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Dai P, Chen C, Yu J, Ma C, Zhang X. New insights into sperm physiology regulation: Enlightenment from G-protein-coupled receptors. Andrology 2024; 12:1253-1271. [PMID: 38225815 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND G-protein-coupled receptors are critical in many physiological and pathological processes in various organs. Serving as the control panel for sensing extracellular stimuli, G-protein-coupled receptors recognise various ligands, including light, temperature, odours, pheromones, hormones, neurotransmitters, chemokines, etc. Most recently, G-protein-coupled receptors residing in spermatozoa have been found to be indispensable for sperm function. OBJECTIVE Here, we have summarised cutting-edge findings on the functional mechanisms of G-protein-coupled receptors that are known to be associated with sperm functions and the activation of their downstream effectors, providing new insights into the roles of G-protein-coupled receptors in sperm physiology. RESULTS Emerging studies hint that alterations in G-protein-coupled receptors could affect sperm function, implicating their role in fertility, but solid evidence needs to be continuing excavated with various means. Several members of the G-protein-coupled receptor superfamily, including olfactory receptors, opsins, orphan G-protein-coupled receptors, CXC chemokine receptor 4, CC chemokine receptor 5 and CC chemokine receptor 6 as well as their downstream effector β-arrestins, etc., were suggested to be essential for sperm motility, capacitation, thermotaxis, chemotaxis, Ca2+ influx through CatSper channel and fertilisation capacity. CONCLUSION The present review provides a comprehensive overview of studies describing G-protein-coupled receptors and their potential action in sperm function. We also present a critical discussion of these issues, and a possible framework for future investigations on the diverse ligands, biological functions and cell signalling of G-protein-coupled receptors in spermatozoa. Here, the G-protein-coupled receptors and their related G proteins that specifically were identified in spermatozoa were summarised, and provided references valuable for further illumination, despite the evidence that is not overwhelming in most cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengyuan Dai
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, PR China
| | - Chen Chen
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, PR China
| | - Jingyan Yu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, PR China
| | - Chaoye Ma
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, PR China
| | - Xiaoning Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, PR China
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2
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Pacheco-Castillo H, Zagal-Huerta EE, Acevedo-Fernández JJ, Negrete-León E, Nishigaki T, Beltrán C. Hyperglycemia adversely affects critical physiological events related to rat sperm capacitation. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 734:150610. [PMID: 39217810 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.150610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2024] [Revised: 08/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Hyperglycemia, the hallmark of diabetes mellitus (DM), is the main cause of DM-related systemic complications, including reproductive issues. Furthermore, the incidence of DM in males of reproductive ages is becoming an increasing concern, as the complexity of sperm capacitation (an essential process for fertilizing the egg) extends beyond conventional sperm parameters such as count, viability, and motility. Capacitation defects cause male infertility, and DM-related hyperglycemia may affect this process. We explore the effects of uncontrolled hyperglycemia on sperm using alloxan-induced hyperglycemic Wistar rats. In addition to assessing conventional sperm parameters, we also evaluated functional indicators, including hyperactivation (HA) with a pharmacological approach and assessed its effects with a computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA); fluorescence indicators to monitor membrane potential (EmR, DiSC3(5)) and mitochondrial membrane potential (Ψ, JC-1); CatSper activity, using its ability to permeate Na+ ions, and ATP levels with the luciferin-luciferase reaction. We confirmed previous findings with our hyperglycemic model, which replicated the typical reduction on conventional sperm parameters. In sperm from hyperglycemic rats, we observed increased motility and HA levels after pharmacological treatment. Additionally, CatSper activity was unaffected by hyperglycemia, while EmR was hyperpolarized under non-capacitating condition. Finally, we noted a low percentage of hyperpolarized Ψ and reduced ATP content. This study highlights the significance of impact of hyperglycemia on sperm physiology and capacitation. We proposed that low ATP levels perturb energy state, signaling pathways, ion channels activity, motility, and HA. Our findings offer insight into DM-associated infertility and potential treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiram Pacheco-Castillo
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Av. Universidad 2001, Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62210, Mexico.
| | - Erika Elena Zagal-Huerta
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Av. Universidad 2001, Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62210, Mexico.
| | - Juan José Acevedo-Fernández
- Laboratorio de Electrofisiología y Bioevaluación Farmacológica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos (UAEM), Leñeros S/N, Los Volcanes, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62350, Mexico.
| | - Elizabeth Negrete-León
- Laboratorio de Electrofisiología y Bioevaluación Farmacológica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos (UAEM), Leñeros S/N, Los Volcanes, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62350, Mexico.
| | - Takuya Nishigaki
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Av. Universidad 2001, Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62210, Mexico.
| | - Carmen Beltrán
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Av. Universidad 2001, Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos, 62210, Mexico.
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3
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González LN, Giaccagli MM, Herzfeld JD, Cuasnicú PS, Da Ros VG, Cohen DJ. A side-by-side comparison of different capacitation media in developing mouse sperm fertilizing ability. Sci Rep 2024; 14:14287. [PMID: 38907001 PMCID: PMC11192932 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65134-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
To acquire the ability to fertilize the egg, mammalian spermatozoa must undergo a series of changes occurring within the highly synchronized and specialized environment of the female reproductive tract, collectively known as capacitation. In an attempt to replicate this process in vitro, various culture media for mouse sperm were formulated over the past decades, sharing a similar overall composition but differing mainly in ion concentrations and metabolic substrates. The widespread use of the different media to study the mechanisms of capacitation might hinder a comprehensive understanding of this process, as the medium could become a confounding variable in the analysis. In this context, the present side-by-side study compares the influence of four commonly used culture media (FD, HTF and two TYH versions) on mouse sperm capacitation. We evaluated the induction of protein kinase A phosphorylation pathway, motility, hyperactivation and acrosome reaction. Additionally, in vitro fertilization and embryo development were also assessed. By analyzing these outcomes in two mouse colonies with different reproductive performance, our study provides critical insights to improve the global understanding of sperm function. The results obtained highlight the importance of considering variations in medium composition, and their potential implications for the future interpretation of results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas N González
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Fundación IBYME, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Vuelta de Obligado 2490, C1428ADN, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María M Giaccagli
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Fundación IBYME, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Vuelta de Obligado 2490, C1428ADN, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jael D Herzfeld
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Fundación IBYME, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Vuelta de Obligado 2490, C1428ADN, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Patricia S Cuasnicú
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Fundación IBYME, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Vuelta de Obligado 2490, C1428ADN, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Vanina G Da Ros
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Fundación IBYME, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Vuelta de Obligado 2490, C1428ADN, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Débora J Cohen
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Fundación IBYME, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Vuelta de Obligado 2490, C1428ADN, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Thompson P, Vilkelyte V, Woronkowicz M, Tavakoli M, Skopinski P, Roberts H. Adenylyl Cyclase in Ocular Health and Disease: A Comprehensive Review. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:445. [PMID: 38927325 PMCID: PMC11200476 DOI: 10.3390/biology13060445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Adenylyl cyclases (ACs) are a group of enzymes that convert adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP) to cyclic adenosine 3',5' monophosphate (cAMP), a vital and ubiquitous signalling molecule in cellular responses to hormones and neurotransmitters. There are nine transmembrane (tmAC) forms, which have been widely studied; however, the tenth, soluble AC (sAC) is less extensively characterised. The eye is one of the most metabolically active sites in the body, where sAC has been found in abundance, making it a target for novel therapeutics and biomarking. In the cornea, AC plays a role in endothelial cell function, which is vital in maintaining stromal dehydration, and therefore, clarity. In the retina, AC has been implicated in axon cell growth and survival. As these cells are irreversibly damaged in glaucoma and injury, this molecule may provide focus for future therapies. Another potential area for glaucoma management is the source of aqueous humour production, the ciliary body, where AC has also been identified. Furthering the understanding of lacrimal gland function is vital in managing dry eye disease, a common and debilitating condition. sAC has been linked to tear production and could serve as a therapeutic target. Overall, ACs are an exciting area of study in ocular health, offering multiple avenues for future medical therapies and diagnostics. This review paper explores the diverse roles of ACs in the eye and their potential as targets for innovative treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polly Thompson
- West of England Eye Unit, Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter EX2 5DW, UK;
| | - Virginija Vilkelyte
- University of Exeter Medical School, St Luke’s Campus, University of Exeter, Exeter EX1 2HZ, UK
| | - Malgorzata Woronkowicz
- NDDH, Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Barnstaple EX31 4JB, UK;
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, 162 City Road, London EC1V 2PD, UK
| | - Mitra Tavakoli
- University of Exeter Medical School, St Luke’s Campus, University of Exeter, Exeter EX1 2HZ, UK
| | - Piotr Skopinski
- Department of Ophthalmology, SPKSO Ophthalmic University Hospital, Medical University of Warsaw, 00-576 Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-004 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Harry Roberts
- West of England Eye Unit, Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter EX2 5DW, UK;
- University of Exeter Medical School, St Luke’s Campus, University of Exeter, Exeter EX1 2HZ, UK
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5
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Yamamoto C, Takahashi F, Suetsugu N, Yamada K, Yoshikawa S, Kohchi T, Kasahara M. The cAMP signaling module regulates sperm motility in the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2322211121. [PMID: 38593080 PMCID: PMC11032487 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2322211121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) is a universal signaling molecule that acts as a second messenger in various organisms. It is well established that cAMP plays essential roles across the tree of life, although the function of cAMP in land plants has long been debated. We previously identified the enzyme with both adenylyl cyclase (AC) and cAMP phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity as the cAMP-synthesis/hydrolysis enzyme COMBINED AC with PDE (CAPE) in the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha. CAPE is conserved in streptophytes that reproduce with motile sperm; however, the precise function of CAPE is not yet known. In this study, we demonstrate that the loss of function of CAPE in M. polymorpha led to male infertility due to impaired sperm flagellar motility. We also found that two genes encoding the regulatory subunits of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA-R) were also involved in sperm motility. Based on these findings, it is evident that CAPE and PKA-Rs act as a cAMP signaling module that regulates sperm motility in M. polymorpha. Therefore, our results have shed light on the function of cAMP signaling and sperm motility regulators in land plants. This study suggests that cAMP signaling plays a common role in plant and animal sperm motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiaki Yamamoto
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu525-8577, Japan
| | - Fumio Takahashi
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu525-8577, Japan
| | - Noriyuki Suetsugu
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo153-8902, Japan
| | - Kazumasa Yamada
- Department of Marine Science and Technology, Faculty of Marine Science and Technology, Fukui Prefectural University, Obama917-0003, Japan
| | - Shinya Yoshikawa
- Department of Marine Science and Technology, Faculty of Marine Science and Technology, Fukui Prefectural University, Obama917-0003, Japan
| | - Takayuki Kohchi
- Division of Integrated Life Science, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto606-8502, Japan
| | - Masahiro Kasahara
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu525-8577, Japan
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6
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Olszewska M, Malcher A, Stokowy T, Pollock N, Berman AJ, Budkiewicz S, Kamieniczna M, Jackowiak H, Suszynska-Zajczyk J, Jedrzejczak P, Yatsenko AN, Kurpisz M. Effects of Tcte1 knockout on energy chain transportation and spermatogenesis: implications for male infertility. Hum Reprod Open 2024; 2024:hoae020. [PMID: 38650655 PMCID: PMC11035007 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoae020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is the Tcte1 mutation causative for male infertility? SUMMARY ANSWER Our collected data underline the complex and devastating effect of the single-gene mutation on the testicular molecular network, leading to male reproductive failure. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Recent data have revealed mutations in genes related to axonemal dynein arms as causative for morphology and motility abnormalities in spermatozoa of infertile males, including dysplasia of fibrous sheath (DFS) and multiple morphological abnormalities in the sperm flagella (MMAF). The nexin-dynein regulatory complex (N-DRC) coordinates the dynein arm activity and is built from the DRC1-DRC7 proteins. DRC5 (TCTE1), one of the N-DRC elements, has already been reported as a candidate for abnormal sperm flagella beating; however, only in a restricted manner with no clear explanation of respective observations. STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION Using the CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technique, a mouse Tcte1 gene knockout line was created on the basis of the C57Bl/6J strain. The mouse reproductive potential, semen characteristics, testicular gene expression levels, sperm ATP, and testis apoptosis level measurements were then assessed, followed by visualization of N-DRC proteins in sperm, and protein modeling in silico. Also, a pilot genomic sequencing study of samples from human infertile males (n = 248) was applied for screening of TCTE1 variants. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS To check the reproductive potential of KO mice, adult animals were crossed for delivery of three litters per caged pair, but for no longer than for 6 months, in various combinations of zygosity. All experiments were performed for wild-type (WT, control group), heterozygous Tcte1+/- and homozygous Tcte1-/- male mice. Gross anatomy was performed on testis and epididymis samples, followed by semen analysis. Sequencing of RNA (RNAseq; Illumina) was done for mice testis tissues. STRING interactions were checked for protein-protein interactions, based on changed expression levels of corresponding genes identified in the mouse testis RNAseq experiments. Immunofluorescence in situ staining was performed to detect the N-DRC complex proteins: Tcte1 (Drc5), Drc7, Fbxl13 (Drc6), and Eps8l1 (Drc3) in mouse spermatozoa. To determine the amount of ATP in spermatozoa, the luminescence level was measured. In addition, immunofluorescence in situ staining was performed to check the level of apoptosis via caspase 3 visualization on mouse testis samples. DNA from whole blood samples of infertile males (n = 137 with non-obstructive azoospermia or cryptozoospermia, n = 111 samples with a spectrum of oligoasthenoteratozoospermia, including n = 47 with asthenozoospermia) was extracted to perform genomic sequencing (WGS, WES, or Sanger). Protein prediction modeling of human-identified variants and the exon 3 structure deleted in the mouse knockout was also performed. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE No progeny at all was found for the homozygous males which were revealed to have oligoasthenoteratozoospermia, while heterozygous animals were fertile but manifested oligozoospermia, suggesting haploinsufficiency. RNA-sequencing of the testicular tissue showed the influence of Tcte1 mutations on the expression pattern of 21 genes responsible for mitochondrial ATP processing or linked with apoptosis or spermatogenesis. In Tcte1-/- males, the protein was revealed in only residual amounts in the sperm head nucleus and was not transported to the sperm flagella, as were other N-DRC components. Decreased ATP levels (2.4-fold lower) were found in the spermatozoa of homozygous mice, together with disturbed tail:midpiece ratios, leading to abnormal sperm tail beating. Casp3-positive signals (indicating apoptosis) were observed in spermatogonia only, at a similar level in all three mouse genotypes. Mutation screening of human infertile males revealed one novel and five ultra-rare heterogeneous variants (predicted as disease-causing) in 6.05% of the patients studied. Protein prediction modeling of identified variants revealed changes in the protein surface charge potential, leading to disruption in helix flexibility or its dynamics, thus suggesting disrupted interactions of TCTE1 with its binding partners located within the axoneme. LARGE SCALE DATA All data generated or analyzed during this study are included in this published article and its supplementary information files. RNAseq data are available in the GEO database (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/) under the accession number GSE207805. The results described in the publication are based on whole-genome or exome sequencing data which includes sensitive information in the form of patient-specific germline variants. Information regarding such variants must not be shared publicly following European Union legislation, therefore access to raw data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION In the study, the in vitro fertilization performance of sperm from homozygous male mice was not checked. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This study contains novel and comprehensive data concerning the role of TCTE1 in male infertility. The TCTE1 gene is the next one that should be added to the 'male infertility list' because of its crucial role in spermatogenesis and proper sperm functioning. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This work was supported by National Science Centre in Poland, grants no.: 2015/17/B/NZ2/01157 and 2020/37/B/NZ5/00549 (to M.K.), 2017/26/D/NZ5/00789 (to A.M.), and HD096723, GM127569-03, NIH SAP #4100085736 PA DoH (to A.N.Y.). The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Olszewska
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Malcher
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Tomasz Stokowy
- Scientific Computing Group, IT Division, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Nijole Pollock
- Department of OB/GYN and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Andrea J Berman
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Sylwia Budkiewicz
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | | | - Hanna Jackowiak
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | | | - Piotr Jedrzejczak
- Division of Infertility and Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecological Oncology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Alexander N Yatsenko
- Department of OB/GYN and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Maciej Kurpisz
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
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Fujikura M, Fujinoki M. Progesterone and estradiol regulate sperm hyperactivation and in vitro fertilization success in mice. J Reprod Dev 2024; 70:96-103. [PMID: 38346725 PMCID: PMC11017098 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2023-080] [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: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Progesterone (P) and 17β-estradiol (Eβ) form the well-known hormone pair that regulates sperm capacitation. Here, we examined the regulatory effects of P and Eβ on sperm hyperactivation in mice and evaluated the in vitro fertilization (IVF) success. Although P enhanced hyperactivation, Eβ dose-dependently suppressed the P-enhanced hyperactivation. Moreover, P increased IVF success, whereas Eβ suppressed the P-induced increase in IVF success in a dose-dependent manner. Thus, P and Eβ competitively regulate hyperactivation and IVF success in mice. Since P and Eβ concentrations generally change during the estrous cycle, sperm are speculated to capacitate in response to the oviductal environment and fertilize the oocyte.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miyu Fujikura
- Research Laboratory of Laboratory Animals, Research Center for Laboratory Animals, Comprehensive Research Facilities for Advanced Medical Science, School of Medicine, Dokkyo Medical University, Tochigi 321-0293, Japan
| | - Masakatsu Fujinoki
- Research Laboratory of Laboratory Animals, Research Center for Laboratory Animals, Comprehensive Research Facilities for Advanced Medical Science, School of Medicine, Dokkyo Medical University, Tochigi 321-0293, Japan
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8
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Novero AG, Rodríguez PT, De la Vega Beltrán JL, Schiavi-Ehrenhaus LJ, Luque GM, Carruba M, Stival C, Gentile I, Ritagliati C, Santi CM, Nishigaki T, Krapf D, Buffone MG, Darszon A, Treviño CL, Krapf D. The sodium-proton exchangers sNHE and NHE1 control plasma membrane hyperpolarization in mouse sperm. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.04.583310. [PMID: 38496535 PMCID: PMC10942401 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.04.583310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Sperm capacitation, crucial for fertilization, occurs in the female reproductive tract and can be replicated in vitro using a medium rich in bicarbonate, calcium, and albumin. These components trigger the cAMP-PKA signaling cascade, proposed to promote hyperpolarization of the mouse sperm plasma membrane through activation of SLO3 K+ channel. Hyperpolarization is a hallmark of capacitation: proper membrane hyperpolarization renders higher in vitro fertilizing ability, while Slo3 KO mice are infertile. However, the precise regulation of SLO3 opening remains elusive. Our study challenges the involvement of PKA in this event and reveals the role of Na+/H+ exchangers. During capacitation, calcium increase through CatSper channels activates NHE1, while cAMP directly stimulates the sperm-specific NHE, collectively promoting the alkalinization threshold needed for SLO3 opening. Hyperpolarization then feeds back Na+/H+ activity. Our work is supported by pharmacology, and a plethora of KO mouse models, and proposes a novel pathway leading to hyperpolarization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Analia G Novero
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario, CONICET-UNR, and Laboratorio de Medicina Reproductiva, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, UNR, Rosario SF2000, Argentina
| | | | | | - Liz J Schiavi-Ehrenhaus
- Instituto de Bíologia y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Guillermina M Luque
- Instituto de Bíologia y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Micaela Carruba
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario, CONICET-UNR, and Laboratorio de Medicina Reproductiva, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, UNR, Rosario SF2000, Argentina
| | - Cintia Stival
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario, CONICET-UNR, and Laboratorio de Medicina Reproductiva, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, UNR, Rosario SF2000, Argentina
| | - Iñaki Gentile
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario, CONICET-UNR, and Laboratorio de Medicina Reproductiva, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, UNR, Rosario SF2000, Argentina
| | - Carla Ritagliati
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario, CONICET-UNR, and Laboratorio de Medicina Reproductiva, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, UNR, Rosario SF2000, Argentina
| | - Celia M Santi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Missouri 63110, USA
| | | | - Diego Krapf
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80526, USA
| | - Mariano G Buffone
- Instituto de Bíologia y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | - Dario Krapf
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario, CONICET-UNR, and Laboratorio de Medicina Reproductiva, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, UNR, Rosario SF2000, Argentina
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9
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Mohanty G, Sanchez-Cardenas C, Paudel B, Tourzani DA, Salicioni AM, Santi CM, Gervasi MG, Pilsner JR, Darszon A, Visconti PE. Differential role of bovine serum albumin and HCO3- in the regulation of GSK3 alpha during mouse sperm capacitation. Mol Hum Reprod 2024; 30:gaae007. [PMID: 38341666 PMCID: PMC10914453 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaae007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
To become fertile, mammalian sperm are required to undergo capacitation in the female tract or in vitro in defined media containing ions (e.g. HCO3 -, Ca2+, Na+, and Cl-), energy sources (e.g. glucose, pyruvate) and serum albumin (e.g. bovine serum albumin (BSA)). These different molecules initiate sequential and concomitant signaling pathways, leading to capacitation. Physiologically, capacitation induces changes in the sperm motility pattern (e.g. hyperactivation) and prepares sperm for the acrosomal reaction (AR), two events required for fertilization. Molecularly, HCO3 - activates the atypical adenylyl cyclase Adcy10 (aka sAC), increasing cAMP and downstream cAMP-dependent pathways. BSA, on the other hand, induces sperm cholesterol release as well as other signaling pathways. How these signaling events, occurring in different sperm compartments and with different kinetics, coordinate among themselves is not well established. Regarding the AR, recent work has proposed a role for glycogen synthase kinases (GSK3α and GSK3β). GSK3α and GSK3β are inactivated by phosphorylation of residues Ser21 and Ser9, respectively, in their N-terminal domain. Here, we present evidence that GSK3α (but not GSK3β) is present in the anterior head and that it is regulated during capacitation. Interestingly, BSA and HCO3 - regulate GSK3α in opposite directions. While BSA induces a fast GSK3α Ser21 phosphorylation, HCO3 - and cAMP-dependent pathways dephosphorylate this residue. We also show that the HCO3--induced Ser21 dephosphorylation is mediated by hyperpolarization of the sperm plasma membrane potential (Em) and by intracellular pH alkalinization. Previous reports indicate that GSK3 kinases mediate the progesterone-induced AR. Here, we show that GSK3 inhibition also blocks the Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin-induced AR, suggesting a role for GSK3 kinases downstream of the increase in intracellular Ca2+ needed for this exocytotic event. Altogether, our data indicate a temporal and biphasic GSK3α regulation with opposite actions of BSA and HCO3 -. Our results also suggest that this regulation is needed to orchestrate the AR during sperm capacitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayatri Mohanty
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Claudia Sanchez-Cardenas
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, UNAM, Cuernavaca, México
| | - Bidur Paudel
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Darya A Tourzani
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Ana M Salicioni
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Celia M Santi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - María G Gervasi
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
- Department of Animal Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - J Richard Pilsner
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Alberto Darszon
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, UNAM, Cuernavaca, México
| | - Pablo E Visconti
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
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10
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Novero AG, Curcio C, Steeman TJ, Binolfi A, Krapf D, Buffone MG, Krapf D, Stival C. A versatile kinase mobility shift assay (KiMSA) for PKA analysis and cyclic AMP detection in sperm physiology (and beyond). Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1356566. [PMID: 38444827 PMCID: PMC10912184 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1356566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) is one of the most extensively distributed kinases among intracellular signal cascades, with a pivotal role in the regulation of various processes, including the capacitation of sperm cells. Traditional assessments of PKA activity relies on the utilization of [γ-32P] ATP and the Kemptide substrate. This methodology presents several major drawbacks, including high-costs and health risks derived from the manipulation of radioactive isotopes. In this work we introduce an enhanced non-radioactive assay for quantifying PKA activity, termed KiMSA which relies on the use of a fluorescent-labeled Kemptide (Kemptide-FITC). Once the kinase reaction is terminated, the products can be easily resolved through electrophoresis on an agarose gel and quantified by fluorescence densitometry. We show that the KiMSA assay is suitable for purified PKA, and also to address both basal and capacitation induced PKA activity in mouse sperm cells. Furthermore, the assay enables monitoring the inhibition of PKA with inhibitors such as sPKI and H-89 in live cells. Therefore, the experimental and optimal assay conditions are set so that the KiMSA assay can be used to either assess in vitro as well as in vivo PKA activity in sperm cells. Finally, this method allows for measurement of cAMP concentrations, rendering a versatile technique for the study of cAMP/PKA pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Analia G. Novero
- Cell Signal Transduction Networks, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR) (CONICET-UNR), Rosario, Argentina
| | - Catalina Curcio
- Cell Signal Transduction Networks, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR) (CONICET-UNR), Rosario, Argentina
| | - Tomás J. Steeman
- Cell Signal Transduction Networks, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR) (CONICET-UNR), Rosario, Argentina
| | - Andres Binolfi
- Cellular-Structural Biology Lab, IBR (CONICET-UNR), Rosario, Argentina
| | - Diego Krapf
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Mariano G. Buffone
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Dario Krapf
- Cell Signal Transduction Networks, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR) (CONICET-UNR), Rosario, Argentina
| | - Cintia Stival
- Cell Signal Transduction Networks, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR) (CONICET-UNR), Rosario, Argentina
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11
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Rodríguez-Páez L, Aguirre-Alvarado C, Chamorro-Cevallos G, Veronica AF, Sandra Irel CE, Hugo CP, García-Pérez CA, Jiménez-Gutiérrez GE, Cordero-Martínez J. Polyamines modulate mouse sperm motility. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2023; 69:435-449. [PMID: 37812755 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2023.2262714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Polyamines are polycationic molecules which contains two or more amino groups (-NH3+) highly charged at physiological pH, and among them we found spermine, spermidine, putrescine, and cadaverine. They interact with proteins, nucleic acids, modulate Ca2+, K+, and Na+ channels, and protect sperm from oxidative stress. In this work, we evaluate the effect of spermine, spermidine, and putrescine on the total, progressive and kinematic parameters of motility, capacitation, acrosome reaction, also in presence and absence of the dbcAMP, an analogue of the cAMP, and the IBMX, a phosphodiesterase inhibitor. In addition, we evaluated the intracellular concentrations of cAMP [cAMP]i, and performed an in silico analysis between polyamines and the sAC from mouse to predict the possible interaction among them. Our results showed that all polyamines decrease drastically the total, progressive and the kinetic parameters of sperm motility, decrease the capacitation, and only spermidine and putrescine impeded the acquisition of acrosome reaction. Moreover, the effect of polyamines was attenuated but not countered by the addition of db-cAMP and IBMX, suggesting a possible inhibition of the sAC. Also, the presence of polyamines induced a decrease of the [cAMP]i, and the in silico analysis predicted a strong interaction among polyamines and the sAC. Overall, the evidence suggests that probably the polyamines interact and inhibit the activity of the sAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Rodríguez-Páez
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica Farmacológica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Charmina Aguirre-Alvarado
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica Farmacológica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Inmunología e Infectología, Centro Médico Nacional, La Raza, IMSS, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Germán Chamorro-Cevallos
- Laboratorio de Toxicología Preclínica, Departamento de Farmacia, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Alcántara-Farfán Veronica
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica Farmacológica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Calderón-Espinosa Sandra Irel
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica Farmacológica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Castillo-Pérez Hugo
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica Farmacológica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | | | - Guadalupe Elizabeth Jiménez-Gutiérrez
- Departamento de Genética, Laboratorio de Medicina Genómica, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Joaquín Cordero-Martínez
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica Farmacológica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
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12
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Shiba K, Inaba K. The Role of Soluble Adenylyl Cyclase in the Regulation of Flagellar Motility in Ascidian Sperm. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1594. [PMID: 38002275 PMCID: PMC10668965 DOI: 10.3390/biom13111594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Flagellar motility in sperm is activated and regulated by factors related to the eggs at fertilization. In the ascidian Ciona intestinalis, a sulfated steroid called the SAAF (sperm activating and attracting factor) induces both sperm motility activation and chemotaxis. Cyclic AMP (cAMP) is one of the most important intracellular factors in the sperm signaling pathway. Adenylyl cyclase (AC) is the key enzyme that synthesizes cAMP at the onset of the signaling pathway in all cellular functions. We previously reported that both transmembrane AC (tmAC) and soluble AC (sAC) play important roles in sperm motility in Ciona. The tmAC plays a major role in the SAAF-induced activation of sperm motility. On the other hand, sAC is involved in the regulation of flagellar beat frequency and the Ca2+-dependent chemotactic movement of sperm. In this study, we focused on the role of sAC in the regulation of flagellar motility in Ciona sperm chemotaxis. The immunochemical analysis revealed that several isoforms of sAC protein were expressed in Ciona sperm, as reported in mammals and sea urchins. We demonstrated that sAC inhibition caused strong and transient asymmetrization during the chemotactic turn, and then sperm failed to turn toward the SAAF. In addition, real-time Ca2+ imaging in sperm flagella revealed that sAC inhibition induced an excessive and prolonged Ca2+ influx to flagella. These results indicate that sAC plays a key role in sperm chemotaxis by regulating the clearance of [Ca2+]i and by modulating Ca2+-dependent flagellar waveform conversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kogiku Shiba
- Shimoda Marine Research Center, University of Tsukuba, Shimoda 415-0025, Japan;
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13
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Miyazawa Y, Fujinoki M. Enhancement of rat spermatozoal hyperactivation by progesterone. J Reprod Dev 2023; 69:279-290. [PMID: 37690839 PMCID: PMC10602764 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2023-040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Progesterone (P) is a well-known enhancer of hyperactivation which is associated with the success of in vitro fertilization (IVF). In this study, we examined whether P-enhanced hyperactivation affected IVF success in rats. When rat spermatozoa were exposed to 10, 20, and 40 ng/ml P, 20 ng/ml P enhanced hyperactivation via the membrane progesterone receptor. In addition, the enhancement of hyperactivation by 20 ng/ml P was regulated by phospholipase C, transmembrane adenylate cyclase, and protein kinase A. However, 20 ng/ml P did not affect IVF success. These results suggest that 20 ng/ml P enhances rat spermatozoal hyperactivation through non-genomic pathways. Because the concentration of P changes during the estrous cycle, it seems that rat spermatozoa are hyperactivated in response to the oviductal environment. However, the effect of 20 ng/ml P does not seem to fully capacitate spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Miyazawa
- Research Laboratory of Laboratory Animals, Research Center for Laboratory Animals, Comprehensive Research Facilities for Advanced Medical Science, School of Medicine, Dokkyo Medical University, Tochigi 321-0293, Japan
| | - Masakatsu Fujinoki
- Research Laboratory of Laboratory Animals, Research Center for Laboratory Animals, Comprehensive Research Facilities for Advanced Medical Science, School of Medicine, Dokkyo Medical University, Tochigi 321-0293, Japan
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14
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Gardner CC, James PF. Na +/H + Exchangers (NHEs) in Mammalian Sperm: Essential Contributors to Male Fertility. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14981. [PMID: 37834431 PMCID: PMC10573352 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Na+/H+ exchangers (NHEs) are known to be important regulators of pH in multiple intracellular compartments of eukaryotic cells. Sperm function is especially dependent on changes in pH and thus it has been postulated that NHEs play important roles in regulating the intracellular pH of these cells. For example, in order to achieve fertilization, mature sperm must maintain a basal pH in the male reproductive tract and then alkalize in response to specific signals in the female reproductive tract during the capacitation process. Eight NHE isoforms are expressed in mammalian testis/sperm: NHE1, NHE3, NHE5, NHE8, NHA1, NHA2, NHE10, and NHE11. These NHE isoforms are expressed at varying times during spermatogenesis and localize to different subcellular structures in developing and mature sperm where they contribute to multiple aspects of sperm physiology and male fertility including proper sperm development/morphogenesis, motility, capacitation, and the acrosome reaction. Previous work has provided evidence for NHE3, NHE8, NHA1, NHA2, and NHE10 being critical for male fertility in mice and NHE10 has recently been shown to be essential for male fertility in humans. In this article we review what is known about each NHE isoform expressed in mammalian sperm and discuss the physiological significance of each NHE isoform with respect to male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paul F. James
- Department of Biology, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA;
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15
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Mariani NAP, Silva JV, Fardilha M, Silva EJR. Advances in non-hormonal male contraception targeting sperm motility. Hum Reprod Update 2023; 29:545-569. [PMID: 37141450 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmad008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The high rates of unintended pregnancy and the ever-growing world population impose health, economic, social, and environmental threats to countries. Expanding contraceptive options, including male methods, are urgently needed to tackle these global challenges. Male contraception is limited to condoms and vasectomy, which are unsuitable for many couples. Thus, novel male contraceptive methods may reduce unintended pregnancies, meet the contraceptive needs of couples, and foster gender equality in carrying the contraceptive burden. In this regard, the spermatozoon emerges as a source of druggable targets for on-demand, non-hormonal male contraception based on disrupting sperm motility or fertilization. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE A better understanding of the molecules governing sperm motility can lead to innovative approaches toward safe and effective male contraceptives. This review discusses cutting-edge knowledge on sperm-specific targets for male contraception, focusing on those with crucial roles in sperm motility. We also highlight challenges and opportunities in male contraceptive drug development targeting spermatozoa. SEARCH METHODS We conducted a literature search in the PubMed database using the following keywords: 'spermatozoa', 'sperm motility', 'male contraception', and 'drug targets' in combination with other related terms to the field. Publications until January 2023 written in English were considered. OUTCOMES Efforts for developing non-hormonal strategies for male contraception resulted in the identification of candidates specifically expressed or enriched in spermatozoa, including enzymes (PP1γ2, GAPDHS, and sAC), ion channels (CatSper and KSper), transmembrane transporters (sNHE, SLC26A8, and ATP1A4), and surface proteins (EPPIN). These targets are usually located in the sperm flagellum. Their indispensable roles in sperm motility and male fertility were confirmed by genetic or immunological approaches using animal models and gene mutations associated with male infertility due to sperm defects in humans. Their druggability was demonstrated by the identification of drug-like small organic ligands displaying spermiostatic activity in preclinical trials. WIDER IMPLICATIONS A wide range of sperm-associated proteins has arisen as key regulators of sperm motility, providing compelling druggable candidates for male contraception. Nevertheless, no pharmacological agent has reached clinical developmental stages. One reason is the slow progress in translating the preclinical and drug discovery findings into a drug-like candidate adequate for clinical development. Thus, intense collaboration among academia, private sectors, governments, and regulatory agencies will be crucial to combine expertise for the development of male contraceptives targeting sperm function by (i) improving target structural characterization and the design of highly selective ligands, (ii) conducting long-term preclinical safety, efficacy, and reversibility evaluation, and (iii) establishing rigorous guidelines and endpoints for clinical trials and regulatory evaluation, thus allowing their testing in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemia A P Mariani
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Joana V Silva
- Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
- QOPNA & LAQV, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
- Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Margarida Fardilha
- Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Erick J R Silva
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil
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16
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The SLC9C2 Gene Product (Na+/H+ Exchanger Isoform 11; NHE11) Is a Testis-Specific Protein Localized to the Head of Mature Mammalian Sperm. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065329. [PMID: 36982403 PMCID: PMC10049371 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Na+/H+ exchangers (NHEs) are a family of ion transporters that regulate the pH of various cell compartments across an array of cell types. In eukaryotes, NHEs are encoded by the SLC9 gene family comprising 13 genes. SLC9C2, which encodes the NHE11 protein, is the only one of the SLC9 genes that is essentially uncharacterized. Here, we show that SLC9C2 exhibits testis/sperm-restricted expression in rats and humans, akin to its paralog SLC9C1 (NHE10). Similar to NHE10, NHE11 is predicted to contain an NHE domain, a voltage sensing domain, and finally an intracellular cyclic nucleotide binding domain. An immunofluorescence analysis of testis sections reveals that NHE11 localizes with developing acrosomal granules in spermiogenic cells in both rat and human testes. Most interestingly, NHE11 localizes to the sperm head, likely the plasma membrane overlaying the acrosome, in mature sperm from rats and humans. Therefore, NHE11 is the only known NHE to localize to the acrosomal region of the head in mature sperm cells. The physiological role of NHE11 has yet to be demonstrated but its predicted functional domains and unique localization suggests that it could modulate intracellular pH of the sperm head in response to changes in membrane potential and cyclic nucleotide concentrations that are a result of sperm capacitation events. If NHE11 is shown to be important for male fertility, it will be an attractive target for male contraceptive drugs due to its exclusive testis/sperm-specific expression.
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17
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Omics insights into spermatozoa activation induced by Fetal bovine serum in viviparous black rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii). Gene 2023; 851:147014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.147014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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18
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Belleannée C, Viana AGDA, Lavoie-Ouellet C. Intra and intercellular signals governing sperm maturation. Reprod Fertil Dev 2022; 35:27-38. [PMID: 36592975 DOI: 10.1071/rd22226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
After their production in the testis, spermatozoa do not have the capacity to move progressively and are unable to fertilise an oocyte. They sequentially acquire these abilities following their maturation in the epididymis and their capacitation/hyperactivation in the female reproductive system. As gene transcription is silenced in spermatozoa, extracellular factors released from the epididymal epithelium and from secretory glands allow spermatozoa to acquire bioactive molecules and to undergo intrinsic modifications. These modifications include epigenetic changes and post-translational modifications of endogenous proteins, which are important processes in sperm maturation. This article emphasises the roles played by extracellular factors secreted by the epididymis and accessory glands in the control of sperm intercellular signallings and fertilising abilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clémence Belleannée
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Université Laval, Center for Research in Reproduction, Development and Intergenerational Health (CRDSI), CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL), Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | | | - Camille Lavoie-Ouellet
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Université Laval, Center for Research in Reproduction, Development and Intergenerational Health (CRDSI), CHU de Québec Research Center (CHUL), Quebec City, QC, Canada
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19
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Cordero-Martínez J, Jimenez-Gutierrez GE, Aguirre-Alvarado C, Alacántara-Farfán V, Chamorro-Cevallos G, Roa-Espitia AL, Hernández-González EO, Rodríguez-Páez L. Participation of signaling proteins in sperm hyperactivation. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2022; 68:315-330. [DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2022.2122761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joaquín Cordero-Martínez
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica Farmacológica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | | | - Charmina Aguirre-Alvarado
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica Farmacológica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Inmunología e Infectología Centro Médico Nacional La Raza, IMSS, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Verónica Alacántara-Farfán
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica Farmacológica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Germán Chamorro-Cevallos
- Laboratorio de Toxicología Preclínica Departamento de Farmacia Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Ana L. Roa-Espitia
- Departamento de Biología Celular Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, México City, Mexico
| | - Enrique O. Hernández-González
- Departamento de Biología Celular Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, México City, Mexico
| | - Lorena Rodríguez-Páez
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica Farmacológica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
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20
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Maitan P, Bromfield EG, Stout TAE, Gadella BM, Leemans B. A stallion spermatozoon's journey through the mare's genital tract: In vivo and in vitro aspects of sperm capacitation. Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 246:106848. [PMID: 34556396 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2021.106848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Conventional in vitro fertilization is not efficacious when working with equine gametes. Although stallion spermatozoa bind to the zona pellucida in vitro, these gametes fail to initiate the acrosome reaction in the vicinity of the oocyte and cannot, therefore, penetrate into the perivitelline space. Failure of sperm penetration most likely relates to the absence of optimized in vitro fertilization media containing molecules essential to support stallion sperm capacitation. In vivo, the female reproductive tract, especially the oviductal lumen, provides an environmental milieu that appropriately regulates interactions between the gametes and promotes fertilization. Identifying these 'fertilization supporting factors' would be a great contribution for development of equine in vitro fertilization media. In this review, a description of the current understanding of the interactions stallion spermatozoa undergo during passage through the female genital tract, and related specific molecular changes that occur at the sperm plasma membrane is provided. Understanding these molecular changes may hold essential clues to achieving successful in vitro fertilization with equine gametes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Maitan
- Departments of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands; Department of Veterinary Sciences, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Elizabeth G Bromfield
- Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, The Netherlands; Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Australia
| | - Tom A E Stout
- Departments of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Bart M Gadella
- Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, The Netherlands; Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
| | - Bart Leemans
- Departments of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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21
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Bowker Z, Goldstein S, Breitbart H. Protein acetylation protects sperm from spontaneous acrosome reaction. Theriogenology 2022; 191:231-238. [PMID: 35998406 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
In order to penetrate the egg, spermatozoa must undergo the acrosome reaction in close proximity to the egg. This process can take place only after a series of biochemical changes in the sperm, collectively termed capacitation, occur in the female reproductive tract. Sperm cells can undergo spontaneous-acrosome reaction(sAR) before reaching the vicinity of the egg, preventing successful fertilization. Several mechanisms were shown to protect sperm from undergoing sAR, and all of them are involved in proper capacitation. Here, we describe the involvement of protein acetylation in the mechanism that protects bovine spermatozoa from sAR. Incubation of bovine sperm under non-capacitation conditions revealed a strong increase in sAR that was significantly reduced in the presence of deacetylase inhibitors. Protein kinase A (PKA) is an essential key enzyme in sperm capacitation, and its inhibition results in high sAR. The reduction in sAR by hyperacetylation was independent of PKA activity. We previously demonstrated that calmodulin-kinase II (CaMKII) activity protects sperm from sAR, and here we show that its activity is essential for reduction in sAR by hyperacetylation. We further show that the 'exchange protein directly activated by Camp' (EPAC) mediates both protein lysine acetylation and the reduced rate of sAR caused by hyperacetylation. In conclusion, these results suggest a PKA-independent and EPAC-CaMKII dependent hyperacetylation mechanism that protects sperm from sAR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Bowker
- The Mina & Everard Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - S Goldstein
- The Mina & Everard Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - H Breitbart
- The Mina & Everard Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel.
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22
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Piroozmanesh H, Jannatifar R, Ebrahimi SM, Fazaeli H, Naserpoor L, Dimitriadis E, Nejatbakhsh R. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) analog and phosphodiesterase inhibitor (IBMX) ameliorate human sperm capacitation and motility. Rev Int Androl 2022; 20 Suppl 1:S24-S30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.androl.2021.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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23
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Ebenezer Samuel King JP, Kumaresan A, Talluri TR, Sinha MK, Raval K, Nag P, Karuthadurai T, Aranganathan V. Genom-wide analysis identifies single nucleotide polymorphism variations and altered pathways associated with poor semen quality in breeding bulls. Reprod Domest Anim 2022; 57:1143-1155. [PMID: 35702937 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The reason for poor semen quality among the breeding bulls is not well understood. In the present study, we performed high-throughput RNAseq analysis of spermatozoa to identify the SNPs present in good and poor-quality semen-producing Holstein Friesian breeding bulls. A total of 21,360 and 44,650 SNPs were identified in good and poor-quality semen with a minimum read depth of 20, among which 4780 and 8710 novel variants were observed in good and poor-quality semen, respectively. Greater SNPs and indels variations were observed in poor compared to good-quality semen. In poor-quality semen, SNP variations were observed in ZNF280B, SLC26A2, DMXL1, OR52A1, MACROD2 and REV1 genes, which are associated with regulation of spermatogenesis, post-testicular maturation, Cl- channel activity, V-ATPase-mediated intracellular vesicle acidification, a mono-ADP-ribosyl hydrolase and ATR-Chk1 checkpoint activation. GO analysis of filtered genes with significant variations between good and poor-quality semen showed enrichment in important pathways related to semen quality such as MAPK signalling pathway, Akt signalling pathway, focal adhesion, cAMP signalling pathway, and Rap1 signalling pathway. Network analysis of filtered genes in poor-quality semen showed variations in pathways of purine metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism, prolactin signalling pathway and RNA cap-binding complex. It is inferred that SNP in genes involved in maintaining sperm functions could be the reason for poor-quality semen production in bulls, and the identified SNPs hold potential to be used as biomarkers for semen quality in bulls.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arumugam Kumaresan
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Thirumala Rao Talluri
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | | | - Kathan Raval
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Pradeep Nag
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
| | - Thirumalaisamy Karuthadurai
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Bengaluru, India
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24
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Ureña I, González C, Ramón M, Gòdia M, Clop A, Calvo JH, Carabaño MJ, Serrano M. Exploring the ovine sperm transcriptome by RNAseq techniques. I Effect of seasonal conditions on transcripts abundance. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0264978. [PMID: 35286314 PMCID: PMC8920283 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the cell molecular changes occurring as a results of climatic circumstances is crucial in the current days in which climate change and global warming are one of the most serious challenges that living organisms have to face. Sperm are one of the mammals’ cells most sensitive to heat, therefore evaluating the impact of seasonal changes in terms of its transcriptional activity can contribute to elucidate how these cells cope with heat stress events. We sequenced the total sperm RNA from 64 ejaculates, 28 collected in summer and 36 collected in autumn, from 40 Manchega rams. A highly rich transcriptome (11,896 different transcripts) with 90 protein coding genes that exceed an average number of 5000 counts were found. Comparing transcriptome in the summer and autumn ejaculates, 236 significant differential abundance genes were assessed, most of them (228) downregulated. The main functions that these genes are related to sexual reproduction and negative regulation of protein metabolic processes and kinase activity. Sperm response to heat stress supposes a drastic decrease of the transcriptional activity, and the upregulation of only a few genes related with the basic functions to maintain the organisms’ homeostasis and surviving. Rams’ spermatozoids carry remnant mRNAs which are retrospectively indicators of events occurring along the spermatogenesis process, including abiotic factors such as environmental temperature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Ureña
- Departamento de Mejora Genética Animal, CSIC-INIA, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen González
- Departamento de Mejora Genética Animal, CSIC-INIA, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Marta Gòdia
- Animal Genomics Group, Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG), CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Alex Clop
- Animal Genomics Group, Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG), CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Jorge H. Calvo
- Unidad de Tecnología en Producción Animal, CITA, Zaragoza, Spain
| | | | - Magdalena Serrano
- Departamento de Mejora Genética Animal, CSIC-INIA, Madrid, Spain
- * E-mail:
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25
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Spermatozoal Mitochondrial Dynamics Markers and Other Functionality-Related Signaling Molecules Exert Circadian-like Response to Repeated Stress of Whole Organism. Cells 2022; 11:cells11060993. [PMID: 35326444 PMCID: PMC8946903 DOI: 10.3390/cells11060993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In the search for the possible role of the mitochondrial dynamics markers in spermatozoa adaptation, an in vivo approach was designed to mimic situations in which human populations are exposed to 3 h of repeated psychological stress (the most common stress in human society) at different time points during the day (24 h). The hormones (stress hormone corticosterone and testosterone), the number and the functionality of spermatozoa (response to acrosome-reaction-inducer progesterone), as well as the transcriptional profiles of 22 mitochondrial dynamics and function markers and 22 signaling molecules regulating both mitochondrial dynamics and spermatozoa number and functionality were followed at three time points (ZT3, ZT11, and ZT23). The results show that repeated stress significantly decreased the number and functionality of spermatozoa at all time points. In the same samples, the transcriptional profiles of 91% (20/22) of mitochondrial dynamics and functionality markers and 86% (19/22) of signaling molecules were disturbed after repeated stress. It is important to point out that similar molecular changes in transcriptional profiles were observed at ZT3 and ZT23, but the opposite was observed at ZT11, suggesting the circadian nature of the adaptive response. The results of PCA analysis show the significant separation of repeated stress effects during the inactive/light and active/dark phases of the day, suggesting the circadian timing of molecular adaptations.
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26
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Shiba K, Inaba K. The Roles of Two CNG Channels in the Regulation of Ascidian Sperm Chemotaxis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031648. [PMID: 35163568 PMCID: PMC8835908 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatozoa sense and respond to their environmental signals to ensure fertilization success. Reception and transduction of signals are reflected rapidly in sperm flagellar waveforms and swimming behavior. In the ascidian Ciona intestinalis (type A; also called C. robusta), an egg-derived sulfated steroid called SAAF (sperm activating and attracting factor), induces both sperm motility activation and chemotaxis. Two types of CNG (cyclic nucleotide-gated) channels, Ci-tetra KCNG (tetrameric, cyclic nucleotide-gated, K+-selective) and Ci-HCN (hyperpolarization-activated and cyclic nucleotide-gated), are highly expressed in Ciona testis from the comprehensive gene expression analysis. To elucidate the sperm signaling pathway to regulate flagellar motility, we focus on the role of CNG channels. In this study, the immunochemical analysis revealed that both CNG channels are expressed in Ciona sperm and localized to sperm flagella. Sperm motility analysis and Ca2+ imaging during chemotaxis showed that CNG channel inhibition affected the changes in flagellar waveforms and Ca2+ efflux needed for the chemotactic turn. These results suggest that CNG channels in Ciona sperm play a vital role in regulating sperm motility and intracellular Ca2+ regulation during chemotaxis.
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27
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Starovlah IM, Radovic Pletikosic SM, Tomanic TM, Medar MLJ, Kostic TS, Andric SA. Spermatozoa Develop Molecular Machinery to Recover From Acute Stress. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:896193. [PMID: 35909555 PMCID: PMC9329690 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.896193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was designed to search for the possible mechanism(s) of male (in/sub)fertility by following the molecular response of spermatozoa on acute psychological stress (the most common stress in human society) and on a 20-h time-dependent recovery period. To mimic in vivo acute stress, the rats were exposed to immobilization once every 3 h. The recovery periods were as follows: 0 (immediately after stress and 3 h after the light is on-ZT3), 8 (ZT11), 14 (ZT17), and 20 (ZT23) h after stress. Results showed that acute stress provoked effects evident 20 h after the end of the stress period. Numbers of spermatozoa declined at ZT17 and ZT23, while functionality decreased at ZT3 and ZT11, but recovered at ZT17 and ZT23. Transcriptional profiles of 91% (20/22) of tracked mitochondrial dynamics and functionality markers and 91% (20/22) of signaling molecules regulating both mitochondrial dynamics and spermatozoa number/functionality were disturbed after acute stress and during the recovery period. Most of the changes presented as increased transcription or protein expression at ZT23. The results of the principal component analysis (PCA) showed the clear separation of acute stress recovery effects during active/dark and inactive/light phases. The physiological relevance of these results is the recovered positive-acrosome-reaction, suggesting that molecular events are an adaptive mechanism, regulated by acute stress response signaling. The results of the PCA confirmed the separation of the effects of acute stress recovery on gene expression related to mitochondrial dynamics, cAMP, and MAPK signaling. The transcriptional patterns were different during the active and inactive phases. Most of the transcripts were highly expressed during the active phase, which is expected given that stress occurred at the beginning of the inactive phase. To the best of our knowledge, our results provide a completely new view and the first presentation of the markers of mitochondrial dynamics network in spermatozoa and their correlation with signaling molecules regulating both mitochondrial dynamics and spermatozoa number and functionality during recovery from acute stress. Moreover, the interactions between the proteins important for spermatozoa homeostasis and functionality (MFN2 and PRKA catalytic subunit, MFN2 and p38MAPK) are shown for the first time. Since the existing literature suggests the importance of semen quality and male fertility not only as the fundamental marker of reproductive health but also as the fundamental biomarkers of overall health and harbingers for the development of comorbidity and mortality, we anticipate our result to be a starting point for more investigations considering the mitochondrial dynamics markers or their transcriptional profiles as possible predictors of (in/sub)fertility.
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28
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Maitan PP, Bromfield EG, Hoogendijk R, Leung MR, Zeev-Ben-Mordehai T, van de Lest CH, Jansen JWA, Leemans B, Guimarães JD, Stout TAE, Gadella BM, Henning H. Bicarbonate-Stimulated Membrane Reorganization in Stallion Spermatozoa. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:772254. [PMID: 34869370 PMCID: PMC8635755 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.772254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Classical in vitro fertilization (IVF) is still poorly successful in horses. This lack of success is thought to be due primarily to inadequate capacitation of stallion spermatozoa under in vitro conditions. In species in which IVF is successful, bicarbonate, calcium, and albumin are considered the key components that enable a gradual reorganization of the sperm plasma membrane that allows the spermatozoa to undergo an acrosome reaction and fertilize the oocyte. The aim of this work was to comprehensively examine contributors to stallion sperm capacitation by investigating bicarbonate-induced membrane remodelling steps, and elucidating the contribution of cAMP signalling to these events. In the presence of capacitating media containing bicarbonate, a significant increase in plasma membrane fluidity was readily detected using merocyanine 540 staining in the majority of viable spermatozoa within 15 min of bicarbonate exposure. Specific inhibition of soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC) in the presence of bicarbonate by LRE1 significantly reduced the number of viable sperm with high membrane fluidity. This suggests a vital role for sAC-mediated cAMP production in the regulation of membrane fluidity. Cryo-electron tomography of viable cells with high membrane fluidity revealed a range of membrane remodelling intermediates, including destabilized membranes and zones with close apposition of the plasma membrane and the outer acrosomal membrane. However, lipidomic analysis of equivalent viable spermatozoa with high membrane fluidity demonstrated that this phenomenon was neither accompanied by a gross change in the phospholipid composition of stallion sperm membranes nor detectable sterol efflux (p > 0.05). After an early increase in membrane fluidity, a significant and cAMP-dependent increase in viable sperm with phosphatidylserine (PS), but not phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) exposure was noted. While the events observed partly resemble findings from the in vitro capacitation of sperm from other mammalian species, the lack of cholesterol removal appears to be an equine-specific phenomenon. This research will assist in the development of a defined medium for the capacitation of stallion sperm and will facilitate progress toward a functional IVF protocol for horse gametes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Piccolo Maitan
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Brazil
| | - Elizabeth G Bromfield
- Department of Biomolecular Health Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Romy Hoogendijk
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Miguel Ricardo Leung
- Cryo-Electron Microscopy, Bijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Tzviya Zeev-Ben-Mordehai
- Cryo-Electron Microscopy, Bijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Chris H van de Lest
- Department of Biomolecular Health Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jeroen W A Jansen
- Department of Biomolecular Health Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Bart Leemans
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | | | - Tom A E Stout
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Bart M Gadella
- Department of Biomolecular Health Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Department of Population Health Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Heiko Henning
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
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29
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Tourzani DA, Battistone MA, Salicioni AM, Breton S, Visconti PE, Gervasi MG. Caput Ligation Renders Immature Mouse Sperm Motile and Capable to Undergo cAMP-Dependent Phosphorylation. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910241. [PMID: 34638585 PMCID: PMC8549708 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian sperm must undergo two post-testicular processes to become fertilization-competent: maturation in the male epididymis and capacitation in the female reproductive tract. While caput epididymal sperm are unable to move and have not yet acquired fertilization potential, sperm in the cauda epididymis have completed their maturation, can move actively, and have gained the ability to undergo capacitation in the female tract or in vitro. Due to the impossibility of mimicking sperm maturation in vitro, the molecular pathways underlying this process remain largely unknown. We aimed to investigate the use of caput epididymal ligation as a tool for the study of sperm maturation in mice. Our results indicate that after seven days of ligation, caput sperm gained motility and underwent molecular changes comparable with those observed for cauda mature sperm. Moreover, ligated caput sperm were able to activate pathways related to sperm capacitation. Despite these changes, ligated caput sperm were unable to fertilize in vitro. Our results suggest that transit through the epididymis is not required for the acquisition of motility and some capacitation-associated signaling but is essential for full epididymal maturation. Caput epididymal ligation is a useful tool for the study of the molecular pathways involved in the acquisition of sperm motility during maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darya A. Tourzani
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Integrated Science Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA; (D.A.T.); (A.M.S.)
| | - Maria A. Battistone
- Program in Membrane Biology, Nephrology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (M.A.B.); (S.B.)
| | - Ana M. Salicioni
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Integrated Science Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA; (D.A.T.); (A.M.S.)
| | - Sylvie Breton
- Program in Membrane Biology, Nephrology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (M.A.B.); (S.B.)
| | - Pablo E. Visconti
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Integrated Science Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA; (D.A.T.); (A.M.S.)
- Correspondence: (P.E.V.); (M.G.G.); Tel.: +1-413-545-5565 (P.E.V.)
| | - Maria G. Gervasi
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Integrated Science Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA; (D.A.T.); (A.M.S.)
- Correspondence: (P.E.V.); (M.G.G.); Tel.: +1-413-545-5565 (P.E.V.)
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30
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Galimov SN, Gromenko JY, Bulygin KV, Galimov KS, Galimova EF, Sinelnikov MY. The level of secondary messengers and the redox state of NAD +/NADH are associated with sperm quality in infertility. J Reprod Immunol 2021; 148:103383. [PMID: 34534880 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2021.103383] [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: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In order to explore the interrelation of Calcium, cAMP, and redox state of pyridine nucleotides in seminal plasma and ejaculate quality in cases of idiopathic infertility we conducted an evaluation of 170 infertile males and 46 fertile males aged 20-43 years. Sperm analysis was undertaken according to WHO protocol. The content of Calcium in the seminal plasma was detected using optical emission spectrometry, cAMP levels were determined via enzymatic immunoassay. The redox state of pyridine nucleotides was evaluated from the ratio of pyruvate to lactate, determined via enzymatic method. Our results show a decrease in Calcium, cAMP, pyruvate and the oxidation-reduction potential of pyridine nucleotides in the seminal plasma of infertile males with pathospermia. This corresponds to anaerobic inversion of oxidative conversions and metabolism inadaptation. Such processes are often seen in inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. cAMP levels reliably correlated with the number of progressively mobile sperm cells, but not with the number of their pathological forms. A positive correlation between the concentration of cAMP and calcium was discovered as well. Pathospermia was characterized by the positive relation between the value of the NAD+/NADH coefficient and the spermatozoa concentration that was not present in fertile donors. Our study shows distinct changes in the concentration of secondary messengers and redox state of pyridine nucleotides in the seminal fluid that can act as molecular predictors for the development of idiopathic infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kirill V Bulygin
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia; M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Kamil Sh Galimov
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Mikhail Y Sinelnikov
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia; Research Institute of Human Morphology, Moscow, Russia.
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31
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Mata-Martínez E, Sánchez-Cárdenas C, Chávez JC, Guerrero A, Treviño CL, Corkidi G, Montoya F, Hernandez-Herrera P, Buffone MG, Balestrini PA, Darszon A. Role of calcium oscillations in sperm physiology. Biosystems 2021; 209:104524. [PMID: 34453988 DOI: 10.1016/j.biosystems.2021.104524] [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: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Intracellular Ca2+ is a key regulator of cell signaling and sperm are not the exception. Cells often use cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) oscillations as a means to decodify external and internal information. [Ca2+]i oscillations faster than those usually found in other cells and correlated with flagellar beat were the first to be described in sperm in 1993 by Susan Suarez, in the boar. More than 20 years passed before similar [Ca2+]i oscillations were documented in human sperm, simultaneously examining their flagellar beat in three dimensions by Corkidi et al. 2017. On the other hand, 10 years after the discovery of the fast boar [Ca2+]i oscillations, slower ones triggered by compounds from the egg external envelope were found to regulate cell motility and chemotaxis in sperm from marine organisms. Today it is known that sperm display fast and slow spontaneous and agonist triggered [Ca2+]i oscillations. In mammalian sperm these Ca2+ transients may act like a multifaceted tool that regulates fundamental functions such as motility and acrosome reaction. This review covers the main sperm species and experimental conditions where [Ca2+]i oscillations have been described and discusses what is known about the transporters involved, their regulation and the physiological purpose of these oscillations. There is a lot to be learned regarding the origin, regulation and physiological relevance of these Ca2+ oscillations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esperanza Mata-Martínez
- Laboratorio de Fusión de Membranas y Exocitosis Acrosomal, Instituto de Histología y Embriología Dr. Mario H. Burgos (IHEM) Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, CONICET, Mendoza, Argentina.
| | - Claudia Sánchez-Cárdenas
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología (IBT), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico.
| | - Julio C Chávez
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología (IBT), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico.
| | - Adán Guerrero
- Laboratorio Nacional de Microscopía Avanzada, IBT, UNAM, Mexico.
| | - Claudia L Treviño
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología (IBT), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico.
| | - Gabriel Corkidi
- Departamento de Ingeniería Celular y Biocatálisis, Laboratorio de Imágenes y Visión por Computadora, IBT, UNAM, Mexico.
| | - Fernando Montoya
- Departamento de Ingeniería Celular y Biocatálisis, Laboratorio de Imágenes y Visión por Computadora, IBT, UNAM, Mexico.
| | - Paul Hernandez-Herrera
- Departamento de Ingeniería Celular y Biocatálisis, Laboratorio de Imágenes y Visión por Computadora, IBT, UNAM, Mexico.
| | - Mariano G Buffone
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Paula A Balestrini
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Alberto Darszon
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología (IBT), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico.
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Sakamoto C, Fujinoki M, Kitazawa M, Obayashi S. Serotonergic signals enhanced hamster sperm hyperactivation. J Reprod Dev 2021; 67:241-250. [PMID: 33980767 PMCID: PMC8423610 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2020-108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present study, we investigated the regulatory mechanisms underlying sperm hyperactivation enhanced by 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in hamsters. First, we examined the types of 5-HT
receptors that regulate hyperactivation. Hyperactivation was significantly enhanced by 5-HT2A and 5-HT4 receptor agonists. Moreover, the results of the motility assay
revealed that 5-HT2A, 5-HT3, and 5-HT4 receptor agonists significantly decreased the velocity and/or amplitude of sperm. Under 5-HT2 receptor
stimulation, hyperactivation was associated with phospholipase C (PLC), inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptor, soluble adenylate cyclase (sAC), and protein kinase A (PKA).
In contrast, under 5-HT4 receptor stimulation, hyperactivation was associated with transmembrane adenylate cyclase (tmAC), sAC, PKA, and CatSper channels. Accordingly, under the
condition that sperm are hyperactivated, 5-HT likely stimulates PLC/IP3 receptor signals via the 5-HT2A receptor and tmAC/PKA/CatSper channel signals via the
5-HT4 receptor. After sAC and PKA are activated by these stimulations, sperm hyperactivation is enhanced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiyori Sakamoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Dokkyo Medical University, Tochigi 321-0293, Japan
| | - Masakatsu Fujinoki
- Research Lab. of Laboratory Animals, Research Center for Laboratory Animals, Comprehensive Research Facilities for Advanced Medical Science, School of Medicine, Dokkyo Medical University, Tochigi 321-0293, Japan
| | - Masafumi Kitazawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Dokkyo Medical University, Tochigi 321-0293, Japan
| | - Satoshi Obayashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Dokkyo Medical University, Tochigi 321-0293, Japan
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Balestrini PA, Sanchez-Cardenas C, Luque GM, Baro Graf C, Sierra JM, Hernández-Cruz A, Visconti PE, Krapf D, Darszon A, Buffone MG. Membrane hyperpolarization abolishes calcium oscillations that prevent induced acrosomal exocytosis in human sperm. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21478. [PMID: 33991146 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202002333rr] [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: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Sperm capacitation is essential to gain fertilizing capacity. During this process, a series of biochemical and physiological modifications occur that allow sperm to undergo acrosomal exocytosis (AE). At the molecular level, hyperpolarization of the sperm membrane potential (Em) takes place during capacitation. This study shows that human sperm incubated under conditions that do not support capacitation (NC) can become ready for an agonist stimulated AE by pharmacologically inducing Em hyperpolarization with Valinomycin or Amiloride. To investigate how Em hyperpolarization promotes human sperm's ability to undergo AE, live single-cell imaging experiments were performed to simultaneously monitor changes in [Ca2+ ]i and the occurrence of AE. Em hyperpolarization turned [Ca2+ ]i dynamics in NC sperm from spontaneously oscillating into a sustained slow [Ca2+ ]i increase. The addition of progesterone (P4) or K+ to Valinomycin-treated sperm promoted that a significant number of cells displayed a transitory rise in [Ca2+ ]i which then underwent AE. Altogether, our results demonstrate that Em hyperpolarization is necessary and sufficient to prepare human sperm for the AE. Furthermore, this Em change decreased Ca2+ oscillations that block the occurrence of AE, providing strong experimental evidence of the molecular mechanism that drives the acquisition of acrosomal responsiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula A Balestrini
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Claudia Sanchez-Cardenas
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca, México
| | - Guillermina M Luque
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carolina Baro Graf
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Jessica M Sierra
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Arturo Hernández-Cruz
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Pablo E Visconti
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Paige Labs, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Dario Krapf
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (CONICET-UNR), Rosario, Argentina
| | - Alberto Darszon
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Cuernavaca, México
| | - Mariano G Buffone
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Starovlah IM, Radovic Pletikosic SM, Kostic TS, Andric SA. Mitochondrial Dynamics Markers and Related Signaling Molecules Are Important Regulators of Spermatozoa Number and Functionality. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115693. [PMID: 34071734 PMCID: PMC8199422 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Here, we study possible mechanisms of (in/sub)fertility related to the acute or repeated psychological stresses (the most common stresses in human society) by following the transcriptional profile of 22 mitochondrial dynamics/function markers and 22 signaling molecules regulating both mitochondrial dynamics and spermatozoa number/functionality. An in vivo study mimicking acute (once for 3 h) and repeated (3 h for 10 consecutive days) psychophysical stress was performed on adult rats. The analysis of hormones, the number/functionality of spermatozoa, and 44 transcriptional markers were performed on individual samples from up to 12 animals per group. Results showed that both types of stress reduced spermatozoa functionality (acute by 4.4-fold, repeated by 3.3-fold) and ATP production (acute by 2.3-fold, repeated by 14.5-fold), while only repeated stress reduces the number of spermatozoa (1.9-fold). Stress significantly disturbed transcription of 34-out-of-44 markers (77%). Mitochondrial dynamics and functionality markers: 18-out-of-22 =>82% (mitochondrial-biogenesis-markers –>6-out-of-8 =>75%; mitochondrial-fusion-markers –>3-out-of-3 =>100%; mitochondrial-fission-markers –>1-out-of-2 =>50%; mitochondrial-autophagy-markers –>3-out-of-3 =>100%; mitochondrial-functionality-markers –>5-out-of-6 =>83%). Markers of signaling pathways regulating both mitochondrial dynamics/functionality and spermatozoa number/functionality important for male (in/sub)fertility –>16-out-of-22 =>73% (cAMP-signaling-markers –>8-out-of-12 =>67%; MAPK-signaling-markers –>8-out-of-10 =>80%). Accordingly, stress-triggered changes of transcriptional profile of mitochondrial dynamics/functionality markers as well as signaling molecules regulating both mitochondrial dynamics and spermatozoa number and functionality represent adaptive mechanisms.
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Baro Graf C, Ritagliati C, Stival C, Luque GM, Gentile I, Buffone MG, Krapf D. Everything you ever wanted to know about PKA regulation and its involvement in mammalian sperm capacitation. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 518:110992. [PMID: 32853743 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The 3', 5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) dependent protein kinase (PKA) is a tetrameric holoenzyme comprising a set of two regulatory subunits (PKA-R) and two catalytic (PKA-C) subunits. The PKA-R subunits act as sensors of cAMP and allow PKA-C activity. One of the first signaling events observed during mammalian sperm capacitation is PKA activation. Thus, understanding how PKA activity is restricted in space and time is crucial to decipher the critical steps of sperm capacitation. It is widely accepted that PKA specificity depends on several levels of regulation. Anchoring proteins play a pivotal role in achieving proper localization signaling, subcellular targeting and cAMP microdomains. These multi-factorial regulation steps are necessary for a precise spatio-temporal activation of PKA. Here we discuss recent understanding of regulatory mechanisms of PKA in mammalian sperm, such as post-translational modifications, in the context of its role as the master orchestrator of molecular events conducive to capacitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Baro Graf
- Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction Networks, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), CONICET-UNR, Rosario, Argentina; Laboratorio de Medicina Reproductiva (LMR), Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Carla Ritagliati
- Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction Networks, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), CONICET-UNR, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Cintia Stival
- Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction Networks, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), CONICET-UNR, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Guillermina M Luque
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Reproductive Biology, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Iñaki Gentile
- Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction Networks, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), CONICET-UNR, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Mariano G Buffone
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Reproductive Biology, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Dario Krapf
- Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction Networks, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR), CONICET-UNR, Rosario, Argentina; Laboratorio de Medicina Reproductiva (LMR), Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina.
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The Role of Zinc in Male Fertility. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21207796. [PMID: 33096823 PMCID: PMC7589359 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21207796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies proposed the importance of zinc ion in male fertility. Here, we describe the properties, roles and cellular mechanisms of action of Zn2+ in spermatozoa, focusing on its involvement in sperm motility, capacitation and acrosomal exocytosis, three functions that are crucial for successful fertilization. The impact of zinc supplementation on assisted fertilization techniques is also described. The impact of zinc on sperm motility has been investigated in many vertebrate and invertebrate species. It has been reported that Zn2+ in human seminal plasma decreases sperm motility and that Zn2+ removal enhances motility. Reduction in the intracellular concentration of Zn2+ during epididymal transit allows the development of progressive motility and the subsequent hyper activated motility during sperm capacitation. Extracellular Zn2+ affects intracellular signaling pathways through its interaction with the Zn2+ sensing receptor (ZnR), also named GPR39. This receptor was found in the sperm tail and the acrosome, suggesting the possible involvement of Zn2+ in sperm motility and acrosomal exocytosis. Our studies showed that Zn2+ stimulates bovine sperm acrosomal exocytosis, as well as human sperm hyper-activated motility, were both mediated by GPR39. Zn2+ binds and activates GPR39, which activates the trans-membrane-adenylyl-cyclase (tmAC) to catalyze cAMP production. The NHE (Na+/H+-exchanger) is activated by cAMP, leading in increased pHi and activation of the sperm-specific Ca2+ channel CatSper, resulting in an increase in [Ca2+]i, which, together with HCO3−, activates the soluble adenylyl-cyclase (sAC). The increase in [cAMP]i activates protein kinase A (PKA), followed by activation of the Src-epidermal growth factor receptor-Pphospholipase C (Src-EGFR-PLC) cascade, resulting in inositol-triphosphate (IP3) production, which mobilizes Ca2+ from the acrosome, causing a further increase in [Ca2+]i and the development of hyper-activated motility. PKA also activates phospholipase D1 (PLD1), leading to F-actin formation during capacitation. Prior to the acrosomal exocytosis, PLC induces phosphadidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) hydrolysis, leading to the release of the actin-severing protein gelsolin to the cytosol, which is activated by Ca2+, resulting in F-actin breakdown and the occurrence of acrosomal exocytosis.
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Chiarante N, Alonso CAI, Plaza J, Lottero-Leconte R, Arroyo-Salvo C, Yaneff A, Osycka-Salut CE, Davio C, Miragaya M, Perez-Martinez S. Cyclic AMP efflux through MRP4 regulates actin dynamics signalling pathway and sperm motility in bovines. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15619. [PMID: 32973195 PMCID: PMC7518284 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72425-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Previously we demonstrated that multidrug resistance-associated protein 4 transporter (MRP4) mediates cAMP efflux in bovine spermatozoa and that extracellular cAMP (ecAMP) triggers events associated to capacitation. Here, we deepen the study of the role of MRP4 in bovine sperm function by using MK571, an MRP4 inhibitor. The incubation of spermatozoa with MK571 during 45 min inhibited capacitation-associated events. MRP4 was localized in post-acrosomal region and mid-piece at 15 min capacitation, while at 45 min it was mainly located in the acrosome. After 15 min, MK571 decreased total sperm motility (TM), progressive motility (PM) and several kinematic parameters. The addition of ecAMP rescued MK571 effect and ecAMP alone increased the percentage of motile sperm and kinematics parameters. Since actin cytoskeleton plays essential roles in the regulation of sperm motility, we investigated if MRP4 activity might affect actin polymerization. After 15 min capacitation, an increase in F-actin was observed, which was inhibited by MK571. This effect was reverted by the addition of ecAMP. Furthermore, ecAMP alone increased F-actin levels while no F-actin was detected with ecAMP in the presence of PKA inhibitors. Our results support the importance of cAMP efflux through MRP4 in sperm capacitation and suggest its involvement in the regulation of actin polymerization and motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolás Chiarante
- Universidad Buenos Aires (UBA), Facultad de Medicina, (CONICET-UBA) Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFYBO), C1121ABG, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carlos A I Alonso
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Jessica Plaza
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal (INITRA), UBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Raquel Lottero-Leconte
- Universidad Buenos Aires (UBA), Facultad de Medicina, (CONICET-UBA) Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFYBO), C1121ABG, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Camila Arroyo-Salvo
- Universidad Buenos Aires (UBA), Facultad de Medicina, (CONICET-UBA) Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFYBO), C1121ABG, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Agustín Yaneff
- Instituto de Investigaciones Farmacológicas (ININFA) (UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, C1113AAD, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Claudia E Osycka-Salut
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas, Universidad Nacional de San Martín (IIIB-UNSAM/CONICET), Campus Miguelete, Avenida 25 de Mayo y Francia, San Martín, B1650HMP, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carlos Davio
- Instituto de Investigaciones Farmacológicas (ININFA) (UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, C1113AAD, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marcelo Miragaya
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal (INITRA), UBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Silvina Perez-Martinez
- Universidad Buenos Aires (UBA), Facultad de Medicina, (CONICET-UBA) Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFYBO), C1121ABG, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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38
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Fibronectin induces capacitation-associated events through the endocannabinoid system in bull sperm. Theriogenology 2020; 153:91-101. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.04.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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39
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Itzhakov D, Nitzan Y, Breitbart H. Protein kinase A inhibition induces EPAC-dependent acrosomal exocytosis in human sperm. Asian J Androl 2020; 21:337-344. [PMID: 30632486 PMCID: PMC6628745 DOI: 10.4103/aja.aja_99_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
To interact with the egg, the spermatozoon must undergo several biochemical and motility modifications in the female reproductive tract, collectively called capacitation. Only capacitated sperm can undergo acrosomal exocytosis, near or on the egg, a process that allows the sperm to penetrate and fertilize the egg. In the present study, we investigated the involvement of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent processes on acrosomal exocytosis. Inhibition of protein kinase A (PKA) at the end of capacitation induced acrosomal exocytosis. This process is cAMP-dependent; however, the addition of relatively high concentration of the membrane-permeable 8-bromo-cAMP (8Br-cAMP, 0.1 mmol l−1) analog induced significant inhibition of the acrosomal exocytosis. The induction of acrosomal exocytosis by PKA inhibition was significantly inhibited by an exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (EPAC) ESI09 inhibitor. The EPAC selective substrate activated AE at relatively low concentrations (0.02–0.1 μmol l−1), whereas higher concentrations (>5 μmol l−1) were inhibitory to the AE induced by PKA inhibition. Inhibition of PKA revealed about 50% increase in intracellular cAMP levels, conditions under which EPAC can be activated to induce the AE. Induction of AE by activating the actin severing-protein, gelsolin, which causes F-actin dispersion, was inhibited by the EPAC inhibitor. The AE induced by PKA inhibition was mediated by phospholipase C activity but not by the Ca2+-channel, CatSper. Thus, inhibition of PKA at the end of the capacitation process induced EPAC/phospholipase C-dependent acrosomal exocytosis. EPAC mediates F-actin depolymerization and/or activation of effectors downstream to F-actin breakdown that lead to acrosomal exocytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Itzhakov
- The Mina and Everard Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Yeshayahu Nitzan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, Zefat Academic College, Zefat 1320611, Israel
| | - Haim Breitbart
- The Mina and Everard Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 5290002, Israel
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Fernández-Alegre E, Álvarez-Fernández I, Domínguez JC, Casao A, Martínez-Pastor F. Melatonin Non-Linearly Modulates Bull Spermatozoa Motility and Physiology in Capacitating and Non-Capacitating Conditions. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21082701. [PMID: 32295040 PMCID: PMC7215461 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21082701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Bull spermatozoa physiology may be modulated by melatonin. We washed ejaculated spermatozoa free of melatonin and incubated them (4 h, 38 °C) with 0-pM, 1-pM, 100-pM, 10-nM and 1-µM melatonin in TALP-HEPES (non-capacitating) and TALP-HEPES-heparin (capacitating). This range of concentrations encompassed the effects mediated by melatonin receptors (pM), intracellular targets (nM–µM) or antioxidant activity (µM). Treatment effects were assessed as motility changes by computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) of motility and physiological changes by flow cytometry. Melatonin effects were more evident in capacitating conditions, with 100 pM reducing motility and velocity (VCL) while increasing a “slow” subpopulation. All concentrations decreased apoptotic spermatozoa and stimulated mitochondrial activity in viable spermatozoa, with 100 pM–1 µM increasing acrosomal damage, 10 nM–1 µM increasing intracellular calcium and 1 pM reducing the response to a calcium-ionophore challenge. In non-capacitating media, 1 µM increased hyperactivation-related variables and decreased apoptotic spermatozoa; 100 pM–1 µM increased membrane disorders (related to capacitation); all concentrations decreased mitochondrial ROS production. Melatonin concentrations had a modal effect on bull spermatozoa, suggesting a capacitation-modulating role and protective effect at physiological concentrations (pM). Some effects may be of practical use, considering artificial reproductive techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estela Fernández-Alegre
- Institute of Animal Health and Cattle Development (INDEGSAL), University of León, 24071 León, Spain; (E.F.-A.); (I.Á.-F.); (J.C.D.)
| | - Indira Álvarez-Fernández
- Institute of Animal Health and Cattle Development (INDEGSAL), University of León, 24071 León, Spain; (E.F.-A.); (I.Á.-F.); (J.C.D.)
| | - Juan Carlos Domínguez
- Institute of Animal Health and Cattle Development (INDEGSAL), University of León, 24071 León, Spain; (E.F.-A.); (I.Á.-F.); (J.C.D.)
- Department of Animal Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy (Animal Medicine and Surgery), University of León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Adriana Casao
- BIOFITER, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology, Institute of Environmental Sciences of Aragón, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zaragoza, 50013 Zaragoza, Spain;
| | - Felipe Martínez-Pastor
- Institute of Animal Health and Cattle Development (INDEGSAL), University of León, 24071 León, Spain; (E.F.-A.); (I.Á.-F.); (J.C.D.)
- Department of Molecular Biology (Cell Biology), University of León, 24071 León, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-987-291-491
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41
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Paudel B, Gervasi MG, Porambo J, Caraballo DA, Tourzani DA, Mager J, Platt MD, Salicioni AM, Visconti PE. Sperm capacitation is associated with phosphorylation of the testis-specific radial spoke protein Rsph6a†. Biol Reprod 2020; 100:440-454. [PMID: 30239614 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Revised: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian sperm undergo a series of biochemical and physiological changes collectively known as capacitation in order to acquire the ability to fertilize. Although the increase in phosphorylation associated with mouse sperm capacitation is well established, the identity of the proteins involved in this signaling cascade remains largely unknown. Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) has been used to identify the exact sites of phosphorylation and to compare the relative extent of phosphorylation at these sites. In the present work, we find that a novel site of phosphorylation on a peptide derived from the radial spoke protein Rsph6a is more phosphorylated in capacitated mouse sperm. The Rsph6a gene has six exons, five of which are conserved during evolution in flagellated cells. The exon containing the capacitation-induced phosphorylation site was found exclusively in eutherian mammals. Transcript analyses revealed at least two different testis-specific splicing variants for Rsph6a.Rsph6a mRNA expression was restricted to spermatocytes. Using antibodies generated against the Rsph6a N-terminal domain, western blotting and immunofluorescence analyses indicated that the protein remains in mature sperm and localizes to the sperm flagellum. Consistent with its role in the axoneme, solubility analyses revealed that Rsph6 is attached to cytoskeletal structures. Based on previous studies in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, we predict that Rsph6 participates in the interaction between the central pair of microtubules and the surrounding pairs. The findings that Rsph6a is more phosphorylated during capacitation and is predicted to function in axonemal localization make Rsph6a a candidate protein mediating signaling processes in the sperm flagellum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bidur Paudel
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - María Gracia Gervasi
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - James Porambo
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, USA
| | - Diego A Caraballo
- IFIBYNE-CONICET, Laboratorio de Fisiología y Biología Molecular, Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Darya A Tourzani
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jesse Mager
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mark D Platt
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, USA
| | - Ana María Salicioni
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Pablo E Visconti
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
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42
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Sugiyama Y, Fujinoki M, Shibahara H. Effects of 5-hydroxytryptamine on spermatozoal hyperactivation and in vitro fertilization in mice. J Reprod Dev 2019; 65:541-550. [PMID: 31694987 PMCID: PMC6923157 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2019-082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we examined the effects of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) on the motility and hyperactivation of mouse spermatozoa. In addition, we examined whether 5-HT increases the success of
in vitro fertilization (IVF) in mice. Interestingly, 5-HT and agonists of the 5-HT2, 5-HT3, 5-HT4, and 5-HT7 receptors
significantly increased the percentage of hyperactivated spermatozoa but did not affect the percentage of motile spermatozoa. Moreover, agonists of the 5-HT2, 5-HT3,
and 5-HT4 receptors significantly affected the velocities, linearity, straightness, wobbler coefficient, amplitude and/or frequency of spermatozoa. In particular, the improvement
of hyperactivation by 5-HT was strongly inhibited by antagonists of the receptors 5-HT4 and 5-HT7 and was completely inhibited by a mixture of the four 5-HT-receptor
antagonists. The increase in hyperactivation by the agonists was significantly inhibited by the corresponding 5-HT-receptor antagonist. Moreover, 5-HT significantly increased the percentage
of two-cell embryos. The increase in the IVF success rate by 5-HT was significantly inhibited by a 5-HT4-receptor antagonist. These results suggest that 5-HT increased
hyperactivation through the 5-HT receptors and increased the success of IVF in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukiko Sugiyama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hyogo College of Medicine, Hyogo 663-8501, Japan
| | - Masakatsu Fujinoki
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Dokkyo Medical University, Tochigi 321-0293, Japan.,Laboratory Animal Research Center, Dokkyo Medical University, Tochigi 321-0293, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Shibahara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hyogo College of Medicine, Hyogo 663-8501, Japan
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43
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Weigel Muñoz M, Battistone MA, Carvajal G, Maldera JA, Curci L, Torres P, Lombardo D, Pignataro OP, Da Ros VG, Cuasnicú PS. Influence of the genetic background on the reproductive phenotype of mice lacking Cysteine-Rich Secretory Protein 1 (CRISP1). Biol Reprod 2019; 99:373-383. [PMID: 29481619 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Epididymal sperm protein CRISP1 has the ability to both regulate murine CatSper, a key sperm calcium channel, and interact with egg-binding sites during fertilization. In spite of its relevance for sperm function, Crisp1-/-mice are fertile. Considering that phenotypes can be influenced by the genetic background, in the present work mice from the original mixed Crisp1-/- colony (129/SvEv*C57BL/6) were backcrossed onto the C57BL/6 strain for subsequent analysis of their reproductive phenotype. Whereas fertility and fertilization rates of C57BL/6 Crisp1-/- males did not differ from those reported for mice from the mixed background, several sperm functional parameters were clearly affected by the genetic background. Crisp1-/- sperm from the homogeneous background exhibited defects in both the progesterone-induced acrosome reaction and motility not observed in the mixed background, and normal rather than reduced protein tyrosine phosphorylation. Additional studies revealed a significant decrease in sperm hyperactivation as well as in cAMP and protein kinase A (PKA) substrate phosphorylation levels in sperm from both colonies. The finding that exposure of mutant sperm to a cAMP analog and phosphodiesterase inhibitor overcame the sperm functional defects observed in each colony indicated that a common cAMP-PKA signaling defect led to different phenotypes depending on the genetic background. Altogether, our observations indicate that the phenotype of CRISP1 null males is modulated by the genetic context and reveal new roles for the protein in both the functional events and signaling pathways associated to capacitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Weigel Muñoz
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María A Battistone
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Guillermo Carvajal
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Julieta A Maldera
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ludmila Curci
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pablo Torres
- Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Daniel Lombardo
- Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Omar P Pignataro
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Vanina G Da Ros
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Patricia S Cuasnicú
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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44
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Priyadarshana C, Tajima A, Ishikawa N, Asano A. Membrane rafts regulate sperm acrosome reaction via cAMP-dependent pathway in chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus). Biol Reprod 2019; 99:1000-1009. [PMID: 29788183 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Both transcriptionally and translationally inactive sperm need preassembled pathways into specific cellular compartments to function. Although initiation of the acrosome reaction (AR) involves several signaling pathways including protein kinase A (PKA) activation, how these are regulated remains poorly understood in avian sperm. Membrane rafts are specific membrane regions enriched in sterols and functional proteins and play important roles in diverse cellular processes, including signal transduction. Our recent studies on chicken sperm demonstrated that membrane rafts exist and play a role in multistage fertilization. These, combined with the functional importance of membrane rafts in mammalian sperm AR, prompted us to investigate the roles of membrane rafts in signaling pathways leading to AR in chicken sperm. Using 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (2-OHCD), we found that the disruption of membrane rafts inhibits PKA activity and AR without affecting protein tyrosine phosphorylation; however, these inhibitions were abolished in the presence of a cyclic 3,5-adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) analog. In addition, biochemical experiments showed a decrease in cAMP content in 2-OHCD-treated sperm, suggesting the involvement of soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC) and transmembrane adenylyl cyclase (tmAC). Pharmacological experiments, combined with transcriptome analysis, showed that sAC and tmAC are present and involved in AR induction in chicken sperm. Furthermore, stimulation of both isoforms reversed the inhibition of PKA activity and AR in 2-OHCD-treated sperm. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that membrane rafts play an important role in AR induction by regulating the cAMP-dependent pathway and that they provide a mechanistic insight into membrane regulation of AR and sperm function in birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chathura Priyadarshana
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Atsushi Tajima
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Naoto Ishikawa
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Atsushi Asano
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
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45
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Alonso CAI, Lottero-Leconte R, Luque GM, Vernaz ZJ, Di Siervi N, Gervasi MG, Buffone MG, Davio C, Perez-Martinez S. MRP4-mediated cAMP efflux is essential for mouse spermatozoa capacitation. J Cell Sci 2019; 132:jcs.230565. [PMID: 31253671 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.230565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian spermatozoa must undergo biochemical and structural changes to acquire the capacity for fertilization, in a process known as capacitation. Activation of PKA enzymes is essential for capacitation, and thus cAMP levels are tightly regulated during this process. Previously, we demonstrated that during capacitation, bovine spermatozoa extrude cAMP through multidrug resistance-associated protein 4 (MRP4, also known as ABCC4), which regulates intracellular levels of the nucleotide and provides cAMP to the extracellular space. Here, we report the presence of functional MRP4 in murine spermatozoa, since its pharmacological inhibition with MK571 decreased levels of extracellular cAMP. This also produced a sudden increase in PKA activity, with decreased tyrosine phosphorylation at the end of capacitation. Blockade of MRP4 inhibited induction of acrosome reaction, hyperactivation and in vitro fertilization. Moreover, MRP4 inhibition generated an increase in Ca2+ levels mediated by PKA, and depletion of Ca2+ salts from the medium prevented the loss of motility and phosphotyrosine inhibition produced by MK571. These results were supported using spermatozoa from CatSper Ca2+ channel knockout mice. Taken together, these results suggest that cAMP efflux via MRP4 plays an essential role in mouse sperm capacitation.This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A I Alonso
- Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFYBO) (UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1121ABG, Argentina
| | - R Lottero-Leconte
- Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFYBO) (UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1121ABG, Argentina
| | - G M Luque
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires C1428ADN, Argentina
| | - Z J Vernaz
- Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFYBO) (UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1121ABG, Argentina
| | - N Di Siervi
- Instituto de Investigaciones Farmacológicas (ININFA) (UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1113AAD, Argentina
| | - M G Gervasi
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, United States
| | - M G Buffone
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires C1428ADN, Argentina
| | - C Davio
- Instituto de Investigaciones Farmacológicas (ININFA) (UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1113AAD, Argentina
| | - S Perez-Martinez
- Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFYBO) (UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1121ABG, Argentina
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46
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Raju DN, Hansen JN, Rassmann S, Stüven B, Jikeli JF, Strünker T, Körschen HG, Möglich A, Wachten D. Cyclic Nucleotide-Specific Optogenetics Highlights Compartmentalization of the Sperm Flagellum into cAMP Microdomains. Cells 2019; 8:cells8070648. [PMID: 31252584 PMCID: PMC6679001 DOI: 10.3390/cells8070648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Inside the female genital tract, mammalian sperm undergo a maturation process called capacitation, which primes the sperm to navigate across the oviduct and fertilize the egg. Sperm capacitation and motility are controlled by 3′,5′-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). Here, we show that optogenetics, the control of cellular signaling by genetically encoded light-activated proteins, allows to manipulate cAMP dynamics in sperm flagella and, thereby, sperm capacitation and motility by light. To this end, we used sperm that express the light-activated phosphodiesterase LAPD or the photo-activated adenylate cyclase bPAC. The control of cAMP by LAPD or bPAC combined with pharmacological interventions provides spatiotemporal precision and allows to probe the physiological function of cAMP compartmentalization in mammalian sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana N Raju
- Institute of Innate Immunity, Biophysical Imaging, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
- Centrum für Reproduktionsmedizin und Andrologie (CeRA), Universitätsklinikum Münster, Universität Münster, 48129 Münster, Germany
| | - Jan N Hansen
- Institute of Innate Immunity, Biophysical Imaging, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Sebastian Rassmann
- Institute of Innate Immunity, Biophysical Imaging, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Birthe Stüven
- Institute of Innate Immunity, Biophysical Imaging, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
- Lehrstuhl für Biochemie, Universität Bayreuth, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Jan F Jikeli
- Institute of Innate Immunity, Biophysical Imaging, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Timo Strünker
- Centrum für Reproduktionsmedizin und Andrologie (CeRA), Universitätsklinikum Münster, Universität Münster, 48129 Münster, Germany
| | - Heinz G Körschen
- Center of Advanced European Studies and Research (caesar), Molecular Sensory Systems, 53175 Bonn, Germany
| | - Andreas Möglich
- Lehrstuhl für Biochemie, Universität Bayreuth, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
- Research Center for Bio-Macromolecules, Universität Bayreuth, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
- Bayreuth Center for Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Universität Bayreuth, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Dagmar Wachten
- Institute of Innate Immunity, Biophysical Imaging, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany.
- Center of Advanced European Studies and Research (caesar), Molecular Physiology, 53175 Bonn, Germany.
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47
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Bernecic NC, Gadella BM, Leahy T, de Graaf SP. Novel methods to detect capacitation-related changes in spermatozoa. Theriogenology 2019; 137:56-66. [PMID: 31230703 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.05.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Prior to interaction with the oocyte, spermatozoa must undergo capacitation, which involves a series of physio-chemical transformations that occur in the female tract. As capacitation is a pre-requisite for successful fertilisation, it is a topic of great interest for sperm biologists, but the complexity of the numerous biochemical and biophysical processes involved make it difficult to measure. Capacitation is an extremely complex event that encompasses numerous integrated processes that can occur concurrently during this window of time. The identification of techniques to accurately assess and quantify capacitation is therefore crucial to gain a meaningful insight into this fascinating sperm maturation event. Whilst there are extensive reviews in the literature that focus on the functional changes to spermatozoa during capacitation, few have examined the methods required to measure these changes. The aim of this review is to highlight frequently used methods to quantify different stages of capacitation and identify promising novel techniques. Factors that are able to modulate various capacitation processes will also be discussed. The overall outcome is to provide researchers with a toolbox of methods that can be used to gain a deeper understanding of the intricacies of capacitation in spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi C Bernecic
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, NSW, 2006, Australia.
| | - Bart M Gadella
- Department of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, Utrecht University, the Netherlands; Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
| | - Tamara Leahy
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Simon P de Graaf
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, NSW, 2006, Australia
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48
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Nguyen TMD. Main signaling pathways involved in the control of fowl sperm motility. Poult Sci 2019; 98:1528-1538. [DOI: 10.3382/ps/pey465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
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49
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Mohammadzadeh M, Ramazani V, Khalili MA, Hamishekar H, Dehghan Marvast L, Talebi AR, Zare-Zardini H, Ghasemi S. Medium containing different concentrations of catalase as a strategy for optimising sperm parameters and chromatin in normospermic persons. Andrologia 2019; 51:e13231. [PMID: 30746730 DOI: 10.1111/and.13231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Revised: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to comprise the effect of catalase on sperm parameters and chromatin in normospermic persons. Semen samples were obtained from fertile men. A certain amount of different concentrations of catalase (0.1, 1, 10, 50, 100, 150 and 200 IU.ml) was added to each vial containing semen. Control group had similar condition to treated groups without treatment. Treatment was done for one hour in incubator and 4 and 24 hr in room temperature. Sperm parameters (motility, viability and morphology) and chromatin were evaluated after incubation. The results show that percentage of motility was insignificantly increased at concentration of 100 IU.ml catalase. This increase was higher than other examined concentration in all incubation time. The increase in sperm motility had significant difference in concentrations of 100 IU.ml with other concentrations. Other parameters showed no significant difference in all concentrations. Regarding the health of sperm chromatin, low concentrations of catalase had significant effect on this variable. This effect was more in low concentrations than high concentrations. This study showed the use of lower concentrations of antioxidant can improve the sperm parameters and chromatin quality. The low concentrations of catalase led to protection of chromatin and optimisation of sperm parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoomeh Mohammadzadeh
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Vahid Ramazani
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Khalili
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Hamed Hamishekar
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, I.R. Iran
| | - Laleh Dehghan Marvast
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Andrology Department, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Ali Reza Talebi
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Hadi Zare-Zardini
- Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Saeed Ghasemi
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
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50
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Allouche-Fitoussi D, Bakhshi D, Breitbart H. Signaling pathways involved in human sperm hyperactivated motility stimulated by Zn 2. Mol Reprod Dev 2019; 86:502-515. [PMID: 30746812 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Revised: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
To fertilize the egg, sperm cells must reside in the female reproductive tract for several hours during which they undergo chemical and motility changes collectively called capacitation. During capacitation, the sperm develop a unique type of motility known as hyperactivated motility (HAM). The semen contains Zn2+ in millimolar concentrations, whereas in the female reproductive tract the concentration is around 1 µM. In this study, we characterize the role of Zn 2+ in human sperm capacitation focusing on its effect on HAM. Western blot analysis revealed the presence of G protein-coupled receptor 39 (GPR39) type Zn-receptor localized mainly in the sperm tail. Zn 2+ at micromolar concentration stimulates HAM, which is mediated by a cascade involving GPR39-AC-cAMP-PKA-Src-EGFR and phospholipase C. Both the transmembrane adenylyl cyclase (AC) and the soluble-AC are involved in the stimulation of HAM by Zn 2+ . The development of HAM is precisely regulated by cyclic adenosine monophosphate, in which relatively low concentration (5-10 µM) stimulated HAM, whereas at 30 µM no stimulation occurred. A similar response was seen when different concentrations of Zn 2+ were added to the cells; low Zn 2+ stimulated HAM, whereas at relatively high Zn 2+ , no effect was seen. We further demonstrate that the Ca 2+ -channel CatSper involved in Zn 2+ -stimulated HAM. These data support a role for extracellular Zn 2+ acting via GPR39 to regulate signaling pathways in sperm capacitation, leading to HAM induction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Danit Bakhshi
- The Mina and Everard Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Haim Breitbart
- The Mina and Everard Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
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