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Wassarman PM, Litscher ES. Female fertility and the mammalian egg's zona pellucida. Histol Histopathol 2024; 39:1273-1284. [PMID: 38487866 DOI: 10.14670/hh-18-728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
All mammalian eggs are surrounded by a relatively thick extracellular matrix (ECM) or zona pellucida (ZP) to which free-swimming sperm bind in a species-restricted manner during fertilization. The ZP consists of either three (e.g., Mus musculus) or four (e.g., Homo sapiens) glycosylated proteins, called ZP1-4. These proteins are unlike those found in somatic cell ECM, are encoded by single-copy genes on different chromosomes, and are well conserved among different mammals. Mammalian ZP proteins are synthesized as polypeptide precursors by growing oocytes that will become ovulated, unfertilized eggs. These precursors are processed to remove a signal-sequence and carboxy-terminal propeptide and are secreted into the extracellular space. Secreted ZP proteins assemble into long, crosslinked fibrils that exhibit a structural repeat due to the presence of ZP2-ZP3 dimers every 140 Å or so along fibrils. Fibrils are crosslinked by ZP1 and are oriented either perpendicular, parallel, or randomly to the plasma membrane of eggs depending on their position in the ZP. Free-swimming mouse sperm recognize and bind to ZP2 or ZP3 that serve as sperm receptors. Acrosome-intact sperm bind to ZP3 oligosaccharides and acrosome-reacted sperm bind to ZP2 polypeptide. ZP fibrils fail to assemble in the absence of either nascent ZP2 or ZP3 and results in mouse eggs that lack a ZP and female infertility. Gene sequence variations due to point, missense, or frameshift mutations in genes encoding ZP1-4 result in human eggs that lack a ZP or have an abnormal ZP and female infertility. These and other features of the mouse and human egg's ZP are discussed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul M Wassarman
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA.
| | - Eveline S Litscher
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA.
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2
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Pulawska-Moon K, Ponikwicka-Tyszko D, Lebiedzinska W, Pilaszewicz-Puza A, Bernaczyk P, Koda M, Lupu O, Milewska G, Huang CCJ, Zheng H, Schiele P, Na IK, Frentsch M, Li X, Toppari J, Wolczynski S, Coelingh Bennink HJT, Huhtaniemi I, Rahman NA. Novel ectopic expression of zona pellucida 3 glycoprotein in lung cancer promotes tumor growth. Int J Cancer 2024. [PMID: 39039845 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.35098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
Zona pellucida 3 (ZP3) expression is classically found in the ZP-layer of the oocytes, lately shown in ovarian and prostate cancer. A successful ZP3 ovarian cancer immunotherapy in transgenic mice suggested its use as an attractive therapeutic target. The biological role of ZP3 in cancer growth and progression is still unknown. We found that ~88% of the analyzed adenocarcinoma, squamous and small cell lung carcinomas to express ZP3. Knockout of ZP3 in a ZP3-expressing lung adenocarcinoma cell line, significantly decreased cell viability, proliferation, and migration rates in vitro. Zona pellucida 3 knock out (ZP3-KO) cell tumors inoculated in vivo in immunodeficient non-obese diabetic, severe combined immunodeficient mice showed significant inhibition of tumor growth and mitigation of the malignant phenotype. RNA sequencing revealed the deregulation of cell migration/adhesion signaling pathways in ZP3-KO cells. This novel functional relevance of ZP3 in lung cancer emphasized the suitability of ZP3 as a target in cancer immunotherapy and as a potential cancer biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Donata Ponikwicka-Tyszko
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Department of Biology and Pathology of Human Reproduction, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Weronika Lebiedzinska
- Department of Reproduction and Gynecological Endocrinology, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | | | - Piotr Bernaczyk
- Department of Pathomorphology, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Mariusz Koda
- Department of General Pathomorphology, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Oana Lupu
- Department of Reproduction and Gynecological Endocrinology, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Gabriela Milewska
- Department of Reproduction and Gynecological Endocrinology, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Chen-Che Jeff Huang
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Huifei Zheng
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Phillip Schiele
- BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin Institute of Health at Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Il-Kang Na
- BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin Institute of Health at Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Tumor Immunology, and ECRC Experimental and Clinical Research Center, both Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate members of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Berlin, Germany
| | - Marco Frentsch
- BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin Institute of Health at Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Xiangdong Li
- Department of Reproduction and Gynecological Endocrinology, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
- State Key Laboratory of Agro-Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jorma Toppari
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Department of Pediatrics, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Slawomir Wolczynski
- Department of Reproduction and Gynecological Endocrinology, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | | | - Ilpo Huhtaniemi
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Nafis A Rahman
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Department of Reproduction and Gynecological Endocrinology, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
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3
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Zhang X, Shi S, Wan Y, Song W, Jin H, Sun Y. Single-cell RNA sequencing of human oocytes reveals a differential transcriptomic profile associated with agar-like zona pellucida. J Ovarian Res 2024; 17:132. [PMID: 38926883 PMCID: PMC11200816 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-024-01463-8] [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: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Agar-like zona pellucida (ZP) is the most common type of abnormal ZP, and is one of the causes of low fertility or infertility. However, the molecular mechanism of agar-like ZP is unclear. Single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis was used to assess the cellular and molecular landscape of oocytes with agar-like ZP. METHODS Human metaphase I (MI) oocytes were collected from four patients with agar-like ZP and four healthy donors. Total RNA was isolated, cDNA was synthesized, and libraries were generated and subsequently sequenced on a HiSeq 2500 instrument. The scRNA-seq data were analyzed with R software. RESULTS We identified 1320 genes that were differentially expressed between agar-like ZP oocytes and healthy donor oocytes. Gene Ontology term enrichment results showed that the genes downregulated in agar-like ZP oocytes were significantly related to extracellular matrix organization, while the genes upregulated in agar-like ZP oocytes were significantly related to the regulation of response to DNA damage stimulus. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment results showed that genes were enriched in the ECM-receptor interaction pathway and focal adhesion pathway. Other signaling pathways important in oocyte development were also enriched, such as PI3K-Akt. Differential expression analysis identified UBC, TLR4, RELA, ANXA5, CAV1, KPNA2, CCNA2, ACTA2, FYN and ITGB3 as genetic markers of oocytes with agar-like ZP. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that agar-like ZP oocytes exhibit significant downregulation of genes involved in the ECM-receptor interaction signaling pathway and focal adhesion pathway, which could lead to aberrant ZP formation, while the upregulated genes were significantly related to regulation of the response to DNA damage stimulus. Agar-like ZP formation may interfere with the normal exchange of signals between oocytes and perivitelline granulosa cells, thereby preventing cumulus cells from participating in oocyte DNA damage repair and causing MI arrest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyang Zhang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Henan Province Key Laboratory for Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Senlin Shi
- Reproductive Medical Center, Henan Province Key Laboratory for Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Wan
- Reproductive Medical Center, Henan Province Key Laboratory for Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenyan Song
- Reproductive Medical Center, Henan Province Key Laboratory for Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Haixia Jin
- Reproductive Medical Center, Henan Province Key Laboratory for Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingpu Sun
- Reproductive Medical Center, Henan Province Key Laboratory for Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, People's Republic of China
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4
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Brouze M, Czarnocka-Cieciura A, Gewartowska O, Kusio-Kobiałka M, Jachacy K, Szpila M, Tarkowski B, Gruchota J, Krawczyk P, Mroczek S, Borsuk E, Dziembowski A. TENT5-mediated polyadenylation of mRNAs encoding secreted proteins is essential for gametogenesis in mice. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5331. [PMID: 38909026 PMCID: PMC11193744 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49479-4] [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: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Cytoplasmic polyadenylation plays a vital role in gametogenesis; however, the participating enzymes and substrates in mammals remain unclear. Using knockout and knock-in mouse models, we describe the essential role of four TENT5 poly(A) polymerases in mouse fertility and gametogenesis. TENT5B and TENT5C play crucial yet redundant roles in oogenesis, with the double knockout of both genes leading to oocyte degeneration. Additionally, TENT5B-GFP knock-in females display a gain-of-function infertility effect, with multiple chromosomal aberrations in ovulated oocytes. TENT5C and TENT5D both regulate different stages of spermatogenesis, as shown by the sterility in males following the knockout of either gene. Finally, Tent5a knockout substantially lowers fertility, although the underlying mechanism is not directly related to gametogenesis. Through direct RNA sequencing, we discovered that TENT5s polyadenylate mRNAs encoding endoplasmic reticulum-targeted proteins essential for gametogenesis. Sequence motif analysis and reporter mRNA assays reveal that the presence of an endoplasmic reticulum-leader sequence represents the primary determinant of TENT5-mediated regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Brouze
- Laboratory of RNA Biology, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Warsaw, 02-109, Poland
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, 02-106, Poland
| | | | - Olga Gewartowska
- Laboratory of RNA Biology, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Warsaw, 02-109, Poland
- Genome Engineering Facility, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Warsaw, 02-109, Poland
- Institute of Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, 02-106, Poland
| | - Monika Kusio-Kobiałka
- Laboratory of RNA Biology, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Warsaw, 02-109, Poland
| | - Kamil Jachacy
- Laboratory of RNA Biology, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Warsaw, 02-109, Poland
- Institute of Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, 02-106, Poland
| | - Marcin Szpila
- Genome Engineering Facility, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Warsaw, 02-109, Poland
- Laboratory of Embryology, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, 02-096, Poland
| | - Bartosz Tarkowski
- Laboratory of RNA Biology, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Warsaw, 02-109, Poland
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, 02-106, Poland
| | - Jakub Gruchota
- Laboratory of RNA Biology, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Warsaw, 02-109, Poland
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, 02-106, Poland
| | - Paweł Krawczyk
- Laboratory of RNA Biology, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Warsaw, 02-109, Poland
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, 02-106, Poland
| | - Seweryn Mroczek
- Laboratory of RNA Biology, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Warsaw, 02-109, Poland
- Institute of Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, 02-106, Poland
| | - Ewa Borsuk
- Laboratory of RNA Biology, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Warsaw, 02-109, Poland
- Laboratory of Embryology, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, 02-096, Poland
| | - Andrzej Dziembowski
- Laboratory of RNA Biology, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Warsaw, 02-109, Poland.
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, 02-106, Poland.
- Institute of Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, 02-106, Poland.
- Laboratory of Embryology, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, 02-096, Poland.
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5
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Cao G, Yu L, Fang J, Shi R, Li H, Lu F, Shen X, Zhu X, Wang S, Kong N. ZP1-Y262C mutation causes abnormal zona pellucida formation and female infertility in humans. Front Genet 2024; 15:1407202. [PMID: 38966008 PMCID: PMC11222594 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1407202] [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: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Defective oocyte maturation is a common cause of female infertility. The loss of the zona pellucida (ZP) represents a specific condition of impaired oocyte maturation. The extracellular matrix known as the ZP envelops mammalian oocytes and preimplantation embryos, exerting significant influence on oogenesis, fertilization, and embryo implantation. However, the genetic factors leading to the loss of the ZP in oocytes are not well understood. This study focused on patients who underwent oocyte retrieval surgery after ovarian stimulation and were found to have abnormal oocyte maturation without the presence of the ZP. Ultrasonography was performed during the surgical procedure to evaluate follicle development. Peripheral blood samples from the patient were subjected to exome sequencing. Here, a novel, previously unreported heterozygous mutation in the ZP1 gene was identified. Within the ZP1 gene, we discovered a novel heterozygous mutation (ZP1 NM_207341.4:c.785A>G (p.Y262C)), specifically located in the trefoil domain. Bioinformatics comparisons further revealed conservation of the ZP1-Y262C mutation across different species. Model predictions of amino acid mutations on protein structure and cell immunofluorescence/western blot experiments collectively confirmed the detrimental effects of the ZP1-Y262C mutation on the function and expression of the ZP1 protein. The ZP1-Y262C mutation represents the novel mutation in the trefoil domain of the ZP1 protein, which is associated with defective oocyte maturation in humans. Our report enhances comprehension regarding the involvement of ZP-associated genes in female infertility and offers enriched understanding for the genetic diagnosis of this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangyi Cao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lina Yu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Junshun Fang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ruixin Shi
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Joint Institute of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital for Life and Health, College of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Huijun Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Feifei Lu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoyue Shen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiangyu Zhu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shanshan Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Na Kong
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
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6
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Wang Y, Chen J, Huang X, Wu B, Dai P, Zhang F, Li J, Wang L. Gene-knockout by iSTOP enables rapid reproductive disease modeling and phenotyping in germ cells of the founder generation. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2024; 67:1035-1050. [PMID: 38332217 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-023-2408-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Cytosine base editing achieves C•G-to-T•A substitutions and can convert four codons (CAA/CAG/CGA/TGG) into STOP-codons (induction of STOP-codons, iSTOP) to knock out genes with reduced mosaicism. iSTOP enables direct phenotyping in founders' somatic cells, but it remains unknown whether this works in founders' germ cells so as to rapidly reveal novel genes for fertility. Here, we initially establish that iSTOP in mouse zygotes enables functional characterization of known genes in founders' germ cells: Cfap43-iSTOP male founders manifest expected sperm features resembling human "multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella" syndrome (i.e., MMAF-like features), while oocytes of Zp3-iSTOP female founders have no zona pellucida. We further illustrate iSTOP's utility for dissecting the functions of unknown genes with Ccdc183, observing MMAF-like features and male infertility in Ccdc183-iSTOP founders, phenotypes concordant with those of Ccdc183-KO offspring. We ultimately establish that CCDC183 is essential for sperm morphogenesis through regulating the assembly of outer dynein arms and participating in the intra-flagellar transport. Our study demonstrates iSTOP as an efficient tool for direct reproductive disease modeling and phenotyping in germ cells of the founder generation, and rapidly reveals the essentiality of Ccdc183 in fertility, thus providing a time-saving approach for validating genetic defects (like nonsense mutations) for human infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaling Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Jingwen Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
- Institute of Reproduction and Development, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Xueying Huang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Bangguo Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
- Institute of Reproduction and Development, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Peng Dai
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
- Institute of Reproduction and Development, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Jinsong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Lingbo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China.
- Institute of Reproduction and Development, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China.
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7
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Nishio S, Emori C, Wiseman B, Fahrenkamp D, Dioguardi E, Zamora-Caballero S, Bokhove M, Han L, Stsiapanava A, Algarra B, Lu Y, Kodani M, Bainbridge RE, Komondor KM, Carlson AE, Landreh M, de Sanctis D, Yasumasu S, Ikawa M, Jovine L. ZP2 cleavage blocks polyspermy by modulating the architecture of the egg coat. Cell 2024; 187:1440-1459.e24. [PMID: 38490181 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.02.013] [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: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Following the fertilization of an egg by a single sperm, the egg coat or zona pellucida (ZP) hardens and polyspermy is irreversibly blocked. These events are associated with the cleavage of the N-terminal region (NTR) of glycoprotein ZP2, a major subunit of ZP filaments. ZP2 processing is thought to inactivate sperm binding to the ZP, but its molecular consequences and connection with ZP hardening are unknown. Biochemical and structural studies show that cleavage of ZP2 triggers its oligomerization. Moreover, the structure of a native vertebrate egg coat filament, combined with AlphaFold predictions of human ZP polymers, reveals that two protofilaments consisting of type I (ZP3) and type II (ZP1/ZP2/ZP4) components interlock into a left-handed double helix from which the NTRs of type II subunits protrude. Together, these data suggest that oligomerization of cleaved ZP2 NTRs extensively cross-links ZP filaments, rigidifying the egg coat and making it physically impenetrable to sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunsuke Nishio
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Chihiro Emori
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan; Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Benjamin Wiseman
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Dirk Fahrenkamp
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Elisa Dioguardi
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | | | - Marcel Bokhove
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Ling Han
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Alena Stsiapanava
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Blanca Algarra
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Yonggang Lu
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan; Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Mayo Kodani
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan; Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Rachel E Bainbridge
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kayla M Komondor
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Anne E Carlson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Michael Landreh
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, 75124 Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Shigeki Yasumasu
- Department of Materials and Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Sophia University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan; Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan; Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan; Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research (CiDER), Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Luca Jovine
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden.
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8
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Pisciottano F, Campos MC, Penna C, Bruque CD, Gabaldón T, Saragüeta P. Positive selection in gamete interaction proteins in Carnivora. Mol Ecol 2024; 33:e17263. [PMID: 38318732 DOI: 10.1111/mec.17263] [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: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
The absence of robust interspecific isolation barriers among pantherines, including the iconic South American jaguar (Panthera onca), led us to study molecular evolution of typically rapidly evolving reproductive proteins within this subfamily and related groups. In this study, we delved into the evolutionary forces acting on the zona pellucida (ZP) gamete interaction protein family and the sperm-oocyte fusion protein pair IZUMO1-JUNO across the Carnivora order, distinguishing between Caniformia and Feliformia suborders and anticipating few significant diversifying changes in the Pantherinae subfamily. A chromosome-resolved jaguar genome assembly facilitated coding sequences, enabling the reconstruction of protein evolutionary histories. Examining sequence variability across more than 30 Carnivora species revealed that Feliformia exhibited significantly lower diversity compared to its sister taxa, Caniformia. Molecular evolution analyses of ZP2 and ZP3, subunits directly involved in sperm-recognition, unveiled diversifying positive selection in Feliformia, Caniformia and Pantherinae, although no significant changes were linked to sperm binding. Structural cross-linking ZP subunits, ZP4 and ZP1 exhibited lower levels or complete absence of positive selection. Notably, the fusion protein IZUMO1 displayed prominent positive selection signatures and sites in basal lineages of both Caniformia and Feliformia, extending along the Caniformia subtree but absent in Pantherinae. Conversely, JUNO did not exhibit any positive selection signatures across tested lineages and clades. Eight Caniformia-specific positive selected sites in IZUMO1 were detected within two JUNO-interaction clusters. Our findings provide for the first time insights into the evolutionary trajectories of ZP proteins and the IZUMO1-JUNO gamete interaction pair within the Carnivora order.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Pisciottano
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Clara Campos
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Clementina Penna
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carlos David Bruque
- Unidad de Conocimiento Traslacional Hospitalaria Patagónica, Hospital de Alta Complejidad El Calafate SAMIC, El Calafate, Santa Cruz, Argentina
| | - Toni Gabaldón
- Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC), Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), and Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Patricia Saragüeta
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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9
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Fang J, Sun H, Chen L, Wang J, Lin F, Xu Z, Zhu L, Wang S. Embryological characteristics and clinical outcomes of oocytes with different degrees of abnormal zona pellucida during assisted reproductive treatment. ZYGOTE 2024; 32:7-13. [PMID: 38018399 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199423000515] [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: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Abnormalities in the zona pellucida (ZP) adversely affect oocyte maturation, embryo development and pregnancy outcomes. However, the assessment of severity is challenging. To evaluate the effects of different degrees of ZP abnormalities on embryo development and clinical outcomes, in total, 590 retrieval cycles were scored and divided into four categories (control, mild, moderate and severe) based on three parameters: perivitelline space, percentage of immature oocytes and percentage of oocytes with abnormal morphology. As the severity of abnormal ZP increased, both the number of retrieved oocytes and mature oocytes decreased. The fertilization rate did not differ significantly among groups. The rates of embryo cleavage and day-3 high-quality embryos in the mild group and the moderate group did not vary significantly between the two groups but were significantly higher than those in the severe group. The blastulation rates of the abnormal ZP groups were similar; however, they were lower than those of the control group. Moreover, the cycle cancellation rate of the severe abnormal ZP group was as high as 66.20%, which was significantly higher than that of the other three groups. Although the rates of cumulative clinical pregnancy and live births were lower than those in the control group, they were comparable among the abnormal ZP groups. There were no differences in the neonatal outcomes of the different groups. Together, ZP abnormalities show various degrees of severity, and in all patients regardless of the degree of ZP abnormalities who achieve available embryos, there will be an opportunity to eventually give birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junshun Fang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing210008, China
- Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing210008, China
| | - Hua Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing210008, China
- Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing210008, China
| | - Linjun Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing210008, China
- Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing210008, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing210008, China
- Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing210008, China
| | - Fei Lin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing210008, China
- Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing210008, China
| | - Zhipeng Xu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing210008, China
- Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing210008, China
| | - Lihua Zhu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing210008, China
- Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing210008, China
| | - Shanshan Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing210008, China
- Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing210008, China
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10
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Israel S, Seyfarth J, Nolte T, Drexler HCA, Fuellen G, Boiani M. Intracellular fraction of zona pellucida protein 3 is required for the oocyte-to-embryo transition in mice. Mol Hum Reprod 2023; 29:gaad038. [PMID: 37930049 PMCID: PMC10640839 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaad038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In oocyte biology, the zona pellucida has long been known to operate three extracellular functions downstream of the secretory pathway, namely, encasing the oocytes in ovarian follicles, mediating sperm-oocyte interaction, and preventing premature embryo contact with oviductal epithelium. The present study uncovers a fourth function that is fundamentally distinct from the other three, being critical for embryonic cell survival in mice. Intriguingly, the three proteins of the mouse zona pellucida (ZP1, ZP2, ZP3) were found abundantly present also inside the embryo 4 days after fertilization, as shown by mass spectrometry, immunoblotting, and immunofluorescence. Contrary to current understanding of the roles of ZP proteins, ZP3 was associated more with the cytoskeleton than with secretory vesicles in the subcortical region of metaphase II oocytes and zygotes, and was excluded from regions of cell-cell contact in cleavage-stage embryos. Trim-away-mediated knockdown of ZP3 in fertilized oocytes hampered the first zygotic cleavage, while ZP3 overexpression supported blastocyst formation. Transcriptome analysis of ZP3-knockdown embryos pointed at defects of cytoplasmic translation in the context of embryonic genome activation. This conclusion was supported by reduced protein synthesis in the ZP3-knockdown and by the lack of cleavage arrest when Trim-away was postponed from the one-cell to the late two-cell stage. These data place constraints on the notion that zona proteins only operate in the extracellular space, revealing also a role during the oocyte-to-embryo transition. Ultimately, these data recruit ZP3 into the family of maternal factors that contribute to developmental competence of mouse oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Israel
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Department of Cell & Tissue Dynamics, Muenster, Germany
| | - Julia Seyfarth
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Department of Cell & Tissue Dynamics, Muenster, Germany
| | - Thomas Nolte
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Department of Cell & Tissue Dynamics, Muenster, Germany
| | - Hannes C A Drexler
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Department of Cell & Tissue Dynamics, Muenster, Germany
| | - Georg Fuellen
- Rostock University Medical Center, Institute for Biostatistics and Informatics in Medicine and Aging Research (IBIMA), Rostock, Germany
| | - Michele Boiani
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Department of Cell & Tissue Dynamics, Muenster, Germany
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11
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Liu SL, Zuo HY, Zhao BW, Guo JN, Liu WB, Lei WL, Li YY, Ouyang YC, Hou Y, Han ZM, Wang WZ, Sun QY, Wang ZB. A heterozygous ZP2 mutation causes zona pellucida defects and female infertility in mouse and human. iScience 2023; 26:107828. [PMID: 37736051 PMCID: PMC10509300 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107828] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The zona pellucida (ZP) is an extracellular glycoprotein matrix surrounding mammalian oocytes. Recently, numerous mutations in genes encoding ZP proteins have been shown to be possibly related to oocyte abnormality and female infertility; few reports have confirmed the functions of these mutations in living animal models. Here, we identified a novel heterozygous missense mutation (NM_001376231.1:c.1616C>T, p.Thr539Met) in ZP2 from a primary infertile female. We showed that the mutation reduced ZP2 expression and impeded ZP2 secretion in cell lines. Furthermore, we constructed the mouse model with the mutation (Zp2T541M) using CRISPR-Cas9. Zp2WT/T541M female mice had normal fertility though generated oocytes with the thin ZP, whereas Zp2T541M female mice were completely infertile due to degeneration of oocytes without ZP. Additionally, ZP deletion impaired folliculogenesis and caused female infertility in Zp2T541M mice. Our study not only expands the spectrum of ZP2 mutation sites but also, more importantly, increases the understanding of pathogenic mechanisms of ZP2 mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai-Li Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Hai-Yang Zuo
- The Six Medical Center of Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Bing-Wang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Jia-Ni Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Wen-Bo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Wen-Long Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Ying-Chun Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yi Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Zhi-Ming Han
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Wei-Zhou Wang
- The Six Medical Center of Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Qing-Yuan Sun
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases and Reproductive Health, Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou 510317, China
| | - Zhen-Bo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
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12
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Kong N, Xu Q, Shen X, Zhu X, Cao G. Case report: A novel homozygous variant in ZP3 is associated with human empty follicle syndrome. Front Genet 2023; 14:1256549. [PMID: 37908588 PMCID: PMC10613883 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1256549] [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: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Empty follicle syndrome (EFS) is a rare condition in female infertility. It is characterized by the inability to retrieve oocytes from visibly large, normally developing follicles in the ovaries, despite ovarian stimulation. The genetic factors contributing to this syndrome remain unclear. This study focused on patients who underwent three consecutive ovarian stimulation procedures for oocyte retrieval but experienced unsuccessful outcomes, despite the presence of observable large follicles. Ultrasound examinations were conducted to assess follicular development during each procedure. In order to investigate potential genetic causes, we performed whole exome sequencing on peripheral blood samples from the patient. Interestingly, we identified that this patient carries a homozygous mutation in the ZP3 genes. Within the ZP3 gene, we identified a homozygous variant [NM_001110354.2, c.176T>A (p.L59H)] specifically located in the zona pellucida (ZP) domain. Further analysis, including bioinformatics methods and protein structure modeling, was carried out to investigate the conservation of the ZP3L59H variant across different species. This homozygous variant exhibited a high degree of conservation across various species. Importantly, the homozygous ZP3L59H variant was associated with the occurrence of empty follicle syndrome in affected female patients. The homozygous ZP3L59H variant represents a newly discovered genetic locus implicated in the development of human empty follicle syndrome. Our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the role of zona pellucida-related genes in infertility and provide valuable insights for the genetic diagnosis of female infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Kong
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qian Xu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoyue Shen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiangyu Zhu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Guangyi Cao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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13
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ZP3 and AIPL1 participate in GVBD of mouse oocytes by affecting the nuclear membrane localization and maturation of farnesylated prelamin A. ZYGOTE 2023; 31:140-148. [PMID: 36533678 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199422000612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The low maturation rate of oocytes is an important reason for female infertility and failure of assisted pregnancy. The germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) is a landmark event of oocyte maturation. In our previous studies, we found that zona pellucida 3 (ZP3) was strongly concentrated in the nuclear region of germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes and interacted with aryl hydrocarbon receptor-interacting protein-like 1 (AIPL1) and lamin A to promote GVBD. In the current study, we found that lamin A is mainly concentrated in the nuclear membrane. When ZP3 is knocked down, lamin A will be partially transferred to the nucleus of oocytes. The prelamin A is increased in both the nuclear membrane and nucleus, while phosphorylated lamin A (p-lamin A) is significantly reduced. AIPL1 was also proved to accumulate in the GV region of oocytes, and ZP3 deletion can significantly inhibit the aggregation of AIPL1 in the nuclear region. Similar to ZP3 knockdown, the absence of AIPL1 resulted in a decrease in the occurrence of GVBD, an increase in the amount of prelamin A, and a significant decrease in p-lamin A in oocytes developed in vitro. Finally, we propose the hypothesis that ZP3 can stabilize farnesylated prelamin A on the nuclear membrane of AIPL1, and promote its further processing into mature lamin A, therefore promoting the occurrence of GVBD. This study may be an important supplement for the mechanism of oocyte meiotic resumption and provide new diagnostic targets and treatment clues for infertility patients with oocyte maturation disorder.
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14
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Zhou J, Wang M, Yang Q, Li D, Li Z, Hu J, Jin L, Zhu L. Can successful pregnancy be achieved and predicted from patients with identified ZP mutations? A literature review. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2022; 20:166. [PMID: 36476320 PMCID: PMC9730648 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-022-01046-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In mammals, normal fertilization depends on the structural and functional integrity of the zona pellucida (ZP), which is an extracellular matrix surrounding oocytes. Mutations in ZP may affect oogenesis, fertilization and early embryonic development, which may cause female infertility. METHODS A PubMed literature search using the keywords 'zona pellucida', 'mutation' and 'variant' limited to humans was performed, with the last research on June 30, 2022. The mutation types, clinical phenotypes and pregnancy outcomes were summarized and analyzed. The naive Bayes classifier was used to predict clinical pregnancy outcomes for patients with ZP mutations. RESULTS A total of 29 publications were included in the final analysis. Sixty-nine mutations of the ZP genes were reported in 87 patients with different clinical phenotypes, including empty follicle syndrome (EFS), ZP-free oocytes (ZFO), ZP-thin oocytes (ZTO), degenerated and immature oocytes. The phenotypes of patients were influenced by the types and location of the mutations. The most common effects of ZP mutations are protein truncation and dysfunction. Three patients with ZP1 mutations, two with ZP2 mutations, and three with ZP4 mutations had successful pregnancies through Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) from ZFO or ZTO. A prediction model of pregnancy outcome in patients with ZP mutation was constructed to assess the chance of pregnancy with the area under the curve (AUC) of 0.898. The normalized confusion matrix showed the true positive rate was 1.00 and the true negative rate was 0.38. CONCLUSION Phenotypes in patients with ZP mutations might be associated with mutation sites or the degree of protein dysfunction. Successful pregnancy outcomes could be achieved in some patients with identified ZP mutations. Clinical pregnancy prediction model based on ZP mutations and clinical characteristics will be helpful to precisely evaluate pregnancy chance and provide references and guidance for the clinical treatment of relevant patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juepu Zhou
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095, Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030 China
| | - Meng Wang
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095, Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030 China
| | - Qiyu Yang
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095, Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030 China
| | - Dan Li
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095, Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030 China
| | - Zhou Li
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095, Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030 China
| | - Juan Hu
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095, Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030 China
| | - Lei Jin
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095, Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030 China
| | - Lixia Zhu
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095, Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430030 China
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15
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Fei CF, Zhou LQ. Gene mutations impede oocyte maturation, fertilization, and early embryonic development. Bioessays 2022; 44:e2200007. [PMID: 35900055 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202200007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Reproductive diseases are a long-standing problem and have become more common in the world. Currently, 15% of the world's population suffers from infertility, and half of them are women. Maturation of oocytes, successful fertilization, and high-quality embryos are prerequisites for pregnancy. With the development of assisted reproductive technology and advanced genetic assays, we have found that infertility in many young female patients is caused by mutations in various developmental regulators. These pathogenic factors may result in impediment of oocyte maturation, failure of fertilization or early embryonic development arrest. In this review, we categorize these clinically-identified, mutated genetic factors by their molecular characteristics: nuclear factors (PALT2, TRIP13, WEE2, TBPL2, REC114, MEI1 and CDC20), cytoplasmic factors (TLE6, PADI6, NLRP2/5, FBXO43, MOS and BTG4), a factor unique to primates (TUBB8), cell membrane factor (PANX1), and zona pellucida factors (ZP1-3). We compared discrepancies observed in phenotypes between human and mouse models to provide clues for clinical diagnosis and treatment of related reproductive diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cai-Feng Fei
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Li-Quan Zhou
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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16
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Birk DS, Onose S, Kinoshita M, Murata K. Medaka, Oryzias latipes, egg envelopes are created by ovarian-expressed ZP proteins and liver-expressed choriogenins. ZOOLOGICAL LETTERS 2022; 8:11. [PMID: 35902919 PMCID: PMC9330664 DOI: 10.1186/s40851-022-00194-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The medaka (Oryzias latipes) egg envelope (chorion) is composed of three major glycoproteins, Zona Interna (ZI)-1, -2, and -3, that originate in the spawning female liver as the precursor proteins Choriogenin (Chg.)H, Chg.Hm, and Chg.L, respectively. These ZI and Chg. proteins contain a structural ZP protein domain that is conserved among the egg envelope proteins of all animals. While ovarian expression of ZP proteins (e.g., ZPCs and ZPB) has been reported in medakas, the functions of these proteins remain unknown. Thus, the present study aimed to determine whether the ovary-expressed medaka ZP protein, mZPC5, is involved in forming the chorion matrix.The mZPC5 gene (mzpc5) was expressed in the ovaries but not the livers of mature female medakas, as shown by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assays with mzpc5-specific primers. In situ hybridization analysis revealed that ovarian mzpc5 expression was restricted to the ooplasm of early (stage I-III) previtellogenic oocytes, and its expression signal weakened with oocyte growth. Following sodium-dodecyl-sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and Western blotting analysis with anti-mZPC5 antibodies, two immunoreactive proteins were detected in the ovary and chorion extracts. These proteins were approximately 50 and 74 kDa in size, like ZI-3 and ZI-2, respectively.Immunohistochemical assays using anti-mZPC5 and anti-Chg.H antibodies localized the mZPC5 protein in the ooplasm of early previtellogenic oocytes. With oocyte growth, mZPC5 tended to accumulate in the chorion, co-localizing with Chg.H.We previously showed that ovary-expressed ZP proteins could not compensate for Chg.L function loss in gene knock-out (chg.l -/-) medakas. As in our previous study, the chg.l-/- females produced oocytes with thin chorions, resulting in infertile soft eggs. However, in the present study, mZPC5 and Chg.H were co-localized in the chg.l-/- chorions. These results suggested that in the medaka previtellogenic oocyte, 1) mZPC5 is secreted from the ooplasm and deposited on the outer surface of its plasma membrane, creating the thin chorion layer; and 2) following the accumulation of liver-derived Chgs., the 3D structure of the chorion matrix is formed cooperatively with mZPC5 and Chgs. during oogenesis. More research is needed to confirm the functions of mZPC5 in chorion structure and physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devun S. Birk
- University of California, Davis. Center for Health and the Environment, Davis, CA 95616 USA
| | - Shinji Onose
- University of California, Davis. Center for Health and the Environment, Davis, CA 95616 USA
- Fordays Co., Ltd, Tokyo, 103-0016 Japan
| | - Masato Kinoshita
- Division of Applied Biosciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502 Japan
| | - Kenji Murata
- University of California, Davis. Center for Health and the Environment, Davis, CA 95616 USA
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17
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Novel mutations in ZP2 and ZP3 cause female infertility in three patients. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:1205-1215. [PMID: 35366744 PMCID: PMC9107549 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02466-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to identify the disease-causing mutations found in three infertile female patients who were diagnosed with abnormal zona pellucida (ZP) and empty follicle syndrome (EFS). METHODS We performed whole-exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing to identify and verify the disease-causing mutations. Additionally, we performed Western blotting and mini-gene splicing assay to assess the effects of the mutations. RESULTS We identified two novel compound heterozygous mutations in the ZP2 gene, a patient with an abnormal ZP carrying a novel compound heterozygous mutation (c.1695-2A>G and c.1831G>T, p.V611F) and a patient with EFS carrying a novel compound heterozygous mutation (c.1695-2A>G and c.1924 C>T, p.R642*). Furthermore, we identified a patient with typical abnormal ZP carrying a novel heterozygous mutation (c.400G>T, p.A134S) in the ZP3 gene. The splice site mutation (c.1695-2A>G) can cause abnormal pre-mRNA splicing that inserts an extra sequence of 61 bp in the mRNA of ZP2, and the missense mutation (c.1831G>T) can cause a decrease of ZP2 protein in HEK293 cells. CONCLUSION We identified three novel mutations in the ZP2 gene and the ZP3 gene in three Chinese female patients with infertility. Our study expands the spectrum of ZP gene mutations and phenotypes and thus is beneficial in the genetic diagnosis of infertility in females.
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Wassarman PM, Litscher ES. Female fertility and the zona pellucida. eLife 2022; 11:76106. [PMID: 35076396 PMCID: PMC8789258 DOI: 10.7554/elife.76106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Fertility in female mammals, including mice and humans, is dependent on the presence of a zona pellucida (ZP) around growing oocytes and unfertilized eggs. A ZP is required to stabilize contacts between oocyte microvilli and follicle cell projections that traverse the ZP to form gap junctions that support the health of growing oocytes and developing follicles. In the absence of a ZP, due to inactivation or mutation of genes encoding ZP proteins, there is a loss of contacts between growing oocytes and neighboring follicle cells and a concomitant reduction in the production of ovulated eggs that results in female infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul M Wassarman
- Department Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai One Gustave L. Levy Place
| | - Eveline S Litscher
- Department Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai One Gustave L. Levy Place
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19
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Murata K, Kinoshita M. Targeted deletion of liver-expressed Choriogenin L results in the production of soft eggs and infertility in medaka, Oryzias latipes. ZOOLOGICAL LETTERS 2022; 8:1. [PMID: 34983666 PMCID: PMC8729012 DOI: 10.1186/s40851-021-00185-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Egg envelopes (chorions) in medaka, Oryzias latipes, are composed of three major glycoproteins: ZI-1, - 2, and - 3. These gene-encoded chorion glycoproteins are expressed in the liver and/or ovarian oocytes of sexually mature female fish. In medaka, the glycoproteins produced in the female liver are induced by estrogen as Choriogenin (Chg.) H and Chg. H minor (m), which correspond to the zona pellucida (ZP) B (ZPB) protein in mammals, and Chg. L, which corresponds to ZPC in mammals. Chg. H, Chg. Hm, and Chg. L, are then converted to ZI-1, - 2, and - 3, respectively, during oogenesis in medaka ovaries.In the present study, we established a medaka line in which the chg.l gene was inactivated using the transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN) technique. Neither intact chg.l transcripts nor Chg. L proteins were detected in livers of sexually mature female homozygotes for the mutation (homozygous chg.l knockout: chg.l-/-). The chg.l-/- females spawned string-like materials containing "smashed eggs." Closer examination revealed the oocytes in the ovaries of chg.l-/- females had thin chorions, particularly at the inner layer, despite a normal growth rate. In comparing chorions from normal (chg.l+/+) and chg.l-/- oocytes, the latter exhibited abnormal architecture in the chorion pore canals through which the oocyte microvilli pass. These microvilli mediate the nutritional exchange between the oocyte and surrounding spaces and promote sperm-egg interactions during fertilization. Thus, following in vitro fertilization, no embryos developed in the artificially inseminated oocytes isolated from chg.l-/- ovaries. These results demonstrated that medaka ZI-3 (Chg.L) is the major component of the inner layer of the chorion, as it supports and maintains the oocyte's structural shape, enabling it to withstand the pressures exerted against the chorion during spawning, and is essential for successful fertilization. Therefore, gene products of oocyte-specific ZP genes that may be expressed in medaka oocytes cannot compensate for the loss Chg. L function to produce offspring for this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Murata
- University of California, Davis. Center for Health and the Environment, Davis, CA 95616 USA
| | - Masato Kinoshita
- Division of Applied Bioscience, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502 Japan
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20
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Yang D, Yang H, Yang B, Wang K, Zhu Q, Wang J, Ding F, Rao B, Xue R, Peng J, Wang Q, Cao Y, Zou W, Chen B, Zhang Z. Embryological Characteristics of Human Oocytes With Agar-Like Zona Pellucida and Its Clinical Treatment Strategy. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:859361. [PMID: 35813655 PMCID: PMC9259955 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.859361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Zona pellucida (ZP) abnormalities are the cause of low fertility or infertility, agar-like ZP is more common in abnormal ZP. The purpose of this exploration is to systematically analyze the fertilization competence of agar-like ZP oocytes, the development characteristics of subsequent embryos as well as the results of embryo transfer, aiming to explore effective clinical treatment strategies. A total of 58 patients with agar-like ZP were set as the case group and the control group involved 3866 patients, in which the patients' oocytes presented normal ZP. BMI, basal hormone levels, and hormone levels were similar in both groups. The case patients suffered significantly longer infertility years than control (p<0.05), and most patients were diagnosed with pelvic inflammatory diseases. A distinct difference was observed in the structure of oocyte corona cumulus complexes between the two groups. The embryo development parameters, which include the rates of cleavage, high-quality embryo, blastocyst, and high-quality blastocyst in the case group were greatly lower than that in the control group (p<0.05). The rates of cumulative clinical pregnancy and live birth were comparable between the two groups. In the subsequent follow-up, thirty-four of the 58 patients receiving intracytoplasmic single sperm injection (ICSI) or early rescue ICSI (R-ICSI) treatment successfully gave birth to babies, and all of the newborns were with no neonatal defects. In addition, the fertilization rate of the R-ICSI group was significantly lower than that of the ICSI group (p<0.05). The occurrence of agar-like ZP impairs the development competence of human oocytes, however, the human oocytes with agar-like ZP can develop into healthy offspring, and an ICSI regimen is the optimal treatment strategy for them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
| | - Han Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Bo Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
| | - Kaijuan Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
| | - Qi Zhu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Fangfang Ding
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Bihua Rao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Rufeng Xue
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
| | - Jing Peng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Qiushuang Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
| | - Weiwei Zou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Zhiguo Zhang, ; Beili Chen, ; Weiwei Zou,
| | - Beili Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Zhiguo Zhang, ; Beili Chen, ; Weiwei Zou,
| | - Zhiguo Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Zhiguo Zhang, ; Beili Chen, ; Weiwei Zou,
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21
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Shen Y, Guo J, Zhang X, Wang X, Zhu S, Chen D, Xiong W, Lu G, Liu X, Dai C, Gong F, Wang Y, Lin G, Wang Z, Xu W. OUP accepted manuscript. Hum Reprod 2022; 37:859-872. [PMID: 35211729 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Shen
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Guo
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Xueguang Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiang Wang
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shaomi Zhu
- The Reproductive & Women-Children Hospital, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Daijuan Chen
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Xiong
- The Joint Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of SCU-CUHK, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Guangxiu Lu
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, National Health and Family Planning Commission, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaojun Liu
- Medriv Academy of Genetics and Reproduction, Peking, China
| | - Can Dai
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Fei Gong
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Reproduction Medical Center of West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ge Lin
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- Labortatory of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem and Reproductive Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhenbo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wenming Xu
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- The Joint Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of SCU-CUHK, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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22
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Wassarman PM, Litscher ES. Mouse zona pellucida proteins as receptors for binding of sperm to eggs. TRENDS IN DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2022; 15:1-13. [PMID: 36776744 PMCID: PMC9910581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
Fertilization in mammals is initiated by species-restricted binding of free-swimming sperm to the unfertilized egg's thick extracellular matrix, the zona pellucida (ZP). Both acrosome-intact and acrosome-reacted sperm can bind to the ZP, but only the latter can penetrate the ZP, reach the egg's plasma membrane, and fuse with plasma membrane (fertilization) to produce a zygote. Following fertilization, the ZP is modified by cortical granule components such that acrosome-intact and acrosome-reacted sperm are unable to bind to fertilized eggs. Here we review some of the evidence that bears directly on the involvement of two mouse ZP proteins, mZP2 and mZP3, as receptors for binding of mouse sperm to unfertilized eggs and address some contentious issues surrounding this important initial step in the process of mammalian fertilization.
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23
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Pulawska K, Ponikwicka-Tyszko D, Lebiedzinska W, Guo P, Bernaczyk P, Pilaszewicz-Puza A, Li X, Chrusciel M, Lupu O, Leskinen S, Makela JA, Toppari J, Wolczynski S, Coelingh Bennink HJT, Huhtaniemi I, Rahman NA. Novel expression of zona pellucida 3 protein in normal testis; potential functional implications. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2022; 539:111502. [PMID: 34736966 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The expression of the zona pellucida glycoprotein 3 (ZP3), originally thought to be specific for oocytes, was recently extended to ovarian, prostate, colorectal and lung cancers. Earlier successful ZP3 immunization of a transgenic mouse model carrying a ZP3 positive ovarian tumor emphasized the suitability of ZP3 for cancer immunotherapy. This study was carried out to determine whether any other normal tissues besides the ovary in healthy human and mouse tissues may express ZP3, considered important to exclude off-target effects of ZP3 cancer immunotherapy. Strong ZP3 expression was found in normal human and mouse testis. ZP3 protein and mRNA transcripts were localized in spermatogonia, spermatocytes and round and elongated spermatids of both human and mouse testis, as well as in a mouse spermatogonial cell line, but absent in testicular Sertoli, Leydig, spermatogonial stem and progenitor cells. All other normal human and mouse tissues were ZP3 negative. This surprising testicular ZP3 expression has implications for the development of ZP3 cancer immunotherapies, and it also alludes to the potential of using ZP3 as a target for the development of a male immunocontraceptive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamila Pulawska
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Donata Ponikwicka-Tyszko
- Department of Biology and Pathology of Human Reproduction, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Weronika Lebiedzinska
- Department of Reproduction and Gynecological Endocrinology, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Peilan Guo
- College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Piotr Bernaczyk
- Department of Pathomorphology, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | | | - Xiangdong Li
- Department of Reproduction and Gynecological Endocrinology, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland; State Key Laboratory of the Agro-Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | | | - Oana Lupu
- Department of Reproduction and Gynecological Endocrinology, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Sini Leskinen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | | | - Jorma Toppari
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Slawomir Wolczynski
- Department of Reproduction and Gynecological Endocrinology, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | | | - Ilpo Huhtaniemi
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nafis A Rahman
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Department of Reproduction and Gynecological Endocrinology, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland.
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24
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Zhang Z, Guo Q, Jia L, Zhou C, He S, Fang C, Zhang M, Sun P, Zeng Z, Wang M, Wang D, Liang X. A novel gene mutation in ZP3 loop region identified in patients with empty follicle syndrome. Hum Mutat 2021; 43:180-188. [PMID: 34816529 DOI: 10.1002/humu.24297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The zona pellucida (ZP) is an extracellular matrix surrounding mammalian oocytes. It is composed of three to four glycoproteins, ZP1-ZP4. ZP3 is essential for sperm binding and zona matrix formation. Here, we identified a novel heterozygous mutation (NM_001110354.2:c.502_504delGAG) of ZP3, occurring in a pair of sisters with empty follicle syndrome (EFS). A mouse model with the same mutation was established using the CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing system. As in the above family, F0 -, F1 -, and F2 -generation female mice with the mutation were all infertile. Further analysis using the Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO-K1) also showed that this mutation weakens the strength of binding between ZP3 and ZP2, which hinders the assembly of ZP and results in unstable ZP formation. Immunohistochemical analysis using ovarian serial sections in both humans and mice demonstrated that the ZP of preantral follicles was thinner than normal control, or even absent. Our study presents a new gene mutation that leads to EFS, providing new evidence and support for the genetic diagnosis of infertile individuals with similar phenotypes. Our results also show that the loop of ZP3 is not only a linker between two amphiphilic helices but may play a critical role in specifying the correct heterodimerization partner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Zhang
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Center of Reproductive Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qi Guo
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Center of Reproductive Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lei Jia
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Center of Reproductive Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chuanchuan Zhou
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Center of Reproductive Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shujing He
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Center of Reproductive Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cong Fang
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Center of Reproductive Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Minfang Zhang
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Center of Reproductive Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peng Sun
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Center of Reproductive Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhi Zeng
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Center of Reproductive Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Meng Wang
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Center of Reproductive Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dandan Wang
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Center of Reproductive Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyan Liang
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Center of Reproductive Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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25
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Gao JG, Yang JK, Zhu L, Xu C, Nie LW. Acrylamide impairs the developmental potential of germinal vesicle oocytes by inducing mitochondrial dysfunction and autophagy/apoptosis in mice. Hum Exp Toxicol 2021; 40:S370-S380. [PMID: 34569336 DOI: 10.1177/09603271211045956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background: Acrylamide (ACR), an important endogenous contaminant in carbohydrate-rich foods, has been involved in various negative effects on multiple organ networks, including the reproductive system. Previous studies have reported that ACR affects oocyte quality and fertility. Purpose: This study aimed to explore the toxic effects and regulatory mechanisms of ACR on mouse germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes. Research Design: In this study, adult female mice were exposed to ACR at 10 mg/kg/day/body weight through their drinking water continuously for 4 weeks. Study Sample and Data Analysis: The mitochondrial function, autophagy/apoptosis, and development potential of GV oocytes were investigated. Results: The results showed that ACR reduced the oocyte diameter, sperm-binding ability, parthenogenetic activation and in vitro fertilization (IVF) rate, and development potential of pre-implantation embryos. We also found that ACR exposure disrupted chromatin configuration, mitochondrial distribution, and membrane potential (Δφm) of oocytes. Actin filament expression was significantly reduced in both the membrane and cytoplasm of mouse oocytes. Moreover, ACR exposure increased LC3-positive signals, early apoptosis rate, aberrant ATG3, ATG5, LC3, Beclin1, and mTOR mRNA expression. Conclusions: These results suggest that ACR exposure can affect the developmental potential of GV oocytes by inducing mitochondrial dysfunction, actin filament assembly, and autophagy/apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Guang Gao
- 12514Life Science College of Anhui Normal University, Provincial Key Lab. of the Conservation and Exploitation Research of Biological Resources in Anhui, Wuhu, China.,School of Preclinical Medicine, 74649Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Jian-Ke Yang
- School of Preclinical Medicine, 74649Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Lei Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, 74649Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Cheng Xu
- School of Clinical Medicine, 74649Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Liu-Wang Nie
- 12514Life Science College of Anhui Normal University, Provincial Key Lab. of the Conservation and Exploitation Research of Biological Resources in Anhui, Wuhu, China
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26
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Rojas J, Hinostroza F, Vergara S, Pinto-Borguero I, Aguilera F, Fuentes R, Carvacho I. Knockin' on Egg's Door: Maternal Control of Egg Activation That Influences Cortical Granule Exocytosis in Animal Species. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:704867. [PMID: 34540828 PMCID: PMC8446563 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.704867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Fertilization by multiple sperm leads to lethal chromosomal number abnormalities, failed embryo development, and miscarriage. In some vertebrate and invertebrate eggs, the so-called cortical reaction contributes to their activation and prevents polyspermy during fertilization. This process involves biogenesis, redistribution, and subsequent accumulation of cortical granules (CGs) at the female gamete cortex during oogenesis. CGs are oocyte- and egg-specific secretory vesicles whose content is discharged during fertilization to block polyspermy. Here, we summarize the molecular mechanisms controlling critical aspects of CG biology prior to and after the gametes interaction. This allows to block polyspermy and provide protection to the developing embryo. We also examine how CGs form and are spatially redistributed during oogenesis. During egg activation, CG exocytosis (CGE) and content release are triggered by increases in intracellular calcium and relies on the function of maternally-loaded proteins. We also discuss how mutations in these factors impact CG dynamics, providing unprecedented models to investigate the genetic program executing fertilization. We further explore the phylogenetic distribution of maternal proteins and signaling pathways contributing to CGE and egg activation. We conclude that many important biological questions and genotype–phenotype relationships during fertilization remain unresolved, and therefore, novel molecular players of CG biology need to be discovered. Future functional and image-based studies are expected to elucidate the identity of genetic candidates and components of the molecular machinery involved in the egg activation. This, will open new therapeutic avenues for treating infertility in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Japhet Rojas
- Laboratorio Fisiología de la Reproducción, Departamento de Biología y Química, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile.,Escuela de Ingeniería en Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
| | - Fernando Hinostroza
- Laboratorio Fisiología de la Reproducción, Departamento de Biología y Química, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile.,Centro de Investigación de Estudios Avanzados del Maule (CIEAM), Vicerrectoría de Investigación y Postgrado, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile.,Centro de Investigación en Neuropsicología y Neurociencias Cognitivas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
| | - Sebastián Vergara
- Laboratorio Fisiología de la Reproducción, Departamento de Biología y Química, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile.,Escuela de Ingeniería en Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
| | - Ingrid Pinto-Borguero
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Felipe Aguilera
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Ricardo Fuentes
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Ingrid Carvacho
- Laboratorio Fisiología de la Reproducción, Departamento de Biología y Química, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
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Zona Pellucida Genes and Proteins: Essential Players in Mammalian Oogenesis and Fertility. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12081266. [PMID: 34440440 PMCID: PMC8391237 DOI: 10.3390/genes12081266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
All mammalian oocytes and eggs are surrounded by a relatively thick extracellular matrix (ECM), the zona pellucida (ZP), that plays vital roles during oogenesis, fertilization, and preimplantation development. Unlike ECM surrounding somatic cells, the ZP is composed of only a few glycosylated proteins, ZP1–4, that are unique to oocytes and eggs. ZP1–4 have a large region of polypeptide, the ZP domain (ZPD), consisting of two subdomains, ZP-N and ZP-C, separated by a short linker region, that plays an essential role in polymerization of nascent ZP proteins into crosslinked fibrils. Both subdomains adopt immunoglobulin (Ig)-like folds for their 3-dimensional structure. Mouse and human ZP genes are encoded by single-copy genes located on different chromosomes and are highly expressed in the ovary by growing oocytes during late stages of oogenesis. Genes encoding ZP proteins are conserved among mammals, and their expression is regulated by cis-acting sequences located close to the transcription start-site and by the same/similar trans-acting factors. Nascent ZP proteins are synthesized, packaged into vesicles, secreted into the extracellular space, and assembled into long, crosslinked fibrils that have a structural repeat, a ZP2-ZP3 dimer, and constitute the ZP matrix. Fibrils are oriented differently with respect to the oolemma in the inner and outer layers of the ZP. Sequence elements in the ZPD and the carboxy-terminal propeptide of ZP1–4 regulate secretion and assembly of nascent ZP proteins. The presence of both ZP2 and ZP3 is required to assemble ZP fibrils and ZP1 and ZP4 are used to crosslink the fibrils. Inactivation of mouse ZP genes by gene targeting has a detrimental effect on ZP formation around growing oocytes and female fertility. Gene sequence variations in human ZP genes due to point, missense, or frameshift mutations also have a detrimental effect on ZP formation and female fertility. The latter mutations provide additional support for the role of ZPD subdomains and other regions of ZP polypeptide in polymerization of human ZP proteins into fibrils and matrix.
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28
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New Insights into the Mammalian Egg Zona Pellucida. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22063276. [PMID: 33806989 PMCID: PMC8005149 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22063276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian oocytes are surrounded by an extracellular coat called the zona pellucida (ZP), which, from an evolutionary point of view, is the most ancient of the coats that envelope vertebrate oocytes and conceptuses. This matrix separates the oocyte from cumulus cells and is responsible for species-specific recognition between gametes, preventing polyspermy and protecting the preimplantation embryo. The ZP is a dynamic structure that shows different properties before and after fertilization. Until very recently, mammalian ZP was believed to be composed of only three glycoproteins, ZP1, ZP2 and ZP3, as first described in mouse. However, studies have revealed that this composition is not necessarily applicable to other mammals. Such differences can be explained by an analysis of the molecular evolution of the ZP gene family, during which ZP genes have suffered pseudogenization and duplication events that have resulted in differing models of ZP protein composition. The many discoveries made in recent years related to ZP composition and evolution suggest that a compilation would be useful. Moreover, this review analyses ZP biosynthesis, the role of each ZP protein in different mammalian species and how these proteins may interact among themselves and with other proteins present in the oviductal lumen.
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29
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Zeng MH, Wang Y, Huang HL, Quan RP, Yang JT, Guo D, Sun Y, Lv C, Li TY, Wang L, Tan HJ, Long PP, Deng HW, Xiao HM. Zp4 is completely dispensable for fertility in female rats†. Biol Reprod 2021; 104:1282-1291. [PMID: 33709118 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Zona pellucida (ZP), which is composed of at most four extracellular glycoproteins (ZP1, ZP2, ZP3, and ZP4) in mammals, shelters the oocytes and is vital in female fertility. Several studies have identified the indispensable roles of ZP1-3 in maintaining normal female fertility. However, the understanding of ZP4 is still very poor because only one study on ZP4-associated infertility performed in rabbits has been reported up to date. Here we investigated the function of mammalian Zp4 by creating a knockout (KO) rat strain (Zp4-/- rat) using CRISPR-Cas9-mediated DNA-editing method. The influence of Zp4 KO on ZP morphology and some pivotal processes of reproduction, including oogenesis, ovulation, fertilization, and pup production, were studied using periodic acid-Schiff's staining, superovulation, in vitro fertilization, and natural mating. The ZP morphology in Zp4-/- rats was normal, and none of these pivotal processes was affected. This study renewed the knowledge of mammalian Zp4 by suggesting that Zp4 was completely dispensable for female fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Hua Zeng
- Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Center of Reproductive Health,School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Center of Reproductive Health,School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hua-Lin Huang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ru-Ping Quan
- Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Center of Reproductive Health,School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jun-Ting Yang
- Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Center of Reproductive Health,School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Dan Guo
- Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Center of Reproductive Health,School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ying Sun
- Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Center of Reproductive Health,School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chao Lv
- Changsha Reproductive Medicine Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Tian-Ying Li
- Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Center of Reproductive Health,School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Le Wang
- Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Center of Reproductive Health,School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hang-Jin Tan
- Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Center of Reproductive Health,School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Pan-Pan Long
- Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Center of Reproductive Health,School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hong-Wen Deng
- Center for Bioinformatics and Genomics, Department of Global Biostatistics and Data Science, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.,Center of System Biology and Data Information, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hong-Mei Xiao
- Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Center of Reproductive Health,School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
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30
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Watson K, Korman I, Liu Y, Zander-Fox D. Live birth in a complete zona-free patient: a case report. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:1109-1113. [PMID: 33629177 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02114-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To report a live birth from a patient with complete zona-free oocytes due to abnormal zona production and to reveal full time-lapse blastocyst development footage of its originating embryo. METHODS A 34-year-old woman presented with a history of failed fertilization via standard in vitro fertilization insemination and a potential absence of zona pellucida. A total of 3 intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles were undertaken with all oocytes collected being zona-free. Embryos created in the initial 2 cycles were cultured in the G1+/G2+ sequential media in a benchtop incubator. During the final successful cycle, the culture strategy was shifted to single step media (G-TL) in an Embryoscope+ incubator. RESULTS The first 2 attempts led to a biochemical pregnancy or no blastocyst available for transfer. In the third cycle, 13 out of 24 collected oocytes were subjected to injection, with 4 being normally fertilized. Two blastocysts were subsequently formed, in which one was cryopreserved and the other transferred. A live baby girl (1570g) was subsequently delivered at 34 weeks of gestation by cesarean section. CONCLUSION Live birth can be achieved for patients with zona production deficiency. Adjustment in ovarian stimulation and subsequent embryo culture strategies may have potentially contributed to the success of the 3rd cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Watson
- Monash IVF Gold Coast, Level 3, 2 Short St, Southport, Queensland, 4215, Australia.
| | - Irving Korman
- Monash IVF Gold Coast, Level 3, 2 Short St, Southport, Queensland, 4215, Australia
| | - Yanhe Liu
- Monash IVF Gold Coast, Level 3, 2 Short St, Southport, Queensland, 4215, Australia.,School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Deirdre Zander-Fox
- Monash IVF Gold Coast, Level 3, 2 Short St, Southport, Queensland, 4215, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Department of Bioengineering, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Monash University, Monash, Victoria, Australia
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31
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Lv C, Huang HL, Yi DJ, Peng TL, Tan HJ, Quan RP, Deng HW, Xiao HM. Mutant Zp1 impedes incorporation of ZP3 and ZP4 in the zona pellucida, resulting in zona absence and female infertility in rats†. Biol Reprod 2021; 104:1262-1270. [PMID: 33624742 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The zona pellucida (ZP) plays vital roles in reproductive processes including oogenesis, fertilization, and preimplantation development. Both human and rat ZP consist of four glycoproteins, called ZP1, ZP2, ZP3, and ZP4. Our previous research reported a novel Zp1 mutation in cases of human infertility, associated with an abnormal phenotype involving the absence of the ZP. Here, we developed a homologous rat strain to investigate the pathogenic effect. The ovaries of homozygous (Zp1MT/MT) females possessed both growing and fully grown oocytes; the oocytes completely lacked a ZP, but ZP1 was detectable inside the cytoplasm. Only 1-2 eggs were recovered from oviducts of superovulated Zp1MT/MT females, while an average of 21 eggs were recovered from superovulated Zp1WT/WT per female. The eggs of Zp1MT/MT females were not surrounded by a ZP and lost their fertilization capacity in vitro. Zp1MT/MT females mated with wild-type males failed to become pregnant. Studies in 293T cells showed that mutant Zp1 resulted in a truncated ZP1 protein, which might be intracellularly sequestered and interacted with wild-type ZP3 or ZP4. Our results suggest that the Zp1 point mutation led to infertility and loss of the ZP in oocytes in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Lv
- School of Basic Medical Science, Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China.,School of Basic Medical Science, Center of Reproductive Health, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Changsha Reproductive Medicine Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Hua-Lin Huang
- School of Basic Medical Science, Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China.,School of Basic Medical Science, Center of Reproductive Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Da-Jing Yi
- School of Basic Medical Science, Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China.,School of Basic Medical Science, Center of Reproductive Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Tian-Liu Peng
- School of Basic Medical Science, Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China.,School of Basic Medical Science, Center of Reproductive Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hang-Jing Tan
- School of Basic Medical Science, Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China.,School of Basic Medical Science, Center of Reproductive Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ru-Ping Quan
- School of Basic Medical Science, Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China.,School of Basic Medical Science, Center of Reproductive Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hong-Wen Deng
- Department of Global Biostatistics and Data Science, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Center for Bioinformatics and Genomics, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA.,School of Basic Medical Science, Center of System Biology and Data Information, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hong-Mei Xiao
- School of Basic Medical Science, Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China.,School of Basic Medical Science, Center of Reproductive Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
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32
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Gupta SK. Human Zona Pellucida Glycoproteins: Binding Characteristics With Human Spermatozoa and Induction of Acrosome Reaction. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:619868. [PMID: 33681199 PMCID: PMC7928326 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.619868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Human zona pellucida (ZP) matrix is composed of four glycoproteins designated as ZP glycoprotein -1 (ZP1), -2 (ZP2), -3 (ZP3), and -4 (ZP4). Mutations in the genes encoding human ZP glycoproteins are one of the causative factors leading to abnormal ZP matrix and infertility in women. Relevance of the human ZP glycoproteins in 'sperm-oocyte' binding has been delineated by using either transgenic animal models expressing human zona proteins or purified native/recombinant human zona proteins. Studies based on the purified native/recombinant human zona proteins revealed that ZP1, ZP3, and ZP4 primarily bind to the capacitated acrosome-intact human spermatozoa whereas ZP2 binds to acrosome-reacted spermatozoa. On the contrary, human spermatozoa binds to the eggs obtained from transgenic mouse lines expressing human ZP2 but not to those expressing human ZP1, ZP3, and ZP4 suggesting that ZP2 has an important role in human 'sperm-oocyte' binding. Further studies using transgenic mouse lines showed that the N-terminus of human ZP2 mediate the taxon-specific human sperm-oocyte binding. Both glycans and protein-protein interactions have a role in human gamete interaction. Further studies have revealed that the purified native/recombinant human ZP1, ZP3, and ZP4 are competent to induce acrosome reaction. Human sperm binds to the mouse transgenic eggs expressing human ZP1-4 instead of mouse ZP1-3 proteins, penetrated the ZP matrix and accumulated in the perivitelline space, which were acrosome-reacted suggesting that human ZP2 in transgenic mouse model also induce acrosome reaction. In humans N-linked glycosylation of zona proteins have been shown to play an important role in induction of the acrosome reaction. Hence in humans, based on studies using transgenic mouse model as well as purified native/recombinant zona proteins, it is likely that more than one zona protein is involved in the 'sperm-oocyte' binding and induction of the acrosome reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satish Kumar Gupta
- Reproductive Cell Biology Lab, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, India
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33
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Wei X, Li Y, Liu Q, Liu W, Yan X, Zhu X, Zhou D, Tian Y, Zhang F, Li N, Lu Z. Mutations in ZP4 are associated with abnormal zona pellucida and female infertility. J Clin Pathol 2021; 75:201-204. [PMID: 33461974 DOI: 10.1136/jclinpath-2020-207170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The zona pellucida (ZP) of human oocytes plays essential protective roles in sperm-egg interactions during fertilisation and embryo development. ZP4-null female rabbits exhibit a thin and irregular ZP, which severely impairs embryo development and fertility. However, the effects of ZP4 defect on human female reproduction remain unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS We performed whole-exome sequencing in 26 female patients with abnormal (thin and irregular) ZP and identified heterozygous variants in ZP4 (OMIM: 613514) from 3 patients (approximately 11%). No ZP4 variant was found in the 30 control women with proven fertility. We constructed ZP4-mutated plasmids and found that the variants reduced the secretion of ZP4 in vitro. Lower suction pressure facilitated egg retrieval, and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was a desirable treatment for ZP4-mutated patients with abnormal ZP. CONCLUSIONS We identified ZP4 as a novel gene for human abnormal ZP and found that lower suction pressure and ICSI are efficient treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Wei
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Youzhu Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Qicai Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Wensheng Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Xiaohong Yan
- Reproductive Medicine Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Xingshen Zhu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Dekun Zhou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Yingpu Tian
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Fuxing Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Na Li
- Intensive Care Unit, Fujian Medical University Xiamen Humanity Hospital, Xiamen, China
| | - Zhongxian Lu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
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Izquierdo-Rico MJ, Moros-Nicolás C, Pérez-Crespo M, Laguna-Barraza R, Gutiérrez-Adán A, Veyrunes F, Ballesta J, Laudet V, Chevret P, Avilés M. ZP4 Is Present in Murine Zona Pellucida and Is Not Responsible for the Specific Gamete Interaction. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:626679. [PMID: 33537315 PMCID: PMC7848090 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.626679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian eggs are surrounded by an extracellular matrix called the zona pellucida (ZP). This envelope participates in processes such as acrosome reaction induction, sperm binding, protection of the oviductal embryo, and may be involved in speciation. In eutherian mammals, this coat is formed of three or four glycoproteins (ZP1-ZP4). While Mus musculus has been used as a model to study the ZP for more than 35 years, surprisingly, it is the only eutherian species in which the ZP is formed of three glycoproteins Zp1, Zp2, and Zp3, Zp4 being a pseudogene. Zp4 was lost in the Mus lineage after it diverged from Rattus, although it is not known when precisely this loss occurred. In this work, the status of Zp4 in several murine rodents was tested by phylogenetic, molecular, and proteomic analyses. Additionally, assays of cross in vitro fertilization between three and four ZP rodents were performed to test the effect of the presence of Zp4 in murine ZP and its possible involvement in reproductive isolation. Our results showed that Zp4 pseudogenization is restricted to the subgenus Mus, which diverged around 6 MYA. Heterologous in vitro fertilization assays demonstrate that a ZP formed of four glycoproteins is not a barrier for the spermatozoa of species with a ZP formed of three glycoproteins. This study identifies the existence of several mouse species with four ZPs that can be considered suitable for use as an experimental animal model to understand the structural and functional roles of the four ZP proteins in other species, including human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mª José Izquierdo-Rico
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
- International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research “Campus Mare Nostrum”, Murcia, Spain
| | - Carla Moros-Nicolás
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
- International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research “Campus Mare Nostrum”, Murcia, Spain
| | - Míriam Pérez-Crespo
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Instituto Nacional de Investigacion y Tecnologia Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ricardo Laguna-Barraza
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Instituto Nacional de Investigacion y Tecnologia Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Alfonso Gutiérrez-Adán
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Instituto Nacional de Investigacion y Tecnologia Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Frédéric Veyrunes
- Institut des Sciences de l'Evolution, UMR5554 CNRS/Université Montpellier/IRD/EPHE, Montpellier, France
| | - José Ballesta
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
- International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research “Campus Mare Nostrum”, Murcia, Spain
| | - Vincent Laudet
- Marine Eco-Evo-Devo Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Pascale Chevret
- Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, UMR5558, CNRS, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Manuel Avilés
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
- International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research “Campus Mare Nostrum”, Murcia, Spain
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35
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Samul-tang ameliorates oocyte damage due to cyclophosphamide-induced chronic ovarian dysfunction in mice. Sci Rep 2020; 10:21925. [PMID: 33318603 PMCID: PMC7736329 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-79013-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Samul-tang (SM), a traditional herbal medicine, has been used to treat menstrual irregularities and infertility in women. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of SM remain elusive. We investigated the potential protective effect of SM against chronic ovarian dysfunction and used bioinformatics analysis to identify its underlying mechanism in a mouse model of cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced diminished ovarian reserve. Female C57BL/6 mice were intraperitoneally injected with CP three times a week, followed by oral administration of distilled water (CP group) or SM (CP + SM group) for 4 weeks. Four weeks later, the effect of SM was assessed by ovarian tissue histological analysis, steroid hormone measurement, oocyte quality, and mRNA and microRNA microarray analysis in the ovaries. Although SM administration did not prevent CP-induced follicle loss in mice, the quality of oocytes was better in CP + SM mice than in CP mice. Gene expression analysis revealed that the expression of fertilisation- and ovarian follicle development-related genes was altered by CP treatment but normalized after SM administration. Further bioinformatics analysis showed possible interactions between differentially expressed mRNAs and microRNAs. Therefore, we demonstrated the protective effects of SM on ovarian function and oocyte maturation against CP-induced damage via multiple epigenetic mechanisms.
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36
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Jiao SY, Yang YH, Chen SR. Molecular genetics of infertility: loss-of-function mutations in humans and corresponding knockout/mutated mice. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 27:154-189. [PMID: 33118031 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infertility is a major issue in human reproductive health, affecting an estimated 15% of couples worldwide. Infertility can result from disorders of sex development (DSD) or from reproductive endocrine disorders (REDs) with onset in infancy, early childhood or adolescence. Male infertility, accounting for roughly half of all infertility cases, generally manifests as decreased sperm count (azoospermia or oligozoospermia), attenuated sperm motility (asthenozoospermia) or a higher proportion of morphologically abnormal sperm (teratozoospermia). Female infertility can be divided into several classical types, including, but not limited to, oocyte maturation arrest, premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), fertilization failure and early embryonic arrest. An estimated one half of infertility cases have a genetic component; however, most genetic causes of human infertility are currently uncharacterized. The advent of high-throughput sequencing technologies has greatly facilitated the identification of infertility-associated gene mutations in patients over the past 20 years. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review aims to conduct a narrative review of the genetic causes of human infertility. Loss-of-function mutation discoveries related to human infertility are summarized and further illustrated in tables. Corresponding knockout/mutated animal models of causative genes for infertility are also introduced. SEARCH METHODS A search of the PubMed database was performed to identify relevant studies published in English. The term 'mutation' was combined with a range of search terms related to the core focus of the review: infertility, DSD, REDs, azoospermia or oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF), primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), acephalic spermatozoa syndrome (ASS), globozoospermia, teratozoospermia, acrosome, oocyte maturation arrest, POI, zona pellucida, fertilization defects and early embryonic arrest. OUTCOMES Our search generated ∼2000 records. Overall, 350 articles were included in the final review. For genetic investigation of human infertility, the traditional candidate gene approach is proceeding slowly, whereas high-throughput sequencing technologies in larger cohorts of individuals is identifying an increasing number of causative genes linked to human infertility. This review provides a wide panel of gene mutations in several typical forms of human infertility, including DSD, REDs, male infertility (oligozoospermia, MMAF, PCD, ASS and globozoospermia) and female infertility (oocyte maturation arrest, POI, fertilization failure and early embryonic arrest). The causative genes, their identified mutations, mutation rate, studied population and their corresponding knockout/mutated mice of non-obstructive azoospermia, MMAF, ASS, globozoospermia, oocyte maturation arrest, POI, fertilization failure and early embryonic arrest are further illustrated by tables. In this review, we suggest that (i) our current knowledge of infertility is largely obtained from knockout mouse models; (ii) larger cohorts of clinical cases with distinct clinical characteristics need to be recruited in future studies; (iii) the whole picture of genetic causes of human infertility relies on both the identification of more mutations for distinct types of infertility and the integration of known mutation information; (iv) knockout/mutated animal models are needed to show whether the phenotypes of genetically altered animals are consistent with findings in human infertile patients carrying a deleterious mutation of the homologous gene; and (v) the molecular mechanisms underlying human infertility caused by pathogenic mutations are largely unclear in most current studies. WILDER IMPLICATIONS It is important to use our current understanding to identify avenues and priorities for future research in the field of genetic causes of infertility as well as to apply mutation knowledge to risk prediction, genetic diagnosis and potential treatment for human infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Ya Jiao
- Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation & Regulation Biology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, 100875 Beijing, China
| | - Yi-Hong Yang
- Reproduction Medical Center of West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, 610041 Chengdu, China
| | - Su-Ren Chen
- Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation & Regulation Biology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, 100875 Beijing, China
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Wang Y, Lv C, Huang HL, Zeng MH, Yi DJ, Tan HJ, Peng TL, Yu WX, Deng HW, Xiao HM. Influence of mouse defective zona pellucida in folliculogenesis on apoptosis of granulosa cells and developmental competence of oocytes†. Biol Reprod 2020; 101:457-465. [PMID: 31162612 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Zona pellucida (ZP), which enwraps the oocyte during folliculogenesis, initially forms in the primary follicle and plays an important role in female fertility. Here, we investigated a mouse strain ("mutant mice" for short) carrying two types of ZP defects in folliculogenesis, i.e., ZP thinned (but intact) and ZP cracked, caused by targeted mutation in the Zp1 gene. Using this mutant mouse strain and wild-type mouse as control, we studied the effects of the ZP defects on the development of oocytes and granulosa cells during folliculogenesis. For each ZP defect, we examined the morphology of transzonal projections and apoptosis of granulosa cells in the corresponding growing follicles, as well as the morphology of corresponding ovulated eggs and their abilities to develop into viable individuals. Our results suggested that ZP integrity rather than thickness or porosity is crucial for preventing the ectopia of granulosa cells, maintaining adequate routine bilateral signaling between oocyte and surrounding granulosa cells, and thus for ensuring the survival of granulosa cells and the establishment of the full developmental competence of oocytes. This is the first study to elucidate the effects of different degrees of ZP defects caused by the same gene mutation, on the apoptosis of granulosa cells and developmental competence of oocytes, and to explore the potential mechanisms underlying these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Center of Reproductive Health, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chao Lv
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Center of Reproductive Health, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hua-Lin Huang
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Center of Reproductive Health, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ming-Hua Zeng
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Center of Reproductive Health, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Da-Jing Yi
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Center of Reproductive Health, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hang-Jing Tan
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Center of Reproductive Health, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Tian-Liu Peng
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Center of Reproductive Health, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wen-Xian Yu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Center of Reproductive Health, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hong-Wen Deng
- Center of System Biology and Data Science, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Tulane Center for Bioinformatics and Genomics, Department of Global Biostatistics and Data Science, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, USA
| | - Hong-Mei Xiao
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Center of Reproductive Health, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Rasekhi M, Mohammadi-Sangcheshmeh A, Daliri M, Bakhtiarizadeh M, Shariati V, Rahimi M, Hajarizadeh A, Nazari SA, Ross PJ, Tvrdá E. Transcriptional profile of ovine oocytes matured under lipopolysaccharide treatment in vitro. Theriogenology 2020; 157:70-78. [PMID: 32805644 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.07.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) derived from gram negative bacteria cell wall is known to cause ruminal acidosis and/or infectious diseases such as metritis and mastitis which has a significant negative impact on the reproductive performance. This study aimed to investigate the effect of LPS on oocyte maturation and subsequent development in vitro. Ovine cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were matured in a medium supplemented with 0 (control), 0.01, 0.1, 1 and 10 μg/mL LPS. Nuclear maturation, cleavage and blastocyst rate, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) content and changes to the transcript abundance were evaluated. In case of the maturation rate, the percentage of oocytes reaching the MII stage was lower following exposure to 10 μg/mL LPS in comparison to the control group (P < 0.05). Moreover, the blastocyst rate decreased in case of 1 and 10 μg/mL LPS when compared to the control group (P < 0.05). ROS overproduction accompanied by a decreased ΔΨm were recorded in LPS treated oocytes in comparison to the control group (P < 0.05). The 3' tag digital gene expression profiling method revealed that 7887 genes were expressed while only seven genes exhibited changes in the transcript abundance following exposure to LPS. Tripartite motif containing 25 (TRIM25), Tripartite motif containing 26 (TRIM26), Zona Pellucida glycoprotein 3 (ZP3), Family with sequence similarity 50-member A (FAM50A), Glyoxalate and hydroxy pyruvate reductase (GRHPR), NADH ubiquinase oxireductase subunit A8 (NDUFA8) were down-regulated (P < 0.05), while only Centrin 3 (CETN3) was up-regulated (P < 0.05). Our findings show that LPS has undesirable effects on the maturation competence of ovine oocytes and subsequent embryo development. In addition, the transcriptomic profiling results may shed more light on the molecular mechanisms of LPS-induced infertility in ruminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Rasekhi
- National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Morteza Daliri
- National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohammadreza Bakhtiarizadeh
- Department of Animal and Poultry Science, College of Aburaihan, University of Tehran, Pakdasht, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahid Shariati
- National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Rahimi
- Department of Animal and Poultry Science, College of Aburaihan, University of Tehran, Pakdasht, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atieh Hajarizadeh
- Department of Animal and Poultry Science, College of Aburaihan, University of Tehran, Pakdasht, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sara Ataei Nazari
- Department of Animal and Poultry Science, College of Aburaihan, University of Tehran, Pakdasht, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pablo J Ross
- Department of Animal Science, UC Davis, California, USA
| | - Eva Tvrdá
- Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Nitra, Slovakia
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Abstract
The zona pellucida (ZP) is an extracellular matrix that surrounds all mammalian oocytes, eggs, and early embryos and plays vital roles during oogenesis, fertilization, and preimplantation development. The ZP is composed of three or four glycosylated proteins, ZP1–4, that are synthesized, processed, secreted, and assembled into long, cross-linked fibrils by growing oocytes. ZP proteins have an immunoglobulin-like three-dimensional structure and a ZP domain that consists of two subdomains, ZP-N and ZP-C, with ZP-N of ZP2 and ZP3 required for fibril assembly. A ZP2–ZP3 dimer is located periodically along ZP fibrils that are cross-linked by ZP1, a protein with a proline-rich N terminus. Fibrils in the inner and outer regions of the ZP are oriented perpendicular and parallel to the oolemma, respectively, giving the ZP a multilayered appearance. Upon fertilization of eggs, modification of ZP2 and ZP3 results in changes in the ZP's physical and biological properties that have important consequences. Certain structural features of ZP proteins suggest that they may be amyloid-like proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eveline S. Litscher
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA;,
| | - Paul M. Wassarman
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA;,
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Novel biallelic loss-of-function variants in ZP1 identified in an infertile female with empty follicle syndrome. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:2151-2157. [PMID: 32556881 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01855-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Empty follicle syndrome (EFS) refers to the inability to obtain mature oocytes after appropriate ovarian stimulation during the process of in vitro fertilization (IVF). However, the specific cause and mechanism of action underlying EFS remain to be further explored. Herein we aimed to investigate the clinical and genetic characteristics of EFS. METHODS After data were collected in an infertile family, we performed whole-exome sequencing (WES) on the patient and confirmed the pathogenic mutations through Sanger sequencing. Western immunoblotting, immunofluorescence staining, and minigene assay were further used to investigate the negative effects of these mutations. RESULTS Absence of oocytes was observed over 2 cycles of IVF in the patient, and we evaluated the novel compound heterozygous mutations c.2T>A (p. M1K) and c.1112+1G>T of the zona pellucida glycoprotein 1 gene (ZP1, MIM# 195000) by WES. For the family under study, EFS was classified as an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. The results of western blotting and immunofluorescence staining analyses confirmed that the missense mutation of c.2T>A [p. M1K] resulted in almost missing protein production. Additionally, using a minigene assay, we demonstrated the deleterious effect on the ZP1 gene of the splice site mutation c.1112+1G>T, which caused truncation of ZP1 protein. CONCLUSIONS The compound heterozygous mutations of ZP1 gene identified in this study by genetic and functional experiments constituted a novel genetic cause of EFS, and further study will expand its use in the clinical and molecular diagnoses of EFS.
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Xu Q, Zhu X, Maqsood M, Li W, Tong X, Kong S, Wang F, Liu X, Wei Z, Zhang Z, Zhu F, Cao Y, Bao J. A novel homozygous nonsense ZP1 variant causes human female infertility associated with empty follicle syndrome (EFS). Mol Genet Genomic Med 2020; 8:e1269. [PMID: 32329253 PMCID: PMC7336750 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.1269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2019] [Revised: 03/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Empty follicle syndrome (EFS) is a rare but severe condition in which no oocyte is recovered in female patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) after sufficient ovarian response to hormonal trigger. Accumulating evidence highlights the genetic basis of EFS occurrence. Methods In this study, we report a patient with primary infertility showing the characteristics of EFS from a consanguineous family. Under the treatment of assisted reproductive technique (ART), no oocyte was retrieved following the aspiration of mature follicles. Through whole‐exome sequencing (WES), we discovered a novel recessively transmitted mutation in ZP1 (c.769 C>T, p. Q257*). Results In vitro Co‐immunoprecipitation assays showed that mutant ZP1 protein failed to interact with either ZP2 or ZP3, which explains the degenerated oocytes in the patient with EFS. Conclusion Together, our data further expand the spectrum of ZP1 mutations that are associated with human EFS and thus provide novel insight into the diagnosis of EFS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianhua Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhu
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui, China
| | - Madiha Maqsood
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui, China
| | - Wenqing Li
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui, China
| | - Xianhong Tong
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui, China
| | - Shuai Kong
- School of Life Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Fengsong Wang
- School of Life Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaoman Liu
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui, China
| | - Zhaolian Wei
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zhiguo Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Fuxi Zhu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Hefei, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jianqiang Bao
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui, China
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Fahrenkamp E, Algarra B, Jovine L. Mammalian egg coat modifications and the block to polyspermy. Mol Reprod Dev 2020; 87:326-340. [PMID: 32003503 PMCID: PMC7155028 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Fertilization by more than one sperm causes polyploidy, a condition that is generally lethal to the embryo in the majority of animal species. To prevent this occurrence, eggs have developed a series of mechanisms that block polyspermy at the level of the plasma membrane or their extracellular coat. In this review, we first introduce the mammalian egg coat, the zona pellucida (ZP), and summarize what is currently known about its composition, structure, and biological functions. We then describe how this specialized extracellular matrix is modified by the contents of cortical granules (CG), secretory organelles that are exocytosed by the egg after gamete fusion. This process releases proteases, glycosidases, lectins and zinc onto the ZP, resulting in a series of changes in the properties of the egg coat that are collectively referred to as hardening. By drawing parallels with comparable modifications of the vitelline envelope of nonmammalian eggs, we discuss how CG‐dependent modifications of the ZP are thought to contribute to the block to polyspermy. Moreover, we argue for the importance of obtaining more information on the architecture of the ZP, as well as systematically investigating the many facets of ZP hardening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen Fahrenkamp
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition & Center for Innovative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Blanca Algarra
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition & Center for Innovative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Luca Jovine
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition & Center for Innovative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
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Litscher ES, Wassarman PM. Zona pellucida genes and proteins and human fertility. TRENDS IN DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2020; 13:21-33. [PMID: 33335361 PMCID: PMC7743998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The zona pellucida (ZP) is an extracellular matrix (ECM) that surrounds all mammalian oocytes, eggs, and embryos and plays vital roles during oogenesis, fertilization, and preimplantation development. The mouse and human ZP is composed of three or four unique proteins, respectively, called ZP1-4, that are synthesized, processed, and secreted by oocytes during their growth phase. All ZP proteins have a zona pellucida domain (ZPD) that consists of ≈270 amino acids and has 8 conserved Cys residues present as four intramolecular disulfides. Secreted ZP proteins assemble into long fibrils around growing oocytes with ZP2-ZP3 dimers located periodically along the fibrils. The fibrils are cross-linked by ZP1 to form a thick, transparent ECM to which sperm must first bind and then penetrate during fertilization of eggs. Inactivation of mouse ZP1, ZP2, or ZP3 by gene targeting affects both ZP formation around oocytes and fertility. Female mice with eggs that lack a ZP due to inactivation of either ZP2 or ZP3 are completely infertile, whereas inactivation of ZP1 results in construction of an abnormal ZP and reduced fertility. Results of a large number of studies of infertile female patients strongly suggest that gene sequence variations (GSV) in human ZP1, ZP2, or ZP3 due to point, missense, or frameshift mutations have similar deleterious effects on ZP formation and female fertility. These findings are discussed in light of our current knowledge of ZP protein synthesis, processing, secretion, and assembly.
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Lamas-Toranzo I, Fonseca Balvís N, Querejeta-Fernández A, Izquierdo-Rico MJ, González-Brusi L, Lorenzo PL, García-Rebollar P, Avilés M, Bermejo-Álvarez P. ZP4 confers structural properties to the zona pellucida essential for embryo development. eLife 2019; 8:48904. [PMID: 31635692 PMCID: PMC6805156 DOI: 10.7554/elife.48904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Zona pellucida (ZP), the extracellular matrix sheltering mammalian oocytes and embryos, is composed by 3 to 4 proteins. The roles of the three proteins present in mice have been elucidated by KO models, but the function of the fourth component (ZP4), present in all other eutherian mammals studied so far, has remained elusive. Herein, we report that ZP4 ablation impairs fertility in female rabbits. Ovulation, fertilization and in vitro development to blastocyst were not affected by ZP4 ablation. However, in vivo development is severely impaired in embryos covered by a ZP4-devoided zona, suggesting a defective ZP protective capacity in the absence of ZP4. ZP4-null ZP was significantly thinner, more permeable, and exhibited a more disorganized and fenestrated structure. The evolutionary conservation of ZP4 in other mammals, including humans, suggests that the structural properties conferred by this protein are required to ensure proper embryo sheltering during in vivo preimplantation development. The egg cells of mammals, called oocytes, are encased in a protective layer called the zona pellucida. This layer is made from proteins called ZP1 to 4. Most studies of the zona pellucida use mice, which do not have ZP4. This means that the research community have limited knowledge of what ZP4 does in humans and other mammals. Scientists can now use a technique called CRISPR to selectively modify the genetics of living things to help us to understand what specific genes and proteins do. The ZP4 protein can be eliminated from rabbit oocytes using CRISPR to help understand its role in egg cell fertilization and development. Lamas-Toranzo et al. examined the effect of losing ZP4 from rabbit oocytes. Without ZP4 the zona pellucida becomes thinner, irregular and more flexible. However, the loss of ZP4 did not affect ovulation (i.e. the release of egg cells from an ovary), fertilization, or the early stages of development of embryos when studied in the laboratory. However, rabbits without ZP4 were much less fertile. Indeed, only one out of 10 female rabbits without ZP4 was able to deliver pups because in most cases the development of embryos in the womb failed. These findings show that ZP4 has a structural role in the zona pellucida. Without ZP4 fertility is reduced. This work lays the ground for further investigation of the role of ZP4. It could also offer new insights into the causes of infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ana Querejeta-Fernández
- Department of Physical Chemistry and Biomedical Research Center (CINBIO), Universidad de Vigo, Vigo, Spain
| | - María José Izquierdo-Rico
- Cell Biology and Histology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Murcia and IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Leopoldo González-Brusi
- Cell Biology and Histology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Murcia and IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Pedro L Lorenzo
- Animal Physiology Department, Veterinary Faculty, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar García-Rebollar
- Animal Production Department, ETSI Agrónomos, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Avilés
- Cell Biology and Histology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Murcia and IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
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Grosbois J, Vermeersch M, Devos M, Clarke HJ, Demeestere I. Ultrastructure and intercellular contact-mediated communication in cultured human early stage follicles exposed to mTORC1 inhibitor. Mol Hum Reprod 2019; 25:706-716. [DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaz053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The reproductive lifespan of a woman is determined by the gradual recruitment of quiescent follicles into the growing pool. In humans, ovarian tissue removal from its in vivo environment induces spontaneous activation of resting follicles. Similarly, pharmacological activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway leads to accelerated follicle recruitment, but has been associated with follicular damage. Recent findings demonstrate that everolimus (EVE), an mTORC1 inhibitor, limits primordial follicle activation. However, its potential benefit regarding growing follicle integrity remains unexplored. Ovarian cortical fragments were exposed to ± EVE for 24 h and cultured for an additional 5 days. After 0, 1 and 6 days of culture, fragments were either processed for ultrastructural analysis or subjected to follicular isolation for gene expression and immunofluorescence assessments. Data from transmission electron microscopy showed that growing follicles displayed similar ultrastructural features irrespective of the conditions and maintained close contacts between germinal and stromal compartments. Establishment of intra-follicular communication was confirmed by detection of a gap junction component, Cx43, in both groups throughout culture, whereas transzonal projections, which physically link granulosa cells to oocyte, formed later in EVE-treated follicles. Importantly, levels of GJA1 mRNA, encoding for the Cx43 protein, significantly increased from Day 0 to Day 1 in the EVE group, but not in the control group. Given that EVE-treated follicles were smaller than controls, these findings suggest that EVE might facilitate the establishment of appropriate intercellular communications without impairing follicle ultrastructure. Therefore, mTORC1 inhibitors might represent an attractive tool to delay the culture-induced primordial follicle activation while maintaining follicles in a functionally integrated state.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Grosbois
- Research Laboratory in Human Reproduction, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - M Vermeersch
- Center for Microscopy and Molecular Imaging (CMMI), Université Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium
| | - M Devos
- Research Laboratory in Human Reproduction, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - H J Clarke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Biology, and Experimental Medicine, McGill University, McGill University Health Centre Research Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - I Demeestere
- Research Laboratory in Human Reproduction, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Erasme Hospital, Brussels, Belgium
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Nishimura K, Dioguardi E, Nishio S, Villa A, Han L, Matsuda T, Jovine L. Molecular basis of egg coat cross-linking sheds light on ZP1-associated female infertility. Nat Commun 2019; 10:3086. [PMID: 31300655 PMCID: PMC6626044 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-10931-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian fertilisation begins when sperm interacts with the egg zona pellucida (ZP), whose ZP1 subunit is important for fertility by covalently cross-linking ZP filaments into a three-dimensional matrix. Like ZP4, a structurally-related component absent in the mouse, ZP1 is predicted to contain an N-terminal ZP-N domain of unknown function. Here we report a characterisation of ZP1 proteins carrying mutations from infertile patients, which suggests that, in human, filament cross-linking by ZP1 is crucial to form a stable ZP. We map the function of ZP1 to its ZP-N1 domain and determine crystal structures of ZP-N1 homodimers from a chicken homolog of ZP1. These reveal that ZP filament cross-linking is highly plastic and can be modulated by ZP1 fucosylation and, potentially, zinc sparks. Moreover, we show that ZP4 ZP-N1 forms non-covalent homodimers in chicken but not in human. Together, these data identify human ZP1 cross-links as a promising target for non-hormonal contraception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaoru Nishimura
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition and Center for Innovative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, SE-141 83, Sweden
| | - Elisa Dioguardi
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition and Center for Innovative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, SE-141 83, Sweden
| | - Shunsuke Nishio
- Department of Applied Molecular Biosciences, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Chikusa, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition and Center for Innovative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, SE-141 83, Sweden
| | - Alessandra Villa
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition and Center for Innovative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, SE-141 83, Sweden
| | - Ling Han
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition and Center for Innovative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, SE-141 83, Sweden
| | - Tsukasa Matsuda
- Department of Applied Molecular Biosciences, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Chikusa, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan
| | - Luca Jovine
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition and Center for Innovative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, SE-141 83, Sweden.
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Novel mutations in ZP1, ZP2, and ZP3 cause female infertility due to abnormal zona pellucida formation. Hum Genet 2019; 138:327-337. [PMID: 30810869 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-019-01990-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The human zona pellucida (ZP) is an extracellular glycoprotein matrix composed of ZP1, ZP2, ZP3, and ZP4 surrounding the oocyte, and it plays an important role in sperm-egg interactions during fertilization. Structural and functional changes in the ZP can influence the process of fertilization and lead to female infertility. Previous studies have identified mutations in ZP1, ZP2, and ZP3 that lead to female infertility caused by oocyte degeneration, empty follicle syndrome, or in vitro fertilization failure. Here we describe seven patients from six independent families who had several abnormal oocytes or suffered from empty follicle syndrome, similar to the previously reported phenotypes. By whole-exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing, we identified several novel mutations in these patients. These included three homozygous mutations in ZP1 (c.1708G > A, p.Val570Met; c.1228C > T, p.Arg410Trp; c.507del, p.His170Ilefs*52), two mutations in a compound heterozygous state in ZP1 (c.1430 + 1G > T, p.Cys478X and c.1775-8T > C, p.Asp592Glyfs*29), a homozygous mutation in ZP2 (c.1115G > C, p.Cys372Ser), and a heterozygous mutation in ZP3 (c.763C > G, p.Arg255Gly). In addition, studies in CHO cells showed that the mutations in ZP1, ZP2, and ZP3 might affect the corresponding protein expression, secretion, and interaction, thus providing a mechanistic explanation for the phenotypes. Our study expands the spectrum of ZP gene mutations and phenotypes, and provides a further understanding of the pathogenic mechanism of ZP gene mutations in vitro.
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Yuan P, Li R, Li D, Zheng L, Ou S, Zhao H, Zhang Q, Wang W. Novel mutation in the ZP1 gene and clinical implications. J Assist Reprod Genet 2019; 36:741-747. [PMID: 30778819 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-019-01404-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Empty follicle syndrome (EFS) is a complex reproductive disorder characterized by the repeated failure to aspirate oocytes from mature ovarian follicles during in vitro fertilization (IVF). In addition to some cases caused by iatrogenic problems and known genetic factors, there are still many unexplained aspects of EFS. Here, we aimed to assess the clinical and genetic characteristics of two EFS patients. METHODS We have characterized two primary infertility patients with EFS in a nonconsanguineous family from China. Both the patients presented similar clinical phenotypes, that is a few granulosa cells but no oocytes could be retrieved during repeated cycles with normal follicular development, E2 levels, and bioavailable hCG plasma levels. Abnormal oocytes were obtained once or twice between multiple IVF cycles. We performed Sanger sequencing of the LHCGR and ZP1~ZP4 genes in the patients, and further bioinformatics analysis was performed to identify pathogenic elements in the genes. RESULTS A novel mutation, c.181C>T (p.Arg61Cys), and a known mutation, c.1169_1176delTTTTCCCA (p.Ile390Thrfs*16), in the ZP1 gene were both identified in patient 2, but no mutations were identified in patient 1. The novel mutation inherited from her mother was absent in the control cohort and the ExAc database. The arginine residue is conserved at this position, and its replacement by cysteine was predicted to be deleterious. In another allele, a paternal frameshift mutation was predicted to introduce premature stop codons, resulting in the deletion of 234 amino acids from the C-terminus of the ZP1 protein. CONCLUSIONS Our findings presented compound heterozygous mutations in ZP1 associated with EFS and abnormal oocytes and provided further new evidence for the genetic basis of EFS and support for the genetic diagnosis of infertile individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Yuan
- IVF Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yan Jiang West Road, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China
| | - Ruiqi Li
- IVF Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yan Jiang West Road, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China
| | - Di Li
- IVF Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yan Jiang West Road, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China
| | - Lingyan Zheng
- IVF Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yan Jiang West Road, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China
| | - Songbang Ou
- IVF Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yan Jiang West Road, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China
| | - Haijing Zhao
- IVF Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yan Jiang West Road, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China
| | - Qingxue Zhang
- IVF Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yan Jiang West Road, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenjun Wang
- IVF Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yan Jiang West Road, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China.
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Moros-Nicolás C, Leza A, Chevret P, Guillén-Martínez A, González-Brusi L, Boué F, Lopez-Bejar M, Ballesta J, Avilés M, Izquierdo-Rico MJ. Analysis of ZP1 gene reveals differences in zona pellucida composition in carnivores. Reprod Fertil Dev 2018; 30:272-285. [PMID: 28679462 DOI: 10.1071/rd17022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2017] [Accepted: 06/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The zona pellucida (ZP) is an extracellular envelope that surrounds mammalian oocytes. This coat participates in the interaction between gametes, induction of the acrosome reaction, block of polyspermy and protection of the oviductal embryo. Previous studies suggested that carnivore ZP was formed by three glycoproteins (ZP2, ZP3 and ZP4), with ZP1 being a pseudogene. However, a recent study in the cat found that all four proteins were expressed. In the present study, in silico and molecular analyses were performed in several carnivores to clarify the ZP composition in this order of mammals. The in silico analysis demonstrated the presence of the ZP1 gene in five carnivores: cheetah, panda, polar bear, tiger and walrus, whereas in the Antarctic fur seal and the Weddell seal there was evidence of pseudogenisation. Molecular analysis showed the presence of four ZP transcripts in ferret ovaries (ZP1, ZP2, ZP3 and ZP4) and three in fox ovaries (ZP2, ZP3 and ZP4). Analysis of the fox ZP1 gene showed the presence of a stop codon. The results strongly suggest that all four ZP genes are expressed in most carnivores, whereas ZP1 pseudogenisation seems to have independently affected three families (Canidae, Otariidae and Phocidae) of the carnivore tree.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Moros-Nicolás
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca-UMU), University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - A Leza
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca-UMU), University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - P Chevret
- Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, UMR5558, CNRS, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69622, Villeurbanne, France
| | - A Guillén-Martínez
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca-UMU), University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - L González-Brusi
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca-UMU), University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - F Boué
- ANSES, Nancy Laboratory for Rabies and Wildlife, CS 40009, 54220 Malzéville, France
| | - M Lopez-Bejar
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
| | - J Ballesta
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca-UMU), University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - M Avilés
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca-UMU), University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - M J Izquierdo-Rico
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca-UMU), University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
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Tokuhiro K, Dean J. Glycan-Independent Gamete Recognition Triggers Egg Zinc Sparks and ZP2 Cleavage to Prevent Polyspermy. Dev Cell 2018; 46:627-640.e5. [PMID: 30122633 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2018.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2018] [Revised: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The zona pellucida surrounding ovulated eggs regulates monospermic fertilization necessary for successful development. Using mouse transgenesis, we document that the N terminus of ZP2 is sufficient for sperm binding to the zona matrix and for in vivo fertility. Sperm binding is independent of ZP2 glycans and does not occur after complete cleavage of ZP2 by ovastacin, a zinc metalloendopeptidase stored in egg cortical granules. Immediately following fertilization, a rapid block to sperm penetration of the zona pellucida is established that precedes ZP2 cleavage but requires ovastacin enzymatic activity. This block to penetration is associated with release of zinc from cortical granules coincident with exocytosis. High levels of zinc affect forward motility of sperm to prevent their passage through the zona matrix. This transient, post-fertilization block to sperm penetration provides a temporal window to complete the cleavage of ZP2, which prevents sperm binding to ensure monospermy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keizo Tokuhiro
- Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Biology, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jurrien Dean
- Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Biology, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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