Coupled with fluid mechanics codes, waveform data enable extraction of experimentally intractable quantities such as energy dissipation, disturbance of the surrounding medium and viscous stresses. We provide a powerful and accessible research tool, enabling connection of the mechanical activity of the sperm to its motility and effect on its environment. LARGE SCALE DATA The FAST software package and all documentation can be downloaded from www.flagellarCapture.com. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The FAST software package has only been tested for use with negative phase contrast microscopy. Other imaging modalities, with bright cells on a dark background, have not been tested but may work. FAST is not designed to analyse raw semen; it is specifically for precise analysis of flagellar kinematics, as that is the promising area for computer use. Flagellar capture will always require that cells are at a dilution where their paths do not frequently cross. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Combining tracked flagella with mathematical modelling has the potential to reveal new mechanistic insight. By providing the capability as a free-to-use software package, we hope that this ability to accurately quantify the flagellar waveform in large populations of motile cells will enable an abundant array of diagnostic, toxicological and therapeutic possibilities, as well as creating new opportunities for assessing and treating male subfertility. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) M.T.G., G.C., J.C.K-B. and D.J.S. gratefully acknowledge funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, Healthcare Technologies Challenge Award (Rapid Sperm Capture EP/N021096/1). J.C.K-B. is funded by a National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) and Health Education England, Senior Clinical Lectureship Grant: The role of the human sperm in healthy live birth (NIHRDH-HCS SCL-2014-05-001). This article presents independent research funded in part by the NIHR and Health Education England. The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NHS, the NIHR or the Department of Health. The data for experimental set (2) were funded through a Wellcome Trust-University of Birmingham Value in People Fellowship Bridging Award (E.H.O.).The authors declare no competing interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- M T Gallagher
- School of Mathematics.,Institute for Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,Centre for Human Reproductive Science, Birmingham Women's and Children's National Health Service Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - G Cupples
- School of Mathematics.,Institute for Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,Centre for Human Reproductive Science, Birmingham Women's and Children's National Health Service Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - E H Ooi
- School of Engineering, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
| | - J C Kirkman-Brown
- Institute for Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,Centre for Human Reproductive Science, Birmingham Women's and Children's National Health Service Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - D J Smith
- School of Mathematics.,Institute for Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,Centre for Human Reproductive Science, Birmingham Women's and Children's National Health Service Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
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38
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Darszon A, Nishigaki T, López-González I, Visconti PE, Treviño CL. Differences and Similarities: The Richness of Comparative Sperm Physiology. Physiology (Bethesda) 2020; 35:196-208. [PMID: 32293232 DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00033.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Species preservation depends on the success of fertilization. Sperm are uniquely equipped to fulfill this task, and, although several mechanisms are conserved among species, striking functional differences have evolved to contend with particular sperm-egg environmental characteristics. This review highlights similarities and differences in sperm strategies, with examples within internal and external fertilizers, pointing out unresolved issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Darszon
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca Morelos, México
| | - Takuya Nishigaki
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca Morelos, México
| | - Ignacio López-González
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca Morelos, México
| | - Pablo E Visconti
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts
| | - Claudia L Treviño
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca Morelos, México
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39
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Stromal cell-derived factor 1 regulates in vitro sperm migration towards the cumulus-oocyte complex in cattle. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0232536. [PMID: 32353075 PMCID: PMC7192438 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0232536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm migration towards an oocyte in the female reproductive tract is an important step for successful fertilization. Although several sperm-chemotactic factors have been identified in mammals, it is unclear whether these chemoattractants contribute to sperm migration towards an oocyte that is the final destination for sperm. Furthermore, chemoattractants for bovine sperm are still undiscovered even though the follicular fluid attracts sperm in cattle. Here, we demonstrated that a single bovine cumulus-oocyte complex (COC) had the ability to attract sperm, suggesting that the COC secreted sperm chemoattractants. We identified stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF1), which was expressed in COCs, and its receptor CXCR4 in sperm, as a candidate. Our results showed that bovine sperm preferentially migrated to the area with a high SDF1 concentration and occasionally showed turn movements by asymmetric flagellar bends during the migration. We also demonstrated that increasing the intracellular Ca2+ concentration via Ca2+ channels was related to SDF1-induced sperm chemotaxis. Finally, a CXCR4 inhibitor significantly suppressed the in vitro bovine sperm migration towards a COC. Taken together, we propose that SDF1 is a chemotactic factor for bovine sperm to regulate their migration towards an oocyte via the CXCR4 receptor.
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40
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Schiffer C, Rieger S, Brenker C, Young S, Hamzeh H, Wachten D, Tüttelmann F, Röpke A, Kaupp UB, Wang T, Wagner A, Krallmann C, Kliesch S, Fallnich C, Strünker T. Rotational motion and rheotaxis of human sperm do not require functional CatSper channels and transmembrane Ca 2+ signaling. EMBO J 2020; 39:e102363. [PMID: 31957048 PMCID: PMC7024840 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2019102363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Navigation of sperm in fluid flow, called rheotaxis, provides long‐range guidance in the mammalian oviduct. The rotation of sperm around their longitudinal axis (rolling) promotes rheotaxis. Whether sperm rolling and rheotaxis require calcium (Ca2+) influx via the sperm‐specific Ca2+ channel CatSper, or rather represent passive biomechanical and hydrodynamic processes, has remained controversial. Here, we study the swimming behavior of sperm from healthy donors and from infertile patients that lack functional CatSper channels, using dark‐field microscopy, optical tweezers, and microfluidics. We demonstrate that rolling and rheotaxis persist in CatSper‐deficient human sperm. Furthermore, human sperm undergo rolling and rheotaxis even when Ca2+ influx is prevented. Finally, we show that rolling and rheotaxis also persist in mouse sperm deficient in both CatSper and flagellar Ca2+‐signaling domains. Our results strongly support the concept that passive biomechanical and hydrodynamic processes enable sperm rolling and rheotaxis, rather than calcium signaling mediated by CatSper or other mechanisms controlling transmembrane Ca2+ flux.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Schiffer
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Steffen Rieger
- Optical Technologies Group, Institute of Applied Physics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Christoph Brenker
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Samuel Young
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Hussein Hamzeh
- Molecular Sensory Systems, Center of Advanced European Studies and Research, Bonn, Germany
| | - Dagmar Wachten
- Minerva Max Planck Research Group, Molecular Physiology, Center of Advanced European Studies and Research, Bonn, Germany.,Institute of Innate Immunity, University Hospital, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Frank Tüttelmann
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Albrecht Röpke
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - U Benjamin Kaupp
- Molecular Sensory Systems, Center of Advanced European Studies and Research, Bonn, Germany
| | - Tao Wang
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.,Institute of Life Science and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Alice Wagner
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.,Institute of Human Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Claudia Krallmann
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Sabine Kliesch
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Carsten Fallnich
- Optical Technologies Group, Institute of Applied Physics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.,Cells-in-Motion Cluster of Excellence (EXC1003-CiM), Münster, Germany
| | - Timo Strünker
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.,Cells-in-Motion Cluster of Excellence (EXC1003-CiM), Münster, Germany
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41
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Han H, Dong H, Chen Q, Gao Y, Li J, Li W, Dang R, Lei C. Transcriptomic Analysis of Testicular Gene Expression in Normal and Cryptorchid Horses. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10010102. [PMID: 31936283 PMCID: PMC7022935 DOI: 10.3390/ani10010102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Revised: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cryptorchidism is a common congenital malformation that results in impaired fertility in horses. The high abdominal temperature and the effects of this disease lead to differences in gene expression between retained testes and descended testes (DTs). Here, we focus on the genetic effects of cryptorchidism. All the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between undescended testes (UDTs) and DTs were analyzed in this study. A total of 84 DEGs were associated with functions related to sperm development and male reproductive performance. Our study has provided fundamental transcriptomic data for future studies on equine testes and cryptorchidism. Abstract Testes produce sperm, and investigations into gene expression in the testes will enhance the understanding of the roles of testicular genes in male reproduction. Cryptorchidism, the failure of one or both testes to descend into the scrotal sac, is a common congenital malformation in horses. The major clinical consequence of this abnormality is impaired fertility. The aim of this study was to analyze the expression patterns of testicular genes and to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in testes between cryptorchid and normal horses. In this study, the gene expression patterns in equine testes and the DEGs between mature descended testes (DTs) and undescended testes (UDTs) were identified by RNA-seq and validated by real-time qPCR. Our results provide comprehensive transcriptomic data on equine testes. The transcriptomic analysis revealed 11 affected genes that were downregulated in UDTs, possibly as a result of the higher temperature in the abdomen than in the scrotal sac. These 11 genes have previously been associated with male reproduction, and their downregulation might explain the impaired fertility of cryptorchid horses. Two homozygous missense mutations detected in horses with cryptorchidism were absent in normal horses and were listed as potential pathogenic mutations; these mutations should be verified in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoyuan Han
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Animal Husbandry and Economy, Zhengzhou 450046, China (J.L.)
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Hong Dong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832003, China
| | - Qiuming Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Yuan Gao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Jun Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Animal Husbandry and Economy, Zhengzhou 450046, China (J.L.)
| | - Wantao Li
- Henan Genetic Protection Engineering Research Center for Livestock and Poultry, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Ruihua Dang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Chuzhao Lei
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
- Correspondence:
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42
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Lissabet JFB, Herrera Belén L, Lee-Estevez M, Risopatrón J, Valdebenito I, Figueroa E, Farías JG. The CatSper channel is present and plays a key role in sperm motility of the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2019; 241:110634. [PMID: 31841710 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2019.110634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 11/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Among all the Ca2+ channels, CatSper channels have been one of the most studied in sperm of different species due to their demonstrated role in the fertilization process. In fish sperm, the calcium channel plays a key role in sperm activation. However, the functionality of the CatSper channels has not been studied in any of the fish species. For the first time, we studied the relationship of the CatSper channel with sperm motility in a fish, using Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) as the model. The results of our study showed that the CatSper channel in Salmo salar has chemical-physical characteristics similar to those reported for mammalian CatSper channels. In this work, it was shown that Salmo salar CatSper 3 protein has a molecular weight of approximately 55-kDa similar to Homo sapiens CatSper 3. In silico analyses suggest that this channel forms a heterotetramer sensitive to the specific inhibitor HC-056456, with a binding site in the center of the pore of the CatSper channel, hindering or preventing the influx of Ca2+ ions. The in vitro assay of the sperm motility inhibition of Salmo salar with the inhibitor HC-056456 showed that sperm treated with this inhibitor significantly reduced the total and progressive motility (p < .0001), demonstrating the importance of this ionic channel for this cell. The complementation of the in silico and in vitro analyses of the present work demonstrates that the CatSper channel plays a key role in the regulation of sperm motility in Atlantic salmon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Félix Beltrán Lissabet
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidad de La Frontera, Av. Francisco Salazar 01145 Box 54D, Temuco, Chile; Center of Biotechnology of Reproduction (CEBIOR), Bioresources Research Nucleus (BIOREN), Universidad de La Frontera, Montevideo 0870, Temuco, Chile
| | - Lisandra Herrera Belén
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidad de La Frontera, Av. Francisco Salazar 01145 Box 54D, Temuco, Chile
| | - Manuel Lee-Estevez
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidad de La Frontera, Av. Francisco Salazar 01145 Box 54D, Temuco, Chile; Center of Biotechnology of Reproduction (CEBIOR), Bioresources Research Nucleus (BIOREN), Universidad de La Frontera, Montevideo 0870, Temuco, Chile
| | - Jennie Risopatrón
- Center of Biotechnology of Reproduction (CEBIOR), Bioresources Research Nucleus (BIOREN), Universidad de La Frontera, Montevideo 0870, Temuco, Chile
| | - Iván Valdebenito
- School of Aquaculture, Catholic University of Temuco, Av. Rudecindo Ortega, 02950 Temuco, Chile
| | - Elías Figueroa
- School of Aquaculture, Catholic University of Temuco, Av. Rudecindo Ortega, 02950 Temuco, Chile; Laboratorio de Biotecnología, Instituto de Nutrición y Tecnología de los Alimentos, Universidad de Chile, El Líbano 5524, Macul, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jorge G Farías
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidad de La Frontera, Av. Francisco Salazar 01145 Box 54D, Temuco, Chile; Center of Biotechnology of Reproduction (CEBIOR), Bioresources Research Nucleus (BIOREN), Universidad de La Frontera, Montevideo 0870, Temuco, Chile.
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Brown SG, Publicover SJ, Barratt CLR, Martins da Silva SJ. Human sperm ion channel (dys)function: implications for fertilization. Hum Reprod Update 2019; 25:758-776. [PMID: 31665287 PMCID: PMC6847974 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmz032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 07/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intensive research on sperm ion channels has identified members of several ion channel families in both mouse and human sperm. Gene knock-out studies have unequivocally demonstrated the importance of the calcium and potassium conductances in sperm for fertility. In both species, the calcium current is carried by the highly complex cation channel of sperm (CatSper). In mouse sperm, the potassium current has been conclusively shown to be carried by a channel consisting of the pore forming subunit SLO3 and auxiliary subunit leucine-rich repeat-containing 52 (LRRC52). However, in human sperm it is controversial whether the pore forming subunit of the channel is composed of SLO3 and/or SLO1. Deciphering the role of the proton-specific Hv1 channel is more challenging as it is only expressed in human sperm. However, definitive evidence for a role in, and importance for, human fertility can only be determined through studies using clinical samples. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review aims to provide insight into the role of sperm ion channels in human fertilization as evidenced from recent studies of sperm from infertile men. We also summarize the key discoveries from mouse ion channel knock-out models and contrast the properties of mouse and human CatSper and potassium currents. We detail the evidence for, and consequences of, defective ion channels in human sperm and discuss hypotheses to explain how defects arise and why affected sperm have impaired fertilization potential. SEARCH METHODS Relevant studies were identified using PubMed and were limited to ion channels that have been characterized in mouse and human sperm. Additional notable examples from other species are included as appropriate. OUTCOMES There are now well-documented fundamental differences between the properties of CatSper and potassium channel currents in mouse and human sperm. However, in both species, sperm lacking either channel cannot fertilize in vivo and CatSper-null sperm also fail to fertilize at IVF. Sperm-lacking potassium currents are capable of fertilizing at IVF, albeit at a much lower rate. However, additional complex and heterogeneous ion channel dysfunction has been reported in sperm from infertile men, the causes of which are unknown. Similarly, the nature of the functional impairment of affected patient sperm remains elusive. There are no reports of studies of Hv1 in human sperm from infertile men. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Recent studies using sperm from infertile men have given new insight and critical evidence supporting the supposition that calcium and potassium conductances are essential for human fertility. However, it should be highlighted that many fundamental questions remain regarding the nature of molecular and functional defects in sperm with dysfunctional ion channels. The development and application of advanced technologies remains a necessity to progress basic and clinical research in this area, with the aim of providing effective screening methodologies to identify and develop treatments for affected men in order to help prevent failed ART cycles. Conversely, development of drugs that block calcium and/or potassium conductances in sperm is a plausible strategy for producing sperm-specific contraceptives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean G Brown
- School of Applied Sciences, Abertay University, Dundee DD11HG, UK
| | | | - Christopher L R Barratt
- Systems Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD19SY, UK
| | - Sarah J Martins da Silva
- Systems Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD19SY, UK
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Dual Sensing of Physiologic pH and Calcium by EFCAB9 Regulates Sperm Motility. Cell 2019; 177:1480-1494.e19. [PMID: 31056283 PMCID: PMC8808721 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2019.03.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Revised: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Varying pH of luminal fluid along the female reproductive tract is a physiological cue that modulates sperm motility. CatSper is a sperm-specific, pH-sensitive calcium channel essential for hyperactivated motility and male fertility. Multi-subunit CatSper channel complexes organize linear Ca2+ signaling nanodomains along the sperm tail. Here, we identify EF-hand calcium-binding domain-containing protein 9 (EFCAB9) as a bifunctional, cytoplasmic machine modulating the channel activity and the domain organization of CatSper. Knockout mice studies demonstrate that EFCAB9, in complex with the CatSper subunit, CATSPERζ, is essential for pH-dependent and Ca2+-sensitive activation of the CatSper channel. In the absence of EFCAB9, sperm motility and fertility is compromised, and the linear arrangement of the Ca2+ signaling domains is disrupted. EFCAB9 interacts directly with CATSPERζ in a Ca2+-dependent manner and dissociates at elevated pH. These observations suggest that EFCAB9 is a long-sought, intracellular, pH-dependent Ca2+ sensor that triggers changes in sperm motility.
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Lim S, Kierzek M, O'Connor AE, Brenker C, Merriner DJ, Okuda H, Volpert M, Gaikwad A, Bianco D, Potter D, Prabhakar R, Strünker T, O'Bryan MK. CRISP2 Is a Regulator of Multiple Aspects of Sperm Function and Male Fertility. Endocrinology 2019; 160:915-924. [PMID: 30759213 DOI: 10.1210/en.2018-01076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The cysteine-rich secretory proteins (CRISPs) are a group of proteins that show a pronounced expression biased to the male reproductive tract. Although sperm encounter CRISPs at virtually all phases of sperm development and maturation, CRISP2 is the sole CRISP produced during spermatogenesis, wherein it is incorporated into the developing sperm head and tail. In this study we tested the necessity for CRISP2 in male fertility using Crisp2 loss-of-function mouse models. In doing so, we revealed a role for CRISP2 in establishing the ability of sperm to undergo the acrosome reaction and in establishing a normal flagellum waveform. Crisp2-deficient sperm possess a stiff midpiece and are thus unable to manifest the rapid form of progressive motility seen in wild type sperm. As a consequence, Crisp2-deficient males are subfertile. Furthermore, a yeast two-hybrid screen and immunoprecipitation studies reveal that CRISP2 can bind to the CATSPER1 subunit of the Catsper ion channel, which is necessary for normal sperm motility. Collectively, these data define CRISP2 as a determinant of male fertility and explain previous clinical associations between human CRISP2 expression and fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuly Lim
- The Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michelina Kierzek
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Anne E O'Connor
- The Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- The School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christoph Brenker
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - D Jo Merriner
- The Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- The School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Hidenobu Okuda
- The Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- The School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Marianna Volpert
- The Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Avinash Gaikwad
- The Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- The School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Deborah Bianco
- The Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - David Potter
- Monash Micro Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ranganathan Prabhakar
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Timo Strünker
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Moira K O'Bryan
- The Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- The School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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Regulation of CATSPER1 expression by the testis-determining gene SRY. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0205744. [PMID: 30379860 PMCID: PMC6209213 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0205744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
CATSPER1 gene encodes a pore-forming and pH-sensing subunit of the CatSper Ca2+- permeable channel, a protein in the flagellum essential for sperm hyperactivation. Previous studies have shown that the murine Catsper1 gene promoter is regulated by different Sox proteins. Likewise, it is acknowledged that the human CATSPER1 gene promoter sequence is enriched in potential interaction sites for the sex-determining region Y gene (SRY), which suggest a novel regulatory transcriptional mechanism for CatSper1 channel expression. Therefore, in this work, we sought to determine whether the human CATSPER1 gene expression is regulated by the SRY transcription factor. To this end, a series of deletions and mutations were introduced in the wild- type CATSPER1 gene promoter to eliminate the SRY sites, and the different constructs were tested for their ability to activate transcription in human embryonic kidney and murine spermatogonial germ cell lines (HEK-293 and GC1-spg, respectively) using luciferase assays. In addition, by using a strategy that combines electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) we investigated whether the CATSPER1 gene expression is regulated by the SRY transcription factor both in vitro and in vivo. Our results show that the transcriptional factor SRY specifically binds to different sites in the promoter sequence and has the ability to control CATSPER1 gene transcription.
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Alipour F, Jalali M, Nikravesh MR, Fazel A, Sankian M, Khordad E. Assessment of sperm morphology, chromatin integrity, and catSper genes expression in hypothyroid mice. ACTA BIOLOGICA HUNGARICA 2018; 69:244-258. [PMID: 30257580 DOI: 10.1556/018.68.2018.3.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
There is an evident relationship between the fertilizing capacity of sperm and the normal morphology, quality chromatin, and motility of sperm. It is well known that thyroid hormones are the important regulators of testicular function. A correlation was found between the hypothyroidism and sperm damages. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of hypothyroidism on sperm morphology, chromatin quality, and motility. For this purpose, 20 male mice were divided into the control and the hypothyroid groups that received 0.05% 6-n-propyl-2-thiouracil (PTU) for 35 days. Sperm morphology with Papanicolaou staining and sperm chromatin quality with both Aniline Blue (AB) and Toluidine blue (TB) staining were assessed. Besides, immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR were performed to evaluate the changes of cation sperm channel (CatSper) genes. A significant increase in the sperm chromatin condensation was found in the hypothyroid mice compared to the control mice (p < 0.05). Furthermore, a significant decrease was observed in the morphology of normal sperm in hypothyroid mice compared to the controls (p < 0.05). The results showed that Hypothyroidism could downregulate the expression of CatSper genes. Immunohistochemical data confirmed the real time-PCR results. Furthermore, the results showed that hypothyroidism could adversely affect sperm morphology, sperm chromatin condensation, and CatSper gene expression in mice and these abnormalities may be related to the excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in a hypothyroid state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Alipour
- Department of Anatomy and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mehdi Jalali
- Department of Anatomy and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Nikravesh
- Department of Anatomy and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Alireza Fazel
- Department of Anatomy and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Sankian
- Bou-Ali Research Institute, Immunology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Elnaz Khordad
- Department of Anatomy and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Human CATSPER1 Promoter Is Regulated by CREB1 and CREMτ Transcriptional Factors In Vitro. Arch Med Res 2018; 49:135-146. [PMID: 30017233 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2018.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The CATSPER1 gene encodes a CATSPER channel protein that selectively permeates Ca2+ ions, and CATSPER expression in sperm is essential for flagellum hyperactivation and, thus, male fertility. Little is known regarding the transcriptional regulation of CATSPER1, but previous studies have performed in silico analyses of transcription factor binding sites, including three CRE sites designated 0-2, in which CRE0 is located near the transcription start site. OBJETIVES We investigate if overexpression of CREB-A and CREMτ transcription factors might regulate CATSPER1 expression. MATERIAL AND METHODS In this study, the transcriptional regulation of the CATSPER1 gene by CREB-A and CREMτ transcriptions factors was determined by dual-luciferase assays in HEK293 and GC1-spg cells, and important CRE sites were mutated and analyzed for transcriptional regulation. RESULTS The deletion of the CRE1 site dramatically increased the transcriptional activity of the CATSPER1 promoter in HEK293 and GC1-spg cells. In HEK293 cells, the CREB-A transcription factor positively regulated CATSPER1 gene expression, while the presence of CREB-A and CREMτ factors synergistically enhanced promoter activity in these cells. In contrast, deletion of CRE0 prevented any transcriptional activity of the CATSPER1 promoter in GC1-spg spermatogonial cells, but expression of either CREB-A or CREMτ restored such transcriptional activity. CONCLUSIONS The human CATSPER1 promoter is positively regulated in vitro by CREB-A in HEK293 and GC1-spg cells. Both lines showed differential transcriptional regulation, which was defined by the factors and coactivators present in each cell line as well as the context in which the CRE sites were found in the promoter.
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The steroid hormone dydrogesterone inhibits myometrial contraction independently of the progesterone/progesterone receptor pathway. Life Sci 2018; 207:508-515. [PMID: 29981319 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2018.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Revised: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS In this study, we aimed to investigate the direct effects of steroid hormones on pregnant myometrial contraction. MAIN METHODS The effect of steroids on oxytocin-induced contraction was examined in vitro using pregnant rat or human myometrium. Subsequently, we evaluated whether RU486, a potent progesterone antagonist, influenced the effects of progestin on myometrial contraction. Additionally, we evaluated the effects of progestin on high-concentration KCl-induced contraction caused by voltage-dependent calcium channels in order to investigate the mechanisms involved in this process. KEY FINDINGS Of the natural steroids examined, 17β-estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol, and aldosterone did not influence oxytocin-induced contraction at concentrations <10-6 M. Of the tested progestins, medroxyprogesterone acetate, norethisterone, chlormadinone acetate, levonorgesterol, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone capronate, and dienogest had no effect on contraction at <10-6 M. However, dydrogesterone showed rapid and direct inhibition of contraction at 10-6 M, and this inhibitory effect was dependent on dose and time. RU486 did not block the inhibitory effects of dydrogesterone on contraction. High-concentration KCl-induced contraction was also inhibited by dydrogesterone, and the inhibitory effects of dydrogesterone were observed at concentrations as low as 10-7 M. Additionally, oxytocin-induced contraction in pregnant human myometrium was inhibited by 10-6 M dydrogesterone. SIGNIFICANCE These results suggested that the rapid and direct effects of dydrogesterone on myometrial contraction were caused by a nongenomic pathway and that the progesterone receptor was not required for dydrogesterone action. Additionally, the mechanism of dydrogesterone action may involve voltage-dependent calcium channels.
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Krausz C, Cioppi F, Riera-Escamilla A. Testing for genetic contributions to infertility: potential clinical impact. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2018. [PMID: 29540081 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2018.1453358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Male infertility affects about 7% of the general male population, and it is a multifactorial, polygenic pathological condition. Known genetic factors, accounting for about 20-25% of male factor infertility, are present in each etiological category: i) hypothalamic-pituitary axis dysfunction; ii) quantitative and qualitative alterations of spermatogenesis; iii) ductal obstruction/dysfunction. Areas covered: All routinely available genetic tests are described. Indication for testing for chromosomal anomalies and Y chromosome microdeletions is based on sperm count (severe oligozoospermia/azoospermia). Mutation screening in candidate genes is indicated in specific semen/testis phenotypes. In about 40% of infertile patients, the aetiology remains unknown ('idiopathic cases') and whole exome sequencing may reveal novel genetic causes. Expert commentary: Genetic testing is essential for its relevance in clinical decision-making. For instance, it helps to avoid unnecessary surgical or medical treatments and it may provide prediction for testicular sperm retrieval. The highest frequency of genetic anomalies is observed in severe spermatogenic impairment, which can be treated with in vitro fertilization (IVF). Given the risk of transmitting genetic disorders to the future offspring through IVF, the diagnosis of known and the discovery of novel genetic factors in idiopathic infertility is of outmost clinical importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Csilla Krausz
- a Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences Mario Serio, Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit , University of Florence , Florence , Italy
| | - Francesca Cioppi
- a Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences Mario Serio, Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit , University of Florence , Florence , Italy
| | - Antoni Riera-Escamilla
- b Andrology Department , Fundació Puigvert, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Sant Pau (IIB-Sant Pau) , Barcelona , Spain
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