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Moustakli E, Zikopoulos A, Skentou C, Stavros S, Sofikitis N, Georgiou I, Zachariou A. Integrative Assessment of Seminal Plasma Biomarkers: A Narrative Review Bridging the Gap between Infertility Research and Clinical Practice. J Clin Med 2024; 13:3147. [PMID: 38892858 PMCID: PMC11173072 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13113147] [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: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Infertility represents a significant global health challenge impacting millions of couples worldwide. Approximately half of all infertile couples exhibit compromised semen quality, indicative of diminished male fertility. While the diagnosis of male infertility traditionally relies on semen analysis, its limitations in providing a comprehensive assessment of male reproductive health have spurred efforts to identify novel biomarkers. Seminal plasma, a complex fluid containing proteins, lipids, and metabolites, has emerged as a rich source of such indicators. Reproduction depends heavily on seminal plasma, the primary transporter of chemicals from male reproductive glands. It provides a non-invasive sample for urogenital diagnostics and has demonstrated potential in the identification of biomarkers linked to illnesses of the male reproductive system. The abundance of seminal proteins has enabled a deeper understanding of their biological functions, origins, and differential expression in various conditions associated with male infertility, including azoospermia, asthenozoospermia, oligozoospermia, teratozoospermia, among others. The true prevalence of male infertility is understated due to the limitations of the current diagnostic techniques. This review critically evaluates the current landscape of seminal plasma biomarkers and their utility in assessing male infertility. Βy bridging the gap between research and clinical practice, the integrative assessment of seminal plasma biomarkers offers a multimodal approach to comprehensively evaluate male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efthalia Moustakli
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece;
| | - Athanasios Zikopoulos
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Barrack Rd, Exeter EX 25 DW, UK;
| | - Charikleia Skentou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School of Ioannina, University General Hospital, 45110 Ioannina, Greece;
| | - Sofoklis Stavros
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Attikon Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece;
| | - Nikolaos Sofikitis
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Ioannina University, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (N.S.); (A.Z.)
| | - Ioannis Georgiou
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece;
| | - Athanasios Zachariou
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Ioannina University, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (N.S.); (A.Z.)
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Rais Y, Drabovich AP. Identification and Quantification of Human Relaxin Proteins by Immunoaffinity-Mass Spectrometry. J Proteome Res 2024. [PMID: 38739617 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.4c00027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
The human relaxins belong to the Insulin/IGF/Relaxin superfamily of peptide hormones, and their physiological function is primarily associated with reproduction. In this study, we focused on a prostate tissue-specific relaxin RLN1 (REL1_HUMAN protein) and a broader tissue specificity RLN2 (REL2_HUMAN protein). Due to their structural similarity, REL1 and REL2 proteins were collectively named a 'human relaxin protein' in previous studies and were exclusively measured by immunoassays. We hypothesized that the highly selective and sensitive immunoaffinity-selected reaction monitoring (IA-SRM) assays would reveal the identity and abundance of the endogenous REL1 and REL2 in biological samples and facilitate the evaluation of these proteins for diagnostic applications. High levels of RLN1 and RLN2 transcripts were found in prostate and breast cancer cell lines by RT-PCR. However, no endogenous prorelaxin-1 or mature REL1 were detected by IA-SRM in cell lines, seminal plasma, or blood serum. The IA-SRM assay of REL2 demonstrated its undetectable levels (<9.4 pg/mL) in healthy control female and male sera and relatively high levels of REL2 in maternal sera across different gestational weeks (median 331 pg/mL; N = 120). IA-SRM assays uncovered potential cross-reactivity and nonspecific binding for relaxin immunoassays. The developed IA-SRM assays will facilitate the investigation of the physiological and pathological roles of REL1 and REL2 proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmine Rais
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Andrei P Drabovich
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G3, Canada
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Parkes R, Garcia TX. Bringing proteomics to bear on male fertility: key lessons. Expert Rev Proteomics 2024; 21:181-203. [PMID: 38536015 DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2024.2327553] [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: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Male infertility is a major public health concern globally. Proteomics has revolutionized our comprehension of male fertility by identifying potential infertility biomarkers and reproductive defects. Studies comparing sperm proteome with other male reproductive tissues have the potential to refine fertility diagnostics and guide infertility treatment development. AREAS COVERED This review encapsulates literature using proteomic approaches to progress male reproductive biology. Our search methodology included systematic searches of databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for articles up to 2023. Keywords used included 'male fertility proteomics,' 'spermatozoa proteome,' 'testis proteomics,' 'epididymal proteomics,' and 'non-hormonal male contraception.' Inclusion criteria were robust experimental design, significant contributions to male fertility, and novel use of proteomic technologies. EXPERT OPINION Expert analysis shows a shift from traditional research to an integrative approach that clarifies male reproductive health's molecular intricacies. A gap exists between proteomic discoveries and clinical application. The expert opinions consolidated here not only navigate the current findings but also chart the future proteomic applications for scientific and clinical breakthroughs. We underscore the need for continued investment in proteomic research - both in the technological and collaborative arenas - to further unravel the secrets of male fertility, which will be central to resolving fertility issues in the coming era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Parkes
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
| | - Thomas X Garcia
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
- Scott Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
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Hashim M, Al-Attar AM, Alomar MY, Shaikh Omar AM, Alkenani NA, Abu Zeid IM. Alleviation of carbendazim toxicity effect by Moringa oleifera oil and Linum usitatissimum L . oil on testes of male rats: Physiological, histological and in silico study. Saudi J Biol Sci 2024; 31:103921. [PMID: 38268782 PMCID: PMC10806130 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2023.103921] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Carbendazim (CBZ) is a widely used fungicide that is used to control the unwanted growth of fungi on fruits and vegetables. Sixty male rats were divided into six groups, each having ten. Group one served as control, animals belonging to group two were exposed to CBZ in the measure of 200 mg/kg body weight (BW). In the third and fourth groups, rats were administered 800 mg/kg BW of Moringa oleifera (moringa oil) and Linum usitatissimum L. (flaxseed oil), plus CBZ with the same dose given to group two. Groups five and six were administered with moringa and flaxseed oils respectively for six weeks. A marked decline was seen in oxidative stress markers, reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and a rise in malondialdehyde (MDA) level in group two with severe histological disruptions. Moringa oil and flaxseed oil were used to alleviate these changes. In addition, a biocomputational molecular docking analysis of three proteins found in male rats was performed. In relation to CBZ (CID:10584007) the screened proteins namely testis-expressed protein (TX101_RAT), EPPI_RAT, and glutathione peroxidase 5 (GPX5_RAT) were docked, and their docking score were obtained (-5.9 kcal/mol), (-5.8 kcal/mol) and (-5.6 kcal/mol) respectively. By examining these interactions in 2D and 3D structures, a detailed understanding of the unique and specific binding affinity, hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic interactions, ionic bonds, and water bonds were obtained. Structure-based virtual screening (SBVS) molecular docking analysis showed that protein interaction with CBZ causes reproductive complications in protein expression and functions by hampering their normal function and blocking active sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Hashim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Atef M. Al-Attar
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Princess Dr. Najla Bint Saud Al-Saud Center for Excellence Research in Biotechnology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Y. Alomar
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulkader M. Shaikh Omar
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Princess Dr. Najla Bint Saud Al-Saud Center for Excellence Research in Biotechnology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Naser A. Alkenani
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Isam M. Abu Zeid
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Princess Dr. Najla Bint Saud Al-Saud Center for Excellence Research in Biotechnology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Ogawa Y, Lu Y, Kiyozumi D, Chang HY, Ikawa M. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing reveals seven testis-enriched transmembrane glycoproteins dispensable for male fertility in mice. Andrology 2023:10.1111/andr.13564. [PMID: 38084666 PMCID: PMC11166886 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mammalian fertilization is mediated by multiple sperm acrosomal proteins, many of which are testis-enriched transmembrane glycoproteins expressed during spermiogenesis (e.g., Izumo sperm-egg fusion 1, Sperm acrosome associated 6, and Transmembrane protein 95). METHODS We hypothesized that proteins with these features might have a role in sperm-egg interaction and thus carried out an in-silico screen based on multiple public databases. We generated knockout mouse lines lacking seven candidate proteins by the CRISPR/Cas9 system and conducted detailed analyses on the fecundity of the knockout males, as well as their testis appearance and weight, testis and epididymis histology, and sperm motility and morphology. RESULTS Through the in-silico screen, we identified 4932438H23Rik, A disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain-containing protein 29, SAYSvFN domain-containing protein 1, Sel-1 suppressor of lin-12-like 2 (C. elegans), Testis-expressed protein 2, Transmembrane and immunoglobulin domain-containing 3, and Zinc and ring finger 4. Phenotypic analyses unveiled that the knockout males showed normal testis gross appearance, normal testis and epididymis histology, and normal sperm morphology and motility. Fertility tests further indicated that the knockout male mice could sire pups with normal litter sizes when paired with wild-type females. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION These findings suggest that these seven proteins are individually dispensable for male reproduction and fertilization. Future studies are warranted to devise advanced in-silico screening approaches that permit effective identification of gamete fusion-required sperm proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yo Ogawa
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yonggang Lu
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Premium Research Institute for Human Metaverse Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Daiji Kiyozumi
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi 464-0805, Japan
| | - Hsin-Yi Chang
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
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Walter J, Eludin Z, Drabovich AP. Redefining serological diagnostics with immunoaffinity proteomics. Clin Proteomics 2023; 20:42. [PMID: 37821808 PMCID: PMC10568870 DOI: 10.1186/s12014-023-09431-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Serological diagnostics is generally defined as the detection of specific human immunoglobulins developed against viral, bacterial, or parasitic diseases. Serological tests facilitate the detection of past infections, evaluate immune status, and provide prognostic information. Serological assays were traditionally implemented as indirect immunoassays, and their design has not changed for decades. The advantages of straightforward setup and manufacturing, analytical sensitivity and specificity, affordability, and high-throughput measurements were accompanied by limitations such as semi-quantitative measurements, lack of universal reference standards, potential cross-reactivity, and challenges with multiplexing the complete panel of human immunoglobulin isotypes and subclasses. Redesign of conventional serological tests to include multiplex quantification of immunoglobulin isotypes and subclasses, utilize universal reference standards, and minimize cross-reactivity and non-specific binding will facilitate the development of assays with higher diagnostic specificity. Improved serological assays with higher diagnostic specificity will enable screenings of asymptomatic populations and may provide earlier detection of infectious diseases, autoimmune disorders, and cancer. In this review, we present the major clinical needs for serological diagnostics, overview conventional immunoassay detection techniques, present the emerging immunoassay detection technologies, and discuss in detail the advantages and limitations of mass spectrometry and immunoaffinity proteomics for serological diagnostics. Finally, we explore the design of novel immunoaffinity-proteomic assays to evaluate cell-mediated immunity and advance the sequencing of clinically relevant immunoglobulins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Walter
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, 10-102 Clinical Sciences Building, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Zicki Eludin
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, 10-102 Clinical Sciences Building, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Andrei P Drabovich
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, 10-102 Clinical Sciences Building, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2G3, Canada.
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Miyazaki MA, Guilharducci RL, Intasqui P, Bertolla RP. Mapping the human sperm proteome - novel insights into reproductive research. Expert Rev Proteomics 2023; 20:19-45. [PMID: 37140161 DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2023.2210764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Spermatozoa are highly specialized cells with unique morphology. In addition, spermatozoa lose a considerable amount of cytoplasm during spermiogenesis, when they also compact their DNA, resulting in a transcriptionally quiescent cell. Throughout the male reproductive tract, sperm will acquire proteins that enable them to interact with the female reproductive tract. After ejaculation, proteins undergo post-translational modifications for sperm to capacitate, hyperactivate and fertilize the oocyte. Many proteins have been identified as predictors of male infertility, and also investigated in diseases that compromise reproductive potential. AREAS COVERED In this review we proposed to summarize the recent findings about the sperm proteome and how they affect sperm structure, function, and fertility. A literature search was performed using PubMed and Google Scholar databases within the past 5 years until August 2022. EXPERT OPINION Sperm function depends on protein abundance, conformation, and PTMs; understanding the sperm proteome may help to identify pathways essential to fertility, even making it possible to unravel the mechanisms involved in idiopathic infertility. In addition, proteomics evaluation offers knowledge regarding alterations that compromise the male reproductive potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mika Alexia Miyazaki
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Human Reproduction Section, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Raquel Lozano Guilharducci
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Human Reproduction Section, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paula Intasqui
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Human Reproduction Section, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Pimenta Bertolla
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Human Reproduction Section, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Zhang J, Kanoatov M, Jarvi K, Gauthier-Fisher A, Moskovtsev SI, Librach C, Drabovich AP. Germ cell-specific proteins AKAP4 and ASPX facilitate identification of rare spermatozoa in non-obstructive azoospermia. Mol Cell Proteomics 2023; 22:100556. [PMID: 37087050 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2023.100556] [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: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), the most severe form of male infertility, could be treated with intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection, providing spermatozoa were retrieved with the microdissection testicular sperm extraction (mTESE). We hypothesized that testis- and germ cell-specific proteins would facilitate flow cytometry-assisted identification of rare spermatozoa in semen cell pellets of NOA patients, thus enabling non-invasive diagnostics prior to mTESE. Data mining, targeted proteomics, and immunofluorescent microscopy identified and verified a panel of highly testis-specific proteins expressed at the continuum of germ cell differentiation. Late germ cell-specific proteins AKAP4_HUMAN and ASPX_HUMAN (ACRV1 gene) revealed exclusive localization in spermatozoa tails and acrosomes, respectively. A multiplex imaging flow cytometry assay facilitated fast and unambiguous identification of rare but morphologically intact AKAP4+/ASPX+/Hoechst+ spermatozoa within debris-laden semen pellets of NOA patients. While the previously suggested markers for spermatozoa retrieval suffered from low diagnostic specificity, the multi-step gating strategy and visualization of AKAP4+/ASPX+/Hoechst+ cells with elongated tails and acrosome-capped nuclei facilitated fast and unambiguous identification of the mature intact spermatozoa. AKAP4+/ASPX+/Hoechst+ assay may emerge as a non-invasive test to predict retrieval of morphologically intact spermatozoa by mTESE, thus improving diagnostics and treatment of severe forms of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mirzo Kanoatov
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Keith Jarvi
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Sergey I Moskovtsev
- CReATe Fertility Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Clifford Librach
- CReATe Fertility Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Andrei P Drabovich
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
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Lin TT, Zhang T, Kitata RB, Liu T, Smith RD, Qian WJ, Shi T. Mass spectrometry-based targeted proteomics for analysis of protein mutations. MASS SPECTROMETRY REVIEWS 2023; 42:796-821. [PMID: 34719806 PMCID: PMC9054944 DOI: 10.1002/mas.21741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Cancers are caused by accumulated DNA mutations. This recognition of the central role of mutations in cancer and recent advances in next-generation sequencing, has initiated the massive screening of clinical samples and the identification of 1000s of cancer-associated gene mutations. However, proteomic analysis of the expressed mutation products lags far behind genomic (transcriptomic) analysis. With comprehensive global proteomics analysis, only a small percentage of single nucleotide variants detected by DNA and RNA sequencing have been observed as single amino acid variants due to current technical limitations. Proteomic analysis of mutations is important with the potential to advance cancer biomarker development and the discovery of new therapeutic targets for more effective disease treatment. Targeted proteomics using selected reaction monitoring (also known as multiple reaction monitoring) and parallel reaction monitoring, has emerged as a powerful tool with significant advantages over global proteomics for analysis of protein mutations in terms of detection sensitivity, quantitation accuracy and overall practicality (e.g., reliable identification and the scale of quantification). Herein we review recent advances in the targeted proteomics technology for enhancing detection sensitivity and multiplexing capability and highlight its broad biomedical applications for analysis of protein mutations in human bodily fluids, tissues, and cell lines. Furthermore, we review recent applications of top-down proteomics for analysis of protein mutations. Unlike the commonly used bottom-up proteomics which requires digestion of proteins into peptides, top-down proteomics directly analyzes intact proteins for more precise characterization of mutation isoforms. Finally, general perspectives on the potential of achieving both high sensitivity and high sample throughput for large-scale targeted detection and quantification of important protein mutations are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tai-Tu Lin
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99354, USA
| | - Tong Zhang
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99354, USA
| | - Reta B. Kitata
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99354, USA
| | - Tao Liu
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99354, USA
| | - Richard D. Smith
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99354, USA
| | - Wei-Jun Qian
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99354, USA
| | - Tujin Shi
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99354, USA
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Pozo F, Rodriguez JM, Martínez Gómez L, Vázquez J, Tress ML. APPRIS principal isoforms and MANE Select transcripts define reference splice variants. Bioinformatics 2022; 38:ii89-ii94. [PMID: 36124785 PMCID: PMC9486585 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btac473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
MOTIVATION Selecting the splice variant that best represents a coding gene is a crucial first step in many experimental analyses, and vital for mapping clinically relevant variants. This study compares the longest isoforms, MANE Select transcripts, APPRIS principal isoforms, and expression data, and aims to determine which method is best for selecting biological important reference splice variants for large-scale analyses. RESULTS Proteomics analyses and human genetic variation data suggest that most coding genes have a single main protein isoform. We show that APPRIS principal isoforms and MANE Select transcripts best describe these main cellular isoforms, and find that using the longest splice variant as the representative is a poor strategy. Exons unique to the longest splice isoforms are not under selective pressure, and so are unlikely to be functionally relevant. Expression data are also a poor means of selecting the main splice variant. APPRIS principal and MANE Select exons are under purifying selection, while exons specific to alternative transcripts are not. There are MANE and APPRIS representatives for almost 95% of genes, and where they agree they are particularly effective, coinciding with the main proteomics isoform for over 98.2% of genes. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION APPRIS principal isoforms for human, mouse and other model species can be downloaded from the APPRIS database (https://appris.bioinfo.cnio.es), GENCODE genes (https://www.gencodegenes.org/) and the Ensembl website (https://www.ensembl.org). MANE Select transcripts for the human reference set are available from the Ensembl, GENCODE and RefSeq databases (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/refseq/). Lists of splice variants where MANE and APPRIS coincide are available from the APPRIS database. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Pozo
- Bioinformatics Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - José Manuel Rodriguez
- Cardiovascular Proteomics Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (CNIC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Martínez Gómez
- Bioinformatics Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús Vázquez
- Cardiovascular Proteomics Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (CNIC), 28029 Madrid, Spain,CIBER de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), 28029 Madrid, Spain
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11
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Fu Z, Rais Y, Dara D, Jackson D, Drabovich AP. Rational Design and Development of SARS-CoV-2 Serological Diagnostics by Immunoprecipitation-Targeted Proteomics. Anal Chem 2022; 94:12990-12999. [PMID: 36095284 PMCID: PMC9523617 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c01325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Current design of serological tests utilizes conservative
immunoassay
approaches and is focused on fast and convenient assay development,
throughput, straightforward measurements, and affordability. Limitations
of common serological assays include semiquantitative measurements,
cross-reactivity, lack of reference standards, and no differentiation
between human immunoglobulin subclasses. In this study, we suggested
that a combination of immunoaffinity enrichments with targeted proteomics
would enable rational design and development of serological assays
of infectious diseases, such as COVID-19. Immunoprecipitation-targeted
proteomic assays allowed for sensitive and specific measurements of
NCAP_SARS2 protein with a limit of detection of 313 pg/mL in serum
and enabled differential quantification of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody
isotypes (IgG, IgA, IgM, IgD, and IgE) and individual subclasses (IgG1-4
and IgA1-2) in plasma and saliva. Simultaneous evaluation of the numerous
antigen–antibody subclass combinations revealed a receptor-binding
domain (RBD)-IgG1 as a combination with the highest diagnostic performance.
Further validation revealed that anti-RBD IgG1, IgG3, IgM, and IgA1
levels were significantly elevated in convalescent plasma, while IgG2,
IgG4, and IgA2 were not informative. Anti-RBD IgG1 levels in convalescent
(2138 ng/mL) vs negative (95 ng/mL) plasma revealed 385 ng/mL as a
cutoff to detect COVID-19 convalescent plasma. Immunoprecipitation-targeted
proteomic assays will facilitate improvement and standardization of
the existing serological tests, enable rational design of novel tests,
and offer tools for the comprehensive investigation of immunoglobulin
subclass cooperation in immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Fu
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Yasmine Rais
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Delaram Dara
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Dana Jackson
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Andrei P Drabovich
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2R3, Canada
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12
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Wang N, Yang M, He D, Li X, Zhang X, Han B, Liu C, Hai C, Li G, Zhao Y. TMT-based quantitative N-glycoproteomic analysis reveals glycoprotein protection can improve the quality of frozen bovine sperm. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 218:168-180. [PMID: 35870621 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.07.106] [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: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Cryopreservation of bovine semen plays a vital role in accelerating genetic improvement and elite breeding, but it has a detrimental effect on sperm quality, resulting in the decline of the reproductive efficiency. The glycosylation modification of protein has irreplaceable roles in spermatozoa. Herein, the effect of cryopreservation on glycoproteins of bovine spermatozoa has been studied for the first time using a tandem mass tag (TMT)-labeled quantitative glycoproteome. A total of 2598 proteins and 492 glycoproteins were identified, including 83 different expression proteins (DEPs) and 44 different expression glycosylated proteins (DEGPs) between fresh and frozen spermatozoa. Thirty-three DEPs are glycoproteins, which demonstrates that glycoproteins of bovine sperm were seriously affected by cryopreservation. Moreover, the effects include glycoprotein expression, glycosylation modification, and substructure localization for proteins such as glycoproteins TEX101, ACRBP, and IZOMU4. The biologic functions of the 115 changed proteins are mainly involved in sperm capacitation, migration in female genitalia, and sperm-egg interaction. Mostly key regulators were identified to be glycoproteins, which confirms that glycosylated proteins played important roles in bovine sperm. This comprehensive study of sperm glycoproteins helps to unravel the cryoinjury mechanisms, thus implying that glycoprotein protection should be an effective way to improve the quality of frozen sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, 24 Zhaojun Road, Yuquan District, Hohhot 010020, China
| | - Ming Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, 24 Zhaojun Road, Yuquan District, Hohhot 010020, China
| | - Dingbo He
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, 24 Zhaojun Road, Yuquan District, Hohhot 010020, China
| | - Xin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, 24 Zhaojun Road, Yuquan District, Hohhot 010020, China
| | - Xueli Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, 24 Zhaojun Road, Yuquan District, Hohhot 010020, China
| | - Biying Han
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, 24 Zhaojun Road, Yuquan District, Hohhot 010020, China
| | - Chunli Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, 24 Zhaojun Road, Yuquan District, Hohhot 010020, China
| | - Chao Hai
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, 24 Zhaojun Road, Yuquan District, Hohhot 010020, China
| | - Guangpeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, 24 Zhaojun Road, Yuquan District, Hohhot 010020, China
| | - Yuefang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, 24 Zhaojun Road, Yuquan District, Hohhot 010020, China.
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13
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Burton J, Wojewodzic MW, Rounge TB, Haugen TB. A Role of the TEX101 Interactome in the Common Aetiology Behind Male Subfertility and Testicular Germ Cell Tumor. Front Oncol 2022; 12:892043. [PMID: 35774118 PMCID: PMC9237224 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.892043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients who develop testicular germ cell tumours (TGCT) are at higher risk to be subfertile than the general population. The conditions are believed to originate during foetal life, however, the mechanisms behind a common aetiology of TGCT and male subfertility remains unknown. Testis-expressed 101 (TEX101) is a glycoprotein that is related to male fertility, and downregulation of the TEX101 gene was shown in pre-diagnostic TGCT patients. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of TEX101 and its interactome related to fertility and TGCT development. We searched literature and compilation of data from curated databases. There are studies from both human and animals showing that disruption of TEX101 result in abnormal semen parameters and sperm function. Members of the TEX101 interactome, like SPATA19, Ly6k, PICK1, and ODF genes are important for normal sperm function. We found only two studies of TEX101 related to TGCT, however, several genes in its interactome may be associated with TGCT development, such as PLAUR, PRSS21, CD109, and ALP1. Some of the interactome members are related to both fertility and cancer. Of special interest is the presence of the glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchored proteins TEX101 and PRSS21 in basophils that may be coupled to the immune response preventing further development of TGCT precursor cells. The findings of this review indicate that members of the TEX101 interactome could be a part of the link between TGCT and male subfertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Burton
- Department of Life Sciences and Health, OsloMet − Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marcin W. Wojewodzic
- Department of Environmental and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Research, Cancer Registry of Norway, Oslo, Norway
| | - Trine B. Rounge
- Department of Research, Cancer Registry of Norway, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Informatics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- *Correspondence: Trine B. Haugen, ; Trine B. Rounge,
| | - Trine B. Haugen
- Department of Life Sciences and Health, OsloMet − Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
- *Correspondence: Trine B. Haugen, ; Trine B. Rounge,
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14
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Rodriguez JM, Pozo F, Cerdán-Vélez D, Di Domenico T, Vázquez J, Tress M. APPRIS: selecting functionally important isoforms. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:D54-D59. [PMID: 34755885 PMCID: PMC8728124 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab1058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
APPRIS (https://appris.bioinfo.cnio.es) is a well-established database housing annotations for protein isoforms for a range of species. APPRIS selects principal isoforms based on protein structure and function features and on cross-species conservation. Most coding genes produce a single main protein isoform and the principal isoforms chosen by the APPRIS database best represent this main cellular isoform. Human genetic data, experimental protein evidence and the distribution of clinical variants all support the relevance of APPRIS principal isoforms. APPRIS annotations and principal isoforms have now been expanded to 10 model organisms. In this paper we highlight the most recent updates to the database. APPRIS annotations have been generated for two new species, cow and chicken, the protein structural information has been augmented with reliable models from the EMBL-EBI AlphaFold database, and we have substantially expanded the confirmatory proteomics evidence available for the human genome. The most significant change in APPRIS has been the implementation of TRIFID functional isoform scores. TRIFID functional scores are assigned to all splice isoforms, and APPRIS uses the TRIFID functional scores and proteomics evidence to determine principal isoforms when core methods cannot.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Manuel Rodriguez
- Cardiovascular Proteomics Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (CNIC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Pozo
- Bioinformatics Institute, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, 28029, Spain
| | - Daniel Cerdán-Vélez
- Bioinformatics Institute, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, 28029, Spain
| | - Tomás Di Domenico
- Bioinformatics Institute, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, 28029, Spain
| | - Jesús Vázquez
- Cardiovascular Proteomics Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (CNIC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Michael L Tress
- Bioinformatics Institute, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, 28029, Spain
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15
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Rais Y, Fu Z, Drabovich AP. Mass spectrometry-based proteomics in basic and translational research of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus and its emerging mutants. Clin Proteomics 2021; 18:19. [PMID: 34384361 PMCID: PMC8358260 DOI: 10.1186/s12014-021-09325-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecular diagnostics of the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) now mainly relies on the measurements of viral RNA by RT-PCR, or detection of anti-viral antibodies by immunoassays. In this review, we discussed the perspectives of mass spectrometry-based proteomics as an analytical technique to identify and quantify proteins of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and to enable basic research and clinical studies on COVID-19. While RT-PCR and RNA sequencing are indisputably powerful techniques for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 and identification of the emerging mutations, proteomics may provide confirmatory diagnostic information and complimentary biological knowledge on protein abundance, post-translational modifications, protein-protein interactions, and the functional impact of the emerging mutations. Pending advances in sensitivity and throughput of mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography, shotgun and targeted proteomic assays may find their niche for the differential quantification of viral proteins in clinical and environmental samples. Targeted proteomic assays in combination with immunoaffinity enrichments also provide orthogonal tools to evaluate cross-reactivity of serology tests and facilitate development of tests with the nearly perfect diagnostic specificity, this enabling reliable testing of broader populations for the acquired immunity. The coronavirus pandemic of 2019-2021 is another reminder that the future global pandemics may be inevitable, but their impact could be mitigated with the novel tools and assays, such as mass spectrometry-based proteomics, to enable continuous monitoring of emerging viruses, and to facilitate rapid response to novel infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmine Rais
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Zhiqiang Fu
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Andrei P Drabovich
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
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16
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Bellil H, Ghieh F, Hermel E, Mandon-Pepin B, Vialard F. Human testis-expressed (TEX) genes: a review focused on spermatogenesis and male fertility. Basic Clin Androl 2021; 31:9. [PMID: 33882832 PMCID: PMC8061069 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-021-00127-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complex process regulated by a multitude of genes. The identification and characterization of male-germ-cell-specific genes is crucial to understanding the mechanisms through which the cells develop. The term “TEX gene” was coined by Wang et al. (Nat Genet. 2001; 27: 422–6) after they used cDNA suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) to identify new transcripts that were present only in purified mouse spermatogonia. TEX (Testis expressed) orthologues have been found in other vertebrates (mammals, birds, and reptiles), invertebrates, and yeasts. To date, 69 TEX genes have been described in different species and different tissues. To evaluate the expression of each TEX/tex gene, we compiled data from 7 different RNA-Seq mRNA databases in humans, and 4 in the mouse according to the expression atlas database. Various studies have highlighted a role for many of these genes in spermatogenesis. Here, we review current knowledge on the TEX genes and their roles in spermatogenesis and fertilization in humans and, comparatively, in other species (notably the mouse). As expected, TEX genes appear to have a major role in reproduction in general and in spermatogenesis in humans but also in all mammals such as the mouse. Most of them are expressed specifically or predominantly in the testis. As most of the TEX genes are highly conserved in mammals, defects in the male (gene mutations in humans and gene-null mice) lead to infertility. In the future, cumulative data on the human TEX genes’ physiological functions and pathophysiological dysfunctions should become available and is likely to confirm the essential role of this family in the reproductive process. Thirteen TEX genes are now referenced in the OMIM database, and 3 have been linked to a specific phenotype. TEX11 (on Xq13.1) is currently the gene most frequently reported as being associated with azoospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hela Bellil
- Département de Génétique, CHI de Poissy St Germain en Laye, Poissy, France
| | - Farah Ghieh
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, F-78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, F-94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Emeline Hermel
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, F-78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, F-94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Béatrice Mandon-Pepin
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, F-78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, F-94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - François Vialard
- Département de Génétique, CHI de Poissy St Germain en Laye, Poissy, France. .,Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, F-78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France. .,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, F-94700, Maisons-Alfort, France.
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17
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Fu Z, Rais Y, Bismar TA, Hyndman ME, Le XC, Drabovich AP. Mapping Isoform Abundance and Interactome of the Endogenous TMPRSS2-ERG Fusion Protein by Orthogonal Immunoprecipitation-Mass Spectrometry Assays. Mol Cell Proteomics 2021; 20:100075. [PMID: 33771697 PMCID: PMC8102805 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2021.100075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
TMPRSS2-ERG gene fusion, a molecular alteration found in nearly half of primary prostate cancer cases, has been intensively characterized at the transcript level. However limited studies have explored the molecular identity and function of the endogenous fusion at the protein level. Here, we developed immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry assays for the measurement of a low-abundance T1E4 TMPRSS2-ERG fusion protein, its isoforms, and its interactome in VCaP prostate cancer cells. Our assays quantified total ERG (∼27,000 copies/cell) and its four unique isoforms and revealed that the T1E4-ERG isoform accounted for 52 ± 3% of the total ERG protein in VCaP cells, and 50 ± 11% in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded prostate cancer tissues. For the first time, the N-terminal peptide (methionine-truncated and N-acetylated TASSSSDYGQTSK) unique for the T1/E4 fusion was identified. ERG interactome profiling with the C-terminal, but not the N-terminal, antibodies identified 29 proteins, including mutually exclusive BRG1- and BRM-associated canonical SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complexes. Our sensitive and selective IP-SRM assays present alternative tools to quantify ERG and its isoforms in clinical samples, thus paving the way for development of more accurate diagnostics of prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Fu
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
| | - Yasmine Rais
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Tarek A Bismar
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, and Alberta Precision Laboratories, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - M Eric Hyndman
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Southern Alberta Institute of Urology, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - X Chris Le
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Andrei P Drabovich
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
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18
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Kumar N, Singh NK. "Emerging role of Novel Seminal Plasma Bio-markers in Male Infertility: A Review". Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2020; 253:170-179. [PMID: 32871440 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2020.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2019] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Male infertility has emerged as an important cause of infertility worldwide. There are many factors affecting male fertility and research is going on to know impact of various factors on sperm functions. Semen analysis is gold standard diagnostic test for male infertility, but it is crude method for estimation of male infertility as seminal composition gets affected by environmental factors, infections, other pathologies, hence, results of semen analysis either becomes normal/ambiguous, leading to failure of diagnosis and delayed treatment. Hence, with need of newer, better tests for assessing male factor infertility, seminal plasma is being tested for biomarkers. Seminal plasma is considered gold mine for male fertility as it contains molecules from male reproductive glands which play important role in sperm function. Study of seminal plasma molecules can give an idea about sperm concentration, motility, morphology and cause of infertility and can serve as biomarkers for male infertility. Present review briefs on some of these novel seminal plasma biomarkers which may play significant role in male fertility and can be used in future for better identification, assessment of infertile males. METHODOLOGY Literature from 1985 to 2019 was searched from various databases including PUBMED, SCOPUS, Google Scholar on seminal plasma biomarkers using keywords: "seminal plasma protein biomarkers", "novel seminal plasma markers and male infertility", "hormones in seminal plasma and male infertility", "oxidative stress and male infertility", "Reactive Oxygen Species and sperm DNA", "immunoinfertility". INCLUSION CRITERIA All full length original or review articles or abstracts on seminal plasma markers and male infertility published in English language in various peer-reviewed journals were considered. EXCLUSION CRITERIA Articles published in languages other than English were excluded from the study. RESULTS Seminal plasma is a big reservoir of molecules derived from the various male reproductive glands which can be used as potential biomarkers of male fertility. CONCLUSION Hence, seminal plasma biomarkers can be used in future for better assessment of male factor infertility, its causes and may play an important role in management of male factor infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naina Kumar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangalagiri, 522503, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India.
| | - Namit Kant Singh
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Katuri Medical College and Hospital, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India.
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19
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Masutani M, Sakurai S, Shimizu T, Ohto U. Crystal structure of TEX101, a glycoprotein essential for male fertility, reveals the presence of tandemly arranged Ly6/uPAR domains. FEBS Lett 2020; 594:3020-3031. [PMID: 32608065 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Testis-expressed gene 101 (TEX101) is a glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol-anchored glycoprotein essential for sperm fertility and spermatogenesis. TEX101 interacts with lymphocyte antigen 6 complex, locus K (Ly6k) as well as a disintegrin and metallopeptidase domain 3 (ADAM3). Although these proteins are considered essential for fertility, the associated mechanisms remain uncharacterized. Herein, we determined the crystal structure of human and mouse TEX101, revealing that TEX101 contains two tandem Ly6/uPAR (LU) domains. Detailed structural analyses revealed characteristic surfaces of TEX101 that may be involved in the interactions with other proteins or membranes. These results provide the structural basis for the role of TEX101 in fertilization and could contribute to developing diagnostic methods and treatments for infertility or developing male contraceptives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mamiko Masutani
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Japan
| | - Shunya Sakurai
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Shimizu
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Japan
| | - Umeharu Ohto
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Japan
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20
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Pini T, Parks J, Russ J, Dzieciatkowska M, Hansen KC, Schoolcraft WB, Katz-Jaffe M. Obesity significantly alters the human sperm proteome, with potential implications for fertility. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:777-787. [PMID: 32026202 PMCID: PMC7183029 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01707-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE In men, obesity may lead to poor semen parameters and reduced fertility. However, the causative links between obesity and male infertility are not totally clear, particularly on a molecular level. As such, we investigated how obesity modifies the human sperm proteome, to elucidate any important implications for fertility. METHODS Sperm protein lysates from 5 men per treatment, classified as a healthy weight (body mass index (BMI) ≤ 25 kg/m2) or obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2), were FASP digested, submitted to liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, and compared by label-free quantification. Findings were confirmed for several proteins by qualitative immunofluorescence and a quantitative protein immunoassay. RESULTS A total of 2034 proteins were confidently identified, with 24 proteins being significantly (p < 0.05) less abundant (fold change < 0.05) in the spermatozoa of obese men and 3 being more abundant (fold change > 1.5) compared with healthy weight controls. Proteins with altered abundance were involved in a variety of biological processes, including oxidative stress (GSS, NDUFS2, JAGN1, USP14, ADH5), inflammation (SUGT1, LTA4H), translation (EIF3F, EIF4A2, CSNK1G1), DNA damage repair (UBEA4), and sperm function (NAPA, RNPEP, BANF2). CONCLUSION These results suggest that oxidative stress and inflammation are closely tied to reproductive dysfunction in obese men. These processes likely impact protein translation and folding during spermatogenesis, leading to poor sperm function and subfertility. The observation of these changes in obese men with no overt andrological diagnosis further suggests that traditional clinical semen assessments fail to detect important biochemical changes in spermatozoa which may compromise fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Pini
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, CO, 80124, USA.
| | - J Parks
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, CO, 80124, USA
| | - J Russ
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, CO, 80124, USA
| | - M Dzieciatkowska
- School of Medicine Biological Mass Spectrometry Facility, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - K C Hansen
- School of Medicine Biological Mass Spectrometry Facility, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - W B Schoolcraft
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, CO, 80124, USA
| | - M Katz-Jaffe
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, CO, 80124, USA
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21
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Drabovich AP, Saraon P, Drabovich M, Karakosta TD, Dimitromanolakis A, Hyndman ME, Jarvi K, Diamandis EP. Multi-omics Biomarker Pipeline Reveals Elevated Levels of Protein-glutamine Gamma-glutamyltransferase 4 in Seminal Plasma of Prostate Cancer Patients. Mol Cell Proteomics 2019; 18:1807-1823. [PMID: 31249104 PMCID: PMC6731075 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.ra119.001612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Seminal plasma, because of its proximity to prostate, is a promising fluid for biomarker discovery and noninvasive diagnostics. In this study, we investigated if seminal plasma proteins could increase diagnostic specificity of detecting primary prostate cancer and discriminate between high- and low-grade cancers. To select 147 most promising biomarker candidates, we combined proteins identified through five independent experimental or data mining approaches: tissue transcriptomics, seminal plasma proteomics, cell line secretomics, tissue specificity, and androgen regulation. A rigorous biomarker development pipeline based on selected reaction monitoring assays was designed to evaluate the most promising candidates. As a result, we qualified 76, and verified 19 proteins in seminal plasma of 67 negative biopsy and 152 prostate cancer patients. Verification revealed a prostate-specific, secreted and androgen-regulated protein-glutamine gamma-glutamyltransferase 4 (TGM4), which predicted prostate cancer on biopsy and outperformed age and serum Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA). A machine-learning approach for data analysis provided improved multi-marker combinations for diagnosis and prognosis. In the independent verification set measured by an in-house immunoassay, TGM4 protein was upregulated 3.7-fold (p = 0.006) and revealed AUC = 0.66 for detecting prostate cancer on biopsy for patients with serum PSA ≥4 ng/ml and age ≥50. Very low levels of TGM4 (120 pg/ml) were detected in blood serum. Collectively, our study demonstrated rigorous evaluation of one of the remaining and not well-explored prostate-specific proteins within the medium-abundance proteome of seminal plasma. Performance of TGM4 warrants its further investigation within the distinct genomic subtypes and evaluation for the inclusion into emerging multi-biomarker panels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei P Drabovich
- ‡Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5T 3L9 Canada; §Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, M5T 3L9 Canada; ¶Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, M5T 3L9 Canada.
| | - Punit Saraon
- ‡Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5T 3L9 Canada
| | | | - Theano D Karakosta
- §Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, M5T 3L9 Canada
| | | | - M Eric Hyndman
- **Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Southern Alberta Institute of Urology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2V 1P9, Canada
| | - Keith Jarvi
- ‡‡Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, M5T 3L9 Canada; §§Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5T 3L9 Canada.
| | - Eleftherios P Diamandis
- ‡Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5T 3L9 Canada; §Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, M5T 3L9 Canada; ¶Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, M5T 3L9 Canada; ‡‡Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, M5T 3L9 Canada.
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