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Ausió J, Knox A, Kim BH, Humphrey E, Gowen B, Minamino N, von Aderkas P. The sperm nuclear basic proteins of the sword fern ( Polystichum munitum). Biochem Cell Biol 2024; 102:285-290. [PMID: 38346284 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2023-0343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Sperm nuclear basic proteins (SNBPs) were isolated from extracted antheridia-rich male gametophytes raised from spores of the swordfern, Polystichum munitum. Electrophoretic (acetic acid-urea PAGE and SDS-PAGE) and chromatographic (rp-HPLC) characterization of the nuclear proteins exhibited the characteristics of the histone (H-type). In both types of gel electrophoresis, histones H1, H2A, and H2B showed an altered electrophoretic mobility corresponding to that which is routinely observed for the histones in other plants. Histones present during spermatogenesis of the fern P. munitum were compared with the few current SNBPs known to be present in higher and lower evolutionary plant clades. A transition from an early protamine (P-type) SNBPs in charophytes and bryophytes to the (H-type) SNBP observed here is reminiscent of similar reversions observed in the animal kingdom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Ausió
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada
| | - Alistair Knox
- Centre for Forest Biology, Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada
| | - Bo-Hyun Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada
| | - Elaine Humphrey
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada
| | - Brent Gowen
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada
| | - Naoki Minamino
- Division of Cellular Dynamics, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki 444-8585, Japan
| | - Patrick von Aderkas
- Centre for Forest Biology, Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada
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Lee H, Seo P, Teklay S, Yuguchi E, Benetta ED, Werren JH, Ferree PM. Ability of a selfish B chromosome to evade genome elimination in the jewel wasp, Nasonia vitripennis. Heredity (Edinb) 2023; 131:230-237. [PMID: 37524915 PMCID: PMC10462710 DOI: 10.1038/s41437-023-00639-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
B chromosomes are non-essential, extra chromosomes that can exhibit transmission-enhancing behaviors, including meiotic drive, mitotic drive, and induction of genome elimination, in plants and animals. A fundamental but poorly understood question is what characteristics allow B chromosomes to exhibit these extraordinary behaviors. The jewel wasp, Nasonia vitripennis, harbors a heterochromatic, paternally transmitted B chromosome known as paternal sex ratio (PSR), which causes complete elimination of the sperm-contributed half of the genome during the first mitotic division of fertilized embryos. This genome elimination event may result from specific, previously observed alterations of the paternal chromatin. Due to the haplo-diploid reproduction of the wasp, genome elimination by PSR causes female-destined embryos to develop as haploid males that transmit PSR. PSR does not undergo self-elimination despite its presence with the paternal chromatin until the elimination event. Here we performed fluorescence microscopic analyses aimed at understanding this unexplained property. Our results show that PSR, like the rest of the genome, participates in the histone-to-protamine transition, arguing that PSR does not avoid this transition to escape self-elimination. In addition, PSR partially escapes the chromatin-altering activity of the intracellular bacterium, Wolbachia, demonstrating that this ability to evade chromatin alteration is not limited to PSR's own activity. Finally, we observed that the rDNA locus and other unidentified heterochromatic regions of the wasp's genome also seem to evade chromatin disruption by PSR, suggesting that PSR's genome-eliminating activity does not affect heterochromatin. Thus, PSR may target an aspect of euchromatin to cause genome elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haena Lee
- W. M. Keck Science Department, Claremont McKenna, Pitzer and Scripps Colleges, Claremont, CA, 91711, USA
| | - Pooreum Seo
- W. M. Keck Science Department, Claremont McKenna, Pitzer and Scripps Colleges, Claremont, CA, 91711, USA
| | - Salina Teklay
- W. M. Keck Science Department, Claremont McKenna, Pitzer and Scripps Colleges, Claremont, CA, 91711, USA
| | - Emily Yuguchi
- W. M. Keck Science Department, Claremont McKenna, Pitzer and Scripps Colleges, Claremont, CA, 91711, USA
| | - Elena Dalla Benetta
- W. M. Keck Science Department, Claremont McKenna, Pitzer and Scripps Colleges, Claremont, CA, 91711, USA
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - John H Werren
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14627, USA
| | - Patrick M Ferree
- W. M. Keck Science Department, Claremont McKenna, Pitzer and Scripps Colleges, Claremont, CA, 91711, USA.
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3
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Chang CH, Mejia Natividad I, Malik HS. Expansion and loss of sperm nuclear basic protein genes in Drosophila correspond with genetic conflicts between sex chromosomes. eLife 2023; 12:85249. [PMID: 36763410 PMCID: PMC9917458 DOI: 10.7554/elife.85249] [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: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Many animal species employ sperm nuclear basic proteins (SNBPs) or protamines to package sperm genomes tightly. SNBPs vary across animal lineages and evolve rapidly in mammals. We used a phylogenomic approach to investigate SNBP diversification in Drosophila species. We found that most SNBP genes in Drosophila melanogaster evolve under positive selection except for genes essential for male fertility. Unexpectedly, evolutionarily young SNBP genes are more likely to be critical for fertility than ancient, conserved SNBP genes. For example, CG30056 is dispensable for male fertility despite being one of three SNBP genes universally retained in Drosophila species. We found 19 independent SNBP gene amplification events that occurred preferentially on sex chromosomes. Conversely, the montium group of Drosophila species lost otherwise-conserved SNBP genes, coincident with an X-Y chromosomal fusion. Furthermore, SNBP genes that became linked to sex chromosomes via chromosomal fusions were more likely to degenerate or relocate back to autosomes. We hypothesize that autosomal SNBP genes suppress meiotic drive, whereas sex-chromosomal SNBP expansions lead to meiotic drive. X-Y fusions in the montium group render autosomal SNBPs dispensable by making X-versus-Y meiotic drive obsolete or costly. Thus, genetic conflicts between sex chromosomes may drive SNBP rapid evolution during spermatogenesis in Drosophila species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Ho Chang
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, United States
| | - Isabel Mejia Natividad
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, United States.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, United States
| | - Harmit S Malik
- Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, United States.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, United States
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4
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Ren S, Chen X, Tian X, Yang D, Dong Y, Chen F, Fang X. The expression, function, and utilization of Protamine1: a literature review. Transl Cancer Res 2022; 10:4947-4957. [PMID: 35116345 PMCID: PMC8799248 DOI: 10.21037/tcr-21-1582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Objective Protamine 1 (PRM1) is specific in sperm and plays essential roles in fertilization, also a member of cancer testis antigen (CTA) family. This study aims to summarize the expression and function of PRM1 in spermatogenesis, and to broaden the current knowledge and inspire future development of PRM1-based therapeutic strategies in cancer treatment and nanomedicine. Background The protamine proteins, are characterized by an arginine-rich core and cysteine residues. Humans express two types of protamine: PRM1 and PRM2. The abnormal expression or proportion of PRM1 and PRM2 is known to be associated with subfertility and infertility, especially for PRM1 which is highly evolutionary conserved in mammalians and expressed in all vertebrates. Biological functions of PRM1 have been unveiled in diverse cellular processes, such as tumorigenesis, somatic cell nucleus transfer, and drug delivery systems. Moreover, PRM1 is identified as a CTA in chronic leukemia (CLL) and colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods Literature was obtained using PubMed and the keywords protamine 1, PRM1, or P1, from January 1, 1980, through July 20, 2021. We also collect the additional evidence through screening references of articles identified through the PubMed searches. Conclusions PRM1 is well-studied in male infertility, and further researches and attempts to develop PRM1 as novel tumor marker, as well as drug delivery vector, will be of important clinical significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengnan Ren
- Department of Breast, Thyroid, Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Xinmin Division of China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xuebo Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal, Colorectal and Anal Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Xiaofeng Tian
- Department of Breast, Thyroid, Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Xinmin Division of China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Dingquan Yang
- Department of Gastrointestinal, Colorectal and Anal Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yongli Dong
- Department of Gastrointestinal, Colorectal and Anal Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Fangfang Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal, Colorectal and Anal Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China.,Nanomedicine Translational Research Center, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xuedong Fang
- Department of Gastrointestinal, Colorectal and Anal Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
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Ugur MR, Guerreiro DD, Moura AA, Memili E. Identification of biomarkers for bull fertility using functional genomics. Anim Reprod 2022; 19:e20220004. [PMID: 35573862 PMCID: PMC9083437 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2022-0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Prediction of bull fertility is critical for the sustainability of both dairy and beef cattle production. Even though bulls produce ample amounts of sperm with normal parameters, some bulls may still suffer from subpar fertility. This causes major economic losses in the cattle industry because using artificial insemination, semen from one single bull can be used to inseminate hundreds of thousands of cows. Although there are several traditional methods to estimate bull fertility, such methods are not sufficient to explain and accurately predict the subfertility of individual bulls. Since fertility is a complex trait influenced by a number of factors including genetics, epigenetics, and environment, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive methodological approach to clarify uncertainty in male subfertility. The present review focuses on molecular and functional signatures of bull sperm associated with fertility. Potential roles of functional genomics (proteome, small noncoding RNAs, lipidome, metabolome) on determining male fertility and its potential as a fertility biomarker are discussed. This review provides a better understanding of the molecular signatures of viable and fertile sperm cells and their potential to be used as fertility biomarkers. This information will help uncover the underlying reasons for idiopathic subfertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Arlindo A. Moura
- Universidade Federal do Ceará, Brasil; Universidade Federal do Ceará, Brasil
| | - Erdogan Memili
- Mississippi State University, USA; Prairie View A&M University, USA
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de Vries JC, Barendrecht AD, Clark CC, Urbanus RT, Boross P, de Maat S, Maas C. Heparin Forms Polymers with Cell-free DNA Which Elongate Under Shear in Flowing Blood. Sci Rep 2019; 9:18316. [PMID: 31797980 PMCID: PMC6892814 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-54818-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Heparin is a widely used anticoagulant which inhibits factor Xa and thrombin through potentiation of antithrombin. We recently identified that the nucleic acid stain SYTOX reacts with platelet polyphosphate due to molecular similarities, some of which are shared by heparin. We attempted to study heparin in flowing blood by live-cell fluorescence microscopy, using SYTOX for heparin visualisation. Immunostaining was performed with monoclonal antibodies directed against various heparin-binding proteins. In addition, we studied modulation of heparin activity in coagulation assays, as well its effects on fibrin formation under flow in recalcified whole blood. We found that SYTOX-positive polymers appear in heparinised blood under flow. These polymers typically associate with platelet aggregates and their length (reversibly) increases with shear rate. Immunostaining revealed that of the heparin-binding proteins assessed, they only contain histones. In coagulation assays and flow studies on fibrin formation, we found that addition of exogenous histones reverses the anticoagulant effects of heparin. Furthermore, the polymers do not appear in the presence of DNase I, heparinase I/III, or the heparin antidote protamine. These findings suggest that heparin forms polymeric complexes with cell-free DNA in whole blood through a currently unidentified mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joost C de Vries
- Department of Clinical Chemistry & Haematology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Arjan D Barendrecht
- Department of Clinical Chemistry & Haematology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Chantal C Clark
- Department of Clinical Chemistry & Haematology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Rolf T Urbanus
- Department of Clinical Chemistry & Haematology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Boross
- Immunotherapy Laboratory, Laboratory for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Steven de Maat
- Department of Clinical Chemistry & Haematology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Coen Maas
- Department of Clinical Chemistry & Haematology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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de Michele F, Poels J, Vermeulen M, Ambroise J, Gruson D, Guiot Y, Wyns C. Haploid Germ Cells Generated in Organotypic Culture of Testicular Tissue From Prepubertal Boys. Front Physiol 2018; 9:1413. [PMID: 30356879 PMCID: PMC6190924 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
While in mice various studies have described the completion of spermatogenesis in vitro using either organotypic culture of prepubertal testicular tissue or 3D culture of isolated cells, in humans it has not been possible to achieve germ cell differentiation from immature testicular tissue (ITT). In our study, we evaluated the ability of human ITT to differentiate via a long-term organotypic culture of frozen–thawed 1 mm3 testicular fragments from five prepubertal boys in two different culture media. Tissue and supernatants were analyzed at regular intervals up to day 139. Sertoli cell (SC) viability and maturation was evaluated using immunohistochemistry (IHC) for SOX9, GDNF, anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and androgen receptor (AR), and AMH concentration in supernatants. Spermatogonia (SG) and proliferating cells were identified by MAGE-A4 (for SG) and Ki67 (for proliferating cells) via immunohistochemistry (IHC). Apoptotic cells were studied by active caspase 3. To evaluate Leydig cell (LC) functionality testosterone was measured in the supernatants and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STAR) IHC was performed. Germ cell differentiation was evaluated on Hematoxylin-Eosin histological sections, via IHC for synaptonemal complex 3 (SYCP3) for spermatocytes, Protein boule-like (BOLL) for spermatocytes and round spermatids, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), protamine 2 and transition protein 1 (for elongated spermatids) and via chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH). We reported the generation of meiotic and postmeiotic cells after 16 days of culture, as shown by the histological analyses, the presence of differentiation markers and the increase of haploid germ cells. We showed SC viability and maturation by a decrease of AMH secretion in the supernatants (p ≤ 0.001) while the number of SOX9 positive cells did not show any variation. A decrease of spermatogonia (p ≤ 0.001) was observed. The number of apoptotic cells did not vary. LC functionality was shown by the increase in STAR expression (p ≤ 0.007) and a peak in testosterone secretion, followed by a reduction (p ≤ 0.001) with stabilization. According to our knowledge, this is the first report of generation of haploid cells in human ITT. Differentiating germ cells have to be further evaluated for their ability to complete differentiation, their fecundability and epigenetic characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca de Michele
- Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium.,Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jonathan Poels
- Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Maxime Vermeulen
- Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jérôme Ambroise
- Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Centre de Technologies Moléculaires Appliquées (CTMA), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Damien Gruson
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Yves Guiot
- Department of Anatomopathology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christine Wyns
- Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium.,Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
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Kasimatis KR, Moerdyk-Schauwecker MJ, Timmermeyer N, Phillips PC. Proteomic and evolutionary analyses of sperm activation identify uncharacterized genes in Caenorhabditis nematodes. BMC Genomics 2018; 19:593. [PMID: 30086719 PMCID: PMC6081950 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-018-4980-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nematode sperm have unique and highly diverged morphology and molecular biology. In particular, nematode sperm contain subcellular vesicles known as membranous organelles that are necessary for male fertility, yet play a still unknown role in overall sperm function. Here we take a novel proteomic approach to characterize the functional protein complement of membranous organelles in two Caenorhabditis species: C. elegans and C. remanei. RESULTS We identify distinct protein compositions between membranous organelles and the activated sperm body. Two particularly interesting and undescribed gene families-the Nematode-Specific Peptide family, group D and the here designated Nematode-Specific Peptide family, group F-localize to the membranous organelle. Both multigene families are nematode-specific and exhibit patterns of conserved evolution specific to the Caenorhabditis clade. These data suggest gene family dynamics may be a more prevalent mode of evolution than sequence divergence within sperm. Using a CRISPR-based knock-out of the NSPF gene family, we find no evidence of a male fertility effect of these genes, despite their high protein abundance within the membranous organelles. CONCLUSIONS Our study identifies key components of this unique subcellular sperm component and establishes a path toward revealing their underlying role in reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja R. Kasimatis
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Oregon, 5289 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403-5289 USA
| | | | - Nadine Timmermeyer
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Oregon, 5289 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403-5289 USA
| | - Patrick C. Phillips
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Oregon, 5289 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403-5289 USA
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9
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McSwiggin HM, O'Doherty AM. Epigenetic reprogramming during spermatogenesis and male factor infertility. Reproduction 2018; 156:R9-R21. [PMID: 29717022 DOI: 10.1530/rep-18-0009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Infertility is an often devastating diagnosis encountered by around one in six couples who are trying to conceive. Moving away from the long-held belief that infertility is primarily a female issue, it is now recognised that half, if not more, of these cases may be due to male factors. Recent evidence has suggested that epigenetic abnormalities in chromatin dynamics, DNA methylation or sperm-borne RNAs may contribute to male infertility. In light of advances in deep sequencing technologies, researchers have been able to increase the coverage and depth of sequencing results, which in turn has allowed more comprehensive analyses of spermatozoa chromatin dynamics and methylomes and enabled the discovery of new subsets of sperm RNAs. This review examines the most current literature related to epigenetic processes in the male germline and the associations of aberrant modifications with fertility and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- H M McSwiggin
- Department of Physiology and Cell BiologyUniversity of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine, Reno, North Virginia, USA
| | - A M O'Doherty
- Animal Genomics LaboratoryUCD School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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10
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Abstract
In this chapter, a short evolutionary history and comparative analysis of sperm nuclear basic proteins (SNBPs) in marine invertebrates are presented based on some of the most recent publications in the field and building upon previously published reviews on the topic. Putative functions of SNBPs in sperm chromatin beyond DNA packaging will also be discussed with a primary focus on outstanding research questions.In somatic cells of all metazoans, DNA is packaged into tightly folded and dynamically accessible chromatin by canonical histones H2A, H2B, H3 and H4. Sperm chromatin of many animals, on the other hand, is organised by small yet structurally highly heterogeneous proteins called SNBPs, which can package sperm DNA on their own or in combination with each other. In extreme cases, sperm chromatin is condensed into a volume 6-10 times smaller than that of a somatic nucleus. SNBPs are classified into three major groups: H1 histone-type proteins (H-type SNBPs), protamines (P-type SNBPs) and protamine-like proteins (PL-type SNBPs). P-type SNBPs are mostly found in vertebrates, while PL-type SNBPs are ubiquitous in many invertebrate phyla. PL-type and P-type SNBPs evolved from histone H-type SNBP precursors through vertical evolution. Porifera, Ctenophora and Crustacea, Echinoidea (phylum Echinodermata) and Hydrozoa (phylum Hydrozoa) lack SNBPs. Echinoidea and Hydrozoa, however, evolved novel nucleosomal histone variants with specific roles during spermatogenesis. Seemingly, chromatin condensation plays a critical role in the silencing and tight packing of the genome within the sperm nucleus of most animals. However, the question of what necessitates the compaction of some sperm DNA beyond classical nucleosomal packaging while other sperm function using 'normal' histones remains unanswered to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Török
- Centre for Chromosome Biology, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland.
| | - Sebastian G Gornik
- Centre for Chromosome Biology, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland.
- Centre for Organismal Studies (COS), Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.
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11
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Rivera-Casas C, Gonzalez-Romero R, Garduño RA, Cheema MS, Ausio J, Eirin-Lopez JM. Molecular and Biochemical Methods Useful for the Epigenetic Characterization of Chromatin-Associated Proteins in Bivalve Molluscs. Front Physiol 2017; 8:490. [PMID: 28848447 PMCID: PMC5550673 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2017.00490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Bivalve molluscs constitute a ubiquitous taxonomic group playing key functions in virtually all ecosystems, and encompassing critical commercial relevance. Along with a sessile and filter-feeding lifestyle in most cases, these characteristics make bivalves model sentinel organisms routinely used for environmental monitoring studies in aquatic habitats. The study of epigenetic mechanisms linking environmental exposure and specific physiological responses (i.e., environmental epigenetics) stands out as a very innovative monitoring strategy, given the role of epigenetic modifications in acclimatization and adaptation. Furthermore, the heritable nature of many of those modifications constitutes a very promising avenue to explore the applicability of epigenetic conditioning and selection in management and restoration strategies. Chromatin provides a framework for the study of environmental epigenetic responses. Unfortunately, chromatin and epigenetic information are very limited in most non-traditional model organisms and even completely lacking in most environmentally and ecologically relevant organisms. The present work aims to provide a comprehensive and reproducible experimental workflow for the study of bivalve chromatin. First, a series of guidelines for the molecular isolation of genes encoding chromatin-associated proteins is provided, including information on primers suitable for conventional PCR, Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends (RACE), genome walking and quantitative PCR (qPCR) experiments. This section is followed by the description of methods specifically developed for the analysis of histone and SNBP proteins in different bivalve tissues, including protein extraction, purification, separation and immunodetection. Lastly, information about available antibodies, their specificity and performance is also provided. The tools and protocols described here complement current epigenetic analyses (usually limited to DNA methylation) by incorporating the study of structural elements modulating chromatin dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciro Rivera-Casas
- Environmental Epigenetics Group, Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International UniversityNorth Miami, FL, United States
| | - Rodrigo Gonzalez-Romero
- Environmental Epigenetics Group, Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International UniversityNorth Miami, FL, United States
| | - Rafael A Garduño
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie UniversityHalifax, NS, Canada
| | - Manjinder S Cheema
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of VictoriaVictoria, BC, Canada
| | - Juan Ausio
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of VictoriaVictoria, BC, Canada
| | - Jose M Eirin-Lopez
- Environmental Epigenetics Group, Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International UniversityNorth Miami, FL, United States
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12
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Rivera-Casas C, González-Romero R, Vizoso-Vazquez Á, Cheema MS, Cerdán ME, Méndez J, Ausió J, Eirin-Lopez JM. Characterization of mussel H2A.Z.2: a new H2A.Z variant preferentially expressed in germinal tissues from Mytilus. Biochem Cell Biol 2016; 94:480-490. [DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2016-0056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Histones are the fundamental constituents of the eukaryotic chromatin, facilitating the physical organization of DNA in chromosomes and participating in the regulation of its metabolism. The H2A family displays the largest number of variants among core histones, including the renowned H2A.X, macroH2A, H2A.B (Bbd), and H2A.Z. This latter variant is especially interesting because of its regulatory role and its differentiation into 2 functionally divergent variants (H2A.Z.1 and H2A.Z.2), further specializing the structure and function of vertebrate chromatin. In the present work we describe, for the first time, the presence of a second H2A.Z variant (H2A.Z.2) in the genome of a non-vertebrate animal, the mussel Mytilus. The molecular and evolutionary characterization of mussel H2A.Z.1 and H2A.Z.2 histones is consistent with their functional specialization, supported on sequence divergence at promoter and coding regions as well as on varying gene expression patterns. More precisely, the expression of H2A.Z.2 transcripts in gonadal tissue and its potential upregulation in response to genotoxic stress might be mirroring the specialization of this variant in DNA repair. Overall, the findings presented in this work complement recent reports describing the widespread presence of other histone variants across eukaryotes, supporting an ancestral origin and conserved role for histone variants in chromatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciro Rivera-Casas
- Chromatin Structure and Evolution (Chromevol) Group, Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, North Miami, FL 33181, USA
| | - Rodrigo González-Romero
- Chromatin Structure and Evolution (Chromevol) Group, Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, North Miami, FL 33181, USA
| | - Ángel Vizoso-Vazquez
- Exprela Group, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of A Coruña, A Coruña E15071, Spain
| | - Manjinder S. Cheema
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 3P6, Canada
| | - M. Esperanza Cerdán
- Exprela Group, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of A Coruña, A Coruña E15071, Spain
| | - Josefina Méndez
- Xenomar Group, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of A Coruña, A Coruña E15071, Spain
| | - Juan Ausió
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 3P6, Canada
| | - Jose M. Eirin-Lopez
- Chromatin Structure and Evolution (Chromevol) Group, Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, North Miami, FL 33181, USA
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Török A, Schiffer PH, Schnitzler CE, Ford K, Mullikin JC, Baxevanis AD, Bacic A, Frank U, Gornik SG. The cnidarian Hydractinia echinata employs canonical and highly adapted histones to pack its DNA. Epigenetics Chromatin 2016; 9:36. [PMID: 27602058 PMCID: PMC5011920 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-016-0085-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cnidarians are a group of early branching animals including corals, jellyfish and hydroids that are renowned for their high regenerative ability, growth plasticity and longevity. Because cnidarian genomes are conventional in terms of protein-coding genes, their remarkable features are likely a consequence of epigenetic regulation. To facilitate epigenetics research in cnidarians, we analysed the histone complement of the cnidarian model organism Hydractinia echinata using phylogenomics, proteomics, transcriptomics and mRNA in situ hybridisations. Results We find that the Hydractinia genome encodes 19 histones and analyse their spatial expression patterns, genomic loci and replication-dependency. Alongside core and other replication-independent histone variants, we find several histone replication-dependent variants, including a rare replication-dependent H3.3, a female germ cell-specific H2A.X and an unusual set of five H2B variants, four of which are male germ cell-specific. We further confirm the absence of protamines in Hydractinia. Conclusions Since no protamines are found in hydroids, we suggest that the novel H2B variants are pivotal for sperm DNA packaging in this class of Cnidaria. This study adds to the limited number of full histone gene complements available in animals and sets a comprehensive framework for future studies on the role of histones and their post-translational modifications in cnidarian epigenetics. Finally, it provides insight into the evolution of spermatogenesis. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13072-016-0085-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Török
- Centre for Chromosome Biology, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Philipp H Schiffer
- Genetics Environment and Evolution, University College London, London, UK
| | - Christine E Schnitzler
- Division of Intramural Research, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA ; Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience, University of Florida, St. Augustine, FL 32080 USA
| | - Kris Ford
- Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience, University of Florida, St. Augustine, FL 32080 USA ; Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Cell Walls, School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010 Australia
| | - James C Mullikin
- Division of Intramural Research, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA ; NIH Intramural Sequencing Center, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852 USA
| | - Andreas D Baxevanis
- Division of Intramural Research, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
| | - Antony Bacic
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Cell Walls, School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010 Australia
| | - Uri Frank
- Centre for Chromosome Biology, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Sebastian G Gornik
- Centre for Chromosome Biology, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
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Identification of Genes Uniquely Expressed in the Germ-Line Tissues of the Jewel Wasp Nasonia vitripennis. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2015; 5:2647-53. [PMID: 26464360 PMCID: PMC4683638 DOI: 10.1534/g3.115.021386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The jewel wasp Nasonia vitripennis is a rising model organism for the study of haplo-diploid reproduction characteristic of hymenopteran insects, which include all wasps, bees, and ants. We performed transcriptional profiling of the ovary, the female soma, and the male soma of N. vitripennis to complement a previously existing transcriptome of the wasp testis. These data were deposited into an open-access genome browser for visualization of transcripts relative to their gene models. We used these data to identify the assemblies of genes uniquely expressed in the germ-line tissues. We found that 156 protein-coding genes are expressed exclusively in the wasp testis compared with only 22 in the ovary. Of the testis-specific genes, eight are candidates for male-specific DNA packaging proteins known as protamines. We found very similar expression patterns of centrosome associated genes in the testis and ovary, arguing that de novo centrosome formation, a key process for development of unfertilized eggs into males, likely does not rely on large-scale transcriptional differences between these tissues. In contrast, a number of meiosis-related genes show a bias toward testis-specific expression, despite the lack of true meiosis in N. vitripennis males. These patterns may reflect an unexpected complexity of male gamete production in the haploid males of this organism. Broadly, these data add to the growing number of genomic and genetic tools available in N. vitripennis for addressing important biological questions in this rising insect model organism.
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15
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Alvi ZA, Chu TC, Schawaroch V, Klaus AV. Genomic and expression analysis of transition proteins in Drosophila. SPERMATOGENESIS 2015; 5:e1178518. [PMID: 27512614 PMCID: PMC4964972 DOI: 10.1080/21565562.2016.1178518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2016] [Revised: 04/08/2016] [Accepted: 04/09/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The current study was aimed at analyzing putative protein sequences of the transition protein-like proteins in 12 Drosophila species based on the reference sequences of transition protein-like protein (Tpl (94D) ) expressed in Drosophila melanogaster sperm nuclei. Transition proteins aid in transforming chromatin from a histone-based nucleosome structure to a protamine-based structure during spermiogenesis - the post-meiotic stage of spermatogenesis. Sequences were obtained from NCBI Ref-Seq database using NCBI ORF-Finder (PSI-BLAST). Sequence alignments and analysis of the amino acid content indicate that orthologs for Tpl (94D) are present in the melanogaster species subgroup (D. simulans, D. sechellia, D. erecta, and D. yakuba), D. ananassae, and D. pseudoobscura, but absent in D. persmilis, D. willistoni, D. mojavensis, D. virilis, and D. grimshawi. Transcriptome next generation sequence (RNA-Seq) data for testes and ovaries was used to conduct differential gene expression analysis for Tpl (94D) in D. melanogaster, D. simulans, D. yakuba, D. ananassae, and D. pseudoobscura. The identified Tpl (94D) orthologs show high expression in the testes as compared to the ovaries. Additionally, 2 isoforms of Tpl (94D) were detected in D. melanogaster with isoform A being much more highly expressed than isoform B. Functional analyses of the conserved region revealed that the same high mobility group (HMG) box/DNA binding region is conserved for both Drosophila Tpl (94D) and Drosophila protamine-like proteins (MST35Ba and MST35Bb). Based on the rigorous bioinformatic approach and the conservation of the HMG box reported in this work, we suggest that the Drosophila Tpl (94D) orthologs should be classified as their own transition protein group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zain A. Alvi
- Department of Biological Sciences; Seton Hall University; South Orange, NJ USA
| | - Tin-Chun Chu
- Department of Biological Sciences; Seton Hall University; South Orange, NJ USA
| | | | - Angela V Klaus
- Department of Biological Sciences; Seton Hall University; South Orange, NJ USA
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16
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The role of the chromatin assembly complex (CAF-1) and its p60 subunit (CHAF1b) in homeostasis and disease. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2015; 1849:979-86. [PMID: 26066981 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2015.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2015] [Revised: 05/22/2015] [Accepted: 05/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Nucleosome assembly following DNA synthesis is critical for maintaining genomic stability. The proteins directly responsible for shuttling newly synthesized histones H3 and H4 from the cytoplasm to the assembly fork during DNA replication comprise the Chromatin Assembly Factor 1 complex (CAF-1). Whereas the diverse functions of the large (CAF-1-p150, CHAF1a) and small (RbAp48, p48) subunits of the CAF-1 complex have been well-characterized in many tissues and extend beyond histone chaperone activity, the contributions of the medium subunit (CAF-1-p60, CHAF1b) are much less well understood. Although it is known that CHAF1b has multiple functional domains (7× WD repeat domain, B-like domain, and a PEST domain), how these components come together to elicit the functions of this protein are still unclear. Here, we review the biology of the CAF-1 complex, with an emphasis on CHAF1b, including its structure, regulation, and function. In addition, we discuss the possible contributions of CHAF1b and the CAF-1 complex to human diseases. Of note, CHAF1b is located within the Down syndrome critical region (DSCR) of chromosome 21. Therefore, we also address the putative contributions of its trisomy to the various manifestations of DS.
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17
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O'Doherty AM, McGettigan PA. Epigenetic processes in the male germline. Reprod Fertil Dev 2015; 27:725-38. [DOI: 10.1071/rd14167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2014] [Accepted: 08/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm undergo some of the most extensive chromatin modifications seen in mammalian biology. During male germline development, paternal DNA methylation marks are erased and established on a global scale through waves of demethylation and de novo methylation. As spermatogenesis progresses, the majority of the histones are removed and replaced by protamines, enabling a tighter packaging of the DNA and transcriptional shutdown. Following fertilisation, the paternal genome is rapidly reactivated, actively demethylated, the protamines are replaced with histones and the embryonic genome is activated. The development of new assays, made possible by high-throughput sequencing technology, has resulted in the revisiting of what was considered settled science regarding the state of DNA packaging in mammalian spermatozoa. Researchers have discovered that not all histones are replaced by protamines and, in certain experiments, various species of RNA have been detected in what was previously considered transcriptionally quiescent spermatozoa. Most controversially, several groups have suggested that environmental modifications of the epigenetic state of spermatozoa may operate as a non-DNA-based form of inheritance, a process known as ‘transgenerational epigenetic inheritance’. Other developments in the field include the increased focus on the involvement of short RNAs, such as microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs and piwi-interacting RNAs. There has also been an accumulation of evidence illustrating associations between defects in sperm DNA packaging and disease and fertility. In this paper we review the literature, recent findings and areas of controversy associated with epigenetic processes in the male germline, focusing on DNA methylation dynamics, non-coding RNAs, the biology of sperm chromatin packaging and transgenerational inheritance.
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18
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Vassalli QA, Caccavale F, Avagnano S, Murolo A, Guerriero G, Fucci L, Ausió J, Piscopo M. New insights into protamine-like component organization in Mytilus galloprovincialis' sperm chromatin. DNA Cell Biol 2014; 34:162-9. [PMID: 25494411 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2014.2631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
We have analyzed Mytilus galloprovincialis' sperm chromatin, which consists of three protamine-like proteins, PL-II, PL-III, and PL-IV, in addition to a residual amount of the four core histones. We have probed the structure of this sperm chromatin through digestion with micrococcal nuclease (MNase) in combination with salt fractionation. Furthermore, we used the electrophoretic mobility shift assay to define DNA-binding mode of PL-II and PL-III and turbidimetric assays to determine their self-association ability in the presence of sodium phosphate. Although in literature it is reported that M. galloprovincialis' sperm chromatin lacks nucleosomal organization, our results obtained by MNase digestion suggest the existence of a likely unusual organization, in which there would be a more accessible location of PL-II/PL-IV when compared with PL-III and core histones. So, we hypothesize that in M. galloprovincialis' sperm chromatin organization DNA is wrapped around a PL-III protein core and core histones and PL-II and PL-IV are bound to the flanking DNA regions (similarly to somatic histone H1). Furthermore, we propose that PL's K/R ratio affects their DNA-binding mode and self-association ability as reported previously for somatic and sperm H1 histones.
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19
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Jodar M, Oliva R. Protamine Alterations in Human Spermatozoa. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2014; 791:83-102. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-7783-9_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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20
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Saperas N, Ausió J. Sperm nuclear basic proteins of tunicates and the origin of protamines. THE BIOLOGICAL BULLETIN 2013; 224:127-136. [PMID: 23995738 DOI: 10.1086/bblv224n3p127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Sperm nuclear basic proteins (SNBPs) are the chromosomal proteins that are found associated with DNA in sperm nuclei at the end of spermiogenesis. These highly specialized proteins can be classified into three major types: histone type (H-type), protamine-like type (PL-type), and protamine type (P-type). A hypothesis from early studies on the characterization of SNBPs proposed a mechanism for the vertical evolution of these proteins that involved an H1 → PL → P transition. However, the processes and mechanisms involved in such a transition were not understood. In particular, it was not clear how a molecular transition from a lysine-rich protein precursor (H1 histone) to the arginine-rich protamines might have taken place. In deuterostomes, the presence of SNBPs of the H-type in echinoderms and of protamines in the higher phylogenetic groups of vertebrates had long been known. The initial work on the characterization of tunicate SNBPs attempted to define the types and range of SNBPs that characterize this phylogenetically intermediate group. It was found that tunicate SNBPs belong to the PL-type. In this work we discuss how the study of SNBPs in the tunicates has been key to providing support to the H1 → PL → P transition. Most significantly, it was in tunicates that a potential molecular mechanism to explain the lysine-to-arginine transition was first reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Núria Saperas
- Departament d'Enginyeria Química, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain.
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21
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Doyen CM, Moshkin YM, Chalkley GE, Bezstarosti K, Demmers JAA, Rathke C, Renkawitz-Pohl R, Verrijzer CP. Subunits of the histone chaperone CAF1 also mediate assembly of protamine-based chromatin. Cell Rep 2013; 4:59-65. [PMID: 23810557 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2013.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2013] [Revised: 04/25/2013] [Accepted: 06/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the most dramatic forms of chromatin reorganization occurs during spermatogenesis, when the paternal genome is repackaged from a nucleosomal to a protamine-based structure. We assessed the role of the canonical histone chaperone CAF1 in Drosophila spermatogenesis. In this process, CAF1 does not behave as a complex, but its subunits display distinct chromatin dynamics. During histone-to-protamine replacement, CAF1-p180 dissociates from the DNA while CAF1-p75 binds and stays on as a component of sperm chromatin. Association of CAF1-p75 with the paternal genome depends on CAF1-p180 and protamines. Conversely, CAF1-p75 binds protamines and is required for their incorporation into sperm chromatin. Histone removal, however, occurs independently of CAF1 or protamines. Thus, CAF1-p180 and CAF1-p75 function in a temporal hierarchy during sperm chromatin assembly, with CAF1-p75 acting as a protamine-loading factor. These results show that CAF1 subunits mediate the assembly of two fundamentally different forms of chromatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cécile M Doyen
- Department of Biochemistry, Erasmus University Medical Centre, P.O. Box 1738, 3000 DR, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Singla A, Sullivan MJ, Lee G, Bartholomew J, Kapadia S, Aster RH, Curtis BR. Protamine-induced immune thrombocytopenia. Transfusion 2013; 53:2158-63. [PMID: 23384227 DOI: 10.1111/trf.12112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2012] [Revised: 11/20/2012] [Accepted: 11/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Protamine is widely used to reverse the anticoagulant effects of heparin. Although mild thrombocytopenia is common in patients given protamine after cardiac procedures, acute severe thrombocytopenia has not been described. We encountered a patient who experienced profound thrombocytopenia and bleeding shortly after administration of protamine and performed studies to characterize the responsible mechanism. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Patient serum was studied for antibodies that recognize protamine, heparin-protamine complexes, and platelets (PLTs) treated with protamine using flow cytometry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and serotonin release from labeled PLTs. RESULTS A high-titer immunoglobulin G antibody was detected in patient serum that recognizes protamine in a complex with heparin or PLT surface glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and activates PLTs treated with protamine at concentrations achieved in vivo after protamine infusion. The antibody is distinctly different from those found in patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia on the basis of its failure to recognize heparin in a complex with PLT factor 4 (PF4) and to release serotonin from labeled PLTs in the absence of protamine. CONCLUSIONS Findings made suggest that the patient's antibody is specific for conformational changes induced in protamine when it reacts with heparin or a PLT surface GAG. Development of severe thrombocytopenia after treatment of this patient with protamine defines a previously undescribed mechanism of drug-induced immune thrombocytopenia. Patients given protamine who produce this type of antibody may be at risk of experiencing thrombocytopenia if given the drug a second time while antibody is still present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atul Singla
- Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio; Platelet & Neutrophil Immunology Laboratory, Blood Research Institute, BloodCenter of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Division of Hematology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina; Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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23
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Fioretti FM, Febbraio F, Carbone A, Branno M, Carratore V, Fucci L, Ausió J, Piscopo M. A sperm nuclear basic protein from the sperm of the marine worm Chaetopterus variopedatus with sequence similarity to the arginine-rich C-termini of chordate protamine-likes. DNA Cell Biol 2012; 31:1392-402. [PMID: 22536787 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2011.1547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The sperm nuclear basic proteins (SNBPs) of the marine annelid worm Chaetopterus variopedatus have been shown previously to consist of a mixture of two SNBPs: histone H1-like (CvH1) and C.variopedatus protamine-like (CvPL). Here, we report the structural characterization of CvPL. The protein has a molecular weight of 8370.5 Da, a K/R ratio of 0.34, and a secondary structure, which are intermediate between those of protamine (P) and protamine-like (PL) SNBPs. The N-terminal sequence of CvPL shows a high extent of similarity with the arginine-rich C-terminal domain of chordate PL-type SNBPs. Furthermore, the protein binds to DNA in a similar fashion as vertebrate PLs and their own CvH1, but in a way that is different from that of the lysine-rich somatic H1 histones. We have experimentally determined the molar ratio CvH1:CvPL to be ∼1:6 in C. variopedatus sperm. Based on all of these, a model is proposed for the organization of the sperm chromatin by CvH1 and CvPL.
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24
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Peng Y, Li K, Pei RJ, Wu CC, Liang CY, Wang Y, Chen XW. The protamine-like DNA-binding protein P6.9 epigenetically up-regulates Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus gene transcription in the late infection phase. Virol Sin 2012; 27:57-68. [PMID: 22270807 DOI: 10.1007/s12250-012-3229-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2011] [Accepted: 12/15/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Protamines are a group of highly basic proteins first discovered in spermatozoon that allow for denser packaging of DNA than histones and will result in down-regulation of gene transcription[1]. It is well recognized that the Autographa californica multicapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) encodes P6.9, a protamine-like protein that forms the viral subnucleosome through binding to the viral genome[29]. Previous research demonstrates that P6.9 is essential for viral nucleocapsid assembly, while it has no influence on viral genome replication[31]. In the present study, the role of P6.9 in viral gene transcription regulation is characterized. In contrast to protamines or other protamine-like proteins that usually down-regulate gene transcription, P6.9 appears to up-regulate viral gene transcription at 12-24 hours post infection (hpi), whereas it is non-essential for the basal level of viral gene transcription. Fluorescence microscopy reveals the P6.9's co-localization with DNA is temporally and spatially synchronized with P6.9's impact on viral gene transcription, indicating the P6.9-DNA association contributes to transcription regulation. Chromatin fractionation assay further reveals an unexpected co-existence of P6.9 and host RNA polymerase II in the same transcriptionally active chromatin fraction at 24 hpi, which may probably contribute to viral gene transcription up-regulation in the late infection phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Peng
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural & Environmental Microbiology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
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Histone H2A (H2A.X and H2A.Z) variants in molluscs: molecular characterization and potential implications for chromatin dynamics. PLoS One 2012; 7:e30006. [PMID: 22253857 PMCID: PMC3256202 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0030006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2011] [Accepted: 12/11/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Histone variants are used by the cell to build specialized nucleosomes, replacing canonical histones and generating functionally specialized chromatin domains. Among many other processes, the specialization imparted by histone H2A (H2A.X and H2A.Z) variants to the nucleosome core particle constitutes the earliest response to DNA damage in the cell. Consequently, chromatin-based genotoxicity tests have been developed in those cases where enough information pertaining chromatin structure and dynamics is available (i.e., human and mouse). However, detailed chromatin knowledge is almost absent in most organisms, specially protostome animals. Molluscs (which represent sentinel organisms for the study of pollution) are not an exception to this lack of knowledge. In the present work we first identified the existence of functionally differentiated histone H2A.X and H2A.Z variants in the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis (MgH2A.X and MgH2A.Z), a marine organism widely used in biomonitoring programs. Our results support the functional specialization of these variants based on: a) their active expression in different tissues, as revealed by the isolation of native MgH2A.X and MgH2A.Z proteins in gonad and hepatopancreas; b) the evolutionary conservation of different residues encompassing functional relevance; and c) their ability to confer specialization to nucleosomes, as revealed by nucleosome reconstitution experiments using recombinant MgH2A.X and MgH2A.Z histones. Given the seminal role of these variants in maintaining genomic integrity and regulating gene expression, their preliminary characterization opens up new potential applications for the future development of chromatin-based genotoxicity tests in pollution biomonitoring programs.
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26
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Complex chromatin condensation patterns and nuclear protein transitions during spermiogenesis: examples from mollusks. Tissue Cell 2011; 43:367-76. [PMID: 21937068 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2011.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2011] [Revised: 07/29/2011] [Accepted: 08/01/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
In this paper we review and analyze the chromatin condensation pattern during spermiogenesis in several species of mollusks. Previously, we had described the nuclear protein transitions during spermiogenesis in these species. The results of our study show two types of condensation pattern: simple patterns and complex patterns, with the following general characteristics: (a) When histones (always present in the early spermatid nucleus) are directly replaced by SNBP (sperm nuclear basic proteins) of the protamine type, the spermiogenic chromatin condensation pattern is simple. However, if the replacement is not direct but through intermediate proteins, the condensation pattern is complex. (b) The intermediate proteins found in mollusks are precursor molecules that are processed during spermiogenesis to the final protamine molecules. Some of these final protamines represent proteins with the highest basic amino acid content known to date, which results in the establishment of a very strong electrostatic interaction with DNA. (c) In some instances, the presence of complex patterns of chromatin condensation clearly correlates with the acquisition of specialized forms of the mature sperm nuclei. In contrast, simple condensation patterns always lead to rounded, oval or slightly cylindrical nuclei. (d) All known cases of complex spermiogenic chromatin condensation patterns are restricted to species with specialized sperm cells (introsperm). At the time of writing, we do not know of any report on complex condensation pattern in species with external fertilization and, therefore, with sperm cells of the primitive type (ect-aquasperm). (e) Some of the mollusk an spermiogenic chromatin condensation patterns of the complex type are very similar (almost identical) to those present in other groups of animals. Interestingly, the intermediate proteins involved in these cases can be very different.In this study, we discuss the biological significance of all these features and conclude that the appearance of precursor (intermediate) molecules facilitated the development of complex patterns of condensation and, as a consequence, a great diversity of forms in the sperm cell nuclei
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Jodar M, Oriola J, Mestre G, Castillo J, Giwercman A, Vidal-Taboada JM, Ballescà JL, Oliva R. Polymorphisms, haplotypes and mutations in the protamine 1 and 2 genes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 34:470-85. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2605.2010.01115.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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González-Romero R, Ausió J, Méndez J, Eirín-López JM. Histone genes of the razor clam Solen marginatus unveil new aspects of linker histone evolution in protostomes. Genome 2010; 52:597-607. [PMID: 19767891 DOI: 10.1139/g09-034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The association of DNA with histones results in a nucleoprotein complex called chromatin that consists of repetitive nucleosomal subunits. Nucleosomes are joined together in the chromatin fiber by short stretches of linker DNA that interact with a wide diversity of linker H1 histones involved in chromatin compaction and dynamics. Although the long-term evolution of the H1 family has been the subject of different studies during the last 5 years, the lack of molecular data on replication-independent (RI) H1 variants from protostomes has been hampering attempts to complete the evolutionary picture of this histone family in eukaryotes, especially as it pertains to the functional specialization they impart to the chromatin structure in members of this bilaterian lineage. In an attempt to fill this gap, the present work characterizes the histone gene complement from the razor clam Solen marginatus. Molecular evolutionary analyses reveal that the H1 gene from this organism represents one of the few protostome RI H1 genes known to date, a notion which is further supported by its location within the monophyletic group encompassing the RI H1 variants in the overall phylogeny of eukaryotic H1 proteins. Although the detailed characterization of the nucleotide substitution patterns in RI H1 variants agrees with the model of birth-and-death evolution under strong purifying selection, maximum-likelihood approaches unveil the presence of adaptive selection during at least part of the evolutionary differentiation between protostomes and deuterostomes. The presence of increased levels of specialization in RI H1 proteins from deuterostomes as well as the significant differences observed in electrostatic properties between protostome and deuterostome RI H1s represent novel and important preliminary results for future studies of the functional differentiation of this histone H1 lineage across bilaterians.
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Eirín-López JM, Ausió J. Origin and evolution of chromosomal sperm proteins. Bioessays 2009; 31:1062-70. [PMID: 19708021 DOI: 10.1002/bies.200900050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
In the eukaryotic cell, DNA compaction is achieved through its interaction with histones, constituting a nucleoprotein complex called chromatin. During metazoan evolution, the different structural and functional constraints imposed on the somatic and germinal cell lines led to a unique process of specialization of the sperm nuclear basic proteins (SNBPs) associated with chromatin in male germ cells. SNBPs encompass a heterogeneous group of proteins which, since their discovery in the nineteenth century, have been studied extensively in different organisms. However, the origin and controversial mechanisms driving the evolution of this group of proteins has only recently started to be understood. Here, we analyze in detail the histone hypothesis for the vertical parallel evolution of SNBPs, involving a "vertical" transition from a histone to a protamine-like and finally protamine types (H --> PL --> P), the last one of which is present in the sperm of organisms at the uppermost tips of the phylogenetic tree. In particular, the common ancestry shared by the protamine-like (PL)- and protamine (P)-types with histone H1 is discussed within the context of the diverse structural and functional constraints acting upon these proteins during bilaterian evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- José M Eirín-López
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Universidade da Coruña, Coruña, Spain
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Functional equivalence of HMGA- and histone H1-like domains in a bacterial transcriptional factor. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2009; 106:13546-51. [PMID: 19666574 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0902233106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Histone H1 and high-mobility group A (HMGA) proteins compete dynamically to modulate chromatin structure and regulate DNA transactions in eukaryotes. In prokaryotes, HMGA-like domains are known only in Myxococcus xanthus CarD and its Stigmatella aurantiaca ortholog. These have an N-terminal module absent in HMGA that interacts with CarG (a zinc-associated factor that does not bind DNA) to form a stable complex essential in regulating multicellular development, light-induced carotenogenesis, and other cellular processes. An analogous pair, CarD(Ad) and CarG(Ad), exists in another myxobacterium, Anaeromyxobacter dehalogenans. Intriguingly, the CarD(Ad) C terminus lacks the hallmark HMGA DNA-binding AT-hooks and instead resembles the C-terminal region (CTR) of histone H1. We find that CarD(Ad) alone could not replace CarD in M. xanthus. By contrast, when introduced with CarG(Ad), CarD(Ad) functionally replaced CarD in regulating not just 1 but 3 distinct processes in M. xanthus, despite the lower DNA-binding affinity of CarD(Ad) versus CarD in vitro. The ability of the cognate CarD(Ad)-CarG(Ad) pair to interact, but not the noncognate CarD(Ad)-CarG, rationalizes these data. Thus, in chimeras that conserve CarD-CarG interactions, the H1-like CTR of CarD(Ad) could replace the CarD HMGA AT-hooks with no loss of function in vivo. More tellingly, even chimeras with the CarD AT-hook region substituted by human histone H1 CTR or full-length H1 functioned in M. xanthus. Our domain-swap analyses showing functional equivalence of HMGA AT-hooks and H1 CTR in prokaryotic transcriptional regulation provide molecular insights into possible modes of action underlying their biological roles.
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Kurtz K, Martínez-Soler F, Ausió J, Chiva M. Histones and nucleosomes in Cancer sperm (Decapod: Crustacea) previously described as lacking basic DNA-associated proteins: a new model of sperm chromatin. J Cell Biochem 2009; 105:574-84. [PMID: 18655193 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.21857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
To date several studies have been carried out which indicate that DNA of crustacean sperm is neither bound nor organized by basic proteins and, contrary to the rest of spermatozoa, do not contain highly packaged chromatin. Since this is the only known case of this type among metazoan cells, we have re-examined the composition, and partially the structure, of the mature sperm chromatin of Cancer pagurus, which has previously been described as lacking basic DNA-associated proteins. The results we present here show that: (a) sperm DNA of C. pagurus is bound by histones forming nucleosomes of 170 base pairs, (b) the ratio [histones/DNA] in sperm of two Cancer species is 0.5 and 0.6 (w/w). This ratio is quite lower than the proportion [proteins/DNA] that we found in other sperm nuclei with histones or protamines, whose value is from 1.0 to 1.2 (w/w), (c) histone H4 is highly acetylated in mature sperm chromatin of C. pagurus. Other histones (H3 and H2B) are also acetylated, though the level is much lower than that of histone H4. The low ratio of histones to DNA, along with the high level of acetylation of these proteins, explains the non-compact, decondensed state of the peculiar chromatin in the sperm studied here. In the final section we offer an explanation for the necessity of such decondensed chromatin during gamete fertilization of this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Kurtz
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiological Sciences II, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Hua J, Sidhu K. Recent advances in the derivation of germ cells from the embryonic stem cells. Stem Cells Dev 2008; 17:399-411. [PMID: 18576912 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2007.0225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, considerable progress has been made in the establishment and differentiation of human embryonic stem (ES) cell lines. The primordial germ cells (PGCs) and embryonic germ (EG) cells derived from them share many of their properties with ES cells. ES cell lines have now been derived from different stages of germ cell development and they have differentiated into gametes and shown embryonic development in mice, including the production of live pups. Conversely, germ cells can also be derived from ES cells. It has been demonstrated that murine (m) ES cells can differentiate into PGCs and subsequently into early gametes (oocytes and sperms) and blastocysts. Recently, immature sperm cells derived from mES cells in culture have produced live offspring. Preliminary research has indicated that human (h) ES cells probably have the potential to differentiate into germ cells. Adult stem cells have been reported to differentiate into mature germ cells in vitro. Therefore, stem cells may offer a valuable in vitro model for the investigation of germ cell development and the early stages of human gametogenesis, including epigenetic modifications of the germ line. This review discusses recent developments in the derivation and specification of mammalian germ cells from ES cells and describes some of the mechanisms of germ cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinlian Hua
- Diabetes Transplant Unit, Prince of Wales Hospital and The University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW, Australia
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Rose KL, Li A, Zalenskaya I, Zhang Y, Unni E, Hodgson KC, Yu Y, Shabanowitz J, Meistrich ML, Hunt DF, Ausió J. C-terminal phosphorylation of murine testis-specific histone H1t in elongating spermatids. J Proteome Res 2008; 7:4070-8. [PMID: 18698803 DOI: 10.1021/pr8003908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies gave differing results as to whether the testis-specific histone H1t was phosphorylated during rodent spermatogenesis. We show here that histones extracted from germ cell populations enriched with spermatids at different stages of development in rat testes reveal an electrophoretic shift in the position of H1t to slower mobilities in elongating spermatids as compared to that from preceding stages. Alkaline phosphatase treatment and radioactive labeling with (32)P demonstrated that the electrophoretic shift is due to phosphorylation. Mass spectrometric analysis of histone H1t purified from sexually mature mice and rat testes confirmed the occurrence of singly, doubly, and triply phosphorylated species, with phosphorylation sites predominantly found at the C-terminal end of the molecule. Furthermore, using collision-activated dissociation (CAD) and electron transfer dissociation (ETD), we have been able to identify the major phosphorylation sites. These include a new, previously unidentified putative H1t-specific cdc2 phosphorylation site in linker histones. The presence of phosphorylation at the C-terminal end of H1t and the timing of its appearance suggest that this post-translational modification is involved in the reduction of H1t binding strength to DNA. It is proposed that this could participate in the opening of the chromatin fiber in preparation for histone displacement by transition proteins in the next phase of spermiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristie L Rose
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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Abstract
An overview of the vertebrate members of a diverse family of basic DNA-binding proteins that are synthesized in the late-stage spermatids of many animals and plants and condense the spermatid genome into a genetically inactive state. The protamines are a diverse family of small arginine-rich proteins that are synthesized in the late-stage spermatids of many animals and plants and bind to DNA, condensing the spermatid genome into a genetically inactive state. Vertebrates have from one to 15 protamine genes per haploid genome, which are clustered together on the same chromosome. Comparison of protamine gene and amino-acid sequences suggests that the family evolved from specialized histones through protamine-like proteins to the true protamines. Structural elements present in all true protamines are a series of arginine-rich DNA-anchoring domains (often containing a mixture of arginine and lysine residues in non-mammalian protamines) and multiple phosphorylation sites. The two protamines found in mammals, P1 and P2, are the most widely studied. P1 packages sperm DNA in all mammals, whereas protamine P2 is present only in the sperm of primates, many rodents and a subset of other placental mammals. P2, but not P1, is synthesized as a precursor that undergoes proteolytic processing after binding to DNA and also binds a zinc atom, the function of which is not known. P1 and P2 are phosphorylated soon after their synthesis, but after binding to DNA most of the phosphate groups are removed and cysteine residues are oxidized, forming disulfide bridges that link the protamines together. Both P1 and P2 have been shown to be required for normal sperm function in primates and many rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rod Balhorn
- Biosciences and BioTechnology Division, Chemistry, Materials and Life Sciences, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, East Avenue, Livermore, CA 94550, USA.
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sNASP, a histone H1-specific eukaryotic chaperone dimer that facilitates chromatin assembly. Biophys J 2008; 95:1314-25. [PMID: 18456819 DOI: 10.1529/biophysj.108.130021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
NASP has been described as a histone H1 chaperone in mammals. However, the molecular mechanisms involved have not yet been characterized. Here, we show that this protein is not only present in mammals but is widely distributed throughout eukaryotes both in its somatic and testicular forms. The secondary structure of the human somatic version consists mainly of clusters of alpha-helices and exists as a homodimer in solution. The protein binds nonspecifically to core histone H2A-H2B dimers and H3-H4 tetramers but only forms specific complexes with histone H1. The formation of the NASP-H1 complexes is mediated by the N- and C-terminal domains of histone H1 and does not involve the winged helix domain that is characteristic of linker histones. In vitro chromatin reconstitution experiments show that this protein facilitates the incorporation of linker histones onto nucleosome arrays and hence is a bona fide linker histone chaperone.
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Early Evolution of Histone Genes: Prevalence of an ‘Orphon’ H1 Lineage in Protostomes and Birth-and-Death Process in the H2A Family. J Mol Evol 2008; 66:505-18. [DOI: 10.1007/s00239-008-9109-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2008] [Revised: 03/17/2008] [Accepted: 04/10/2008] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Eirin-Lopez JM, Frehlick LJ, Chiva M, Saperas N, Ausio J. The Sperm Proteins from Amphioxus Mirror Its Basal Position among Chordates and Redefine the Origin of Vertebrate Protamines. Mol Biol Evol 2008; 25:1705-13. [DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msn121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Yee J, Tang A, Lau WL, Ritter H, Delport D, Page M, Adam RD, Müller M, Wu G. Core histone genes of Giardia intestinalis: genomic organization, promoter structure, and expression. BMC Mol Biol 2007; 8:26. [PMID: 17425802 PMCID: PMC1872034 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2199-8-26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2006] [Accepted: 04/10/2007] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Giardia intestinalis is a protist found in freshwaters worldwide, and is the most common cause of parasitic diarrhea in humans. The phylogenetic position of this parasite is still much debated. Histones are small, highly conserved proteins that associate tightly with DNA to form chromatin within the nucleus. There are two classes of core histone genes in higher eukaryotes: DNA replication-independent histones and DNA replication-dependent ones. Results We identified two copies each of the core histone H2a, H2b and H3 genes, and three copies of the H4 gene, at separate locations on chromosomes 3, 4 and 5 within the genome of Giardia intestinalis, but no gene encoding a H1 linker histone could be recognized. The copies of each gene share extensive DNA sequence identities throughout their coding and 5' noncoding regions, which suggests these copies have arisen from relatively recent gene duplications or gene conversions. The transcription start sites are at triplet A sequences 1–27 nucleotides upstream of the translation start codon for each gene. We determined that a 50 bp region upstream from the start of the histone H4 coding region is the minimal promoter, and a highly conserved 15 bp sequence called the histone motif (him) is essential for its activity. The Giardia core histone genes are constitutively expressed at approximately equivalent levels and their mRNAs are polyadenylated. Competition gel-shift experiments suggest that a factor within the protein complex that binds him may also be a part of the protein complexes that bind other promoter elements described previously in Giardia. Conclusion In contrast to other eukaryotes, the Giardia genome has only a single class of core histone genes that encode replication-independent histones. Our inability to locate a gene encoding the linker histone H1 leads us to speculate that the H1 protein may not be required for the compaction of Giardia's small and gene-rich genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet Yee
- Departments of Biology and Chemistry, Biochemistry Program, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, K9J 7B8, Canada
| | - Anita Tang
- Departments of Biology and Chemistry, Biochemistry Program, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, K9J 7B8, Canada
| | - Wei-Ling Lau
- Departments of Biology and Chemistry, Biochemistry Program, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, K9J 7B8, Canada
| | - Heather Ritter
- Departments of Biology and Chemistry, Biochemistry Program, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, K9J 7B8, Canada
| | - Dewald Delport
- Departments of Biology and Chemistry, Biochemistry Program, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, K9J 7B8, Canada
| | - Melissa Page
- Departments of Biology and Chemistry, Biochemistry Program, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, K9J 7B8, Canada
| | - Rodney D Adam
- Departments of Immunobiology and Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Miklós Müller
- The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021, USA
- Collegium Budapest, H 1012 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gang Wu
- The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021, USA
- Haskins Laboratories and Department of Chemistry and Physical Sciences, Pace University, 41 Park Row, New York, NY 10038, USA
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Sasakura Y, Konno A, Mizuno K, Satoh N, Inaba K. Enhancer detection in the ascidianCiona intestinalis with transposase-expressing lines ofMinos. Dev Dyn 2007; 237:39-50. [DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.21333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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West JA, Park IH, Daley GQ, Geijsen N. In vitro generation of germ cells from murine embryonic stem cells. Nat Protoc 2006; 1:2026-36. [PMID: 17487192 DOI: 10.1038/nprot.2006.303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The demonstration of germ cell and haploid gamete development from embryonic stem cells (ESCs) in vitro has engendered a unique set of possibilities for the study of germ cell development and the associated epigenetic phenomenon. The process of embryoid body (EB) differentiation, like teratoma formation, signifies a spontaneous differentiation of ESCs into cells of all three germ layers, and it is from these differentiating aggregates of cells that putative primordial germ cells (PGCs) and more mature gametes can be identified and isolated. The differentiation system presented here requires the differentiation of murine ESCs into EBs and the subsequent isolation of PGCs as well as haploid male gametes from EBs at various stages of differentiation. It serves as a platform for studying the poorly understood process of germ cell allocation, imprint erasure and gamete formation, with 4-6 weeks being required to isolate PGCs as well as haploid cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason A West
- Graduate Program of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Saperas N, Chiva M, Casas MT, Campos JL, Eirín-López JM, Frehlick LJ, Prieto C, Subirana JA, Ausió J. A unique vertebrate histone H1-related protamine-like protein results in an unusual sperm chromatin organization. FEBS J 2006; 273:4548-61. [PMID: 16965539 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-4658.2006.05461.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Protamine-like proteins constitute a group of sperm nuclear basic proteins that have been shown to be related to somatic linker histones (histone H1 family). Like protamines, they usually replace the chromatin somatic histone complement during spermiogenesis; hence their name. Several of these proteins have been characterized to date in invertebrate organisms, but information about their occurrence and characterization in vertebrates is still lacking. In this sense, the genus Mullus is unique, as it is the only known vertebrate that has its sperm chromatin organized by virtually only protamine-like proteins. We show that the sperm chromatin of this organism is organized by two type I protamine-like proteins (PL-I), and we characterize the major protamine-like component of the fish Mullus surmuletus (striped red mullet). The native chromatin structure resulting from the association of these proteins with DNA was studied by micrococcal nuclease digestion as well as electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. It is shown that the PL-I proteins organize chromatin in parallel DNA bundles of different thickness in a quite distinct arrangement that is reminiscent of the chromatin organization of those organisms that contain protamines (but not histones) in their sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Núria Saperas
- Departament d'Enginyeria Química, ETSEIB, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
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Eirín-López JM, Frehlick LJ, Ausió J. Long-term evolution and functional diversification in the members of the nucleophosmin/nucleoplasmin family of nuclear chaperones. Genetics 2006; 173:1835-50. [PMID: 16751661 PMCID: PMC1569712 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.106.058990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The proper assembly of basic proteins with nucleic acids is a reaction that must be facilitated to prevent protein aggregation and formation of nonspecific nucleoprotein complexes. The proteins that mediate this orderly protein assembly are generally termed molecular (or nuclear) chaperones. The nucleophosmin/nucleoplasmin (NPM) family of molecular chaperones encompasses members ubiquitously expressed in many somatic tissues (NPM1 and -3) or specific to oocytes and eggs (NPM2). The study of this family of molecular chaperones has experienced a renewed interest in the past few years. However, there is a lack of information regarding the molecular evolution of these proteins. This work represents the first attempt to characterize the long-term evolution followed by the members of this family. Our analysis shows that there is extensive silent divergence at the nucleotide level suggesting that this family has been subject to strong purifying selection at the protein level. In contrast to NPM1 and NPM-like proteins in invertebrates, NPM2 and NPM3 have a polyphyletic origin. Furthermore, the presence of selection for high frequencies of acidic residues as well as the existence of higher levels of codon bias was detected at the C-terminal ends, which can be ascribed to the critical role played by these residues in constituting the acidic tracts and to the preferred codon usage for phosphorylatable amino acids at these regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- José M Eirín-López
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
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Frehlick LJ, Eirín-López JM, Jeffery ED, Hunt DF, Ausió J. The characterization of amphibian nucleoplasmins yields new insight into their role in sperm chromatin remodeling. BMC Genomics 2006; 7:99. [PMID: 16646973 PMCID: PMC1479337 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-7-99] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2006] [Accepted: 04/28/2006] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Nucleoplasmin is a nuclear chaperone protein that has been shown to participate in the remodeling of sperm chromatin immediately after fertilization by displacing highly specialized sperm nuclear basic proteins (SNBPs), such as protamine (P type) and protamine-like (PL type) proteins, from the sperm chromatin and by the transfer of histone H2A-H2B. The presence of SNBPs of the histone type (H type) in some organisms (very similar to the histones found in somatic tissues) raises uncertainty about the need for a nucleoplasmin-mediated removal process in such cases and poses a very interesting question regarding the appearance and further differentiation of the sperm chromatin remodeling function of nucleoplasmin and the implicit relationship with SNBP diversity The amphibians represent an unique opportunity to address this issue as they contain genera with SNBPs representative of each of the three main types: Rana (H type); Xenopus (PL type) and Bufo (P type). Results In this work, the presence of nucleoplasmin in oocyte extracts from these three organisms has been assessed using Western Blotting. We have used mass spectrometry and cloning techniques to characterize the full-length cDNA sequences of Rana catesbeiana and Bufo marinus nucleoplasmin. Northern dot blot analysis shows that nucleoplasmin is mainly transcribed in the egg of the former species. Phylogenetic analysis of nucleoplasmin family members from various metazoans suggests that amphibian nucleoplasmins group closely with mammalian NPM2 proteins. Conclusion We have shown that these organisms, in striking contrast to their SNBPs, all contain nucleoplasmins with very similar primary structures. This result has important implications as it suggests that nucleoplasmin's role in chromatin assembly during early zygote development could have been complemented by the acquisition of a new function of non-specifically removing SNBPs in sperm chromatin remodeling. This acquired function would have been strongly determined by the constraints imposed by the appearance and differentiation of SNBPs in the sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay J Frehlick
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Petch Building, Victoria, BC, V8W 3P6, Canada
| | - José María Eirín-López
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Petch Building, Victoria, BC, V8W 3P6, Canada
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Universidade da Coruña, Campus de A Zapateira s/n, E-15071, Spain
| | - Erin D Jeffery
- Department of Chemistry and Pathology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22901, USA
| | - Donald F Hunt
- Department of Chemistry and Pathology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22901, USA
| | - Juan Ausió
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Petch Building, Victoria, BC, V8W 3P6, Canada
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Eirín-López JM, Lewis JD, Howe LA, Ausió J. Common phylogenetic origin of protamine-like (PL) proteins and histone H1: Evidence from bivalve PL genes. Mol Biol Evol 2006; 23:1304-17. [PMID: 16613862 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msk021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm nuclear basic proteins (SNBPs) can be grouped into three main categories: histone (H) type, protamine (P) type, and protamine-like (PL) type. Protamine-like SNBPs represent the most structurally heterogeneous group, consisting of basic proteins which are rich in both lysine and arginine amino acids. The PL proteins replace most of the histones during spermiogenesis but to a lesser extent than the proteins of the P type. In most instances, PLs coexist in the mature sperm with a full histone complement. The replacement of histones by protamines in the mature sperm is a characteristic feature presented by those taxa located at the uppermost evolutionary branches of protostome and deuterostome evolution, while the histone type of SNBPs is predominantly found in the sperm of taxa which arose early in metazoan evolution; giving rise to the hypothesis that protamines may have evolved through a PL type intermediate from a primitive histone ancestor. The structural similarities observed between PL and H1 proteins, which were first described in bivalve molluscs, provide a unique insight into the evolutionary mechanisms underlying SNBP evolution. Although the evolution of SNBPs has been exhaustively analyzed in the last 10 years, the origin of PLs in relation to the evolution of the histone H1 family still remains obscure. In this work, we present the first complete gene sequence for two of these genes (PL-III and PL-II/PL-IV) in the mussel Mytilus and analyze the protein evolution of histone H1 and SNBPs, and we provide evidence that indicates that H1 histones and PLs are the direct descendants of an ancient group of "orphon" H1 replication-dependent histones which were excluded to solitary genomic regions as early in metazoan evolution as before the differentiation of bilaterians. While the replication-independent H1 lineage evolved following a birth-and-death process, the SNBP lineage has been subject to a purifying process that shifted toward adaptive selection at the time of the differentiation of arginine-rich Ps.
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Affiliation(s)
- José M Eirín-López
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
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Abstract
Protamines are the major nuclear sperm proteins. The human sperm nucleus contains two types of protamine: protamine 1 (P1) encoded by a single-copy gene and the family of protamine 2 (P2) proteins (P2, P3 and P4), all also encoded by a single gene that is transcribed and translated into a precursor protein. The protamines were discovered more than a century ago, but their function is not yet fully understood. In fact, different hypotheses have been proposed: condensation of the sperm nucleus into a compact hydrodynamic shape, protection of the genetic message delivered by the spermatozoa, involvement in the processes maintaining the integrity and repair of DNA during or after the nucleohistone-nucleoprotamine transition and involvement in the epigenetic imprinting of the spermatozoa. Protamines are also one of the most variable proteins found in nature, with data supporting a positive Darwinian selection. Changes in the expression of P1 and P2 protamines have been found to be associated with infertility in man. Mutations in the protamine genes have also been found in some infertile patients. Transgenic mice defective in the expression of protamines also present several structural defects in the sperm nucleus and have variable degrees of infertility. There is also evidence that altered levels of protamines may result in an increased susceptibility to injury in the spermatozoan DNA causing infertility or poor outcomes in assisted reproduction. The present work reviews the articles published to date on the relationship between protamines and infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Oliva
- Human Genetics Laboratory, Genetics Unit, Department of Ciències Fisiològiques I, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona and Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, Casanova 143, 08036 Barcelona, Spain.
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