1
|
Zhu H, Wang H, Wang D, Liu S, Sun X, Qu Z, Zhang A, Ye C, Li R, Wu B, Liu M, Gao J. Nme8 is essential for protection against chemotherapy drug cisplatin-induced male reproductive toxicity in mice. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:730. [PMID: 39368984 PMCID: PMC11457495 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-07118-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 09/26/2024] [Indexed: 10/07/2024]
Abstract
Cisplatin (CP), a chemotherapy drug commonly used in cancers treatment, causes serious reproductive toxicity. With younger cancer patients and increasing survival rates, it is important to preserve their reproductive capacity. NME8 is highly expressed in testis and contains thioredoxin and NDPK domains, suggesting it may be a target against the CP-induced reproductive toxicity. We deleted exons 6-7 of the Nme8 in mice based on human mutation sites and observed impaired transcript splicing. In mice, Nme8 was not essential for spermatogenesis, possibly due to functional compensation by its paralog, Nme5. Nme8 expression was elevated and translocated to the nucleus in response to two weeks of CP treatment. Under CP treatment, Nme8 deficiency further impaired antioxidant capacity, induced lipid peroxidation and increased ROS level, and failed to activate autophagy, resulting in aggravated DNA damage in testes and sperm. Consequently, the proliferation and differentiation of spermatogonia and the meiosis of spermatocyte were almost completely halted, and sperm motility was impaired. Our research indicates that NME8 protects against CP-induced testis and sperm damage. This may provide new insights into the physiological functions of the Nme family and potential targets for preserving fertility in young male cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haixia Zhu
- School of Life Science and Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Hongxiang Wang
- School of Life Science and Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Obstetrics department, Qingdao Central Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Central Hospital), Qingdao, China
| | - Shuqiao Liu
- School of Life Science and Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaoli Sun
- School of Life Science and Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Zhengjiang Qu
- School of Life Science and Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Aizhen Zhang
- School of Life Science and Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Chao Ye
- School of Life Science and Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Runze Li
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Bin Wu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China.
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
| | - Min Liu
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China.
- The Affiliated Taian City Central Hospital of Qingdao University, Taian, China.
| | - Jiangang Gao
- School of Life Science and Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hogg CJ, Edwards RJ, Farquharson KA, Silver LW, Brandies P, Peel E, Escalona M, Jaya FR, Thavornkanlapachai R, Batley K, Bradford TM, Chang JK, Chen Z, Deshpande N, Dziminski M, Ewart KM, Griffith OW, Marin Gual L, Moon KL, Travouillon KJ, Waters P, Whittington CM, Wilkins MR, Helgen KM, Lo N, Ho SYW, Ruiz Herrera A, Paltridge R, Marshall Graves JA, Renfree M, Shapiro B, Ottewell K, Belov K. Extant and extinct bilby genomes combined with Indigenous knowledge improve conservation of a unique Australian marsupial. Nat Ecol Evol 2024; 8:1311-1326. [PMID: 38945974 PMCID: PMC11239497 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-024-02436-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Ninu (greater bilby, Macrotis lagotis) are desert-dwelling, culturally and ecologically important marsupials. In collaboration with Indigenous rangers and conservation managers, we generated the Ninu chromosome-level genome assembly (3.66 Gbp) and genome sequences for the extinct Yallara (lesser bilby, Macrotis leucura). We developed and tested a scat single-nucleotide polymorphism panel to inform current and future conservation actions, undertake ecological assessments and improve our understanding of Ninu genetic diversity in managed and wild populations. We also assessed the beneficial impact of translocations in the metapopulation (N = 363 Ninu). Resequenced genomes (temperate Ninu, 6; semi-arid Ninu, 6; and Yallara, 4) revealed two major population crashes during global cooling events for both species and differences in Ninu genes involved in anatomical and metabolic pathways. Despite their 45-year captive history, Ninu have fewer long runs of homozygosity than other larger mammals, which may be attributable to their boom-bust life history. Here we investigated the unique Ninu biology using 12 tissue transcriptomes revealing expression of all 115 conserved eutherian chorioallantoic placentation genes in the uterus, an XY1Y2 sex chromosome system and olfactory receptor gene expansions. Together, we demonstrate the holistic value of genomics in improving key conservation actions, understanding unique biological traits and developing tools for Indigenous rangers to monitor remote wild populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn J Hogg
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Richard J Edwards
- Minderoo OceanOmics Centre at UWA, Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Katherine A Farquharson
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Luke W Silver
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Parice Brandies
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Emma Peel
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Merly Escalona
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Frederick R Jaya
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rujiporn Thavornkanlapachai
- Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kensington, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Kimberley Batley
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tessa M Bradford
- Evolutionary Biology Unit, South Australian Museum, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - J King Chang
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Nandan Deshpande
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Ramaciotti Centre for Genomics and School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Martin Dziminski
- Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kensington, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Kyle M Ewart
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Oliver W Griffith
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Laia Marin Gual
- Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
- Genome Integrity and Instability Group, Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Katherine L Moon
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Kenny J Travouillon
- Collections and Research, Western Australian Museum, Welshpool, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Paul Waters
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Camilla M Whittington
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Marc R Wilkins
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Ramaciotti Centre for Genomics and School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kristofer M Helgen
- Australian Museum Research Institute, Australian Museum, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nathan Lo
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Simon Y W Ho
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Aurora Ruiz Herrera
- Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
- Genome Integrity and Instability Group, Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Rachel Paltridge
- Indigenous Desert Alliance, Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia
| | | | - Marilyn Renfree
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Beth Shapiro
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Kym Ottewell
- Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kensington, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Katherine Belov
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wang Y, Huang X, Sun G, Chen J, Wu B, Luo J, Tang S, Dai P, Zhang F, Li J, Wang L. Coiled-coil domain-containing 38 is required for acrosome biogenesis and fibrous sheath assembly in mice. J Genet Genomics 2024; 51:407-418. [PMID: 37709195 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2023.09.002] [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: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
During spermiogenesis, haploid spermatids undergo dramatic morphological changes to form slender sperm flagella and cap-like acrosomes, which are required for successful fertilization. Severe deformities in flagella cause a male infertility syndrome, multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella (MMAF), while acrosomal hypoplasia in some cases leads to sub-optimal embryonic developmental potential. However, evidence regarding the occurrence of acrosomal hypoplasia in MMAF is limited. Here, we report the generation of base-edited mice knocked out for coiled-coil domain-containing 38 (Ccdc38) via inducing a nonsense mutation and find that the males are infertile. The Ccdc38-KO sperm display acrosomal hypoplasia and typical MMAF phenotypes. We find that the acrosomal membrane is loosely anchored to the nucleus and fibrous sheaths are disorganized in Ccdc38-KO sperm. Further analyses reveal that Ccdc38 knockout causes a decreased level of TEKT3, a protein associated with acrosome biogenesis, in testes and an aberrant distribution of TEKT3 in sperm. We finally show that intracytoplasmic sperm injection overcomes Ccdc38-related infertility. Our study thus reveals a previously unknown role for CCDC38 in acrosome biogenesis and provides additional evidence for the occurrence of acrosomal hypoplasia in MMAF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaling Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; Institute of Reproduction and Development, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Xueying Huang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Guoying Sun
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Jingwen Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; Institute of Reproduction and Development, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Bangguo Wu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; Institute of Reproduction and Development, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Jiahui Luo
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Shuyan Tang
- Institute of Reproduction and Development, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Peng Dai
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; Institute of Reproduction and Development, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Jinsong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Lingbo Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; Institute of Reproduction and Development, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Nikitkina EV, Dementieva NV, Shcherbakov YS, Atroshchenko MM, Kudinov AA, Samoylov OI, Pozovnikova MV, Dysin AP, Krutikova AA, Musidray AA, Mitrofanova OV, Plemyashov KV, Griffin DK, Romanov MN. Genome-wide association study for frozen-thawed sperm motility in stallions across various horse breeds. Anim Biosci 2022; 35:1827-1838. [PMID: 35240017 PMCID: PMC9659452 DOI: 10.5713/ab.21.0504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The semen quality of stallions including sperm motility is an important target of selection as it has a high level of individual variability. However, effects of the molecular architecture of the genome on the mechanisms of sperm formation and their preservation after thawing have been poorly investigated. Here, we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) for the sperm motility of cryopreserved semen in stallions of various breeds. METHODS Semen samples were collected from the stallions of 23 horse breeds. The following semen characteristics were examined: progressive motility (PM), progressive motility after freezing (FPM), and the difference between PM and FPM. The respective DNA samples from these stallions were genotyped using Axiom Equine Genotyping Array. RESULTS We performed a GWAS search for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers and potential genes related to motility properties of frozen-thawed semen in the stallions of various breeds. As a result of the GWAS analysis, two SNP markers, rs1141327473 and rs1149048772, were identified that were associated with preservation of the frozen-thawed stallion sperm motility, the relevant putative candidate genes being NME/NM23 family member 8 (NME8), olfactory receptor family 2 subfamily AP member 1 (OR2AP1), and olfactory receptor family 6 subfamily C member 4 (OR6C4). Potential implications of effects of these genes on sperm motility are herein discussed. CONCLUSION The GWAS results enabled us to localize novel SNPs and candidate genes for sperm motility in stallions. Implications of the study for horse breeding and genetics are a better understanding of genomic regions and candidate genes underlying stallion sperm quality, and improvement in horse reproduction and breeding techniques. The identified markers and genes for sperm cryotolerance and the respective genomic regions are promising candidates for further studying the biological processes in the formation and function of the stallion reproductive system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena V. Nikitkina
- Russian Research Institute for Farm Animal Genetics and Breeding – Branch of the L. K. Ernst Federal Science Center for Animal Husbandry, Tyarlevo, Pushkin, St. Petersburg, 196625,
Russia
| | - Natalia V. Dementieva
- Russian Research Institute for Farm Animal Genetics and Breeding – Branch of the L. K. Ernst Federal Science Center for Animal Husbandry, Tyarlevo, Pushkin, St. Petersburg, 196625,
Russia
| | - Yuri S. Shcherbakov
- Russian Research Institute for Farm Animal Genetics and Breeding – Branch of the L. K. Ernst Federal Science Center for Animal Husbandry, Tyarlevo, Pushkin, St. Petersburg, 196625,
Russia
| | - Mikhail M. Atroshchenko
- All-Russian Research Institute for Horse Breeding, Rybnovsky District, Ryazan Oblast, 391105,
Russia
| | - Andrei A. Kudinov
- Russian Research Institute for Farm Animal Genetics and Breeding – Branch of the L. K. Ernst Federal Science Center for Animal Husbandry, Tyarlevo, Pushkin, St. Petersburg, 196625,
Russia
| | - Oleg I. Samoylov
- Russian Research Institute for Farm Animal Genetics and Breeding – Branch of the L. K. Ernst Federal Science Center for Animal Husbandry, Tyarlevo, Pushkin, St. Petersburg, 196625,
Russia
| | - Marina V. Pozovnikova
- Russian Research Institute for Farm Animal Genetics and Breeding – Branch of the L. K. Ernst Federal Science Center for Animal Husbandry, Tyarlevo, Pushkin, St. Petersburg, 196625,
Russia
| | - Artem P. Dysin
- Russian Research Institute for Farm Animal Genetics and Breeding – Branch of the L. K. Ernst Federal Science Center for Animal Husbandry, Tyarlevo, Pushkin, St. Petersburg, 196625,
Russia
| | - Anna A. Krutikova
- Russian Research Institute for Farm Animal Genetics and Breeding – Branch of the L. K. Ernst Federal Science Center for Animal Husbandry, Tyarlevo, Pushkin, St. Petersburg, 196625,
Russia
| | - Artem A. Musidray
- Russian Research Institute for Farm Animal Genetics and Breeding – Branch of the L. K. Ernst Federal Science Center for Animal Husbandry, Tyarlevo, Pushkin, St. Petersburg, 196625,
Russia
| | - Olga V. Mitrofanova
- Russian Research Institute for Farm Animal Genetics and Breeding – Branch of the L. K. Ernst Federal Science Center for Animal Husbandry, Tyarlevo, Pushkin, St. Petersburg, 196625,
Russia
| | - Kirill V. Plemyashov
- Russian Research Institute for Farm Animal Genetics and Breeding – Branch of the L. K. Ernst Federal Science Center for Animal Husbandry, Tyarlevo, Pushkin, St. Petersburg, 196625,
Russia
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wang H, Dou Q, Jeong KJ, Choi J, Gladyshev VN, Chung JJ. Redox regulation by TXNRD3 during epididymal maturation underlies capacitation-associated mitochondrial activity and sperm motility in mice. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102077. [PMID: 35643315 PMCID: PMC9218152 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
During epididymal transit, redox remodeling protects mammalian spermatozoa, preparing them for survival in the subsequent journey to fertilization. However, molecular mechanisms of redox regulation in sperm development and maturation remain largely elusive. In this study, we report that thioredoxin-glutathione reductase (TXNRD3), a thioredoxin reductase family member particularly abundant in elongating spermatids at the site of mitochondrial sheath formation, regulates redox homeostasis to support male fertility. Using Txnrd3-/- mice, our biochemical, ultrastructural, and live cell imaging analyses revealed impairments in sperm morphology and motility under conditions of TXNRD3 deficiency. We find that mitochondria develop more defined cristae during capacitation in wildtype sperm. Furthermore, we show that absence of TXNRD3 alters thiol redox status in both the head and tail during sperm maturation and capacitation, resulting in defective mitochondrial ultrastructure and activity under capacitating conditions. These findings provide insights into molecular mechanisms of redox homeostasis and bioenergetics during sperm maturation, capacitation, and fertilization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huafeng Wang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Qianhui Dou
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kyung Jo Jeong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jungmin Choi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea; Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Vadim N Gladyshev
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jean-Ju Chung
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Xu W, Zhang Y, Qin D, Gui Y, Wang S, Du G, Yang F, Li L, Yuan S, Wang M, Wu X. Transcription factor-like 5 is a potential DNA/RNA-binding protein essential for maintaining male fertility in mice. J Cell Sci 2021; 135:273810. [PMID: 34931239 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.259036] [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: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription factor-like 5 (TCFL5) is a testis-specific protein that contains the basic helix-loop-helix domain, but the in vivo functions of TCFL5 remain unknown. Herein, we generated CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout mice to dissect the function of TCFL5 in mouse testes. Surprisingly, we found that it was difficult to generate homozygous mice with the Tcfl5 deletion since the heterozygous males (Tcfl5+/-) were infertile. We did; however, observe markedly abnormal phenotypes of spermatids and spermatozoa in the testes and epididymides of Tcfl5+/- mice. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that TCFL5 transcriptionally and post-transcriptionally regulated a set of genes participating in male germ cell development via TCFL5 ChIP-DNA and eCLIP-RNA high-throughput sequencing. We also identified a known RBP, FXR1 as an interacting partner of TCFL5 that may coordinate the transition and localization of TCFL5 in the nucleus. Collectively, we herein report for the first time that Tcfl5 is haploinsufficient in vivo and acts as a dual-function protein that mediates DNA and RNA to regulate spermatogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weiya Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Yiyun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Dongdong Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Yiqian Gui
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Shu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Guihua Du
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Fan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Lufan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Shuiqiao Yuan
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Mei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China.,Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Lianyungang Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Lianyungang, Jiangsu 222000, China
| | - Xin Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Testis-Specific Thioredoxins TXNDC2, TXNDC3, and TXNDC6 Are Expressed in Both Testicular and Systemic DLBCL and Correlate with Clinical Disease Presentation. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:8026941. [PMID: 33603952 PMCID: PMC7870302 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8026941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
DLBCL is the most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma with a substantial group of patients suffering a poor prognosis. Therefore more specific markers are required for better understanding of disease biology and treatment. This study demonstrates that testis-specific antioxidant enzymes TXNDC2, TXNDC3, and TXNDC6 alongside oxidative stress marker 8-OHdG are expressed in both testicular and systemic DLBCL, and their presence or absence has correlations with clinical risk factors such as the number of extranodal effusion, the appearance of B-symptoms, and treatment response. Biopsy samples were collected from 28 systemic and 21 testicular male DLBCL patients. The samples were histostained with TXNDC2, TXNDC3, TXNDC6, and 8-OHdG, then graded by a hematopathologist blinded to clinical data. Immunoelectron microscopy was used as a second method to confirm the reliability of the acquired immunohistochemistry data. The absence of nuclear TXNDC2 expression in testicular DLBCL cells correlated with worse primary treatment response, cytoplasmic TXNDC3 expression in testicular and systemic DLBCL associated with lower frequency of B-symptoms, and TXNDC6 expression in cytoplasm in systemic DLBCL had a clinical significance with higher LD levels suggesting a role in the biological nature of these lymphomas. Overall, TXNDC3 cytoplasmic expression is correlated with a more positive outcome in both testicular and systemic DLBCL, while TXNDC6 cytoplasmic expression is associated with a negative outcome in systemic DLBCL.
Collapse
|
8
|
Sironen A, Shoemark A, Patel M, Loebinger MR, Mitchison HM. Sperm defects in primary ciliary dyskinesia and related causes of male infertility. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:2029-2048. [PMID: 31781811 PMCID: PMC7256033 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03389-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The core axoneme structure of both the motile cilium and sperm tail has the same ultrastructural 9 + 2 microtubular arrangement. Thus, it can be expected that genetic defects in motile cilia also have an effect on sperm tail formation. However, recent studies in human patients, animal models and model organisms have indicated that there are differences in components of specific structures within the cilia and sperm tail axonemes. Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a genetic disease with symptoms caused by malfunction of motile cilia such as chronic nasal discharge, ear, nose and chest infections and pulmonary disease (bronchiectasis). Half of the patients also have situs inversus and in many cases male infertility has been reported. PCD genes have a role in motile cilia biogenesis, structure and function. To date mutations in over 40 genes have been identified cause PCD, but the exact effect of these mutations on spermatogenesis is poorly understood. Furthermore, mutations in several additional axonemal genes have recently been identified to cause a sperm-specific phenotype, termed multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF). In this review, we discuss the association of PCD genes and other axonemal genes with male infertility, drawing particular attention to possible differences between their functions in motile cilia and sperm tails.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anu Sironen
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK.
| | - Amelia Shoemark
- Department of Paediatrics, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK
- School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Mitali Patel
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Michael R Loebinger
- Host Defence Unit, Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Hannah M Mitchison
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Characterization of Nme5-Like Gene/Protein from the Red Alga Chondrus Crispus. Mar Drugs 2019; 18:md18010013. [PMID: 31877804 PMCID: PMC7024210 DOI: 10.3390/md18010013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The Nme gene/protein family of nucleoside diphosphate kinases (NDPK) was originally named after its member Nm23-H1/Nme1, the first identified metastasis suppressor. Human Nme proteins are divided in two groups. They all possess nucleoside diphosphate kinase domain (NDK). Group I (Nme1-Nme4) display a single type NDK domain, whereas Group II (Nme5-Nme9) display a single or several different NDK domains, associated or not associated with extra-domains. Data strongly suggest that, unlike Group I, none of the members of Group II display measurable NDPK activity, although some of them autophosphorylate. The multimeric form is required for the NDPK activity. Group I proteins are known to multimerize, while there are no data on the multimerization of Group II proteins. The Group II ancestral type protein was shown to be conserved in several species from three eukaryotic supergroups. Here, we analysed the Nme protein from an early branching eukaryotic lineage, the red alga Chondrus crispus. We show that the ancestral type protein, unlike its human homologue, was fully functional multimeric NDPK with high affinity to various types of DNA and dispersed localization throughout the eukaryotic cell. Its overexpression inhibits both cell proliferation and the anchorage-independent growth of cells in soft agar but fails to deregulate cell apoptosis. We conclude that the ancestral gene has changed during eukaryotic evolution, possibly in correlation with the protein function.
Collapse
|
10
|
Peña FJ, O’Flaherty C, Ortiz Rodríguez JM, Martín Cano FE, Gaitskell-Phillips GL, Gil MC, Ortega Ferrusola C. Redox Regulation and Oxidative Stress: The Particular Case of the Stallion Spermatozoa. Antioxidants (Basel) 2019; 8:antiox8110567. [PMID: 31752408 PMCID: PMC6912273 DOI: 10.3390/antiox8110567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Redox regulation and oxidative stress have become areas of major interest in spermatology. Alteration of redox homeostasis is recognized as a significant cause of male factor infertility and is behind the damage that spermatozoa experience after freezing and thawing or conservation in a liquid state. While for a long time, oxidative stress was just considered an overproduction of reactive oxygen species, nowadays it is considered as a consequence of redox deregulation. Many essential aspects of spermatozoa functionality are redox regulated, with reversible oxidation of thiols in cysteine residues of key proteins acting as an “on–off” switch controlling sperm function. However, if deregulation occurs, these residues may experience irreversible oxidation and oxidative stress, leading to malfunction and ultimately death of the spermatozoa. Stallion spermatozoa are “professional producers” of reactive oxygen species due to their intense mitochondrial activity, and thus sophisticated systems to control redox homeostasis are also characteristic of the spermatozoa in the horse. As a result, and combined with the fact that embryos can easily be collected in this species, horses are a good model for the study of redox biology in the spermatozoa and its impact on the embryo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fernando J. Peña
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain; (J.M.O.R.); (F.E.M.C.); (G.L.G.-P.); (M.C.G.); (C.O.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-927-257-167
| | - Cristian O’Flaherty
- Departments of Surgery (Urology Division) and Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada;
| | - José M. Ortiz Rodríguez
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain; (J.M.O.R.); (F.E.M.C.); (G.L.G.-P.); (M.C.G.); (C.O.F.)
| | - Francisco E. Martín Cano
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain; (J.M.O.R.); (F.E.M.C.); (G.L.G.-P.); (M.C.G.); (C.O.F.)
| | - Gemma L. Gaitskell-Phillips
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain; (J.M.O.R.); (F.E.M.C.); (G.L.G.-P.); (M.C.G.); (C.O.F.)
| | - María C. Gil
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain; (J.M.O.R.); (F.E.M.C.); (G.L.G.-P.); (M.C.G.); (C.O.F.)
| | - Cristina Ortega Ferrusola
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain; (J.M.O.R.); (F.E.M.C.); (G.L.G.-P.); (M.C.G.); (C.O.F.)
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Sutovsky P, Aarabi M, Miranda-Vizuete A, Oko R. Negative biomarker based male fertility evaluation: Sperm phenotypes associated with molecular-level anomalies. Asian J Androl 2016; 17:554-60. [PMID: 25999356 PMCID: PMC4492044 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.153847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomarker-based sperm analysis elevates the treatment of human infertility and ameliorates reproductive performance in livestock. The negative biomarker-based approach focuses on proteins and ligands unique to defective spermatozoa, regardless of their morphological phenotype, lending itself to analysis by flow cytometry (FC). A prime example is the spermatid specific thioredoxin SPTRX3/TXNDC8, retained in the nuclear vacuoles and superfluous cytoplasm of defective human spermatozoa. Infertile couples with high semen SPTRX3 are less likely to conceive by assisted reproductive therapies (ART) and more prone to recurrent miscarriage while low SPTRX3 has been associated with multiple ART births. Ubiquitin, a small, proteolysis-promoting covalent posttranslational protein modifier is found on the surface of defective posttesticular spermatozoa and in the damaged protein aggregates, the aggresomes of spermiogenic origin. Semen ubiquitin content correlates negatively with fertility and conventional semen parameters, and with sperm binding of lectins LCA (Lens culinaris agglutinin; reveals altered sperm surface) and PNA (Arachis hypogaea/peanut agglutinin; reveals acrosomal malformation or damage). The Postacrosomal Sheath WWI Domain Binding Protein (PAWP), implicated in oocyte activation during fertilization, is ectopic or absent from defective human and animal spermatozoa. Consequently, FC-parameters of PAWP correlate with ART outcomes in infertile couples and with fertility in bulls. Assays based on the above biomarkers have been combined into multiplex FC semen screening protocols, and the surface expression of lectins and ubiquitin has been utilized to develop nanoparticle-based bull semen purification method validated by field artificial insemination trials. These advances go hand-in-hand with the innovation of FC-technology and genomics/proteomics-based biomarker discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Sutovsky
- Division of Animal Science and Departments of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA,
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Conrad M, Ingold I, Buday K, Kobayashi S, Angeli JPF. ROS, thiols and thiol-regulating systems in male gametogenesis. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2014; 1850:1566-74. [PMID: 25450170 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2014.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2014] [Revised: 10/17/2014] [Accepted: 10/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During maturation and storage, spermatozoa generate substantial amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and are thus forced to cope with an increasingly oxidative environment that is both needed and detrimental to their biology. Such a janus-faceted intermediate needs to be tightly controlled and this is done by a wide array of redox enzymes. These enzymes not only have to prevent unspecific modifications of essential cellular biomolecules by quenching undesired ROS, but they are also required and often directly involved in critical protein modifications. SCOPE OF REVIEW The present review is conceived to present an update on what is known about critical roles of redox enzymes, whereby special emphasis is put on the family of glutathione peroxidases, which for the time being presents the best characterized tasks during gametogenesis. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS We therefore demonstrate that understanding the function of (seleno)thiol-based oxidases/reductases is not a trivial task and relevant knowledge will be mainly gained by using robust systems, as exemplified by several (conditional) knockout studies. We thus stress the importance of using such models for providing unequivocal evidence in the molecular understanding of redox regulatory mechanisms in sperm maturation. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE ROS are not merely detrimental by-products of metabolism and their proper generation and usage by specific enzymes is essential for vital functions as beautifully exemplified during male gametogenesis. As such, lessons learnt from thiol-based oxidases/reductases in male gametogenesis could be used as a general principle for other organs as it is most likely not only restricted to this developmental phase. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Redox regulation of differentiation and de-differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Conrad
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany.
| | - Irina Ingold
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Katalin Buday
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Sho Kobayashi
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany; Department of Functional Genomics and Biotechnology, United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Iwate University, Morioka, Iwate 020-8550, Japan
| | - Jose Pedro Friedmann Angeli
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Abstract
The ejaculated spermatozoon, as an aerobic cell, must fight against toxic levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by its own metabolism but also by other sources such as abnormal spermatozoa, chemicals and toxicants, or the presence of leukocytes in semen. Mammalian spermatozoa are extremely sensitive to oxidative stress, a condition occurring when there is a net increase in ROS levels within the cell. Opportunely, this specialized cell has a battery of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, peroxiredoxins, thioredoxins, thioredoxins reductases, and glutathione s-transferases) working in concert to assure normal sperm function. Any impairment of the antioxidant enzymatic activities will promote severe oxidative damage which is observed as plasma membrane lipid peroxidation, oxidation of structural proteins and enzymes, and oxidation of DNA bases that lead to abnormal sperm function. Altogether, these damages occurring in spermatozoa are associated with male infertility. The present review contains a description of the enzymatic antioxidant system of the human spermatozoon and a reevaluation of the role of its different components and highlights the necessity of sufficient supply of reducing agents (NADPH and reduced glutathione) to guarantee normal sperm function.
Collapse
|
14
|
O'Flaherty C. Peroxiredoxins: hidden players in the antioxidant defence of human spermatozoa. Basic Clin Androl 2014; 24:4. [PMID: 25780579 PMCID: PMC4349611 DOI: 10.1186/2051-4190-24-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2013] [Accepted: 01/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatozoon is a cell with a precious message to deliver: the paternal DNA. Its motility machinery must be working perfectly and it should be able to acquire fertilizing ability in order to accomplish this mission. Infertility touches 1 in 6 couples worldwide and in half of the cases the causes can be traced to men. A variety of conditions such as infections of the male genital tract, varicocele, drugs, environmental factors, diseases, smoking, etc., are associated with male infertility and a common feature among them is the oxidative stress in semen that occurs when reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced at high levels and/or when the antioxidant systems are decreased in the seminal plasma and/or spermatozoa. ROS-dependent damage targets proteins, lipids, and DNA, thus compromising sperm function and survival. Elevated ROS in spermatozoa are associated with DNA damage and decreased motility. Paradoxically, ROS, at very low levels, regulate sperm activation for fertilization. Therefore, the regulation of redox signaling in the male reproductive tract is essential for fertility. Peroxiredoxins (PRDXs) play a central role in redox signaling being both antioxidant enzymes and modulators of ROS action and are essential for pathological and physiological events. Recent studies from our lab emphasize the importance of PRDXs in the protection of spermatozoa as infertile men have significant low levels of PRDXs in semen and with little enzymatic activity available for ROS scavenging. The relationships between sperm DNA damage, motility and lipid peroxidation and high levels of thiol-oxidized PRDXs suggest the enhanced susceptibility of spermatozoa to oxidative stress and further support the importance of PRDXs in human sperm physiology. This review aims to characterize PRDXs, hidden players of the sperm antioxidant system and highlight the central role of PRDXs isoforms in the protection against oxidative stress to assure a proper function and DNA integrity of human spermatozoa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristian O'Flaherty
- Urology Research Laboratory, Royal Victoria Hospital, room H6.46, 687 Avenue des Pins ouest, Montréal, Québec H3A 1A1 Canada ; Department of Surgery (Urology Division), McGill University, Montréal, Québec Canada ; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec Canada ; Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec Canada ; Urology Research Laboratory, Royal Victoria Hospital, room H6.46, 687 Avenue des Pins ouest, Montréal, Québec H3A 1A1 Canada
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Smith TB, Baker MA, Connaughton HS, Habenicht U, Aitken RJ. Functional deletion of Txndc2 and Txndc3 increases the susceptibility of spermatozoa to age-related oxidative stress. Free Radic Biol Med 2013; 65:872-881. [PMID: 23707457 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2013.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2012] [Revised: 04/26/2013] [Accepted: 05/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Oxidative stress in the male germ line is known to be a key factor in both the etiology of male infertility and the high levels of DNA damage encountered in human spermatozoa. Because the latter has been associated with a variety of adverse clinical outcomes, including miscarriage and developmental abnormalities in the offspring, the mechanisms that spermatozoa use to defend themselves against oxidative stress are of great interest. In this context, the male germ line expresses three unique forms of thioredoxin, known as thioredoxin domain-containing proteins (Txndc2, Txndc3, and Txndc8). Two of these proteins, Txndc2 and Txndc3, retain association with the spermatozoa after spermiation and potentially play an important role in regulating the redox status of the mature gamete. To address this area, we have functionally deleted the sperm-specific thioredoxins from the male germ line of mice by either exon deletion (Txndc2) or mutation of the bioactive cysteines (Txndc3). The combined inactivation of these Txndc isoforms did not have an overall impact on spermatogenesis, epididymal sperm maturation, or fertility. However, Txndc deficiency in spermatozoa did lead to age-dependent changes in these cells as reflected by accelerated motility loss, high rates of DNA damage, increases in reactive oxygen species generation, enhanced formation of lipid aldehyde-protein adducts, and impaired protamination of the sperm chromatin. These results suggest that although there is considerable redundancy in the systems employed by spermatozoa to defend themselves against oxidative stress, the sperm-specific thioredoxins, Txndc2 and Txndc3, are critically important in protecting these cells against the increases in oxidative stress associated with paternal age.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T B Smith
- Reproductive Science Group, Priority Research Centre in Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - M A Baker
- Reproductive Science Group, Priority Research Centre in Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - H S Connaughton
- Reproductive Science Group, Priority Research Centre in Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - U Habenicht
- TRG Gynecology & Andrology and Male Health Care Research, Bayer Schering Pharma AG, Berlin, Germany
| | - R J Aitken
- Reproductive Science Group, Priority Research Centre in Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Özdemirler Erata G, Küçükgergin C, Aktan G, Kadioglu A, Uysal M, Koçak-Toker N. Is thioredoxin reductase involved in the defense against DNA fragmentation in varicocele? Asian J Androl 2013; 15:518-22. [PMID: 23603921 DOI: 10.1038/aja.2013.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2012] [Revised: 12/26/2012] [Accepted: 01/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to investigate the role of thioredoxin reductase (TR) and inducible heat shock protein 70 (iHsp70) and their relationship with sperm quality in varicocele (VAR) patients. Semen samples were obtained from 16 subfertile men diagnosed as VAR and 10 fertile men who applied to the Andrology Laboratory of Istanbul Medical Faculty of Istanbul University. The sperm TR and iHsp 70 expression levels were determined using Western blot analysis. The TR activity of the sperm was assayed spectrophometrically. The sperm quality was evaluated both by conventional sperm analysis and by a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) technique that assayed DNA-fragmented spermatozoa in semen samples. The percentage of TUNEL-positive spermatozoa in the VAR group (16.3%± 5.6%) was higher than that in the fertile group (5.5%± 1.9%). Significant inverse correlations were detected between the percentage of TUNEL-positive cells and both the concentration (r=-0.609; P=0.001) and motility (r=-0.550; P=0.004) of spermatozoa. Both the TR expression and activity were increased significantly in the VAR group (U=22.0; P=0.001 and U=33.5; P=0.012, respectively) as analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U Wilcoxon rank sum W test. Furthermore, significant positive correlations were found between TR expression and activity (r=0.406; P=0.040) and between TR expression and the percentage of TUNEL-positive cells (r=0.665; P=0.001). Sperm iHsp70 expression did not differ between the VAR and fertile groups. In conclusion, increased sperm TR expression might be a defense mechanism against apoptosis in the spermatozoa of men with VAR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gül Özdemirler Erata
- Department of Biochemistry, Istanbul Medical Faculty, University of Istanbul, Çapa, 34093, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Desvignes T, Fauvel C, Bobe J. The NME gene family in zebrafish oogenesis and early development. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2011; 384:439-49. [PMID: 21394481 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-011-0619-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2010] [Accepted: 02/26/2011] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
After the recent report of the expression of several nme genes in the zebrafish gonads, the present study aimed at further analyzing the expression of nme genes in the ovary with special attention for the nme transcripts that are maternally inherited and could thus participate in the determination of oocyte developmental competence. The expression levels of all groups I and II nme genes were characterized by QPCR in a panel of zebrafish tissues. The nme genes exhibiting an ovarian expression were subsequently monitored throughout oogenesis and early development, and their expression sites characterized using in situ hybridization. Here, we show that nme2b1, nme3, nme4, and nme6 are highly expressed in the ovary and present in the zebrafish oocyte throughout oogenesis. While the four transcripts are maternally inherited, nme3 and nme6 display a typical maternal profile and are detected in the zebrafish early embryo. In contrast to nme3, nme6, abundance exhibits a sharp decrease during early embryogenesis. After zygotic genome activation, we observed an increased expression of nme2b1, nme2b2, nme3, and nme6. The present study provides a comprehensive overview of the expression of nme family members during zebrafish oogenesis and early development. In addition, the maternal origin of two nme transcripts in the early embryo is reported here for the first time in any vertebrate species. Together, our observations suggest an important role of the nme family in oocyte and embryo development in vertebrates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T Desvignes
- INRA, UR1037 SCRIBE, Campus de Beaulieu, 35042, Rennes, France
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Abstract
Immunoinfertility is one of several causes of infertility in humans. Although progress on antisperm immunity and infertility has advanced during the past three decades, the nature of a real antisperm antibody (ASA) is still poorly understood. Dozens of sperm antigens have been isolated and characterized in association with infertility. However, it is difficult to identify a single predominant target antigen that could interact with all the ASAs. There are some protective mechanisms preventing ASA production in males and females. As chronic infection, vasectomy and vasovasostomy, heavy metals, and testicular cancer and torsion may induce the production of ASAs, they may be responsible for decreased motility and sperm penetration of cervical mucus, and the blockage of the acrosome reaction and the sperm-egg interaction. Many ASA assay methods have been developed, each with advantages and disadvantages. Efforts for the treatment of ASA-mediated infertility have been attempted. However, current therapy for ASA-associated infertility is almost empiric and largely unproven.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Chun Lu
- Department of Laboratory Science, Nanjing Hospital, Jiangsu Corps, The Armed Police Force, PLA, 256 Heyan Road, Nanjing 210028, China.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Hermo L, Pelletier RM, Cyr DG, Smith CE. Surfing the wave, cycle, life history, and genes/proteins expressed by testicular germ cells. Part 3: developmental changes in spermatid flagellum and cytoplasmic droplet and interaction of sperm with the zona pellucida and egg plasma membrane. Microsc Res Tech 2010; 73:320-63. [PMID: 19941287 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.20784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Spermiogenesis constitutes the steps involved in the metamorphosis of spermatids into spermatozoa. It involves modification of several organelles in addition to the formation of several structures including the flagellum and cytoplasmic droplet. The flagellum is composed of a neck region and middle, principal, and end pieces. The axoneme composed of nine outer microtubular doublets circularly arranged to form a cylinder around a central pair of microtubules is present throughout the flagellum. The middle and principal pieces each contain specific components such as the mitochondrial sheath and fibrous sheath, respectively, while outer dense fibers are common to both. A plethora of proteins are constituents of each of these structures, with each playing key roles in functions related to the fertility of spermatozoa. At the end of spermiogenesis, a portion of spermatid cytoplasm remains associated with the released spermatozoa, referred to as the cytoplasmic droplet. The latter has as its main feature Golgi saccules, which appear to modify the plasma membrane of spermatozoa as they move down the epididymal duct and hence may be partly involved in male gamete maturation. The end product of spermatogenesis is highly streamlined and motile spermatozoa having a condensed nucleus equipped with an acrosome. Spermatozoa move through the female reproductive tract and eventually penetrate the zona pellucida and bind to the egg plasma membrane. Many proteins have been implicated in the process of fertilization as well as a plethora of proteins involved in the development of spermatids and sperm, and these are high lighted in this review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Louis Hermo
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3A 2B2.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Ikeda T. NDP kinase 7 is a conserved microtubule-binding protein preferentially expressed in ciliated cells. Cell Struct Funct 2010; 35:23-30. [PMID: 20215702 DOI: 10.1247/csf.09016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleoside diphosphate (NDP) kinase is an enzyme that synthesizes the nucleoside triphosphates. In mammals, nine sequences (NDK1-NDK9) have been found with domain(s) homologous to the catalytic domain of NDP kinase, and some of them have been shown to associate with sperm flagella. The present study examines the localization of NDK7, for which little information has been available. Database analysis showed that the NDK7 gene is present in organisms with cilia and flagella. Western blotting analyses of various mouse tissues consistently indicated that NDK7 is preferentially expressed in tissues with motile cilia as well as in sperm. Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed that this protein is localized along the entire length of the TritonX-100-insoluble fraction of sperm flagella, possibly in the axonemes. Unexpectedly, however, NDK7 in tracheal epithelia was found in the cell body but not in cilia. Finally, in vitro co-sedimentation assays using recombinant proteins showed that both mouse and Chlamydomonas NDK7 directly bind to microtubules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Ikeda
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Desvignes T, Pontarotti P, Fauvel C, Bobe J. Nme protein family evolutionary history, a vertebrate perspective. BMC Evol Biol 2009; 9:256. [PMID: 19852809 PMCID: PMC2777172 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2148-9-256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2009] [Accepted: 10/23/2009] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Nme family, previously known as Nm23 or NDPK, is involved in various molecular processes including tumor metastasis and some members of the family, but not all, exhibit a Nucleoside Diphosphate Kinase (NDPK) activity. Ten genes are known in humans, in which some members have been extensively studied. In non-mammalian species, the Nme protein family has received, in contrast, far less attention. The picture of the vertebrate Nme family remains thus incomplete and orthology relationships with mammalian counterparts were only partially characterized. The present study therefore aimed at characterizing the Nme gene repertoire in vertebrates with special interest for teleosts, and providing a comprehensive overview of the Nme gene family evolutionary history in vertebrates. RESULTS In the present study, we present the evolutionary history of the Nme family in vertebrates and characterize the gene family repertoire for the first time in several non-mammalian species. Our observations show that vertebrate Nme genes can be separated in two evolutionary distinct groups. Nme1, Nme2, Nme3, and Nme4 belong to Group I while vertebrate Nme5, Nme6, Nme7, Nme8, and Nme9 belong to Group II. The position of Nme10 is in contrast more debatable due to its very specific evolutionary history. The present study clearly indicates that Nme5, Nme6, Nme7, and Nme8 originate from duplication events that occurred before the chordate radiation. In contrast, Nme genes of the Group I have a very different evolutionary history as our results suggest that they all arise from a common gene present in the chordate ancestor. In addition, expression patterns of all zebrafish nme transcripts were studied in a broad range of tissues by quantitative PCR and discussed in the light of the function of their mammalian counterparts. CONCLUSION This work offers an evolutionary framework that will pave the way for future studies on vertebrate Nme proteins and provides a unified vertebrate Nme nomenclature that is consistent with the nomenclature in use in mammals. Based on protein structure and expression data, we also provide new insight into molecular functions of Nme proteins among vertebrates and raise intriguing questions on the roles of Nme proteins in gonads.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Desvignes
- INRA, UR1037 SCRIBE, IFR140, Ouest-Genopole, F-35000 Rennes, France
- IFREMER, LALR, F-34250 Palavas Les Flots, France
| | - Pierre Pontarotti
- UMR 6632/IFR48 Université de Aix Marseille/CNRS. Equipe Evolution biologique et Modélisation, case 19, 3 place Victor Hugo, 13331 Marseille Cedex 03, France
| | | | - Julien Bobe
- INRA, UR1037 SCRIBE, IFR140, Ouest-Genopole, F-35000 Rennes, France
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Abstract
Nucleoside diphosphate kinases (NDPK) are encoded by the NME genes, also called NM23. They catalyze the transfer of gamma-phosphate from nucleoside triphosphates to nucleoside diphosphates by a ping-pong mechanism involving the formation of a high energy phospho-histidine intermediate [1, 2]. Besides their known functions in the control of intracellular nucleotide homeostasis, they are involved in multiple physiological and pathological cellular processes such as differentiation, development, metastastic dissemination or cilia functions. Over the past 15 years, ten human genes have been discovered encoding partial, full length, and/or tandemly repeated Nm23/NDPK domains, with or without N-or C-terminal extensions and/or additional domains. These genes encode proteins exhibiting different functions at various tissular and subcellular localizations. Most of these genes appear late in evolution with the emergence of the vertebrate lineage. This review summarizes the present knowledge on these multitalented proteins.
Collapse
|
23
|
Boissan M, Dabernat S, Peuchant E, Schlattner U, Lascu I, Lacombe ML. The mammalian Nm23/NDPK family: from metastasis control to cilia movement. Mol Cell Biochem 2009; 329:51-62. [PMID: 19387795 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-009-0120-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2009] [Accepted: 04/02/2009] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Nucleoside diphosphate kinases (NDPK) are encoded by the NME genes, also called NM23. They catalyze the transfer of gamma-phosphate from nucleoside triphosphates to nucleoside diphosphates by a ping-pong mechanism involving the formation of a high energy phospho-histidine intermediate [1, 2]. Besides their known functions in the control of intracellular nucleotide homeostasis, they are involved in multiple physiological and pathological cellular processes such as differentiation, development, metastastic dissemination or cilia functions. Over the past 15 years, ten human genes have been discovered encoding partial, full length, and/or tandemly repeated Nm23/NDPK domains, with or without N-or C-terminal extensions and/or additional domains. These genes encode proteins exhibiting different functions at various tissular and subcellular localizations. Most of these genes appear late in evolution with the emergence of the vertebrate lineage. This review summarizes the present knowledge on these multitalented proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Boissan
- INSERM UMRS_938, UMPC Université Paris 06, 75012 Paris, France
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Arnér ESJ. Focus on mammalian thioredoxin reductases--important selenoproteins with versatile functions. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2009; 1790:495-526. [PMID: 19364476 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2009.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 498] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2008] [Accepted: 01/30/2009] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Thioredoxin systems, involving redox active thioredoxins and thioredoxin reductases, sustain a number of important thioredoxin-dependent pathways. These redox active proteins support several processes crucial for cell function, cell proliferation, antioxidant defense and redox-regulated signaling cascades. Mammalian thioredoxin reductases are selenium-containing flavoprotein oxidoreductases, dependent upon a selenocysteine residue for reduction of the active site disulfide in thioredoxins. Their activity is required for normal thioredoxin function. The mammalian thioredoxin reductases also display surprisingly multifaceted properties and functions beyond thioredoxin reduction. Expressed from three separate genes (in human named TXNRD1, TXNRD2 and TXNRD3), the thioredoxin reductases can each reduce a number of different types of substrates in different cellular compartments. Their expression patterns involve intriguingly complex transcriptional mechanisms resulting in several splice variants, encoding a number of protein variants likely to have specialized functions in a cell- and tissue-type restricted manner. The thioredoxin reductases are also targeted by a number of drugs and compounds having an impact on cell function and promoting oxidative stress, some of which are used in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, cancer or other diseases. However, potential specific or essential roles for different forms of human or mouse thioredoxin reductases in health or disease are still rather unclear, although it is known that at least the murine Txnrd1 and Txnrd2 genes are essential for normal development during embryogenesis. This review is a survey of current knowledge of mammalian thioredoxin reductase function and expression, with a focus on human and mouse and a discussion of the striking complexity of these proteins. Several yet open questions regarding their regulation and roles in different cells or tissues are emphasized. It is concluded that the intriguingly complex regulation and function of mammalian thioredoxin reductases within the cellular context and in intact mammals strongly suggests that their functions are highly fi ne-tuned with the many pathways involving thioredoxins and thioredoxin-related proteins. These selenoproteins furthermore propagate many functions beyond a reduction of thioredoxins. Aberrant regulation of thioredoxin reductases, or a particular dependence upon these enzymes in diseased cells, may underlie their presumed therapeutic importance as enzymatic targets using electrophilic drugs. These reductases are also likely to mediate several of the effects on health and disease that are linked to different levels of nutritional selenium intake. The thioredoxin reductases and their splice variants may be pivotal components of diverse cellular signaling pathways, having importance in several redox-related aspects of health and disease. Clearly, a detailed understanding of mammalian thioredoxin reductases is necessary for a full comprehension of the thioredoxin system and of selenium dependent processes in mammals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elias S J Arnér
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Antelman J, Manandhar G, Yi YJ, Li R, Whitworth K, Sutovsky M, Agca C, Prather R, Sutovsky P. Expression of mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) during porcine gametogenesis and preimplantation embryo development. J Cell Physiol 2008; 217:529-43. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.21528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
|
26
|
Function of reactive oxygen species during animal development: Passive or active? Dev Biol 2008; 320:1-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2008.04.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 262] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2007] [Revised: 04/25/2008] [Accepted: 04/30/2008] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
27
|
Nakamura N, Miranda-Vizuete A, Miki K, Mori C, Eddy EM. Cleavage of disulfide bonds in mouse spermatogenic cell-specific type 1 hexokinase isozyme is associated with increased hexokinase activity and initiation of sperm motility. Biol Reprod 2008; 79:537-45. [PMID: 18509164 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.108.067561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
During epididymal transit, sperm acquire the ability to initiate rapid forward progressive motility on release into the female reproductive tract or physiological media. Glycolysis is the primary source of the ATP necessary for this motility in the mouse, and several novel glycolytic enzymes have been identified that are localized to the principal piece region of the flagellum. One of these is the spermatogenic cell-specific type 1 hexokinase isozyme (HK1S), the only member of the hexokinase enzyme family detected in sperm. Hexokinase activity was found to be lower in immotile sperm immediately after removal from the cauda epididymis (quiescent) than in sperm incubated in physiological medium for 5 min and showing rapid forward progressive motility (activated). However, incubating sperm in medium containing diamide, an inhibitor of disulfide bond reduction, resulted in lower motility and HK activity than in controls. HK1S was present in dimer and monomer forms in extracts of quiescent sperm but mainly as a monomer in motile sperm. A dimer-size band detected in quiescent sperm with phosphotyrosine antibody was not detected in activated sperm, and the monomer-size band was enhanced. In addition, the general protein oxido-reductase thioredoxin-1 was able to catalyze the in vitro conversion of HK1S dimers to the monomeric form. These results strongly suggest that cleavage of disulfide bonds in HK1S dimers contributes to the increases in HK activity and motility that occur when mouse sperm become activated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noriko Nakamura
- Gamete Biology Section, Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Toxicology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Tanii I, Yagura T, Inagaki N, Nakayama T, Imaizumi K, Yoshinaga K. Preferential localization of rat GAPDS on the ribs of fibrous sheath of sperm flagellum and its expression during flagellar formation. Acta Histochem Cytochem 2007; 40:19-26. [PMID: 17375205 PMCID: PMC1828079 DOI: 10.1267/ahc.06020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2006] [Accepted: 12/08/2006] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The proper assembly of sperm flagellar proteins is fundamental for sperm motility. The sperm- and spermatid-specific isoform of glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase, GAPDS, is a flagellar protein indispensable for sperm flagellar movement. To obtain information on the assembly of the glycolytic enzyme into the flagellum, the precise localization of rat GAPDS in the flagellum and the stage of incorporation into the flagellum were examined using a monoclonal antibody. Immunolocalization of rat GAPDS was restricted to the fibrous sheath (FS) in the sperm flagellum, and was predominant in the circumferential ribs rather than the longitudinal columns. Immunoreactivity was first detected in the cytoplasm and flagella of the step-16 spermatids during the final step of FS formation. Together with the expression of other FS proteins, the present results indicate the sequential assembly of FS components, suggesting that the expression and transport of GAPDS is regulated in a coordinated manner during sperm flagellar formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ichiro Tanii
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 889–1692, Japan
- Department of Medical Biology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama 930–0194, Japan
- Correspondence to: Dr. Ichiro Tanii, Department of Medical Biology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama 930–0194, Japan. E-mail:
| | - Tetsuya Yagura
- Division of Signal Transduction, Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Ikoma 630–0101, Japan
| | - Naoyuki Inagaki
- Division of Signal Transduction, Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Ikoma 630–0101, Japan
| | - Tatsuo Nakayama
- Department of Life Science, Frontier Science Research Center, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 889–1692, Japan
| | - Kazunori Imaizumi
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 889–1692, Japan
| | - Kazuya Yoshinaga
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 889–1692, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Duriez B, Duquesnoy P, Escudier E, Bridoux AM, Escalier D, Rayet I, Marcos E, Vojtek AM, Bercher JF, Amselem S. A common variant in combination with a nonsense mutation in a member of the thioredoxin family causes primary ciliary dyskinesia. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2007; 104:3336-41. [PMID: 17360648 PMCID: PMC1805560 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0611405104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Thioredoxins belong to a large family of enzymatic proteins that function as general protein disulfide reductases, therefore participating in several cellular processes via redox-mediated reactions. So far, none of the 18 members of this family has been involved in human pathology. Here we identified TXNDC3, which encodes a thioredoxin-nucleoside diphosphate kinase, as a gene implicated in primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), a genetic condition characterized by chronic respiratory tract infections, left-right asymmetry randomization, and male infertility. We show that the disease, which segregates as a recessive trait, results from the unusual combination of the following two transallelic defects: a nonsense mutation and a common intronic variant found in 1% of control chromosomes. This variant affects the ratio of two physiological TXNDC3 transcripts: the full-length isoform and a novel isoform, TXNDC3d7, carrying an in-frame deletion of exon 7. In vivo and in vitro expression data unveiled the physiological importance of TXNDC3d7 (whose expression was reduced in the patient) and the corresponding protein that was shown to bind microtubules. PCD is known to result from defects of the axoneme, an organelle common to respiratory cilia, embryonic nodal cilia, and sperm flagella, containing dynein arms, with, to date, the implication of genes encoding dynein proteins. Our findings, which identify a another class of molecules involved in PCD, disclose the key role of TXNDC3 in ciliary function; they also point to an unusual mechanism underlying a Mendelian disorder, which is an SNP-induced modification of the ratio of two physiological isoforms generated by alternative splicing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bénédicte Duriez
- *Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité 654, F-94000 Créteil, France
- Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris 12, IFR10, F-94000 Créteil, France
| | - Philippe Duquesnoy
- *Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité 654, F-94000 Créteil, France
- Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris 12, IFR10, F-94000 Créteil, France
| | - Estelle Escudier
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité 651, F-94000 Créteil, France
- Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris 75005, France
- Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Département de Génétique-Cytogénétique-Embryologie, Assistance Publique–Hôpitaux de Paris, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Anne-Marie Bridoux
- *Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité 654, F-94000 Créteil, France
- Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris 12, IFR10, F-94000 Créteil, France
| | - Denise Escalier
- Hôpital de Bicêtre, Service d'Andrologie, Assistance Publique–Hôpitaux de Paris, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre 94275, France
| | - Isabelle Rayet
- **Service de Réanimation Pédiatrique, Hôpital Nord, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Saint-Etienne, F-42055 Saint-Etienne Cedex 2, France
| | - Elisabeth Marcos
- Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris 12, IFR10, F-94000 Créteil, France
| | - Anne-Marie Vojtek
- Laboratoire de Microscopie électronique, Service d'Anatomie Pathologique, Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal de Créteil, F-94000 Créteil, France; and
| | - Jean-François Bercher
- Département de Mathématiques, Ecole Supérieure d'Ingénieurs en Electronique et Electrotechnique, Cité Descartes, F-93162 Noisy-Le-Grand, France
| | - Serge Amselem
- *Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité 654, F-94000 Créteil, France
- Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris 75005, France
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Escalier D, Albert M. New fibrous sheath anomaly in spermatozoa of men with consanguinity. Fertil Steril 2006; 86:219.e1-9. [PMID: 16750828 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2005.12.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2005] [Revised: 12/20/2005] [Accepted: 12/20/2005] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The cause of the sperm motility impairment was investigated in infertile men. DESIGN Case report. SETTING University-based andrology laboratory. PATIENTS Two unrelated consanguineous patients. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) The sperm flagella lengths were measured using quantitative analysis software and their ultrastructural anomalies were quantitatively recorded. RESULT(S) A total of 67.5% of the flagella were truncated, and 100% lacked the medium region of the ribs of the fibrous sheath. CONCLUSION(S) The data suggested a morphogenetic anomaly at the stage where rib precursors are formed during spermiogenesis. The consanguinity of these patients suggested a genetic origin for this newly discovered anomaly of the human sperm's fibrous sheath. The family tree appears to indicate an autosomal recessive inheritance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Denise Escalier
- Functional and Molecular Histology, Paris 5 University, Andrology Laboratory, Hospital Kremlin-Bicêtre, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France.
| | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Jiménez A, Pelto-Huikko M, Gustafsson JA, Miranda-Vizuete A. Characterization of human thioredoxin-like-1: Potential involvement in the cellular response against glucose deprivation. FEBS Lett 2006; 580:960-7. [PMID: 16438969 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2006.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2005] [Revised: 12/23/2005] [Accepted: 01/09/2006] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The thioredoxin system, composed of thioredoxin (Trx) and thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), emerges as one of the most important thiol-based systems involved in the maintenance of the cellular redox balance. Thioredoxin-like-1 (TXL-1) is a highly conserved protein comprising an N-terminal Trx domain and a C-terminal domain of unknown function. Here we show that TXL-1 is a substrate for the cytosolic selenoprotein TrxR-1. In situ hybridization experiments demonstrates high expression of Txl-1 mRNA in various areas of central nervous system and also in some reproductive organs. Glucose deprivation, but not hydrogen peroxide treatment, reduced the levels of endogenous TXL-1 protein in HEK-293 cell line. Conversely, overexpression of TXL-1 protects against glucose deprivation-induced cytotoxicity. Taken together, the finding that Txl-1 mRNA is highly expressed in tissues which use glucose as a primary energy source and the modulation of TXL-1 levels upon glucose deprivation indicate that TXL-1 might be involved in the cellular response to sugar starvation stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Jiménez
- Center for Biotechnology, Department of Biosciences at NOVUM, Karolinska Institutet, S-14157 Huddinge, Sweden
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Pazour GJ, Agrin N, Walker BL, Witman GB. Identification of predicted human outer dynein arm genes: candidates for primary ciliary dyskinesia genes. J Med Genet 2006; 43:62-73. [PMID: 15937072 PMCID: PMC2593024 DOI: 10.1136/jmg.2005.033001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 05/10/2005] [Accepted: 05/18/2005] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a severe inherited disorder characterised by chronic respiratory disease, male infertility, and, in approximately 50% of affected individuals, a left-right asymmetry defect called situs inversus. PCD is caused by defects in substructures of the ciliary and flagellar axoneme, most commonly loss of the outer dynein arms. Although PCD is believed to involve mutations in many genes, only three have been identified. METHODS To facilitate discovery of new PCD genes, we have used database searching and analysis to systematically identify the human homologues of proteins associated with the Chlamydomonas reinhardtii outer dynein arm, the best characterised outer arm of any species. RESULTS We find that 12 out of 14 known Chlamydomonas outer arm subunits have one or more likely orthologues in humans. The results predict a total of 24 human genes likely to encode outer dynein arm subunits and associated proteins possibly necessary for outer arm assembly, plus 12 additional closely related human genes likely to encode inner dynein arm subunits. CONCLUSION These genes, which have been located on the human chromosomes for easy comparison with known or suspected PCD loci, are excellent candidates for screening for disease-causing mutations in PCD patients with outer and/or inner dynein arm defects.
Collapse
|
33
|
Chan SW, Fowler KJ, Choo KHA, Kalitsis P. Spef1, a conserved novel testis protein found in mouse sperm flagella. Gene 2005; 353:189-99. [PMID: 15979255 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2005.04.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2005] [Revised: 03/29/2005] [Accepted: 04/13/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
We describe the cloning and characterisation of Spef1, a novel testis-specific gene. Spef1 has evolutionary orthologues in a wide range of species including mammals, other vertebrates, Drosophila, and protozoans with motile cilia or flagella. A second homologue of the gene, Spef2, is also present in several species, suggesting that these genes form part of a novel gene family. The Spef1 protein has two conserved domains, one of which is more strongly conserved in both homologues of the gene. Expression analysis of Spef1 in mice shows that it is expressed predominantly in adult testis, suggesting a role in spermatogenesis. Using an antibody generated to recombinant Spef1, we demonstrate a specific pattern of Spef1 localisation in the seminiferous epithelium of adult mouse testis. Further immunohistochemical analysis using electron microscopy shows Spef1 to be present in the tails of developing and epididymal sperm, internal to the fibrous sheath and around the outer dense fibres of the sperm flagellum.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah W Chan
- Chromosome Research Laboratory, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3052, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Shi HJ, Wu AZ, Santos M, Feng ZM, Huang L, Chen YM, Zhu K, Chen CLC. Cloning and characterization of rat spermatid protein SSP411: a thioredoxin-like protein. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 25:479-93. [PMID: 15223837 DOI: 10.1002/j.1939-4640.2004.tb02819.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
In an attempt to identify new sperm-specific genes that are involved in sperm maturation, fertilization, and embryo development, such as the mammalian ortholog of the sperm-supplied protein gene, spe-11, in Caenorhabditis elegans, we cloned and characterized a new spermatid-specific protein gene, ssp411, from adult rat testes. The ssp411 cDNA shared >85% sequence identity with an unnamed human protein, FLJ21347, and an uncharacterized mouse testicular protein called transcript increased in spermiogenesis 78 (TISP78). A 2.8-kb ssp411 mRNA was expressed in a testis-specific and age-dependent manner; the mRNA was evident at 28 days and remained at high levels throughout adulthood. An SSP411 protein of molecular weight 88 000 was detected in testicular extracts by Western blot analysis. Ssp411 mRNA and SSP411 protein, as analyzed by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, were both expressed in a stage-dependent fashion during the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium. The ssp411 mRNA was predominantly localized to round and elongated spermatids, with maximal expression at stages VII-XII. The SSP411 protein was mainly observed in elongated spermatids and reached its highest levels during stages V-VI. A conserved thioredoxin-like domain was detected in the N-terminal region of SSP411 and its orthologs. An analysis of the predicted 3-dimensional structural modeling and folding pattern further suggested that SSP411 is identifiable as a member of thioredoxin family. In summary, we have identified a new rat spermatid protein gene, ssp411, and its orthologs in human and mouse and demonstrated that SSP411 might belong to a testis-specific thioredoxin family. This suggests that SSP411 may play a role in sperm maturation, fertilization, and/or embryo development, as has been shown in thioredoxin family.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Juan Shi
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, Beijing, P.R. China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Jiménez A, Prieto-Alamo MJ, Fuentes-Almagro CA, Jurado J, Gustafsson JA, Pueyo C, Miranda-Vizuete A. Absolute mRNA levels and transcriptional regulation of the mouse testis-specific thioredoxins. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2005; 330:65-74. [PMID: 15781233 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2005.02.128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Thioredoxins function as general protein disulphide reductases. Mammalian male germ cells are equipped with a set of three testis-specific thioredoxins (named Sptrx-1, -2, and -3, respectively) that are expressed either in different structures within the sperm cell or at different stages of sperm development. Previous studies based on qualitative northern-blot and in situ hybridization analyses restricted the presence of Sptrx mRNAs to adult testis, but nothing is known about their transcriptional regulation or relative expression levels in this tissue. In this report, we investigate the transcriptional profiles of the mouse Sptrx genes in terms of the germ cell-specific regulation by promoter analysis in GC-2spd(ts) cells. Besides, we perform a comprehensive quantification of the Sptrx mRNA molecules by real-time PCR in whole-animal experiments. By these means, we show that transcription is differentially regulated for each Sptrx gene and identify the 5'-flanking regions anticipated to contain the cis-regulatory elements responsible, at least in part, for the transcriptional silencing and/or activation of the Sptrx genes. In addition, we show remarkable age-associated variations between the Sptrx mRNA expression patterns.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Jiménez
- Center for Biotechnology, Department of Biosciences at NOVUM, Karolinska Institutet, S-14157 Huddinge, Sweden
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Mitchell KAP, Gallagher BC, Szabo G, Otero ADS. NDP kinase moves into developing primary cilia. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 59:62-73. [PMID: 15259056 DOI: 10.1002/cm.20025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Inmunofluorescence staining of murine NIH3T3 fibroblasts grown at high density shows that conventional nucleoside diphosphate (NDP) kinases A and B localize to a sensory organelle, the primary cilium. Similar results are obtained with Xenopus A6 kidney epithelial cells, suggesting that NDP kinases are a universal component of the primary cilium. The translocation of NDP kinase into primary cilia depends on size, taking place only when cilia reach a critical length of 5-6 microm. In mature cilia, NDP kinases are distributed along the ciliary shaft in a punctate pattern that is distinct from the continuous staining observed with acetylated alpha-tubulin, a ciliary marker and axonemal component. Isolation of a fraction enriched in primary cilia from A6 cells led to the finding that ciliary NDP kinase is enzymatically active, and is associated with the membrane and the matrix, but not the axoneme. In contrast, acetylated alpha-tubulin is found in the axoneme and, to a lesser extent, in the membrane. Based on the tightly regulated translocation process and the subciliary distribution pattern of NDP kinase, we propose that it plays a role in the elongation and maintenance of primary cilia by its ability to regenerate the GTP utilized by ciliary microtubule turnover and transmembrane signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly A P Mitchell
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia Medical School, Charlottesville, VA 22908-0736, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Okubo K, Nakamura H, Watanabe J, Kamoto T, Yodoi J, Ogawa O, Nishiyama H. Over expression of thioredoxin-1 in transgenic mice attenuates germ cell apoptosis induced by experimental cryptorchidism. J Urol 2004; 172:2479-82. [PMID: 15538295 DOI: 10.1097/01.ju.0000138474.13112.67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Experimental cryptorchidism induces apoptosis in testicular germ cells by generating reactive oxygen species. We investigated the effects of a redox regulating molecule, thioredoxin-1 (TRX1), on testicular damage caused by experimental cryptorchidism. MATERIALS AND METHODS Unilateral cryptorchidism was surgically induced in TRX1 transgenic (TRX1-Tg) or WT adult C57BL6 mice. The contralateral scrotal testis served as a control. RESULTS Experimental cryptorchidism decreased testicular weight in WT mice from 4 days after surgery. The decrease in testicular weight was significantly attenuated in TRX1-Tg mice compared with WT mice 7 to 14 days after surgery (p <0.01). However, the difference between the 2 groups was not significant 28 days after surgery. Histological analysis and TUNEL assays demonstrated that apoptosis occurred in germ cells of the cryptorchid testis in each group but the appearance of apoptotic germ cells was delayed by 3 days in TRX1-Tg mice. CONCLUSIONS TRX1 over expression suppressed apoptosis in testicular germ cells induced by experimental cryptorchidism, indicating that TRX1 intensification may be a useful therapeutic strategy for male infertility associated with heat stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kazutoshi Okubo
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Jiménez A, Zu W, Rawe VY, Pelto-Huikko M, Flickinger CJ, Sutovsky P, Gustafsson JA, Oko R, Miranda-Vizuete A. Spermatocyte/Spermatid-specific Thioredoxin-3, a Novel Golgi Apparatus-associated Thioredoxin, Is a Specific Marker of Aberrant Spermatogenesis. J Biol Chem 2004; 279:34971-82. [PMID: 15181017 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m404192200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian germ cells are endowed with a complete set of thioredoxins (Trx), a class of redox proteins located in specific structures of the spermatid and sperm tail. We report here the characterization, under normal and pathological conditions, of a novel thioredoxin with a germ line-restricted expression pattern, named spermatocyte/spermatid-specific thioredoxin-3 (SPTRX-3). The human SPTRX-3 gene maps at 9q32, only 50 kb downstream from the TRX-1 gene from which it probably originated as genomic duplication. Therefore, human SPTRX-3 protein comprises a unique thioredoxin domain displaying high homology with the ubiquitously expressed TRX-1. Among the tissues investigated, Sptrx-3 mRNA is found exclusively in the male germ cells at pachytene spermatocyte and round spermatid stages. Light and electron microscopy show SPTRX-3 protein to be predominately located in the Golgi apparatus of pachytene spermatocytes and round and elongated spermatids, with a transient localization in the developing acrosome of round spermatids. In addition, increased levels of SPTRX-3, possibly caused by overexpression, are observed in morphologically abnormal human spermatozoa from infertile men. In addition, SPTRX-3 is identified as a novel postobstruction autoantigen. In this report, we propose that SPTRX-3 can be used as a specific marker for diverse sperm and testis pathologies. SPTRX-3 is the first thioredoxin specific to the Golgi apparatus, and its function within this organelle might be related to the post-translational modification of proteins required for germ cell-specific functions, such as acrosomal biogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Jiménez
- Center for Biotechnology, Department of Biosciences at NOVUM, Karolinska Institutet, S-14157 Huddinge, Sweden
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Pullen TJ, Ginger ML, Gaskell SJ, Gull K. Protein targeting of an unusual, evolutionarily conserved adenylate kinase to a eukaryotic flagellum. Mol Biol Cell 2004; 15:3257-65. [PMID: 15146060 PMCID: PMC452581 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e04-03-0217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The eukaryotic flagellum is a large structure into which specific constituent proteins must be targeted, transported and assembled after their synthesis in the cytoplasm. Using Trypanosoma brucei and a proteomic approach, we have identified and characterized a novel set of adenylate kinase proteins that are localized to the flagellum. These proteins represent unique isoforms that are targeted to the flagellum by an N-terminal extension to the protein and are incorporated into an extraaxonemal structure (the paraflagellar rod). We show that the N-terminal extension is both necessary for isoform location in the flagellum and sufficient for targeting of a green fluorescent protein reporter protein to the flagellum. Moreover, these N-terminal extension sequences are conserved in evolution and we find that they allow the identification of novel adenylate kinases in the genomes of humans and worms. Given the existence of specific isoforms of certain central metabolic enzymes, and targeting sequences for these isoforms, we suggest that these isoforms form part of a complex, "solid-phase" metabolic capability that is built into the eukaryotic flagellum.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy J Pullen
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Rundlöf AK, Janard M, Miranda-Vizuete A, Arnér ESJ. Evidence for intriguingly complex transcription of human thioredoxin reductase 1. Free Radic Biol Med 2004; 36:641-56. [PMID: 14980707 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2003.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2003] [Revised: 12/04/2003] [Accepted: 12/05/2003] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Human thioredoxin reductase 1 (TrxR1, the TXNRD1 gene product) is a ubiquitously expressed selenoprotein with many important redox regulatory functions. In this study, we have further characterized the recently identified core promoter region of TXNRD1. One critical Sp1/Sp3 site was found to be important in A549 and HeLa cells, whereas another Sp1/Sp3 site and one Oct1 site bound transcription factors but were, nonetheless, dispensable for transcription. We also experimentally identified several 5'-region TXNRD1 transcript variants using 5'-RACE with cDNA derived from different tissues, and we analyzed all available TXNRD1-derived EST sequences. The results show that the core promoter governs transcription of the clear majority of TXNRD1 transcripts but also that alternative promoters may be activated under rare conditions or in specific cell types. Furthermore, extensive alternative splicing occured in the 5' region of TXNRD1. In total, 21 different transcripts were identified, potentially encoding five isoforms of TrxR1 carrying alternative N-terminal domains. One isoform encompassed a glutaredoxin domain, whereas another encoded a predicted mitochondrial localization signal. These results reveal that the human thioredoxin system is intriguingly complex. Cell-specific transcription of the TXNRD1 gene encoding different isoforms of TrxR1 must be taken into account to fully understand the functions of the human thioredoxin system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Klara Rundlöf
- Medical Nobel Institute for Biochemistry, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Miranda-Vizuete A, Sadek CM, Jiménez A, Krause WJ, Sutovsky P, Oko R. The mammalian testis-specific thioredoxin system. Antioxid Redox Signal 2004; 6:25-40. [PMID: 14713334 DOI: 10.1089/152308604771978327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Redox control of cell physiology is one of the most important regulatory mechanisms in all living organisms. The thioredoxin system, composed of thioredoxin and thioredoxin reductase, has emerged as a key player in cellular redox-mediated reactions. For many years, only one thioredoxin system had been described in higher organisms, ubiquitously expressed in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells. However, during the last decade, we and others have identified and characterized novel thioredoxin systems with unique properties, such as organelle-specific localization in mitochondria or endoplasmic reticulum, tissue-specific distribution mostly in the testis, and features novel for thioredoxins, such as microtubule-binding properties. In this review, we will focus on the mammalian testis-specific thioredoxin system that comprises three thioredoxins exclusively expressed in spermatids (named Sptrx-1, Sptrx-2, and Sptrx-3) and an additional thioredoxin highly expressed in testis, but also present in lung and other ciliated tissues (Txl-2). The implications of these findings in the context of male fertility and testicular cancer, as well as evolutionary aspects, will be discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Miranda-Vizuete
- Center for Biotechnology, Department of Biosciences at NOVUM, Karolinska Institutet, S-14157 Huddinge, Sweden.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Dadoune JP, Siffroi JP, Alfonsi MF. Transcription in haploid male germ cells. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CYTOLOGY 2004; 237:1-56. [PMID: 15380665 DOI: 10.1016/s0074-7696(04)37001-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Major modifications in chromatin organization occur in spermatid nuclei, resulting in a high degree of DNA packaging within the spermatozoon head. However, before arrest of transcription during midspermiogenesis, high levels of mRNA are found in round spermatids. Some transcripts are the product of genes expressed ubiquitously, whereas some are generated from male germ cell-specific gene homologs of somatic cell genes. Others are transcript variants derived from genes with expression regulated in a testis-specific fashion. The haploid genome of spermatids also initiates the transcription of testis-specific genes. Various general transcription factors, distinct promoter elements, and specific transcription factors are involved in transcriptional regulation. After meiosis, spermatids are genetically but not phenotypically different, because of transcript and protein sharing through cytoplasmic bridges connecting spermatids of the same generation. Interestingly, different types of mRNAs accumulate in the sperm cell nucleus, raising the question of their origin and of a possible role after fertilization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Pierre Dadoune
- Laboratoire de Cytologie et Histologie, Centre Universitaire des Saints-Pères, 75270 Paris, France
| | | | | |
Collapse
|