1
|
Tang Q, Su Q, Wei L, Wang K, Jiang T. Identifying potential biomarkers for non-obstructive azoospermia using WGCNA and machine learning algorithms. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1108616. [PMID: 37854191 PMCID: PMC10579891 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1108616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The cause and mechanism of non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is complicated; therefore, an effective therapy strategy is yet to be developed. This study aimed to analyse the pathogenesis of NOA at the molecular biological level and to identify the core regulatory genes, which could be utilised as potential biomarkers. Methods Three NOA microarray datasets (GSE45885, GSE108886, and GSE145467) were collected from the GEO database and merged into training sets; a further dataset (GSE45887) was then defined as the validation set. Differential gene analysis, consensus cluster analysis, and WGCNA were used to identify preliminary signature genes; then, enrichment analysis was applied to these previously screened signature genes. Next, 4 machine learning algorithms (RF, SVM, GLM, and XGB) were used to detect potential biomarkers that are most closely associated with NOA. Finally, a diagnostic model was constructed from these potential biomarkers and visualised as a nomogram. The differential expression and predictive reliability of the biomarkers were confirmed using the validation set. Furthermore, the competing endogenous RNA network was constructed to identify the regulatory mechanisms of potential biomarkers; further, the CIBERSORT algorithm was used to calculate immune infiltration status among the samples. Results A total of 215 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between NOA and control groups (27 upregulated and 188 downregulated genes). The WGCNA results identified 1123 genes in the MEblue module as target genes that are highly correlated with NOA positivity. The NOA samples were divided into 2 clusters using consensus clustering; further, 1027 genes in the MEblue module, which were screened by WGCNA, were considered to be target genes that are highly correlated with NOA classification. The 129 overlapping genes were then established as signature genes. The XGB algorithm that had the maximum AUC value (AUC=0.946) and the minimum residual value was used to further screen the signature genes. IL20RB, C9orf117, HILS1, PAOX, and DZIP1 were identified as potential NOA biomarkers. This 5 biomarker model had the highest AUC value, of up to 0.982, compared to other single biomarker models; additionally, the results of this biomarker model were verified in the validation set. Conclusions As IL20RB, C9orf117, HILS1, PAOX, and DZIP1 have been determined to possess the strongest association with NOA, these five genes could be used as potential therapeutic targets for NOA patients. Furthermore, the model constructed using these five genes, which possessed the highest diagnostic accuracy, may be an effective biomarker model that warrants further experimental validation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qizhen Tang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Quanxin Su
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Letian Wei
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Kenan Wang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Department of Andrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mirsanei JS, Sheibak N, Zandieh Z, Mehdizadeh M, Aflatoonian R, Tabatabaei M, Mousavi AS, Amjadi F. Microfluidic chips as a method for sperm selection improve fertilization rate in couples with fertilization failure. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2022; 306:901-910. [PMID: 35650258 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-022-06618-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Sperm quality plays a vital role in successful fertilization and pregnancy. Patients with fertilization failure (total failure or low-fertilization rate) despite having normal semen parameters are a challenging group whose sperm cannot fertilize the oocyte via the intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) technique. Microfluidics is offered as a new method for proper sperm sorting. METHODS This study aimed to evaluate sperm parameters, DNA fragmentation index (DFI), expression of phospholipase C zeta 1 (PLCZ1), and transition nuclear proteins 1 (TNP1) mRNAs in sperm selected by microfluidic sperm sorting (MSS) chip compared with conventional density gradient centrifugation technique in patients with fertilization failure following ICSI. Subsequence fertilization rate and embryo quality were assayed. RESULTS Normal morphology and total motility were significantly higher, and DFI was significantly lower in sperm selected by the MSS chip in fertilization failure and control groups. The RT-PCR results demonstrated a significant increase in the expression of PLCZ1 and TNP1 genes in sperm of both groups selected by MSS chips compared to the DGC method. In addition, with the selected sperm by MSS chip, an increase in fertilization rate and improvement of embryo quality was obtained. CONCLUSION The present study findings show that sperm sorting by the microfluidic method improves fertilization rate in patients with poor fertilization outcomes following ICSI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jamileh Sadat Mirsanei
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Reproductive Sciences and Technology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Shahid Akbarabadi Clinical Research Development Unit (ShACRDU), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nadia Sheibak
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Reproductive Sciences and Technology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Shahid Akbarabadi Clinical Research Development Unit (ShACRDU), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Zandieh
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Reproductive Sciences and Technology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Shahid Akbarabadi Clinical Research Development Unit (ShACRDU), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Mehdizadeh
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Reproductive Sciences and Technology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Aflatoonian
- Department of Endocrinology and Female Infertility, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryamsadat Tabatabaei
- Shahid Akbarabadi Clinical Research Development Unit (ShACRDU), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atieh Sadat Mousavi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Reproductive Sciences and Technology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Shahid Akbarabadi Clinical Research Development Unit (ShACRDU), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemehsadat Amjadi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Reproductive Sciences and Technology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. .,Shahid Akbarabadi Clinical Research Development Unit (ShACRDU), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Mazaheri Moghaddam M, Mazaheri Moghaddam M, Amini M, Bahramzadeh B, Baghbanzadeh A, Biglari A, Sakhinia E. Evaluation of SEPT2 and SEPT4 transcript contents in spermatozoa from men with asthenozoospermia and teratozoospermia. Health Sci Rep 2021; 4:e436. [PMID: 34849407 PMCID: PMC8611181 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Motility and morphological defects of spermatozoa can cause male infertility. Sperm RNAs are related to sperm quality. They are considered to have clinical values as a biomarker for assessing sperm quality and fertility potential. The annulus, located in the mammalian sperm tail, is required for motility and terminal differentiation of the spermatozoa. SEPT2, 4, 6, 7, and 12 proteins are the main components of the annulus in the sperm tail. The study aimed to evaluate SEPT2 and SEPT4 mRNA contents in the spermatozoa of patients with asthenozoospermia and teratozoospermia. METHODS We evaluated transcript levels of SEPT2 and SEPT4 in the sperm samples of 20 asthenozoospermic, 20 teratozoospermic, and 20 normozoospermic samples using quantitative PCR. RESULTS The SEPT2 transcript level was significantly decreased in the asthenozoospermia samples compared with the normal group (P = .013). However, SEPT4 was not significantly different between these two groups. The transcript levels of SEPT2 and SEPT4 were not statistically different between teratozoospermic and normozoospermic groups. CONCLUSION In conclusion, downregulation of SEPT2 in patients with asthenozoospermia appears to be associated with poor sperm motility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Madiheh Mazaheri Moghaddam
- Department of Genetics and Molecular MedicineSchool of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences (ZUMS)ZanjanIran
| | | | - Mohammad Amini
- Immunology Research CenterTabriz University of Medical SciencesTabrizIran
| | - Behzad Bahramzadeh
- Al‐Zahra Hospital, Women's Reproductive Health Research CenterTabriz University of Medical SciencesTabrizIran
| | - Amir Baghbanzadeh
- Immunology Research CenterTabriz University of Medical SciencesTabrizIran
| | - Alireza Biglari
- Department of Genetics and Molecular MedicineSchool of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences (ZUMS)ZanjanIran
| | - Ebrahim Sakhinia
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of MedicineTabriz University of Medical SciencesTabrizIran
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Alvarez-Rodriguez M, Martinez CA, Roca J, Rodriguez-Martinez H. mRNA expression of oxidative-reductive proteins in boars with documented different fertility can identify relevant prognostic biomarkers. Res Vet Sci 2021; 141:195-202. [PMID: 34763256 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2021.10.022] [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: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Oxidative stress unbalance is a major factor causing impairment of sperm function and, ultimately, sperm death. In this study, we identified transcriptomic and proteomic markers for oxidative-related protectors from the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in spermatozoa from breeding boars with documented high- or low-fertility. Particular attention was paid to glutathione peroxidases, and to transcripts related to DNA stabilization and compaction, as protamine and transition proteins. mRNA cargo analysis was performed using porcine-specific micro-arrays (GeneChip® miRNA 4.0 and GeneChip® Porcine Gene 1.0 ST) and qPCR validation. Differences between fertility-classed boars were ample among biomarkers; some upregulated only at protein level (catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) and glutathione proteins), or only at the mRNA level (ATOX1, Antioxidant Protein 1). In addition, protamines 2 and 3, essential for sperm DNA condensation and also transition proteins 1 and 2 (TNP1 and TNP2), required during histone-to-protamine replacement, were overexpressed in spermatozoa from high-fertile boars. This up-regulation seems concerted to reduce DNA accessibility to ROS attack, protecting the DNA. The upregulated intracellular phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase (GPx4), in high-fertile boars at mRNA level, can be considered a most relevant biomarker for fertility disclosure during sperm evaluation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Alvarez-Rodriguez
- Department of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-58185 Linköping, Sweden; Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Cristina A Martinez
- Department of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-58185 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Jordi Roca
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Heriberto Rodriguez-Martinez
- Department of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-58185 Linköping, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Corral-Vazquez C, Blanco J, Aiese Cigliano R, Sarrate Z, Rivera-Egea R, Vidal F, Garrido N, Daub C, Anton E. The RNA content of human sperm reflects prior events in spermatogenesis and potential post-fertilization effects. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 27:6265603. [PMID: 33950245 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaab035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcriptome analyses using high-throughput methodologies allow a deeper understanding of biological functions in different cell types/tissues. The present study provides an RNA-seq profiling of human sperm mRNAs and lncRNAs (messenger and long non-coding RNAs) in a well-characterized population of fertile individuals. Sperm RNA was extracted from twelve ejaculate samples under strict quality controls. Poly(A)-transcripts were sequenced and aligned to the human genome. mRNAs and lncRNAs were classified according to their mean expression values (FPKM: Fragments Per Kilobase of transcript per Million mapped reads) and integrity. Gene Ontology analysis of the Expressed and Highly Expressed mRNAs showed an involvement in diverse reproduction processes, while the Ubiquitously Expressed and Highly Stable mRNAs were mainly involved in spermatogenesis. Transcription factor enrichment analyses revealed that the Highly Expressed and Ubiquitously Expressed sperm mRNAs were primarily regulated by zinc-fingers and spermatogenesis-related proteins. Regarding the Expressed lncRNAs, only one-third of their potential targets corresponded to Expressed mRNAs and were enriched in cell-cycle regulation processes. The remaining two-thirds were absent in sperm and were enriched in embryogenesis-related processes. A significant amount of post-testicular sperm mRNAs and lncRNAs was also detected. Even though our study is solely directed to the poly-A fraction of sperm transcripts, results indicate that both sperm mRNAs and lncRNAs constitute a footprint of previous spermatogenesis events and are configured to affect the first stages of embryo development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Corral-Vazquez
- Genetics of Male Fertility Group, Unitat de Biologia Cel·lular (Facultat de Biociències), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - J Blanco
- Genetics of Male Fertility Group, Unitat de Biologia Cel·lular (Facultat de Biociències), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | | | - Z Sarrate
- Genetics of Male Fertility Group, Unitat de Biologia Cel·lular (Facultat de Biociències), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - R Rivera-Egea
- IVIRMA Valencia, IVI Foundation, Laboratorio de Andrología, Valencia, Spain
| | - F Vidal
- Genetics of Male Fertility Group, Unitat de Biologia Cel·lular (Facultat de Biociències), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - N Garrido
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria la Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - C Daub
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - E Anton
- Genetics of Male Fertility Group, Unitat de Biologia Cel·lular (Facultat de Biociències), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Amor H, Zeyad A, Hammadeh ME. Tobacco smoking and its impact on the expression level of sperm nuclear protein genes: H2BFWT, TNP1, TNP2, PRM1 and PRM2. Andrologia 2021; 53:e13964. [PMID: 33440036 DOI: 10.1111/and.13964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this current study was to investigate the influence of tobacco smoke on sperm quality determined by standard parameters, on sperm DNA maturity tested by chromomycin A3 (CMA3) staining, on sperm DNA fragmentation tested by TUNEL assay and on the transcript level of sperm nuclear proteins H2BFWT, PRM1, PRM2, TNP1 and TNP2 genes quantified by RT-PCR. One hundred forty-one (141) sperm samples (43 nonsmokers (G.1) and 98 heavy smokers (G.2)) of couples undergoing ICSI were enrolled in this study. In G2, a significant decrease in standard semen parameters in comparison with nonsmokers was shown (p < .01). In contrast, protamine deficiency (CMA3 positivity) and sperm DNA fragmentation (sDF) were significantly higher in G2 than in G1 (p < .01). Furthermore, the studied genes were differentially expressed (p < .01), down-regulated in the spermatozoa of G.2 compared to that of G.1 (fold change <0.5) and were significantly correlated between each other (p < .01). Moreover, in comparison with G1, the protamine mRNA ratio in G2 was significantly higher (p < .01). It can therefore be concluded that smoking alters mRNA expression levels of H2BFWT, TNP1, TNP2, PRM1 and PRM2 genes and the protamine mRNA ratio and consequently alters normal sperm function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Houda Amor
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Saarland University Clinic, Homburg, Germany
| | - Ali Zeyad
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Saarland University Clinic, Homburg, Germany
| | - Mohamad Eid Hammadeh
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Saarland University Clinic, Homburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Prakash MA, Kumaresan A, Sinha MK, Kamaraj E, Mohanty TK, Datta TK, Morrell JM. RNA-Seq analysis reveals functionally relevant coding and non-coding RNAs in crossbred bull spermatozoa. Anim Reprod Sci 2020; 222:106621. [PMID: 33069132 PMCID: PMC7607363 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2020.106621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
RNA-Seq analysis was done to characterize the transcriptome of crossbred bull spermatozoa. Among the 13,814 transcripts detected, 431 had FPKM > 1 and 13,673 had FPKM > 0 or < 1. Coding and non-coding RNAs account for 13,145 (95.15%) and 152 (1.1%), respectively. Sperm transcripts were mainly related to ribosome, oxidative phosphorylation and spliceosome pathways. qPCR analysis showed individual variations in transcriptional abundance of selected genes.
Sperm, which are believed to be transcriptionally and translationally inactive, synthesize RNA and proteins before there is gradual disappearance of the ribosome during chromatin compaction. Sperm transfer several functionally relevant transcripts to the oocyte, controlling maternal-zygotic transition and embryonic development. The present study was undertaken to profile and analyze sperm transcripts comprehensively using Next Generation Ribonucleic acid sequencing technology in Holstein Friesian x Tharparkar crossbred bulls. The results from global transcriptomic profiling revealed transcripts for 13,814 genes; of which 431 transcripts were expressed with >1 FPKM and 13,383 transcripts were expressed with >0 or <1 FPKM. The abundant mRNA transcripts of crossbred bull sperm were PRM1 and HMGB4. Gene ontology of transcripts with>1 FPKM revealed there was a major involvement in the structural constituent of ribosomes and translation. Results from pathway enrichment indicated the connection between ribosome, oxidative phosphorylation and spliceosome pathways and the transcripts of crossbred bull spermatozoa. The transcriptional abundance of selected genes, validated using RT-qPCR, indicated significant variations between bulls. Collectively, it may be inferred that the transcripts in crossbred bull sperm were heavily implicated in functions such as the structural constituent of ribosomes and translation, and pathways such as ribosome, oxidative phosphorylation and spliceosome. Further studies using larger sample sizes are required to understand the possible implications of transcriptomic variations on semen quality and fertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mani Arul Prakash
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Adugodi, Bengaluru, 560030 Karnataka, India
| | - Arumugam Kumaresan
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Adugodi, Bengaluru, 560030 Karnataka, India.
| | - Manish Kumar Sinha
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Adugodi, Bengaluru, 560030 Karnataka, India
| | - Elango Kamaraj
- Theriogenology Laboratory, Southern Regional Station of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Adugodi, Bengaluru, 560030 Karnataka, India
| | - Tushar Kumar Mohanty
- Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, 132001 Haryana, India
| | - Tirtha Kumar Datta
- Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, 132001 Haryana, India
| | - Jane M Morrell
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Corral-Vazquez C, Salas-Huetos A, Blanco J, Vidal F, Sarrate Z, Anton E. Sperm microRNA pairs: new perspectives in the search for male fertility biomarkers. Fertil Steril 2019; 112:831-841. [PMID: 31587805 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2019.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify candidates of fertility biomarkers among pairs of human sperm microRNAs. DESIGN Expression data of 736 sperm microRNAs from fertile and infertile individuals characterized in previous published studies by means of TaqMan quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were reexamined. A set of microRNA pairs with the best biomarker potential were selected and validated by means of quantitative real-time (qRT) PCR in an independent cohort. SETTING University laboratory. PATIENT(S) Semen samples were obtained from fertile (n = 10) and infertile (asthenozoospermia, n = 10; teratozoospermia, n = 10; oligozoospermia, n = 10; unexplained male infertility [UMI], n = 8) individuals. The validation cohort included 9 fertile donors and 14 infertile patients with different seminal alterations. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Spearman test was used to select microRNA pairs with a correlated expression in fertile individuals and a noncorrelated expression in each infertile group. The biomarker potential of these pairs was determined with the use of receiver operating characteristic curves. The differential relative expression of each pair in fertile and infertile populations was verified (Mann-Whitney test). Those pairs with best results were validated by qRT-PCR. RESULT(S) Forty-eight pairs showed significant correlations in the fertile group. The pairs that were uncorrelated in the infertile populations and displayed the best biomarker potential were hsa-miR-942-5p/hsa-miR-1208 (asthenozoospermia), hsa-miR-296-5p/hsa-miR-328-3p (teratozoospermia), hsa-miR-139-5p/hsa-miR-1260a (oligozoospermia), and hsa-miR-34b-3p/hsa-miR-93-3p (UMI). The hsa-miR-942-5p/hsa-miR-1208 pair showed the greatest potential for detecting seminal alterations in the validation cohort (85.71% true positives). CONCLUSION(S) The pairs hsa-miR-942-5p/hsa-miR-1208 and hsa-miR-34b-3p/hsa-miR-93-3p have the potential to become new molecular biomarkers that could help to diagnose male infertility, especially in cases of UMI or when seminal parameters are close to the threshold values.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Celia Corral-Vazquez
- Genetics of Male Fertility Group, Unitat de Biologia Cellular, Facultat de Biociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Albert Salas-Huetos
- Genetics of Male Fertility Group, Unitat de Biologia Cellular, Facultat de Biociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Joan Blanco
- Genetics of Male Fertility Group, Unitat de Biologia Cellular, Facultat de Biociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Francesca Vidal
- Genetics of Male Fertility Group, Unitat de Biologia Cellular, Facultat de Biociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Zaida Sarrate
- Genetics of Male Fertility Group, Unitat de Biologia Cellular, Facultat de Biociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Ester Anton
- Genetics of Male Fertility Group, Unitat de Biologia Cellular, Facultat de Biociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
The dynamics and regulation of chromatin remodeling during spermiogenesis. Gene 2019; 706:201-210. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2019.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
|
10
|
Chikhirzhina E, Starkova T, Polyanichko A. The Role of Linker Histones in Chromatin Structural Organization. 1. H1 Family Histones. Biophysics (Nagoya-shi) 2018. [DOI: 10.1134/s0006350918060064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
|
11
|
Zheng W, Zou Z, Lin S, Chen X, Wang F, Li X, Dai J. Identification and functional analysis of spermatogenesis‐associated gene modules in azoospermia by weighted gene coexpression network analysis. J Cell Biochem 2018; 120:3934-3944. [PMID: 30269365 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.27677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Wenzhong Zheng
- Department of Urology Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai China
| | - Zihao Zou
- Department of Urology The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guanzhou Medical University, Guanzhou Medical University Guanzhou China
| | - Shouren Lin
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Peking University Shenzhen Hospital Shenzhen China
| | - Xiang Chen
- Department of Urology Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University Shanghai China
| | - Feixiang Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice Shanghai China
| | - Xianxin Li
- Department of Surgery Shenzhen Sun Yat‐Sen Cardiovascular Hospital Shenzhen China
| | - Jican Dai
- Department of Urology Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
The Germline Linker Histone dBigH1 and the Translational Regulator Bam Form a Repressor Loop Essential for Male Germ Stem Cell Differentiation. Cell Rep 2018; 21:3178-3189. [PMID: 29241545 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2017.11.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Revised: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Drosophila spermatogenesis constitutes a paradigmatic system to study maintenance, proliferation, and differentiation of adult stem cell lineages. Each Drosophila testis contains 6-12 germ stem cells (GSCs) that divide asymmetrically to produce gonialblast cells that undergo four transit-amplifying (TA) spermatogonial divisions before entering spermatocyte differentiation. Mechanisms governing these crucial transitions are not fully understood. Here, we report the essential role of the germline linker histone dBigH1 during early spermatogenesis. Our results suggest that dBigH1 is a general silencing factor that represses Bam, a key regulator of spermatogonia proliferation that is silenced in spermatocytes. Reciprocally, Bam represses dBigH1 during TA divisions. This double-repressor mechanism switches dBigH1/Bam expression from off/on in spermatogonia to on/off in spermatocytes, regulating progression into spermatocyte differentiation. dBigH1 is also required for GSC maintenance and differentiation. These results show the critical importance of germline H1s for male GSC lineage differentiation, unveiling a regulatory interaction that couples transcriptional and translational repression.
Collapse
|
13
|
Champroux A, Cocquet J, Henry-Berger J, Drevet JR, Kocer A. A Decade of Exploring the Mammalian Sperm Epigenome: Paternal Epigenetic and Transgenerational Inheritance. Front Cell Dev Biol 2018; 6:50. [PMID: 29868581 PMCID: PMC5962689 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2018.00050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The past decade has seen a tremendous increase in interest and progress in the field of sperm epigenetics. Studies have shown that chromatin regulation during male germline development is multiple and complex, and that the spermatozoon possesses a unique epigenome. Its DNA methylation profile, DNA-associated proteins, nucleo-protamine distribution pattern and non-coding RNA set up a unique epigenetic landscape which is delivered, along with its haploid genome, to the oocyte upon fertilization, and therefore can contribute to embryogenesis and to the offspring health. An emerging body of compelling data demonstrates that environmental exposures and paternal lifestyle can change the sperm epigenome and, consequently, may affect both the embryonic developmental program and the health of future generations. This short review will attempt to provide an overview of what is currently known about sperm epigenome and the existence of transgenerational epigenetic inheritance of paternally acquired traits that may contribute to the offspring phenotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Champroux
- GReD, Laboratoire “Génétique, Reproduction and Développement,” UMR Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique 6293, INSERM U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Julie Cocquet
- INSERM U1016, Institut Cochin, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR8104, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Joëlle Henry-Berger
- GReD, Laboratoire “Génétique, Reproduction and Développement,” UMR Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique 6293, INSERM U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Joël R. Drevet
- GReD, Laboratoire “Génétique, Reproduction and Développement,” UMR Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique 6293, INSERM U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Ayhan Kocer
- GReD, Laboratoire “Génétique, Reproduction and Développement,” UMR Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique 6293, INSERM U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
New insights about the evaluation of human sperm quality: the aromatase example. Folia Histochem Cytobiol 2016; 47:S13-7. [PMID: 20067884 DOI: 10.2478/v10042-009-0059-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Male contribution to the couple's infertility is at first evaluated by the routine examination of semen parameters upon optical microscopy providing valuable information for a rational initial diagnosis and for a clinical management of infertility. But the different forms of infertility defined according to the WHO criteria especially teratozoospermia are not always related to the chromatin structure or to the fertilization capacity. New investigations at the molecular level (transcript and protein) could be developed in order to understand the nature of sperm malformation responsible of human infertility and thus to evaluate the sperm quality. The profile analysis of spermatozoal transcripts could be considered as a fingerprint of the past spermatogenic events. The selection of representative transcripts of normal spermatozoa remains complex because a differential expression (increased, decreased or not modified levels) of specific transcripts has been revealed between immotile and motile sperm fractions issued from normozoospermic donors. Microarrays tests or real-time quantitative PCR could be helpful for the identification of factors involved in the male infertility. Differences in the expression of specific transcripts have been reported between normal and abnormal semen samples. With the aromatase example, we have noted a negative strong correlation between the amount of transcript and the percentage of abnormal forms especially in presence of head defects. Immunocytochemical procedures using fluorescent probes associated with either confocal microscopy or flow cytometry can be also helpful to proceed with further investigations about the localization of proteins in the compartmentalized spermatozoa or the acrosome reaction. The dual location of aromatase both in the equatorial segment, the mid-piece and the tail could explain the double role of this enzyme in acrosome reaction and motility.
Collapse
|
15
|
Pan C, Fan Y. Role of H1 linker histones in mammalian development and stem cell differentiation. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2015; 1859:496-509. [PMID: 26689747 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2015.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2015] [Revised: 12/09/2015] [Accepted: 12/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
H1 linker histones are key chromatin architectural proteins facilitating the formation of higher order chromatin structures. The H1 family constitutes the most heterogeneous group of histone proteins, with eleven non-allelic H1 variants in mammals. H1 variants differ in their biochemical properties and exhibit significant sequence divergence from one another, yet most of them are highly conserved during evolution from mouse to human. H1 variants are differentially regulated during development and their cellular compositions undergo dramatic changes in embryogenesis, gametogenesis, tissue maturation and cellular differentiation. As a group, H1 histones are essential for mouse development and proper stem cell differentiation. Here we summarize our current knowledge on the expression and functions of H1 variants in mammalian development and stem cell differentiation. Their diversity, sequence conservation, complex expression and distinct functions suggest that H1s mediate chromatin reprogramming and contribute to the large variations and complexity of chromatin structure and gene expression in the mammalian genome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chenyi Pan
- School of Biology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA; The Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Yuhong Fan
- School of Biology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA; The Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Pérez-Montero S, Carbonell A, Azorín F. Germline-specific H1 variants: the "sexy" linker histones. Chromosoma 2015; 125:1-13. [PMID: 25921218 DOI: 10.1007/s00412-015-0517-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2015] [Revised: 04/14/2015] [Accepted: 04/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The eukaryotic genome is packed into chromatin, a nucleoprotein complex mainly formed by the interaction of DNA with the abundant basic histone proteins. The fundamental structural and functional subunit of chromatin is the nucleosome core particle, which is composed by 146 bp of DNA wrapped around an octameric protein complex formed by two copies of each core histone H2A, H2B, H3, and H4. In addition, although not an intrinsic component of the nucleosome core particle, linker histone H1 directly interacts with it in a monomeric form. Histone H1 binds nucleosomes near the exit/entry sites of linker DNA, determines nucleosome repeat length and stabilizes higher-order organization of nucleosomes into the ∼30 nm chromatin fiber. In comparison to core histones, histone H1 is less well conserved through evolution. Furthermore, histone H1 composition in metazoans is generally complex with most species containing multiple variants that play redundant as well as specific functions. In this regard, a characteristic feature is the presence of specific H1 variants that replace somatic H1s in the germline and during early embryogenesis. In this review, we summarize our current knowledge about their structural and functional properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Salvador Pérez-Montero
- Institute of Molecular Biology of Barcelona, CSIC, Baldiri Reixac, 4, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.,Institute for Research in Biomedicine, IRB Barcelona, Baldiri Reixac, 10, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Albert Carbonell
- Institute of Molecular Biology of Barcelona, CSIC, Baldiri Reixac, 4, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.,Institute for Research in Biomedicine, IRB Barcelona, Baldiri Reixac, 10, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Fernando Azorín
- Institute of Molecular Biology of Barcelona, CSIC, Baldiri Reixac, 4, 08028, Barcelona, Spain. .,Institute for Research in Biomedicine, IRB Barcelona, Baldiri Reixac, 10, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Amer MK, Mostafa RM, Fathy A, Saad HM, Mostafa T. Ropporin gene expression in infertile asthenozoospermic men with varicocele before and after repair. Urology 2015; 85:805-8. [PMID: 25704993 DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2014.12.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2014] [Revised: 12/16/2014] [Accepted: 12/22/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess Ropporin gene expression in the sperm of infertile asthenozoospermic men with varicocele (Vx) before and after repair. METHODS This study included 24 infertile asthenozoospermic men with Vx. They were subjected to history taking, clinical examination, scrotal color Doppler, and semen analysis with sperm separation. Three months after varicocelectomy, they were subjected to postoperative color Doppler, semen analysis, and sperm semiquantitative Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction assay for Ropporin gene expression levels. RESULTS Ropporin gene expression is significantly associated with different types of sperm motility, except for nonprogressive sperm motility. There was significant Ropporin gene overexpression postvaricocelectomy that was correlated with improved sperm count, sperm motility, and abnormal sperm morphology with decreased veins diameters. CONCLUSION Ropporin gene expression is related to the sperm motility. Its abnormal expression in the sperm of asthenozoospermic men with Vx is associated with impaired sperm motility that is improved after varicocelectomy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Medhat K Amer
- Andrology & Sexology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt; Adam International Hospital, Giza, Egypt
| | - Rashad M Mostafa
- Department of Dermatology and Andrology, Andrology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Amal Fathy
- Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Hany M Saad
- Department of Dermatology and Andrology, Andrology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Taymour Mostafa
- Andrology & Sexology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Savadi-Shiraz E, Edalatkhah H, Talebi S, Heidari-Vala H, Zandemami M, Pahlavan S, Modarressi MH, Akhondi MM, Paradowska-Dogan A, Sadeghi MR. Quantification of sperm specific mRNA transcripts (PRM1, PRM2
, and TNP2
) in teratozoospermia and normozoospermia: New correlations between mRNA content and morphology of sperm. Mol Reprod Dev 2014; 82:26-35. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2013] [Accepted: 10/30/2014] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Elham Savadi-Shiraz
- Reproductive Biotechnology Research Center; Avicenna Research Institute; ACECR; Tehran Iran
- Department of Urology; Pediatric Urology and Andrology; Section Molecular Andrology; Justus Liebig University; Giessen Germany
| | - Haleh Edalatkhah
- Reproductive Biotechnology Research Center; Avicenna Research Institute; ACECR; Tehran Iran
| | - Saeed Talebi
- Department of Medical Genetics; Faculty of Medicine; Tehran University of Medical Sciences; Tehran Iran
| | - Hamed Heidari-Vala
- Nanobiotechnology Research Center; Avicenna Research Institute; ACECR; Tehran Iran
| | - Mahdi Zandemami
- Monoclonal Antibody Research Center; Avicenna Research Institute; ACECR; Tehran Iran
| | - Somayeh Pahlavan
- Reproductive Biotechnology Research Center; Avicenna Research Institute; ACECR; Tehran Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Mehdi Akhondi
- Reproductive Biotechnology Research Center; Avicenna Research Institute; ACECR; Tehran Iran
| | - Agnieszka Paradowska-Dogan
- Department of Urology; Pediatric Urology and Andrology; Section Molecular Andrology; Justus Liebig University; Giessen Germany
| | - Mohammad Reza Sadeghi
- Monoclonal Antibody Research Center; Avicenna Research Institute; ACECR; Tehran Iran
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Jodar M, Selvaraju S, Sendler E, Diamond MP, Krawetz SA. The presence, role and clinical use of spermatozoal RNAs. Hum Reprod Update 2013; 19:604-24. [PMID: 23856356 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmt031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 233] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spermatozoa are highly differentiated, transcriptionally inert cells characterized by a compact nucleus with minimal cytoplasm. Nevertheless they contain a suite of unique RNAs that are delivered to oocyte upon fertilization. They are likely integrated as part of many different processes including genome recognition, consolidation-confrontation, early embryonic development and epigenetic transgenerational inherence. Spermatozoal RNAs also provide a window into the developmental history of each sperm thereby providing biomarkers of fertility and pregnancy outcome which are being intensely studied. METHODS Literature searches were performed to review the majority of spermatozoal RNA studies that described potential functions and clinical applications with emphasis on Next-Generation Sequencing. Human, mouse, bovine and stallion were compared as their distribution and composition of spermatozoal RNAs, using these techniques, have been described. RESULTS Comparisons highlighted the complexity of the population of spermatozoal RNAs that comprises rRNA, mRNA and both large and small non-coding RNAs. RNA-seq analysis has revealed that only a fraction of the larger RNAs retain their structure. While rRNAs are the most abundant and are highly fragmented, ensuring a translationally quiescent state, other RNAs including some mRNAs retain their functional potential, thereby increasing the opportunity for regulatory interactions. Abundant small non-coding RNAs retained in spermatozoa include miRNAs and piRNAs. Some, like miR-34c are essential to the early embryo development required for the first cellular division. Others like the piRNAs are likely part of the genomic dance of confrontation and consolidation. Other non-coding spermatozoal RNAs include transposable elements, annotated lnc-RNAs, intronic retained elements, exonic elements, chromatin-associated RNAs, small-nuclear ILF3/NF30 associated RNAs, quiescent RNAs, mse-tRNAs and YRNAs. Some non-coding RNAs are known to act as epigenetic modifiers, inducing histone modifications and DNA methylation, perhaps playing a role in transgenerational epigenetic inherence. Transcript profiling holds considerable potential for the discovery of fertility biomarkers for both agriculture and human medicine. Comparing the differential RNA profiles of infertile and fertile individuals as well as assessing species similarities, should resolve the regulatory pathways contributing to male factor infertility. CONCLUSIONS Dad delivers a complex population of RNAs to the oocyte at fertilization that likely influences fertilization, embryo development, the phenotype of the offspring and possibly future generations. Development is continuing on the use of spermatozoal RNA profiles as phenotypic markers of male factor status for use as clinical diagnostics of the father's contribution to the birth of a healthy child.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meritxell Jodar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
The cytoplasmic droplet may be indicative of sperm motility and normal spermiogenesis. Asian J Androl 2013; 15:799-805. [PMID: 23770936 DOI: 10.1038/aja.2013.69] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2013] [Revised: 04/04/2013] [Accepted: 04/30/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the cytoplasm of spermatids is removed at the end of spermiogenesis, a tiny portion is usually retained in the sperm flagellum, which is termed the cytoplasmic droplet (CD) in mammals. CDs are believed to play a role in sperm volume adaptation. However, we have noticed that epididymal spermatozoa that display initial (flagellation in situ) and progressive motility mostly possess CDs, whereas spermatozoa without CDs are rarely motile, suggesting that CDs have a role in motility development during sperm epididymal maturation. In the present study, we analyzed the relationship between the presence or absence of CDs, motility development and positional changes of CDs during sperm epididymal maturation in mice and monkeys. We also examined CDs on spermatozoa of three knockout mouse lines with late spermiogenic defects. Our data suggest that the CD is a normal organelle transiently present exclusively on epididymal spermatozoa, and normal CD morphology and location are associated with normal motility development during epididymal maturation of spermatozoa. Abnormal CD formation, e.g., a complete lack of CDs or ectopic CDs, is indicative of defective spermiogenesis. If CDs are essential for sperm motility development, then CDs may represent an ideal drug target for the development of non-hormonal male contraceptives.
Collapse
|
21
|
Su Y, Wu D, Zhou W, Irwin DM, Zhang Y. Rapid evolution of the mammalian HILS1 gene and the nuclear condensation process during mammalian spermiogenesis. J Genet Genomics 2012; 40:55-9. [PMID: 23357345 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2012.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2012] [Revised: 10/28/2012] [Accepted: 10/29/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
|
22
|
Lee BY, Shin DH, Cho S, Seo KS, Kim H. Genome-wide analysis of copy number variations reveals that aging processes influence body fat distribution in Korea Associated Resource (KARE) cohorts. Hum Genet 2012; 131:1795-804. [DOI: 10.1007/s00439-012-1203-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2011] [Accepted: 07/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
|
23
|
Depa-Martynow M, Kempisty B, Jagodziński PP, Pawelczyk L, Jedrzejczak P. Impact of protamine transcripts and their proteins on the quality and fertilization ability of sperm and the development of preimplantation embryos. Reprod Biol 2012; 12:57-72. [PMID: 22472940 DOI: 10.1016/s1642-431x(12)60077-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Protamine 1 (PRM1) and 2 (PRM2) are major nuclear proteins in spermatozoa known to bind to chromatin during early spermatogenesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of protamine transcripts and proteins on human spermatozoa and their fertilization ability as well as the development of preimplantation embryos. Oocytes selected from 92 patients were fertilized in vitro (IVF) using their partners' sperm after evaluating its concentration, motility and morphology. Reverse transcription and real-time quantitative PCR (RQ-PCR) were applied to determine protamine mRNA level, while sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and Western blotting were used to quantify the protamine protein concentration. Next, protamine mRNA and protein levels were correlated with sperm concentration, motility and morphology as well as with the fertilization ability of mature spermatozoa and embryos of different quality obtained from the IVF program. A significant correlation has been found between protamine transcripts/proteins and: sperm concentration, progressive sperm motility, sperm fertilization ability as well as embryo quality. Protamine transcripts and proteins contribute to the quality of spermatozoa, successful fertilization and may have a significant influence on the development of preimplantation embryos.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Depa-Martynow
- Division of Infertility and Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecological Oncology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Jodar M, Kalko S, Castillo J, Ballescà JL, Oliva R. Differential RNAs in the sperm cells of asthenozoospermic patients. Hum Reprod 2012; 27:1431-8. [PMID: 22353264 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/des021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alterations in RNAs present in sperm have been identified using microarrays in teratozoospermic patients and in other types of infertile patients. However, so far, there have been no reports on using microarrays to determine the RNA content of sperm from asthenozoospermic patients. METHODS We started the present project with the goal of characterizing the RNA abundance in the sperm cells of asthenozoospermic patients when compared with controls. To reach this objective, we initially selected four normal fertile donors and four asthenozoospermic infertile patients. Equal amounts of RNA were extracted from the sperm samples, subjected to different quality controls and hybridized to the Affymetrix U133 Plus version 2 arrays. RESULTS Several transcripts were identified that were present in different abundance in patients compared with controls. Subsequently, we validated the differential expression of three of the detected transcripts (ANXA2, BRD2 and OAZ3), using real-time PCR in a larger set of samples. A positive correlation between the expression of these transcripts and progressive motility was observed. CONCLUSIONS The sperm cells of asthenozoospermic patients contain an altered amount of some RNAs as detected using microarray analysis and subsequently validated using real-time PCR. These results open up the possibility to investigate the implication of these genes in the pathogenic mechanisms in asthenozoospermia and to consider their potential utility as infertility biomarkers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meritxell Jodar
- Human Genetics Research Group, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Hospital Clínic, C/Casanova 143, Barcelona 08036, Spain
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Johnson GD, Lalancette C, Linnemann AK, Leduc F, Boissonneault G, Krawetz SA. The sperm nucleus: chromatin, RNA, and the nuclear matrix. Reproduction 2011; 141:21-36. [PMID: 20876223 PMCID: PMC5358669 DOI: 10.1530/rep-10-0322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Within the sperm nucleus, the paternal genome remains functionally inert and protected following protamination. This is marked by a structural morphogenesis that is heralded by a striking reduction in nuclear volume. Despite these changes, both human and mouse spermatozoa maintain low levels of nucleosomes that appear non-randomly distributed throughout the genome. These regions may be necessary for organizing higher order genomic structure through interactions with the nuclear matrix. The promoters of this transcriptionally quiescent genome are differentially marked by modified histones that may poise downstream epigenetic effects. This notion is supported by increasing evidence that the embryo inherits these differing levels of chromatin organization. In concert with the suite of RNAs retained in the mature sperm, they may synergistically interact to direct early embryonic gene expression. Irrespective, these features reflect the transcriptional history of spermatogenic differentiation. As such, they may soon be utilized as clinical markers of male fertility. In this review, we explore and discuss how this may be orchestrated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Graham D. Johnson
- The Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University of Medicine, C.S. Mott Center, 275 E. Hancock, Detroit, MI 48201
| | - Claudia Lalancette
- The Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University of Medicine, C.S. Mott Center, 275 E. Hancock, Detroit, MI 48201
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University of Medicine, C.S. Mott Center, 275 E. Hancock, Detroit, MI 48201
| | - Amelia K. Linnemann
- The Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University of Medicine, C.S. Mott Center, 275 E. Hancock, Detroit, MI 48201
| | - Frédéric Leduc
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada J1H 5N4
| | - Guylain Boissonneault
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada J1H 5N4
| | - Stephen A. Krawetz
- The Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University of Medicine, C.S. Mott Center, 275 E. Hancock, Detroit, MI 48201
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University of Medicine, C.S. Mott Center, 275 E. Hancock, Detroit, MI 48201
- Institute for Scientific Computing, Wayne State University of Medicine, C.S. Mott Center, 275 E. Hancock, Detroit, MI 48201
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Abstract
In recent years, it has become increasingly clear that epigenetic regulation of gene expression is critical during spermatogenesis. In this review, the epigenetic regulation and the consequences of its aberrant regulation during mitosis, meiosis and spermiogenesis are described. The current knowledge on epigenetic modifications that occur during male meiosis is discussed, with special attention on events that define meiotic sex chromosome inactivation. Finally, the recent studies focused on transgenerational and paternal effects in mice and humans are discussed. In many cases, these epigenetic effects resulted in impaired fertility and potentially long-ranging affects underlining the importance of research in this area.
Collapse
|
27
|
Becker S, Soffer Y, Lewin LM, Yogev L, Shochat L, Golan R. Spermiogenesis defects in human: detection of transition proteins in semen from some infertile men. Andrologia 2008; 40:203-8. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0272.2008.00844.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
|
28
|
Kempisty B, Antosik P, Bukowska D, Jackowska M, Lianeri M, Jaśkowski JM, Jagodziński PP. Analysis of selected transcript levels in porcine spermatozoa, oocytes, zygotes and two-cell stage embryos. Reprod Fertil Dev 2008; 20:513-8. [DOI: 10.1071/rd07211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2007] [Accepted: 02/21/2008] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been suggested that spermatozoa can deliver mRNAs to the oocyte during fertilisation. Using reverse transcription and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis (RQ-PCR), we evaluated the presence of clusterin (CLU), protamine 2 (PRM2), calmegin (CLGN), cAMP-response element modulator protein (CREM), methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1), linker histone 1 (H1), protamine 1 (PRM1), TATA box-binding protein associated factor 1 (TAF1) and TATA box-binding protein (TBP) in porcine mature oocytes, zygotes and two-cell stage embryos. Spermatozoa isolated from semen samples of boars contained all transcripts investigated, whereas oocytes contained only CREM, H1, TAF1, and TBP mRNAs. The zygote and two-cell stage embryos contained CLU, CREM, H1, PRM1, PRM2, TAF1 and TBP transcripts. Our observations suggest that porcine spermatozoa may delivery CLU, PRM1 and PRM2 mRNAs to the oocyte, which may contribute to zygotic and early embryonic development.
Collapse
|