1
|
Ma Y, Guo Y, Yuan G, Huang T. Triclosan impairs spermatocyte cell proliferation and induces autophagy by regulating microRNA-20a-5 P by pargeting PTEN. Reprod Toxicol 2024; 129:108663. [PMID: 39002938 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2024.108663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Triclosan (TCS), as an endocrine disrupter, has been found to affect male fertility. However, the potential molecular mechanism is still unknown. We aimed to investigate whether the toxic effects of TCS on spermatocyte cells was mediated by the regulation of microRNA-20a-5 P on PTEN. METHODS GC-2 and TM4 cells were treated with TCS (0.5-80 μM) for 24 or 48 hours. Effect of TCS on proliferation of GC-2 and TM4 cells was detected using a cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) assay. Expression of miR-17 family and autophagy genes were detected. The interaction between miR-20a-5 P and PTEN was determined by a dual-luciferase reporter assay. RESULTS TCS decreased cell proliferation of GC-2 and TM4 cells. Expression of autophagy-related genes and miR-17 family was altered by TCS. PTEN expression was significantly increased, whereas the expression of miR-20a-5 P was significantly decreased in GC-2 and TM4 cells. As predicted in relevant databases, there is a binding site of miR-20a-5 P in PTEN. The expression of PTEN was significantly down-regulated by the miR-20a-5 P mimic. CONCLUSION As a downstream target of miR-20a-5 P, PTEN functioned in the autophagy process of which TCS inhibited the proliferation of spermatocyte cells. Our results provided new ideas for revealing the molecular mechanism and protective strategy on male infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Ma
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Healthcare-Associated Infection Management, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Third People's Hospital of Shenzhen and the Second Hospital Affiliated to Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518112, China
| | - Yinsheng Guo
- Department of Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China.
| | - Guanxiang Yuan
- Department of Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Ting Huang
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Healthcare-Associated Infection Management, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Third People's Hospital of Shenzhen and the Second Hospital Affiliated to Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518112, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mukai K, Mohapatra S, Matsuyama M, Ohta K, Chakraborty T. Exposure effects of benzalkonium chloride (BAC) on gonadal physiology and fertility suppression in medaka (Oryzias latipes). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024:124778. [PMID: 39173869 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2024] [Revised: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
Benzalkonium chloride (BAC), a commonly used quaternary ammonium compound in various products like antiseptics, cosmetics, and disinfectants, has raised concerns due to its potential to contaminate aquatic environments and subsequently affect the reproductive performance of the organisms within those ecosystems. The article underscores a critical concern regarding the impact of BAC on aquatic ecosystems, particularly its effect on fish reproductive quality, using medaka (Oryzias latipes) as a model organism. Firstly, while measuring lethal dose of BAC in adult medaka, we observed a dose dependent mortality in BAC treated fish (100 and 200 ppm: 100%; 60 ppm: 51.7%; 30 ppm or less: no mortality at 24 hours post treatment (hpt)) and calculated the LD50 at 96 hpt as 39.291 ppm (95% confidence interval: 28.817-53.570 ppm). Further, we assessed the molecular, cellular and histological changes through long-term exposure. Enlarged sperm pockets and reduced spermatocyte were seen in BAC exposed testis while no significant structural changes were observed in the ovaries. Following BAC exposure, drastic alterations in the gene expression and cellular localization related to sex, estrogen signaling, and autophagy were also noted from gonads and liver. Subsequently, using a short-term exposure analysis, we confirmed the sex and time responsive transcriptional kinetics and found that BAC sequentially affected the gonadal somatic cells followed by germ cell differentiation. Finally, using reproductively competent male and female medaka, we conducted progeny production and performance analysis and depicted a drastic reduction in fecundity, and fertilization and hatching rate, indicating adverse effects of BAC on reproductive success. Cumulatively, these findings emphasize the consequences of widespread use of BAC on reproductive security of aquatic animals and highlights the need for further research to comprehend the potential harm posed by such compounds to aquatic animal health and ecosystem integrity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Koki Mukai
- Laboratory of Marine Biology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan; Fisheries Technology Institute, Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency, Nagasaki 853-0508, Japan
| | - Sipra Mohapatra
- Laboratory of Marine Biology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan; Aqua-Bioresource Innovation Center, Kyushu University, Saga 847-8511, Japan
| | - Michiya Matsuyama
- Laboratory of Marine Biology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan; Aqua-Bioresource Innovation Center, Kyushu University, Saga 847-8511, Japan
| | - Kohei Ohta
- Laboratory of Marine Biology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan; Aqua-Bioresource Innovation Center, Kyushu University, Saga 847-8511, Japan
| | - Tapas Chakraborty
- Laboratory of Marine Biology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan; Aqua-Bioresource Innovation Center, Kyushu University, Saga 847-8511, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Jiang Z, Chen L, Wang T, Zhao J, Liu S, He Y, Wang L, Wu H. Autophagy accompanying the developmental process of male germline stem cells. Cell Tissue Res 2024:10.1007/s00441-024-03910-w. [PMID: 39141056 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-024-03910-w] [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: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
Germline stem cells are a crucial type of stem cell that can stably pass on genetic information to the next generation, providing the necessary foundation for the reproduction and survival of organisms. Male mammalian germline stem cells are unique cell types that include primordial germ cells and spermatogonial stem cells. They can differentiate into germ cells, such as sperm and eggs, thereby facilitating offspring reproduction. In addition, they continuously generate stem cells through self-renewal mechanisms to support the normal function of the reproductive system. Autophagy involves the use of lysosomes to degrade proteins and organelles that are regulated by relevant genes. This process plays an important role in maintaining the homeostasis of germline stem cells and the synthesis, degradation, and recycling of germline stem cell products. Recently, the developmental regulatory mechanism of germline stem cells has been further elucidated, and autophagy has been shown to be involved in the regulation of self-renewal and differentiation of germline stem cells. In this review, we introduce autophagy accompanying the development of germline stem cells, focusing on the autophagy process accompanying the development of male spermatogonial stem cells and the roles of related genes and proteins. We also briefly outline the effects of autophagy dysfunction on germline stem cells and reproduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhuofei Jiang
- Department of Gynecology, Foshan Woman and Children Hospital, Foshan, China
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Tissue Engineering, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Liji Chen
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Tissue Engineering, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou Huadu District Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital (Huzhong Hospital of Huadu District), Guangzhou, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Surgery, Longjiang Hospital of Shunde District, Foshan, China
| | - Jie Zhao
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Tissue Engineering, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Shuxian Liu
- Department of Science and Education, Guangzhou Huadu District Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital (Huzhong Hospital of Huadu District), Guangzhou, China
| | - Yating He
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Liyun Wang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou Huadu District Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital (Huzhong Hospital of Huadu District), Guangzhou, China.
| | - Hongfu Wu
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Tissue Engineering, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Cao S, Wei Y, Yue Y, Wang D, Xiong A, Yang J, Zeng H. Bioinformatics Identification and Experimental Verification of Disulfidptosis-Related Genes in the Progression of Osteoarthritis. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1840. [PMID: 39200304 PMCID: PMC11351109 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12081840] [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: 06/21/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disabling and highly prevalent condition affecting millions worldwide. Recently discovered, disulfidptosis represents a novel form of cell death induced by the excessive accumulation of cystine. Despite its significance, a systematic exploration of disulfidptosis-related genes (DRGs) in OA is lacking. METHODS This study utilized three OA-related datasets and DRGs. Differentially expressed (DE)-DRGs were derived by intersecting the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from GSE114007 with DRGs. Feature genes underwent screening through three machine learning algorithms. High diagnostic value genes were identified using the receiver operating characteristic curve. Hub genes were confirmed through expression validation. These hub genes were then employed to construct a nomogram and conduct enrichment, immune, and correlation analyses. An additional validation of hub genes was performed through in vitro cell experiments. RESULTS SLC3A2 and PDLIM1 were designated as hub genes, displaying excellent diagnostic performance. PDLIM1 exhibited low expression in early chondrocyte differentiation, rising significantly in the late stage, while SLC3A2 showed high overall expression, declining in the late differentiation stage. Cellular experiments corroborated the correlation of SLC3A2 and PDLIM1 with chondrocyte inflammation. CONCLUSIONS Two hub genes, SLC3A2 and PDLIM1, were identified in relation to disulfidptosis, providing potential directions for diagnosing and treating OA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siyang Cao
- National & Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Orthopaedic Biomaterials, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518036, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Orthopaedic Diseases and Biomaterials Research, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518036, China
- Department of Bone & Joint Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518036, China
| | - Yihao Wei
- National & Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Orthopaedic Biomaterials, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518036, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Orthopaedic Diseases and Biomaterials Research, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518036, China
- Department of Bone & Joint Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518036, China
| | - Yaohang Yue
- National & Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Orthopaedic Biomaterials, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518036, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Orthopaedic Diseases and Biomaterials Research, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518036, China
- Department of Bone & Joint Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518036, China
| | - Deli Wang
- National & Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Orthopaedic Biomaterials, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518036, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Orthopaedic Diseases and Biomaterials Research, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518036, China
- Department of Bone & Joint Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518036, China
| | - Ao Xiong
- National & Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Orthopaedic Biomaterials, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518036, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Orthopaedic Diseases and Biomaterials Research, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518036, China
- Department of Bone & Joint Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518036, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Radiology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518036, China
| | - Hui Zeng
- National & Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Orthopaedic Biomaterials, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518036, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Orthopaedic Diseases and Biomaterials Research, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518036, China
- Department of Bone & Joint Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518036, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Restrepo LJ, Baehrecke EH. Regulation and Functions of Autophagy During Animal Development. J Mol Biol 2024; 436:168473. [PMID: 38311234 PMCID: PMC11260256 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2024.168473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Autophagy is used to degrade cytoplasmic materials, and is critical to maintain cell and organismal health in diverse animals. Here we discuss the regulation, utilization and impact of autophagy on development, including roles in oogenesis, spermatogenesis and embryogenesis in animals. We also describe how autophagy influences postembryonic development in the context of neuronal and cardiac development, wound healing, and tissue regeneration. We describe recent studies of selective autophagy during development, including mitochondria-selective autophagy and endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-selective autophagy. Studies of developing model systems have also been used to discover novel regulators of autophagy, and we explain how studies of autophagy in these physiologically relevant systems are advancing our understanding of this important catabolic process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucas J Restrepo
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605 USA
| | - Eric H Baehrecke
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605 USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Shojaedini M, Hemadi M, Saki G, Fakhredini F, Khodayar MJ, Khorsandi L. Thymoquinone effects on autophagy, apoptosis, and oxidative stress in cisplatin-induced testicular damage in mice. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:1881-1891. [PMID: 38568464 PMCID: PMC11263301 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03097-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE In this study, the effect of thymoquinone (TQ) on CP-induced spermatogenesis defects in mice has been investigated. METHODS Sperm parameters, serum testosterone concentration, histology, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and expression of autophagy-related biomarkers have been assessed. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) in testicular tissue were examined for the evaluation of oxidative stress levels. RESULTS CP has induced histological changes and significantly increased the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, decreased testosterone concentration, testicular weight, and sperm quality. CP induced oxidative stress by elevating OSI in the testicular tissue (p < 0.05). Expression of the autophagy-inducer genes (ATG7, ATG5, and Beclin-1) and ratio of LC3B/LC3A proteins were significantly decreased, while mTOR expression was increased in the CP group. TQ pretreatment dose-dependently decreased the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and mTOR gene expression while increasing the expression of ATG5 and ATG7 genes, LC3B/LC3A ratio, and Beclin-1 proteins. TQ could also dose-dependently reverse the histology, testosterone level, and sperm quality of the CP-intoxicated mice. CONCLUSIONS These findings show that TQ pretreatment can enhance sperm production by inducing autophagy and reducing apoptosis and oxidative stress in the CP-intoxicated mouse testicles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mina Shojaedini
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Masoud Hemadi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
- Fertility, Infertility and Perinatology Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Ghasem Saki
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
- Physiology Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Fereshtehsadat Fakhredini
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Javad Khodayar
- Toxicology Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Layasadat Khorsandi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ke L, Lin X, Luo Y, Tao S, Yan C, He Y, Wu Y, Liu N, Qin Y. Autophagy core protein BECN1 is vital for spermatogenesis and male fertility in mice†. Biol Reprod 2024; 110:599-614. [PMID: 37975917 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian spermatogenesis is a highly complex multi-step biological process, and autophagy has been demonstrated to be involved in the process of spermatogenesis. Beclin-1/BECN1, a core autophagy factor, plays a critical role in many biological processes and diseases. However, its function in spermatogenesis remains largely unclear. In the present study, germ cell-specific Beclin 1 (Becn1) knockout mice were generated and were conducted to determine the role of Becn1 in spermatogenesis and fertility of mice. Results indicate that Becn1 deficiency leads to reduced sperm motility and quantity, partial failure of spermiation, actin network disruption, excessive residual cytoplasm, acrosome malformation, and aberrant mitochondrial accumulation of sperm, ultimately resulting in reduced fertility in male mice. Furthermore, inhibition of autophagy was observed in the testes of germ cell-specific Becn1 knockout mice, which may contribute to impaired spermiogenesis and reduced fertility. Collectively, our results reveal that Becn1 is essential for fertility and spermiogenesis in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lu Ke
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyi Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuchuan Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Siming Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Chang Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yifeilong He
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yingjie Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yinghe Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Jiang M, Wu W, Xiong Z, Yu X, Ye Z, Wu Z. Targeting autophagy drug discovery: Targets, indications and development trends. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 267:116117. [PMID: 38295689 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.116117] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Autophagy plays a vital role in sustaining cellular homeostasis and its alterations have been implicated in the etiology of many diseases. Drugs development targeting autophagy began decades ago and hundreds of agents were developed, some of which are licensed for the clinical usage. However, no existing intervention specifically aimed at modulating autophagy is available. The obstacles that prevent drug developments come from the complexity of the actual impact of autophagy regulators in disease scenarios. With the development and application of new technologies, several promising categories of compounds for autophagy-based therapy have emerged in recent years. In this paper, the autophagy-targeted drugs based on their targets at various hierarchical sites of the autophagic signaling network, e.g., the upstream and downstream of the autophagosome and the autophagic components with enzyme activities are reviewed and analyzed respectively, with special attention paid to those at preclinical or clinical trials. The drugs tailored to specific autophagy alone and combination with drugs/adjuvant therapies widely used in clinical for various diseases treatments are also emphasized. The emerging drug design and development targeting selective autophagy receptors (SARs) and their related proteins, which would be expected to arrest or reverse the progression of disease in various cancers, inflammation, neurodegeneration, and metabolic disorders, are critically reviewed. And the challenges and perspective in clinically developing autophagy-targeted drugs and possible combinations with other medicine are considered in the review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengjia Jiang
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, China Jiliang University, China
| | - Wayne Wu
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, New York Institute of Technology, USA
| | - Zijie Xiong
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, China Jiliang University, China
| | - Xiaoping Yu
- Department of Biology, China Jiliang University, China
| | - Zihong Ye
- Department of Biology, China Jiliang University, China
| | - Zhiping Wu
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, China Jiliang University, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Sales CF, Pinheiro APB, Ribeiro YM, Moreira DP, Luz RK, Melo RMC, Rizzo E. Starvation-induced autophagy modulates spermatogenesis and sperm quality in Nile tilapia. Theriogenology 2024; 216:42-52. [PMID: 38154205 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.11.030] [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: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a finely regulated process that involves the interaction of several cellular mechanisms to ensure the proper development and maturation of germ cells. This study assessed autophagy contribution and its relation to apoptosis in fish spermatogenesis during starvation. To that end, Nile tilapia males were subjected to 0 (control), 7, 14, 21, and 28 days of starvation to induce autophagy. Testes samples were obtained for analyses of spermatogenesis by histology, electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and western blotting. Sperm quality was assessed using a computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system. Data indicated a significant reduction in gonadosomatic index, seminiferous tubule area, and spermatozoa proportion in fish subject to starvation compared to the control group. Immunoblotting revealed a reduction of Bcl2 and Beclin 1 associated with increased Bax and Caspase-3, mainly after 21 and 28 days of starvation. LC3 and P62 indicated reduced autophagic flux in these starvation times. Immunolabeling for autophagic and apoptotic proteins occurred in all development stages of the germ cells, but protein expression varied throughout starvation. Beclin 1 and Cathepsin D decreased while Bax and Caspase-3 increased in spermatocytes, spermatids, and spermatozoa after 21 and 28 days. Autophagic and lysosomal proteins colocalization indicated the fusion of autophagosomes with lysosomes and lysosomal degradation in spermatogenic cells. The CASA system indicated reduced sperm motility and velocity in animals subjected to 21 and 28 days of starvation. Altogether, the data support autophagy acting at different spermatogenesis stages in Nile tilapia, with decreased autophagy and increased apoptosis after 21 and 28 days of starvation, which results in a decrease in the spermatozoa number and sperm quality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Camila Ferreira Sales
- Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Barbosa Pinheiro
- Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Yves Moreira Ribeiro
- Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Davidson Peruci Moreira
- Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ronald Kennedy Luz
- Laboratório de Aquacultura, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Rafael Magno Costa Melo
- Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Elizete Rizzo
- Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Li C, Shen C, Xiong W, Ge H, Shen Y, Chi J, Zhang H, Tang L, Lu S, Wang J, Fei J, Wang Z. Spem2, a novel testis-enriched gene, is required for spermiogenesis and fertilization in mice. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:108. [PMID: 38421455 PMCID: PMC10904452 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05147-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Spermiogenesis is considered to be crucial for the production of haploid spermatozoa with normal morphology, structure and function, but the mechanisms underlying this process remain largely unclear. Here, we demonstrate that SPEM family member 2 (Spem2), as a novel testis-enriched gene, is essential for spermiogenesis and male fertility. Spem2 is predominantly expressed in the haploid male germ cells and is highly conserved across mammals. Mice deficient for Spem2 develop male infertility associated with spermiogenesis impairment. Specifically, the insufficient sperm individualization, failure of excess cytoplasm shedding, and defects in acrosome formation are evident in Spem2-null sperm. Sperm counts and motility are also significantly reduced compared to controls. In vivo fertilization assays have shown that Spem2-null sperm are unable to fertilize oocytes, possibly due to their impaired ability to migrate from the uterus into the oviduct. However, the infertility of Spem2-/- males cannot be rescued by in vitro fertilization, suggesting that defective sperm-egg interaction may also be a contributing factor. Furthermore, SPEM2 is detected to interact with ZPBP, PRSS21, PRSS54, PRSS55, ADAM2 and ADAM3 and is also required for their processing and maturation in epididymal sperm. Our findings establish SPEM2 as an essential regulator of spermiogenesis and fertilization in mice, possibly in mammals including humans. Understanding the molecular role of SPEM2 could provide new insights into future therapeutic treatment of human male infertility and development of non-hormonal male contraceptives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chaojie Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Chunling Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Wenfeng Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Haoyang Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Yan Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Jun Chi
- Shanghai Engineering and Technology Research Center for Model Animals, Shanghai Model Organisms Center, Inc, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Hongxin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Lingyun Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Shunyuan Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Jinjin Wang
- Shanghai Engineering and Technology Research Center for Model Animals, Shanghai Model Organisms Center, Inc, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Jian Fei
- Shanghai Engineering and Technology Research Center for Model Animals, Shanghai Model Organisms Center, Inc, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Zhugang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China.
- Shanghai Engineering and Technology Research Center for Model Animals, Shanghai Model Organisms Center, Inc, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Jiang X, Zhu W, Sun Y, Wang S, Sun M, Tang R, Tang Z, Ma T. Tandem mass tag-based quantitative proteomics analyses of the spermatogenesis-ameliorating effect of Youjing granule on rats. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2024; 38:e9679. [PMID: 38211349 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.9679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
RATIONALE Male infertility is a common reproductive system disease manifested as aberrant spermatogenesis and identified as "kidney deficiency and dampness" in Chinese traditional medicine. Youjing granule (YG) is a Chinese material medica based on tonifying kidneys and removing dampness. It has proven to be able to regulate semen quality in clinical application, but the underlying mechanism has not been clarified. METHODS Using serum containing YG to treat primarily cultured spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), the apoptotic rate and mitosis phase ratio of SSCs were measured. The liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry with tandem mass tags method was applied for analyzing the serum of rats treated with YG/distilled water, and proteomic analyses were performed to clarify the mechanisms of YG. RESULTS Totally, 111 proteins in YG-treated serum samples were differentially expressed compared with control groups, and 43 of them were identified as potential target proteins, which were further annotated based on their enrichment in Gene Ontology terms and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways. Proteomic analyses showed that the mechanisms of YG may involve regulation of glycolysis, gluconeogenesis and nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain-like receptor signaling pathway. In addition, RhoA and Lamp2 were found to be possible responders of YG through reviewing the literature. CONCLUSIONS The results demonstrate that our serum proteomics platform is clinically useful in understanding the mechanisms of YG.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuping Jiang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Yixing Clinical School of Medical School of Yangzhou University, Yixing, China
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Yixing Hospital of Jiangsu University, Yixing, China
| | - Wenjiao Zhu
- Central Laboratory, Affiliated Yixing Hospital of Jiangsu University, Yixing, China
| | - Yaoxiang Sun
- Central Laboratory, Affiliated Yixing Hospital of Jiangsu University, Yixing, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Yixing Hospital of Jiangsu University, Yixing, China
| | - Sijia Wang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Yixing Clinical School of Medical School of Yangzhou University, Yixing, China
- Central Laboratory, Affiliated Yixing Hospital of Jiangsu University, Yixing, China
| | - Miaomiao Sun
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Yixing Clinical School of Medical School of Yangzhou University, Yixing, China
| | - Ruijie Tang
- School of Medicine, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhian Tang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Yixing Clinical School of Medical School of Yangzhou University, Yixing, China
- Central Laboratory, Affiliated Yixing Hospital of Jiangsu University, Yixing, China
| | - Tieliang Ma
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Yixing Clinical School of Medical School of Yangzhou University, Yixing, China
- Central Laboratory, Affiliated Yixing Hospital of Jiangsu University, Yixing, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Yan Y, Qin X, Zheng Y, Jin T, Hu Y, An Q, Leng B. Decreased PDLIM1 expression in endothelial cells contributes to the development of intracranial aneurysm. Vasc Med 2024; 29:5-16. [PMID: 38334094 DOI: 10.1177/1358863x231218210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Intracranial aneurysm (IA) is a common vascular enlargement that occurs in the wall of cerebral vessels and frequently leads to fatal subarachnoid hemorrhage. PDZ and LIM domain protein 1 (PDLIM1) is a cytoskeletal protein that functions as a platform for multiple protein complex formation. However, whether PDLIM is involved in the pathogenesis of IA remains poorly understood. METHODS Loss-of-function and gain-of-function strategies were employed to determine the in vitro roles of PDLIM1 in vascular endothelial cells (VECs). A rat model of IA was generated to study the role of PDLIM1 in vivo. Gene expression profiling, Western blotting, and dual luciferase reporter assays were performed to uncover the underlying cellular mechanism. Clinical IA samples were used to determine the expression of PDLIM1 and its downstream signaling molecules. RESULTS PDLIM1 expression was reduced in the endothelial cells of IA and was regulated by Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1). Genetic silencing of PDLIM1 inhibited the viability, migratory ability, and tube formation ability of VECs. Opposite results were obtained by ectopic expression of PDLIM1. Additionally, PDLIM1 overexpression mitigated IA in vivo. Mechanistic investigations revealed that PDLIM1 promoted the transcriptional activity of β-catenin and induced the expression of v-myc myelocytomatosis viral oncogene homolog (MYC) and cyclin D1 (CCND1). In clinical settings, reduced expression of PDLIM1 and β-catenin downstream target genes was observed in human IA samples. CONCLUSION Our study indicates that YAP1-dependent expression of PDLIM1 can inhibit IA development by modulating the activity of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and that PDLIM1 deficiency in VECs may represent a potential marker of aggressive disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Yan
- Department of Neurosurgery, The 1st Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuanfeng Qin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongtao Zheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Jin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanyuan Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingzhu An
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bing Leng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Shi H, Li QY, Li H, Wang HY, Fan CX, Dong QY, Pan BC, Ji ZL, Li JY. ROS-induced oxidative stress is a major contributor to sperm cryoinjury. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:310-325. [PMID: 38011909 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What is the mechanism behind cryoinjury in human sperm, particularly concerning the interplay between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and autophagy, and how does it subsequently affect sperm fate? SUMMARY ANSWER The freeze-thaw operation induces oxidative stress by generating abundant ROS, which impairs sperm motility and activates autophagy, ultimately guiding the sperm toward programmed cell death such as apoptosis and necrosis, as well as triggering premature capacitation. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Both ROS-induced oxidative stress and autophagy are thought to exert an influence on the quality of frozen-thawed sperm. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Overall, 84 semen specimens were collected from young healthy fertile males, with careful quality evaluation. The specimens were split into three groups to investigate the ROS-induced cryoinjury: normal control without any treatment, sperm treated with 0.5 mM hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) for 1 h, and sperm thawed following cryopreservation. Samples from 48 individuals underwent computer-assisted human sperm analysis (CASA) to evaluate sperm quality in response to the treatments. Semen samples from three donors were analyzed for changes in the sperm proteome after H2O2 treatment, and another set of samples from three donors were analyzed for changes following the freeze-thaw process. The other 30 samples were used for fluorescence-staining and western blotting. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Sperm motility parameters, including progressive motility (PR %) and total motility (PR + NP %), were evaluated using the CASA system on a minimum of 200 spermatozoa. The proteomic profiles were determined with label-free mass spectrometry (MS/MS) and protein identification was performed via ion search against the NCBI human database. Subsequently, comprehensive bioinformatics was applied to detect significant proteomic changes and functional enrichment. Fluorescence-staining and western blot analyses were also conducted to confirm the proteomic changes on selected key proteins. The ROS level was measured using 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate labeling and the abundance of bioactive mitochondria was determined by evaluating the inner mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) level. Molecular behaviors of sequestosome-1 (p62 or SQSTM1) and microtubule-associated proteins 1A/1B light chain 3 (LC3) were monitored to evaluate the state of apoptosis in human sperm. Fluorescent probes oxazole yellow (YO-PRO-1) and propidium iodide (PI) were utilized to monitor programmed cell death, namely apoptosis and necrosis. Additionally, gradient concentrations of antioxidant coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) were introduced to suppress ROS impacts on sperm. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The CASA analysis revealed a significant decrease in sperm motility for both the H2O2-treatment and freeze-thaw groups. Fluorescence staining showed that high ROS levels were produced in the treated sperm and the MMPs were largely reduced. The introduction of CoQ10 at concentrations of 20 and 30 μM resulted in a significant rescue of progressive motility (P < 0.05). The result suggested that excessive ROS could be the major cause of sperm motility impairment, likely by damaging mitochondrial energy generation. Autophagy was significantly activated in sperm when they were under oxidative stress, as evidenced by the upregulation of p62 and the increased conversion of LC3 as well as the upregulation of several autophagy-related proteins, such as charged multivesicular body protein 2a, mitochondrial import receptor subunit TOM22 homolog, and WD repeat domain phosphoinositide-interacting protein 2. Additionally, fluorescent staining indicated the occurrence of apoptosis and necrosis in both H2O2-treated sperm and post-thaw sperm. The cell death process can be suppressed when CoQ10 is introduced, which consolidates the view that ROS could be the major contributor to sperm cryoinjury. The freeze-thaw process could also initiate sperm premature capacitation, demonstrated by the prominent increase in tyrosine phosphorylated proteins, verified with anti-phosphotyrosine antibody and immunofluorescence assays. The upregulation of capacitation-related proteins, such as hyaluronidase 3 and Folate receptor alpha, supported this finding. LARGE SCALE DATA The data underlying this article are available in the article and its online supplementary material. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The semen samples were obtained exclusively from young, healthy, and fertile males with progressive motility exceeding 60%, which might overemphasize the positive effects while possibly neglecting the negative impacts of cryoinjury. Additionally, the H2O2 treatment conditions in this study may not precisely mimic the oxidative stress experienced by sperm after thawing from cryopreservation, potentially resulting in the omission of certain molecular alterations. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This study provides substantial proteomic data for a comprehensive and deeper understanding of the impact of cryopreservation on sperm quality. It will facilitate the design of optimal protocols for utilizing cryopreserved sperm to improve applications, such as ART, and help resolve various adverse situations caused by chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by grants from the Major Innovation Project of Research Institute of National Health Commission (#2022GJZD01-3) and the National Key R&D Program of China (#2018YFC1003600). All authors declare no competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Shi
- College of Life Science, Yantai University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Qian-Ying Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Hui Li
- College of Life Science, Yantai University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Hai-Yan Wang
- College of Life Science, Yantai University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Chuan-Xi Fan
- College of Life Science, Yantai University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Qiao-Yan Dong
- College of Life Science, Yantai University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Bo-Chen Pan
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Zhi-Liang Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Jian-Yuan Li
- Institute of Science and Technology, National Health Commission, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Samare-Najaf M, Neisy A, Samareh A, Moghadam D, Jamali N, Zarei R, Zal F. The constructive and destructive impact of autophagy on both genders' reproducibility, a comprehensive review. Autophagy 2023; 19:3033-3061. [PMID: 37505071 PMCID: PMC10621263 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2023.2238577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Reproduction is characterized by a series of massive renovations at molecular, cellular, and tissue levels. Recent studies have strongly tended to reveal the involvement of basic molecular pathways such as autophagy, a highly conserved eukaryotic cellular recycling, during reproductive processes. This review comprehensively describes the current knowledge, updated to September 2022, of autophagy contribution during reproductive processes in males including spermatogenesis, sperm motility and viability, and male sex hormones and females including germ cells and oocytes viability, ovulation, implantation, fertilization, and female sex hormones. Furthermore, the consequences of disruption in autophagic flux on the reproductive disorders including oligospermia, azoospermia, asthenozoospermia, teratozoospermia, globozoospermia, premature ovarian insufficiency, polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis, and other disorders related to infertility are discussed as well.Abbreviations: AKT/protein kinase B: AKT serine/threonine kinase; AMPK: AMP-activated protein kinase; ATG: autophagy related; E2: estrogen; EDs: endocrine disruptors; ER: endoplasmic reticulum; FSH: follicle stimulating hormone; FOX: forkhead box; GCs: granulosa cells; HIF: hypoxia inducible factor; IVF: in vitro fertilization; IVM: in vitro maturation; LCs: Leydig cells; LDs: lipid droplets; LH: luteinizing hormone; LRWD1: leucine rich repeats and WD repeat domain containing 1; MAP1LC3: microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3; MAPK: mitogen-activated protein kinase; MTOR: mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase; NFKB/NF-kB: nuclear factor kappa B; P4: progesterone; PCOS: polycystic ovarian syndrome; PDLIM1: PDZ and LIM domain 1; PI3K: phosphoinositide 3-kinase; PtdIns3P: phosphatidylinositol-3-phosphate; PtdIns3K: class III phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase; POI: premature ovarian insufficiency; ROS: reactive oxygen species; SCs: Sertoli cells; SQSTM1/p62: sequestosome 1; TSGA10: testis specific 10; TST: testosterone; VCP: vasolin containing protein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Samare-Najaf
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Blood Transfusion Research Center, High Institute for Research and Education in Transfusion Medicine, Kerman Regional Blood Transfusion Center, Kerman, Iran
| | - Asma Neisy
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ali Samareh
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Delaram Moghadam
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Navid Jamali
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Sirjan School of Medical Sciences, Sirjan, Iran
| | - Reza Zarei
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Zal
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Infertility Research Centre, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Raee P, Tan SC, Najafi S, Zandsalimi F, Low TY, Aghamiri S, Fazeli E, Aghapour M, Mofarahe ZS, Heidari MH, Fathabadi FF, Abdi F, Asouri M, Ahmadi AA, Ghanbarian H. Autophagy, a critical element in the aging male reproductive disorders and prostate cancer: a therapeutic point of view. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2023; 21:88. [PMID: 37749573 PMCID: PMC10521554 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-023-01134-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a highly conserved, lysosome-dependent biological mechanism involved in the degradation and recycling of cellular components. There is growing evidence that autophagy is related to male reproductive biology, particularly spermatogenic and endocrinologic processes closely associated with male sexual and reproductive health. In recent decades, problems such as decreasing sperm count, erectile dysfunction, and infertility have worsened. In addition, reproductive health is closely related to overall health and comorbidity in aging men. In this review, we will outline the role of autophagy as a new player in aging male reproductive dysfunction and prostate cancer. We first provide an overview of the mechanisms of autophagy and its role in regulating male reproductive cells. We then focus on the link between autophagy and aging-related diseases. This is followed by a discussion of therapeutic strategies targeting autophagy before we end with limitations of current studies and suggestions for future developments in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pourya Raee
- Student Research Committee, Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shing Cheng Tan
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sajad Najafi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 19395-4719, Iran
| | - Farshid Zandsalimi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Teck Yew Low
- UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Shahin Aghamiri
- Student Research Committee, Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham Fazeli
- Mehr Fertility Research Center, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Mahyar Aghapour
- Department of Dermatology and Allergic Diseases, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Zahra Shams Mofarahe
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Heidari
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Fadaei Fathabadi
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farid Abdi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Science and Research branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Asouri
- North Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Amol, Iran
| | | | - Hossein Ghanbarian
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 19395-4719, Iran.
- Urogenital Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Zhang Y, Tang J, Wang X, Sun Y, Yang T, Shen X, Yang X, Shi H, Sun X, Xin A. Loss of ACTL7A causes small head sperm by defective acrosome-acroplaxome-manchette complex. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2023; 21:82. [PMID: 37667331 PMCID: PMC10476415 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-023-01130-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Actin-like 7 A (ACTL7A) is essential for acrosome formation, fertilization and early embryo development. ACTL7A variants cause acrosome detachment responsible for male infertility and early embryonic arrest. In this study, we aim to explore the additional functions of ACTL7A beyond the process of acrosome biogenesis and investigate the possible underlying mechanisms. METHODS Nuclear morphology analysis was used to observe the sperm head shape of ACTL7A-mutated patients. Actl7a knock-out (KO) mouse model was generated. Immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were performed to analyze the structure of spermatids during spermiogenesis. Tandem mass tags labeling quantitative proteomics strategy was employed to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. The expression levels of key proteins in the pathway were analyzed by western blotting. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)-artificial oocyte activation (AOA) technology was utilized to overcome fertilization failure in male mice with a complete knockout of Actl7a. RESULTS The new phenotype of small head sperm associated with loss of ACTL7A in patients was discovered, and further confirmed in Actl7a-KO mice. Immunofluorescence and TEM analyses revealed that the deletion of ACTL7A damaged the formation of acrosome-acroplaxome-manchette complex, leading to abnormalities in the shaping of sperm heads. Moreover, a proteomic analysis of testes from WT and Actl7a-KO mice revealed that differentially expressed genes were notably enriched in PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway which is strongly associated with autophagy. Inhibition of autophagy via PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway activation leading to PDLIM1 accumulation might elucidate the hindered development of manchette in Actl7a-KO mice. Remarkably, AOA successfully overcame fertilization failure and allowed for the successful production of healthy offspring from the Actl7a complete knockout male mice. CONCLUSIONS Loss of ACTL7A causes small head sperm as a result of defective acrosome-acroplaxome-manchette complex via autophagy inhibition. ICSI-AOA is an effective technique to rescue male infertility resulting from ACTL7A deletion. These findings provide essential evidence for the diagnosis and treatment of patients suffering from infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yini Zhang
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Jianan Tang
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation,Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies (SIBPT), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xuemei Wang
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation,Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies (SIBPT), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yisi Sun
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation,Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies (SIBPT), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Tianying Yang
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Xiaorong Shen
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation,Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies (SIBPT), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xinyue Yang
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Huijuan Shi
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation,Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies (SIBPT), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xiaoxi Sun
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Shanghai, 200011, China.
| | - Aijie Xin
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation,Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies (SIBPT), School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Ali W, Deng K, Sun J, Ma Y, Liu Z, Zou H. A new insight of cadmium-induced cellular evidence of autophagic-associated spermiophagy during spermatogenesis. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:101064-101074. [PMID: 37646926 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-29548-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Autophagy plays a dynamic role in spermatozoa development during spermatogenesis. However, the disruption of autophagic flux induces cell death under metal toxicity and severe oxidative stress. Therefore, we hypothesized that cadmium-induced autophagy might be involved in this mechanism. To verify this hypothesis, we studied cadmium-induced cellular evidence of autophagic-associated spermiophagy within the testis. In the present study, treatment with cadmium caused nuclear depressive disorders and vacuolated mitochondrial damage of Sertoli cells. In addition, spermiophagy through the cellular evidence of spermatozoa phagocytosis, the high lysosomal activity (lysosome engulfment and phagolysosome), and autophagy activity (autolysosome and autophagosome) were observed in the Sertoli cells. The immunohistochemistry of lysosomal membrane protein (LAMP2) to target the phagocytosis of spermatozoa revealed that the immunoreactivity of LAMP2 was overstimulated in the luminal compartment of testis's seminiferous tubules. In addition, the immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence of autophagy-related protein and microtubule-associated light chain (LC3) results showed the strong immunoreactivity and immunosignaling of LC3 in the Sertoli cells of the testis. Moreover, cadmium caused the overactivation of the expression level of autophagy-related proteins, autophagy-related gene (ATG7), (ATG5), beclin1, LC3, sequestosome 1 (P62), and LAMP2 which were confirmed by western blotting. In summary, this study demonstrated that hazards related to cadmium-induced autophagic-associated spermiophagy with the disruption of autophagic flux, providing new insights into the toxicity of cadmium in mammals and representing a high risk to male fertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Waseem Ali
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University Yangzhou, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, People's Republic of China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai Deng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University Yangzhou, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, People's Republic of China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Sun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University Yangzhou, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, People's Republic of China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Yonggang Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University Yangzhou, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, People's Republic of China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Zongping Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University Yangzhou, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, People's Republic of China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Zou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University Yangzhou, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, People's Republic of China.
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, People's Republic of China.
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
He X, Mu W, Wang Z, Xu K, Yin Y, Lu G, Chan WY, Liu H, Lv Y, Liu S. Deficiency of the Tmem232 Gene Causes Male Infertility with Morphological Abnormalities of the Sperm Flagellum in Mice. Cells 2023; 12:1614. [PMID: 37371084 DOI: 10.3390/cells12121614] [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: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The axoneme and accessory structures of flagella are critical for sperm motility and male fertilization. Sperm production needs precise and highly ordered gene expression to initiate and sustain the many cellular processes that result in mature spermatozoa. Here, we identified a testis enriched gene transmembrane protein 232 (Tmem232), which is essential for the structural integrity of the spermatozoa flagella axoneme. Tmem232 knockout mice were generated for in vivo analyses of its functions in spermatogenesis. Phenotypic analysis showed that deletion of Tmem232 in mice causes male-specific infertility. Transmission electron microscopy together with scanning electron microscopy were applied to analyze the spermatozoa flagella and it was observed that the lack of TMEM232 caused failure of the cytoplasm removal and the absence of the 7th outer microtubule doublet with its corresponding outer dense fiber (ODF). Co-IP assays further identified that TMEM232 interacts with ODF family protein ODF1, which is essential to maintain sperm motility. In conclusion, our findings indicate that TMEM232 is a critical protein for male fertility and sperm motility by regulating sperm cytoplasm removal and maintaining axoneme integrity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiuqing He
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Wenyu Mu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Ziqi Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Ke Xu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Yingying Yin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Gang Lu
- CUHK-SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wai-Yee Chan
- CUHK-SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hongbin Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan 250012, China
- CUHK-SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yue Lv
- CUHK-SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250117, China
| | - Shangming Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Costa J, Braga PC, Rebelo I, Oliveira PF, Alves MG. Mitochondria Quality Control and Male Fertility. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:827. [PMID: 37372112 DOI: 10.3390/biology12060827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondria are pivotal to cellular homeostasis, performing vital functions such as bioenergetics, biosynthesis, and cell signalling. Proper maintenance of these processes is crucial to prevent disease development and ensure optimal cell function. Mitochondrial dynamics, including fission, fusion, biogenesis, mitophagy, and apoptosis, maintain mitochondrial quality control, which is essential for overall cell health. In male reproduction, mitochondria play a pivotal role in germ cell development and any defects in mitochondrial quality can have serious consequences on male fertility. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) also play a crucial role in sperm capacitation, but excessive ROS levels can trigger oxidative damage. Any imbalance between ROS and sperm quality control, caused by non-communicable diseases or environmental factors, can lead to an increase in oxidative stress, cell damage, and apoptosis, which in turn affect sperm concentration, quality, and motility. Therefore, assessing mitochondrial functionality and quality control is essential to gain valuable insights into male infertility. In sum, proper mitochondrial functionality is essential for overall health, and particularly important for male fertility. The assessment of mitochondrial functionality and quality control can provide crucial information for the study and management of male infertility and may lead to the development of new strategies for its management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José Costa
- Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- ITR-Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
| | - Patrícia C Braga
- Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- ITR-Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
- Laboratory of Physiology, Department of Imuno-Physiology and Pharmacology, ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Irene Rebelo
- UCIBIO-REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biologic Sciences, Pharmaceutical Faculty, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biologic Sciences, Pharmaceutical Faculty, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro F Oliveira
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Marco G Alves
- Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- ITR-Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
- Laboratory of Physiology, Department of Imuno-Physiology and Pharmacology, ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Kirat D, Alahwany AM, Arisha AH, Abdelkhalek A, Miyasho T. Role of Macroautophagy in Mammalian Male Reproductive Physiology. Cells 2023; 12:cells12091322. [PMID: 37174722 PMCID: PMC10177121 DOI: 10.3390/cells12091322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Physiologically, autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved and self-degradative process in cells. Autophagy carries out normal physiological roles throughout mammalian life. Accumulating evidence shows autophagy as a mechanism for cellular growth, development, differentiation, survival, and homeostasis. In male reproductive systems, normal spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis need a balance between degradation and energy supply to preserve cellular metabolic homeostasis. The main process of autophagy includes the formation and maturation of the phagophore, autophagosome, and autolysosome. Autophagy is controlled by a group of autophagy-related genes that form the core machinery of autophagy. Three types of autophagy mechanisms have been discovered in mammalian cells: macroautophagy, microautophagy, and chaperone-mediated autophagy. Autophagy is classified as non-selective or selective. Non-selective macroautophagy randomly engulfs the cytoplasmic components in autophagosomes that are degraded by lysosomal enzymes. While selective macroautophagy precisely identifies and degrades a specific element, current findings have shown the novel functional roles of autophagy in male reproduction. It has been recognized that dysfunction in the autophagy process can be associated with male infertility. Overall, this review provides an overview of the cellular and molecular basics of autophagy and summarizes the latest findings on the key role of autophagy in mammalian male reproductive physiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Doaa Kirat
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Mohamed Alahwany
- Department of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Cairo, Badr City 11829, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Hamed Arisha
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
- Department of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Cairo, Badr City 11829, Egypt
| | - Adel Abdelkhalek
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Cairo, Badr City 11829, Egypt
| | - Taku Miyasho
- Laboratory of Animal Biological Responses, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Ebetsu, Hokkaido 069-8501, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Zhao J, Ma LY, Xie YX, Zhu LQ, Ni WS, Wang R, Song YN, Li XY, Yang HF. The role of stimulator of interferon genes-mediated AMPK/mTOR/P70S6K autophagy pathway in cyfluthrin-induced testicular injury. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2023; 38:727-742. [PMID: 36515635 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Cyfluthrin is widely used in the field of sanitary pest control by its wide insecticidal spectrum, high efficiency and low toxicity, low residue, and good biodegradability. But, as a double-edged sword, a large amount of cyfluthrin remains are still in the environment. The residual cyfluthrin is absorbed into the food chain through vegetation and then poses a risk to soil organisms and human health. Several studies have suggested that cyfluthrin is one of the main factors causing testicular damage, but the mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we established in vivo and in vitro models of testicular injury in rats and GC-2 cells exposed to cyfluthrin to explore whether stimulator of interferon genes (STING) gene mediates the regulation of AMPK/mTOR/p70S6K autophagy pathway, which lays a foundation for further study of the mechanism of testicular injury induced by cyfluthrin. The results showed that the activity of super oxide dismutase in testis decreased and the activity of malonic dialdehyde increased with the increase of concentration in vivo and in vitro. At the same time, the levels of mitochondrial damage and inflammation in the testis also increased, which further activated autophagy. In this process, the increased level of inflammation is related to the increased expression of STING gene, and AMPK/mTOR/p70S6K autophagy pathway is also involved. To sum up, cyfluthrin has certain reproductive toxicity, and long-term exposure can induce testicular cell damage. STING gene can participate in cyfluthrin-induced testicular injury through AMPK/mTOR/P70S6K autophagy pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ji Zhao
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Healthy and Management, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control, Yinchuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Li-Ya Ma
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Healthy and Management, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control, Yinchuan, People's Republic of China
- The Sinopharm Yiji Hospital, Baotou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong-Xin Xie
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Healthy and Management, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control, Yinchuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling-Qin Zhu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Healthy and Management, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control, Yinchuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Si Ni
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Healthy and Management, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control, Yinchuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Healthy and Management, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control, Yinchuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ya-Nan Song
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Healthy and Management, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control, Yinchuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Yu Li
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Healthy and Management, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control, Yinchuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui-Fang Yang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Healthy and Management, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control, Yinchuan, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Zhang G, Jiang C, Yang Y, Wang Y, Zhou H, Dai S, Liu M, Yang Y, Yang L, Shen Q, Zhang T, Zhang X, Yang Y, Shen Y. Deficiency of cancer/testis antigen gene CT55 causes male infertility in humans and mice. Cell Death Differ 2023; 30:500-514. [PMID: 36481789 PMCID: PMC9950085 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-022-01098-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Cancer/Testis Antigen (CTA) genes comprise a group of genes whose expression under physiological conditions is restricted to the testis but is activated in many human cancers. Depending on the particular expression pattern, the CTA genes are speculated to play a role in spermatogenesis, but evidence is limited thus far. Here, we reported patients with a hemizygous nonsense mutation in cancer-testis antigen 55 (CT55) suffering from male infertility with extreme disruption in sperm production, morphology, and locomotion. Specifically, the insufficiency of sperm individualization, excessive residue of unnecessary cytoplasm, and defects in acrosome development were evident in the spermatozoa of the patients. Furthermore, mouse models with depletion of Ct55 showed accelerated infertility with age, mimicking the defects in sperm individualization, unnecessary cytoplasm removal, and meanwhile exhibiting the disrupted cumulus-oocyte complex penetration. Mechanistically, our functional experiments uncovered CT55 as a new autophagic manipulator to regulate spermatogenesis via selectively interacting with LAMP2 and GABARAP (which are key regulators in the autophagy process) and further fine-tuning their expression. Therefore, our findings revealed CT55 as a novel CTA gene involved in spermatogenesis due to its unprecedented autophagy activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guohui Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of reproductive medicine, Sichuan Provincial maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu, 610000, China
| | - Chuan Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yushang Yang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and Institute of Thoracic Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Reproduction Medical Center of West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Haimeng Zhou
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Siyu Dai
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Mohan Liu
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yanting Yang
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Li Yang
- Reproduction Medical Center of West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Qiongyan Shen
- Reproduction Medical Center of West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Reproduction Medical Center of West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xiaodong Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China.
- Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421000, China.
| | - Yihong Yang
- Reproduction Medical Center of West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Ying Shen
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Chronobiology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Liu W, Chen M, Liu C, Wang L, Wei H, Zhang R, Ren Z, Chen Y, Luo M, Zhao J, Jiang H, Gao F, Li W. Epg5 deficiency leads to primary ovarian insufficiency due to WT1 accumulation in mouse granulosa cells. Autophagy 2023; 19:644-659. [PMID: 35786405 PMCID: PMC9851269 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2022.2094671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), also known as premature ovarian failure, is an ovarian defect in humans characterized by the premature depletion of ovarian follicles before the age of 40. However, the mechanisms underlying POI remain largely unknown. Here, we show that knockout of Epg5 (ectopic P-granules autophagy protein 5 homolog (C. elegans)) results in subfertility in female mice, which exhibit a POI-like phenotype. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis revealed that the knockout of Epg5 affected the differentiation of granulosa cells (GCs). Further investigation demonstrated that knockout of Epg5 blocks macroautophagic/autophagic flux, resulting in the accumulation of WT1 (WT1 transcription factor), an essential transcription factor for GCs, suggesting WT1 needs to be selectively degraded by the autophagy pathway. We found that the insufficient degradation of WT1 in the antral follicular stage contributes to reduced expression of steroidogenesis-related genes, thereby disrupting GC differentiation. Collectively, our studies show that EPG5 promotes WT1 degradation in GCs, indicating that the dysregulation of Epg5 in GCs can trigger POI pathogenesis.Abbreviations: 3-MA, 3-methyladenine; CHX, cycloheximide; CQ, chloroquine; EPG5, ectopic P-granules autophagy protein 5 homolog (C. elegans); GC, granulosa cell; MAP1LC3/LC3, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3; MII, metaphase II; POI, primary ovarian insufficiency; PB1, polar body 1; SQSTM1/p62, sequestosome 1; WT1, WT1 transcription factor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenwen Liu
- Institute of Reproductive Health and Perinatology, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China,College of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, P.R. China,State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Min Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China,College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Chao Liu
- Institute of Reproductive Health and Perinatology, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China,State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Liying Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Health and Perinatology, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China,State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Huafang Wei
- Institute of Reproductive Health and Perinatology, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China,State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Ruidan Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Health and Perinatology, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China,State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Zhengxing Ren
- Institute of Reproductive Health and Perinatology, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China,State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Yinghong Chen
- Institute of Reproductive Health and Perinatology, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China,State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Mengcheng Luo
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, P.R China
| | - Jianguo Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China,College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Hongwei Jiang
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital, and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, P.R. China,National Center for Clinical Research of Metabolic Diseases, Luoyang Center for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Luoyang, P.R. China,CONTACT Hongwei Jiang Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital and Clinical Medicine College, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang471003, P.R. China
| | - Fei Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China,College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China,Fei Gao State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100101, P.R. China
| | - Wei Li
- Institute of Reproductive Health and Perinatology, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China,State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China,College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China,Wei Li Institute of Reproductive Health and Perinatology, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou510623, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Yan Q, Zhang Y, Wang Q, Yuan L. Autophagy: A Double-Edged Sword in Male Reproduction. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315273. [PMID: 36499597 PMCID: PMC9741305 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy, an evolutionarily conserved cell reprogramming mechanism, exists in all eukaryotic organisms. It is a fundamental and vital degradation/recycling pathway that removes undesirable components, such as cytoplasmic organelles, misfolded proteins, viruses, and intracellular bacteria, to provide energy and essential materials for organisms. The success of male reproduction depends on healthy testes, which are mainly composed of seminiferous tubules and mesenchyme. Seminiferous tubules are composed of Sertoli cells (SCs) and various germ cells, and the main functional part of mesenchyme are Leydig cells (LCs). In recent years, a large amount of evidence has confirmed that autophagy is active in many cellular events associated with the testes. Autophagy is not only important for testicular spermatogenesis, but is also an essential regulatory mechanism for the ectoplasmic specialization (ES) integrity of SCs, as well as for the normal function of the blood-testes barrier (BTB). At the same time, it is active in LCs and is crucial for steroid production and for maintaining testosterone levels. In this review, we expanded upon the narration regarding the composition of the testes; summarized the regulation and molecular mechanism of autophagy in SCs, germ cells, and LCs; and concluded the roles of autophagy in the process of spermatogenesis and testicular endocrinology. Through integrating the latest summaries and advances, we discuss how the role of autophagy is a double-edged sword in the testes and may provide insight for future studies and explorations on autophagy in male reproduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiu Yan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou 730070, China
- College of Life Science and Technology, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Qi Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Correspondence: (Q.W.); (L.Y.)
| | - Ligang Yuan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou 730070, China
- College of Life Science and Technology, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Correspondence: (Q.W.); (L.Y.)
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Wen Z, Zhu H, Wu B, Zhang A, Wang H, Cheng Y, Zhao H, Li J, Liu M, Gao J. Cathepsin B plays a role in spermatogenesis and sperm maturation through regulating autophagy and apoptosis in mice. PeerJ 2022; 10:e14472. [PMID: 36518274 PMCID: PMC9744162 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis and sperm maturation are complex and highly ordered biological processes. Any failure or disorder in these processes can cause defects in sperm morphology, motility, and fertilization ability. Cathepsin B (CTSB) is involved in the regulation of a variety of pathological processes. In the present study, we found that CTSB was abundantly expressed in the male reproductive system, however, the specific role of CTSB in regulating spermatogenesis and sperm maturation remained elusive. Hence, we generated Ctsb -/- mice using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. In Ctsb -/- mice, sperm count was significantly decreased while the level of morphologically abnormal sperm was markedly increased. Additionally, these mice had significantly lower levels of progressive motility sperm and elevated levels of immobilized sperm. Histological analysis showed slight vacuolization in the testis epithelium, as well as the loss of epididymal epithelium cells. Further investigation showed that autophagic activity was inhibited and apoptotic activity was increased in both the testis and epididymis of Ctsb -/- mice. Together, our findings demonstrate that CTSB plays an important role in spermatogenesis and sperm maturation in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zongzhuang Wen
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Haixia Zhu
- School of Life Science and Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Bin Wu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Aizhen Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Hongxiang Wang
- School of Life Science and Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yin Cheng
- School of Life Science and Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Hui Zhao
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Jianyuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Male Reproductive Health, Institute of Science and Technology, National Health Commission, Beijing, China
| | - Min Liu
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Jiangang Gao
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China,School of Life Science and Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Experimental Teratology, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Parlar Köprülü RE, Okur ME, Kolbaşi B, Keskin İ, Ozbek H. Effects of Vincamine on Testicular Dysfunction in Alloxan-induced Diabetic Male Rats. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH : IJPR 2022; 21:e132265. [PMID: 36942057 PMCID: PMC10024332 DOI: 10.5812/ijpr-132265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Background Diabetes mellitus (DM) is frequently linked with problems of several organ systems, including retinopathy, neuropathy, and nephropathy. Additionally, patients have changes in sexual functioning, such as decreased libido and fertility. Vincamine, a monoterpenoid indole alkaloid, has hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects. Objectives This research assessed the impact of vincamine on testicular dysfunction in alloxan-induced male rats by measuring fasting blood glucose, oxidative stress, seminal analysis, and histological examination of the testis. Methods Wister-albino male rats were randomized into the following groups at random: Untreated-healthy, untreated-DM, vincamine-treated (20 mg/kg) DM, vincamine-treated (40 mg/kg) DM, and clomiphene-treated DM (5 mg/kg). On day 14, rats were sacrificed, and semen/blood samples were collected. Sperm count, motility, and morphological abnormalities were noted by microscopic examination. The testis was examined histopathologically and assessed using Johnsen's score. Results Compared with the untreated diabetic group, a dosage of 40 mg/kg vincamine generate a significant reduction in fasting blood sugar (FBG). Compared with the untreated diabetic group, the vincamine-treated rats produced greater plasma testosterone levels and Johnsen scores. In the vincamine 20 mg/kg group, sperm concentration was higher than in the vincamine 40 mg/kg group. Conclusions It is possible that vincamine has a potential preventive effect against diabetes-related reproductive problems attributable to its antioxidant activity and capacity to restore testicular steroidogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rabia Edibe Parlar Köprülü
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Corresponding Author: Department of Medical Pharmacology, Istanbul Medipol University, Kavacık, Göztepe Mah, Atatürk Cd. No:40, 34810 Beykoz/İstanbul, Turkey. Tel: +90-5395840201, Fax: +90-4448544,
| | - Mehmet Evren Okur
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Istanbul Health Sciences University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Bircan Kolbaşi
- Department of Histology, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - İlknur Keskin
- Department of Histology, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hanefi Ozbek
- Departmnet of Medical Pharmacology, Izmir Bakircay University, Izmir, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Wang F, Zhang J, Wang Y, Chen Y, Han D. Viral tropism for the testis and sexual transmission. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1040172. [PMID: 36439102 PMCID: PMC9682072 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1040172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The mammalian testis adopts an immune privileged environment to protect male germ cells from adverse autoimmune reaction. The testicular immune privileged status can be also hijacked by various microbial pathogens as a sanctuary to escape systemic immune surveillance. In particular, several viruses have a tropism for the testis. To overcome the immune privileged status and mount an effective local defense against invading viruses, testicular cells are well equipped with innate antiviral machinery. However, several viruses may persist an elongated duration in the testis and disrupt the local immune homeostasis, thereby impairing testicular functions and male fertility. Moreover, the viruses in the testis, as well as other organs of the male reproductive system, can shed to the semen, thus allowing sexual transmission to partners. Viral infection in the testis, which can impair male fertility and lead to sexual transmission, is a serious concern in research on known and on new emerging viruses. To provide references for our scientific peers, this article reviews research achievements and suggests future research focuses in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yongmei Chen
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Daishu Han
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Cordero-Martínez J, Jimenez-Gutierrez GE, Aguirre-Alvarado C, Alacántara-Farfán V, Chamorro-Cevallos G, Roa-Espitia AL, Hernández-González EO, Rodríguez-Páez L. Participation of signaling proteins in sperm hyperactivation. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2022; 68:315-330. [DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2022.2122761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joaquín Cordero-Martínez
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica Farmacológica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | | | - Charmina Aguirre-Alvarado
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica Farmacológica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Inmunología e Infectología Centro Médico Nacional La Raza, IMSS, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Verónica Alacántara-Farfán
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica Farmacológica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Germán Chamorro-Cevallos
- Laboratorio de Toxicología Preclínica Departamento de Farmacia Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Ana L. Roa-Espitia
- Departamento de Biología Celular Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, México City, Mexico
| | - Enrique O. Hernández-González
- Departamento de Biología Celular Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, México City, Mexico
| | - Lorena Rodríguez-Páez
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica Farmacológica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Li Y, Jiang X, Zhang Z, Liu J, Wu C, Chen Y, Zhou J, Zhang J, Zhang X. Autophagy promotes directed migration of HUVEC in response to electric fields through the ROS/SIRT1/FOXO1 pathway. Free Radic Biol Med 2022; 192:213-223. [PMID: 36162742 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2022.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Endogenous electric fields (EFs) have been confirmed to facilitate angiogenesis through guiding directional migration of endothelial cells (ECs), but the underlying mechanisms remain obscure. Recent studies suggest that the directed migration of ECs in angiogenesis is correlated with autophagy, and the latter of which could be augmented by EFs. We hypothesize that autophagy may participate in the EFs-guided migration of ECs during angiogenesis. Herein, we showed that EFs induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) migration toward the cathode with enhanced autophagy. Genetic ablation of autophagy by silencing the autophagy-related gene (Atg) 5 abolished the EFs-directed migration of HUVEC, indicating that autophagy is definitely required for EFs-guided migration of cells. Mechanistically, we identified the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) as a crucial mediator in EFs-triggered autophagy through augmenting the silencing information regulator 2 related enzyme1 (SIRT1)/forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) signaling. Either ROS scavenging or SIRT1 knockdown eliminated the EFs-triggered autophagy in HUVEC. Further study showed that SIRT1 promoted FOXO1 deacetylation, facilitating its nuclear accumulation and transcriptional activity, and thereby activating autophagy in EFs-treated HUVECs. In conclusion, our study demonstrated a pivotal role for autophagy in EFs-induced directed migration of HUVECs through the ROS/SIRT1/FOXO1 pathway, and provided a novel theoretical foundation for angiogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Li
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730030, China
| | - Xupin Jiang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Ze Zhang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Chao Wu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Department of Plastic Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Junli Zhou
- Department of Plastic Aesthetic and Burns Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University and the Teaching Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361003, China.
| | - Jiaping Zhang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China.
| | - Xuanfen Zhang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730030, China.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Role of autophagy in male and female fertility. CURRENT OPINION IN PHYSIOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cophys.2022.100611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
|
31
|
Rotimi DE, Singh SK. Interaction between apoptosis and autophagy in testicular function. Andrologia 2022; 54:e14602. [PMID: 36161318 DOI: 10.1111/and.14602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Several processes including oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammation and autophagy are related to testicular function. Recent studies indicate that a crosstalk between apoptosis and autophagy is essential in regulating testicular function. Autophagy and apoptosis communicate with each other in a complex way, allowing them to work for or against each other in testicular cell survival and death. Several xenobiotics especially endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have caused reproductive toxicity because of their potential to modify the rate of autophagy and trigger apoptosis. Therefore, the purpose of the present review was to shed light on how autophagy and apoptosis interact together in the testis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Damilare E Rotimi
- SDG 03 Group - Good Health & Well-being, Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Nigeria.,Department of Biochemistry, Medicinal Biochemistry, Nanomedicine & Toxicology Laboratory, Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Nigeria
| | - Shio Kumar Singh
- Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Umer N, Phadke S, Shakeri F, Arévalo L, Lohanadan K, Kirfel G, Sylvester M, Buness A, Schorle H. PFN4 is required for manchette development and acrosome biogenesis during mouse spermiogenesis. Development 2022; 149:276289. [PMID: 35950913 PMCID: PMC9481974 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Profilin 4 (Pfn4) is expressed during spermiogenesis and localizes to the acrosome-acroplaxome-manchette complex. Here, we generated PFN4-deficient mice, with sperm displaying severe impairment in manchette formation. Interestingly, HOOK1 staining suggests that the perinuclear ring is established; however, ARL3 staining is disrupted, suggesting that lack of PFN4 does not interfere with the formation of the perinuclear ring and initial localization of HOOK1, but impedes microtubular organization of the manchette. Furthermore, amorphous head shape and flagellar defects were detected, resulting in reduced sperm motility. Disrupted cis- and trans-Golgi networks and aberrant production of proacrosomal vesicles caused impaired acrosome biogenesis. Proteomic analysis showed that the proteins ARF3, SPECC1L and FKBP1, which are involved in Golgi membrane trafficking and PI3K/AKT pathway, are more abundant in Pfn4−/− testes. Levels of PI3K, AKT and mTOR were elevated, whereas AMPK level was reduced, consistent with inhibition of autophagy. This seems to result in blockage of autophagic flux, which could explain the failure in acrosome formation. In vitro fertilization demonstrated that PFN4-deficient sperm is capable of fertilizing zona-free oocytes, suggesting a potential treatment for PFN4-related human infertility. Summary: PFN4-deficient male mice exhibit impaired acrosome formation and malformation of the manchette, leading to amorphous sperm head shape, flagellar abnormalities and sterility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naila Umer
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn 1 Department of Developmental Pathology , , 53127 Bonn , Germany
| | - Sharang Phadke
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn 1 Department of Developmental Pathology , , 53127 Bonn , Germany
| | - Farhad Shakeri
- Institute for Medical Biometry, Informatics and Epidemiology 2 , Medical Faculty , , 53127 Bonn , Germany
- University of Bonn 2 , Medical Faculty , , 53127 Bonn , Germany
- Institute for Genomic Statistics and Bioinformatics 3 , Medical Faculty , , 53127 Bonn , Germany
- University of Bonn 3 , Medical Faculty , , 53127 Bonn , Germany
| | - Lena Arévalo
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn 1 Department of Developmental Pathology , , 53127 Bonn , Germany
| | | | - Gregor Kirfel
- Institute for Cell Biology, University of Bonn 4 , 53121 Bonn , Germany
| | - Marc Sylvester
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 5 Core Facility Mass Spectrometry , , Medical Faculty , , 53115 Bonn , Germany
- University of Bonn 5 Core Facility Mass Spectrometry , , Medical Faculty , , 53115 Bonn , Germany
| | - Andreas Buness
- Institute for Medical Biometry, Informatics and Epidemiology 2 , Medical Faculty , , 53127 Bonn , Germany
- University of Bonn 2 , Medical Faculty , , 53127 Bonn , Germany
- Institute for Genomic Statistics and Bioinformatics 3 , Medical Faculty , , 53127 Bonn , Germany
- University of Bonn 3 , Medical Faculty , , 53127 Bonn , Germany
| | - Hubert Schorle
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn 1 Department of Developmental Pathology , , 53127 Bonn , Germany
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Omar NN, Mosbah RA, Sarawi WS, Rashed MM, Badr AM. Rifaximin Protects against Malathion-Induced Rat Testicular Toxicity: A Possible Clue on Modulating Gut Microbiome and Inhibition of Oxidative Stress by Mitophagy. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27134069. [PMID: 35807317 PMCID: PMC9267953 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27134069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Testicular dysfunction is caused by chronic exposure to environmental pollution, such as malathion, which causes oxidative stress, promoting cell damage. Autophagy is a key cellular process for eliminating malfunctioning organelles, such as the mitochondria (mitophagy), an eminent source of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Autophagy is crucial for protection against testicular damage. Rifaximin (RFX) is a non-absorbable antibiotic that can reshape the gut microbiome, making it effective in different gastrointestinal disorders. Interestingly, the gut microbiome produces short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the circulation, which act as signal molecules to regulate the autophagy. In this study, we investigated the regulatory effects of RFX on gut microbiota and its circulating metabolites SCFA and linked them with the autophagy in testicular tissues in response to malathion administration. Moreover, we divided the groups of rats that used malathion and RFX into a two-week group to investigate the mitophagy process and a four-week group to study mitochondriogenesis. The current study revealed that after two weeks of cotreatment with RFX, apoptosis was inhibited, oxidative stress was improved, and autophagy was induced. More specifically, PINK1 was overexpressed, identifying mitophagy activation. After four weeks of cotreatment with RFX, there was an increase in acetate and propionate-producing microflora, as well as the circulating levels of SCFAs. In accordance with this, the expression of PGC-1α, a downstream to SCFAs action on their receptors, was activated. PGC-1α is an upstream activator of mitophagy and mitochondriogenesis. In this sense, the protein expression of TFAM, which regulates the mitochondrial genome, was upregulated along with a significant decrease in apoptosis and oxidative stress. Conclusion: we found that RFX has a positive regulatory effect on mitophagy and mitochondria biogenesis, which could explain the novel role played by RFX in preventing the adverse effects of malathion on testicular tissue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nesreen Nabil Omar
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Modern University for Technology and Information, Cairo 11585, Egypt
- Correspondence:
| | - Rasha A. Mosbah
- Infection Control Unit, Zagazig University Hospital, Zagazig University, El Sharkia 44519, Egypt;
| | - Wedad S. Sarawi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, King Saud University, Riyadh 11362, Saudi Arabia; (W.S.S.); or (A.M.B.)
| | - Marwa Medhet Rashed
- National Center for Social & Criminological Research, Expert, Crime Investigation Department, Giza 3755153, Egypt;
| | - Amira M. Badr
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, King Saud University, Riyadh 11362, Saudi Arabia; (W.S.S.); or (A.M.B.)
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Wang Y, Tian CC, Jiao YY, Liu MR, Ma XS, Jin HX, Su YC, Zhang XY, Niu WB, Yao GD, Song WY. miR-188-3p-targeted regulation of ATG7 affects cell autophagy in patients with nonobstructive azoospermia. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2022; 20:90. [PMID: 35710416 PMCID: PMC9202134 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-022-00951-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) is one of the most difficult forms of male infertility to treat, and its pathogenesis is still unclear. miRNAs can regulate autophagy by affecting their target gene expression. Our previous study found that miR-188-3p expression in NOA patients was low. There are potential binding sites between the autophagy gene ATG7 and miR-188-3p. This study aimed to verify the binding site between miR-188-3p and ATG7 and whether miR-188-3p affects autophagy and participates in NOA by regulating ATG7 to influence the autophagy marker genes LC3 and Beclin-1. METHODS Testicular tissue from 16 NOA patients and 16 patients with normal spermatogenesis and 5 cases in each group of pathological sections were collected. High-throughput sequencing was performed to detect mRNA expression differences. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), Western blotting, immunohistochemical staining and immunofluorescence were used to detect protein localization and expression. Autophagosome changes were detected by electron microscopy. The targeting relationship between miR-188-3p and ATG7 was confirmed by a luciferase assay. RESULTS ATG7 protein was localized in the cytoplasm of spermatogenic cells at all levels, and the ATG7 gene (p = 0.019) and protein (p = 0.000) were more highly expressed in the NOA group. ATG7 expression after overexpression/inhibition of miR-188-3p was significantly lower (p = 0.029)/higher (p = 0.021) than in the control group. After overexpression of miR-188-3p, the ATG7 3'UTR-WT luciferase activity was impeded (p = 0.004), while the ATG7 3'UTR-MUT luciferase activity showed no significant difference (p = 0.46). LC3 (p = 0.023) and Beclin-1 (p = 0.041) expression in the NOA group was significantly higher. LC3 and Beclin-1 gene expression after miR-188-3p overexpression/inhibition was significantly lower (p = 0.010 and 0.024, respectively) and higher (p = 0.024 and 0.049, respectively). LC3 punctate aggregation in the cytoplasm decreased after overexpression of miR-188-3p, while the LC3 punctate aggregation in the miR-188-3p inhibitor group was higher. The number of autophagosomes in the miR-188-3p mimic group was lower than the number of autophagosomes in the mimic NC group. CONCLUSIONS LC3 and Beclin-1 were more highly expressed in NOA testes and negatively correlated with the expression of miR-188-3p, suggesting that miR-188-3p may be involved in the process of autophagy in NOA. miR-188-3p may regulate its target gene ATG7 to participate in autophagy anDual luciferase experiment d affect the development of NOA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052 China
| | - Cheng-Cheng Tian
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Nanyang Central Hospital, Nanyang, 473000 China
| | - Yun-Yun Jiao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052 China
| | - Min-Rui Liu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Zhengzhou Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xue-Shan Ma
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052 China
| | - Hai-Xia Jin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052 China
| | - Ying-Chun Su
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052 China
| | - Xiang-Yang Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052 China
| | - Wen-Bin Niu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052 China
| | - Gui-Don Yao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052 China
| | - Wen-Yan Song
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052 China
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Norizuki T, Minamino N, Sato M, Tsukaya H, Ueda T. Dynamic rearrangement and autophagic degradation of mitochondria during spermiogenesis in the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha. Cell Rep 2022; 39:110975. [PMID: 35705033 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria change their morphology in response to developmental and environmental cues. During sexual reproduction, bryophytes produce spermatozoids with two mitochondria in the cell body. Although intensive morphological analyses have been conducted, how this fixed number of mitochondria is realized remains poorly understood. Here, we investigate how mitochondria are reorganized during spermiogenesis in Marchantia polymorpha. We find that the mitochondrial number is reduced to one through fission followed by autophagic degradation during early spermiogenesis, and then the posterior mitochondrion arises by fission of the anterior mitochondrion. Autophagy is also responsible for the removal of other organelles, including peroxisomes, but these other organelles are removed at distinct developmental stages from mitochondrial degradation. We also find that spermiogenesis involves nonautophagic organelle degradation. Our findings highlight the dynamic reorganization of mitochondria, which is regulated distinctly from that of other organelles, and multiple degradation mechanisms operate in organelle remodeling during spermiogenesis in M. polymorpha.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Norizuki
- Division of Cellular Dynamics, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan; Laboratory of Molecular Membrane Biology, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation, Gunma University, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8512, Japan
| | - Naoki Minamino
- Division of Cellular Dynamics, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan
| | - Miyuki Sato
- Laboratory of Molecular Membrane Biology, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation, Gunma University, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8512, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Tsukaya
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Takashi Ueda
- Division of Cellular Dynamics, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan; Department of Basic Biology, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Li Y, Feng Y, Jiang Y, Ma J, Bao X, Li Z, Cui M, Li B, Xu X, Wang W, Sun G, Liu X, Yang J. Differential gene expression analysis related to sperm storage in spermathecas of Amphioctopus fangsiao. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY. PART D, GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2022; 42:100966. [PMID: 35150972 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2022.100966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Sperm storage in the female body is an important strategy in animal reproductive behavior. Amphioctopus fangsiao is an economically important cephalopod that has a sperm storage period of up to seven months. There are few studies concerning the mechanism of sperm storage in A. fangsiao. In this study, we performed transcriptome gene expression profiling of the oviductal glands at different phases (presence and absence of sperm storage). In total, 7943 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) comprising 4737 upregulated and 3206 downregulated genes were identified. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were used to search for sperm storage-related genes. A protein interaction network was constructed to examine the interactions between genes. Nineteen genes associated with immunity, apoptosis, and autophagy were obtained and verified by qRT-PCR. This is the first comprehensive analysis of sperm storage-related genes in A. fangsiao. The results provide basic insights into the complex sperm storage mechanism of A. fangsiao.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- School of Agriculture, Ludong University, Yantai 264025, China
| | - Yanwei Feng
- School of Agriculture, Ludong University, Yantai 264025, China.
| | - Yu Jiang
- School of Agriculture, Ludong University, Yantai 264025, China
| | - Jingjun Ma
- Yantai Laishan District Fisheries and Marine Service station, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Xiaokai Bao
- School of Agriculture, Ludong University, Yantai 264025, China
| | - Zan Li
- School of Agriculture, Ludong University, Yantai 264025, China
| | - Mingxian Cui
- School of Agriculture, Ludong University, Yantai 264025, China
| | - Bin Li
- School of Agriculture, Ludong University, Yantai 264025, China; Yantai Haiyu Marine Science and Technology Co. Ltd., Yantai 264004, China
| | - Xiaohui Xu
- School of Agriculture, Ludong University, Yantai 264025, China
| | - Weijun Wang
- School of Agriculture, Ludong University, Yantai 264025, China; Jiangsu Baoyuan Biotechnology Co. Ltd., Lianyungang 222100, China
| | - Guohua Sun
- School of Agriculture, Ludong University, Yantai 264025, China
| | - Xiumei Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Jianmin Yang
- School of Agriculture, Ludong University, Yantai 264025, China.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Costes V, Chaulot-Talmon A, Sellem E, Perrier JP, Aubert-Frambourg A, Jouneau L, Pontlevoy C, Hozé C, Fritz S, Boussaha M, Le Danvic C, Sanchez MP, Boichard D, Schibler L, Jammes H, Jaffrézic F, Kiefer H. Predicting male fertility from the sperm methylome: application to 120 bulls with hundreds of artificial insemination records. Clin Epigenetics 2022; 14:54. [PMID: 35477426 PMCID: PMC9047354 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-022-01275-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Conflicting results regarding alterations to sperm DNA methylation in cases of spermatogenesis defects, male infertility and poor developmental outcomes have been reported in humans. Bulls used for artificial insemination represent a relevant model in this field, as the broad dissemination of bull semen considerably alleviates confounding factors and enables the precise assessment of male fertility. This study was therefore designed to assess the potential for sperm DNA methylation to predict bull fertility. RESULTS A unique collection of 100 sperm samples was constituted by pooling 2-5 ejaculates per bull from 100 Montbéliarde bulls of comparable ages, assessed as fertile (n = 57) or subfertile (n = 43) based on non-return rates 56 days after insemination. The DNA methylation profiles of these samples were obtained using reduced representation bisulfite sequencing. After excluding putative sequence polymorphisms, 490 fertility-related differentially methylated cytosines (DMCs) were identified, most of which were hypermethylated in subfertile bulls. Interestingly, 46 genes targeted by DMCs are involved in embryonic and fetal development, sperm function and maturation, or have been related to fertility in genome-wide association studies; five of these were further analyzed by pyrosequencing. In order to evaluate the prognostic value of fertility-related DMCs, the sperm samples were split between training (n = 67) and testing (n = 33) sets. Using a Random Forest approach, a predictive model was built from the methylation values obtained on the training set. The predictive accuracy of this model was 72% on the testing set and 72% on individual ejaculates collected from an independent cohort of 20 bulls. CONCLUSION This study, conducted on the largest set of bull sperm samples so far examined in epigenetic analyses, demonstrated that the sperm methylome is a valuable source of male fertility biomarkers. The next challenge is to combine these results with other data on the same sperm samples in order to improve the quality of the model and better understand the interplay between DNA methylation and other molecular features in the regulation of fertility. This research may have potential applications in human medicine, where infertility affects the interaction between a male and a female, thus making it difficult to isolate the male factor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentin Costes
- INRAE, BREED, Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France.,R&D Department, ALLICE, 149 rue de Bercy, 75012, Paris, France.,Université Paris-Saclay, AgroParisTech, INRAE, GABI, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Aurélie Chaulot-Talmon
- INRAE, BREED, Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Eli Sellem
- INRAE, BREED, Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France.,R&D Department, ALLICE, 149 rue de Bercy, 75012, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Perrier
- INRAE, BREED, Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Anne Aubert-Frambourg
- INRAE, BREED, Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Luc Jouneau
- INRAE, BREED, Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Charline Pontlevoy
- INRAE, BREED, Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Chris Hozé
- R&D Department, ALLICE, 149 rue de Bercy, 75012, Paris, France.,Université Paris-Saclay, AgroParisTech, INRAE, GABI, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Sébastien Fritz
- R&D Department, ALLICE, 149 rue de Bercy, 75012, Paris, France.,Université Paris-Saclay, AgroParisTech, INRAE, GABI, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Mekki Boussaha
- Université Paris-Saclay, AgroParisTech, INRAE, GABI, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | | | - Marie-Pierre Sanchez
- Université Paris-Saclay, AgroParisTech, INRAE, GABI, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Didier Boichard
- Université Paris-Saclay, AgroParisTech, INRAE, GABI, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | | | - Hélène Jammes
- INRAE, BREED, Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Florence Jaffrézic
- Université Paris-Saclay, AgroParisTech, INRAE, GABI, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Hélène Kiefer
- INRAE, BREED, Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France. .,Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Shao T, Ke H, Liu R, Xu L, Han S, Zhang X, Dang Y, Jiao X, Li W, Chen ZJ, Qin Y, Zhao S. Autophagy regulates differentiation of ovarian granulosa cells through degradation of WT1. Autophagy 2022; 18:1864-1878. [PMID: 35025698 PMCID: PMC9450966 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2021.2005415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) proliferate and differentiate along with follicular growth, and this is indispensable for oocyte development and female fertility. Although the role of macroautophagy/autophagy in ovarian function has been reported, its contribution to the regulation of GC characteristics remains elusive. The siRNA-mediated knockdown of two key autophagy-related genes ATG5 and BECN1 and the autophagy inhibitor chloroquine were used to interfere with autophagy in GCs. Inhibition of autophagy both genetically and pharmacologically resulted in decreased expression of genes associated with GC differentiation, including CYP19A1/Aromatase and FSHR, as well as in reduced estradiol synthesis. Mechanistically, when autophagy was disrupted, the transcription factor WT1 accumulated in GCs due to its insufficient degradation by the autophagic pathway, and this inhibited GC differentiation. Finally, decreased expression of several autophagy-related genes, as well as reduced LC3-II:LC3-I and elevated SQSTM1/p62 protein levels, which are indications of decreased autophagy, were detected in GCs from biochemical premature ovarian insufficiency patients. In summary, our study reveals that autophagy regulates the differentiation of ovarian GCs by degrading WT1 and that insufficient autophagy might be involved in ovarian dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tong Shao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Hanni Ke
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Ran Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Lan Xu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Shuang Han
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xiruo Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yujie Dang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xue Jiao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Wei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zi-Jiang Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China.,Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingying Qin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Shidou Zhao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Dietary folic acid supplementation improves semen quality and spermatogenesis through altering autophagy and histone methylation in the testis of aged broiler breeder roosters. Theriogenology 2021; 181:8-15. [PMID: 34998023 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.12.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The aging phenomenon often exerts a significant reduction in the reproduction performance of aged animals. The objective of this project was to investigate the effects of dietary Folic acid (FA) supplementation on the reproductive performance of aged broiler breeder roosters. A total of 16 aged ROSS 308 broiler breeder roosters (50-week-old) were randomly divided into two groups. The treatments were basal diet (CON), a basal diet supplemented with 10 mg/kg Folic acid (FAS) for four weeks. At the end of the experiment, semen quality, histopathological studies, serum concentrations of testosterone and relative mRNA and protein expressions of testes were evaluated. The results showed that dietary FA supplementation dramatically improved semen quality of aged roosters, manifested by increasing semen volume, sperm concentration, sperm motility, and sperm membrane functional integrity. Furthermore, seminiferous tubule epithelial height (SEH) and testis scores were increased by dietary supplementation with FA. Dietary FA also remarkably augmented the transcription level of spermatogenesis-related gene (CREM, PCK2, DDX4, and GDNF). No significant differences were observed in serum concentrations of testosterone between FAS and CON groups. We noted significant upregulation Beclin-1 and ATG5 protein expressions, and the ratio of LC3-Ⅱ/Ⅰ, as well as significant downregulation of p-mTOR protein expressions in testicular tissue of aged roosters with FA supplementation. In addition, dietary FA supplementation significantly increased the protein expression of H3K9me2 and reduced the protein expression of H3K27me2. In summary, dietary FA supplementation improved the testicular autophagy through the mTOR-signaling pathway, and altered histone methylation in the testis. Dietary supplementation with FA can ameliorate semen quality and spermatogenesis of aged roosters.
Collapse
|
40
|
Wang M, Zeng L, Su P, Ma L, Zhang M, Zhang YZ. Autophagy: a multifaceted player in the fate of sperm. Hum Reprod Update 2021; 28:200-231. [PMID: 34967891 PMCID: PMC8889000 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmab043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autophagy is an intracellular catabolic process of degrading and recycling proteins and organelles to modulate various physiological and pathological events, including cell differentiation and development. Emerging data indicate that autophagy is closely associated with male reproduction, especially the biosynthetic and catabolic processes of sperm. Throughout the fate of sperm, a series of highly specialized cellular events occur, involving pre-testicular, testicular and post-testicular events. Nonetheless, the most fundamental question of whether autophagy plays a protective or harmful role in male reproduction, especially in sperm, remains unclear. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE We summarize the functional roles of autophagy in the pre-testicular (hypothalamic–pituitary–testis (HPG) axis), testicular (spermatocytogenesis, spermatidogenesis, spermiogenesis, spermiation) and post-testicular (sperm maturation and fertilization) processes according to the timeline of sperm fate. Additionally, critical mechanisms of the action and clinical impacts of autophagy on sperm are identified, laying the foundation for the treatment of male infertility. SEARCH METHODS In this narrative review, the PubMed database was used to search peer-reviewed publications for summarizing the functional roles of autophagy in the fate of sperm using the following terms: ‘autophagy’, ‘sperm’, ‘hypothalamic–pituitary–testis axis’, ‘spermatogenesis’, ‘spermatocytogenesis’, ‘spermatidogenesis’, ‘spermiogenesis’, ‘spermiation’, ‘sperm maturation’, ‘fertilization’, ‘capacitation’ and ‘acrosome’ in combination with autophagy-related proteins. We also performed a bibliographic search for the clinical impact of the autophagy process using the keywords of autophagy inhibitors such as ‘bafilomycin A1’, ‘chloroquine’, ‘hydroxychloroquine’, ‘3-Methyl Adenine (3-MA)’, ‘lucanthone’, ‘wortmannin’ and autophagy activators such as ‘rapamycin’, ‘perifosine’, ‘metformin’ in combination with ‘disease’, ‘treatment’, ‘therapy’, ‘male infertility’ and equivalent terms. In addition, reference lists of primary and review articles were reviewed for additional relevant publications. All relevant publications until August 2021 were critically evaluated and discussed on the basis of relevance, quality and timelines. OUTCOMES (i) In pre-testicular processes, autophagy-related genes are involved in the regulation of the HPG axis; and (ii) in testicular processes, mTORC1, the main gate to autophagy, is crucial for spermatogonia stem cell (SCCs) proliferation, differentiation, meiotic progression, inactivation of sex chromosomes and spermiogenesis. During spermatidogenesis, autophagy maintains haploid round spermatid chromatoid body homeostasis for differentiation. During spermiogenesis, autophagy participates in acrosome biogenesis, flagella assembly, head shaping and the removal of cytoplasm from elongating spermatid. After spermatogenesis, through PDLIM1, autophagy orchestrates apical ectoplasmic specialization and basal ectoplasmic specialization to handle cytoskeleton assembly, governing spermatid movement and release during spermiation. In post-testicular processes, there is no direct evidence that autophagy participates in the process of capacitation. However, autophagy modulates the acrosome reaction, paternal mitochondria elimination and clearance of membranous organelles during fertilization. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Deciphering the roles of autophagy in the entire fate of sperm will provide valuable insights into therapies for diseases, especially male infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mei Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, P.R. China.,Harvard Reproductive Endocrine Science Center and Reproductive Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Clinical Medicine Research Center of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Health in Hubei Province, Wuhan, Hubei, P.R. China
| | - Ling Zeng
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P.R. China
| | - Ping Su
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P.R. China
| | - Ling Ma
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, P.R. China.,Clinical Medicine Research Center of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Health in Hubei Province, Wuhan, Hubei, P.R. China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, P.R. China.,Clinical Medicine Research Center of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Health in Hubei Province, Wuhan, Hubei, P.R. China
| | - Yuan Zhen Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, P.R. China.,Clinical Medicine Research Center of Prenatal Diagnosis and Birth Health in Hubei Province, Wuhan, Hubei, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Meiosis initiation: a story of two sexes in all creatures great and small. Biochem J 2021; 478:3791-3805. [PMID: 34709374 PMCID: PMC8589329 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20210412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Meiosis facilitates diversity across individuals and serves as a major driver of evolution. However, understanding how meiosis begins is complicated by fundamental differences that exist between sexes and species. Fundamental meiotic research is further hampered by a current lack of human meiotic cells lines. Consequently, much of what we know relies on data from model organisms. However, contextualising findings from yeast, worms, flies and mice can be challenging, due to marked differences in both nomenclature and the relative timing of meiosis. In this review, we set out to combine current knowledge of signalling and transcriptional pathways that control meiosis initiation across the sexes in a variety of organisms. Furthermore, we highlight the emerging links between meiosis initiation and oncogenesis, which might explain the frequent re-expression of normally silent meiotic genes in a variety of human cancers.
Collapse
|
42
|
Klionsky DJ, Petroni G, Amaravadi RK, Baehrecke EH, Ballabio A, Boya P, Bravo‐San Pedro JM, Cadwell K, Cecconi F, Choi AMK, Choi ME, Chu CT, Codogno P, Colombo M, Cuervo AM, Deretic V, Dikic I, Elazar Z, Eskelinen E, Fimia GM, Gewirtz DA, Green DR, Hansen M, Jäättelä M, Johansen T, Juhász G, Karantza V, Kraft C, Kroemer G, Ktistakis NT, Kumar S, Lopez‐Otin C, Macleod KF, Madeo F, Martinez J, Meléndez A, Mizushima N, Münz C, Penninger JM, Perera R, Piacentini M, Reggiori F, Rubinsztein DC, Ryan K, Sadoshima J, Santambrogio L, Scorrano L, Simon H, Simon AK, Simonsen A, Stolz A, Tavernarakis N, Tooze SA, Yoshimori T, Yuan J, Yue Z, Zhong Q, Galluzzi L, Pietrocola F. Autophagy in major human diseases. EMBO J 2021; 40:e108863. [PMID: 34459017 PMCID: PMC8488577 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2021108863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 679] [Impact Index Per Article: 226.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a core molecular pathway for the preservation of cellular and organismal homeostasis. Pharmacological and genetic interventions impairing autophagy responses promote or aggravate disease in a plethora of experimental models. Consistently, mutations in autophagy-related processes cause severe human pathologies. Here, we review and discuss preclinical data linking autophagy dysfunction to the pathogenesis of major human disorders including cancer as well as cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, metabolic, pulmonary, renal, infectious, musculoskeletal, and ocular disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Giulia Petroni
- Department of Radiation OncologyWeill Cornell Medical CollegeNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Ravi K Amaravadi
- Department of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPAUSA
- Abramson Cancer CenterUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPAUSA
| | - Eric H Baehrecke
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer BiologyUniversity of Massachusetts Medical SchoolWorcesterMAUSA
| | - Andrea Ballabio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and MedicinePozzuoliItaly
- Department of Translational Medical SciencesSection of PediatricsFederico II UniversityNaplesItaly
- Department of Molecular and Human GeneticsBaylor College of Medicine, and Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research InstituteTexas Children HospitalHoustonTXUSA
| | - Patricia Boya
- Margarita Salas Center for Biological ResearchSpanish National Research CouncilMadridSpain
| | - José Manuel Bravo‐San Pedro
- Faculty of MedicineDepartment Section of PhysiologyComplutense University of MadridMadridSpain
- Center for Networked Biomedical Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED)MadridSpain
| | - Ken Cadwell
- Kimmel Center for Biology and Medicine at the Skirball InstituteNew York University Grossman School of MedicineNew YorkNYUSA
- Department of MicrobiologyNew York University Grossman School of MedicineNew YorkNYUSA
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of MedicineNew York University Langone HealthNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Francesco Cecconi
- Cell Stress and Survival UnitCenter for Autophagy, Recycling and Disease (CARD)Danish Cancer Society Research CenterCopenhagenDenmark
- Department of Pediatric Onco‐Hematology and Cell and Gene TherapyIRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's HospitalRomeItaly
- Department of BiologyUniversity of Rome ‘Tor Vergata’RomeItaly
| | - Augustine M K Choi
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care MedicineJoan and Sanford I. Weill Department of MedicineWeill Cornell MedicineNew YorkNYUSA
- New York‐Presbyterian HospitalWeill Cornell MedicineNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Mary E Choi
- New York‐Presbyterian HospitalWeill Cornell MedicineNew YorkNYUSA
- Division of Nephrology and HypertensionJoan and Sanford I. Weill Department of MedicineWeill Cornell MedicineNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Charleen T Chu
- Department of PathologyUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPAUSA
| | - Patrice Codogno
- Institut Necker‐Enfants MaladesINSERM U1151‐CNRS UMR 8253ParisFrance
- Université de ParisParisFrance
| | - Maria Isabel Colombo
- Laboratorio de Mecanismos Moleculares Implicados en el Tráfico Vesicular y la Autofagia‐Instituto de Histología y Embriología (IHEM)‐Universidad Nacional de CuyoCONICET‐ Facultad de Ciencias MédicasMendozaArgentina
| | - Ana Maria Cuervo
- Department of Developmental and Molecular BiologyAlbert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNYUSA
- Institute for Aging StudiesAlbert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNYUSA
| | - Vojo Deretic
- Autophagy Inflammation and Metabolism (AIMCenter of Biomedical Research ExcellenceUniversity of New Mexico Health Sciences CenterAlbuquerqueNMUSA
- Department of Molecular Genetics and MicrobiologyUniversity of New Mexico Health Sciences CenterAlbuquerqueNMUSA
| | - Ivan Dikic
- Institute of Biochemistry IISchool of MedicineGoethe UniversityFrankfurt, Frankfurt am MainGermany
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life SciencesGoethe UniversityFrankfurt, Frankfurt am MainGermany
| | - Zvulun Elazar
- Department of Biomolecular SciencesThe Weizmann Institute of ScienceRehovotIsrael
| | | | - Gian Maria Fimia
- Department of Molecular MedicineSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
- Department of EpidemiologyPreclinical Research, and Advanced DiagnosticsNational Institute for Infectious Diseases ‘L. Spallanzani’ IRCCSRomeItaly
| | - David A Gewirtz
- Department of Pharmacology and ToxicologySchool of MedicineVirginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmondVAUSA
| | - Douglas R Green
- Department of ImmunologySt. Jude Children's Research HospitalMemphisTNUSA
| | - Malene Hansen
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery InstituteProgram of DevelopmentAging, and RegenerationLa JollaCAUSA
| | - Marja Jäättelä
- Cell Death and MetabolismCenter for Autophagy, Recycling & DiseaseDanish Cancer Society Research CenterCopenhagenDenmark
- Department of Cellular and Molecular MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Terje Johansen
- Department of Medical BiologyMolecular Cancer Research GroupUniversity of Tromsø—The Arctic University of NorwayTromsøNorway
| | - Gábor Juhász
- Institute of GeneticsBiological Research CenterSzegedHungary
- Department of Anatomy, Cell and Developmental BiologyEötvös Loránd UniversityBudapestHungary
| | | | - Claudine Kraft
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyZBMZFaculty of MedicineUniversity of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
- CIBSS ‐ Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling StudiesUniversity of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | - Guido Kroemer
- Centre de Recherche des CordeliersEquipe Labellisée par la Ligue Contre le CancerUniversité de ParisSorbonne UniversitéInserm U1138Institut Universitaire de FranceParisFrance
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology PlatformsInstitut Gustave RoussyVillejuifFrance
- Pôle de BiologieHôpital Européen Georges PompidouAP‐HPParisFrance
- Suzhou Institute for Systems MedicineChinese Academy of Medical SciencesSuzhouChina
- Karolinska InstituteDepartment of Women's and Children's HealthKarolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
| | | | - Sharad Kumar
- Centre for Cancer BiologyUniversity of South AustraliaAdelaideSAAustralia
- Faculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideSAAustralia
| | - Carlos Lopez‐Otin
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología MolecularFacultad de MedicinaInstituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA)Universidad de OviedoOviedoSpain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC)MadridSpain
| | - Kay F Macleod
- The Ben May Department for Cancer ResearchThe Gordon Center for Integrative SciencesW‐338The University of ChicagoChicagoILUSA
- The University of ChicagoChicagoILUSA
| | - Frank Madeo
- Institute of Molecular BiosciencesNAWI GrazUniversity of GrazGrazAustria
- BioTechMed‐GrazGrazAustria
- Field of Excellence BioHealth – University of GrazGrazAustria
| | - Jennifer Martinez
- Immunity, Inflammation and Disease LaboratoryNational Institute of Environmental Health SciencesNIHResearch Triangle ParkNCUSA
| | - Alicia Meléndez
- Biology Department, Queens CollegeCity University of New YorkFlushingNYUSA
- The Graduate Center Biology and Biochemistry PhD Programs of the City University of New YorkNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Noboru Mizushima
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyGraduate School of MedicineThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Christian Münz
- Viral ImmunobiologyInstitute of Experimental ImmunologyUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Josef M Penninger
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA)Vienna BioCenter (VBC)ViennaAustria
- Department of Medical GeneticsLife Sciences InstituteUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBCCanada
| | - Rushika M Perera
- Department of AnatomyUniversity of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoCAUSA
- Department of PathologyUniversity of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoCAUSA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer CenterUniversity of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoCAUSA
| | - Mauro Piacentini
- Department of BiologyUniversity of Rome “Tor Vergata”RomeItaly
- Laboratory of Molecular MedicineInstitute of Cytology Russian Academy of ScienceSaint PetersburgRussia
| | - Fulvio Reggiori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells & SystemsMolecular Cell Biology SectionUniversity of GroningenUniversity Medical Center GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - David C Rubinsztein
- Department of Medical GeneticsCambridge Institute for Medical ResearchUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
- UK Dementia Research InstituteUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Kevin M Ryan
- Cancer Research UK Beatson InstituteGlasgowUK
- Institute of Cancer SciencesUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | - Junichi Sadoshima
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular MedicineCardiovascular Research InstituteRutgers New Jersey Medical SchoolNewarkNJUSA
| | - Laura Santambrogio
- Department of Radiation OncologyWeill Cornell Medical CollegeNew YorkNYUSA
- Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer CenterNew YorkNYUSA
- Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision MedicineNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Luca Scorrano
- Istituto Veneto di Medicina MolecolarePadovaItaly
- Department of BiologyUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
| | - Hans‐Uwe Simon
- Institute of PharmacologyUniversity of BernBernSwitzerland
- Department of Clinical Immunology and AllergologySechenov UniversityMoscowRussia
- Laboratory of Molecular ImmunologyInstitute of Fundamental Medicine and BiologyKazan Federal UniversityKazanRussia
| | | | - Anne Simonsen
- Department of Molecular MedicineInstitute of Basic Medical SciencesUniversity of OsloOsloNorway
- Centre for Cancer Cell ReprogrammingInstitute of Clinical MedicineUniversity of OsloOsloNorway
- Department of Molecular Cell BiologyInstitute for Cancer ResearchOslo University Hospital MontebelloOsloNorway
| | - Alexandra Stolz
- Institute of Biochemistry IISchool of MedicineGoethe UniversityFrankfurt, Frankfurt am MainGermany
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life SciencesGoethe UniversityFrankfurt, Frankfurt am MainGermany
| | - Nektarios Tavernarakis
- Institute of Molecular Biology and BiotechnologyFoundation for Research and Technology‐HellasHeraklion, CreteGreece
- Department of Basic SciencesSchool of MedicineUniversity of CreteHeraklion, CreteGreece
| | - Sharon A Tooze
- Molecular Cell Biology of AutophagyThe Francis Crick InstituteLondonUK
| | - Tamotsu Yoshimori
- Department of GeneticsGraduate School of MedicineOsaka UniversitySuitaJapan
- Department of Intracellular Membrane DynamicsGraduate School of Frontier BiosciencesOsaka UniversitySuitaJapan
- Integrated Frontier Research for Medical Science DivisionInstitute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives (OTRI)Osaka UniversitySuitaJapan
| | - Junying Yuan
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and ChemistryShanghai Institute of Organic ChemistryChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
- Department of Cell BiologyHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
| | - Zhenyu Yue
- Department of NeurologyFriedman Brain InstituteIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Qing Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of EducationDepartment of PathophysiologyShanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SJTU‐SM)ShanghaiChina
| | - Lorenzo Galluzzi
- Department of Radiation OncologyWeill Cornell Medical CollegeNew YorkNYUSA
- Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer CenterNew YorkNYUSA
- Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision MedicineNew YorkNYUSA
- Department of DermatologyYale School of MedicineNew HavenCTUSA
- Université de ParisParisFrance
| | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Ge P, Zhang X, Yang YQ, Lv MQ, Zhang J, Han SP, Zhao WB, Zhou DX. Rno_circRNA_016194 might be involved in the testicular injury induced by long-term formaldehyde exposure via rno-miR-449a-5p mediated Atg4b activation. Food Chem Toxicol 2021; 155:112409. [PMID: 34265366 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2021.112409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Although circular RNAs (circRNAs) can function as microRNAs (miRNAs) sponges to participate in spermatogenesis, little is known about the functions of circRNAs in testis exposed to formaldehyde. In this study, twenty-four male SD rats (6-8 weeks) were randomly assigned to four groups, including a control group, 0.5, 2.46, and 5 mg/m3 formaldehyde exposure groups, inhaling formaldehyde for eight consecutive weeks. The RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression of rno_circRNA_016194; the testicular injuries were observed by testicular histopathology. Our study illustrated up-regulated rno_circRNA_016194 was dose-dependent with formaldehyde. Simultaneously, the testicular histopathology showed an obvious damages in the 2.46 and 5 mg/m3 formaldehyde exposure rats. Combined with bioinformatics analysis, the rno-miR-449a-5p was predicted and verified that its expression decreased in the testis exposed to formaldehyde. Meanwhile, the testicular morphometry changes were contrary to the expression of rno_circRNA_016194 and consistent with rno-miR-449a-5p. Moreover, bioinformatics analysis also prompted the potential downstream target gene for rno_circRNA_016194/rno-miR-449a-5p was Atg4b, and Atg4b expression was up-regulated in rats exposed to formaldehyde verifying by Western blot. Collectively, the rno_circRNA_016194 might be involved in formaldehyde-induced male reproductive toxicity and become potential therapeutic targets for male occupational exposure to formaldehyde.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pan Ge
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China; Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Xiang Zhang
- Department of Science and Education, Xi'an Children' s Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710003, China
| | - Yan-Qi Yang
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China; Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Mo-Qi Lv
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China; Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Shui-Ping Han
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Wen-Bao Zhao
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Dang-Xia Zhou
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China; Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Lei Y, Zhang X, Xu Q, Liu S, Li C, Jiang H, Lin H, Kong E, Liu J, Qi S, Li H, Xu W, Lu K. Autophagic elimination of ribosomes during spermiogenesis provides energy for flagellar motility. Dev Cell 2021; 56:2313-2328.e7. [PMID: 34428398 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2021.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
How autophagy initiation is regulated and what the functional significance of this regulation is are unknown. Here, we characterized the role of yeast Vac8 in autophagy initiation through recruitment of PIK3C3-C1 to the phagophore assembly site (PAS). This recruitment is dependent on the palmitoylation of Vac8 and on its middle ARM domains for binding PIK3C3-C1. Vac8-mediated anchoring of PIK3C3-C1 promotes PtdIns3P generation at the PAS and recruitment of the PtdIns3P binding protein Atg18-Atg2. The mouse homolog of Vac8, ARMC3, is conserved and functions in autophagy in mouse testes. Mice lacking ARMC3 have normal viability but show complete male infertility. Proteomic analysis indicated that the autophagic degradation of cytosolic ribosomes was blocked in ARMC3-deficient spermatids, which caused low energy levels of mitochondria and motionless flagella. These studies uncovered a function of Vac8/ARMC3 in PtdIns3-kinase anchoring at the PAS and its physical significance in mammalian spermatogenesis with a germ tissue-specific autophagic function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Lei
- Department of Pathology, West China Second University Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xueguang Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SCU-CUHK), Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Qingjia Xu
- Department of Neurology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Shiyan Liu
- Department of Neurology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Chunxia Li
- Department of Neurology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Hui Jiang
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China; Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Haocheng Lin
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China; Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Eryan Kong
- Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, China
| | - Jiaming Liu
- Department of Urology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Shiqian Qi
- Department of Urology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Huihui Li
- Department of Pathology, West China Second University Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, and Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Wenming Xu
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SCU-CUHK), Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Kefeng Lu
- Department of Neurology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Guo Y, Ma Y, Zhang J, Jiang S, Yuan G, Cheng J, Lan T, Hao J. Alteration in autophagy gene expression profile correlates with low sperm quality. Reprod Biol 2021; 21:100546. [PMID: 34428669 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2021.100546] [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: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Low sperm quality, a crucial factor of male infertility, is becoming a public health issue all over the world. In male reproductive system, autophagy plays an important role in maintaining physiological functions. There exist conjectures that disordered autophagy autophagy might be related to low sperm quality. However, there is no evidence can confirm that. This study aims to investigate the association between autophagy-associated genes and low sperm quality. METHODS Sperm samples of low sperm quality cases and matched controls were included to select differential expressed genes (DE genes) by autophagy-related functional gene microarray analysis. Then, 104 cases and 250 controls were included to validate the expression of four important autophagy genes (CXCR4, ESR1, PTEN and LC3B). Based on the obtained DE gene, gene Ontology and pathway analyses were conducted. RESULTS Chip results showed that expression of all 18 DE genes were decreased in the cases compared to the controls (P < 0.05). Expression of ESR1 were verified to be significantly decreased (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Our results provided clues with the association among down-regulated expression of autophagy regulating and associated genes and low sperm quality. These findings revealed possible role of impaired autophagy in the mechanism of low sperm quality. Moreover, these may also provide potential targets for the treatment of low sperm quality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yinsheng Guo
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China.
| | - Yue Ma
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China.
| | - Jin Zhang
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Shuai Jiang
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Guanxiang Yuan
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Jinquan Cheng
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Tao Lan
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Jindou Hao
- Department of Paediatrics, Affliated Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Varuzhanyan G, Ladinsky MS, Yamashita SI, Abe M, Sakimura K, Kanki T, Chan DC. Fis1 ablation in the male germline disrupts mitochondrial morphology and mitophagy, and arrests spermatid maturation. Development 2021; 148:271183. [PMID: 34355730 PMCID: PMC8380467 DOI: 10.1242/dev.199686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Male germline development involves choreographed changes to mitochondrial number, morphology and organization. Mitochondrial reorganization during spermatogenesis was recently shown to require mitochondrial fusion and fission. Mitophagy, the autophagic degradation of mitochondria, is another mechanism for controlling mitochondrial number and physiology, but its role during spermatogenesis is largely unknown. During post-meiotic spermatid development, restructuring of the mitochondrial network results in packing of mitochondria into a tight array in the sperm midpiece to fuel motility. Here, we show that disruption of mouse Fis1 in the male germline results in early spermatid arrest that is associated with increased mitochondrial content. Mutant spermatids coalesce into multinucleated giant cells that accumulate mitochondria of aberrant ultrastructure and numerous mitophagic and autophagic intermediates, suggesting a defect in mitophagy. We conclude that Fis1 regulates mitochondrial morphology and turnover to promote spermatid maturation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Grigor Varuzhanyan
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena CA 91125, USA
| | - Mark S Ladinsky
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena CA 91125, USA
| | - Shun-Ichi Yamashita
- Department of Cellular Physiology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - Manabu Abe
- Department of Animal Model Development, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8585, Japan
| | - Kenji Sakimura
- Department of Animal Model Development, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8585, Japan
| | - Tomotake Kanki
- Department of Cellular Physiology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - David C Chan
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena CA 91125, USA
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Yamamuro T, Nakamura S, Yamano Y, Endo T, Yanagawa K, Tokumura A, Matsumura T, Kobayashi K, Mori H, Enokidani Y, Yoshida G, Imoto H, Kawabata T, Hamasaki M, Kuma A, Kuribayashi S, Takezawa K, Okada Y, Ozawa M, Fukuhara S, Shinohara T, Ikawa M, Yoshimori T. Rubicon prevents autophagic degradation of GATA4 to promote Sertoli cell function. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009688. [PMID: 34351902 PMCID: PMC8341604 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy degrades unnecessary proteins or damaged organelles to maintain cellular function. Therefore, autophagy has a preventive role against various diseases including hepatic disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. Although autophagy in germ cells or Sertoli cells is known to be required for spermatogenesis and male fertility, it remains poorly understood how autophagy participates in spermatogenesis. We found that systemic knockout mice of Rubicon, a negative regulator of autophagy, exhibited a substantial reduction in testicular weight, spermatogenesis, and male fertility, associated with upregulation of autophagy. Rubicon-null mice also had lower levels of mRNAs of Sertoli cell–related genes in testis. Importantly, Rubicon knockout in Sertoli cells, but not in germ cells, caused a defect in spermatogenesis and germline stem cell maintenance in mice, indicating a critical role of Rubicon in Sertoli cells. In mechanistic terms, genetic loss of Rubicon promoted autophagic degradation of GATA4, a transcription factor that is essential for Sertoli cell function. Furthermore, androgen antagonists caused a significant decrease in the levels of Rubicon and GATA4 in testis, accompanied by elevated autophagy. Collectively, we propose that Rubicon promotes Sertoli cell function by preventing autophagic degradation of GATA4, and that this mechanism could be regulated by androgens. Androgens, known as “male” hormones, stimulate and activate their receptors in various tissues, including testicular cells and skeletal muscle cells, thereby maintaining spermatogenesis and muscle mass. Notably, androgens-dependent maintenance of male reproduction is of particular interest because the incidence of male infertility has increased in recent decades. Previous studies revealed that Androgen receptor knockout in Sertoli cells causes defective spermatogenesis, indicating a crucial role of androgens in Sertoli cells. Another study suggested that fatherhood-dependent downregulation of androgens could decrease male fertility, leading the male to concentrate on parenting existing offspring. However, it remains largely unknown how androgen regulates Sertoli cell function for male reproduction. In the present study, our results suggest that androgens regulate testicular levels of Rubicon, a negative regulator of autophagy, to control autophagic degradation of GATA4 that is required for Sertoli cell function. Because autophagy and androgens participate in various cellular processes, we anticipate that this study will provide a solid evidence for understanding such processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tadashi Yamamuro
- Department of Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shuhei Nakamura
- Department of Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Laboratory of Intracellular Membrane Dynamics, Graduate school of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Institute for Advanced Co-Creation Studies, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- * E-mail: (SN); (TY)
| | - Yu Yamano
- Laboratory of Intracellular Membrane Dynamics, Graduate school of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Endo
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kyosuke Yanagawa
- Department of Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ayaka Tokumura
- Department of Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takafumi Matsumura
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kiyonori Kobayashi
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hideto Mori
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Tsuruoka, Yamagata, Japan
- Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yusuke Enokidani
- Department of Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Gota Yoshida
- Department of Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hitomi Imoto
- Department of Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Laboratory of Intracellular Membrane Dynamics, Graduate school of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Kawabata
- Department of Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Laboratory of Intracellular Membrane Dynamics, Graduate school of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Atomic Bomb Disease Institute, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Maho Hamasaki
- Department of Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Laboratory of Intracellular Membrane Dynamics, Graduate school of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Akiko Kuma
- Department of Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Laboratory of Intracellular Membrane Dynamics, Graduate school of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Sohei Kuribayashi
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kentaro Takezawa
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuki Okada
- Laboratory of Pathology and Development, The Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Manabu Ozawa
- Laboratory of Reproductive Systems Biology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Fukuhara
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takashi Shinohara
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Sakyo-Ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Laboratory of Reproductive Systems Biology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tamotsu Yoshimori
- Department of Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Laboratory of Intracellular Membrane Dynamics, Graduate school of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Integrated Frontier Research for Medical Science Division, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives (OTRI), Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- * E-mail: (SN); (TY)
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Zhou JK, Fan X, Cheng J, Liu W, Peng Y. PDLIM1: Structure, function and implication in cancer. Cell Stress 2021; 5:119-127. [PMID: 34396044 PMCID: PMC8335553 DOI: 10.15698/cst2021.08.254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
PDLIM1, a member of the PDZ-LIM family, is a cytoskeletal protein and functions as a platform to form distinct protein complexes, thus participating in multiple physiological processes such as cytoskeleton regulation and synapse formation. Emerging evidence demonstrates that PDLIM1 is dysregualted in a variety of tumors and plays essential roles in tumor initiation and progression. In this review, we summarize the structure and function of PDLIM1, as well as its important roles in human cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Kang Zhou
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xin Fan
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jian Cheng
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Wenrong Liu
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yong Peng
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Gao X, Wang L, Liu C, Luo S, Du C, Jin S, Zhu J. Ultrastructure evidence for vesicles and double-membrane structures involved in cytoplasmic elimination during spermiogenesis in large yellow croaker, Larimichthys crocea (Teleostei, Perciformes, Scienidae). Micron 2021; 150:103122. [PMID: 34352468 DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2021.103122] [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: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Spermatids eliminate excess cytoplasm to form streamlined sperm during spermiogenesis, which mechanism is insufficiently elucidated in fish. In this study, we investigated the cytoplasmic elimination procedure in spermatid during spermiogenesis in the large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) using transmission electron microscopy. The early spermatid is subrotund with a centrally located nucleus. With further development, nucleus polarizes into one side of the cell while the cytoplasm with numerous vesicles near the membrane migrates to the caudal region. Furthermore, exocytosis-like structures were detected in middle spermatid. In late spermatid, the vesicles are reduced and rarely observed. These findings indicate that vesicles may be involved in cytoplasmic elimination possibly via exocytosis. In the later spermatid, a double-membrane, autophagosome-like structure envelopes the cytoplasm, which may develop into a single-membrane structure, and gets discarded from the cell as a residual body from the caudal region. This suggests its potential functions in the formation of residual body and cytoplasmic elimination. Overall, our results revealed that polarized development of spermatid causes polarized distribution of cytoplasm necessary for cytoplasmic elimination. Moreover, they provide ultrastructure evidence for vesicles and double-membrane structures involved in discarding spermatid cytoplasm in large yellow croaker, thus offering novel insights into cytoplasmic elimination during spermiogenesis in fish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinming Gao
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology by the Ministry of Education, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315211, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Wang
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology by the Ministry of Education, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315211, People's Republic of China
| | - Cheng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology by the Ministry of Education, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315211, People's Republic of China
| | - Shengyu Luo
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology by the Ministry of Education, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315211, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen Du
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology by the Ministry of Education, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315211, People's Republic of China
| | - Shan Jin
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology by the Ministry of Education, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315211, People's Republic of China
| | - Junquan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology by the Ministry of Education, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315211, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
TSGA10 as a Potential Key Factor in the Process of Spermatid Differentiation/Maturation: Deciphering Its Association with Autophagy Pathway. Reprod Sci 2021; 28:3228-3240. [PMID: 34232471 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00648-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Testis-specific gene antigen 10 (TSGA10) plays an important role in spermatogenesis. However, the exact TSGA10 role and its relationship with the autophagy pathway in the process of spermatids differentiation/maturation is still not clear. Therefore, the present study evaluates the role of TSGA10 gene in the spermatid differentiation/maturation through its effect on autophagy and explores possible underlying pathway(s). Sperm samples from patients with teratospermia were collected. The mRNA and protein level of TSGA10 in these samples were assessed by real-time PCR and western blotting. Using the ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) software, the gene network and interactions of TSGA10 involved in sperm maturation and autophagy were investigated. Based on these analyses, the expression levels of identified genes in patient's samples and healthy controls were further evaluated. Moreover, using flow cytometry analysis, the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS( production in teratospermic sperm samples were evaluated. The results showed that the expression levels of TSGA10 mRNA and protein decreased significantly in the teratospermic patients compared to controls (P < 0.05). Moreover, a significant reduction in the expression of the important genes involved in sperm maturation and autophagy was observed (P < 0.05). Also, the levels of ROS production in teratospermic sperm samples were shown to be significantly higher compared to those in normal sperms (P < 0.05). Our findings provide new evidence that simultaneous decrease in TSGA10 and autophagy beside the increased level of ROS production in sperm cells might be associated with the abnormalities in the spermatids differentiation/maturation and the formation of sperms with abnormal morphology.
Collapse
|