1
|
Míčková K, Jelínek V, Tomášek O, Stopková R, Stopka P, Albrecht T. Proteomic analysis reveals dynamic changes in cloacal fluid composition during the reproductive season in a sexually promiscuous passerine. Sci Rep 2024; 14:14259. [PMID: 38902251 PMCID: PMC11190206 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62244-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Cryptic female choice (CFC) is a component of postcopulatory sexual selection that allows females to influence the fertilization success of sperm from different males. While its precise mechanisms remain unclear, they may involve the influence of the protein composition of the female reproductive fluids on sperm functionality. This study maps the protein composition of the cloacal fluid across different phases of female reproductive cycle in a sexually promiscuous passerine, the barn swallow. Similar to mammals, the protein composition in the female reproductive tract differed between receptive (when females copulate) and nonreceptive phases. With the change in the protein background, the enriched gene ontology terms also shifted. Within the receptive phase, distinctions were observed between proteomes sampled just before and during egg laying. However, three proteins exhibited increased abundance during the entire receptive phase compared to nonreceptive phases. These proteins are candidates in cryptic female choice, as all of them can influence the functionality of sperm or sperm-egg interaction. Our study demonstrates dynamic changes in the cloacal environment throughout the avian breeding cycle, emphasizing the importance of considering these fluctuations in studies of cryptic female choice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristýna Míčková
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Václav Jelínek
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Oldřich Tomášek
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Romana Stopková
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Stopka
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Tomáš Albrecht
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mahé C, de la Riviere MEL, Lasserre O, Tsikis G, Tomas D, Labas V, Elis S, Saint-Dizier M. Oral exposure to bisphenol S is associated with alterations in the oviduct proteome of an ovine model, with aggravated effects in overfed females. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:589. [PMID: 38867150 PMCID: PMC11167748 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10510-z] [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: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bisphenol S (BPS) is a substitute for bisphenol A in plastic manufacturing and, as a potential endocrine disruptor, may alter the physiology of the oviduct, in which fertilization and early embryo development take place in mammals. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of a daily dietary exposure to BPS combined with a contrasted diet on the oviduct fluid proteome using an ovine model. RESULTS Eighty adult cyclic ewes were allotted to four groups (20/group): overfed (OF) consuming 50 µg/kg/day of BPS in their diet, underfed (UF) consuming 50 µg/kg/day of BPS, and non-exposed controls in each diet group. After three months, the mean body condition score, plasma levels of glucose and non-esterified fatty acids were significantly higher in OF than in UF females. The proteins in collected OF samples (50 µg) were analyzed by nanoliquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (nanoLC-MS/MS). Overall, 1563 proteins were identified, among which 848 were quantified. Principal component analysis of the data revealed a clear discrimination of samples according to the diet and a segregation between BPS-exposed and non-exposed females in overfed ewes. Hierarchical clustering of differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) identified two clusters of 101 and 78 DAPs according to the diet. Pairwise comparisons between groups revealed a stronger effect of BPS in OF than in UF females (70 vs. 24 DAPs) and a stronger effect of the diet in BPS-exposed than non-exposed females (56 vs. 36 DAPs). Functional analysis of DAPs showed an enrichment in metabolic processes, immune system, cell response to stress, and reproductive processes. CONCLUSIONS This work highlights for the first time the important impact of BPS on the oviduct proteome, with larger effects seen in OF than UF females. These results, together with previous ones, raise health concerns for everyone and call for a greater regulation of BPS in the food industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Coline Mahé
- INRAE, CNRS, Université de Tours, PRC, Nouzilly, 37380, France.
| | | | | | | | - Daniel Tomas
- INRAE, Université de Tours, CHU de Tours, Plateforme de Phénotypage Par Imagerie in/eX Vivo de L'ANImal À La Molécule (PIXANIM), Nouzilly, 37380, France
| | - Valérie Labas
- INRAE, Université de Tours, CHU de Tours, Plateforme de Phénotypage Par Imagerie in/eX Vivo de L'ANImal À La Molécule (PIXANIM), Nouzilly, 37380, France
| | - Sébastien Elis
- INRAE, CNRS, Université de Tours, PRC, Nouzilly, 37380, France
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lorenzo MS, Teplitz GM, Luchetti CG, Cruzans PR, Bertonazzi A, Lombardo DM. The coculture of in vitro produced porcine embryos and oviductal epithelial cells improves blastocyst formation and modify embryo quality. Theriogenology 2024; 226:141-150. [PMID: 38885555 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.06.007] [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: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
The efficiency of in vitro embryo production in mammals is influenced by variables associated with culture conditions during maturation, fertilization, and embryonic development. The embryos obtained often exhibit low quality due to suboptimal in vitro culture conditions compared to the in vivo environment. Co-culturing gametes and embryos with somatic cells has been developed to enhance in vitro culture conditions. This study aimed to assess the impact of coculturing in vitro-produced porcine embryos with porcine oviductal epithelial cells (POEC) on embryo development and quality. Firstly, a pure culture of POEC suitable for coculture systems was established. The epithelial origin of the cells was confirmed by the expression of E-cadherin and cytokeratin. The expression pattern of hormone receptors aligned with the diestrous oviduct, and POEC also secreted oviductal glycoprotein type 1 (OVGP-1). Secondly, POEC from passage 1 (POEC-1) were used to coculture with in vitro-produced porcine embryos. A successful coculture system was established without the addition of fetal bovine serum as a supplement. Coculturing POEC-1 in monolayers with in vitro-produced porcine embryos during the initial two days of culture enhanced the percentage of blastocysts and their hatching. Although the coculture did not alter the number of cells in the blastocysts or apoptosis assessed by TUNEL, it significantly reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in cleaved porcine embryos. This study represents the first report evaluating the quality of porcine embryos produced by IVF in coculture systems and assessing ROS levels in cleaved porcine embryos obtained by IVF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Soledad Lorenzo
- CONICET. Comisión Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas., Buenos Aires, Argentina; Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal, Chorroarin 280, CABA, Argentina
| | - Gabriela Maia Teplitz
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal, Chorroarin 280, CABA, Argentina
| | - Carolina Griselda Luchetti
- CONICET. Comisión Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas., Buenos Aires, Argentina; Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal, Chorroarin 280, CABA, Argentina
| | - Paula Romina Cruzans
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal, Chorroarin 280, CABA, Argentina
| | - Analia Bertonazzi
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal, Chorroarin 280, CABA, Argentina
| | - Daniel Marcelo Lombardo
- CONICET. Comisión Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas., Buenos Aires, Argentina; Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal, Chorroarin 280, CABA, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Albrizio M, Desantis S, Lacitignola L, Laricchiuta P, Guaricci AC, Cinone M. The abundance and localization of heat shock proteins (HSP)-60, -70, and -90 in the oviductal ampulla of hamadryas baboon (Papio hamadryas) during the menstrual cycle. Vet Res Commun 2024; 48:979-990. [PMID: 38038815 PMCID: PMC10998804 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10270-3] [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: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
The presence of HSPs in female reproductive and their relationship with the steroid hormone fluctuation have been reported in several mammals but not in non-human primates. The present research dealt with the oviductal expression and localization of the more studied HSPs (60, 70, and 90) as well as the morphological changes in the Hamadryas baboon (Papio hamadryas) during the follicular, preovulatory, and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle. Therefore, western blots, histomorphological, and immunohistochemical analyses were carried out. The results of western blot analysis displayed the lowest HSP expression in the luteal phase. The histomorphology showed that the mucosal epithelium consisted of undifferentiated cuboidal cells in follicular and luteal phases and well-distinguishable columnar ciliated and non-ciliated cells during the preovulatory phase. Immunohistochemistry evidenced that the mucosal epithelium contained cytoplasmic and nuclear HSP60, 70, and 90 immunostaining in the follicular and luteal phases. During the preovulatory phase, the non-ciliated cells showed: (i) cytoplasmic HSP60; (ii) nuclear and cytoplasmic HSP90. Ciliated cells showed cytoplasmic and ciliary HSP70 and ciliary HSP90. The stromal cells and myocytes of muscular layer displayed a decreased cytoplasmic HSP60 in the preovulatory phase and nuclear and low cytoplasmic HSP70 throughout the menstrual cycle. Nuclear HSP90 decreased in ampulla stromal cells and the follicular phase myocytes. These findings indicate that the expression pattern of HSP60,70, and 90 is related to the morphofunctional features of the baboon oviductal ampulla during the menstrual cycle and could represent a referent point for further studies in the oviduct of Primates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Albrizio
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Jonian Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari-Aldo Moro, S.P. 62 Casamassima Km 3, Valenzano, 70010, Italy.
| | - Salvatore Desantis
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Jonian Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari-Aldo Moro, S.P. 62 Casamassima Km 3, Valenzano, 70010, Italy
| | - Luca Lacitignola
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Jonian Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari-Aldo Moro, S.P. 62 Casamassima Km 3, Valenzano, 70010, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Ciro Guaricci
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Jonian Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari-Aldo Moro, S.P. 62 Casamassima Km 3, Valenzano, 70010, Italy
| | - Mario Cinone
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Jonian Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari-Aldo Moro, S.P. 62 Casamassima Km 3, Valenzano, 70010, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Alfattah MA, Correia CN, Browne JA, McGettigan PA, Pluta K, Carrington SD, MacHugh DE, Irwin JA. Transcriptomics analysis of the bovine endometrium during the perioestrus period. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0301005. [PMID: 38547106 PMCID: PMC10977793 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
During the oestrous cycle, the bovine endometrium undergoes morphological and functional changes, which are regulated by alterations in the levels of oestrogen and progesterone and consequent changes in gene expression. To clarify these changes before and after oestrus, RNA-seq was used to profile the transcriptome of oestrus-synchronized beef heifers. Endometrial samples were collected from 29 animals, which were slaughtered in six groups beginning 12 h after the withdrawal of intravaginal progesterone releasing devices until seven days post-oestrus onset (luteal phase). The groups represented proestrus, early oestrus, metoestrus and early dioestrus (luteal phase). Changes in gene expression were estimated relative to gene expression at oestrus. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) was used to identify canonical pathways and functional processes of biological importance. A total of 5,845 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. The lowest number of DEGs was observed at the 12 h post-oestrus time point, whereas the greatest number was observed at Day 7 post-oestrus onset (luteal phase). A total of 2,748 DEGs at this time point did not overlap with any other time points. Prior to oestrus, Neurological disease and Organismal injury and abnormalities appeared among the top IPA diseases and functions categories, with upregulation of genes involved in neurogenesis. Lipid metabolism was upregulated before oestrus and downregulated at 48h post-oestrus, at which point an upregulation of immune-related pathways was observed. In contrast, in the luteal phase the Lipid metabolism and Small molecule biochemistry pathways were upregulated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed A. Alfattah
- UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, UCD College of Health and Agricultural Sciences, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
- King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Carolina N. Correia
- Animal Genomics Laboratory, UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science, UCD College of Health and Agricultural Sciences, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - John A. Browne
- UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, UCD College of Health and Agricultural Sciences, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Paul A. McGettigan
- UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, UCD College of Health and Agricultural Sciences, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Katarzyna Pluta
- UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, UCD College of Health and Agricultural Sciences, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Stephen D. Carrington
- UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, UCD College of Health and Agricultural Sciences, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - David E. MacHugh
- Animal Genomics Laboratory, UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science, UCD College of Health and Agricultural Sciences, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
- UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jane A. Irwin
- UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, UCD College of Health and Agricultural Sciences, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Bollig KJ, Senapati S, Takacs P, Robins JC, Haisenleder DJ, Beer LA, Speicher DW, Koelper NC, Barnhart KT. Evaluation of novel biomarkers for early pregnancy outcome prediction†. Biol Reprod 2024; 110:548-557. [PMID: 38011676 PMCID: PMC10941089 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad162] [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: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess performance and discriminatory capacity of commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays of biomarkers for predicting first trimester pregnancy outcome in a multi-center cohort. DESIGN In a case-control study at three academic centers of women with pain and bleeding in early pregnancy, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays of biomarkers were screened for assay performance. Performance was assessed via functional sensitivity, assay reportable range, recovery/linearity, and intra-assay precision (%Coefficient of Variation). Top candidates were analyzed for discriminatory capacity for viability and location among 210 women with tubal ectopic pregnancy, viable intrauterine pregnancy, or miscarriage. Assay discrimination was assessed by visual plots, area under the curve with 95% confidence intervals, and measures of central tendency with two-sample t-tests. RESULTS Of 25 biomarkers evaluated, 22 demonstrated good or acceptable assay performance. Transgelin-2, oviductal glycoprotein, and integrin-linked kinase were rejected due to poor performance. The best biomarkers for discrimination of pregnancy location were pregnancy-specific beta-1-glycoprotein 9, pregnancy-specific beta-1-glycoprotein 1, insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1, kisspeptin (KISS1), pregnancy-specific beta-1-glycoprotein 3, and beta parvin (PARVB). The best biomarkers for discrimination of pregnancy viability were pregnancy-specific beta-1-glycoprotein 9, pregnancy-specific beta-1-glycoprotein 3, EH domain-containing protein 3, KISS1, WAP four-disulfide core domain protein 2 (HE4), quiescin sulfhydryl oxidase 2, and pregnancy-specific beta-1-glycoprotein 1. CONCLUSION Performance of commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays was acceptable for a panel of novel biomarkers to predict early pregnancy outcome. Of these, six and seven candidates demonstrated good discriminatory capacity of pregnancy location and viability, respectively, when validated in a distinct external population. Four markers demonstrated good discrimination for both location and viability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kassie J Bollig
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Suneeta Senapati
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Peter Takacs
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Jared C Robins
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Daniel J Haisenleder
- Department of Internal Medicine and the Center for Research in Reproduction, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Lynn A Beer
- Center for Systems & Computational Biology, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - David W Speicher
- Center for Systems & Computational Biology, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nathanael C Koelper
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kurt T Barnhart
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Matějková T, Dodoková A, Kreisinger J, Stopka P, Stopková R. Microbial, proteomic, and metabolomic profiling of the estrous cycle in wild house mice. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0203723. [PMID: 38171017 PMCID: PMC10846187 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02037-23] [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: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Symbiotic microbial communities affect the host immune system and produce molecules contributing to the odor of an individual. In many mammalian species, saliva and vaginal fluids are important sources of chemical signals that originate from bacterial metabolism and may act as honest signals of health and reproductive status. In this study, we aimed to define oral and vaginal microbiomes and their dynamics throughout the estrous cycle in wild house mice. In addition, we analyzed a subset of vaginal proteomes and metabolomes to detect potential interactions with microbiomes. 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that both saliva and vagina are dominated by Firmicutes and Proteobacteria but differ at the genus level. The oral microbiome is more stable during the estrous cycle and most abundant bacteria belong to the genera Gemella and Streptococcus, while the vaginal microbiome shows higher bacterial diversity and dynamics during the reproductive cycle and is characterized by the dominance of Muribacter and Rodentibacter. These two genera cover around 50% of the bacterial community during estrus. Proteomic profiling of vaginal fluids revealed specific protein patterns associated with different estrous phases. Highly expressed proteins in estrus involve the keratinization process thus providing estrus markers (e.g., Hrnr) while some proteins are downregulated such as immune-related proteins that limit bacterial growth (Camp, Clu, Elane, Lyz2, and Ngp). The vaginal metabolome contains volatile compounds potentially involved in chemical communication, for example, ketones, aldehydes, and esters of carboxylic acids. Data integration of all three OMICs data sets revealed high correlations, thus providing evidence that microbiomes, host proteomes, and metabolomes may interact.IMPORTANCEOur data revealed dynamic changes in vaginal, but not salivary, microbiome composition during the reproductive cycle of wild mice. With multiple OMICs platforms, we provide evidence that changes in microbiota in the vaginal environment are accompanied by changes in the proteomic and metabolomics profiles of the host. This study describes the natural microbiota of wild mice and may contribute to a better understanding of microbiome-host immune system interactions during the hormonal and cellular changes in the female reproductive tract. Moreover, analysis of volatiles in the vaginal fluid shows particular substances that can be involved in chemical communication and reproductive behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tereza Matějková
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Alica Dodoková
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Jakub Kreisinger
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Pavel Stopka
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Romana Stopková
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czechia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Jamwal S, Jena MK, Tyagi N, Kancharla S, Kolli P, Mandadapu G, Kumar S, Mohanty AK. Proteomic Approaches to Unravel the Molecular Dynamics of Early Pregnancy in Farm Animals: An In-Depth Review. J Dev Biol 2023; 12:2. [PMID: 38248867 PMCID: PMC10801625 DOI: 10.3390/jdb12010002] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Infertility is a major problem in farm animals, which has a negative economic effect on farm industries. Infertility can be defined as the inability of animals to achieve a successful pregnancy. Early pregnancy is crucial to establish a successful pregnancy, and it is reported that 70-80% and 20-30% of total embryonic loss occur in cattle and pigs, respectively, during the first month of pregnancy. The advanced high-throughput proteomics techniques provide valuable tools for in-depth understanding of the implantation process in farm animals. In the present review, our goal was to compile, assess, and integrate the latest proteomic research on farm animals, specifically focused on female reproduction, which involves endometrial tissues, uterine fluids, oviductal fluids, and microRNAs. The series of studies has provided in-depth insights into the events of the implantation process by unfolding the molecular landscape of the uterine tract. The discussed data are related to pregnant vs. non-pregnant animals, pregnancy vs. oestrous cycle, different days of the early pregnancy phase, and animals with uterine infections affecting reproduction health. Some of the studies have utilized non-invasive methods and in vitro models to decipher the molecular events of embryo-maternal interaction. The proteomics data are valuable sources for discovering biomarkers for infertility in ruminants and new regulatory pathways governing embryo-uterine interaction, endometrium receptivity, and embryonic development. Here, we envisage that the identified protein signatures can serve as potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers to develop new therapeutics against pregnancy diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shradha Jamwal
- Proteomics and Structural Biology Lab, Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal 132001, Haryana, India; (S.J.); (N.T.); (S.K.)
| | - Manoj Kumar Jena
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, Punjab, India;
| | - Nikunj Tyagi
- Proteomics and Structural Biology Lab, Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal 132001, Haryana, India; (S.J.); (N.T.); (S.K.)
| | - Sudhakar Kancharla
- Devansh Lab Werks, 234 Aquarius Drive, Homewood, AL 35209, USA; (S.K.); (G.M.)
| | - Prachetha Kolli
- Microgen Health Inc., 14225 Sullyfield Cir Suite E, Chantilly, VA 20151, USA;
| | - Gowtham Mandadapu
- Devansh Lab Werks, 234 Aquarius Drive, Homewood, AL 35209, USA; (S.K.); (G.M.)
| | - Sudarshan Kumar
- Proteomics and Structural Biology Lab, Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal 132001, Haryana, India; (S.J.); (N.T.); (S.K.)
| | - Ashok Kumar Mohanty
- ICAR–Central Institute for Research on Cattle, Meerut Cantt 250001, Uttar Pradesh, India
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Toledo-Guardiola SM, Luongo C, Abril-Parreño L, Soriano-Úbeda C, Matás C. Different seminal ejaculated fractions in artificial insemination condition the protein cargo of oviductal and uterine extracellular vesicles in pig. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1231755. [PMID: 37868907 PMCID: PMC10587466 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1231755] [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: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The seminal plasma (SP) is the liquid component of semen that facilitates sperm transport through the female genital tract. SP modulates the activity of the ovary, oviductal environment and uterine function during the periovulatory and early pregnancy period. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted in the oviduct (oEVs) and uterus (uEVs) have been shown to influence the expression of endometrial genes that regulate fertilization and early embryo development. In some species, semen is composed of well-separated fractions that vary in concentration of spermatozoa and SP composition and volume. This study aimed to investigate the impact of different accumulative fractions of the porcine ejaculate (F1, composed of the sperm-rich fraction, SRF; F2, composed of F1 plus the intermediate fraction; F3, composed of F2 plus the post-SRF) on oEVs and uEVs protein cargo. Six days after the onset of estrus, we determined the oEVs and uEVs size and protein concentration in pregnant sows by artificial insemination (AI-sows) and in non-inseminated sows as control (C-sows). We also identified the main proteins in oEVs and uEVs, in AI-F1, AI-F2, AI-F3, and C-sows. Our results indicated that although the size of EVs is similar between AI- and C-sows, the protein concentration of both oEVs and uEVs was significantly lower in AI-sows (p < 0.05). Proteomic analysis identified 38 unique proteins in oEVs from AI-sows, mainly involved in protein stabilization, glycolytic and carbohydrate processes. The uEVs from AI-sows showed the presence of 43 unique proteins, including already-known fertility-related proteins (EZR, HSPAA901, PDS). We also demonstrated that the protein composition of oEVs and uEVs differed depending on the seminal fraction(s) inseminated (F1, F2, or F3). In conclusion, we found specific protein cargo in oEVs and uEVs according to the type of semen fraction the sow was inseminated with and whose functions these specific EVs proteins are closely associated with reproductive processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S. M. Toledo-Guardiola
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Mare Nostrum Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - C. Luongo
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Mare Nostrum Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - L. Abril-Parreño
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Mare Nostrum Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - C. Soriano-Úbeda
- Departamento de Medicina, Cirugía y Anatomía Veterinaria, Universidad de Léon, León, Spain
| | - C. Matás
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Excelencia Mare Nostrum Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Pascual Parrilla (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Mahé C, Marcelo P, Tsikis G, Tomas D, Labas V, Saint-Dizier M. The bovine uterine fluid proteome is more impacted by the stage of the estrous cycle than the proximity of the ovulating ovary in the periconception period. Theriogenology 2023; 198:332-343. [PMID: 36640738 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.01.006] [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: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Uterine secretions provide a suitable environment for sperm selective migration during a couple of days preceding ovulation and for early embryo development before implantation. Our goal was to identify and quantify proteins in the bovine uterine fluid during the periovulatory period of the estrous cycle. Genital tracts with normal morphology were collected from adult cyclic Bos taurus females in a local slaughterhouse and classified into pre-ovulatory or post-ovulatory stages of cycle (around days 19-21 and 0-5 of cycle, respectively; n = 8 cows per stage) based on ovarian morphology. Proteins from uterine fluid collected from the utero-tubal junction to the base of each horn (four pools of two cows per condition) were analyzed by nanoLiquid Chromatography coupled with tandem Mass Spectrometry (nanoLC-MS/MS). A total of 1214 proteins were identified, of which 91% were shared between all conditions. Overall, 57% of proteins were predicted to be secreted and 17% were previously reported in uterine extracellular vesicles. Paired comparisons between uterine horns ipsilateral and contralateral to ovulation evidenced 12 differentially abundant proteins, including five at pre-ovulatory stage. Furthermore, 35 proteins differed in abundance between pre- and post-ovulatory stages, including 21 in the ipsilateral side of ovulation. Functional analysis of identified proteins demonstrated roles in binding, metabolism, cellular detoxification and the immune response. This study provides a valuable database of uterine proteins for functional studies on sperm physiology and early embryo development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Coline Mahé
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, 37380, Nouzilly, France.
| | - Paulo Marcelo
- Plateforme d'Ingénierie Cellulaire & Analyses des Protéines ICAP, FR CNRS 3085 ICP, Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
| | - Guillaume Tsikis
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Daniel Tomas
- INRAE, Université de Tours, CHU de Tours, Plateforme de Phénotypage par Imagerie in/eX vivo de l'ANImal à la Molécule (PIXANIM), 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Valérie Labas
- INRAE, Université de Tours, CHU de Tours, Plateforme de Phénotypage par Imagerie in/eX vivo de l'ANImal à la Molécule (PIXANIM), 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Warr S, Pini T, de Graaf SP, Rickard JP. Molecular insights to the sperm-cervix interaction and the consequences for cryopreserved sperm. Biol Reprod 2023; 108:183-196. [PMID: 36191077 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac188] [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: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryopreserved ram spermatozoa are limited in their capacity to traverse the ovine cervix and achieve fertilization. This altered interaction may be related to modified molecular communication between frozen-thawed ram spermatozoa, seminal plasma, and the female tract. As such, this review aims to identify the biological processes which underpin sperm maturation and transport throughout the female reproductive tract to elucidate factors which may alter this natural process in cryopreserved ram spermatozoa. We also assess critical barriers to ram spermatozoa specific to the ovine cervix and the role of seminal plasma in mitigating these barriers. Transcriptomics is explored as a new approach to understand the sperm-cervix interaction. Recent studies have demonstrated that both spermatozoa and seminal plasma contain a complex profile of coding and non-coding RNAs. These molecular species have clear links with functional fertility, and mounting evidence suggests they may be altered by cryopreservation. Emerging in vitro cell culture models are also investigated as a "next step" in studying this interaction, utilizing transcriptomics to identify subtle changes in female tract gene expression in response to spermatozoa. The application of such models is proposed as an exciting opportunity to investigate the unique challenges faced by cryopreserved spermatozoa traversing the ovine cervix prior to fertilization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Warr
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Taylor Pini
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, Australia
| | - Simon P de Graaf
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jessica P Rickard
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Zhang J, Pan Y, Zhao L, Zhao T, Yu S, Cui Y. Identification of key genes and biological pathways in different parts of yak oviduct based on transcriptome analysis. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:1016191. [PMID: 36504863 PMCID: PMC9727391 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1016191] [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: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The oviduct consists of three parts: the infundibulum (In), ampulla (Am), and isthmus (Is). These have the same histological structure, but different physiological functions. In this study, transcriptomics was used to analyze mRNA in these three parts of yak oviduct. The results showed that there were 325 up-regulated genes and 282 down-regulated genes in the infundibulum and ampulla. Moreover, there were 234 up-regulated genes and 776 down-regulated genes in the isthmus and ampulla, as well as 873 up-regulated genes and 297 down-regulated genes in the infundibulum and isthmus. The expression of C3 in the infundibulum was significantly higher than that in the ampulla and isthmus. The expression of FAU in the isthmus was significantly lower than that in the ampulla and infundibulum, and the expression of EEF1A1 in the ampulla was significantly higher than that in the ampulla and infundibulum. When the infundibulum was compared with the ampulla and isthmus, it was found that the up-regulated genes were enriched in the lysosome, phagosome, staphylococcus aureus infection, and leishmaniasis pathway. When the isthmus was compared with the ampulla and infundibulum, the up-regulated genes were present in the apoptosis pathway, oxidative phosphorylation, and viral myocarditis pathway. When the isthmus was compared with the infundibulum and ampulla, the down-regulated pathways were protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum and the endocytosis. The Epstein-Barr virus infection pathway was up-regulated according to a comparison of the isthmus and infundibulum and was down-regulated based on a comparison of the isthmus and ampulla. Transcriptional misregulation in the Middle East pathway was up-regulated based on a comparison of the isthmus and ampulla and was down-regulated based on a comparison of the isthmus and infundibulum. ERBB2, JUP, CTNND1, and KRT7 were defined as the hub genes of the yak oviduct. The results of this study provide sufficient omics data for yak fertilization, which is also of great significance to altitude medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China,Technology and Research Center of Gansu Province for Embryonic Engineering of Bovine and Sheep & Goat, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yangyang Pan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China,Technology and Research Center of Gansu Province for Embryonic Engineering of Bovine and Sheep & Goat, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ling Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China,Technology and Research Center of Gansu Province for Embryonic Engineering of Bovine and Sheep & Goat, Lanzhou, China
| | - Tian Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China,Technology and Research Center of Gansu Province for Embryonic Engineering of Bovine and Sheep & Goat, Lanzhou, China
| | - Sijiu Yu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China,Technology and Research Center of Gansu Province for Embryonic Engineering of Bovine and Sheep & Goat, Lanzhou, China,*Correspondence: Sijiu Yu
| | - Yan Cui
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China,Technology and Research Center of Gansu Province for Embryonic Engineering of Bovine and Sheep & Goat, Lanzhou, China,Yan Cui
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Assessment of sperm motility in livestock: Perspectives based on sperm swimming conditions in vivo. Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 246:106849. [PMID: 34556397 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2021.106849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Evaluation of sperm motility is well-established in farm animals for quickly selecting ejaculates for semen processing into insemination doses and for evaluating the quality of preserved semen. Likewise, sperm motility is a fundamental parameter used by spermatologists in basic and applied science. Motility is commonly assessed using computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA). Recent increases in computational power, as well as utilization of mobile CASA systems and open-source CASA programs, broaden the possibilities for motility evaluation. Despite this technological progress, the potential of computer-generated motility data to assess male fertility remains challenging and may be limited. Relevance for fertility assessment could be improved if measurement conditions would more closely mimic the in vivo situation. Hence, this review is focused on the current trends of automated semen assessment in livestock and explores perspectives for future use with respect to the physiological and physical conditions encountered by sperm in the female reproductive tract. Validation of current CASA systems with more complex, microfluidic-based devices mimicking the female reproductive tract environment could improve the value of sperm kinematic data for assessing the fertilizing capacity of semen samples, not only for application in livestock but also for use in conducting assisted reproduction techniques in other species.
Collapse
|
14
|
Abril-Parreño L, Krogenæs AK, Druart X, Cormican P, Fair S, Meade KG. Cervical immune activation during the luteal phase may compromise subsequent trans-cervical ram sperm transport. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:967-976. [PMID: 35766421 PMCID: PMC9562110 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Worldwide, cervical artificial insemination using frozen–thawed semen yields low pregnancy rates. The only exception to this is in Norway, where vaginal insemination with frozen–thawed semen yields pregnancy rates in excess of 60% and which has been attributed to the specific ewe breed used. Our previous work demonstrated differences in cervical gene expression at the follicular phase of the estrous cycle in ewe breeds with known differences in pregnancy rates. In this study, we characterized the cervical transcriptome of the same ewe breeds [Suffolk, Belclare, Fur, and Norwegian White Sheep (NWS)] during the luteal phase, as an optimal environment at the luteal phase could better prepare the cervix for sperm migration through the cervix at the subsequent follicular phase. High-quality RNA extracted from postmortem cervical tissue was analyzed by RNA sequencing. After stringent filtering, 1051, 1924, and 611 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected in the low-fertility Suffolk breed compared with Belclare, Fur, and NWS, respectively. Gene ontology analysis identified increased humoral adaptive immune response pathways in Suffolk. Increased expression of multiple immune genes supports the presence of an active immune response in the cervix of Suffolk ewes, which differentiates them significantly from the other three ewe breeds. Inflammatory pathways were upregulated in the Suffolk, resulting in higher expression of the potent pro-inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines indicate unresolved inflammation in the cervix of the low-fertility Suffolk breed that could contribute to reduced cervical sperm transport in the next follicular phase.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Abril-Parreño
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Biological Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Biomaterials Research Cluster, Bernal Institute, Faculty of Science and Engineering. University of Limerick, V94 T9PX, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Anette Kristine Krogenæs
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 5003 1432, Ås, Norway
| | - Xavier Druart
- UMR-PRC, INRA-85, Université de Tours, IFCE, Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Paul Cormican
- Animal & Bioscience Research Department, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, C15 PW93, Grange, Ireland
| | - Sean Fair
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Biological Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Biomaterials Research Cluster, Bernal Institute, Faculty of Science and Engineering. University of Limerick, V94 T9PX, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Kieran G Meade
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, D04 W6F6, Dublin 4, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Abril-Parreño L, Meade KG, Krogenæs AK, Druart X, Cormican P, Fair S. Ewe breed differences in the cervical transcriptome at the follicular phase of a synchronised oestrous cycle. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:363. [PMID: 35546662 PMCID: PMC9097332 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-08603-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cervical artificial insemination (AI) with frozen-thawed semen results in unacceptably low pregnancy rates internationally. The exception is in Norway, where vaginal deposition of frozen-thawed semen to a natural oestrous routinely yields pregnancy rates in excess of 70%. Previous studies by our group has demonstrated that this is due to differences in cervical sperm transport. However, a potentially important contributory factor is that ewes are inseminated to a natural oestrous in Norway but to a synchronised oestrous across most of the rest of the world. In this study, we interrogated the gene expression of the sheep cervix of four ewe breeds with known differences in pregnancy rates following cervical AI using frozen-thawed semen under the effect of exogenous hormones to synchronise the oestrous cycle. These four ewe breeds (n = 8 to 11 ewes per breed) are from two countries: Ireland (Belclare and Suffolk; medium and low fertility, respectively) and Norway (Norwegian White Sheep (NWS) and Fur; both with high fertility compared to the Irish ewe breeds). Results RNA extracted from cervical biopsies collected from these breeds was analysed by RNA-sequencing and differential gene expression analysis. Using the low-fertility Suffolk breed as a reference level; 27, 1827 and 2641 genes were differentially expressed in Belclare, Fur and NWS ewes, respectively (P < 0.05 and FC > 1.5). Gene ontology (GO) analysis revealed that Fur and NWS had an up-regulation of enriched pathways involved in muscle contraction and development compared to Suffolk. However, there was a down-regulation of the immune response pathway in NWS compared to Suffolk. In addition, GO analysis showed similar expression patterns involved in muscle contraction, extracellular matrix (ECM) development and cell-cell junction in both Norwegian ewe breeds, which differed to the Irish ewe breeds. Conclusions This novel study has identified a number of conserved and breed-specific biological processes under the effect of oestrous synchronisation that may impact cervical sperm transport during the follicular phase of the reproductive cycle. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-022-08603-8.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Abril-Parreño
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Biological Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Biomaterials Research Cluster, Bernal Institute, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Kieran G Meade
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | | | - Xavier Druart
- UMR 6175 INRA, CNRS-Université de Tours-Haras Nationaux, Station de Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Nouzilly, France
| | - Paul Cormican
- Animal & Bioscience Research Department, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Grange, Co, Meath, Ireland
| | - Sean Fair
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Biological Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Biomaterials Research Cluster, Bernal Institute, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Vazquez-Avendaño JR, Ambriz-García DA, Cortez-Romero C, Trejo-Córdova A, del Carmen Navarro-Maldonado M. Current state of the efficiency of sheep embryo production through somatic cell nuclear transfer. Small Rumin Res 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2022.106702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
17
|
Spatiotemporal profiling of the bovine oviduct fluid proteome around the time of ovulation. Sci Rep 2022; 12:4135. [PMID: 35264682 PMCID: PMC8907256 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-07929-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the composition of the oviduct fluid (OF) is crucial to better comprehend the microenvironment in which sperm capacitation, fertilization and early embryo development take place. Therefore, our aim was to determine the spatiotemporal changes in the OF proteome according to the anatomical region of the oviduct (ampulla vs. isthmus), the proximity of the ovulating ovary (ipsilateral vs. contralateral side) and the peri-ovulatory stage (pre-ovulatory or Pre-ov vs. post-ovulatory or Post-ov). Oviducts from adult cyclic cows were collected at a local slaughterhouse and pools of OF were analyzed by nanoLC-MS/MS and label-free protein quantification (n = 32 OF pools for all region × stage × side conditions). A total of 3760 proteins were identified in the OF, of which 65% were predicted to be potentially secreted. The oviduct region was the major source of variation in protein abundance, followed by the proximity of the ovulating ovary and finally the peri-ovulatory stage. Differentially abundant proteins between regions, stages and sides were involved in a broad variety of biological functions, including protein binding, response to stress, cell-to-cell adhesion, calcium homeostasis and the immune system. This work highlights the dynamic regulation of oviduct secretions and provides new protein candidates for interactions between the maternal environment, the gametes and the early embryo.
Collapse
|
18
|
Kekäläinen J, Hiltunen J, Jokiniemi A, Kuusipalo L, Heikura M, Leppänen J, Malinen M. Female-induced selective modification of sperm protein SUMOylation-potential mechanistic insights into the non-random fertilization in humans. J Evol Biol 2022; 35:254-264. [PMID: 35000241 PMCID: PMC9305144 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.13980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
In many species, mate choice continues after the mating via female‐ or egg‐derived biochemical factors that induce selective changes in sperm pre‐fertilization physiology and behaviour. Recent studies have indicated that gamete‐mediated mate choice likely occurs also in humans, but the mechanistic basis of the process has remained virtually unexplored. Here, we investigated whether female‐induced modifications in sperm protein SUMOylation (post‐translational modification of the proteome) could serve as a novel mechanism for gamete‐mediated mate choice in humans. We treated the sperm of ten males with the oocyte‐surrounding bioactive liquid (follicular fluid) of five females and investigated motility, viability and global protein SUMOylation status of the sperm in all (n = 50) of these male–female combinations (full‐factorial design). All the measured sperm traits were affected by male–female combinations, and sperm protein SUMOylation status was also negatively associated with sperm motility. Furthermore, our results indicate that female‐induced sperm protein SUMOylation is selective, potentially allowing females to increase sperm motility in some males, whereas decreasing it in the others. Consequently, our findings suggest that follicular fluid may non‐randomly modify the structure and function of sperm proteome and in this way facilitate gamete‐mediated mate choice in humans and possibly many other species. However, due to the relatively low number of female subjects and their potential infertility problems, our results should be replicated with larger subset of fully fertile women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jukka Kekäläinen
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland
| | - Johannes Hiltunen
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland
| | - Annalaura Jokiniemi
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland
| | | | - Marjo Heikura
- Eastern Finland Laboratory Centre Joint Authority (ISLAB), North Savonia Regional Laboratory, Kuopio, Finland
| | | | - Marjo Malinen
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Zhao Y, Vanderkooi S, Kan FWK. The role of oviduct-specific glycoprotein (OVGP1) in modulating biological functions of gametes and embryos. Histochem Cell Biol 2022; 157:371-388. [PMID: 34993641 PMCID: PMC8979936 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-021-02065-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Diverse lines of evidence indicate that the mammalian oviduct makes important contributions to the complex process of reproduction other than being simply a conduit for the transport of gametes and embryos. The cumulative synthesis and transport of proteins secreted by oviductal secretory cells into the oviductal lumen create a microenvironment supporting important reproductive events, including sperm capacitation, fertilization, and early embryo development. Among the components that have been identified in the oviductal fluid is a family of glycosylated proteins known collectively as oviduct-specific glycoprotein (OVGP1) or oviductin. OVGP1 has been identified in several mammalian species, including humans. The present review summarizes the work carried out, in various mammalian species, by many research groups revealing the synthesis and secretion of OVGP1, its fate in the female reproductive tract upon secretion by the oviductal epithelium, and its role in modulating biological functions of gametes and embryos. The production and functions of recombinant human OVGP1 and recombinant OVGP1 of other mammalian species are also discussed. Some of the findings obtained with immunocytochemistry will be highlighted in the present review. It is hoped that the findings obtained from recent studies carried out with recombinant OVGP1 from various species will rekindle researchers’ interest in pursuing further the role of the oviductal microenvironment, of which OVGP1 is a major component, in contributing to the successful occurrence of early reproductive events, and the potential use of OVGP1 in improving the current assisted reproductive technology in alleviating infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuewen Zhao
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N, Canada
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale Fertility Center, Yale University, Orange, CT, 06477, USA
| | - Sydney Vanderkooi
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N, Canada
| | - Frederick W K Kan
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Fernández-Hernández P, Marinaro F, Sánchez-Calabuig MJ, García-Marín LJ, Bragado MJ, González-Fernández L, Macías-García B. The Proteome of Equine Oviductal Fluid Varies Before and After Ovulation: A Comparative Study. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:694247. [PMID: 34422946 PMCID: PMC8375304 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.694247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Equine fertilization cannot be performed in the laboratory as equine spermatozoa do not cross the oocyte's zona pellucida in vitro. Hence, a more profound study of equine oviductal fluid (OF) composition at the pre-ovulatory and post-ovulatory stages could help in understanding what components are required to achieve fertilization in horses. Our work aimed to elucidate the proteomic composition of equine OF at both stages. To do this, OF was obtained postmortem from oviducts of slaughtered mares ipsilateral to a pre-ovulatory follicle (n = 4) or a recent ovulation (n = 4); the samples were kept at −80°C until analysis. After protein extraction and isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) labeling, the samples were analyzed by nano-liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The analysis of the spectra resulted in the identification of a total of 1,173 proteins present in pre-ovulatory and post-ovulatory samples; among these, 691 were unique for Equus caballus. Proteins from post-ovulatory oviductal fluid were compared with the proteins from pre-ovulatory oviductal fluid and were categorized as upregulated (positive log fold change) or downregulated (negative log fold change). Fifteen proteins were found to be downregulated in the post-ovulatory fluid and 156 were upregulated in the post-ovulatory OF compared to the pre-ovulatory fluid; among the upregulated proteins, 87 were included in the metabolism of proteins pathway. The identified proteins were related to sperm–oviduct interaction, fertilization, and metabolism, among others. Our data reveal consistent differences in the proteome of equine OF prior to and after ovulation, helping to increase our understanding in the factors that promote fertilization and early embryo development in horses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Fernández-Hernández
- Research Group of Intracellular Signaling and Technology of Reproduction (Research Institute INBIO G+C), University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain.,Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Federica Marinaro
- Stem Cell Therapy Unit, Jesús Usón Minimally Invasive Surgery Centre, Cáceres, Spain
| | - María Jesús Sánchez-Calabuig
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University Complutense of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Jesús García-Marín
- Research Group of Intracellular Signaling and Technology of Reproduction (Research Institute INBIO G+C), University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - María Julia Bragado
- Research Group of Intracellular Signaling and Technology of Reproduction (Research Institute INBIO G+C), University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Lauro González-Fernández
- Research Group of Intracellular Signaling and Technology of Reproduction (Research Institute INBIO G+C), University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Beatriz Macías-García
- Research Group of Intracellular Signaling and Technology of Reproduction (Research Institute INBIO G+C), University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain.,Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Gegenfurtner K, Fröhlich T, Flenkenthaler F, Kösters M, Fritz S, Desnoës O, Le Bourhis D, Salvetti P, Sandra O, Charpigny G, Mermillod P, Lonergan P, Wolf E, Arnold GJ. Genetic merit for fertility alters the bovine uterine luminal fluid proteome†. Biol Reprod 2021; 102:730-739. [PMID: 31786596 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the last decades, fertility of dairy cows has declined due to selection strategies focusing on milk yield. To study the effect of genetic merit for fertility on the proteome of the bovine uterine luminal fluid, Holstein heifers with low- and two groups of heifers with high-fertility index (high-fertility Holstein and Montbéliarde) were investigated. To focus on the maternal effect, heifers from all groups were synchronized and received on Day 7 high-quality embryos. Uterine luminal fluid from Day 19 pregnant heifers was analyzed in a holistic proteomic approach using nano-LC-MS/MS analysis combined with a label-free quantification approach. In total, 1737 proteins were identified, of which 597 differed significantly in abundance between the three groups. The vast majority of proteome differences was found comparing both high-fertility groups to the low-fertility Holstein group, showing that the genetic predisposition for fertility is prevalent regarding the uterine luminal fluid proteome. Evaluation of this dataset using bioinformatic tools revealed an assignment of higher abundant proteins in low-fertility Holstein to several metabolic processes, such as vitamin metabolic process, which comprises folate receptor alpha (FOLR1) and retinol-binding protein, indicating an involvement of disturbed metabolic processes in decreased fertility. Moreover, immune system-related proteins - lactotransferrin and chromogranin A - were enriched in low-fertility cows together with interferon tau 3 h and interferon tau-2. Our results indicate that the genetic merit for fertility leads to substantial quantitative differences at the level of proteins in uterine fluid of pregnant animals, thus altering the microenvironment for the early conceptus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Gegenfurtner
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis, Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Fröhlich
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis, Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany, Munich, Germany
| | - Florian Flenkenthaler
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis, Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany, Munich, Germany
| | - Miwako Kösters
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis, Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany, Munich, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | - Olivier Sandra
- Unités Mixtes de Recherche Biologie du Développement et Reproduction, Institut National de Recherche Agronomique (INRA), Environment and Agronomy (ENVA), Université Paris Saclay, Jouy en Josas, France
| | - Gilles Charpigny
- Unités Mixtes de Recherche Biologie du Développement et Reproduction, Institut National de Recherche Agronomique (INRA), Environment and Agronomy (ENVA), Université Paris Saclay, Jouy en Josas, France
| | - Pascal Mermillod
- Institut National de Recherche Agronomique, UMR7247, Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Nouzilly, France
| | - Patrick Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Eckhard Wolf
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis, Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany, Munich, Germany.,Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center and Department of Veterinary Sciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich Germany
| | - Georg J Arnold
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis, Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany, Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Fujii DT, Yohannes E, Por ED, Gillette L, Beesley RD, Heitmann RJ, Chow GE, Burney RO. The proteome of human Fallopian tube lavages during the phase of embryo transit reveals candidate proteins for the optimization of preimplantation embryo culture. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:367-380. [PMID: 33355349 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deaa333] [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: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are there phase-specific changes in the early secretory (ES) phase human tubal lavage proteome that can inform and potentially optimize IVF culture media? SUMMARY ANSWER The human tubal lavage proteome during the ES phase relative to the menstrual phase reveals substantial differential protein abundance in pathways such as glycolysis, redox homeostasis and activation of 14-3-3 zeta-mediated signaling. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The Fallopian tube is uniquely suited to the development of the preimplantation embryo as it transits the tube during the ES phase of the menstrual cycle. Euploid cleavage-stage embryo arrest may reflect incomplete recapitulation of in-vivo conditions by current media formulations. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Proteome-wide analysis of distal tubal lavage specimens collected from 26 healthy women undergoing open microtubal anastomosis surgery from January 2013 to January 2018 was performed. Specimens were grouped by menstrual cycle phase in order to analyze phase-specific differences in protein abundance. For the murine embryo assay, single-cell embryos (N = 482) were collected from superovulated wild type C57BL/6 female mice and cultured in microdrops over 5 days for the assessment of blastocyst development. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Human tubal lavage specimens were processed for label-free mass spectrometry. Reported menstrual cycle day was confirmed by measuring serum hormones. Key protein targets in the ES phase were validated via immunoblot. The ES phase-specific increase in 14-3-3 zeta protein was confirmed via ELISA of conditioned media obtained from primary human Fallopian tube epithelial cell culture. A murine embryo assay was performed to investigate the impact of graduated concentrations of 14-3-3 zeta on the blastocyst development rate. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Comparison of the ES and menstrual phase human tubal lavage proteomes revealed 74 differentially expressed proteins with enrichment of pathways and biological processes involved in the regulation of carbohydrate metabolism, oxidative stress and cell survival. The adapter-regulator protein 14-3-3 zeta was among the most significantly increased in the ES phase. Supplementation of embryo culture media with 14-3-3 zeta at concentrations tested did not significantly improve the murine blastocyst development. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Although select associations were recapitulated in the conditioned media from sex steroid exposed primary human tubal epithelial cells, cell culture represents an in-vitro approximation. Changes to embryo culture media, such as protein supplementation, must undergo rigorous preclinical safety testing prior to adoption for human use. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This study represents the first description of the human Fallopian tube lavage proteome across the menstrual cycle, revealing a unique proteomic signature during the ES phase. Although supplementation of culture media with 14-3-3 zeta at appropriate concentrations showed no significant impact on the murine blastocyst development rate, other biologically plausible candidate proteins for individual or high throughput testing strategies are identified. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was funded in part by an Army Medical Department Advanced Medical Technology Initiative grant from the United States Army Medical Research and Materiel Command's Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center. There are no competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D T Fujii
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, WA 98431-1100, USA
| | - E Yohannes
- Department of Clinical Investigation, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, WA 98431-1100, USA
| | - E D Por
- Department of Clinical Investigation, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, WA 98431-1100, USA
| | - L Gillette
- Department of Clinical Investigation, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, WA 98431-1100, USA
| | - R D Beesley
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, WA 98431-1100, USA
| | - R J Heitmann
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, WA 98431-1100, USA
| | - G E Chow
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, WA 98431-1100, USA
| | - R O Burney
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, WA 98431-1100, USA
- Department of Clinical Investigation, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, WA 98431-1100, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Bunsueb S, Lapyuneyong N, Tongpan S, Arun S, Iamsaard S. Chronic stress increases the tyrosine phosphorylation in female reproductive organs: An experimental study. Int J Reprod Biomed 2021; 19:87-96. [PMID: 33554006 PMCID: PMC7851478 DOI: 10.18502/ijrm.v19i1.8183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2019] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Changes in tyrosine-phosphorylated (TyrPho) protein expressions have demonstrated stress in males. In females, chronic stress (CS) is a major cause of infertility, especially anovulation. However, the tyrosine phosphorylation in the female reproductive system under stress conditions has never been reported. OBJECTIVE To investigate the alteration of TyrPho protein expression in ovary, oviduct, and uterus of CS rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this experimental study, 16 female Sprague-Dawley rats (5 wk: 220-250 gr) were divided into control and CS groups (n = 8/group). Every day, the CS animals were immobilized within a restraint cage and individually forced to swim in cold water for 60 consecutive days. Following the stress induction, the ovary, oviduct, and uterus of all rats were observed for their morphologies. The total protein profiles of all tissues were revealed by sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) before detecting TyrPho proteins using western blot. Intensity analysis was used to compare the expression of proteins between groups. RESULTS The results showed that the morphology and weights of ovary and oviduct in the CS group were not different from control. In contrast, the CS significantly increased the uterine weight as compared to control. Moreover, the expressions of TyrPho proteins in the ovary (72, 43, and 28 kDas), oviduct (170, 55, and 43 kDas), and uterus (55, 54, and 43 kDas) were increased in CS group as compared to those of control. CONCLUSION The increased expressions of TyrPho proteins in ovary, oviduct, and uterus could be potential markers used to explain some machanisms of female infertility caused from chronic stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sudtida Bunsueb
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Natthapol Lapyuneyong
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Saranya Tongpan
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Supatcharee Arun
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Sitthichai Iamsaard
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
- Research Institute for Human High Performance and Health Promotion (HHP & HP), Khon Kaen, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Le Berre M, Gerlach JQ, Loughrey C, Creavin A, Pluta K, Gallagher M, Carrington SD, Joshi L, Kilcoyne M. Examination of oestrus-dependent alterations of bovine cervico-vaginal mucus glycosylation for potential as optimum fertilisation indicators. Mol Omics 2021; 17:338-346. [PMID: 33720233 DOI: 10.1039/d0mo00193g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Oestrus is the period in the sexual cycle of female mammals where they become most receptive to mating and are most fertile. Efficient detection of oestrus is a key component in successful reproductive livestock management programmes. Oestrus detection in cattle is most often performed by visual observation, such as mounting behaviour and standing heat, to facilitate more successful prediction of optimal time points for artificial insemination. This time-consuming method requires a skilled, diligent observer. Biological measurements using easily accessible biomolecules in the cervico-vaginal mucus could provide an alternative strategy to physical methods of oestrus detection, providing an inexpensive means of rapidly and accurately assessing the onset of oestrus. In this study, glycosylation changes in cervico-vaginal mucus from three heifers following oestrus induction were investigated as a proof of concept to assess whether potential glycosylation-based trends could be useful for oestrus stage indication. Mucus collected at different time points following oestrus induction was immobilised in a microarray format and its glycosylation interrogated with a panel of fluorescently labelled lectins, carbohydrate-binding proteins with different specificities. Individual animal-specific glycosylation patterns were observed, however each pattern followed a similar trend around oestrus. This unique oestrus-associated glycosylation was identified by a combination of relative binding of the lectins SNA-I and WFA for each animal. This alteration in cervico-vaginal mucus glycosylation could potentially be exploited in future to more accurately identify optimal fertilisation intervention points compared to visual signs. More effective oestrus biomarkers will lead to more successful livestock reproductive programmes, decreasing costs and animal stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie Le Berre
- Glycoscience Group, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland. and Advanced Glycoscience Research Cluster, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland.
| | - Jared Q Gerlach
- Glycoscience Group, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland. and Advanced Glycoscience Research Cluster, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland.
| | - Catherine Loughrey
- Glycoscience Group, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland. and Advanced Glycoscience Research Cluster, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland.
| | - Aileen Creavin
- Glycoscience Group, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland. and Advanced Glycoscience Research Cluster, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland.
| | - Katarzyna Pluta
- Veterinary Sciences Centre, UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mary Gallagher
- Veterinary Sciences Centre, UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Stephen D Carrington
- Veterinary Sciences Centre, UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Lokesh Joshi
- Glycoscience Group, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland. and Advanced Glycoscience Research Cluster, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland.
| | - Michelle Kilcoyne
- Advanced Glycoscience Research Cluster, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland. and Carbohydrate Signalling Group, Discipline of Microbiology, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Oladejo AO, Li Y, Wu X, Imam BH, Shen W, Ding XZ, Wang S, Yan Z. MicroRNAome: Potential and Veritable Immunomolecular Therapeutic and Diagnostic Baseline for Lingering Bovine Endometritis. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:614054. [PMID: 33426032 PMCID: PMC7785807 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.614054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The bovine endometrium is a natural pathogen invasion barrier of the uterine tissues' endometrial epithelial cells that can resist foreign pathogen invasion by controlling the inflammatory immune response. Some pathogens suppress the innate immune system of the endometrium, leading to prolonged systemic inflammatory response through the blood circulation or cellular degradation resulting in bovine endometritis by bacterial endotoxins. The microRNA (miRNA) typically involves gene expression in multicellular organisms in post-transcription regulation by affecting both the stability and the translation of messenger RNA. Accumulated evidence suggests that miRNAs are important regulators of genes in several cellular processes. They are a class of endogenous non-coding RNAs, which play pivotal roles in the inflammatory response of reproductive diseases. Studies confirmed that miRNAs play a key regulatory role in various inflammatory diseases by mediating the molecular mechanism of inflammatory cytokines via signal pathways. It implicates some miRNAs in the occurrence of bovine endometritis, resorting to regulating the activities of some inflammatory cytokines, chemokine, differentially expressed genes, and protein through modulating of specific cellular signal pathways functions. This review dwells on improving the knowledge of the role of miRNAs involvement in inflammatory response as to early diagnosis, control, and prevention of bovine endometritis and consequently enlighten on the molecular improvement of the genes coded by various differentially expressed miRNA through the need to adopt recent genetic technologies and the development of new pharmaceutical preparations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ayodele Olaolu Oladejo
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutical Development of Ministry of Agriculture, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Lanzhou, China.,Department of Animal Health Technology, Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igbo-Ora, Nigeria
| | - Yajuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutical Development of Ministry of Agriculture, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaohu Wu
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutical Development of Ministry of Agriculture, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Lanzhou, China
| | - Bereket Habte Imam
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutical Development of Ministry of Agriculture, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Lanzhou, China
| | - Wenxiang Shen
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutical Development of Ministry of Agriculture, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xue Zhi Ding
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutical Development of Ministry of Agriculture, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Lanzhou, China
| | - Shengyi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutical Development of Ministry of Agriculture, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zuoting Yan
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutical Development of Ministry of Agriculture, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Lanzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
González-Brusi L, Algarra B, Moros-Nicolás C, Izquierdo-Rico MJ, Avilés M, Jiménez-Movilla M. A Comparative View on the Oviductal Environment during the Periconception Period. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E1690. [PMID: 33348856 PMCID: PMC7766821 DOI: 10.3390/biom10121690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The oviduct plays important roles in reproductive events: sperm reservoir formation, final gamete maturation, fertilization and early embryo development. It is well known that the oviductal environment affects gametes and embryos and, ultimately, the health of offspring, so that in vivo embryos are better in terms of morphology, cryotolerance, pregnancy rates or epigenetic profile than those obtained in vitro. The deciphering of embryo-maternal interaction in the oviduct may provide a better understanding of the embryo needs during the periconception period to improve reproductive efficiency. Here, we perform a comparative analysis among species of oviductal gene expression related to embryonic development during its journey through the oviduct, as described to date. Cross-talk communication between the oviduct environment and embryo will be studied by analyses of the secreted or exosomal proteins of the oviduct and the presence of receptors in the membrane of the embryo blastomeres. Finally, we review the data that are available to date on the expression and characterization of the most abundant protein in the oviduct, oviductin (OVGP1), highlighting its fundamental role in fertilization and embryonic development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Manuel Avilés
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, School of Medicine, University of Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum and IMIB-Arrixaca, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (L.G.-B.); (B.A.); (C.M.-N.); (M.J.I.-R.)
| | - Maria Jiménez-Movilla
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, School of Medicine, University of Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum and IMIB-Arrixaca, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (L.G.-B.); (B.A.); (C.M.-N.); (M.J.I.-R.)
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Abril-Parreño L, Krogenæs AK, Byrne CJ, Donovan A, Stuen S, Caldas E, Diskin M, Druart X, Fair S. Ewe breed differences in cervical anatomy and cervicovaginal mucus properties: An international study. Theriogenology 2020; 160:18-25. [PMID: 33166851 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.10.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
In sheep, cervical artificial insemination (AI) involves depositing semen at the cervical opening, as it is not possible to traverse the cervix due to its complex anatomy. However, internationally this method yields low pregnancy rates when frozen-thawed semen is used. An exception to this is in Norway, in which vaginal deposition of frozen-thawed semen to a natural estrus yields pregnancy rates around 70%. As the cervix and its secretions are the principal factors influencing sperm transport to the site of fertilization the aim of this study was to characterise the differences in the cervical anatomy as well as the cervicovaginal mucus properties of six European ewe breeds across three countries known to have differences in pregnancy rates following cervical AI with frozen-thawed semen. These were Suffolk and Belclare in Ireland, Fur and Norwegian White Sheep (NWS) in Norway and Ile de France and Romanov in France (n = 28-30 ewes/breed). Cervicovaginal mucus was collected at the follicular and luteal phases of both a synchronized and natural cycle and assessed for mucus weight, viscosity and colour. The anatomical characteristics of the cervix (length of the cervix, number of cervical rings and the appearance of the external os) were assessed post-mortem. There was a type of the cycle by ewe breed interaction represented by no differences in mucus production between ewe breeds at the natural cycle for both the follicular and luteal phases of the cycle. However, there were differences between ewe breeds at the synchronized cycle (P < 0.05). Belclare had the lowest mucus production at the follicular phase while NWS had the lowest amount of mucus at the luteal phase of the synchronized cycle. Overall, across all ewe breeds, mucus production was higher at the follicular than at the luteal phase (P < 0.05). Despite reports of Suffolk and NWS having the most divergent pregnancy rates following cervical AI with frozen-thawed semen, both breeds had the lowest overall mucus viscosity at the follicular phase of both types of cycle with no differences between both ewe breeds (P > 0.05). The length of the cervix, number of cervical rings and the external os type were affected by ewe breed (P < 0.05). Suffolk ewes had longer cervices but lower number of cervical rings than NWS and Fur ewes (both with higher pregnancy rates). In conclusion, while mucus production and mucus viscosity was affected by breed, these changes are not consistent with the known differences between ewe breeds in their pregnancy rates following cervical AI with frozen-thawed semen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Abril-Parreño
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, School of Natural Sciences, Biomaterials Research Cluster, Bernal Institute, Faculty of Science and Engineering. University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland; Animal & Bioscience Research Department, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc Grange, Dunsany, Co. Meath, C15 PW93, Ireland
| | - A K Krogenæs
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 369, Sentrum, Oslo, 0102, Norway
| | - C J Byrne
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Perth, WA, 6150, Australia
| | - A Donovan
- Teagasc, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Mellows Campus, Athenry, Co. Galway, H65 R718, Ireland
| | - S Stuen
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Sandnes, Norway
| | - E Caldas
- UMR PR China, INRA 85, CNRS 7247, Université de Tours, IFCE, Physiologie de La Reproduction et des Comportments, Institut National de La Recherche Agronomique, Nouzilly, 37380, France
| | - M Diskin
- Teagasc, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Mellows Campus, Athenry, Co. Galway, H65 R718, Ireland
| | - X Druart
- UMR PR China, INRA 85, CNRS 7247, Université de Tours, IFCE, Physiologie de La Reproduction et des Comportments, Institut National de La Recherche Agronomique, Nouzilly, 37380, France
| | - S Fair
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, School of Natural Sciences, Biomaterials Research Cluster, Bernal Institute, Faculty of Science and Engineering. University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Lee SH, Saadeldin IM. Exosomes as a Potential Tool for Supporting Canine Oocyte Development. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10111971. [PMID: 33121043 PMCID: PMC7693116 DOI: 10.3390/ani10111971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary To date, extracellular vesicles, including exosomes, have markedly gained attention in scientific research because of their physiological homogeneity as well as stability for transporting regulatory molecules to recipient cells. Recently, it has been shown that exosomes impact gametes and embryo development in several mammalian species; however, there is still scant information on the physiological effects of exosomes on the canine reproduction system. In this regard, we elucidate the possible roles of exosomes involvement in oviduct and cumulus-oocyte complexes mutual communications and how oviduct regulates their development via molecular signaling pathways. Abstract The canine oviduct is a unique reproductive organ where the ovulated immature oocytes complete their maturation, while the other mammals ovulate matured gametes. Due to their peculiar reproductive characteristics, the in vitro maturation of dog oocytes is still not wellestablished compared with other mammals. Investigations of the microenvironment conditions in the oviductal canal are required to establish a reliable in vitro maturation system in the dog. Previous studies have suggested that the oviduct and its derivatives play a key role in improving fertilization as well as embryo development. In particular, the biological function of oviduct-derived exosomes on sperm and early embryo development has been investigated in porcine, bovine, and murine species. However, the information about their functions on canine cumulus-oocyte complexes is still elusive. Recent canine reproductive studies demonstrated how oviduct-derived extracellular vesicles such as microvesicles and exosomes interact with oocyte-cumulus complexes and how they can play roles in regulating canine cumulus/oocyte communications. In this review, we summarize the physiological characteristics of canine oviduct-derived exosomes and their potential effects on cumulus cells development as well as oocyte in vitro maturation via molecular signaling pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seok Hee Lee
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Islam M. Saadeldin
- Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 44511, Saudi Arabia;
- Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Gegenfurtner K, Fröhlich T, Kösters M, Mermillod P, Locatelli Y, Fritz S, Salvetti P, Forde N, Lonergan P, Wolf E, Arnold GJ. Influence of metabolic status and genetic merit for fertility on proteomic composition of bovine oviduct fluid†. Biol Reprod 2020; 101:893-905. [PMID: 31347661 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The oviduct plays a crucial role in fertilization and early embryo development providing the microenvironment for oocyte, spermatozoa, and early embryo. Since dairy cow fertility declined steadily over the last decades, reasons for early embryonic loss have gained increasing interest. Analyzing two animal models, this study aimed to investigate the impact of genetic predisposition for fertility and of metabolic stress on the protein composition of oviduct fluid. A metabolic model comprised maiden Holstein heifers and postpartum lactating (Lact) and non-lactating (Dry) cows, while a genetic model consisted of heifers from the Montbéliarde breed and Holstein heifers with low- and high-fertility index. In a holistic proteomic analysis of oviduct fluid from all groups using nano-liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry analysis and label-free quantification, we were able to identify 1976 proteins, among which 143 showed abundance alterations in the pairwise comparisons within both models. Most differentially abundant proteins were revealed between low fertility Holstein and Montbéliarde (52) in the genetic model and between lactating and maiden Holstein (19) in the metabolic model, demonstrating a substantial effect of genetic predisposition for fertility and metabolic stress on the oviduct fluid proteome. Functional classification of affected proteins revealed actin binding, translation, and immune system processes as prominent gene ontology (GO) clusters. Notably, Actin-related protein 2/3 complex subunit 1B and the three immune system-related proteins SERPIND1 protein, immunoglobulin kappa locus protein, and Alpha-1-acid glycoprotein were affected in both models, suggesting that abundance changes of immune-related proteins in oviduct fluid play an important role for early embryonic loss.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Gegenfurtner
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Center, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Fröhlich
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Center, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Miwako Kösters
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Center, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Pascal Mermillod
- Institut National de Recherche Agronomique (INRA), UMR7247, Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Nouzilly, France
| | - Yann Locatelli
- Institut National de Recherche Agronomique (INRA), UMR7247, Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Nouzilly, France
| | | | - P Salvetti
- Allice, Station de Phénotypage, Nouzilly, France
| | - Niamh Forde
- Division of Reproduction and Early Development, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Patrick Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Eckhard Wolf
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Center, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center and Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Georg J Arnold
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Center, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Saint-Dizier M, Mahé C, Reynaud K, Tsikis G, Mermillod P, Druart X. Sperm interactions with the female reproductive tract: A key for successful fertilization in mammals. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 516:110956. [PMID: 32712384 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Sperm migration through the female genital tract is not a quiet journey. Uterine contractions quickly operate a drastic selection, leading to a very restrictive number of sperm reaching the top of uterine horns and finally, provided the presence of key molecules on sperm, the oviduct, where fertilization takes place. During hours and sometimes days before fertilization, subpopulations of spermatozoa interact with dynamic and region-specific maternal components, including soluble proteins, extracellular vesicles and epithelial cells lining the lumen of the female tract. Interactions with uterine and oviductal cells play important roles for sperm survival as they modulate the maternal immune response and allow a transient storage before ovulation. The body of work reported here highlights the importance of sperm interactions with proteins originated from both the uterine and oviductal fluids, as well as hormonal signals around the time of ovulation for sperm acquisition of fertilizing competence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie Saint-Dizier
- INRAE, UMR PRC, 37380, Nouzilly, France; University of Tours, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, 37000, Tours, France.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Khan FA, Diel de Amorim M, Chenier TS. Qualitative analysis and functional classification of the uterine proteome of mares in oestrus and dioestrus. Reprod Domest Anim 2020; 55:1511-1519. [PMID: 32772405 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Quantitative analysis of the uterine flush fluid proteome of mares in oestrus and dioestrus has been previously reported. The objectives of this study were to: a) evaluate qualitative differences in the uterine flush fluid proteome between mares in oestrus and mares in dioestrus and b) perform a functional classification of proteins either unique to each stage or common between the two stages. Uterine flush fluid samples were collected from 8 light breed mares in either oestrus (n = 5) or dioestrus (n = 3). Proteomic analysis of the samples was conducted using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Proteins exclusively detected in oestrus or dioestrus and those common to both stages were identified using the Scaffold software (version 4.4.8, Proteome Software Inc., Portland, OR). The identified proteins were classified into gene ontology (GO) categories (cellular component [CC], molecular function [MF] and biological process [BP]) using the PANTHER (www.pantherdb.org) classification system version 14.0. Of 172 proteins identified, 51 and 28 were exclusively detected in mares in oestrus and dioestrus, respectively, and 93 proteins were common to both stages. The most represented terms in various GO categories were similar among the three subsets of proteins. The most represented CC terms were extracellular region and cell, the most represented MF terms were catalytic activity and binding, and the most represented BP terms were metabolic process and cellular process. In conclusion, proteomic analysis of the uterine flush fluid enabled the identification of subsets of proteins unique to oestrus or dioestrus, or common to both stages. The results of this study can serve as a baseline for future research focused on finding stage-specific protein markers or evaluating differences in the uterine flush fluid proteome between normal mares and those with uterine disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Firdous A Khan
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada.,Department of Large Animal Medicine and Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine, St. George's University, St. George's, Grenada
| | - Mariana Diel de Amorim
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Tracey S Chenier
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Luongo C, González-Brusi L, Cots-Rodríguez P, Izquierdo-Rico MJ, Avilés M, García-Vázquez FA. Sperm Proteome after Interaction with Reproductive Fluids in Porcine: From the Ejaculation to the Fertilization Site. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21176060. [PMID: 32842715 PMCID: PMC7570189 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ejaculated sperm are exposed to different environments before encountering the oocyte. However, how the sperm proteome changes during this transit remains unsolved. This study aimed to identify proteomic changes in boar sperm after incubation with male (seminal plasma, SP) and/or female (uterine fluid, UF; and oviductal fluid, OF) reproductive fluids. The following experimental groups were analyzed: (1) SP: sperm + 20% SP; (2) UF: sperm + 20% UF; (3) OF: sperm + 20% OF; (4) SP + UF: sperm + 20% SP + 20% UF; and (5) SP+OF: sperm + 20% SP + 20% OF. The proteome analysis, performed by HPLC-MS/MS, allowed the identification of 265 proteins. A total of 69 proteins were detected in the UF, SP, and SP + UF groups, and 102 proteins in the OF, SP, and SP + OF groups. Our results showed a higher number of proteins when sperm were incubated with only one fluid than when they were co-incubated with two fluids. Additionally, the number of sperm-interacting proteins from the UF group was lower than the OF group. In conclusion, the interaction of sperm with reproductive fluids alters its proteome. The description of sperm-interacting proteins in porcine species after co-incubation with male and/or female reproductive fluids may be useful to understand sperm transport, selection, capacitation, or fertilization phenomena.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Luongo
- Department of Physiology, Veterinary School, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research (Campus Mare Nostrum), University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain;
| | - Leopoldo González-Brusi
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (L.G.-B.); (P.C.-R.); (M.J.I.-R.)
| | - Paula Cots-Rodríguez
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (L.G.-B.); (P.C.-R.); (M.J.I.-R.)
| | - Mª José Izquierdo-Rico
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (L.G.-B.); (P.C.-R.); (M.J.I.-R.)
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia, IMIB-Arrixaca, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Manuel Avilés
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (L.G.-B.); (P.C.-R.); (M.J.I.-R.)
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia, IMIB-Arrixaca, 30100 Murcia, Spain
- Correspondence: (M.A.); (F.A.G.-V.)
| | - Francisco Alberto García-Vázquez
- Department of Physiology, Veterinary School, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research (Campus Mare Nostrum), University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain;
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia, IMIB-Arrixaca, 30100 Murcia, Spain
- Correspondence: (M.A.); (F.A.G.-V.)
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Fair S, Meade KG, Reynaud K, Druart X, de Graaf SP. The biological mechanisms regulating sperm selection by the ovine cervix. Reproduction 2020; 158:R1-R13. [PMID: 30921769 DOI: 10.1530/rep-18-0595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
In species where semen is deposited in the vagina, the cervix has the unique function of facilitating progress of spermatozoa towards the site of fertilisation while also preventing the ascending influx of pathogens from the vagina. For the majority of species, advances in assisted reproduction techniques facilitate the bypassing of the cervix and therefore its effect on the transit of processed spermatozoa has been largely overlooked. The exception is in sheep, as it is currently not possible to traverse the ovine cervix with an inseminating catheter due to its complex anatomy, and semen must be deposited at the external cervical os. This results in unacceptably low pregnancy rates when frozen-thawed or liquid stored (>24 h) semen is inseminated. The objective of this review is to discuss the biological mechanisms which regulate cervical sperm selection. We assess the effects of endogenous and exogenous hormones on cervical mucus composition and discuss how increased mucus production and flow during oestrus stimulates sperm rheotaxis along the crypts and folds of the cervix. Emerging results shedding light on the sperm-cervical mucus interaction as well as the dialogue between spermatozoa and the innate immune system are outlined. Finally, ewe breed differences in cervical function and the impact of semen processing on the success of fertilisation, as well as the most fruitful avenues of further investigation in this area are proposed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Fair
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - K G Meade
- Animal & Bioscience Research Department, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Grange, Co Meath, Ireland
| | - K Reynaud
- UMR PRC, INRA 85, CNRS 7247, Université de Tours, IFCE, Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Nouzilly, France
| | - X Druart
- UMR PRC, INRA 85, CNRS 7247, Université de Tours, IFCE, Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Nouzilly, France
| | - S P de Graaf
- The University of Sydney, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Itze-Mayrhofer C, Brem G. Quantitative proteomic strategies to study reproduction in farm animals: Female reproductive fluids. J Proteomics 2020; 225:103884. [PMID: 32593762 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2020.103884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Reproductive fluids from the female reproductive tract are gaining attention for their potential to support and optimize reproductive processes, including gamete maturation and embryo culture in vitro. Quantitative proteomics is a powerful way to decipher the proteome of reproductive tract fluids and to identify biologically relevant proteins. The present review describes proteomic strategies for analysing female reproductive fluid proteins. In addition, it considers the strategies for the preparation of oviductal, uterine and follicular fluid samples. Finally, it highlights the main results of quantitative proteomic studies, providing insights into the biological processes related to reproductive biology in farm animals. SIGNIFICANCE: Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) have become vitally important for farm animal breeding and much effort is going into the optimization and refinement of the techniques. There are also attempts to imitate physiological conditions by adding reproductive fluids or individual fluid proteins to improve in vitro procedures. A detailed knowledge of the reproductive fluid proteomes is indispensable. The present review summarizes the most widely used quantitative proteomic approaches for the analysis of fluids from the female reproductive tract and highlights the potential of quantitative proteomics to delineate reproductive processes and identify candidate proteins for ARTs in farm animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Corina Itze-Mayrhofer
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Group Molecular Reproduction IFA-Tulln, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Gottfried Brem
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Massa E, Pelusa F, Lo Celso A, Madariaga MJ, Filocco L, Morente C, Ghersevich S. Lactoferrin levels in cervical fluid from in vitro fertilization (IVF) patients - correlation with IVF parameters. Biochem Cell Biol 2020; 99:91-96. [PMID: 32476453 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2020-0098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Since our previous results suggest that lactoferrin (LF) might have roles in the reproductive process and that its levels might change in the female tract as a response to various factors, the aim of this investigation was to assess whether LF levels in cervical secretions correlate with reproductive parameters from in vitro fertilization (IVF) patients. Cervical fluid samples were obtained from 34 women under 40 years old enrolled for assisted reproduction techniques, and LF concentration was measured. The mean total protein concentration in all cervical fluid samples was 842.8 ± 116.9 µg/mL. The mean concentration of LF was 0.73 ± 0.06 ng LF/µg of total proteins. We observed that higher LF levels in cervical fluid correlated with lower IVF rates when all patients were analyzed; this negative correlation was also sustained when only patients ≥35 years were studied. The mean LF concentration in cervical fluid was significantly lower among patients with normal IVF rates than in those with values 50% or less. Using a LF cutoff value of 0.83 ng/μg of total proteins, the study revealed a significant association between the LF levels below 0.83 ng/µg of total proteins and IVF rates above 50%. LF levels in cervical mucus could potentially be used as a marker of fertilization outcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Estefanía Massa
- Area of Clinical Biochemistry, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Suipacha 531, S2000 Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Fabián Pelusa
- Area of Clinical Biochemistry, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Suipacha 531, S2000 Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Agustina Lo Celso
- Area of Clinical Biochemistry, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Suipacha 531, S2000 Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - María José Madariaga
- Area of Morphology, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Suipacha 531, S2000 Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Luciana Filocco
- PROAR - Programa de Asistencia Reproductiva de Rosario, Güemes 2349, S2000 Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Carlos Morente
- PROAR - Programa de Asistencia Reproductiva de Rosario, Güemes 2349, S2000 Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Sergio Ghersevich
- Area of Clinical Biochemistry, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Suipacha 531, S2000 Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Fu B, Ma H, Liu D. Extracellular Vesicles Function as Bioactive Molecular Transmitters in the Mammalian Oviduct: An Inspiration for Optimizing in Vitro Culture Systems and Improving Delivery of Exogenous Nucleic Acids during Preimplantation Embryonic Development. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21062189. [PMID: 32235756 PMCID: PMC7139358 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21062189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Two technologies, in vitro culture and exogenous gene introduction, constitute cornerstones of producing transgenic animals. Although in vitro embryo production techniques can bypass the oviduct during early development, such embryos are inferior to their naturally produced counterparts. In addition, preimplantation embryos are resistant to the uptake of exogenous genetic material. These factors restrict the production of transgenic animals. The discovery of extracellular vesicles (EVs) was a milestone in the study of intercellular signal communication. EVs in the oviduct, known as oviductosomes (OVS), are versatile delivery tools during maternal–embryo communication. In this review, we discuss the important roles of OVS in these interactions and the feasibility of using them as tools for transferring exogenous nucleic acids during early development. We hypothesize that further accurate characterization of OVS cargoes and functions will open new horizons for research on maternal–embryo interactions and enhance the production of transgenic animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Fu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry Research, HeiLongJiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin 150086, China; (B.F.); (H.M.)
- Key Laboratory of Combine of Planting and Feeding, Ministry of Agriculture of the People’s Republic of China, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Hong Ma
- Institute of Animal Husbandry Research, HeiLongJiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin 150086, China; (B.F.); (H.M.)
- Key Laboratory of Combine of Planting and Feeding, Ministry of Agriculture of the People’s Republic of China, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Di Liu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry Research, HeiLongJiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin 150086, China; (B.F.); (H.M.)
- Key Laboratory of Combine of Planting and Feeding, Ministry of Agriculture of the People’s Republic of China, Harbin 150086, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-138-4512-0192
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Rodríguez-Alonso B, Maillo V, Acuña OS, López-Úbeda R, Torrecillas A, Simintiras CA, Sturmey R, Avilés M, Lonergan P, Rizos D. Spatial and Pregnancy-Related Changes in the Protein, Amino Acid, and Carbohydrate Composition of Bovine Oviduct Fluid. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E1681. [PMID: 32121434 PMCID: PMC7084926 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21051681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Knowledge of how the biochemical composition of the bovine oviduct is altered due to the oviduct anatomy or the presence of an embryo is lacking. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the effect of (І) oviduct anatomy and (ІІ) embryo presence on oviductal fluid (OF) protein, amino acid, and carbohydrate composition. Cross-bred beef heifers (n = 19) were synchronized and those in standing estrus were randomly allocated to a cyclic (non-bred) or pregnant (artificially inseminated) group. All heifers were slaughtered on Day 3 after estrus. The oviducts ipsilateral to the corpus luteum from each animal were isolated, straightened and cut, separating ampulla and isthmus. Each portion was flushed with 500 µl of PBS enabling recovery of the oocyte/embryo. Recovered unfertilized oocytes (cyclic group) and embryos (8-cell embryos; pregnant group) were located in the isthmus of the oviduct. Samples of flushing medium from the isthmus and ampulla were used for proteomic (n = 2 per group), amino acid (n = 5), and carbohydrate (n = 5) analysis. For proteomic analysis, total protein from cyclic and pregnant samples were labelled with different cyanine fluorescent probes and separated according to the isoelectric point using immobilized pH gradient strips (pH 3-10, 17 cm, Protean® IEF cell system, Bio Rad). Second dimension was performed in a polyacrylamide gel (12%) in the presence of SDS using a Protean II XL system (Bio Rad). Images were obtained with a Typhoon 9410 scanner and analyzed with Progenesis SameSpots software v 4.0. Amino acid content in the OF was determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Glucose, lactate, and pyruvate were quantified using microfluorometric enzyme-linked assays. For the proteomic assessment, the results of the image analysis were compared by ANOVA. For both amino acid and carbohydrate analyses, statistical analysis was carried out by 2-way ANOVA with the Holm-Sidak nonparametric post hoc analysis. On Day 3 post-estrus, OF composition varied based on (І) anatomical region, where isthmic metabolites were present in lower (i.e., lactate, glycine, and alanine) or higher (i.e., arginine) concentrations compared to the ampulla; and (ІІ) embryo presence, which was correlated with greater, arginine, phosphoglycerate kinase 1, serum albumin, α-1-antiproteinase and IGL@ protein concentrations. In conclusion, data indicate that the composition of bovine OF is anatomically dynamic and influenced by the presence of an early embryo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Rodríguez-Alonso
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Ctra. de la Coruña KM 5.9, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (B.R.-A.); (V.M.)
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland; (C.A.S.); (P.L.)
| | - Veronica Maillo
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Ctra. de la Coruña KM 5.9, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (B.R.-A.); (V.M.)
| | - Omar Salvador Acuña
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB-Arrixaca), University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (O.S.A.); (R.L.-Ú.); (M.A.)
- Faculty of Veterinary and Zootechnics, Autonomous University of Sinaloa, Culiacan 80246, Mexico
- Department of Research, Animal Reproduction Biotechnology (ARBiotech), Culiacan 80015, Mexico
| | - Rebeca López-Úbeda
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB-Arrixaca), University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (O.S.A.); (R.L.-Ú.); (M.A.)
| | | | - Constantine A. Simintiras
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland; (C.A.S.); (P.L.)
- Center for Atherothrombosis and Metabolic Disease, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull HU3 2JZ, UK;
| | - Roger Sturmey
- Center for Atherothrombosis and Metabolic Disease, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull HU3 2JZ, UK;
| | - Manuel Avilés
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB-Arrixaca), University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (O.S.A.); (R.L.-Ú.); (M.A.)
| | - Patrick Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland; (C.A.S.); (P.L.)
| | - Dimitrios Rizos
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Ctra. de la Coruña KM 5.9, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (B.R.-A.); (V.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Kadam K, Khole VV, Ghosalkar K, Jagtap D, Yarramala DS, Ramachandran B. Thiol based mechanism internalises interacting partners to outer dense fibers in sperm. Free Radic Biol Med 2020; 148:170-181. [PMID: 31923584 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2019.12.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The sperm tail outer dense fibres (ODFs) contribute passive structural role in sperm motility. The level of disulphide cross-linking of ODFs and their structural thickness determines flagellar bending curvature and motility. During epididymal maturation, proteins are internalized to modify ODF disulphide cross-linking and enable motility. Sperm thiol status is further altered during capacitation in female tract. This suggests that components in female reproductive tract acting on thiol/disulphides could be capable of modulating the tail stiffness to facilitate modulation of the sperm tail rigidity and waveform en route to fertilization. Understanding the biochemical properties and client proteins of ODFs in reproductive tract fluids will help bridge this gap. Using recombinant ODF2 (aka Testis Specific Antigen of 70 kDa) as bait, we identified client proteins in male and female reproductive fluids. A thiol-based interaction and internalization indicates sperm can harness reproductive tract fluids for proteins that interact with ODFs and likely modulate the tail stiffness en route to fertilization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaushiki Kadam
- Department of Gamete Immunobiology, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, J.M Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India.
| | - Vrinda V Khole
- Department of Gamete Immunobiology, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, J.M Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Kanaka Ghosalkar
- Department of Gamete Immunobiology, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, J.M Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Dhanashree Jagtap
- Structural Biology Department, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, J.M Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Deepthi S Yarramala
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, 400 076, India
| | - Bini Ramachandran
- Thermo Fisher Scientific India Pvt. Ltd, 403-404, Delphi 'B' Wing, Hiranandani Business Park, Powai, Mumbai, 400076, India
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
The Expression of ERK1/2 in Female Yak ( Bos grunniens) Reproductive Organs. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10020334. [PMID: 32093255 PMCID: PMC7070411 DOI: 10.3390/ani10020334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The main reproductive organs undergo different histological appearances and physiological processes under different reproductive statuses. The variation of these organs depends on a delicate regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Extracellular signal-regulated kinases1/2 (ERK1/2) are members of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) super family. They have important roles in regulating various biological processes of different cells, tissues, and organ types. Activated ERK1/2 generally promotes cell survival, but under certain conditions, ERK1/2 also have the function of inducing apoptosis. It is widely believed that ERK1/2 play a significant role in regulating the reproductive processes of mammals. The goal of our research is to investigate the expression and distribution of ERK1/2 in the yak's main reproductive organs during different stages. In the present study, samples of the ovary, oviduct, and uterus of 15 adult female yak were collected and used in the experiment. The ERK1/2 proteins, localization, and quantitative expression of their mRNA were investigated using immunohistochemistry (IHC), western blot (WB) and relative quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The results indicated that ERK1/2 proteins and their mRNA were highly expressed in the ovary of the luteal phase and gestation period, in the oviduct of the luteal phase, and in the uterus of the luteal phase and gestation period. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed a strong distribution of ERK1/2 proteins in follicular granulosa cells, granular luteal cells, villous epithelial cells of the oviduct, endometrial glandular epithelium, and luminal epithelium. These results demonstrated that the expression of ERK1 and ERK2 proteins and their mRNA in the yak's ovary, oviduct, and uterus varies with the stage of the reproductive cycle. The variation character of ERK1 and ERK 2 expression in the yak's main reproductive organs during different stages implies that they play an important role in regulating the reproductive function under different physiological statuses.
Collapse
|
40
|
Rickard JP, de Graaf SP. Sperm surface changes and their consequences for sperm transit through the female reproductive tract. Theriogenology 2020; 150:96-105. [PMID: 32067798 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Spermatozoa are faced with considerable challenges during their passage through the female reproductive tract. Following deposition, they must deal with several physical and biochemical barriers as well as an aggressive immune defence system before they reach the site of fertilisation. While many factors are at play, the surface characteristics of spermatozoa are central to communication with the female and successful transit. The surface proteome of spermatozoa has been extensively studied and shown to vary considerably between species that deposit semen in the vagina (ram and bull) and uterus (boar and stallion), likely due to major differences in accessory sex gland anatomy. Comparing the surface characteristics of spermatozoa from these domestic species and how individual components may equip spermatozoa to interact with different features of the female tract could help understand how spermatozoa navigate from vagina or uterus to oviduct ampulla. Furthermore, we can begin to explain why use of high quality preserved spermatozoa in artificial insemination programs may still result in reduced fertility due to altered interaction with the female. In this review, we describe the sperm surface characteristics of the ram, bull, boar and stallion and compare changes as a result of mixture with seminal plasma and/or in vitro processing. The role of these seminal components in facilitating sperm survival and transit within the female reproductive tract is summarised, drawing attention to potential implications for applied reproductive technologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J P Rickard
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, NSW, 2006, Australia.
| | - S P de Graaf
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, NSW, 2006, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Billhaq DH, Lee SH, Lee S. The potential function of endometrial-secreted factors for endometrium remodeling during the estrous cycle. Anim Sci J 2020; 91:e13333. [PMID: 31909524 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Revised: 11/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Uterine has a pivotal role in implantation and conceptus development. To prepare a conducive uterine condition for possibly new gestation during the estrous cycle, uterine endometrium undergoes dramatic remodeling. In addition, angiogenesis is an indispensable biological process of endometrium remodeling. Furthermore, essential protein expressions related to important biological processes of endometrium remodeling, which are vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), myoglobin (MYG), collagen type IV (COL4), fucosyltransferase IV (FUT4), and cysteine-rich protein 2 (CRP2), were detected in the endometrial tissue reported in many previous studies and recently discovered in histotroph substrates during the estrous cycle. Those proteins, which are liable for provoking new vessel development, cell proliferation, cell adhesion, and cell migration, were expressed higher in the histotroph during the luteal phase than follicular phase. Histotroph proteins considerably contribute to endometrium remodeling during the estrous cycle. To that end, the following review will discuss and highlight the relevant information and evidence of the uterine fluid proteins as endometrial-secreted factors that adequately indicate the potential role of the uterine secretions to be involved in the endometrial remodeling process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dody Houston Billhaq
- College of Animal Life Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Hee Lee
- Institute of Animal Resources, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Seunghyung Lee
- College of Animal Life Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Galey MM, Young AN, Petukhova VZ, Wang M, Wang J, Salvi A, Russo A, Burdette JE, Sanchez LM. Detection of Ovarian Cancer Using Samples Sourced from the Vaginal Microenvironment. J Proteome Res 2020; 19:503-510. [PMID: 31738564 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.9b00694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Mass spectrometry (MS) offers high levels of specificity and sensitivity in clinical applications, and we have previously been able to demonstrate that matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) MS is capable of distinguishing two-component cell mixtures at low limits of detection. Ovarian cancer is notoriously difficult to detect due to the lack of diagnostic techniques available to the medical community. By sampling a local microenvironment, such as the vaginal canal and cervix, a MS based method is presented for monitoring disease progression from proximal samples to the diseased tissue. A murine xenograft model of high grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) was used for this study, and vaginal lavages were obtained from mice on a weekly basis throughout disease progression and subjected to our MALDI-TOF MS workflow followed by statistical analyses. Proteins in the 4-20 kDa region of the mass spectrum yielded a fingerprint that we could consistently measure over time that correlated with disease progression. These fingerprints were found to be largely stable across all mice, with the protein fingerprint converging toward the end point of the study. MALDI-TOF MS serves as a unique analytical technique for measuring a sampled vaginal microenvironment in a specific and sensitive manner for the detection of HGSOC in a murine model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa M Galey
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences , University of Illinois at Chicago , 833 S Wood Street , Chicago , Illinois 60612 , United States
| | - Alexandria N Young
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences , University of Illinois at Chicago , 833 S Wood Street , Chicago , Illinois 60612 , United States
| | - Valentina Z Petukhova
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences , University of Illinois at Chicago , 833 S Wood Street , Chicago , Illinois 60612 , United States
| | - Mingxun Wang
- Ometa Laboratories , 3210 Merryfield Row , San Diego , California 92121 , United States
| | - Jian Wang
- Ometa Laboratories , 3210 Merryfield Row , San Diego , California 92121 , United States
| | - Amrita Salvi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences , University of Illinois at Chicago , 833 S Wood Street , Chicago , Illinois 60612 , United States
| | - Angela Russo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences , University of Illinois at Chicago , 833 S Wood Street , Chicago , Illinois 60612 , United States
| | - Joanna E Burdette
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences , University of Illinois at Chicago , 833 S Wood Street , Chicago , Illinois 60612 , United States
| | - Laura M Sanchez
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences , University of Illinois at Chicago , 833 S Wood Street , Chicago , Illinois 60612 , United States
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Composing the Early Embryonic Microenvironment: Physiology and Regulation of Oviductal Secretions. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 21:ijms21010223. [PMID: 31905654 PMCID: PMC6982147 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21010223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The oviductal fluid is the first environment experienced by mammalian embryos at the very beginning of life. However, it has long been believed that the oviductal environment was not essential for proper embryonic development. Successful establishment of in vitro embryo production techniques (which completely bypass the oviduct) have reinforced this idea. Yet, it became evident that in vitro produced embryos differ markedly from their in vivo counterparts, and these differences are associated with lower pregnancy outcomes and more health issues after birth. Nowadays, researchers consider the oviduct as the most suitable microenvironment for early embryonic development and a substantial effort is made to understand its dynamic, species-specific functions. In this review, we touch on the origin and molecular components of the oviductal fluid in mammals, where recent progress has been made thanks to the wider use of mass spectrometry techniques. Some of the factors and processes known to regulate oviductal secretions, including the embryo itself, as well as ovulation, insemination, endogenous and exogenous hormones, and metabolic and heat stress, are summarized. Special emphasis is laid on farm animals because, owing to the availability of sample material and the economic importance of fertility in livestock husbandry, a large part of the work on this topic has been carried out in domestic animals used for dairy and/or meat production.
Collapse
|
44
|
Novel sampling procedure to characterize bovine subclinical endometritis by uterine secretions and tissue. Theriogenology 2019; 141:186-196. [PMID: 31557616 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Subclinical endometritis (SE) in cattle is defined as clinically unapparent inflammation of the endometrium. It is reported to impair fertility in affected cows and causes economic loss within the dairy industry. A gold standard for diagnosis of SE has not been set. Uterine cytology and histopathology are both applied, but low agreement between these methods has been described. The objective of the present study was to assess the capability of uterine secretions (US) as a new medium for diagnosis of SE. A novel sampling tool was applied to retrieve US as well as cytological, histological and bacteriological samples of the endometrium after a singular passage through the cervix in 108 dairy cows (43-62 days post-partum [dpp]). To assess the quality of the US samples, a proteome analysis of samples from five healthy donors was performed, demonstrating that in vivo sampling of US was feasible and generated samples suitable for diagnostic purposes. Diagnosis of SE was realized by the combination of clinical, cytological, and histopathological findings. Quantitative analysis of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin (IL)1B, IL6, IL8, IL17A, IL10) in US was conducted using AlphaLISA-technology. RNAlater-fixed endometrial biopsies were used for gene expression analysis of the cytokines IL1B, IL6, IL8, IL10 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) as well as the prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) and the antimicrobial peptide S100A9 by reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Cows were assigned to groups according to their uterine health status. A large group of animals (n = 83) displayed no signs of endometritis (E.NEG). Cytological and histopathological examination revealed low agreement; hence, animals with SE were differentiated into SE(cyto) and SE(histo) groups (n = 7 and n = 13, respectively). One animal in group SE(cyto + histo) as well as four animals with signs of clinical endometritis (CE) were excluded from further analysis. SE(cyto) showed significantly higher median concentrations of IL1B, IL8 and IL17A in US as well as a significantly higher median expression of IL1B, IL8 and IL10 in endometrial biopsies compared to E.NEG. No significant differences were found for IL6 and IL10 in US and IL6, TNFα, PTGS2 and S100A9 in endometrial tissue between these groups. SE(histo) presented no differences concerning the analyzed parameters compared to E.NEG. In conclusion, a method to sample US was successfully established in dairy cows. The cytokines IL1B, IL8 and IL17A are promising candidates in diagnosing cytological endometritis by US. Further assessment of US might contribute to a better understanding of the pathological mechanisms leading to chronic endometrial inflammation and to impaired fertility in affected cows.
Collapse
|
45
|
Hamdi M, Lopera-Vasquez R, Maillo V, Sanchez-Calabuig MJ, Núnez C, Gutierrez-Adan A, Rizos D. Bovine oviductal and uterine fluid support in vitro embryo development. Reprod Fertil Dev 2019; 30:935-945. [PMID: 29167013 DOI: 10.1071/rd17286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to mimic the maternal oviductal environment, we evaluated the effect of oviductal fluid (OF) and/or uterine fluid (UF) supplementation on in vitro embryo development and quality. In vitro-produced zygotes were cultured with 1.25% OF from Day 1 to Day 4 after insemination (OF group), 1.25% OF from Day 1 to Day 4 followed by 1.25% UF from Day 4 to Day 9 (OF+UF group) or 1.25% UF only from Day 4 to Day 9 (UF group). Control groups were cultured in the presence of synthetic oviduct fluid (SOF) supplemented with 3mgmL-1 bovine serum albumin (BSA) or 5% fetal calf serum (FCS). Supplementation of the culture medium with OF and/or UF (both at 1.25%) supported embryo development (Day 9 blastocyst rate 28.2-30.6%). At 72h after vitrification-warming, the survival of blastocysts from the OF and OF+UF groups was similar to that of blastocysts in the SOF+BSA group (61.0±5.7% and 62.8±6.4% vs 64.8±6.4% respectively), but significantly higher than that of blastocysts from the SOF+FCS group (31.6±4.9%; P<0.001). Blastocysts from the OF group exhibited upregulation of epigenetic genes (i.e. DNA methyltransferase 3α (DNMT3A) and insulin-like growth factor 2 receptor (IGF2R)), compared with expression in the SOF+FCS group (P<0.05). Whereas those from OF+UF and UF groups exhibited downregulation of oxidative stress genes compared to SOF+BSA and OF groups for glutathione peroxidase (GPX1) and to SOF+FCS, SOF+BSA and OF groups for chloride intracellular channel 1 (CLIC1) (P<0.05). In addition, accumulation of reactive oxygen species was lower in blastocysts from the OF, OF+UF and UF groups. In conclusion, the use of low concentrations of OF and UF in in vitro serum-free culture supports embryo development, with OF providing a better control of embryo methylation, whereas UF may have antioxidant activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meriem Hamdi
- Departamento de Reproduccion Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigacion y Tecnologia Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Ctra. de la Coruna KM 5.9 - 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ricaurte Lopera-Vasquez
- Departamento de Reproduccion Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigacion y Tecnologia Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Ctra. de la Coruna KM 5.9 - 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Veronica Maillo
- Departamento de Reproduccion Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigacion y Tecnologia Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Ctra. de la Coruna KM 5.9 - 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Jesus Sanchez-Calabuig
- Departamento de Reproduccion Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigacion y Tecnologia Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Ctra. de la Coruna KM 5.9 - 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Carolina Núnez
- Departamento de Reproduccion Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigacion y Tecnologia Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Ctra. de la Coruna KM 5.9 - 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alfonso Gutierrez-Adan
- Departamento de Reproduccion Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigacion y Tecnologia Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Ctra. de la Coruna KM 5.9 - 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Dimitrios Rizos
- Departamento de Reproduccion Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigacion y Tecnologia Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Ctra. de la Coruna KM 5.9 - 28040 Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Melo TP, Fortes MRS, Fernandes Junior GA, Albuquerque LG, Carvalheiro R. RAPID COMMUNICATION: Multi-breed validation study unraveled genomic regions associated with puberty traits segregating across tropically adapted breeds1. J Anim Sci 2019; 97:3027-3033. [PMID: 30997484 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skz121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
An efficient strategy to improve QTL detection power is performing across-breed validation studies. Variants segregating across breeds are expected to be in high linkage disequilibrium (LD) with causal mutations affecting economically important traits. The aim of this study was to validate, in a Tropical Composite cattle (TC) population, QTL associations identified for sexual precocity traits in a Nellore and Brahman meta-analysis genome-wide association study. In total, 2,816 TC, 8,001 Nellore, and 2,210 Brahman animals were available for the analysis. For that, genomic regions significantly associated with puberty traits in the meta-analysis study were validated for the following sexual precocity traits in TC: age at first corpus luteum (AGECL), first postpartum anestrus interval (PPAI), and scrotal circumference at 18 months of age (SC). We considered validated QTL those underpinned by significant markers from the Nellore and Brahman meta-analysis (P ≤ 10-4) that were also significant for a TC trait, i.e., presenting a P-value of ≤10-3 for AGECL, PPAI, or SC. We also considered as validated QTL those regions where significant markers in the reference population were at ±250 kb from significant markers in the validation population. Using this criteria, 49 SNP were validated for AGECL, 4 for PPAI, and 14 for SC, from which 5 were in common with AGECL, totaling 62 validated SNP for these traits and 30 candidate genes surrounding them. Considering just candidate genes closest to the top SNP of each chromosome, for AGECL 8 candidate genes were identified: COL8A1, PENK, ENSBTAG00000047425, BPNT1, ADAMTS17, CCHCR1, SUFU, and ENSBTAG00000046374. For PPAI, 3 genes emerged as candidates (PCBP3, KCNK10, and MRPS5), and for SC 8 candidate genes were identified (SNORA70, TRAC, ASS1, BPNT1, LRRK1, PKHD1, PTPRM, and ENSBTAG00000045690). Several candidate regions presented here were previously associated with puberty traits in cattle. The majority of emerging candidate genes are related to biological processes involved in reproductive events, such as maintenance of gestation, and some are known to be expressed in reproductive tissues. Our results suggested that some QTL controlling early puberty seem to be segregating across cattle breeds adapted to tropical conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thaise P Melo
- Department of Animal Science, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, FCAV/UNESP - Sao Paulo State University, Jaboticabal, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marina R S Fortes
- The University of Queensland, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia.,The University of Queensland, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Gerardo A Fernandes Junior
- Department of Animal Science, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, FCAV/UNESP - Sao Paulo State University, Jaboticabal, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lucia G Albuquerque
- Department of Animal Science, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, FCAV/UNESP - Sao Paulo State University, Jaboticabal, Sao Paulo, Brazil.,National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - Roberto Carvalheiro
- Department of Animal Science, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, FCAV/UNESP - Sao Paulo State University, Jaboticabal, Sao Paulo, Brazil.,National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Reed ML, Said AH. Estimation of embryo transfer media viscosity and consideration of its effect on media and uterine fluid interactions. Reprod Biomed Online 2019; 39:931-939. [PMID: 31677922 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2019.07.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION What are the viscosities of media used for human embryo transfer and what is the possible effect of viscosity as it relates to interactions between transfer media and uterine fluid. DESIGN Chamber slide filling times, in seconds, were used to calculate viscosity for each commercial and in-house modified medium, with 12 or 24 replicates per medium under standard operating procedure temperature and gas equilibration conditions used for embryo transfer. Means, standard deviations and coefficients of variation were calculated, and each viscosity was estimated using a regression equation; viscosities for each medium were presented for comparative purposes. RESULTS Complete culture media (G1-Plus, G2-Plus, G-TL, 1-Step, Global Total, Global Total HEPES, and Sperm Wash Medium) had viscosity estimates of 1.65 cP, 1.77 cP, 1.68 cP, 1.29cP, 1.18 cP, 1.15 cP, and 1.20 cP, respectively. Complete transfer media (EmbryoGlue, UTM), had viscosity estimates of 3.59 cP and 1.28 cP, respectively. Global HEPES medium with 10%, 20%, 30%, and 50% synthetic serum substitute (SSS) volume per volume had viscosity estimates 1.16 cP, 1.23 cP, 1.25 cP, and 1.34 cP, respectively. For reference, water had a viscosity estimate of 1.06 cP. CONCLUSIONS A relatively narrow distribution of viscosities was observed across several transfer media despite the various commercial or in-house modifications. These data demonstrate the vast difference between viscosities of embryo transfer media and the assumed viscosity of uterine fluid (1000 cP). Contemporary embryo transfer media may be well-suited for IVF, but evaluation of all variables, e.g. media viscosity in the context of embryo transfer, adds to the knowledge base that should be available to practitioners.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael L Reed
- The Fertility Center of New Mexico, 201 Cedar Street SESuite S1-20, Albuquerque New Mexico 87106, USA.
| | - Al-Hasen Said
- The Fertility Center of New Mexico, 201 Cedar Street SESuite S1-20, Albuquerque New Mexico 87106, USA
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Seminal plasma mitigates the adverse effect of uterine fluid on boar spermatozoa. Theriogenology 2019; 136:28-35. [PMID: 31234054 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Revised: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
After natural or artificial insemination, spermatozoa start their journey within the uterus to reach the site of fertilization, but only few of them attain this goal. Part of this spermatozoa loss happens in the uterus, in which uterine fluid (UF) seems to be involved. It is known from other species that UF provokes damage to spermatozoa, which is avoided when seminal plasma (SP) is present. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of UF on the quality of ejaculated (previously contacted with SP) and epididymal (without previous contact with SP) boar spermatozoa analyzing motility, kinetic parameters, viability and acrosome integrity in the presence or absence of SP over time. Three experimental groups were evaluated in each source of spermatozoa (ejaculated and epididymal): 1) Control: spermatozoa with 20% of SP; 2) UF: spermatozoa with 20% of UF; and 3) UF-SP: spermatozoa with 20% of SP and 20% of UF. Total and progressive motility, kinetic parameters (VCL, VSL, VAP, LIN, STR, WOB, and BCF), viability and acrosome damage were analyzed at 15, 60, 120 and 180 min after incubation. Total and progressive motility decreased when ejaculated spermatozoa were incubated in UF in contrast to control and UF-SP groups (p < 0.0007), with no differences between control and UF-SP. The VCL decreased in the UF group compared to the control and UF-SP groups in ejaculated spermatozoa (p = 0.0002). The VSL, VAP, LIN and STR kinetic parameters were greater when ejaculated spermatozoa were incubated in the UF-SP group than in the UF group (all: p ≤ 0.02). Acrosome damage increased in ejaculated and epididymal spermatozoa incubated in the UF group compared to the control and UF-SP groups (both: p < 0.0001). Also, the viability of epididymal spermatozoa decreased in the UF group, while it did not change in the control and UF-SP groups (p = 0.0004). The rest of the parameters in either ejaculated or epididymal spermatozoa did not differ between experimental groups, except for WOB when epididymal spermatozoa were used (UF-SP higher than the control group, with UF being similar for both; p = 0.03). In conclusion, both ejaculated and epididymal spermatozoa are affected by UF, suggesting a negative effect on their quality. This negative effect is reduced by the presence of SP, improving the spermatozoa functionality, preserving motility, viability and acrosome integrity.
Collapse
|
49
|
Rickard JP, Pool KR, Druart X, de Graaf SP. The fate of spermatozoa in the female reproductive tract: A comparative review. Theriogenology 2019; 137:104-112. [PMID: 31230704 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.05.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The journey that spermatozoa take following deposition in the female tract is a long and perilous one. The barriers they face within the female tract differ depending on whether they are deposited in the vagina or uterus, like spermatozoa of the ram or boar respectively. Comparative studies on the transit of spermatozoa through the ewe and sow tracts serves to highlight similarities, or differences, in the way their sperm-surface properties enable them to overcome these barriers, progress through the tract and fertilise the oocyte. The female environment contributes towards this successful transit by providing a vehicle for sperm transport, aiding the removal of dead spermatozoa and other pathogens and applying strict selection pressures to ensure only those cells with the highest quality reach the site of fertilisation. Understanding the criteria behind these natural barriers helps an understanding of the limitations to fertility associated with preserved spermatozoa, and how in vitro manipulation can alter this complex interaction between spermatozoa and the female environment. Similar mechanisms or surface coat interactions exist in both species, but each has evolved to be used for physiologically disparate functions. Here we briefly describe the sperm surface characteristics of both fresh and frozen-thawed boar and ram spermatozoa and compare how these properties equip them to survive the physical, biochemical and immune interactions within the female reproductive tract.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J P Rickard
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, NSW, 2006, Australia.
| | - K R Pool
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - X Druart
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Le Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut Francais du Cheval et de L'Equitation, Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | - S P de Graaf
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, NSW, 2006, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Hernández-Silva G, Fabián López-Araiza JE, López-Torres AS, Larrea F, Torres-Flores V, Chirinos M. Proteomic characterization of human sperm plasma membrane-associated proteins and their role in capacitation. Andrology 2019; 8:171-180. [PMID: 31002753 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plasma membranes of ejaculated sperm are covered by epididymal and accessory glands secreted proteins that must be released from sperm surface during the female reproductive tract passage in order to capacitate and fertilize the oocyte. OBJECTIVES As human sperm plasma membrane-associated proteins (SMAP) have not yet been investigated, the aim of this study was to characterize the SMAP released during in vitro human capacitation and to study their possible role as decapacitation factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS SMAP were characterized by 2-dimensional electrophoresis and mass spectrometry analysis. Besides, we explored SMAP effects on motility, protein tyrosine phosphorylation, and calcium ionophore-induced acrosome reaction of spermatozoa either incubated for 6 h in capacitating medium ± SMAP or for 5 h in capacitating medium alone followed by incubation for 1 h ± SMAP. RESULTS Mass spectrometry analysis allowed the identification of 29 proteins, all of which have previously been identified in the human seminal fluid. Spermatozoa incubated for 6 h under capacitating conditions in the presence of the SMAP showed a significant decrease in the incidence of non-progressive motility, hyperactivation, protein tyrosine phosphorylation, and calcium ionophore-induced acrosome reaction. However, spermatozoa incubated for 5 h in capacitating medium and further incubated for 1 h with the SMAP showed a lower percentage of spermatozoa with non-progressive motility and hyperactivated cells but no effects on protein tyrosine phosphorylation were detected. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that SMAP inhibit the progress of human sperm capacitation, but only motility changes related to capacitation may be reversed by these proteins. The study of the identified proteins on sperm function and their mechanisms of action on this cell may contribute to the understanding of their role during capacitation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Hernández-Silva
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción Dr. Carlos Gual Castro, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Ciudad de México, México.,Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | | | - Aideé Saray López-Torres
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción Dr. Carlos Gual Castro, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Fernando Larrea
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción Dr. Carlos Gual Castro, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Víctor Torres-Flores
- Laboratorio de Biomembranas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Mayel Chirinos
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción Dr. Carlos Gual Castro, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Ciudad de México, México
| |
Collapse
|