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Kumar L, Solanki S, Jain A, Botts M, Gupta R, Rajput S, Roti Roti E. MAPKs signaling is obligatory for male reproductive function in a development-specific manner. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2024; 6:1330161. [PMID: 38406668 PMCID: PMC10885697 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2024.1330161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) represent widely expressed and evolutionarily conserved proteins crucial for governing signaling pathways and playing essential roles in mammalian male reproductive processes. These proteins facilitate the transmission of signals through phosphorylation cascades, regulating diverse intracellular functions encompassing germ cell development in testis, physiological maturation of spermatozoa within the epididymis, and motility regulation at ejaculation in the female reproductive tract. The conservation of these mechanisms appears prevalent across species, including humans, mice, and, to a limited extent, livestock species such as bovines. In Sertoli cells (SCs), MAPK signaling not only regulates the proliferation of immature SCs but also determines the appropriate number of SCs in the testes at puberty, thereby maintaining male fertility by ensuring the capacity for sperm cell production. In germ cells, MAPKs play a crucial role in dynamically regulating testicular cell-cell junctions, supporting germ cell proliferation and differentiation. Throughout spermatogenesis, MAPK signaling ensures the appropriate Sertoli-to-germ cell ratio by regulating apoptosis, controlling the metabolism of developing germ cells, and facilitating the maturation of spermatozoa within the cauda epididymis. During ejaculation in the female reproductive tract, MAPKs regulate two pivotal events-capacitation and the acrosome reaction essential for maintaining the fertility potential of sperm cells. Any disruptions in MAPK pathway signaling possibly may disturb the testicular microenvironment homeostasis, sperm physiology in the male body before ejaculation and in the female reproductive tract during fertilization, ultimately compromising male fertility. Despite decades of research, the physiological function of MAPK pathways in male reproductive health remains inadequately understood. The current review attempts to combine recent findings to elucidate the impact of MAPK signaling on male fertility and proposes future directions to enhance our understanding of male reproductive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lokesh Kumar
- Genus Breeding India Pvt Ltd., Pune, India
- GenusPlc, ABS Global, Windsor, WI, United States
| | - Subhash Solanki
- Genus Breeding India Pvt Ltd., Pune, India
- GenusPlc, ABS Global, Windsor, WI, United States
| | - Ashish Jain
- Department of Microbiology, Smt. CHM College, University of Mumbai, Ulhasnagar, India
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Zhao Y, Qin J, Sun J, He J, Sun Y, Yuan R, Li Z. Motility-related microRNAs identified in pig seminal plasma exosomes by high-throughput small RNA sequencing. Theriogenology 2024; 215:351-360. [PMID: 38150851 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.11.028] [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: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Boar fertility is a key determinant of the production efficiency of the whole pig breeding industry and boar sperm motility is the seminal parameter with the greatest impact on the fecundity of a sow. Exosomes are small, extracellular vesicles found in many body fluids. Seminal plasma exosomes, which are secreted by the epididymis, prostate, seminal vesicles, and testes, contain a large number of miRNAs, the types and levels of which can reflect the physiological state of source cells. It has been shown that the expression profile of seminal plasma exosomal miRNA differs between low-motility semen and normal semen. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between semen motility and exosomal miRNA profiles to obtain information that would allow to predict boar fertility, as well as contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms by which exosomal miRNAs regulate semen motility. Three high-motility (semen motility >90 %) and three low-motility (semen motility <80 %) semen samples were collected from Landrace and Yorkshire boars, respectively, and seminal plasma exosomes were extracted by ultracentrifugation. Exosome characterization was performed using transmission electron microscopy, NTA, and Western blot. The expression profiles of exosomal miRNAs associated with semen motility in the two boar breeds were subsequently determined by small RNA sequencing. The results showed that 297 known miRNAs and 295 novel RNAs were co-expressed in the four groups. Notably, six miRNAs (ssc-miR-122-5p, ssc-miR-486, ssc-miR-451, ssc-miR-345-3p, ssc-miR-362, and ssc-miR-500-5p) were found to be differentially expressed in both boar breeds. Enrichment analysis of the target genes of the differentially expressed miRNAs showed that they were mainly involved in biological processes such as regulation of transcription from RNA polymerase II promoter, regulation of gene expression, and intracellular signal transduction and signaling pathways such as the PI3K-Akt, MAPK, and Ras signaling pathways. The six differentially expressed miRNAs identified in this study have significant potential as noninvasive markers of boar semen motility. Meanwhile, the results of the enrichment analysis provide novel insights into the mechanisms underlying the regulation of semen motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunxiang Zhao
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, Guangxi Autonomous Region, China; Guangxi Yangxiang Co., LTD, Guigang, 537000, Guangxi Autonomous Region, China
| | - Jiali Qin
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, 528231, Guangdong province, China; Guangxi Yangxiang Co., LTD, Guigang, 537000, Guangxi Autonomous Region, China
| | - Jingshuai Sun
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, 528231, Guangdong province, China
| | - Jian He
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, 528231, Guangdong province, China
| | - Yanmei Sun
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, 528231, Guangdong province, China
| | - Renqiang Yuan
- Guangxi Yangxiang Co., LTD, Guigang, 537000, Guangxi Autonomous Region, China
| | - Zhili Li
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, 528231, Guangdong province, China.
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Yang J, Ou X, Shu M, Wang J, Zhang X, Wu Z, Hao W, Zeng H, Shao L. Inhibition of p38MAPK signalling pathway alleviates radiation-induced testicular damage through improving spermatogenesis. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:393-412. [PMID: 37580308 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16217] [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: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Damage to the testis following exposure to ionizing radiation has become an urgent problem to be solved. Here we have investigated if inhibition of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) signalling could alleviate radiation-induced testicular damage. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH In mice exposed to whole body radiation (2-6 Gy), morphological changes of the epididymis and testis was measured by histochemical staining. immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence procedures and western blotting were used to monitor expression and cellular location of proteins. Expression of genes was assessed by qPCR and RNA-Seq was used to profile gene expression. KEY RESULTS Exposure to ionizing radiation induced dose-dependent damage to mouse testis. The sperm quality decreased at 6 and 8 weeks after 6 Gy X-ray radiation. Radiation decreased PLZF+ cells and increased SOX9+ cells, and affected the expression of 969 genes, compared with data from non-irradiated mice. Expression of genes related to p38MAPK were enriched by GO analysis and were increased in the irradiated testis, and confirmed by qPCR. Levels of phospho-p38MAPK protein increased at 28 days after irradiation. In irradiated mice, SB203580 treatment increased spermatozoa, SOX9+ cells, the area and diameter of seminiferous tubules, sperm movement rate and density. Furthermore, SB203580 treatment increased SCP3+ cells, accelerating the process of spermatogenesis. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Exposure to ionizing radiation clearly changed gene expression in mouse testis, involving activation of p38MAPK signalling pathways. Inhibition of p38MAPK by SB203580 partly alleviated the testicular damage caused by radiation and accelerated the recovery of sperms through promoting spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Yang
- School of Public Health, Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xiangying Ou
- School of Public Health, Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Manling Shu
- School of Public Health, Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Jie Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xuan Zhang
- School of Public Health, Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Zhenyu Wu
- School of Public Health, Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Wei Hao
- School of Basic Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Huihong Zeng
- School of Basic Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Lijian Shao
- School of Public Health, Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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Mancini F, Di Nicuolo F, Teveroni E, Vergani E, Bianchetti G, Bruno C, Grande G, Iavarone F, Maulucci G, De Spirito M, Urbani A, Pontecorvi A, Milardi D. Combined evaluation of prolactin-induced peptide (PIP) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) as new sperm biomarkers of FSH treatment efficacy in normogonadotropic idiopathic infertile men. J Endocrinol Invest 2024; 47:455-468. [PMID: 37480475 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-023-02161-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Nearly, 40% of the causes of male infertility remain idiopathic. The only suggested treatment in idiopathic oligo- and/or asthenozoospermia in normogonadotropic patients is the FSH. In the current clinical practice, efficacy is exclusively assessable through semen analysis after 3 months of treatment. No molecular markers of treatment efficacy are appliable in clinical practice. The aim of the present work is to evaluate the combination of extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) 1 and 2 and prolactin inducible peptide (PIP) as potential markers of idiopathic infertility and FSH treatment efficacy. METHODS Western blot and confocal microscopy were performed to analyze the modulation of PIP and ERK1/2 in idiopathic infertile patients (IIP) sperm cells. Taking advantage of mass spectrometry analysis, we identified these proteins unequivocally in sperm cells. RESULTS We demonstrated a significant decrease of both PIP protein and of ERK1/2 levels in spermatozoa obtained from IIP in comparison to healthy fertile patients (HFP). Conversely, we reported a significant increase of these markers comparing infertile patients before and after 3 months of FSH treatment. Importantly, this correlated with an increase in total number of sperm and sperm motility after FSH treatment. Finally, we identified of PIP and ERK2 proteins in sperm samples by proteomic analysis. CONCLUSIONS The combined evaluation of ERK1/2 and PIP proteins might represent a useful molecular marker to tailor FSH treatment in the management of male normogonadotropic idiopathic infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Mancini
- International Scientific Institute Paul VI, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | - F Di Nicuolo
- International Scientific Institute Paul VI, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - E Teveroni
- International Scientific Institute Paul VI, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - E Vergani
- Division of Endocrinology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - G Bianchetti
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Biophysics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - C Bruno
- Division of Endocrinology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - G Grande
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - F Iavarone
- Department of Laboratory and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - G Maulucci
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Biophysics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - M De Spirito
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Biophysics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - A Urbani
- Department of Laboratory and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - A Pontecorvi
- International Scientific Institute Paul VI, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Division of Endocrinology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - D Milardi
- International Scientific Institute Paul VI, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Division of Endocrinology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Swathi D, Ramya L, Archana SS, Krishnappa B, Binsila BK, Selvaraju S. Identification of hub genes and their expression profiling for predicting buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) semen quality and fertility. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22126. [PMID: 38092793 PMCID: PMC10719284 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48925-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm transcriptomics provide insights into subtle differences in sperm fertilization competence. For predicting the success of complex traits like male fertility, identification of hub genes involved in various sperm functions are essential. The bulls from the transcriptome profiled samples (n = 21), were grouped into good and poor progressive motility (PM), acrosome integrity (AI), functional membrane integrity (FMI) and fertility rate (FR) groups. The up-regulated genes identified in each group were 87, 470, 1715 and 36, respectively. Gene networks were constructed using up- and down-regulated genes from each group. The top clusters from the upregulated gene networks of the PM, AI, FMI and FR groups were involved in tyrosine kinase (FDR = 1.61E-11), apoptosis (FDR = 1.65E-8), translation (FDR = 2.2E-16) and ribosomal pathway (FDR = 1.98E-21), respectively. From the clusters, the hub genes were identified and validated in a fresh set of semen samples (n = 12) using RT-qPCR. Importantly, the genes (fold change) RPL36AL (14.99) in AI, EIF5A (54.32) in FMI, and RPLP0 (8.55) and RPS28 (13.42) in FR were significantly (p < 0.05) up-regulated. The study suggests that the expression levels of MAPK3 (PM), RPL36AL + RPS27A or RPL36AL + EXT2 (AI), RPL36AL or RPS27A (FMI) and RPS18 + RPS28 (FR) are potential markers for diagnosing the semen quality and fertility status of bulls which can be used for the breeding program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divakar Swathi
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Animal Physiology Division, ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Adugodi, Bengaluru, 560030, India
- Department of Biotechnology, Jain University, Bengaluru, 560001, India
| | - Laxman Ramya
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Animal Physiology Division, ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Adugodi, Bengaluru, 560030, India
| | - Santhanahalli Siddalingappa Archana
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Animal Physiology Division, ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Adugodi, Bengaluru, 560030, India
| | - Balaganur Krishnappa
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Animal Physiology Division, ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Adugodi, Bengaluru, 560030, India
| | - Bala Krishnan Binsila
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Animal Physiology Division, ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Adugodi, Bengaluru, 560030, India
| | - Sellappan Selvaraju
- Reproductive Physiology Laboratory, Animal Physiology Division, ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Adugodi, Bengaluru, 560030, India.
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Sahoo B, Gupta MK. Effect of arginine-induced motility and capacitation on RNA population in goat spermatozoa. Vet Res Commun 2023; 47:1427-1444. [PMID: 37162640 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10092-3] [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: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In vitro capacitation is essential in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) for embryo production. Recently, arginine has been proven to enhance capacitation in mammalian spermatozoa. However, the detailed mechanism of action of arginine remains elusive. AIM This study investigated the effect of arginine-induced capacitation and motility enhancement on the spermatozoal RNA (spRNA) population in goats. MATERIAL AND METHODS Goat spermatozoa were treated with arginine for up to six hours and compared with non-treated or PHE (penicillamine, hypotaurine, and epinephrine)-treated spermatozoa at different intervals (0, 1, 2, 4, and 6 hours). Sperm parameters, including viability, individual motility, capacitation, acrosome reaction, and ROS production, were evaluated. The spRNA population was analyzed by short-read RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). RESULTS The percentage of capacitated (73.21 ± 4.22%) and acrosome reacted (18.35 ± 0.56%) spermatozoa was highest in arginine treatment, while PHE treatment showed the highest percentage (79.82 ± 4.31%) of motile spermatozoa from 0 to 4 hours of incubation. RNA-seq analysis identified 1,321 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in arginine-treated spermatozoa compared to the control. The PGK2, RNASE10, ODF1, and ROPN1L genes involved in sperm motility and ACR, DKKL1, KCNJ11, and PRND genes involved in the capacitation process were upregulated in arginine-treated spermatozoa. The DEGs regulate sperm capacitation-related cAMP-PKA, PI3-Akt, calcium, and MAPK signaling pathways. CONCLUSION The arginine-induced capacitation and enhanced sperm motility were associated with the upregulation of several genes involved in sperm motility and capacitation pathways. The comparative study also suggests that arginine may be used in lieu of PHE for motility enhancement and in vitro capacitation of goat spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bijayalaxmi Sahoo
- Gene Manipulation Laboratory, Centre for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Department of Biotechnology and Medical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Rourkela, Odisha, 769 008, India
| | - Mukesh Kumar Gupta
- Gene Manipulation Laboratory, Centre for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Department of Biotechnology and Medical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Rourkela, Odisha, 769 008, India.
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Cao W, Sun W, Chen S, Jia X, Wang J, Lai S. Comprehensive analysis of microRNA and metabolic profiles in bovine seminal plasma of different semen quality. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1088148. [PMID: 37056229 PMCID: PMC10086235 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1088148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundSeminal plasma plays a pivotal role in modulating sperm viability and function. However, the underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated.MethodIn this study, the bull semen production records of core breeding farms and bull stations in the past 10 years were analyzed.ResultsWe found that the semen of 5-year-old bulls collected for the first time is of the best quality (p < 0.05). Despite the bull semen collected under the above conditions, low-quality sperm is still obtained from part of bulls due to individual differences. Interestingly, seminal plasma from normal semen is capable of improving low-quality semen motility. To identify the potential key factors in seminal plasma, the differences in miRNA and metabolite profiles between normal and low-quality seminal plasma were analyzed. We found that 59 miRNAs were differently expressed, including 38 up-regulated and 21 down-regulated miRNAs. Three hundred and ninety-one and 327 significantly different metabolites were identified from the positive and negative ion models, respectively. These multiple miRNAs and metabolites collectively contribute to the motility of sperm, subsequently, affect semen quality.DiscussionTogether, these results not only revealed the critical factors of seminal plasma improving sperm quality but also provided potential miRNA- or metabolite-based biomarkers to identify the high semen quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Cao
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology (Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding), Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Province General Station of Animal Husbandry, Chengdu, China
| | - Wenqiang Sun
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology (Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding), Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shiyi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology (Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding), Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xianbo Jia
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology (Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding), Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology (Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding), Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Songjia Lai
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology (Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding), Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Songjia Lai
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Using the Culex pipiens sperm proteome to identify elements essential for mosquito reproduction. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280013. [PMID: 36795667 PMCID: PMC9934393 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Mature sperm from Culex pipiens were isolated and analyzed by mass spectrometry to generate a mature sperm proteome dataset. In this study, we highlight subsets of proteins related to flagellar structure and sperm motility and compare the identified protein components to previous studies examining essential functions of sperm. The proteome includes 1700 unique protein IDs, including a number of uncharacterized proteins. Here we discuss those proteins that may contribute to the unusual structure of the Culex sperm flagellum, as well as potential regulators of calcium mobilization and phosphorylation pathways that regulate motility. This database will prove useful for understanding the mechanisms that activate and maintain sperm motility as well as identify potential molecular targets for mosquito population control.
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Pereira R, Sousa M. Morphological and Molecular Bases of Male Infertility: A Closer Look at Sperm Flagellum. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14020383. [PMID: 36833310 PMCID: PMC9956255 DOI: 10.3390/genes14020383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Infertility is a major health problem worldwide without an effective therapy or cure. It is estimated to affect 8-12% of couples in the reproductive age group, equally affecting both genders. There is no single cause of infertility, and its knowledge is still far from complete, with about 30% of infertile couples having no cause identified (named idiopathic infertility). Among male causes of infertility, asthenozoospermia (i.e., reduced sperm motility) is one of the most observed, being estimated that more than 20% of infertile men have this condition. In recent years, many researchers have focused on possible factors leading to asthenozoospermia, revealing the existence of many cellular and molecular players. So far, more than 4000 genes are thought to be involved in sperm production and as regulators of different aspects of sperm development, maturation, and function, and all can potentially cause male infertility if mutated. In this review, we aim to give a brief overview of the typical sperm flagellum morphology and compile some of the most relevant information regarding the genetic factors involved in male infertility, with a focus on sperm immotility and on genes related to sperm flagellum development, structure, or function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rute Pereira
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy, ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- UMIB-Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ITR-Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +35-1918-127-817
| | - Mário Sousa
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy, ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- UMIB-Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ITR-Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
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The Mechanism and Experimental Validation of Forsythoside A in the Treatment of Male Infertility Were Analyzed Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:7723358. [PMID: 36248414 PMCID: PMC9560825 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7723358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Chinese medicine extracts are currently the hotspot of new drug research and development. Herein, we report the mechanism of action of the traditional Chinese medicine extract Forsythiaside A in the treatment of male infertility and experimental verification. We first obtained 95 intersection genes between the target protein of Forsythiaside A and the target genes of male infertility and screened 13 key genes. In molecular docking, Forsythiaside A can each have a higher total docking score with 12 key genes and have a better combination. These 95 intersection genes are mainly related to biological processes such as response to peptide hormone, response to oxidative stress, and participation in the oxidative stress of the forkhead box O (FoxO) signaling pathway. Therefore, we use ornidazole to induce an experimental model of oligoasthenospermia in rats and use different concentrations of Forsythiaside A to intervene. We proved that the semen quality and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities of model group rats were significantly lower than those of the blank group, and semen quality and SOD activities of the low-dose group and high-dose group were significantly higher than those of the model group. The malondialdehyde (MDA) level of model group rats was significantly higher than that of blank group, while the MDA levels of the low-dose group and high-dose group were significantly lower than that of the model group. Forsythoside A is a potential drug substance for male infertility and improves the semen quality, MDA levels, and SOD activities of rats with oligoasthenospermia.
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Gao Y, Zhao G, Song Y, Haire A, Yang A, Zhao X, Wusiman A. Presence of leptin and its receptor in the ram reproductive system and in vitro effect of leptin on sperm quality. PeerJ 2022; 10:e13982. [PMID: 36187750 PMCID: PMC9521348 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptin is a 16 kDa hormone encoded by obese (OB) gene in adipocytes. This molecule not only regulates energy metabolism but also plays a role in the reproduction of mammals. Leptin and its receptor (OBR) have been found in male reproductive systems of human, bovine, equine and pig. The effects of leptin on sperm quality vary widely from different research findings. However, the presence of leptin and its receptor in the ram reproductive system and the in vitro effect of leptin on sperm quality have not reported yet. In the present study, we found that the OB was highly expressed in primary and secondary spermatocytes of the testes, OBR was highly expressed in secondary spermatocytes of the testes. The expressions of OB were in stereocilia of epididymis and in columnar cells of epididymal caput and cauda, the expressions of OBR were in columnar cells of epididymis and in stereocilia of epididymal corpus and cauda. The presence of both OB and OBR in testes, epididymis and sperm were confirmed through RT-PCR, immunolocalization and Western blot analyses. The RT-qPCR results indicated OB and OBR had higher expression levels in epididymal sperm than that of the ejaculated sperm in rams. When sperm were treated with 5 ng/mL leptin, the progressive motility (P < 0.01), straight-line velocity (VSL) (P < 0.05), average path velocity (VAP) (P < 0.05), membrane mitochondrial potential (MMP) (P < 0.01) and viability (P < 0.05) significantly increased, while DNA fragmentation index (DFI) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) significantly decreased compared to the control (P < 0.01), and the other semen parameters such as acrosome integrity and acrosome reaction rate had no significant changes between groups (P > 0.05). In conclusion, this is probably the first report describing localization of leptin and its receptors in the reproductive system of rams and their effects on sperm quality parameters. Our findings suggest that 5 ng/mL leptin treatment enhanced sperm motility, viability and MMP, and decrease DFI and ROS without obvious influence on the acrosome reaction in ram sperm. The potential mechanisms may be related to leptin's ability to reduce the oxidative stress and apoptosis of sperms and improve their mitochondrial function and energy supply, therefore, to maintain the physiological homeostasis of the sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Gao
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agriculture University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China,Department of Reproductive Medicine, Zhuozhou Hospital of Hebei Province, Zhuozhou, Hebei, China
| | - Guodong Zhao
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agriculture University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Yukun Song
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agriculture University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Aerman Haire
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agriculture University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Ailing Yang
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agriculture University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Xi Zhao
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agriculture University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Abulizi Wusiman
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agriculture University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
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Johnson C, Kiefer H, Chaulot-Talmon A, Dance A, Sellem E, Jouneau L, Jammes H, Kastelic J, Thundathil J. Prepubertal nutritional modulation in the bull and its impact on sperm DNA methylation. Cell Tissue Res 2022; 389:587-601. [PMID: 35779136 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-022-03659-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Enhanced pre-pubertal nutrition in Holstein bulls increased reproductive hormone production and sperm production potential with no negative effects on sperm quality. However, recent trends in human epigenetic research have identified pre-pubertal period to be critical for epigenetic reprogramming in males. Our objective was to evaluate the methylation changes in sperm of bulls exposed to different pre-pubertal diets. One-week-old Holstein bull calves (n = 9), randomly allocated to 3 groups, were fed either a high, medium or low diet (20%, 17% or 12.2% crude protein and 67.9%, 66% or 62.9% total digestible nutrients, respectively) from 2 to 32 weeks of age, followed by medium nutrition. Semen collected from bulls at two specific time points, i.e. 55-59 and 69-71 weeks, was diluted, cryopreserved and used for reduced representation bisulfite sequencing. Differential methylation was detected for dietary treatment, but minimal differences were detected with age. The gene ontology term, "regulation of Rho protein signal transduction", implicated in sperm motility and acrosome reaction, was enriched in both low-vs-high and low-vs-medium datasets. Furthermore, several genes implicated in early embryo and foetal development showed differential methylation for diet. Our results therefore suggest that sperm epigenome keeps the memory of diet during pre-pubertal period in genes important for spermatogenesis, sperm function and early embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinju Johnson
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada.
| | - Hélène Kiefer
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, ENVA, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | | | - Alysha Dance
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Eli Sellem
- R&D Department, ALLICE, 149 rue de Bercy, 75012, Paris, France
| | - Luc Jouneau
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, ENVA, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Hélène Jammes
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, ENVA, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - John Kastelic
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Jacob Thundathil
- Department of Production Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
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Role of p38 MAPK Signalling in Testis Development and Male Fertility. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:6891897. [PMID: 36092154 PMCID: PMC9453003 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6891897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The testis is an important male reproductive organ, which ensures reproductive function via the secretion of testosterone and the generation of spermatozoa. Testis development begins in the embryonic period, continues after birth, and generally reaches functional maturation at puberty. The stress-activated kinase, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), regulates multiple cell processes including proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and cellular stress responses. p38 MAPK signalling plays a crucial role in testis development by regulating spermatogenesis, the fate determination of pre-Sertoli, and primordial germ cells during embryogenesis, the proliferation of testicular cells in the postnatal period, and the functions of mature Sertoli and Leydig cells. In addition, p38 MAPK signalling is involved in decreased male fertility when exposed to various harmful stimuli. This review will describe in detail the biological functions of p38 MAPK signalling in testis development and male reproduction, together with its pathological role in male infertility.
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Wang Y, Yuan X, Ali MA, Qin Z, Zhang Y, Zeng C. piR-121380 Is Involved in Cryo-Capacitation and Regulates Post-Thawed Boar Sperm Quality Through Phosphorylation of ERK2 via Targeting PTPN7. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:792994. [PMID: 35155446 PMCID: PMC8826432 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.792994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryopreservation induces capacitation-like (cryo-capacitation) changes, similar to natural capacitation, and affects the fertility potential of post-thawed sperm. The molecular mechanism of sperm cryo-capacitation during cryopreservation remains unknown. PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) have been reported to be involved in cryo-capacitation of post-thawed sperm and regulation of sperm motility, capacitation, and chemotaxis. In this study, protein tyrosine phosphatase nonreceptor type 7 (PTPN7) was positively targeted by piR-121380 after a dual luciferase assay. The mRNA expression of PTPN7 and piR-121380 was significantly decreased (p < 0.01); however, PTPN7 protein was significantly increased (p < 0.01) in post-thawed boar sperm. Furthermore, E1RK1/2 phosphorylation was reduced during cryopreservation. Six hours after transfection with piR-121380 mimic and inhibitor, the phosphorylation of ERK2 was significantly increased and decreased (p < 0.01), respectively. Furthermore, the highest and lowest total sperm motility, forward motility, and capacitation rate were observed after piR-121380 mimic and inhibitor treatments, respectively. The concentration of intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) showed no significant difference after transfection with either piR-121380 mimic or inhibitor at 1, 3, and 6 h. In conclusion, we demonstrated that piR-121380 modulates ERK2 phosphorylation by targeting PTPN7, which induces sperm cryo-capacitation, and eventually affects the motility and fertility potential of post-thawed sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihan Wang
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiang Yuan
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Malik Ahsan Ali
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Theriogenology, Riphah College of Veterinary Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ziyue Qin
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Changjun Zeng
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Changjun Zeng,
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Li S, Wang Q, Yu H, Yang L, Sun Y, Xu N, Wang N, Lei Z, Hou J, Jin Y, Zhang H, Li L, Xu F, Zhang L. Polystyrene microplastics induce blood-testis barrier disruption regulated by the MAPK-Nrf2 signaling pathway in rats. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:47921-47931. [PMID: 33895957 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-13911-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
As a persistent pollutant, microplastics (MPs) have been reported to induce sperm quantity decrease in mice. However, the related mechanism remains obscure. Therefore, this study is intended to explore the effects of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) on male reproduction and its related mechanism of blood-testis barrier (BTB) impairment. Thirty-two adult male Wistar rats were divided randomly into four groups fed with PS-MPs for 90 days at doses of 0 mg/day (control group), 0.015 mg/day, 0.15 mg/day, and 1.5 mg/day, respectively. The present results have shown that PS-MP exposure led to the damage of seminiferous tubule, resulted in apoptosis of spermatogenic cells, and decreased the motility and concentration of sperm, while the abnormality of sperm was elevated. Meanwhile, PS-MPs could induce oxidative stress and activate the p38 MAPK pathway and thus deplete the nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2). Noteworthily, PS-MPs led to the BTB-related protein expression decrease. All these results demonstrated that PS-MP exposure may lead to the destruction of BTB integrity and the apoptosis of spermatogenic cells through the activation of the MAPK-Nrf2 pathway. The current study provided novelty evidence for elucidating the effects of PS-MPs on male reproductive toxicity and its potential mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengda Li
- College of Clinical Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yan Tai, People's Republic of China
| | - Qimeng Wang
- College of Clinical Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yan Tai, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Yu
- College of Basic Medicine & Xu Rongxiang Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, People's Republic of China
| | - Long Yang
- College of Clinical Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yan Tai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiqing Sun
- College of Clinical Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yan Tai, People's Republic of China
| | - Ning Xu
- College of Clinical Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yan Tai, People's Republic of China
| | - Nana Wang
- College of Clinical Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yan Tai, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhimin Lei
- College of Clinical Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yan Tai, People's Republic of China
| | - Junyu Hou
- College of Clinical Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yan Tai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yinchuan Jin
- Department of Medical Psychology, Fourth Military Medical University, No. 169 West Changle Road, Xi'an, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hongqin Zhang
- College of Basic Medicine & Xu Rongxiang Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, People's Republic of China
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, People's Republic of China
| | - Lianqin Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yantai Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Feibo Xu
- College of Basic Medicine & Xu Rongxiang Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, People's Republic of China
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, People's Republic of China
| | - Lianshuang Zhang
- College of Basic Medicine & Xu Rongxiang Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, People's Republic of China.
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Liang J, Zheng Y, Zeng W, Chen L, Yang S, Du P, Wang Y, Yu X, Zhang X. Proteomic Profile of Sperm in Infertile Males Reveals Changes in Metabolic Pathways. Protein J 2021; 40:929-939. [PMID: 34213690 PMCID: PMC8593027 DOI: 10.1007/s10930-021-10013-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The objective of the present study was to investigate the differences in the proteomic profiles of sperm from infertile males with severe oligoasthenoteratozoospermia requiring intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and normal control sperm from fertile males. Isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation labeling and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was performed for identifying proteins in the sperm of infertile and fertile males. Differentially expressed proteins were analyzed via the Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) databases through the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery, and protein-protein networks were produced using the Search Tool for Retrieval of Interacting Genes. Immunofluorescence and western blotting verified the differential expression of Y-box-binding protein 1(YBX1), adenylate kinase 1 (AK1), and aconitase 2, mitochondrial (ACO2) proteins. Altogether, 3444 proteins were identified in the sperm of infertile and fertile males, and 938 were differentially expressed between the two groups. Pairwise comparisons revealed that 226 and 712 proteins were significantly upregulated and downregulated in infertile males, respectively. These proteins were significantly enriched in metabolic pathways as per KEGG enrichment analysis. YBX1 expression was upregulated in the sperm heads of patients requiring ICSI treatment, whereas AK1 and ACO2, which are critical enzymes involved in energy metabolism, were downregulated in the sperm tails of the same patients. This result indicates that metabolism may have a crucial role in maintaining normal sperm function. Overall, our results provide insights that will further help in investigating the pathogenic mechanisms of infertility and possible therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaying Liang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, No. 521 Xingnan Road, Guangzhou, 511400, Guangdong, China
| | - Yichun Zheng
- Reproductive Medical Center, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, No. 521 Xingnan Road, Guangzhou, 511400, Guangdong, China.
| | - Weihong Zeng
- Children Inherit Metabolism and Endocrine Department, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, 511400, China
| | - Liuqing Chen
- Reproductive Medical Center, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, No. 521 Xingnan Road, Guangzhou, 511400, Guangdong, China
| | - Shaofen Yang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, No. 521 Xingnan Road, Guangzhou, 511400, Guangdong, China
| | - Peng Du
- Reproductive Medical Center, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, No. 521 Xingnan Road, Guangzhou, 511400, Guangdong, China
| | - Yujiang Wang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, No. 521 Xingnan Road, Guangzhou, 511400, Guangdong, China
| | - Xingsu Yu
- Reproductive Medical Center, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, No. 521 Xingnan Road, Guangzhou, 511400, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiqian Zhang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, No. 521 Xingnan Road, Guangzhou, 511400, Guangdong, China.
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Sun P, Wang Y, Gao T, Li K, Zheng D, Liu A, Ni Y. Hsp90 modulates human sperm capacitation via the Erk1/2 and p38 MAPK signaling pathways. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2021; 19:39. [PMID: 33663544 PMCID: PMC7931335 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-021-00723-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) is a highly abundant eukaryotic molecular chaperone that plays important roles in client protein maturation, protein folding and degradation, and signal transduction. Previously, we found that both Hsp90 and its co-chaperone cell division cycle protein 37 (Cdc37) were expressed in human sperm. Hsp90 is known to be involved in human sperm capacitation via unknown underlying mechanism(s). As Cdc37 was a kinase-specific co-chaperone of Hsp90, Hsp90 may regulate human sperm capacitation via other kinases. It has been reported that two major mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (Erk1/2) and p38, are expressed in human sperm in the same locations as Hsp90 and Cdc37. Phosphorylated Erk1/2 has been shown to promote sperm hyperactivated motility and acrosome reaction, while phosphorylated p38 inhibits sperm motility. Therefore, in this study we explored whether Hsp90 modulates human sperm capacitation via the Erk1/2 and p38 MAPK signaling pathways. METHODS Human sperm was treated with the Hsp90-specific inhibitor 17-allylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin (17-AAG) during capacitation. Computer-assisted sperm analyzer (CASA) was used to detect sperm motility and hyperactivation. The sperm acrosome reaction was analyzed by using fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated Pisum sativum agglutinin (PSA-FITC) staining. The interactions between Hsp90, Cdc37, Erk1/2 and p38 were assessed using co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) experiments. Western blotting analysis was used to evaluate the levels of protein expression and phosphorylation. RESULTS Human sperm hyperactivation and acrosome reaction were inhibited by 17-AAG, suggesting that Hsp90 is involved in human sperm capacitation. In addition, Co-IP experiments revealed that 17-AAG reduced the interaction between Hsp90 and Cdc37, leading to the dissociation of Erk1/2 from the Hsp90-Cdc37 protein complex. Western blotting analysis revealed that levels of Erk1/2 and its phosphorylated form were subsequently decreased. Decreasing of Hsp90-Cdc37 complex also affected the interaction between Hsp90 and p38. Nevertheless, p38 dissociated from the Hsp90 protein complex and was activated by autophosphorylation. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our findings indicate that Hsp90 is involved in human sperm hyperactivation and acrosome reaction. In particular, Hsp90 and its co-chaperone Cdc37 form a protein complex with Erk1/2 and p38 to regulate their kinase activity. These results suggest that Hsp90 regulates human sperm capacitation via the Erk1/2 and p38 MAPK signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peibei Sun
- Department of Reproductive Physiology, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences / Hangzhou Medical College, 310013, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yayan Wang
- Department of Reproductive Physiology, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences / Hangzhou Medical College, 310013, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tian Gao
- Department of Reproductive Physiology, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences / Hangzhou Medical College, 310013, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kun Li
- Department of Reproductive Physiology, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences / Hangzhou Medical College, 310013, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Dongwang Zheng
- Department of Reproductive Physiology, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences / Hangzhou Medical College, 310013, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ajuan Liu
- Department of Reproductive Physiology, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences / Hangzhou Medical College, 310013, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ya Ni
- Department of Reproductive Physiology, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences / Hangzhou Medical College, 310013, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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Peres Campanholi S, Garcia Neto S, Basso AC, de Agostini Losano JD, Perez Siqueira AF, Nichi M, Ortiz D'Avila Assumpção ME, Afonso de Freitas L, Paro de Paz CC, Ferraudo AS, Morato Monteiro F, Unno Gimenes L. Estimate of in vitro embryo production based on sperm subpopulations in Senepol bulls. Theriogenology 2020; 161:98-107. [PMID: 33302167 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In cattle, in vitro embryo production (IVEP) is an important reproductive biotechnology responsible for the rapid expansion of the Senepol breed in our country. This breed has shown important results when used in crossbreeding and estimate IVEP in Senepol based on seminal analysis would be valuable for the semen cryopreservation industry, research institutes and breeders. Combining the evaluation of sperm subpopulations with analysis of other sperm attributes may help to improve fertility predictions in cattle. Therefore, the objectives of the present study were to: 1) identify and characterize motile sperm subpopulations in cryopreserved Senepol semen following the washing process carried out before in vitro fertilization, and 2) to determine an model for estimate IVEP based on sperm subpopulations in conjunction with other sperm quality analyzes. Samples of 38 cryopreserved semen from 28 Senepol bulls, chosen based on retrospective data from 386 IVEP routines, underwent the semen washing and were evaluated by the computer-assisted sperm analysis system. Sperm morphology was evaluated by wet preparation technique, and plasma and acrosomal membranes integrity, mitochondrial potential, oxidative status and chromatin resistance were analyzed by flow cytometry. After multivariate analysis of principal components and grouping, three sperm subpopulations were identified: SBP1 (fast and progressive motility), SBP2 (hyperactivated motility) and SBP3 (slow non-progressive motility). After categorization of IVEP in high, medium and low embryo yield, logistic regression analysis was applied to associate the results of subpopulations and other sperm quality variables with IVEP. The SBP1 and SBP2 variables affected embryo production, and an IVEP estimation model was generated for Senepol bulls based on these two subpopulations: embryo yield = 0.1563 + 0.0328 (SBP1) + 0.0173 (SBP2). SBP1 and SBP2 represents the absolute value of the percentage of subpopulations in semen. If the calculated value (by this equation) is close to 1, the embryo yield will be low; if is close to 2, will be medium; if is close to 3, will be high. In conclusion, three subpopulations were found for Senepol semen and, despite all analyzed variables, only SBP1 and SBP2 were included in the model to estimate IVEP in this breed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Marcílio Nichi
- Universidade de São Paulo, FMVZ/USP, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Fabio Morato Monteiro
- Centro Avançado de Pesquisa de Bovinos de Corte, APTA/IZ, Sertãozinho, São Paulo, Brazil
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Zou L, Cheng G, Xu C, Liu H, Wang Y, Li N, Zhu C, Xia W. The role of miR-128-3p through MAPK14 activation in the apoptosis of GC2 spermatocyte cell line following heat stress. Andrology 2020; 9:665-672. [PMID: 33089633 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND MicroRNAs play a crucial role in the regulation of spermatogenesis. For example, miR-128-3p expression is known to decrease significantly after testicular hyperthermia, but the regulatory effect of this change on the spermatogenesis damage caused by heat stress remains unclear. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to verify whether the target gene of miR-128-3p is MAPK14, which affects spermatogenic cell proliferation and apoptosis under testicular hyperthermia. MATERIALS AND METHODS Mouse testis and GC2 spermatocyte cell line heat stress models were established. miR-128-3p expression before and after heat stress was analyzed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. MAPK14 and p-MAPK14 expression was detected by Western blot, and cell apoptosis was analyzed by Annexin V-FITC/PI. Subsequently, miR-128-3p inhibitors and mimics were used to interfere with spermatocytes before and after heat stress, respectively, for correlation detection. RESULTS Compared with the control group, the heat stress group showed decreased miR-128-3p expression, increased p-MAPK14 expression, and decreased cell proliferation activity. In the GC2-spd cell line in vitro, miR-128-3p inhibitors were found to upregulate p-MAPK14 expression, reduce cell proliferation activity, and increase apoptosis, consistent with the results obtained in the heat treatment alone. Furthermore, miR-128-3p mimics transfected in the GC2 cells after heat stress reduced p-MAPK14 expression, alleviated the decrease in cell proliferation, and decreased the apoptosis level. CONCLUSIONS The downregulation of miR-128-3p expression plays an important role in spermatogenesis damages after testicular hyperthermia, which is probably attributable to the activation of the MAPK signaling pathway. Downregulated miR-128-3p expression induces the apoptosis and inhibits the proliferation of spermatogenic cells by promoting MAPK14 phosphorylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Zou
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Guiping Cheng
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chengcheng Xu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Heyu Liu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yingying Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Nianyu Li
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Changhong Zhu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Xia
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Molecular and hormonal changes caused by long-term use of high dose pregabalin on testicular tissue: the role of p38 MAPK, oxidative stress and apoptosis. Mol Biol Rep 2020; 47:8523-8533. [PMID: 33051752 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-05894-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
In 1990, pregabalin was introduced as a novel antiepileptic drug that acts by binding selectively to the alpha-2-delta subunits of voltage-gated calcium channels resulting in increasing neuronal GABA levels and inhibiting the release of exciting neurotransmitters. The aim of our study is to assess the hazardous effects of prolonged high-dose pregabalin (like that abused by addicts) on testes and to clarify the potential causative mechanisms. The current study was conducted on 70 adult male Wistar albino rats which were divided into 7 groups. In our study we evaluated the effect of pregabalin, at concentrations 150 and 300 mg/kg/day for 90 days, on hormones; FSH, LH, testosterone and prolactin secretion. Our study also evaluated the expression of apoptosis-related genes BAX and BCL2 in testicular tissue in addition to the western blotted analysis of p38 Mitogen activated protein kinases (p38 MAPK). The levels of reduced glutathione, malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase were also measured. Pregabalin decreased testosterone level while FSH, LH and prolactin showed a significant increase. It also produced genotoxicity through reversal of the BAX/BCL2 ratio; increased p38 MAPK level and induction of oxidative stress markers. The concomitant administration of vitamin E significantly reduced all the previously mentioned biochemical and hormonal adverse effects caused by pregabalin. Pregabalin can adversely affect male fertility particularly in addicts and patients who are being treated with it for long periods as those suffering from neuropathies and seizures. Antioxidants like vitamin E could have a role in amelioration.
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Sphingomyelin Synthase 2 Participate in the Regulation of Sperm Motility and Apoptosis. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25184231. [PMID: 32942681 PMCID: PMC7570487 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25184231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Sphingomylin participates in sperm function in animals, and also regulates the Akt and ERK signaling pathways, both of which are associated with the asthenospermia. Sphingomyelin synthase 2 (SMS2) is involved in the biosynthesis of sphingomylin. To determine the relationship between SMS2 and human sperm function, we analyzed the distribution of SMS2 in human sperm and testes, and SMS2 expression in patients with asthenospermia and normozoospermia; human sperm were treated with anti-SMS2, and the sperm motility, penetration ability into methylcellulose, capacitation and acrosome reaction, and sperm [Ca2+]i imaging were evaluated, while the Akt and ERK pathway and cleaved caspase 3 were also analyzed. Results showed that SMS2 was localized in the testis and human sperm, and the protein levels of normozoospermia were higher than asthenospermia. Inhibition of SMS2 activity significantly decreased sperm motility and penetration ability into methylcellulose, but had no influence on capacitation and acrosome reaction, or on intracellular [Ca2+]i compared to IgG-treated control groups. Moreover, the phosphorylation level of Akt was decreased, whereas the phosphorylation of ERK and cleaved-caspase 3 levels were significantly increased. Taken together, SMS2 can affect sperm motility and penetration ability into methylcellulose, and participate in apoptosis associated with the Akt and ERK signaling pathways.
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Chemerin Impairs In Vitro Testosterone Production, Sperm Motility, and Fertility in Chicken: Possible Involvement of Its Receptor CMKLR1. Cells 2020; 9:cells9071599. [PMID: 32630345 PMCID: PMC7408590 DOI: 10.3390/cells9071599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The chemokine chemerin is a novel adipokine involved in the regulation of energy metabolism but also female reproductive functions in mammals. Its effects on male fertility are less studied. Here, we investigated the involvement of chemerin in chicken male reproduction. Indeed, the improvement of the sperm of roosters is a challenge for the breeders since the sperm quantity and quality have largely decreased for several years. By using specific chicken antibodies, here we show that chemerin and its main receptor CMKLR1 (chemokine-like receptor 1) are expressed within the chicken testis with the lowest expression in adults as compared to the embryo or postnatal stages. Chemerin and CMKLR1 are present in all testicular cells, including Leydig, Sertoli, and germinal cells. Using in vitro testis explants, we observed that recombinant chicken chemerin through CMKLR1 inhibits hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) stimulated testosterone production and this was associated to lower 3βHSD (3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase) and StAR (steroidogenic acute regulatory protein) expression and MAPK ERK2 (Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2) phosphorylation. Furthermore, we demonstrate that chemerin in seminal plasma is lower than in blood plasma, but it is negatively correlated with the percentage of motility and the spermatozoa concentration in vivo in roosters. In vitro, we show that recombinant chicken chemerin reduces sperm mass and individual motility in roosters, and this effect is abolished when sperm is pre-incubated with an anti-CMKLR1 antibody. Moreover, we demonstrate that fresh chicken sperm treated with chemerin and used for artificial insemination (AI) in hen presented a lower efficiency in terms of eggs fertility for the four first days after AI. Taken together, seminal chemerin levels are negatively associated with the rooster fertility, and chemerin produced locally by the testis or male tract could negatively affect in vivo sperm quality and testosterone production through CMKLR1.
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Llavanera M, Mateo-Otero Y, Bonet S, Barranco I, Fernández-Fuertes B, Yeste M. The triple role of glutathione S-transferases in mammalian male fertility. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:2331-2342. [PMID: 31807814 PMCID: PMC11105063 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03405-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Male idiopathic infertility accounts for 15-25% of reproductive failure. One of the factors that has been linked to this condition is oxidative stress (OS), defined as the imbalance between antioxidants and reactive oxygen species. Amongst the different factors that protect the cell against OS, the members of the glutathione S-transferase (GST) superfamily play an important role. Interestingly, reduction or lack of some GSTs has been associated to infertility in men. Therefore, and to clarify the relationship between GSTs and male fertility, the aim of this work is to describe the role that GSTs play in the male reproductive tract and in sperm physiology. To that end, the present review provides a novel perspective on the triple role of GSTs (detoxification, regulation of cell signalling and fertilisation), and reports their localisation in sperm, seminal plasma and the male reproductive tract. Furthermore, we also tackle the existing correlation between some GST classes and male fertility. Due to the considerable impact of GSTs in human pathology and their tight relationship with fertility, future research should address the specific role of these proteins in male fertility, which could result in new approaches for the diagnosis and/or treatment of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Llavanera
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, C/Maria Aurèlia Campany, 69, Campus Montilivi, 17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Yentel Mateo-Otero
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, C/Maria Aurèlia Campany, 69, Campus Montilivi, 17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Sergi Bonet
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, C/Maria Aurèlia Campany, 69, Campus Montilivi, 17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Isabel Barranco
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, C/Maria Aurèlia Campany, 69, Campus Montilivi, 17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Beatriz Fernández-Fuertes
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, C/Maria Aurèlia Campany, 69, Campus Montilivi, 17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, C/Maria Aurèlia Campany, 69, Campus Montilivi, 17003, Girona, Spain.
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25
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Salgado-Lucio ML, Ramírez-Ramírez D, Jorge-Cruz CY, Roa-Espitia AL, Hernández-González EO. FAK regulates actin polymerization during sperm capacitation via the ERK2/GEF-H1/RhoA signaling pathway. J Cell Sci 2020; 133:jcs239186. [PMID: 32107290 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.239186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Actin polymerization is a crucial process during sperm capacitation. We have recently described the participation of FAK during actin polymerization in guinea pig spermatozoa. However, the mechanism by which FAK mediates these processes is unknown. Our previous data have shown that MAPK1 (hereafter referred to as ERK2) is activated during the first minutes of capacitation, and inhibition of ERK2 blocked actin polymerization and the acrosome reaction. In this current study, we found that FAK is involved in ERK2 activation - as FAK was phosphorylated at tyrosine residue 925 and bound to Grb2 - and that inhibition of FAK results in a significant decrease of ERK2 activation. We also confirmed the presence of Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor 2 (ARHGEF2, hereafter referred to as GEF-H1), which is able to associate with RhoA during capacitation. RhoA activation and its participation in actin polymerization were also analyzed. Inhibition of FAK or ERK1/2 impeded GEF-H1 phosphorylation, RhoA activation, and the association between GEF-H1 and RhoA. Finally, we observed the presence of fibronectin on the sperm surface, its role in sperm-sperm interaction as well as participation of β-integrin in the activation of ERK2. Our results show that the signaling pathway downstream of fibronectin, via integrin, FAK, Grb2, MEK1/2, ERK2, GEF-H1 and RhoA regulates the actin polymerization associated with spermatozoa capacitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica L Salgado-Lucio
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional 2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, CDMX 07360, México
| | - Danelia Ramírez-Ramírez
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional 2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, CDMX 07360, México
| | - Coral Y Jorge-Cruz
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional 2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, CDMX 07360, México
| | - Ana L Roa-Espitia
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional 2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, CDMX 07360, México
| | - Enrique O Hernández-González
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional 2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, CDMX 07360, México
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26
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Yu L, Yang X, Ma B, Ying H, Shang X, He B, Zhang Q. Abnormal arachidonic acid metabolic network may reduce sperm motility via P38 MAPK. Open Biol 2020; 9:180091. [PMID: 31014201 PMCID: PMC6501647 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.180091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Asthenozoospermia is a common cause of male infertility, the aetiology of which remains unclear in 50–60% of cases. The current study aimed to characterize metabolic alterations in asthenozoospermic seminal plasma and to explore the signalling pathways involved in sperm motility regulation. At first, high-performance liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry was used to detect the targeted metabolic network of arachidonic acid (AA). Metabolomic multivariate data analysis showed significant distinction of AA metabolites between asthenozoospermic and healthy seminal plasma. AA as well as its lipoxygenase (LOX) and cytochrome P450 metabolites were found to be abnormally increased, while cyclooxygenase (COX) metabolites were complicatedly disturbed in asthenozoospermic volunteers compared with those in healthy ones. In vitro experiments and western blot analysis of sperm cells revealed a decrease in sperm motility and upregulation of sperm phosphor-P38 induced by AA. P38 inhibitor could increase AA-reduced sperm motility. Also, all the inhibitors of the three metabolic pathways of AA could block AA-induced P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation and further improve sperm motility. We report here for the first time that an abnormal AA metabolic network could reduce sperm motility via P38 MAPK activation through the LOX, cytochrome P450 and COX metabolic pathways, which might be an underlying pathomechanism of asthenozoospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisha Yu
- 1 College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University , Nanjing 210009 , People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaojing Yang
- 1 College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University , Nanjing 210009 , People's Republic of China
| | - Bo Ma
- 1 College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University , Nanjing 210009 , People's Republic of China
| | - Hanjie Ying
- 2 College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University , Nanjing 211816 , People's Republic of China
| | - Xuejun Shang
- 3 Department of Andrology, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University , Nanjing 210002 , People's Republic of China
| | - Bingfang He
- 1 College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University , Nanjing 210009 , People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Zhang
- 1 College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University , Nanjing 210009 , People's Republic of China
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27
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Wu H, Gao J, Wang X, Leung TY, Duan YG, Chiu PCN. Platelet-activating factor induces acrosome reaction via the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase in human spermatozoa. Andrologia 2020; 52:e13565. [PMID: 32187723 DOI: 10.1111/and.13565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Platelet-activating factor (PAF) affects capacitation, acrosome reaction and fertilisation potential of spermatozoa. This study investigated the underlying mechanism(s) through which PAF regulated sperm function. Our data demonstrated that PAF dose-dependently induced, whilst lyso-PAF (PAF precursor) showed no effect on acrosome reaction of capacitated human spermatozoa. Treatment with PAF for 90 min enhanced tyrosine phosphorylation and expression of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases (ERK) 1 and 2 in human spermatozoa. Moreover, pre-treatment with the ERK inhibitor U0126 significantly and dose-dependently suppressed PAF-induced acrosome reaction. Therefore, PAF may be actively involved in the modulation of sperm acrosome reaction by interacting with ERK. The role of PAF in fertilisation warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haitao Wu
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Jiangmen Central Hospital, Jiangmen, China
| | - Jing Gao
- Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xia Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.,Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Tsz Ying Leung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Yong-Gang Duan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Philip C N Chiu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.,Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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28
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Grandhaye J, Partyka A, Ligocka Z, Dudek A, Niżański W, Jeanpierre E, Estienne A, Froment P. Metformin Improves Quality of Post-Thaw Canine Semen. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10020287. [PMID: 32059492 PMCID: PMC7070956 DOI: 10.3390/ani10020287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cryopreservation of semen is getting easier, however, fertilizing results after insemination with frozen-thawed semen is still not constant in canine species depending on the breed and could be still improved. In this study, we decided to modulate the mitochondrial activity through the addition of metformin in semen extender to increase germ cells’ quality. Metformin presented the absence of toxicity and an improvement in sperm motility after thawing, as well as an increase in the expression of several molecular markers associated with quality. In addition, the oxidative stress and DNA damage were reduced in semen frozen in the presence of metformin. Overall, these data suggest that metformin added in canine semen extender has beneficial effects on canine semen quality and could be associated with different components such as vitamins, to enhance the antioxidants status. Abstract Sperm cryopreservation is an assisted reproductive technique routinely used in canine species for genetic conservation. However, during cryopreservation, the DNA damages are still elevated, limiting the fertilization rate. The present study was conducted to evaluate whether supplementation of canine semen extender with a molecule limiting the metabolic activities can improve the quality of frozen-thawed canine spermatozoa. We used metformin, known to limit the mitochondrial respiratory and limit the oxidative stress. Before and during the freezing procedure, metformin (50 µM and 500 µM) has been added to the extender. After thawing, sperm exposed to metformin conserved the same viability without alteration in the membrane integrity or acrosome reaction. Interestingly, 50 µM metformin improved the sperm motility in comparison to the control, subsequently increasing mitochondrial activity and NAD+ content. In addition, the oxidative stress level was reduced in sperm treated with metformin improving the sperm quality as measured by a different molecular marker. In conclusion, we have shown that metformin is able to improve the quality of frozen-thawed dog semen when it is used during the cryopreservative procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérémy Grandhaye
- INRAE UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, 37380 Nouzilly, France; (J.G.); (E.J.); (A.E.)
- CNRS UMR7247 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, 37380 Nouzilly, France
- Université François Rabelais de Tours F-37041 Tours, France
- IFCE, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Agnieszka Partyka
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Reproduction and Clinic of Farm Animals, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Pl. Grunwaldzki 49, 50-366 Wroclaw, Poland; (Z.L.); (A.D.); (W.N.)
- Correspondence: (A.P.); (P.F.); Tel.: +48-7-13-20-53-00 (A.P.); +33-2-47-42-78-24 (P.F.)
| | - Zuzanna Ligocka
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Reproduction and Clinic of Farm Animals, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Pl. Grunwaldzki 49, 50-366 Wroclaw, Poland; (Z.L.); (A.D.); (W.N.)
| | - Agata Dudek
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Reproduction and Clinic of Farm Animals, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Pl. Grunwaldzki 49, 50-366 Wroclaw, Poland; (Z.L.); (A.D.); (W.N.)
| | - Wojciech Niżański
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Reproduction and Clinic of Farm Animals, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Pl. Grunwaldzki 49, 50-366 Wroclaw, Poland; (Z.L.); (A.D.); (W.N.)
| | - Eric Jeanpierre
- INRAE UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, 37380 Nouzilly, France; (J.G.); (E.J.); (A.E.)
- CNRS UMR7247 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, 37380 Nouzilly, France
- Université François Rabelais de Tours F-37041 Tours, France
- IFCE, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Anthony Estienne
- INRAE UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, 37380 Nouzilly, France; (J.G.); (E.J.); (A.E.)
- CNRS UMR7247 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, 37380 Nouzilly, France
- Université François Rabelais de Tours F-37041 Tours, France
- IFCE, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Pascal Froment
- INRAE UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, 37380 Nouzilly, France; (J.G.); (E.J.); (A.E.)
- CNRS UMR7247 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, 37380 Nouzilly, France
- Université François Rabelais de Tours F-37041 Tours, France
- IFCE, 37380 Nouzilly, France
- Correspondence: (A.P.); (P.F.); Tel.: +48-7-13-20-53-00 (A.P.); +33-2-47-42-78-24 (P.F.)
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29
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Liu B, Shen LJ, Zhao TX, Sun M, Wang JK, Long CL, He DW, Lin T, Wu SD, Wei GH. Automobile exhaust-derived PM 2.5 induces blood-testis barrier damage through ROS-MAPK-Nrf2 pathway in sertoli cells of rats. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2020; 189:110053. [PMID: 31862514 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2019.110053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 11/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) derived from automobile exhaust can lead to serious male spermatogenesis dysfunction, but its specific molecular mechanism is unclear. In this experiment, we focused on the blood-testis barriers (BTB) and explored the intracellular mechanisms underlying the fertility toxicity of PM2.5 originating from automobile exhaust in the primary cultured Sertoli cells(SCs) of rats. After PM2.5 exposure, excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increased apoptosis of SCs were detected. The expression of the BTB related proteins including ZO-1, Occludin, N-cadherin and β-catenin were significantly decreased and the spatial arrangement of F-actin was completely disordered through Immunofluorescence and Western blots tests. The phosphorylation of Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), extracellular signal regulatory kinase (ERK), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) were upregulated and nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2) -like 2-related factor (Nrf2) was downregulated respectively. However, combined utilization of vitamin C and E were observed to prevent the increase of ROS generation, reduce celluar apoptosis, increase the expression of BTB related proteins, reconstructed the spatial arrangement of F-actin as well as improved the Nrf2 expression and attenuated the phosphorylation of the MAPK kinases and cleaved caspase-3 levels. Furthermore, ERK inhibitor (SCH772984), JNK inhibitor (SP600125) and p38 MAPK inhibitor (SB203580) obviously up-regulated BTB-related proteins expression as well as activated Nrf2 expression at varying degrees, indicating that ROS-MAPKs-Nrf2 is involved in the signaling pathway that leads to PM2.5-induced spermatogenesis dysfunction. These findings indicate that PM2.5 derived from automobile exhaust causes oxidative stress, which in turn causes cellular apoptosis of SCs and damage of the blood-testis barrier, resulting male spermatogenesis dysfunction, in which ROS-MAPK-Nrf-2 pathways may play a key role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Liu
- Department of Urology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation base of Child development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, P.R China; Department of Pediatric Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, P.R China
| | - Lian-Ju Shen
- Department of Urology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation base of Child development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, P.R China; Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, P.R China
| | - Tian-Xin Zhao
- Department of Urology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation base of Child development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, P.R China
| | - Mang Sun
- Department of Urology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation base of Child development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, P.R China
| | - Jun-Ke Wang
- Department of Urology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation base of Child development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, P.R China
| | - Chun-Lan Long
- Department of Urology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation base of Child development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, P.R China; Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, P.R China
| | - Da-Wei He
- Department of Urology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation base of Child development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, P.R China; Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, P.R China
| | - Tao Lin
- Department of Urology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation base of Child development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, P.R China; Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, P.R China
| | - Sheng-de Wu
- Department of Urology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation base of Child development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, P.R China; Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, P.R China.
| | - Guang-Hui Wei
- Department of Urology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation base of Child development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, P.R China; Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, P.R China.
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30
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Silva JV, Cabral M, Correia BR, Carvalho P, Sousa M, Oliveira PF, Fardilha M. mTOR Signaling Pathway Regulates Sperm Quality in Older Men. Cells 2019; 8:cells8060629. [PMID: 31234465 PMCID: PMC6627782 DOI: 10.3390/cells8060629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding how age affects fertility becomes increasingly relevant as couples delay childbearing toward later stages of their lives. While the influence of maternal age on fertility is well established, the impact of paternal age is poorly characterized. Thus, this study aimed to understand the molecular mechanisms responsible for age-dependent decline in spermatozoa quality. To attain it, we evaluated the impact of male age on the activity of signaling proteins in two distinct spermatozoa populations: total spermatozoa fraction and highly motile/viable fraction. In older men, we observed an inhibition of the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) in the highly viable spermatozoa population. On the contrary, when considering the entire spermatozoa population (including defective/immotile/apoptotic cells) our findings support an active mTORC1 signaling pathway in older men. Additionally, total spermatozoa fractions of older men presented increased levels of apoptotic/stress markers [e.g., cellular tumor antigen p53 (TP53)] and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) activity. Moreover, we established that the levels of most signaling proteins analyzed were consistently and significantly altered in men older than 27 years of age. This study was the first to associate the mTOR signaling pathway with the age impact on spermatozoa quality. Additionally, we constructed a network of the sperm proteins associated with male aging, identifying TP53 as a central player in spermatozoa aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Vieira Silva
- Laboratory of Signal Transduction, Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine-iBiMED, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Madalena Cabral
- COGE-Clínica Obstétrica e Ginecológica de Espinho, 4500-057 Espinho, Portugal.
| | - Bárbara Regadas Correia
- Laboratory of Signal Transduction, Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine-iBiMED, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Pedro Carvalho
- Laboratory of Signal Transduction, Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine-iBiMED, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
- COGE-Clínica Obstétrica e Ginecológica de Espinho, 4500-057 Espinho, Portugal.
| | - Mário Sousa
- Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Pedro Fontes Oliveira
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Margarida Fardilha
- Laboratory of Signal Transduction, Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine-iBiMED, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
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31
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Urizar-Arenaza I, Osinalde N, Akimov V, Puglia M, Candenas L, Pinto FM, Muñoa-Hoyos I, Gianzo M, Matorras R, Irazusta J, Blagoev B, Subiran N, Kratchmarova I. Phosphoproteomic and Functional Analyses Reveal Sperm-specific Protein Changes Downstream of Kappa Opioid Receptor in Human Spermatozoa. Mol Cell Proteomics 2019; 18:S118-S131. [PMID: 30622161 PMCID: PMC6427232 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.ra118.001133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Revised: 12/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) belong to the seven transmembrane receptor superfamily that transduce signals via G proteins in response to external stimuli to initiate different intracellular signaling pathways which culminate in specific cellular responses. The expression of diverse GPCRs at the plasma membrane of human spermatozoa suggests their involvement in the regulation of sperm fertility. However, the signaling events downstream of many GPCRs in spermatozoa remain uncharacterized. Here, we selected the kappa-opioid receptor (KOR) as a study model and applied phosphoproteomic approach based on TMT labeling and LC-MS/MS analyses. Quantitative coverage of more than 5000 proteins with over 3500 phosphorylation sites revealed changes in the phosphorylation levels of sperm-specific proteins involved in the regulation of the sperm fertility in response to a specific agonist of KOR, U50488H. Further functional studies indicate that KOR could be involved in the regulation of sperm fertile capacity by modulation of calcium channels. Our findings suggest that human spermatozoa possess unique features in the molecular mechanisms downstream of GPCRs which could be key regulators of sperm fertility and improved knowledge of these specific processes may contribute to the development of useful biochemical tools for diagnosis and treatment of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itziar Urizar-Arenaza
- From the ‡Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain, 49840;; Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain, 48903
| | - Nerea Osinalde
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Vitoria-Gasteiz, Araba, Spain, 01006
| | - Vyacheslav Akimov
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark, 5320
| | - Michele Puglia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark, 5320
| | - Luz Candenas
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas, CSIC, Sevilla, Spain, 41092
| | | | - Iraia Muñoa-Hoyos
- From the ‡Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain, 49840;; Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain, 48903
| | - Marta Gianzo
- From the ‡Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain, 49840;; Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain, 48903
| | - Roberto Matorras
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain, 48903
| | - Jon Irazusta
- From the ‡Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain, 49840
| | - Blagoy Blagoev
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark, 5320
| | - Nerea Subiran
- From the ‡Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain, 49840;; Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain, 48903;.
| | - Irina Kratchmarova
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark, 5320;.
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32
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Connexin 43 Loss Triggers Cell Cycle Entry and Invasion in Non-Neoplastic Breast Epithelium: A Role for Noncanonical Wnt Signaling. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11030339. [PMID: 30857262 PMCID: PMC6468895 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11030339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Revised: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: The expression of connexin 43 (Cx43) is disrupted in breast cancer, and re-expression of this protein in human breast cancer cell lines leads to decreased proliferation and invasiveness, suggesting a tumor suppressive role. This study aims to investigate the role of Cx43 in proliferation and invasion starting from non-neoplastic breast epithelium. (2) Methods: Nontumorigenic human mammary epithelial HMT-3522 S1 cells and Cx43 shRNA-transfected counterparts were cultured under 2-dimensional (2-D) and 3-D conditions. (3) Results: Silencing Cx43 induced mislocalization of β-catenin and Scrib from apicolateral membrane domains in glandular structures or acini formed in 3-D culture, suggesting the loss of apical polarity. Cell cycle entry and proliferation were enhanced, concomitantly with c-Myc and cyclin D1 upregulation, while no detectable activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling was observed. Motility and invasion were also triggered and were associated with altered acinar morphology and activation of ERK1/2 and Rho GTPase signaling, which acts downstream of the noncanonical Wnt pathway. The invasion of Cx43-shRNA S1 cells was observed only under permissive stiffness of the extracellular matrix (ECM). (4) Conclusion: Our results suggest that Cx43 controls proliferation and invasion in the normal mammary epithelium in part by regulating noncanonical Wnt signaling.
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33
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Nguyen TMD. Main signaling pathways involved in the control of fowl sperm motility. Poult Sci 2019; 98:1528-1538. [DOI: 10.3382/ps/pey465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
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Raval NP, Shah TM, George LB, Joshi CG. Insight into bovine (Bos indicus) spermatozoal whole transcriptome profile. Theriogenology 2019; 129:8-13. [PMID: 30784792 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.01.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Revised: 12/25/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Mature spermatozoa harbor both coding and non-coding type of RNAs which regulates spermatogenesis, fertilization and early development. Characterization of bovine sperm transcriptome can provide more insight into the molecular mechanisms involved in these processes. Here, we have analyzed whole transcriptome profile of Bos indicus spermatozoa to access the global RNA expression. RNA-Seq analysis identified 14,306 genes expressed with FPKM >0, while 405 genes expressed when threshold increased to FPKM >5. Functional annotations showed that sperm transcripts were associated with molecular processes (translation, ribosomal small and large subunit assembly) and cellular components (cytosolic small and large ribosomal subunit and membranes) related to known sperm functions at fertilization and spermatogenesis. The RNA-Seq data was validated using droplet digital PCR where both highly abundant gene viz. RN7SL1 and less abundant gene viz. ZFP280B were validated. This study may provide future directions in reproductive biology of Bos indicus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nidhi P Raval
- Department of Zoology, Biomedical Technology and Human Genetics, University School of Sciences, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, 380009, India
| | - Tejas M Shah
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anand Agricultural University, Anand, Gujarat, 388001, India
| | - Linz-Buoy George
- Department of Zoology, Biomedical Technology and Human Genetics, University School of Sciences, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, 380009, India
| | - Chaitanya G Joshi
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anand Agricultural University, Anand, Gujarat, 388001, India.
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35
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Allouche-Fitoussi D, Bakhshi D, Breitbart H. Signaling pathways involved in human sperm hyperactivated motility stimulated by Zn 2. Mol Reprod Dev 2019; 86:502-515. [PMID: 30746812 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Revised: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
To fertilize the egg, sperm cells must reside in the female reproductive tract for several hours during which they undergo chemical and motility changes collectively called capacitation. During capacitation, the sperm develop a unique type of motility known as hyperactivated motility (HAM). The semen contains Zn2+ in millimolar concentrations, whereas in the female reproductive tract the concentration is around 1 µM. In this study, we characterize the role of Zn 2+ in human sperm capacitation focusing on its effect on HAM. Western blot analysis revealed the presence of G protein-coupled receptor 39 (GPR39) type Zn-receptor localized mainly in the sperm tail. Zn 2+ at micromolar concentration stimulates HAM, which is mediated by a cascade involving GPR39-AC-cAMP-PKA-Src-EGFR and phospholipase C. Both the transmembrane adenylyl cyclase (AC) and the soluble-AC are involved in the stimulation of HAM by Zn 2+ . The development of HAM is precisely regulated by cyclic adenosine monophosphate, in which relatively low concentration (5-10 µM) stimulated HAM, whereas at 30 µM no stimulation occurred. A similar response was seen when different concentrations of Zn 2+ were added to the cells; low Zn 2+ stimulated HAM, whereas at relatively high Zn 2+ , no effect was seen. We further demonstrate that the Ca 2+ -channel CatSper involved in Zn 2+ -stimulated HAM. These data support a role for extracellular Zn 2+ acting via GPR39 to regulate signaling pathways in sperm capacitation, leading to HAM induction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Danit Bakhshi
- The Mina and Everard Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Haim Breitbart
- The Mina and Everard Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
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36
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Chohan H, Esfandiarei M, Arman D, Van Raamsdonk CD, van Breemen C, Friedman JM, Jett KA. Neurofibromin haploinsufficiency results in altered spermatogenesis in a mouse model of neurofibromatosis type 1. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0208835. [PMID: 30571760 PMCID: PMC6301684 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0208835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The fertility of men with neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) is reduced. Despite this observation, gonadal function has not been examined in patients with NF1. In order to assess the role of reduced neurofibromin in the testes, we examined testicular morphology and function in an Nf1+/- mouse model. We found that although Nf1+/- male mice are able to reproduce, they have significantly fewer pups per litter than Nf1+/+ control males. Reduced fertility in Nf1+/- male mice is associated with disorganization of the seminiferous epithelium, with exfoliation of germ cells and immature spermatids into the tubule lumen. Morphometric analysis shows that these alterations are associated with decreased Leydig cell numbers and increased spermatid cell numbers. We hypothesized that hyper-activation of Ras in Nf1+/- males affects ectoplasmic specialization, a Sertoli-spermatid adherens junction involved in spermiation. Consistent with this idea, we found increased expression of phosphorylated ERK, a downstream effector of Ras that has been shown to alter ectoplasmic specialization, in Nf1+/- males in comparison to control Nf1+/+ littermates. These data demonstrate that neurofibromin haploinsufficiency impairs spermatogenesis and fertility in a mouse model of NF1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harleen Chohan
- Department of Medical Genetics, BC Children Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Mitra Esfandiarei
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, BC Children Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Graduate Studies, Midwestern University, Glendale, Arizona, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Darian Arman
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, BC Children Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Catherine D. Van Raamsdonk
- Department of Medical Genetics, BC Children Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Cornelis van Breemen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, BC Children Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Jan M. Friedman
- Department of Medical Genetics, BC Children Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Kimberly A. Jett
- Department of Medical Genetics, BC Children Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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Efrat M, Stein A, Pinkas H, Breitbart H, Unger R, Birk R. Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) attenuates sperm hyperactivity and spontaneous acrosome reaction. Andrology 2018; 7:24-30. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Revised: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 08/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. Efrat
- Department of Nutrition Faculty of Health Sciences Ariel University ArielIsrael
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences Bar Ilan University Ramat‐GanIsrael
| | - A. Stein
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Infertility and In Vitro Fertilization Unit Belinson Medical Center Petah Tiqva Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine Tel Aviv University Tel Aviv‐Yafo Israel
| | - H. Pinkas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Infertility and In Vitro Fertilization Unit Belinson Medical Center Petah Tiqva Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine Tel Aviv University Tel Aviv‐Yafo Israel
| | - H. Breitbart
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences Bar Ilan University Ramat‐GanIsrael
| | - R. Unger
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences Bar Ilan University Ramat‐GanIsrael
| | - R. Birk
- Department of Nutrition Faculty of Health Sciences Ariel University ArielIsrael
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38
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Allouche-Fitoussi D, Bakhshi D, Breitbart H. Signaling pathways involved in human sperm hyperactivated motility stimulated by Zn 2. Mol Reprod Dev 2018; 85:543-556. [PMID: 29750435 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
To fertilize the egg, sperm cells must reside in the female reproductive tract for several hours during which they undergo chemical and motility changes collectively called capacitation. During capacitation, the sperm develop a unique type of motility known as hyperactivated motility (HAM). The semen contains Zn2+ in millimolar concentrations, whereas in the female reproductive tract, the concentration is around 1 µM. In this study, we characterize the role of Zn2+ in human sperm capacitation focusing on its effect on HAM. Western blot analysis revealed the presence of GPR39-type Zn-receptor localized mainly in the sperm tail. Zn2+ at micromolar concentration stimulates HAM, which is mediated by a cascade involving GPR39-adenylyl cyclase (AC)-cyclic AMP (cAMP)-protein kinase A-tyrosine kinase Src (Src)-epidermal growth factor receptor and phospholipase C. Both the transmembrane AC and the soluble-AC are involved in the stimulation of HAM by Zn2+ . The development of HAM is precisely regulated by cAMP, in which relatively low concentration (5-10 µM) stimulated HAM, whereas at 30 µM no stimulation occurred. A similar response was seen when different concentrations of Zn2+ were added to the cells; low Zn2+ stimulated HAM, whereas at relatively high Zn2+ , no effect was seen. We further demonstrate that the Ca2+ -channel CatSper involved in Zn2+ -stimulated HAM. These data support a role for extracellular Zn2+ acting via GPR39 to regulate signaling pathways in sperm capacitation, leading to HAM induction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Danit Bakhshi
- The Mina & Everard Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Haim Breitbart
- The Mina & Everard Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
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39
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Alonso CAI, Osycka-Salut CE, Castellano L, Cesari A, Di Siervi N, Mutto A, Johannisson A, Morrell JM, Davio C, Perez-Martinez S. Extracellular cAMP activates molecular signalling pathways associated with sperm capacitation in bovines. Mol Hum Reprod 2018; 23:521-534. [PMID: 28521061 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gax030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is extracellular cAMP involved in the regulation of signalling pathways in bovine sperm capacitation? SUMMARY ANSWER Extracellular cAMP induces sperm capacitation through the activation of different signalling pathways that involve phospholipase C (PLC), PKC/ERK1-2 signalling and an increase in sperm Ca2+ levels, as well as soluble AC and cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA) signalling. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY In order to fertilize the oocyte, ejaculated spermatozoa must undergo a series of changes in the female reproductive tract, known as capacitation. This correlates with a number of membrane and metabolic modifications that include an increased influx of bicarbonate and Ca2+, activation of a soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC) to produce cAMP, PKA activation, protein tyrosine phosphorylation and the development of hyperactivated motility. We previously reported that cAMP efflux by Multidrug Resistance Protein 4 (MRP4) occurs during sperm capacitation and the pharmacological blockade of this inhibits the process. Moreover, the supplementation of incubation media with cAMP abolishes the inhibition and leads to sperm capacitation, suggesting that extracellular cAMP regulates crucial signalling cascades involved in this process. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Bovine sperm were selected by the wool glass column method, and washed by centrifugation in BSA-Free Tyrode's Albumin Lactate Pyruvate (sp-TALP). Pellets were resuspended then diluted for each treatment. For in vitro capacitation, 10 to 15 × 106 SPZ/ml were incubated in 0.3% BSA sp-TALP at 38.5°C for 45 min under different experimental conditions. To evaluate the role of extracellular cAMP on different events associated with sperm capacitation, 10 nM cAMP was added to the incubation medium as well as different inhibitors of enzymes associated with signalling transduction pathways: U73122 (PLC inhibitor, 10 μM), Gö6983 (PKC inhibitor, 10 μM), PD98059 (ERK-1/2 inhibitor, 30 μM), H89 and KT (PKA inhibitors, 50 μM and 100 nM, respectively), KH7 (sAC inhibitor, 10 μM), BAPTA-AM (intracellular Ca2+ chelator, 50 μM), EGTA (10 μM) and Probenecid (MRPs general inhibitor, 500 μM). In addition, assays for binding to oviductal epithelial cells and IVF were carried out to test the effect of cAMP compared with other known capacitant agents such as heparin (60 μg/ml) and bicarbonate (40 mM). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Straws of frozen bovine semen (20-25 × 106 spermatozoa/ml) were kindly provided by Las Lilas, CIALE and CIAVT Artificial Insemination Centers. The methods used in this work include western blot, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, computer-assisted semen analysis, live imaging of Ca2+ and fluorescence scanning. At least three independent assays with bull samples of proven fertility were carried. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE In the present study, we elucidate the molecular events induced by extracellular cAMP. Our results showed that external cAMP induces sperm capacitation, depending upon the action of PLC. Downstream, this enzyme increased ERK1-2 activation through PKC and elicited a rise in sperm Ca2+ levels (P < 0.01). Moreover, extracellular cAMP-induced capacitation also depended on the activity of sAC and PKA, and increased tyrosine phosphorylation, indicating that the nucleotide exerts a broad range of responses. In addition, extracellular cAMP-induced sperm hyperactivation and concomitantly increased the proportion of spermatozoa with high mitochondrial activity (P < 0.01). Finally, cAMP increased the in vitro fertilization rate compared to control conditions (P < 0.001). LARGE SCALE DATA None. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This is an in vitro study performed with bovine cryopreserved spermatozoa. Studies in other species and with fresh samples are needed to extrapolate these data. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These findings strongly suggest an important role of extracellular cAMP in the regulation of the signalling pathways involved in the acquisition of bull sperm fertilizing capability. The data presented here indicate that not only a rise, but also a regulation of cAMP levels is necessary to ensure sperm fertilizing ability. Thus, exclusion of the nucleotide to the extracellular space might be essential to guarantee the achievement of a cAMP tone, needed for all capacitation-associated events to take place. Moreover, the ability of cAMP to trigger such broad and complex signalling events allows us to hypothesize that cAMP is a self-produced autocrine/paracrine factor, and supports the emerging paradigm that spermatozoa do not compete but, in fact, communicate with each other. A precise understanding of the functional competence of mammalian spermatozoa is essential to generate clinical advances in the treatment of infertility and the development of novel contraceptive strategies. STUDY FUNDING AND COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas [PIP0 496 to S.P.-M.], Agencia Nacional de Promoción Científica y Tecológica [PICT 2012-1195 and PICT2014-2325 to S.P.-M., and PICT 2013-2050 to C.D.], Boehringer Ingelheim Funds, and the Swedish Farmers Foundation [SLF-H13300339 to J.M.]. The authors declare there are no conflicts of interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Agustín I Alonso
- Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFYBO), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas Técnicas, Facultad de Medicina (CONICET-UBA), Paraguay 2155 (C1121ABG), Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Claudia E Osycka-Salut
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas Dr. Rodolfo A. Ugalde, Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas Técnicas (IIB/UNTECH-CONICET), Universidad Nacional de San Martín, Matheu 3910 (1650), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Luciana Castellano
- Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFYBO), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas Técnicas, Facultad de Medicina (CONICET-UBA), Paraguay 2155 (C1121ABG), Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Andreína Cesari
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (IIB-CONICET-UNMDP), Funes 3250 (7600), Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Nicolás Di Siervi
- Instituto de Investigaciones Farmacológicas, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas Técnicas, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica (ININFA-UBA-CONICET), Junín 954 (C1113AAD) Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Adrián Mutto
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas Dr. Rodolfo A. Ugalde, Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas Técnicas (IIB/UNTECH-CONICET), Universidad Nacional de San Martín, Matheu 3910 (1650), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Anders Johannisson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Reproduction, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SE-750 07), Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jane M Morrell
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Reproduction, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SE-750 07), Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Carlos Davio
- Instituto de Investigaciones Farmacológicas, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas Técnicas, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica (ININFA-UBA-CONICET), Junín 954 (C1113AAD) Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Silvina Perez-Martinez
- Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFYBO), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas Técnicas, Facultad de Medicina (CONICET-UBA), Paraguay 2155 (C1121ABG), Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Luna C, Mendoza N, Casao A, Pérez-Pé R, Cebrián-Pérez JA, Muiño-Blanco T. c-Jun N-terminal kinase and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways link capacitation with apoptosis and seminal plasma proteins protect sperm by interfering with both routes†. Biol Reprod 2018; 96:800-815. [PMID: 28379343 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/iox017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 MAP kinase (p38) signaling cascades are involved in triggering apoptosis in somatic cells. Given that spermatozoa are able to undergo apoptosis, we tested the hypothesis that these pathways might be functional in ram spermatozoa as two signal transduction mechanisms that contribute to the modulation of capacitation and apoptosis. Indirect immunofluorescence and western blot analysis evidenced the presence of JNK and p38 in ram spermatozoa. To verify the involvement of these enzymes in sperm physiology, we determined the effect of specific inhibitors of JNK or p38 on in vitro capacitation induced with either cAMP-elevating agents or epidermal growth factor (EGF). Both inhibitions reduced the EGF-induced capacitation with a decrease in the chlortetracycline capacitated-sperm pattern, protein tyrosine phosphorylation, phosphatidylserine externalization, caspase-3 and -7 activation, and the proportion of DNA-damaged spermatozoa. No significant changes were found in the high-cAMP capacitated samples. The addition of 3.4 mg/ml seminal plasma proteins (SPPs) to the EGF-containing samples, either alone or together with each inhibitor, resulted in a decreased proportion of capacitated sperm pattern, protein tyrosine phosphorylation, loss of plasma membrane integrity, and apoptotic alterations. Furthermore, SPPs significantly reduced the phosphorylation level of JNK and p38 MAPK (active forms). These findings show a relationship between capacitation and apoptosis, and represent a step forward in the knowledge of the SPP protective mechanism in spermatozoa.
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41
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Reddy GS, Mukhopadhyay AG, Dey CS. The p38 MAP kinase inhibitor, PD 169316, inhibits flagellar motility in Leishmania donovani. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2017; 493:1425-1429. [PMID: 28958943 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2017.09.135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 09/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) have been demonstrated to regulate flagellar/ciliary motility of spermatozoa and miracidia of Schistosoma mansoni. However, the role of MAPKs in mediating flagella-driven motility of Leishmania donovani is unexplored. We investigated the function of MAPKs in motility regulation of L. donovani using pharmacological inhibitors and activators of various MAPKs and fast-capture videomicroscopy. Our studies have revealed that the inhibitor of p38 MAPK, PD 169316, significantly affected various motility parameters such as flagellar beat frequency, parasite swimming speed, waveform of the flagellum and resulted in reduced parasite motility. Together, our results suggest that a MAPK, similar to human p38 MAPK, is implicated in flagellar motility regulation of L. donovani.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Srinivas Reddy
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Aakash Gautam Mukhopadhyay
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Chinmoy Sankar Dey
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India.
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42
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Qing X, Shi J, Dong T, Wu C, Hu L, Li H. Dysregulation of an X-linked primate-specific epididymal microRNA cluster in unexplained asthenozoospermia. Oncotarget 2017; 8:56839-56849. [PMID: 28915635 PMCID: PMC5593606 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.18076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Asthenoszoopermia, characterized by reduced sperm motility, is one of the primary forms of male infertility. Whereas most cases were diagnosed into unexplained asthenozoospermia (UA) because the etiology cannot be identified. In animal models, epigenetic dysregulation in epididymis can impair sperm maturation and result in asthenozoospermia. However, researches of epididymal epigenetic regulation on humans are impeded by the difficulty in obtaining epididymal tissues. We previously identified cell-free seminal microRNAs predominately derived from epididymis in human ejaculate. In the present study, these microRNAs were used to screen and validate the microRNA dysregulation in men with UA, which were divided into screening set and validation set. The expression of five miRNAs (miR-891b, miR-892b, miR-892a, miR-888 and miR-890) was found and confirmed to be dysregulated in men with UA. Interestingly, these five miRNAs belong to a primate-specific miRNA cluster located on the X chromosome with epididymis specific expression. Moreover, obvious coherent dysregulation of these miRNAs were observed in 13% men with UA. Regression analysis demonstrated that levels of these miRNAs were significantly correlated with progressive sperm motility. Functions and pathways of predicted target genes of this cluster suggested its role in sperm maturation. Dysregulation of this miRNA cluster might be an epigenetic basis for some patients with UA. We also showed a noninvasive and feasible approach to get epigenetic information of human epididymis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingrong Qing
- Family Planning Research Institute/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jian Shi
- Family Planning Research Institute/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Tingting Dong
- Family Planning Research Institute/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Center of Reproductive Medicine, Tengzhou Central People's Hospital, Tengzhou, China
| | - Chunlin Wu
- Family Planning Research Institute/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Center of Reproductive Medicine, The No.1 Hospital of Wuhan, Wuhan, China
| | - Lian Hu
- Family Planning Research Institute/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Wuhan Tongji Reproductive Medicine Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Honggang Li
- Family Planning Research Institute/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Wuhan Tongji Reproductive Medicine Hospital, Wuhan, China
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43
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Rahamim Ben-Navi L, Almog T, Yao Z, Seger R, Naor Z. A-Kinase Anchoring Protein 4 (AKAP4) is an ERK1/2 substrate and a switch molecule between cAMP/PKA and PKC/ERK1/2 in human spermatozoa. Sci Rep 2016; 6:37922. [PMID: 27901058 PMCID: PMC5128789 DOI: 10.1038/srep37922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2016] [Accepted: 11/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian spermatozoa undergo capacitation and acrosome reaction in order to fertilize the egg. The PKC-ERK1/2 pathway plays an important role in human spermatozoa motility, capacitation and the acrosome reaction. Here we demonstrate that ERK1/2 phosphorylates proAKAP4 on Thr265 in human spermatozoa in vitro and in vivo. Cyclic AMP (cAMP) had no effect on ERK1/2 activity in human spermatozoa, but stimulated the MAPK in mouse pituitary LβT2 gonadotrope cells. cAMP via PKA attenuates PKC-dependent ERK1/2 activation only in the presence of proAKAP4. St-HT31, which disrupts PKA-regulatory subunit II (PKA-RII) binding to AKAP abrogates the inhibitory effect of cAMP in human spermatozoa and in HEK293T cells expressing proAKAP4. In transfected HEK293T cells, PMA relocated proAKAP4, but not proAKAP4-T265A to the Golgi in an ERK1/2-dependnet manner. Similarly, AKAP4 is localized to the spermatozoa principal piece and is relocated to the mid-piece and the postacrosomal region by PMA. Furthermore, using capacitated sperm we found that cAMP reduced PMA-induced ERK1/2 activation and acrosome reaction. Thus, the physiological role of the negative crosstalk between the cAMP/PKA/AKAP4 and the PKC/ERK1/2 pathways is to regulate capacitation and acrosome reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liat Rahamim Ben-Navi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Tal Almog
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Zhong Yao
- Department of Biological Regulation, the Weizmann Institute of Science Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Rony Seger
- Department of Biological Regulation, the Weizmann Institute of Science Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Zvi Naor
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv 69978, Israel
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Niu Z, Mu H, Zhu H, Wu J, Hua J. p38 MAPK pathway is essential for self-renewal of mouse male germline stem cells (mGSCs). Cell Prolif 2016; 50. [PMID: 27868268 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2016] [Accepted: 10/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Male germline stem cells (mGSCs), also called spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), constantly generate spermatozoa in male animals. A number of preliminary studies on mechanisms of mGSC self-renewal have previously been conducted, revealing that several factors are involved in this regulated process. The p38 MAPK pathway is widely conserved in multiple cell types in vivo, and plays an important role in cell proliferation, differentiation, inflammation and apoptosis. However, its role in self-renewal of mGSCs has not hitherto been determined. MATERIALS AND METHODS Here, the mouse mGSCs were cultured and their identity was verified by semi-RT-PCR, alkaline phosphatase (AP) staining and immunofluorescence staining. Then, the p38 MAPK pathway was blocked by p38 MAPK-specific inhibitor SB202190. mGSC self-renewal ability was then analysed by observation of morphology, cell number, cell growth analysis, TUNEL incorporation assay and cell cycle analysis. RESULTS Results showed that mouse mGSC self-renewal ability was significantly inhibited by SB202190. CONCLUSIONS This study showed for the first time that the p38 MAPK pathway plays a key role in maintaining self-renewal capacity of mouse mGSCs, which offers a new self-renewal pathway for these cells and contributes to overall knowledge of the mechanisms of mGSC self-renewal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Niu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Hailong Mu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering and Technology, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Haijing Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering and Technology, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jiang Wu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering and Technology, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jinlian Hua
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering and Technology, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
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Li J, Mao R, Zhou Q, Ding L, Tao J, Ran MM, Gao ES, Yuan W, Wang JT, Hou LF. Exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) in Wistar rats reduces sperm quality with disruption of ERK signal pathway. Toxicol Mech Methods 2016; 26:180-8. [DOI: 10.3109/15376516.2016.1139024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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46
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Gonzalez-Arto M, Luna C, Pérez-Pé R, Muiño-Blanco T, Cebrián-Pérez JA, Casao A. New evidence of melatonin receptor contribution to ram sperm functionality. Reprod Fertil Dev 2016; 28:924-935. [DOI: 10.1071/rd14302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2014] [Accepted: 10/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study analysed the involvement of melatonin, acting via its receptors (MT1 and MT2), in ram sperm functionality. Indirect immunofluorescence assays revealed no changes in the distribution or intensity of MT1 receptors, whereas different subpopulations were established for MT2 receptors in control, in vitro capacitated and acrosome-reacted ram spermatozoa. Chlortetracycline staining revealed the following correlations between the pattern of staining for MT2 receptors in: (1) non-capacitated (NC) sperm rate and the proportion of spermatozoa with equal immunostaining intensity in the acrosome and post-acrosome (r = 0.59, P < 0.001); (2) in capacitated (C) sperm rate and the proportion of spermatozoa with stronger reactivity in the acrosome (r = 0.60, P < 0.001); and (3) in acrosome-reacted (AR) sperm rate and the proportion of spermatozoa with more intense staining on the post-acrosome (r = 0.67, P < 0.001). Incubation of swim-up-selected samples with either 1 μM melatonin or MT1 and MT2 receptor agonists (2-phenylmelatonin 1 µM and 8-Methoxy-2-propionamidotetralin (8M-PDOT) 1 µM and 10 nM) at 39°C and 5% CO2 for 3 h resulted in a higher proportion of the NC pattern compared with the control group (P < 0.05), whereas treatment with MT1 and MT2 receptor antagonists (luzindole 1 µM and 4-phenyl-2-propionamidotetralin (4P-PDOT) 1 µM and 10 nM) decreased the proportion of spermatozoa exhibiting the NC pattern (P < 0.001) concomitant with an increase in those exhibiting the C pattern (P < 0.01). In conclusion, melatonin exerts a modulating effect on ram sperm functionality, primarily via activation of the MT2 receptor.
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Tan W, Thomas P. Involvement of epidermal growth factor receptors and mitogen-activated protein kinase in progestin-induction of sperm hypermotility in Atlantic croaker through membrane progestin receptor-alpha. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2015; 414:194-201. [PMID: 26118657 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2015.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2015] [Revised: 06/08/2015] [Accepted: 06/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The intracellular pathways mediating rapid, nongenomic progestin stimulation of sperm motility remain unclear. The role of epidermal growth factor receptors (Egfr and ErbB2) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (Mapk) in membrane progestin receptor-alpha (mPRα)-mediated progestin stimulation of sperm hypermotility was examined in a teleost, Atlantic croaker. Inhibition of upstream regulators of Egfr, intracellular tyrosine kinase (Src) with PP2, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) with Ilomastat, abolished progestin-initiated sperm hypermotility by 17,20β,21-trihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (20β-S; 20 nM) and a specific mPRα agonist, Org OD 02-0 (20 nM). Pretreatment of croaker sperm with EGFR inhibitors, AG1478 (5 μM) and RG13022 (50 μM), the ErbB2 inhibitor, AG879 (5 nM), or the MEK1/2 inhibitor, U0126 (500 nM) blocked progestin stimulation of sperm motility. Levels of phosphorylated extracellular-related kinase 1 and 2 (P-Erk1/2) were increased after 20β-S treatment. These results demonstrate that progestin-mediated hypermotility via mPRα in croaker sperm involves activation of the Egfr, ErbB2 and Mapk pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxian Tan
- The University of Texas Marine Science Institute, 750 Channel View Drive, Port Aransas, TX 78373, United States
| | - Peter Thomas
- The University of Texas Marine Science Institute, 750 Channel View Drive, Port Aransas, TX 78373, United States.
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Lackey BR, Gray SL. Identification of kinases, phosphatases, and phosphorylation sites in human and porcine spermatozoa. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2015; 61:345-52. [PMID: 26467841 DOI: 10.3109/19396368.2015.1089335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Multiple inter-connected signaling pathways, involving kinases and phosphatases, form a framework that controls sperm motility, function, and fertilizing ability. Methods that give a broad view of the proteomic landscape may prove valuable in uncovering new crosstalk connections, as well as in discovering new proteins within this regulatory framework. A multi-immunoblotting strategy was utilized to evaluate this concept on human and porcine spermatozoa samples. In human and porcine spermatozoa, a diversity of kinases were identified including protein kinase A (PKA), protein kinase B (PKB), isoforms of protein kinase C (PKC), calmodulin-dependent kinases (CAMK), casein kinase (CK), and isoforms of glycogen synthase kinase (GSK3). Several phosphatases, such as protein phosphatase (PP)-1, PP2A, PP2C, and mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphatase (MKP-1), were identified in human spermatozoa. The phosphorylation epitopes recognized belonged to members of the MAPK family, in addition to α and β isoforms of GSK3 and cAMP response element binding protein (CREB). Proteomic approaches that allow a broad view may aid in understanding the crosstalk between signaling systems in spermatozoal physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett R Lackey
- a Endocrine Physiology Laboratory, AVS Department, Clemson University , Clemson , SC , USA
| | - Sandra L Gray
- a Endocrine Physiology Laboratory, AVS Department, Clemson University , Clemson , SC , USA
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49
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Seminal CD38 Enhances Human Sperm Capacitation through Its Interaction with CD31. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0139110. [PMID: 26407101 PMCID: PMC4583300 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0139110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2015] [Accepted: 09/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Human sperm have to undergo a maturational process called capacitation in the female reproductive tract. Capacitation confers upon the sperm an ability to gain hypermotility and undergo acrosome reaction. Previous studies have suggested that seminal plasma proteins induce the capacitation of sperm in the female reproductive tract for the successful fertilization of the oocyte. However, the function of seminal plasma proteins in capacitation remains largely unclear. To the end, we found that soluble CD38 (sCD38) in seminal plasma increases the capacitation of sperm via specific interactions between sCD38 and the CD31 on the sperm. Upon the association of sCD38 with CD31, tyrosine kinase Src phosphorylates CD31, a process blocked by Src inhibitors. Shc, SHP-2, Grb2, and SOS, as well as Src kinase were found to associate with the phosphorylated CD31. The sCD38-induced phosphorylation of CD31 initiates a cascade reaction through the phosphorylation of Erk1/2, which results in the acrosome reaction, and sperm hypermotility. These processes were prevented by Src, Ras and MEK inhibitors. Taken together, these data indicate that the sCD38 present in seminal plasma plays a critical role in the capacitation of sperm.
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50
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Cebrián-Pérez JA, Casao A, González-Arto M, dos Santos Hamilton TR, Pérez-Pé R, Muiño-Blanco T. Melatonin in sperm biology: breaking paradigms. Reprod Domest Anim 2015; 49 Suppl 4:11-21. [PMID: 25277428 DOI: 10.1111/rda.12378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2014] [Accepted: 06/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Melatonin is a ubiquitous molecule, present in a wide range of organisms, and involved in multiple functions. Melatonin relays the information about the photoperiod to the tissues that express melatonin-binding sites in both central and peripheral nervous systems. This hormone has a complex mechanism of action. It can cross the cell plasma membrane and exert its actions in all cells of the body. Certain melatonin actions are mediated by receptors that belong to the superfamily of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), the MT1 and MT2 membrane. Melatonin can also bind to calmodulin as well as to nuclear receptors of the retinoic acid receptor family, RORα1, RORα2 and RZRβ. The purpose of this review is to report on recent developments in the physiological role of melatonin and its receptors. Specific issues concerning the biological function of melatonin in mammalian seasonal reproduction and spermatozoa are considered. The significance of the continuous presence of melatonin in seminal plasma with a fairly constant concentration is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Cebrián-Pérez
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Celular, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Ciencias Ambientales de Aragón (IUCA), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
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