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Zheng N, Shen Y, Wang Y, Xiang M, Yu K, Zhang J, Zha X, Duan Z, Wang F, Zhu F, Cao Y. Unraveling the Impact of the PROCA1 Mutation in Male Infertility: Incorporating Whole Exome Sequencing in Teratozoospermia Patients and Analyzing Proca1 Knockout Mice. Reprod Sci 2024:10.1007/s43032-024-01624-6. [PMID: 38867036 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-024-01624-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
In the world, about 15% of couples are infertile, and nearly half of all infertility was caused by men. A large number of genetic mutations are thought to affect spermatogenesis by regulating acrosome formation. Here, we identified three patients harbouring the protein interacting with cyclin A1 (PROCA1) mutation by whole exome sequencing (WES) and Sanger sequencing among patients with predominantly acrosome-deficient teratozoospermia. However, the expression and roles of PROCA1 in infertile men remain unclear. We found that PROCA1 is predominantly expressed in the testis, where it is specifically localized to the acrosome of normal human sperm. Proca1 knockout (KO) mice were subsequently generated using CRISPR-Cas9 technology. However, Proca1 KO adult male mice were fertile, with testis-to-body weight ratios comparable to those of wild-type (WT) mice. Testicular tissue or sperm morphology were not significantly different in Proca1 KO mice compared to WT mice. Expression of the acrosome markers PNA and SP56 in the acrosome was comparable between Proca1 KO and WT mice. In summary, these findings suggested that the PROCA1 mutation identified in humans does not affect acrosome biogenesis in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Zheng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Yiru Shen
- School of Life Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Mingfei Xiang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Kexin Yu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaomin Zha
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Zongliu Duan
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Fengsong Wang
- School of Life Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China.
| | - Fuxi Zhu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China.
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
- Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
- Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
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Stathatos GG, Merriner DJ, O'Connor AE, Zenker J, Dunleavy JE, O'Bryan MK. Epsilon tubulin is an essential determinant of microtubule-based structures in male germ cells. EMBO Rep 2024; 25:2722-2742. [PMID: 38773322 PMCID: PMC11169422 DOI: 10.1038/s44319-024-00159-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Alpha, beta, and gamma tubulins are essential building blocks for all eukaryotic cells. The functions of the non-canonical tubulins, delta, epsilon, and zeta, however, remain poorly understood and their requirement in mammalian development untested. Herein we have used a spermatogenesis model to define epsilon tubulin (TUBE1) function in mice. We show that TUBE1 is essential for the function of multiple complex microtubule arrays, including the meiotic spindle, axoneme and manchette and in its absence, there is a dramatic loss of germ cells and male sterility. Moreover, we provide evidence for the interplay between TUBE1 and katanin-mediated microtubule severing, and for the sub-specialization of individual katanin paralogs in the regulation of specific microtubule arrays.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Gemma Stathatos
- School of BioSciences and Bio21 Institute of Molecular Science and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - D Jo Merriner
- School of BioSciences and Bio21 Institute of Molecular Science and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Anne E O'Connor
- School of BioSciences and Bio21 Institute of Molecular Science and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Jennifer Zenker
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Jessica Em Dunleavy
- School of BioSciences and Bio21 Institute of Molecular Science and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
| | - Moira K O'Bryan
- School of BioSciences and Bio21 Institute of Molecular Science and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
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Zhang X, Xue J, Jiang S, Zheng H, Wang C. Forkhead-associated phosphopeptide binding domain 1 (FHAD1) deficiency impaired murine sperm motility. PeerJ 2024; 12:e17142. [PMID: 38563001 PMCID: PMC10984166 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Genetic knockout-based studies conducted in mice provide a powerful means of assessing the significance of a gene for fertility. Forkhead-associated phosphopeptide binding domain 1 (FHAD1) contains a conserved FHA domain, that is present in many proteins with phospho-threonine reader activity. How FHAD1 functions in male fertility, however, remains uncertain. Methods Fhad1-/- mice were generated by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout, after which qPCR was used to evaluate changes in gene expression, with subsequent analyses of spermatogenesis and fertility. The testis phenotypes were also examined using immunofluorescence and histological staining, while sperm concentrations and motility were quantified via computer-aided sperm analysis. Cellular apoptosis was assessed using a TUNEL staining assay. Results The Fhad1-/-mice did not exhibit any abnormal changes in fertility or testicular morphology compared to wild-type littermates. Histological analyses confirmed that the testicular morphology of both Fhad1-/-and Fhad1+/+ mice was normal, with both exhibiting intact seminiferous tubules. Relative to Fhad1+/+ mice, however, Fhad1-/-did exhibit reductions in the total and progressive motility of epididymal sperm. Analyses of meiotic division in Fhad1-/-mice also revealed higher levels of apoptotic death during the first wave of spermatogenesis. Discussion The findings suggest that FHAD1 is involved in both meiosis and the modulation of sperm motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Health and Infertility Clinic, The Affiliated Huai’an No. 1 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai’an, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiangyang Xue
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- The Central Laboratory of Birth Defects Prevention and Control, Ningbo Key Laboratory for the Prevention and Treatment of Embryogenic Diseases, Women and Children’s Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shan Jiang
- College of Nursing, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Haoyu Zheng
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Gynaecology, The Affiliated Huai’an No. 1 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai’an, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chang Wang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- College of Nursing, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China
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4
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Jorban A, Lunenfeld E, Huleihel M. Effect of Temperature on the Development of Stages of Spermatogenesis and the Functionality of Sertoli Cells In Vitro. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2160. [PMID: 38396838 PMCID: PMC10889116 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is the process of proliferation and differentiation of spermatogonial cells to meiotic and post-meiotic stages and sperm generation. Normal spermatogenesis occurs in vivo at 34 °C to 35 °C, and high temperatures are known to cause male infertility. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of temperature (35 °C compared to 37 °C) on the viability/apoptosis of developed cells, on the development of different stages of spermatogenesis in 3D in vitro culture conditions, and the functionality of Sertoli cells under these conditions. We used isolated cells from seminiferous tubules of sexually immature mice. The cells were cultured in methylcellulose (as a three-dimensional (3D) in vitro culture system) and incubated in a CO2 incubator at 35 °C or 37 °C. After two to six weeks, the developed cells and organoids were collected and examined for cell viability and apoptosis markers. The development of different stages of spermatogenesis was evaluated by immunofluorescence staining or qPCR analysis using specific antibodies or primers, respectively, for cells at each stage. Factors that indicate the functionality of Sertoli cells were assessed by qPCR analysis. The developed organoids were examined by a confocal microscope. Our results show that the percentages and/or the expression levels of the developed pre-meiotic, meiotic, and post-meiotic cells were significantly higher at 35 °C compared to those at 37 °C, including the expression levels of the androgen receptor, the FSH receptor, transferrin, the androgen-binding protein (ABP), and the glial-derived nerve growth factor (GDNF) which were similarly significantly higher at 35 °C than at 37 °C. The percentages of apoptotic cells (according to acridine orange staining) and the expression levels of BAX, FAS, and CASPAS 3 were significantly higher in cultures incubated at 37 °C compared to those incubated at 35 °C. These findings support the in vivo results regarding the negative effect of high temperatures on the process of spermatogenesis and suggest a possible effect of high temperatures on the viability/apoptosis of spermatogenic cells. In addition, increasing the temperature in vitro also impaired the functionality of Sertoli cells. These findings may deepen our understanding of the mechanisms behind optimal conditions for normal spermatogenesis in vivo and in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Areej Jorban
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel;
- The Center of Advanced Research and Education in Reproduction (CARER), Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Eitan Lunenfeld
- Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel 4076414, Israel;
| | - Mahmoud Huleihel
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel;
- The Center of Advanced Research and Education in Reproduction (CARER), Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel
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5
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van Heerden D, Klima S, van den Bout I. How nuclear envelope dynamics can direct laminopathy phenotypes. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2024; 86:102290. [PMID: 38048657 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2023.102290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
The nuclear envelope separates the genome from the cytoplasmic environment. However, the nuclear envelope is also physically associated with the genome and exerts influence on gene expression and genome modification. The nucleus is dynamic, changing shape and responding to cell movement, disassembling and assembling during cell division, and undergoing rupture and repair. These dynamics can be impacted by genetic disease, leading to a family of diseases called laminopathies. Their disparate phenotypes suggest that multiple processes are affected. We highlight three such processes here, which we believe can be used to classify most of the laminopathies. While much still needs to be learned, some commonalities between these processes, such as proteins involved in nuclear envelope formation and rupture repair, may drive a variety of laminopathies. Here we review the latest information regarding nuclear dynamics and its role in laminopathies related to mutations in the nuclear lamina and linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton complex (LINC) proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- David van Heerden
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Centre for Neuroendocrinology, Department of Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Stefanie Klima
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Centre for Neuroendocrinology, Department of Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Iman van den Bout
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Centre for Neuroendocrinology, Department of Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa.
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6
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Lin YT, Lin Y, Huang SJ, Su YQ, Ran J, Yan FF, Liu XL, Hong LC, Huang M, Su HZ, Zhang XD, Su YM. The Gene Expression Profiles Associated with Maternal Nicotine Exposure in the Liver of Offspring Mice. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:212-221. [PMID: 37607987 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01328-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to investigate the effect of maternal nicotine exposure on the gene expression profiles in the liver of offspring mice. Pregnant mice were subcutaneously injected with either saline vehicle or nicotine twice a day on gestational days 11-21. Total RNA from the liver samples which collected from the offspring mice of postnatal day 7 and 21 was subjected to RNA sequencing. Gene Ontology (GO) functional enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) signaling pathway enrichment analysis were conducted to identify the functions of differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Four genes were selected for further validation by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). A total of 448 DEGs and 186 DEGs were identified on postnatal day 7 and 21, respectively. GO analysis revealed that the DEGs on postnatal day 7 mainly participated in the biological functions of cell growth and proliferation, and the DEGs on postnatal day 21 mainly participated in ion transport/activity. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the DEGs on postnatal day 7 were mainly enriched in the cell cycle, cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and the p53 signaling pathway, while the DEGs on postnatal day 21 were mainly enriched in neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions, the calcium signaling pathway, retinol metabolism, and axon guidance. The qRT-PCR results were consistent with the RNA sequencing data. The DEGs may affect the growth of liver in early postnatal period while may affect ion transport/activity in late postnatal period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Ting Lin
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yan Lin
- Department of Ultrasound, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shu-Jing Huang
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yu-Qing Su
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jing Ran
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Fang-Fang Yan
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xian-Lan Liu
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Long-Cheng Hong
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Mei Huang
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Huan-Zhong Su
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xiao-Dong Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yi-Ming Su
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
- Department of Ultrasound, Siming Branch Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Maternal and Infant Health Service Application Technology, Quanzhou Medical College, Quanzhou, China.
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7
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Diawara M, Martin LJ. Regulatory mechanisms of SoxD transcription factors and their influences on male fertility. Reprod Biol 2023; 23:100823. [PMID: 37979495 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2023.100823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
Members of the SRY-related box (SOX) subfamily D (SoxD) of transcription factors are well conserved among vertebrate species and play important roles in different stages of male reproductive development. In mammals, the SoxD subfamily contains three members: SOX5, SOX6 and SOX13. Here, we describe their implications in testicular development and spermatogenesis, contributing to fertility. We also cover the mechanisms of action of SoxD transcription factors in gene regulation throughout male development. The specificity of activation of target genes by SoxD members depends, in part, on their post-translational modifications and interactions with other partners. Sperm production in adult males requires the coordination in the regulation of gene expression by different members of the SoxD subfamily of transcription factors in the testis. Specifically, the regulation of genes promoting adequate spermatogenesis by SoxD members is discussed in comparison between species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariama Diawara
- Biology Department, Université de Moncton, Moncton, New Brunswick E1A 3E9, Canada
| | - Luc J Martin
- Biology Department, Université de Moncton, Moncton, New Brunswick E1A 3E9, Canada.
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8
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Liu S, Bian YC, Wang WL, Liu TJ, Zhang T, Chang Y, Xiao R, Zhang CL. Identification of hub genes associated with spermatogenesis by bioinformatics analysis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18435. [PMID: 37891374 PMCID: PMC10611713 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45620-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complex process related to male infertility. Till now, the critical genes and specific mechanisms have not been elucidated clearly. Our objective was to determine the hub genes that play a crucial role in spermatogenesis by analyzing the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) present in non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) compared to OA and normal samples using bioinformatics analysis. Four datasets, namely GSE45885, GSE45887, GSE9210 and GSE145467 were used. Functional enrichment analyses were performed on the DEGs. Hub genes were identified based on protein-protein interactions between DEGs. The expression of the hub genes was further examined in the testicular germ cell tumors from the TCGA by the GEPIA and validated by qRT-PCR in the testes of lipopolysaccharide-induced acute orchitis mice with impaired spermatogenesis. A total of 203 DEGs including 34 up-regulated and 169 down-regulated were identified. Functional enrichment analysis showed DEGs were mainly involved in microtubule motility, the process of cell growth and protein transport. PRM2, TEKT2, FSCN3, UBQLN3, SPATS1 and GTSF1L were identified and validated as hub genes for spermatogenesis. Three of them (PRM2, FSCN3 and TEKT2) were significantly down-regulated in the testicular germ cell tumors and their methylation levels were associated with the pathogenesis. In summary, the hub genes identified may be related to spermatogenesis and may act as potential therapeutic targets for NOA and testicular germ cell tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Liu
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huhhot, 010059, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yan-Chao Bian
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huhhot, 010059, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Wan-Lun Wang
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huhhot, 010059, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Tong-Jia Liu
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huhhot, 010059, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huhhot, 010059, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yue Chang
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huhhot, 010059, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Rui Xiao
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huhhot, 010059, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China.
| | - Chuan-Ling Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huhhot, 010110, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China.
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Xiong X, Huang X, Zhu Y, Hai Z, Fei X, Pan B, Yang Q, Xiong Y, Fu W, Lan D, Zhang X, Li J. Testis-specific knockout of Kdm2a reveals nonessential roles in male fertility but partially compromises spermatogenesis. Theriogenology 2023; 209:9-20. [PMID: 37354760 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
Lysine-specific histone demethylase 2 (Kdm2a) is a regulatory factor of histone modifications that participates in gametogenesis and embryonic development. The mis-regulation of Kdm2a can lead to aberrant gene expression, thereby contributing to abnormal cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and tumorigenesis. However, due to the potential confounding effects that are secondary to the loss of Kdm2a function from the soma in existing whole-animal mutants, the in vivo function of Kdm2a in spermatogenesis for male fertility remains unknown. Herein, we focus on exploring the spatiotemporal expression profile and biological functions of Kdm2a in the spermatogenesis and fertility of male mice. A testis-specific knockout Kdm2a model (Kdm2a cKO) was established by using the Stra8-Cre/loxP recombinase system to explore the roles of Kdm2a in male fertility. Our results showed that Kdm2a was ubiquitously expressed and dynamically distributed in multiple tissues and cell types in the testis of mice. Surprisingly, Kdm2a-deficient adult males were completely fertile and comparable with their control (Kdm2aflox/flox) counterparts. Despite the significantly reduced total number of sperm and density of seminiferous tubules in Kdm2a cKO testis accompanied by the degeneration of spermatogenesis, the fertilization ability and embryonic developmental competence of the Kdm2a cKO were comparable with those of their control littermates, suggesting that Kdm2a disruption did not markedly affect male fertility, at least during younger ages. Furthermore, Kdm2a homozygous mutants exhibited a lower total number and motility of sperm than the control group and showed notably affected serum 17β-estradiol concentration. Interestingly, the transcriptome sequencing revealed that the loss of Kdm2a remarkably upregulated the expression level of Kdm2b. This effect, in turn, may induce compensative effects in the case of Kdm2a deficiency to maintain normal male reproduction. Together, our results reveal that Kdm2a shows spatiotemporal expression during testicular development and that its loss is insufficient to compromise the production of spermatozoa completely. The homologous Kdm2b gene might compensate for the loss of Kdm2a. Our work provides a novel Kdm2a cKO mouse allowing for the efficient deletion of Kdm2a in a testis-specific manner, and further investigated the biological function of Kdm2a and the compensatory effects of Kdm2b. Our study will advance our understanding of underlying mechanisms in spermatogenesis and male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianrong Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Exploitation of Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China
| | - Xiangyue Huang
- Key Laboratory for Animal Science of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China
| | - Yanjin Zhu
- Key Laboratory for Animal Science of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China
| | - Zhuo Hai
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Exploitation of Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China
| | - Xixi Fei
- Key Laboratory for Animal Science of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China
| | - Bangting Pan
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Exploitation of Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China
| | - Qinhui Yang
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Exploitation of Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China
| | - Yan Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Exploitation of Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China
| | - Wei Fu
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Exploitation of Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China
| | - Daoliang Lan
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Exploitation of Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China
| | - Xiaojian Zhang
- Center for Assisted Reproduction, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, 610072, PR China
| | - Jian Li
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Exploitation of Ministry of Education, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China; Key Laboratory for Animal Science of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, PR China.
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10
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Potgieter S, Eddy C, Badrinath A, Chukrallah L, Lo T, Mohanty G, Visconti PE, Snyder EM. ADAD1 is required for normal translation of nuclear pore and transport protein transcripts in spermatids of Mus musculus†. Biol Reprod 2023; 109:340-355. [PMID: 37399121 PMCID: PMC10502568 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
ADAD1 is a testis-specific RNA-binding protein expressed in post-meiotic spermatids whose loss leads to defective sperm and male infertility. However, the drivers of the Adad1 phenotype remain unclear. Morphological and functional analysis of Adad1 mutant sperm showed defective DNA compaction, abnormal head shaping, and reduced motility. Mutant testes demonstrated minimal transcriptome changes; however, ribosome association of many transcripts was reduced, suggesting ADAD1 may be required for their translational activation. Further, immunofluorescence of proteins encoded by select transcripts showed delayed protein accumulation. Additional analyses demonstrated impaired subcellular localization of multiple proteins, suggesting protein transport is also abnormal in Adad1 mutants. To clarify the mechanism giving rise to this, the manchette, a protein transport microtubule network, and the LINC (linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton) complex, which connects the manchette to the nuclear lamin, were assessed across spermatid development. Proteins of both displayed delayed translation and/or localization in mutant spermatids implicating ADAD1 in their regulation, even in the absence of altered ribosome association. Finally, ADAD1's impact on the NPC (nuclear pore complex), a regulator of both the manchette and the LINC complex, was examined. Reduced ribosome association of NPC encoding transcripts and reduced NPC protein abundance along with abnormal localization in Adad1 mutants confirmed ADAD1's impact on translation is required for a NPC in post-meiotic germ cells. Together, these studies lead to a model whereby ADAD1's influence on nuclear transport leads to deregulation of the LINC complex and the manchette, ultimately generating the range of physiological defects observed in the Adad1 phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Potgieter
- Department of Animal Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Christopher Eddy
- Department of Animal Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Aditi Badrinath
- Department of Animal Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Lauren Chukrallah
- Department of Animal Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Toby Lo
- Department of Animal Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Gayatri Mohanty
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Pablo E Visconti
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Snyder
- Department of Animal Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
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11
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Liu J, Rahim F, Zhou J, Fan S, Jiang H, Yu C, Chen J, Xu J, Yang G, Shah W, Zubair M, Khan A, Li Y, Shah B, Zhao D, Iqbal F, Jiang X, Guo T, Xu P, Xu B, Wu L, Ma H, Zhang Y, Zhang H, Shi Q. Loss-of-function variants in KCTD19 cause non-obstructive azoospermia in humans. iScience 2023; 26:107193. [PMID: 37485353 PMCID: PMC10362269 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Azoospermia is a significant cause of male infertility, with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) being the most severe type of spermatogenic failure. NOA is mostly caused by congenital factors, but our understanding of its genetic causes is very limited. Here, we identified a frameshift variant (c.201_202insAC, p.Tyr68Thrfs∗17) and two nonsense variants (c.1897C>T, p.Gln633∗; c.2005C>T, p.Gln669∗) in KCTD19 (potassium channel tetramerization domain containing 19) from two unrelated infertile Chinese men and a consanguineous Pakistani family with three infertile brothers. Testicular histological analyses revealed meiotic metaphase I (MMI) arrest in the affected individuals. Mice modeling KCTD19 variants recapitulated the same MMI arrest phenotype due to severe disrupted individualization of MMI chromosomes. Further analysis showed a complete loss of KCTD19 protein in both Kctd19 mutant mouse testes and affected individual testes. Collectively, our findings demonstrate the pathogenicity of the identified KCTD19 variants and highlight an essential role of KCTD19 in MMI chromosome individualization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyan Liu
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Fazal Rahim
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Jianteng Zhou
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Suixing Fan
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Hanwei Jiang
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Changping Yu
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Jianze Xu
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Gang Yang
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Wasim Shah
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Muhammad Zubair
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Asad Khan
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Yang Li
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Basit Shah
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Daren Zhao
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Furhan Iqbal
- Institute of Pure and Applied Biology, Zoology Division, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60800, Pakistan
| | - Xiaohua Jiang
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Tonghang Guo
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Peng Xu
- Hainan Jinghua Hejing Hospital for Reproductive Medicine, Hainan 570125, China
| | - Bo Xu
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Limin Wu
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Hui Ma
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Yuanwei Zhang
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Qinghua Shi
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
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12
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Gurusaran M, Biemans JJ, Wood CW, Davies OR. Molecular insights into LINC complex architecture through the crystal structure of a luminal trimeric coiled-coil domain of SUN1. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1144277. [PMID: 37416798 PMCID: PMC10320395 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1144277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The LINC complex, consisting of interacting SUN and KASH proteins, mechanically couples nuclear contents to the cytoskeleton. In meiosis, the LINC complex transmits microtubule-generated forces to chromosome ends, driving the rapid chromosome movements that are necessary for synapsis and crossing over. In somatic cells, it defines nuclear shape and positioning, and has a number of specialised roles, including hearing. Here, we report the X-ray crystal structure of a coiled-coiled domain of SUN1's luminal region, providing an architectural foundation for how SUN1 traverses the nuclear lumen, from the inner nuclear membrane to its interaction with KASH proteins at the outer nuclear membrane. In combination with light and X-ray scattering, molecular dynamics and structure-directed modelling, we present a model of SUN1's entire luminal region. This model highlights inherent flexibility between structured domains, and raises the possibility that domain-swap interactions may establish a LINC complex network for the coordinated transmission of cytoskeletal forces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manickam Gurusaran
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, Institute of Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Jelle J. Biemans
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, Institute of Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher W. Wood
- Institute of Quantitative Biology, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Owen R. Davies
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, Institute of Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
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13
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Shi B, Shah W, Liu L, Gong C, Zhou J, Abbas T, Ma H, Zhang H, Yang M, Zhang Y, Ullah N, Mahammad Z, Khan M, Murtaza G, Ali A, Khan R, Sha J, Yuan Y, Shi Q. Biallelic mutations in RNA-binding protein ADAD2 cause spermiogenic failure and non-obstructive azoospermia in humans. Hum Reprod Open 2023; 2023:hoad022. [PMID: 37325547 PMCID: PMC10266965 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoad022] [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: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What are some pathogenic mutations for non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) and their effects on spermatogenesis? SUMMARY ANSWER Biallelic missense and frameshift mutations in ADAD2 disrupt the differentiation of round spermatids to spermatozoa causing azoospermia in humans and mice. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY NOA is the most severe cause of male infertility characterized by an absence of sperm in the ejaculate due to impairment of spermatogenesis. In mice, the lack of the RNA-binding protein ADAD2 leads to a complete absence of sperm in epididymides due to failure of spemiogenesis, but the spermatogenic effects of ADAD2 mutations in human NOA-associated infertility require functional verification. STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION Six infertile male patients from three unrelated families were diagnosed with NOA at local hospitals in Pakistan based on infertility history, sex hormone levels, two semen analyses and scrotal ultrasound. Testicular biopsies were performed in two of the six patients. Adad2 mutant mice (Adad2Mut/Mut) carrying mutations similar to those found in NOA patients were generated using the CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing tool. Reproductive phenotypes of Adad2Mut/Mut mice were verified at 2 months of age. Round spermatids from the littermates of wild-type (WT) and Adad2Mut/Mut mice were randomly selected and injected into stimulated WT oocytes. This round spermatid injection (ROSI) procedure was conducted with three biological replicates and >400 ROSI-derived zygotes were evaluated. The fertility of the ROSI-derived progeny was evaluated for three months in four Adad2WT/Mut male mice and six Adad2WT/Mut female mice. A total of 120 Adad2Mut/Mut, Adad2WT/Mut, and WT mice were used in this study. The entire study was conducted over 3 years. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS Whole-exome sequencing was performed to detect potentially pathogenic mutations in the six NOA-affected patients. The pathogenicity of the identified ADAD2 mutations was assessed and validated in human testicular tissues and in mouse models recapitulating the mutations in the NOA patients using quantitative PCR, western blotting, hematoxylin-eosin staining, Periodic acid-Schiff staining, and immunofluorescence. Round spermatids of WT and Adad2Mut/Mut mice were collected by fluorescence-activated cell sorting and injected into stimulated WT oocytes. The development of ROSI-derived offspring was evaluated in the embryonic and postnatal stages. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Three recessive mutations were identified in ADAD2 (MT1: c.G829T, p.G277C; MT2: c.G1192A, p.D398N; MT3: c.917_918del, p.Q306Rfs*43) in patients from three unrelated Pakistani families. MT1 and MT2 dramatically reduced the testicular expression of ADAD2, likely causing spermiogenesis failure in the NOA patients. Immunofluorescence analysis of the Adad2Mut/Mut male mice with the corresponding MT3 mutation showed instability and premature degradation of the ADAD2 protein, resulting in the spermiogenesis deficiency phenotype. Through ROSI, the Adad2Mut/Mut mice could produce pups with comparable embryonic development (46.7% in Adad2Mut/Mut versus 50% in WT) and birth rates (21.45 ± 10.43% in Adad2Mut/Mut versus 27.5 ± 3.536% in WT, P = 0.5044) to WT mice. The Adad2WT/Mut progeny from ROSI (17 pups in total via three ROSI replicates) did not show overt developmental defects and had normal fertility. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION This is a preliminary report suggesting that ROSI can be an effective treatment for infertile Adad2Mut/Mut mice. Further assisted reproductive attempts need to be carefully examined in humans during clinical trials. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our work provides functional evidence that mutations in the ADAD2 gene are deleterious and cause consistent spermiogenic defects in both humans and mice. In addition, preliminary results show that ROSI can help Adad2Mut/Mut to produce biological progeny. These findings provide valuable clues for genetic counselling on the ADAD2 mutants-associated infertility in human males. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (32000587, U21A20204, and 32061143006), and the National Key Research and Developmental Program of China (2019YFA0802600 and 2021YFC2700202). This work was also supported by Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, China. The authors declare no competing interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baolu Shi
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Wasim Shah
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Li Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chenjia Gong
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Jianteng Zhou
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Tanveer Abbas
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Hui Ma
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Menglei Yang
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yuanwei Zhang
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Nadeem Ullah
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Zubair Mahammad
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Mazhar Khan
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Ghulam Murtaza
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Asim Ali
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Ranjha Khan
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Jiahao Sha
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yan Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qinghua Shi
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, China
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14
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Ma A, Zhou J, Ali H, Abbas T, Ali I, Muhammad Z, Dil S, Chen J, Huang X, Ma H, Zhao D, Zhang B, Zhang Y, Shah W, Shah B, Murtaza G, Iqbal F, Khan MA, Khan A, Li Q, Xu B, Wu L, Zhang H, Shi Q. Loss-of-function mutations in CFAP57 cause multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella in humans and mice. JCI Insight 2023; 8:166869. [PMID: 36752199 PMCID: PMC9977434 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.166869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF) are the most severe form of asthenozoospermia due to impaired axoneme structure in sperm flagella. Dynein arms are necessary components of the sperm flagellar axoneme. In this study, we recruited 3 unrelated consanguineous Pakistani families with multiple MMAF-affected individuals, who had no overt ciliary symptoms. Whole-exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing identified 2 cilia and flagella associated protein 57 (CFAP57) loss-of-function mutations (c.2872C>T, p. R958*; and c.2737C>T, p. R913*) recessively segregating with male infertility. A mouse model mimicking the mutation (c.2872C>T) was generated and recapitulated the typical MMAF phenotype of CFAP57-mutated individuals. Both CFAP57 mutations caused loss of the long transcript-encoded CFAP57 protein in spermatozoa from MMAF-affected individuals or from the Cfap57-mutant mouse model while the short transcript was not affected. Subsequent examinations of the spermatozoa from Cfap57-mutant mice revealed that CFAP57 deficiency disrupted the inner dynein arm (IDA) assembly in sperm flagella and that single-headed IDAs were more likely to be affected. Thus, our study identified 2 pathogenic mutations in CFAP57 in MMAF-affected individuals and reported a conserved and pivotal role for the long transcript-encoded CFAP57 in IDAs' assembly and male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ao Ma
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Jianteng Zhou
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Haider Ali
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Tanveer Abbas
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Imtiaz Ali
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Zubair Muhammad
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Sobia Dil
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Xiongheng Huang
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Hui Ma
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Daren Zhao
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Beibei Zhang
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yuanwei Zhang
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Wasim Shah
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Basit Shah
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Ghulam Murtaza
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Furhan Iqbal
- Institute of Pure and Applied Biology, Zoology Division, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Muzammil Ahmad Khan
- Gomal Centre of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan
| | - Asad Khan
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Qing Li
- The Central Laboratory of Medical Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei, China
| | - Bo Xu
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Limin Wu
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Qinghua Shi
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
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15
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Zhu H, Wang H, Cheng Y, Liu D, Zhang A, Wen Z, Gao J. Hadh deficiency induced oligoasthenoteratozoospermia through the TNF-α/Bcl-2 pathway in male mice. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22661. [PMID: 36398584 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202201144r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The process of spermatogenesis is a complex and delicate process that is still not fully understood. In this study, we examined the role of fatty acid oxidase 3-hydroxy acyl CoA dehydrogenase (HADH) in maintaining normal spermatogenesis in mice. In male mice, ablation of the Hadh gene using CRISPR/Cas9 technology arrested spermatocyte meiosis, increased multinucleated giant germ cells and vacuoles in seminiferous tubules, and accompanied with acrosomal dysplasia. Hadh-/- male mice showed the typical features of oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT), including decreased sperm concentration and motility and increased sperm abnormalities. Next, we explored the molecular events in the testes of the mutant mice. We found fatty acids accumulated in the testis of Hadh-/- mice. And also, inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 were significantly increased, apoptosis-related protein Bcl-2 was decreased, and Bax and cleaved-Caspase3 were increased in Hadh-/- male mice testis. After using etanercept, a specific inhibitor of TNF-α, testis injury caused by Hadh knockout was significantly alleviated, the sperm quality and motility were improved, and germ cell apoptosis was reduced. So our study demonstrated that Hadh deletion caused an increase in fatty acids. The accumulated fatty acids further induced testicular inflammation and germ cell apoptosis through the TNF-α/Bcl-2 signaling pathway, finally resulting in OAT in the Hadh-/- mice. Inhibiting TNF-α may be used as a new treatment approach for testicular inflammation and OAT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixia Zhu
- School of Life Science and Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Hongxiang Wang
- School of Life Science and Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yin Cheng
- School of Life Science and Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Dongyue Liu
- School of Life Science and Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Aizhen Zhang
- School of Life Science and Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zongzhuang Wen
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Jiangang Gao
- School of Life Science and Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
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16
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He Y, Shi H, Li Z, Kang J, Li M, Liu M, Liu Y, Zhao J, Dou T, Jia J, Duan Y, Wang K, Ge C. Identification of New Genes and Genetic Variant Loci Associated with Breast Muscle Development in the Mini-Cobb F2 Chicken Population Using a Genome-Wide Association Study. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:2153. [PMID: 36421827 PMCID: PMC9690689 DOI: 10.3390/genes13112153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Native chicken has become a favorite choice for consumers in many Asian countries recently, not only for its potential nutritional value but also for its deep ties to local food culture. However, low growth performance and limited meat production restrict their economic potential. Conducting a genome-wide association study (GWAS) for chicken-breast muscle development will help identify loci or candidate genes for different traits and potentially provide new insight into this phenotype in chickens and other species. To improve native chicken growth performance, especially breast muscle development, we performed a GWAS to explore the potential genetic mechanisms of breast muscle development in an F2 population constructed by reciprocal crosses between a fast-growing broiler chicken (Cobb500) and a slow-growing native chicken (Daweishan mini chicken). The results showed that 11 SNPs, which exceeded the 10% genome significance level (p = 1.79 × 10-8) were considered associated with breast muscle development traits, where six SNPS, NC_006126.5: g.3138376T>G, NC_006126.5: g.3138452A>G, NC_006088.5: g.73837197A>G, NC_006088.5: g.159574275A>G, NC_006089.5: g.80832197A>G, and NC_006127.5: g.48759869G>T was first identified in this study. In total, 13 genes near the SNPs were chosen as candidate genes, and none of them had previously been studied for their role in breast muscle development. After grouping the F2 population according to partial SNPs, significant differences in breast muscle weight were found among different genotypes (p < 0.05), and the expression levels of ALOX5AP, USPL1, CHRNA9, and EFNA5 among candidate genes were also significantly different (p < 0.05). The results of this study will contribute to the future exploration of the potential genetic mechanisms of breast muscle development in domestic chickens and also support the expansion of the market for native chicken in the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang He
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Hongmei Shi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Zijian Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Jiajia Kang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Mengyuan Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Mengqian Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Yong Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Jinbo Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Tengfei Dou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Junjing Jia
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Yong Duan
- Kunming Animal Health Supervision, 118 Gulou Road, Kunming 650000, China
| | - Kun Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Changrong Ge
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
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17
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Wu S, Li X, Shang L, Wu L, Li T, Li P, Ji Z, Hou J, Yin M, Xu W. The novel BRDT inhibitor NHWD870 shows potential as a male contraceptive in mice. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2022; 54:1789-1800. [PMID: 36239350 PMCID: PMC10157631 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2022135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Small molecule inhibitors of the bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) family proteins have emerged as promising options not only for the treatment of multiple cancers but also for disturbing the process of sperm maturation with potential for use as viable contraceptive targets. In this study, we find that the BET family inhibitor NHWD870 and BRDT can bind well in vitro through bioinformatics software prediction and protein binding inhibition experiments. NHWD870 can produce a good contraceptive effect through animal experiments in vivo, and the fertility can be restored to normal after drug withdrawal. Transcriptomics and proteomics results suggest that NHWD870 affects pathways related to spermatogenesis and maturation, further contributing to the male infertility phenotype. Our results show that NHWD870 can induce a complete and reversible contraceptive effect in mice, which is stronger than that of JQ1 and its synthesized derivatives. This study is expected to eventually lead to clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sixian Wu
- Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, SCU-CUHK, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynaecologic and Paediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xiaoliang Li
- Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, SCU-CUHK, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynaecologic and Paediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.,Reproductive Medical Centre, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Lijun Shang
- School of Human Sciences, London Metropolitan University, London N7 8BD, UK
| | - Lvying Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Tongtong Li
- Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, SCU-CUHK, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynaecologic and Paediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Peiyv Li
- Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, SCU-CUHK, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynaecologic and Paediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zhiliang Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Jianwen Hou
- Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, SCU-CUHK, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynaecologic and Paediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Mingzhu Yin
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Heath and Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Wenming Xu
- Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, SCU-CUHK, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynaecologic and Paediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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18
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Okada Y. Sperm chromatin condensation: epigenetic mechanisms to compact the genome and spatiotemporal regulation from inside and outside the nucleus. Gene 2022; 97:41-53. [PMID: 35491100 DOI: 10.1266/ggs.21-00065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Sperm chromatin condensation is a critical step in mammalian spermatogenesis to protect the paternal DNA from external damaging factors and to acquire fertility. During chromatin condensation, various events proceed in a chronological order, independently or in sequence, interacting with each other both inside and outside the nucleus to support the dramatic chromatin changes. Among these events, histone-protamine replacement, which is concomitant with acrosome biogenesis and cytoskeletal alteration, is the most critical step associated with nuclear elongation. Failures of not only intranuclear events but also extra-nuclear events severely affect sperm shape and chromatin state and are subsequently linked to infertility. This review focuses on nuclear and non-nuclear factors that affect sperm chromatin condensation and its effects, and further discusses the possible utility of sperm chromatin for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Okada
- Laboratory of Pathology and Development, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo
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19
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FertilityOnline: A Straightforward Pipeline for Functional Gene Annotation and Disease Mutation Discovery. GENOMICS, PROTEOMICS & BIOINFORMATICS 2022; 20:455-465. [PMID: 34954426 PMCID: PMC9801063 DOI: 10.1016/j.gpb.2021.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Exploring the genetic basis of human infertility is currently under intensive investigation. However, only a handful of genes have been validated in animal models as disease-causing genes in infertile men. Thus, to better understand the genetic basis of human spermatogenesis and bridge the knowledge gap between humans and other animal species, we construct the FertilityOnline, a database integrating the literature-curated functional genes during spermatogenesis into an existing spermatogenic database, SpermatogenesisOnline 1.0. Additional features, including the functional annotation and genetic variants of human genes, are also incorporated into FertilityOnline. By searching this database, users can browse the functional genes involved in spermatogenesis and instantly narrow down the number of candidates of genetic mutations underlying male infertility in a user-friendly web interface. Clinical application of this database was exampled by the identification of novel causative mutations in synaptonemal complex central element protein 1 (SYCE1) and stromal antigen 3 (STAG3) in azoospermic men. In conclusion, FertilityOnline is not only an integrated resource for spermatogenic genes but also a useful tool facilitating the exploration of the genetic basis of male infertility. FertilityOnline can be freely accessed at http://mcg.ustc.edu.cn/bsc/spermgenes2.0/index.html.
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20
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Wang HQ, Wang T, Gao F, Ren WZ. Application of CRISPR/Cas Technology in Spermatogenesis Research and Male Infertility Treatment. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13061000. [PMID: 35741761 PMCID: PMC9223233 DOI: 10.3390/genes13061000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
As the basis of animal reproductive activity, normal spermatogenesis directly determines the efficiency of livestock production. An in-depth understanding of spermatogenesis will greatly facilitate animal breeding efforts and male infertility treatment. With the continuous development and application of gene editing technologies, they have become valuable tools to study the mechanism of spermatogenesis. Gene editing technologies have provided us with a better understanding of the functions and potential mechanisms of action of factors that regulate spermatogenesis. This review summarizes the applications of gene editing technologies, especially CRISPR/Cas9, in deepening our understanding of the function of spermatogenesis-related genes and disease treatment. The problems of gene editing technologies in the field of spermatogenesis research are also discussed.
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21
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Jiang H, Zhang Y, Ma H, Fan S, Zhang H, Shi Q. Identification of pathogenic mutations from nonobstructive azoospermia patients. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:85-94. [PMID: 35532179 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
It is estimated that approximately 25% of nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) cases are caused by single genetic anomalies, including chromosome aberrations and gene mutations. The identification of these mutations in NOA patients has always been a research hot spot in the area of human infertility. However, compared with more than 600 genes reported to be essential for fertility in mice, mutations in approximately 75 genes have been confirmed to be pathogenic in patients with male infertility, in which only 14 were identified from NOA patients. The small proportion suggested that there is much room to improve the methodology of mutation screening and functional verification. Fortunately, recent advances in whole exome sequencing and CRISPR-Cas9 have greatly promoted research on the etiology of human infertility and made improvements possible. In this review, we summarized the pathogenic mutations found in NOA patients and the efforts we have made to improve the efficiency of mutation screening from NOA patients and functional verification with the application of new technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanwei Jiang
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale,Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yuanwei Zhang
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale,Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Hui Ma
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale,Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Suixing Fan
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale,Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale,Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Qinghua Shi
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale,Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
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22
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Xu J, Gao J, Liu J, Huang X, Zhang H, Ma A, Ye J, Zhang X, Li Y, Yang G, Yin H, Khan R, Li T, Fan S, Jiang X, Zhang Y, Jiang H, Ma H, Shi Q. ZFP541 maintains the repression of pre-pachytene transcriptional programs and promotes male meiosis progression. Cell Rep 2022; 38:110540. [PMID: 35320728 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The DSB machinery, which induces the programmed DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) in the leptotene and zygotene stages during meiosis, is suppressed before the onset of the pachytene stage. However, the biological significance and underlying mechanisms remain largely unclear. Here, we report that ZFP541 is indispensable for the suppression of DSB formation after mid-pachytene. The deletion of Zfp541 in mice causes the aberrant recruitment of DSB machinery to chromosome axes and generation of massive DSBs in late pachytene and diplotene spermatocytes, leading to meiotic arrest at the diplotene stage. Integrated analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) sequencing data indicate that ZFP541 predominantly binds to promoters of pre-pachytene genes, including meiotic DSB formation-related genes (e.g., Prdm9 and Mei1) and their upstream activators (e.g., Meiosin and Rxra), and maintains their repression in pachytene spermatocytes. Our results reveal that ZFP541 functions as a transcriptional regulator in pachytene spermatocytes, orchestrating the transcriptome to ensure meiosis progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianze Xu
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Jianing Gao
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Junyan Liu
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Xue Huang
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Ao Ma
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Jingwei Ye
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Xingxia Zhang
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Yang Li
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Gang Yang
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Hao Yin
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Ranjha Khan
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Tao Li
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Suixing Fan
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Xiaohua Jiang
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Yuanwei Zhang
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Hanwei Jiang
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China.
| | - Hui Ma
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China.
| | - Qinghua Shi
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China.
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Ma A, Zeb A, Ali I, Zhao D, Khan A, Zhang B, Zhou J, Khan R, Zhang H, Zhang Y, Khan I, Shah W, Ali H, Javed AR, Ma H, Shi Q. Biallelic Variants in CFAP61 Cause Multiple Morphological Abnormalities of the Flagella and Male Infertility. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:803818. [PMID: 35174165 PMCID: PMC8841411 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.803818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella (MMAF) can lead to male infertility due to impaired sperm motility and morphology. Calmodulin- and spoke-associated complex (CSC) are known for their roles in radial spoke (RS) assembly and ciliary motility in Chlamydomonas, while the role of cilia- and flagella-associated protein 61 (CFAP61), a mammalian ortholog of the CSC subunits, in humans is yet unknown. Here, we recruited three unrelated Pakistani families comprising of 11 infertile male patients diagnosed with MMAF. CFAP61 variants, c.451_452del (p.I151Nfs*4) in family 1 and c.847C > T (p.R283*) in family 2 and 3, were identified recessively co-segregating with the MMAF phenotype. Transmission electron microscopy analyses revealed severe disorganized axonemal ultrastructures, and missings of central pair, RSs, and inner dynein arms were also observed and confirmed by immunofluorescence staining in spermatozoa from patients. CFAP61 and CFAP251 signals were absent from sperm tails of the patients, which suggested the loss of functional CSC in sperm flagella. Altogether, our findings report that homozygous variants in CFAP61 are associated with MMAF and male infertility, demonstrating the essential role of this gene in normal sperm flagellum structure in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Hui Ma
- *Correspondence: Qinghua Shi, ; Hui Ma,
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24
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Teves ME, Roldan ERS. Sperm bauplan and function and underlying processes of sperm formation and selection. Physiol Rev 2022; 102:7-60. [PMID: 33880962 PMCID: PMC8812575 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00009.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The spermatozoon is a highly differentiated and polarized cell, with two main structures: the head, containing a haploid nucleus and the acrosomal exocytotic granule, and the flagellum, which generates energy and propels the cell; both structures are connected by the neck. The sperm's main aim is to participate in fertilization, thus activating development. Despite this common bauplan and function, there is an enormous diversity in structure and performance of sperm cells. For example, mammalian spermatozoa may exhibit several head patterns and overall sperm lengths ranging from ∼30 to 350 µm. Mechanisms of transport in the female tract, preparation for fertilization, and recognition of and interaction with the oocyte also show considerable variation. There has been much interest in understanding the origin of this diversity, both in evolutionary terms and in relation to mechanisms underlying sperm differentiation in the testis. Here, relationships between sperm bauplan and function are examined at two levels: first, by analyzing the selective forces that drive changes in sperm structure and physiology to understand the adaptive values of this variation and impact on male reproductive success and second, by examining cellular and molecular mechanisms of sperm formation in the testis that may explain how differentiation can give rise to such a wide array of sperm forms and functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Eugenia Teves
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Eduardo R S Roldan
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
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25
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Chen T, Zhou Y, Liu X, Liu Y, Yuan J, Wang Z. Adenylyl cyclase 3 deficiency results in dysfunction of blood-testis barrier during mouse spermiogenesis. Theriogenology 2021; 180:40-52. [PMID: 34953349 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Human infertility has become a global medical and social health problem. Mice deficient in type 3 adenylyl cyclase (AC3), a key enzyme that synthesizes cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), develop male infertility, although the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unknown. We performed a label-free quantitative (LFQ) proteomics analyses to identify testicular differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and their respective biological processes. Furthermore, histological examination demonstrated that AC3 deficiency in mice led to mild impairment of spermatogenesis, including the thinning of seminiferous epithelium and local lesions in the testis. We further identified that the integrity of the blood-testis barrier (BTB) was impaired in AC3 knockout (AC3-/-) mice accompanied with the reduction in the expression of tight junctions (TJs) and ectoplasmic specialization (ESs)-related proteins. In addition, the deletion of AC3 in mice also reduced the germ cell proliferation, increased apoptosis, and decreased lipid deposition in the seminiferous tubules. Collectively, our results revealed a role of AC3 in regulating the BTB integrity during spermatogenesis. Thus, our findings provide new perspectives for future research in male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingrong Chen
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, Hebei, PR China
| | - Yanfen Zhou
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, Hebei, PR China
| | - Xinxia Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, 071030, Hebei, PR China
| | - Yuxin Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, 071030, Hebei, PR China
| | - Junkai Yuan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, 071030, Hebei, PR China
| | - Zhenshan Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, Hebei, PR China.
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26
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Goelzer M, Goelzer J, Ferguson ML, Neu CP, Uzer G. Nuclear envelope mechanobiology: linking the nuclear structure and function. Nucleus 2021; 12:90-114. [PMID: 34455929 PMCID: PMC8432354 DOI: 10.1080/19491034.2021.1962610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The nucleus, central to cellular activity, relies on both direct mechanical input as well as its molecular transducers to sense external stimuli and respond by regulating intra-nuclear chromatin organization that determines cell function and fate. In mesenchymal stem cells of musculoskeletal tissues, changes in nuclear structures are emerging as a key modulator of their differentiation and proliferation programs. In this review we will first introduce the structural elements of the nucleoskeleton and discuss the current literature on how nuclear structure and signaling are altered in relation to environmental and tissue level mechanical cues. We will focus on state-of-the-art techniques to apply mechanical force and methods to measure nuclear mechanics in conjunction with DNA, RNA, and protein visualization in living cells. Ultimately, combining real-time nuclear deformations and chromatin dynamics can be a powerful tool to study mechanisms of how forces affect the dynamics of genome function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Goelzer
- Materials Science and Engineering, Boise State University, Boise, ID, US
| | | | - Matthew L. Ferguson
- Biomolecular Science, Boise State University, Boise, ID, US
- Physics, Boise State University, Boise, ID, US
| | - Corey P. Neu
- Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, US
| | - Gunes Uzer
- Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, Boise State University, Boise, ID, US
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27
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The evolutionarily conserved gene, Fam114a2, is dispensable for fertility in mouse. Reprod Biol 2021; 21:100531. [PMID: 34315090 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2021.100531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Family with sequence similarity 114 member A2 (Fam114a2) is sperm binding protein that is highly conserved in mammals with homologs both in fungi and plants. Previous studies have demonstrated that miR-762 and P63 are two crucial players of spermatogenesis, and CricFM114A2 regulates their expression. Thus, the current study was focused on describing the role of Fam114a2 in spermatogenesis by generating Fam114a2 knockout (Fam114a2-/-) mice using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing techniques. We identified that Fam114a2-/- mouse has normal fertility and normal morphology of sperm. Furthermore, histological investigation of testicular and epididymis tissues showed no subtle difference, and seminiferous tubules comprised of all stages of germ cells, including mature spermatozoa in Fam114a2-/- mice. Moreover, cytological investigation of spermatocytes in the progression of prophase I also did not display any notable difference in Fam114a2-/- mice. Additionally, normal expression of p63 and miR-762 was observed in Fam114a2+/+ and Fam114a2-/- testis indicating that Fam114a2 is not involved in the direct regulation of in mice spermatogenesis. Moreover, the removal of Fam114a2 in mouse did not affect the expression of its paralogue Fam114a1 in multiple tissues. Taken together our data determined that Fam114a2 is not essential for male fertility and spermatogenesis in mice.
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28
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Shah W, Khan R, Shah B, Dil S, Shi Q. Knockout of the family with sequence similarity 181, member A ( Fam181a) gene does not impair spermatogenesis or male fertility in the mouse. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 33:674-681. [PMID: 34253288 DOI: 10.1071/rd21150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Family with sequence similarity 181 (Fam181 ) is a gene family with two paralogues (Fam181a and Fam181b ) found among vertebrates. Fam181a exhibits dynamic and stage-specific expression during murine embryo development. Furthermore, searching in the National Center for Biotechnology Information database revealed predominant expression of Fam181a in mouse and human testes, implying that it may have essential roles in spermatogenesis. In this study we investigated the invivo function of Fam181a in mouse spermatogenesis and fertility by generating Fam181a -/- mice using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated (Cas) 9 genome editing technology. The resulting Fam181a -/- mice exhibited normal growth and development. In addition, the mice were completely fertile, with no obvious differences in the testis-to-bodyweight ratio, epididymal sperm count or sperm motility compared with wild-type mice. Further examination of testicular and epididymal histology of Fam181a -/- mice found an intact seminiferous tubule structure and the presence of all types of germ cells, from spermatogonia to mature spermatozoa, similar to wild-type littermates. Similarly, analysis of meiotic prophase I progression revealed normal populations of each substage of prophase I in Fam181a +/+ and Fam181a -/- testes, suggesting that this gene is dispensable for male fertility. These negative findings will help avoid research overlap, save time and resources and allow researchers to concentrate on genes that are critical for male fertility and spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wasim Shah
- The First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Ranjha Khan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China; and Corresponding authors
| | - Basit Shah
- The First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Sobia Dil
- The First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Qinghua Shi
- The First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China; and Corresponding authors
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29
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Jahed Z, Domkam N, Ornowski J, Yerima G, Mofrad MRK. Molecular models of LINC complex assembly at the nuclear envelope. J Cell Sci 2021; 134:269219. [PMID: 34152389 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.258194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Large protein complexes assemble at the nuclear envelope to transmit mechanical signals between the cytoskeleton and nucleoskeleton. These protein complexes are known as the linkers of the nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton complexes (LINC complexes) and are formed by the interaction of SUN and KASH domain proteins in the nuclear envelope. Ample evidence suggests that SUN-KASH complexes form higher-order assemblies to withstand and transfer forces across the nuclear envelope. Herein, we present a review of recent studies over the past few years that have shed light on the mechanisms of SUN-KASH interactions, their higher order assembly, and the molecular mechanisms of force transfer across these complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Jahed
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.,Department of Nanoengineering, Jacobs School of Engineering, University of California, San Diego, CA 92039, USA
| | - Nya Domkam
- Molecular Cell Biomechanics Laboratory, Departments of Bioengineering and Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Jessica Ornowski
- Molecular Cell Biomechanics Laboratory, Departments of Bioengineering and Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Ghafar Yerima
- Molecular Cell Biomechanics Laboratory, Departments of Bioengineering and Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Mohammad R K Mofrad
- Molecular Cell Biomechanics Laboratory, Departments of Bioengineering and Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.,Molecular Biophysics and Integrative Bioimaging Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
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30
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Azhar M, Altaf S, Uddin I, Cheng J, Wu L, Tong X, Qin W, Bao J. Towards Post-Meiotic Sperm Production: Genetic Insight into Human Infertility from Mouse Models. Int J Biol Sci 2021; 17:2487-2503. [PMID: 34326689 PMCID: PMC8315030 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.60384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Declined quality and quantity of sperm is currently the major cause of patients suffering from infertility. Male germ cell development is spatiotemporally regulated throughout the whole developmental process. While it has been known that exogenous factors, such as environmental exposure, diet and lifestyle, et al, play causative roles in male infertility, recent progress has revealed abundant genetic mutations tightly associated with defective male germline development. In mammals, male germ cells undergo dramatic morphological change (i.e., nuclear condensation) and chromatin remodeling during post-meiotic haploid germline development, a process termed spermiogenesis; However, the molecular machinery players and functional mechanisms have yet to be identified. To date, accumulated evidence suggests that disruption in any step of haploid germline development is likely manifested as fertility issues with low sperm count, poor sperm motility, aberrant sperm morphology or combined. With the continually declined cost of next-generation sequencing and recent progress of CRISPR/Cas9 technology, growing studies have revealed a vast number of disease-causing genetic variants associated with spermiogenic defects in both mice and humans, along with mechanistic insights partially attained and validated through genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs). In this review, we mainly summarize genes that are functional at post-meiotic stage. Identification and characterization of deleterious genetic variants should aid in our understanding of germline development, and thereby further improve the diagnosis and treatment of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Azhar
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui, China
| | - Saba Altaf
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui, China
| | - Islam Uddin
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui, China
| | - Jinbao Cheng
- The 901th hospital of Joint logistics support Force of PLA, Anhui, China
| | - Limin Wu
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui, China
| | - Xianhong Tong
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui, China
| | - Weibing Qin
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Family Planning Research Institute of Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jianqiang Bao
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui, China
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31
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Xiong W, Shen C, Wang Z. The molecular mechanisms underlying acrosome biogenesis elucidated by gene-manipulated mice. Biol Reprod 2021; 105:789-807. [PMID: 34131698 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Sexual reproduction requires the fusion of two gametes in a multistep and multifactorial process termed fertilization. One of the main steps that ensures successful fertilization is acrosome reaction. The acrosome, a special kind of organelle with a cap-like structure that covers the anterior portion of sperm head, plays a key role in the process. Acrosome biogenesis begins with the initial stage of spermatid development, and it is typically divided into four successive phases: the Golgi phase, cap phase, acrosome phase, and maturation phase. The run smoothly of above processes needs an active and specific coordination between the all kinds of organelles (endoplasmic reticulum, trans-golgi network and nucleus) and cytoplasmic structures (acroplaxome and manchette). During the past two decades, an increasingly genes have been discovered to be involved in modulating acrosome formation. Most of these proteins interact with each other and show a complicated molecular regulatory mechanism to facilitate the occurrence of this event. This Review focuses on the progresses of studying acrosome biogenesis using gene-manipulated mice and highlights an emerging molecular basis of mammalian acrosome formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenfeng Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunling Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhugang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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32
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Shah B, Khan R, Shah W, Aftab A, Khan M, Dil S, Shi Q. Inactivation of testis-specific gene C4orf46 is dispensable for spermatogenesis and fertility in mouse. Mamm Genome 2021; 32:364-370. [PMID: 34076717 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-021-09879-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Several genes have been reported to be involved in spermatogenesis but their functional importance in male fertility is yet needed to be elucidated. Therefore, in current research, we focused to explore the in vivo role of evolutionary conserved and testis-specifically expressed, C4orf46, gene in male mouse fertility and spermatogenesis. The expression profile of C4orf46 is specific to testes and expressed in testes from 7 days of postpartum to onward. Thus, we generated the C4orf46 knockout mice by utilizing CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology and examined gene function in spermatogenesis and fertility. Surprisingly, C4orf46 knockout mice were completely fertile, displayed normal testes morphology, however, higher sperm contents were observed in knockout mice compared to wild type (WT) littermates. Subsequently, intact testis histology and architecture of seminiferous tubules were observed in C4orf46 knockout and WT mice. Similarly, sperm morphology and swimming velocity of C4orf46 knockout mice were comparable with the WT littermates. Furthermore, all type of germ cells ranging from spermatogonia to mature spermatozoa were observed in the testes and epididymis sections of C4orf46 knockout mice suggesting that disruption of C4orf46 did not impact spermatogenesis. Moreover, meiotic prophase I progression was normal, and each type of cell population was comparable between knockout and WT mice. Overall, finding from this research indicates that C4orf46 is not an essential gene for fertility in mice. This study will help researchers to avoid the repetition and duplication of efforts, and to explore the genes that are indispensable for spermatogenesis and male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basit Shah
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, National Laboratory for Physical Sciences At Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Ranjha Khan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, National Laboratory for Physical Sciences At Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
| | - Wasim Shah
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, National Laboratory for Physical Sciences At Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Ayesha Aftab
- Department of Biological Sciences, International Islamic University, Sector H10, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
| | - Manan Khan
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Hazara University, Dhodial, Pakistan
| | - Sobia Dil
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, National Laboratory for Physical Sciences At Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Qinghua Shi
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, National Laboratory for Physical Sciences At Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
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Manfrevola F, Guillou F, Fasano S, Pierantoni R, Chianese R. LINCking the Nuclear Envelope to Sperm Architecture. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12050658. [PMID: 33925685 PMCID: PMC8145172 DOI: 10.3390/genes12050658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear architecture undergoes an extensive remodeling during spermatogenesis, especially at levels of spermatocytes (SPC) and spermatids (SPT). Interestingly, typical events of spermiogenesis, such as nuclear elongation, acrosome biogenesis, and flagellum formation, need a functional cooperation between proteins of the nuclear envelope and acroplaxome/manchette structures. In addition, nuclear envelope plays a key role in chromosome distribution. In this scenario, special attention has been focused on the LINC (linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton) complex, a nuclear envelope-bridge structure involved in the connection of the nucleoskeleton to the cytoskeleton, governing mechanotransduction. It includes two integral proteins: KASH- and SUN-domain proteins, on the outer (ONM) and inner (INM) nuclear membrane, respectively. The LINC complex is involved in several functions fundamental to the correct development of sperm cells such as head formation and head to tail connection, and, therefore, it seems to be important in determining male fertility. This review provides a global overview of the main LINC complex components, with a special attention to their subcellular localization in sperm cells, their roles in the regulation of sperm morphological maturation, and, lastly, LINC complex alterations associated to male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Manfrevola
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy; (F.M.); (S.F.); (R.P.)
| | - Florian Guillou
- PRC, CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, University of Tours, 37380 Nouzilly, France;
| | - Silvia Fasano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy; (F.M.); (S.F.); (R.P.)
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy; (F.M.); (S.F.); (R.P.)
| | - Rosanna Chianese
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy; (F.M.); (S.F.); (R.P.)
- Correspondence:
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Stathatos GG, Dunleavy JEM, Zenker J, O'Bryan MK. Delta and epsilon tubulin in mammalian development. Trends Cell Biol 2021; 31:774-787. [PMID: 33867233 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2021.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Delta (δ-) and epsilon (ε-) tubulin are lesser-known cousins of alpha (α-) and beta (β-) tubulin. They are likely to regulate centriole function in a broad range of species; however, their in vivo role and mechanism of action in mammals remain mysterious. In unicellular species and mammalian cell lines, mutations in δ- and ε-tubulin cause centriole destabilization and atypical mitosis and, in the most severe cases, cell death. Beyond the centriole, δ- and ε-tubulin localize to the manchette during murine spermatogenesis and interact with katanin-like 2 (KATNAL2), a protein with microtubule (MT)-severing properties, indicative of novel non-centriolar functions. Herein we summarize the current knowledge surrounding δ- and ε-tubulin, identify pathways for future research, and highlight how and why spermatogenesis and embryogenesis are ideal systems to define δ- and ε-tubulin function in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Gemma Stathatos
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Jessica E M Dunleavy
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Jennifer Zenker
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Moira K O'Bryan
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia.
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Khan R, Zaman Q, Chen J, Khan M, Ma A, Zhou J, Zhang B, Ali A, Naeem M, Zubair M, Zhao D, Shah W, Khan M, Zhang Y, Xu B, Zhang H, Shi Q. Novel Loss-of-Function Mutations in DNAH1 Displayed Different Phenotypic Spectrum in Humans and Mice. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:765639. [PMID: 34867808 PMCID: PMC8635859 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.765639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Male infertility is a prevalent disorder distressing an estimated 70 million people worldwide. Despite continued progress in understanding the causes of male infertility, idiopathic sperm abnormalities such as multiple morphological abnormalities of sperm flagella (MMAF) still account for about 30% of male infertility. Recurrent mutations in DNAH1 have been reported to cause MMAF in various populations, but the underlying mechanism is still poorly explored. This study investigated the MMAF phenotype of two extended consanguineous Pakistani families without manifesting primary ciliary dyskinesia symptoms. The transmission electron microscopy analysis of cross-sections of microtubule doublets revealed a missing central singlet of microtubules and a disorganized fibrous sheath. SPAG6 staining, a marker generally used to check the integration of microtubules of central pair, further confirmed the disruption of central pair in the spermatozoa of patients. Thus, whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed, and WES analysis identified two novel mutations in the DNAH1 gene that were recessively co-segregating with MMAF phenotype in both families. To mechanistically study the impact of identified mutation, we generated Dnah1 mice models to confirm the in vivo effects of identified mutations. Though Dnah1△iso1/△iso1 mutant mice represented MMAF phenotype, no significant defects were observed in the ultrastructure of mutant mice spermatozoa. Interestingly, we found DNAH1 isoform2 in Dnah1△iso1/△iso1 mutant mice that may be mediating the formation of normal ultrastructure in the absence of full-length protein. Altogether we are first reporting the possible explanation of inconsistency between mouse and human DNAH1 mutant phenotypes, which will pave the way for further understanding of the underlying pathophysiological mechanism of MMAF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranjha Khan
- First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Qumar Zaman
- First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Jing Chen
- First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Manan Khan
- First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Ao Ma
- First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Jianteng Zhou
- First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Beibei Zhang
- First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Asim Ali
- First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Muhammad Naeem
- Medical Genetics Research Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Zubair
- First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Daren Zhao
- First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Wasim Shah
- First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Mazhar Khan
- First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yuanwei Zhang
- First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Bo Xu
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Bo Xu, ; Huan Zhang, ; Qinghua Shi,
| | - Huan Zhang
- First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Bo Xu, ; Huan Zhang, ; Qinghua Shi,
| | - Qinghua Shi
- First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Bo Xu, ; Huan Zhang, ; Qinghua Shi,
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Yousaf A, Wu Y, Khan R, Shah W, Khan I, Shi Q, Jiang X. Normal spermatogenesis and fertility in Ddi1 (DNA damage inducible 1) mutant mice. Reprod Biol 2020; 20:520-524. [DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2020.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Kmonickova V, Frolikova M, Steger K, Komrskova K. The Role of the LINC Complex in Sperm Development and Function. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E9058. [PMID: 33260574 PMCID: PMC7730847 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The LINC (LInker of Nucleoskeleton and Cytoskeleton) complex is localized within the nuclear envelope and consists of SUN (Sad1/UNc84 homology domain-containing) proteins located in the inner nuclear membrane and KASH (Klarsicht/Anc1/Syne1 homology domain-containing) proteins located in the outer nuclear membrane, hence linking nuclear with cytoplasmic structures. While the nucleoplasm-facing side acts as a key player for correct pairing of homolog chromosomes and rapid chromosome movements during meiosis, the cytoplasm-facing side plays a pivotal role for sperm head development and proper acrosome formation during spermiogenesis. A further complex present in spermatozoa is involved in head-to-tail coupling. An intact LINC complex is crucial for the production of fertile sperm, as mutations in genes encoding for complex proteins are known to be associated with male subfertility in both mice and men. The present review provides a comprehensive overview on our current knowledge of LINC complex subtypes present in germ cells and its central role for male reproduction. Future studies on distinct LINC complex components are an absolute requirement to improve the diagnosis of idiopathic male factor infertility and the outcome of assisted reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Kmonickova
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic; (V.K.); (M.F.)
| | - Michaela Frolikova
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic; (V.K.); (M.F.)
| | - Klaus Steger
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Molecular Andrology, Justus-Liebig University, 35392 Giessen, Germany;
| | - Katerina Komrskova
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic; (V.K.); (M.F.)
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Vinicna 7, 128 44 Prague 2, Czech Republic
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Zhang B, Khan I, Liu C, Ma A, Khan A, Zhang Y, Zhang H, Kakakhel MBS, Zhou J, Zhang W, Li Y, Ali A, Jiang X, Murtaza G, Khan R, Zubair M, Yuan L, Khan M, Wang L, Zhang F, Wang X, Ma H, Shi Q. Novel loss-of-function variants in DNAH17 cause multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella in humans and mice. Clin Genet 2020; 99:176-186. [PMID: 33070343 DOI: 10.1111/cge.13866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella (MMAF) is a genetically heterogeneous disorder leading to male infertility. Recent studies have revealed that DNAH17 variants are associated with MMAF, yet there is no functional evidence in support of their pathnogenicity. Here, we recruited two consanguineous families of Pakistani and Chinese origins, respectively, diagnosed with MMAF. Whole-exome sequencing identified novel homozygous DNAH17 variants, which led to loss of DNAH17 proteins, in the patients. Transmission electron microscope analyses revealed completely disorganized axonemal structure as the predominant anomaly and increased frequencies of missings of microtubule doublet(s) 4-7 in sperm flagella of patients. Similar to those found in patients, Dnah17-/- mice also displayed MMAF phenotype along with completely disorganized axonemal structures. Clusters of disorganized microtubules and outer dense fibers were observed in developing spermatids, indicating impaired sperm flagellar assembly. Besides, we also noticed many elongating spermatids with a deformed nuclear shape and abnormal step 16 spermatids that failed to spermiate, which subsequently underwent apoptosis in Dnah17-null mice. These findings present direct evidence establishing that DNAH17 is a MMAF-related gene in humans and mice, extend the clinical interpretations of DNAH17 variants, and highlight an essential and complex role of DNAH17 in spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beibei Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Ihsan Khan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Chunyu Liu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Ao Ma
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Asad Khan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Yuanwei Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Mian Basit Shah Kakakhel
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Jianteng Zhou
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, The Department of Systems Biology for Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Yang Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Asim Ali
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Xiaohua Jiang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Ghulam Murtaza
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Ranjha Khan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Muhammad Zubair
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Limin Yuan
- Analysis and test center, Co-Innovation Center for Modern Production Technology of Grain Crops, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Mazhar Khan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Li Wang
- The Center of Cryo-Electron Microscopy (CCEM), Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering at School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Xiong Wang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai 264000, China
| | - Hui Ma
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Qinghua Shi
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
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Zaman Q, Khan R, Hameed U, Shah W, Waqas A, Zubair M, Dil S, Zafar T, Ali A, Unar A, Shi Q. Exonuclease 5 is dispensable for meiotic progression and male fertility in mouse. Gene 2020; 769:145254. [PMID: 33164760 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2020.145254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Exonuclease 5 (Exo5) belongs to a class of bi-directional, ssDNA-specific exonucleases that mainly involved in the DNA repair pathways. Exo5 has been reported to be crucial for DNA- DNA mismatch repair (MMR) in several human cell lines. However, its in vivo function in mammals still needs to be explored. Thus, to study the in vivo role of Exo5 in spermatogenesis, Exo5 knockout mice were generated using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Unexpectedly, we found that the knockout mice are fertile despite a slight decrease in sperm count. Furthermore, Exo5-/- mice showed no detectable developmental anomalies, exhibited no remarkable differences in the epididymal histology and testis/body weight ratio. Moreover, cytological investigations on meiocytes revealed non-significant differences in chromosomal synapsis, recombination, and meiotic progression of prophase I, further demonstrating that Exo5 has no essential role in spermatogenesis in mice under normal breeding conditions. Collectively, these data indicate that Exo5 is dispensable for meiotic progression and fertility in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qumar Zaman
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Ranjha Khan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Uzma Hameed
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Government College University Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Wasim Shah
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Ahmed Waqas
- Department of Zoology, Division of Science and Technology, University of Education Lahore, Multan Campus, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Zubair
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Sobia Dil
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Tuba Zafar
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Government College University Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Asim Ali
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Ahsanullah Unar
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Qinghua Shi
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China.
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Khan R, Ye J, Yousaf A, Shah W, Aftab A, Shah B, Zaman Q, Zubair M, Shi Q, Jiang X. Evolutionarily conserved and testis-specific gene, 4930524B15Rik, is not essential for mouse spermatogenesis and fertility. Mol Biol Rep 2020; 47:5207-5213. [PMID: 32592116 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-05595-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Thousands of genes are involved in spermatogenesis, however, the functional roles of most these genes for male fertility remain to be discovered. This research focused to explore the function of evolutionarily conserved and testis-specific expressed gene 4930524B15Rik, which is known as C5orf47 in human. We generated 4930524B15Rik knockout mice by CRISPR/Cas9 technology and found 4930524B15Rik-/- mice were fertile. Furthermore, no averted abnormalities were observed in testis morphology, epididymal sperm contents and sperm morphology in 4930524B15Rik knockout mice. Subsequently, histological analysis of testicular tissue revealed intact structure of seminiferous tubules along with the presence of all types of germ cells in 4930524B15Rik-/- mice similar to wild type. Additionally, cytological analysis of spermatocytes displayed no significant differences in the prophase I progression of meiosis, further indicating that 4930524B15Rik have no essential function in mammalian spermatogenesis. Altogether, these results indicated that 4930524B15Rik is dispensable for fertility of male mice and these findings will help researchers to avoid future research overlap and to focus on genes that are crucial for spermatogenesis and reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranjha Khan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences At Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Jingwei Ye
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences At Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Ayesha Yousaf
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences At Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Wasim Shah
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences At Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Ayesha Aftab
- Department of Biological Sciences, International Islamic University, Sector H10, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
| | - Basit Shah
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences At Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Qamar Zaman
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences At Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Muhammad Zubair
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences At Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Qinghua Shi
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences At Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
| | - Xiaohua Jiang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences At Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
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