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Rahim F, Tao L, Khan K, Ali I, Zeb A, Khan I, Dil S, Abbas T, Hussain A, Zubair M, Zhang H, Hui M, Khan MA, Shah W, Shi Q. A homozygous ARMC3 splicing variant causes asthenozoospermia and flagellar disorganization in a consanguineous family. Clin Genet 2024; 106:437-447. [PMID: 39221575 DOI: 10.1111/cge.14575] [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: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Male infertility due to asthenozoospermia is quite frequent, but its etiology is poorly understood. We recruited two infertile brothers, born to first-cousin parents from Pakistan, displaying idiopathic asthenozoospermia with mild stuttering disorder but no ciliary-related symptoms. Whole-exome sequencing identified a splicing variant (c.916+1G>A) in ARMC3, recessively co-segregating with asthenozoospermia in the family. The ARMC3 protein is evolutionarily highly conserved and is mostly expressed in the brain and testicular tissue of human. The ARMC3 splicing mutation leads to the exclusion of exon 8, resulting in a predicted truncated protein (p.Glu245_Asp305delfs*16). Quantitative real-time PCR revealed a significant decrease at mRNA level for ARMC3 and Western blot analysis did not detect ARMC3 protein in the patient's sperm. Individuals homozygous for the ARMC3 splicing variant displayed reduced sperm motility with frequent morphological abnormalities of sperm flagella. Transmission electron microscopy of the affected individual IV: 2 revealed vacuolation in sperm mitochondria at the midpiece and disrupted flagellar ultrastructure in the principal and end piece. Altogether, our results indicate that this novel homozygous ARMC3 splicing mutation destabilizes sperm flagella and leads to asthenozoospermia in our patients, providing a novel marker for genetic counseling and diagnosis of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fazal Rahim
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Liu Tao
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Khalid Khan
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Imtiaz Ali
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Aurang Zeb
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Ihsan Khan
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Sobia Dil
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Tanveer Abbas
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Ansar Hussain
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Muhammad Zubair
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Ma Hui
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Muzammil Ahmad Khan
- Gomal Centre of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Wasim Shah
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Qinghua Shi
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
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2
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Zhou D, Wu H, Wang L, Wang X, Tang S, Zhou Y, Wang J, Wu B, Tang J, Zhou X, Tian S, Liu S, Lv M, He X, Jin L, Shi H, Zhang F, Cao Y, Liu C. Deficiency of MFSD6L, an acrosome membrane protein, causes oligoasthenoteratozoospermia in humans and mice. J Genet Genomics 2024; 51:1007-1019. [PMID: 38909778 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2024.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia is an important factor affecting male fertility and has been found to be associated with genetic factors. However, there are still a proportion of oligoasthenoteratozoospermia cases that cannot be explained by known pathogenic genetic variants. Here, we perform genetic analyses and identify bi-allelic loss-of-function variants of MFSD6L from an oligoasthenoteratozoospermia-affected family. Mfsd6l knock-out male mice also present male subfertility with reduced sperm concentration, motility, and deformed acrosomes. Further mechanistic analyses reveal that MFSD6L, as an acrosome membrane protein, plays an important role in the formation of acrosome by interacting with the inner acrosomal membrane protein SPACA1. Moreover, poor embryonic development is consistently observed after intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment using spermatozoa from the MFSD6L-deficient man and male mice. Collectively, our findings reveal that MFSD6L is required for the anchoring of sperm acrosome and head shaping. The deficiency of MFSD6L affects male fertility and causes oligoasthenoteratozoospermia in humans and mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dapeng Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Human Phenome Institute, Zhangjiang Fudan International Innovation Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; Institute of Medical Genetics and Genomics, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Huan Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Lingbo Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, 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, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Shuyan Tang
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Genomics, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Yiling Zhou
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Genomics, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Jiaxiong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215002, China; Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215002, China
| | - Bangguo Wu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, 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, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Xuehai Zhou
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Shixiong Tian
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Shuang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Human Phenome Institute, Zhangjiang Fudan International Innovation Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; Institute of Medical Genetics and Genomics, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Mingrong Lv
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Xiaojin He
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Li Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Human Phenome Institute, Zhangjiang Fudan International Innovation Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, 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, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Human Phenome Institute, Zhangjiang Fudan International Innovation Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; Institute of Medical Genetics and Genomics, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Soong Ching Ling Institute of Maternity and Child Health, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China.
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China.
| | - Chunyu Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Soong Ching Ling Institute of Maternity and Child Health, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China.
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Hussain A, Zhang H, Zubair M, Shah W, Khan K, Ali I, Raza Y, Zeb A, Abbas T, Ahmed N, Rahim F, Mustafa G, Uddin M, Ullah N, Abbas M, Khan MA, Ma H, Yang B, Shi QH. A novel homozygous splicing mutation in AK7 causes multiple morphological abnormalities of sperm flagella in patients from consanguineous Pakistani families. Asian J Androl 2024:00129336-990000000-00242. [PMID: 39254435 DOI: 10.4103/aja202471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella (MMAF) represent a severe form of sperm defects leading to asthenozoospermia and male infertility. In this study, we identified a novel homozygous splicing mutation (c.871-4 ACA>A) in the adenylate kinase 7 (AK7) gene by whole-exome sequencing in infertile individuals. Spermatozoa from affected individuals exhibited typical MMAF characteristics, including coiled, bent, short, absent, and irregular flagella. Transmission electron microscopy analysis showed disorganized axonemal structure and abnormal mitochondrial sheets in sperm flagella. Immunofluorescence staining confirmed the absence of AK7 protein from the patients' spermatozoa, validating the pathogenic nature of the mutation. This study provides direct evidence linking the AK7 gene to MMAF-associated asthenozoospermia in humans, expanding the mutational spectrum of AK7 and enhancing our understanding of the genetic basis of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ansar Hussain
- Center for Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- Center for Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Muhammad Zubair
- Center for Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Wasim Shah
- Center for Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Khalid Khan
- Center for Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Imtiaz Ali
- Center for Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Yousaf Raza
- Center for Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Aurang Zeb
- Center for Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Tanveer Abbas
- Center for Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Nisar Ahmed
- Center for Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Fazal Rahim
- Center for Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Ghulam Mustafa
- Center for Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Meftah Uddin
- Center for Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Nadeem Ullah
- Center for Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Musavir Abbas
- Center for Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Muzammil Ahmad Khan
- Gomal Centre of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan 29220, Pakistan
| | - Hui Ma
- Center for Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Bo Yang
- Center for Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Qing-Hua Shi
- Center for Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
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Miyata H, Shimada K, Kaneda Y, Ikawa M. Development of functional spermatozoa in mammalian spermiogenesis. Development 2024; 151:dev202838. [PMID: 39036999 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202838] [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: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Infertility is a global health problem affecting one in six couples, with 50% of cases attributed to male infertility. Spermatozoa are male gametes, specialized cells that can be divided into two parts: the head and the flagellum. The head contains a vesicle called the acrosome that undergoes exocytosis and the flagellum is a motility apparatus that propels the spermatozoa forward and can be divided into two components, axonemes and accessory structures. For spermatozoa to fertilize oocytes, the acrosome and flagellum must be formed correctly. In this Review, we describe comprehensively how functional spermatozoa develop in mammals during spermiogenesis, including the formation of acrosomes, axonemes and accessory structures by focusing on analyses of mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruhiko Miyata
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Keisuke Shimada
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yuki Kaneda
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
- Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
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5
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Ali I, Ali H, Unar A, Rahim F, Khan K, Dil S, Abbas T, Hussain A, Zeb A, Zubair M, Zhang H, Ma H, Jiang X, Khan MA, Xu B, Shah W, Shi Q. A novel homozygous missense TTC12 variant identified in an infertile Pakistani man with severe oligoasthenoteratozoospermia and primary ciliary dyskinesia. Mol Genet Genomics 2024; 299:69. [PMID: 38992144 DOI: 10.1007/s00438-024-02161-2] [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: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
TTC12 is a cytoplasmic and centromere-localized protein that plays a role in the proper assembly of dynein arm complexes in motile cilia in both respiratory cells and sperm flagella. This finding underscores its significance in cellular motility and function. However, the wide role of TTC12 in human spermatogenesis-associated primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) still needs to be elucidated. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) and Sanger sequencing were performed to identify potentially pathogenic variants causing PCD and multiple morphological abnormalities of sperm flagella (MMAF) in an infertile Pakistani man. Diagnostic imaging techniques were used for PCD screening in the patient. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT‒PCR) was performed to detect the effect of mutations on the mRNA abundance of the affected genes. Papanicolaou staining and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were carried out to examine sperm morphology. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was performed to examine the ultrastructure of the sperm flagella, and the results were confirmed by immunofluorescence staining. Using WES and Sanger sequencing, a novel homozygous missense variant (c.C1069T; p.Arg357Trp) in TTC12 was identified in a patient from a consanguineous family. A computed tomography scan of the paranasal sinuses confirmed the symptoms of the PCD. RT-PCR showed a decrease in TTC12 mRNA in the patient's sperm sample. Papanicolaou staining, SEM, and TEM analysis revealed a significant change in shape and a disorganized axonemal structure in the sperm flagella of the patient. Immunostaining assays revealed that TTC12 is distributed throughout the flagella and is predominantly concentrated in the midpiece in normal spermatozoa. In contrast, spermatozoa from patient deficient in TTC12 showed minimal staining intensity for TTC12 or DNAH17 (outer dynein arms components). This could lead to MMAF and result in male infertility. This novel TTC12 variant not only illuminates the underlying genetic causes of male infertility but also paves the way for potential treatments targeting these genetic factors. This study represents a significant advancement in understanding the genetic basis of PCD-related infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imtiaz Ali
- Institute of Health and Medicine Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science CenterFirst Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at MicroscaleBiomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Haider Ali
- Institute of Health and Medicine Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science CenterFirst Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at MicroscaleBiomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Ahsanullah Unar
- Institute of Health and Medicine Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science CenterFirst Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at MicroscaleBiomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Fazal Rahim
- Institute of Health and Medicine Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science CenterFirst Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at MicroscaleBiomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Khalid Khan
- Institute of Health and Medicine Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science CenterFirst Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at MicroscaleBiomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Sobia Dil
- Institute of Health and Medicine Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science CenterFirst Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at MicroscaleBiomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Tanveer Abbas
- Institute of Health and Medicine Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science CenterFirst Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at MicroscaleBiomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Ansar Hussain
- Institute of Health and Medicine Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science CenterFirst Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at MicroscaleBiomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Aurang Zeb
- Institute of Health and Medicine Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science CenterFirst Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at MicroscaleBiomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Muhammad Zubair
- Institute of Health and Medicine Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science CenterFirst Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at MicroscaleBiomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- Institute of Health and Medicine Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science CenterFirst Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at MicroscaleBiomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Hui Ma
- Institute of Health and Medicine Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science CenterFirst Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at MicroscaleBiomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Xiaohua Jiang
- Institute of Health and Medicine Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science CenterFirst Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at MicroscaleBiomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Muzammil Ahmad Khan
- Gomal Centre of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Bo Xu
- Institute of Health and Medicine Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science CenterFirst Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at MicroscaleBiomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
| | - Wasim Shah
- Institute of Health and Medicine Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science CenterFirst Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at MicroscaleBiomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
| | - Qinghua Shi
- Institute of Health and Medicine Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science CenterFirst Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at MicroscaleBiomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
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6
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Navapour L, Mogharrab N, Parvin A, Rezaei Arablouydareh S, Movahedpour A, Jebraeily M, Taheri-Anganeh M, Ghasemnejad-Berenji H. Identification of high-risk non-synonymous SNPs (nsSNPs) in DNAH1 and DNAH17 genes associated with male infertility: a bioinformatics analysis. J Appl Genet 2024:10.1007/s13353-024-00884-x. [PMID: 38874855 DOI: 10.1007/s13353-024-00884-x] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Male infertility is a significant reproductive issue affecting a considerable number of couples worldwide. While there are various causes of male infertility, genetic factors play a crucial role in its development. We focused on identifying and analyzing the high-risk nsSNPs in DNAH1 and DNAH17 genes, which encode proteins involved in sperm motility. A total of 20 nsSNPs for DNAH1 and 10 nsSNPs for DNAH17 were analyzed using various bioinformatics tools including SIFT, PolyPhen-2, CADD, PhD-SNPg, VEST-4, and MutPred2. As a result, V1287G, L2071R, R2356W, R3169C, R3229C, E3284K, R4096L, R4133C, and A4174T in DNAH1 gene and C1803Y, C1829Y, R1903C, and L3595P in DNAH17 gene were identified as high-risk nsSNPs. These nsSNPs were predicted to decrease protein stability, and almost all were found in highly conserved amino acid positions. Additionally, 4 nsSNPs were observed to alter post-translational modification status. Furthermore, the interaction network analysis revealed that DNAH1 and DNAH17 interact with DNAH2, DNAH3, DNAH5, DNAH7, DNAH8, DNAI2, DNAL1, CFAP70, DNAI3, DNAI4, ODAD1, and DNAI7, demonstrating the importance of DNAH1 and DNAH17 proteins in the overall functioning of the sperm motility machinery. Taken together, these findings revealed the detrimental effects of identified high-risk nsSNPs on protein structure and function and highlighted their potential relevance to male infertility. Further studies are warranted to validate these findings and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Navapour
- Reproductive Health Research Center, Clinical Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Navid Mogharrab
- Biophysics and Computational Biology Laboratory (BCBL), Department of Biology, College of Sciences, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ali Parvin
- Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Sahar Rezaei Arablouydareh
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | - Mohamad Jebraeily
- Department of Health Information Technology, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Mortaza Taheri-Anganeh
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
| | - Hojat Ghasemnejad-Berenji
- Reproductive Health Research Center, Clinical Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
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7
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Ahmad N, Yang ML, Zeb A, Zhou JT, Zubair M, Abbas T, Jiang XH, Zhang YW, Zhang H, Shah W, Shi QH. A novel missense mutation of CCDC34 causes male infertility with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia in a consanguineous Pakistani family. Asian J Androl 2024:00129336-990000000-00197. [PMID: 38856307 DOI: 10.4103/aja202432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Male infertility is a worldwide health issue, affecting 8%-12% of the global population. Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) represents a severe type of male infertility, characterized by reduced sperm count and motility and an increased frequency of sperm with aberrant morphology. Using whole-exome sequencing, this study identified a novel missense mutation (c.848C>A, p.A283E) in the coiled-coil domain-containing 34 gene (CCDC34) in a consanguineous Pakistani family. This rare mutation was predicted to be deleterious and to affect the protein stability. Hematoxylin and eosin staining of spermatozoa from the patient with OAT revealed multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella and transmission electron microscopy indicated axonemal ultrastructural defects with a lack of outer dynein arms. These findings indicated that CCDC34 plays a role in maintaining the axonemal ultrastructure and the assembly or stability of the outer dynein arms, thus expanding the phenotypic spectrum of CCDC34 missense mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisar Ahmad
- Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
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8
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Fakhro KA, Awwad J, Garibova S, Saraiva LR, Avella M. Conserved genes regulating human sex differentiation, gametogenesis and fertilization. J Transl Med 2024; 22:473. [PMID: 38764035 PMCID: PMC11103854 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05162-2] [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: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The study of the functional genome in mice and humans has been instrumental for describing the conserved molecular mechanisms regulating human reproductive biology, and for defining the etiologies of monogenic fertility disorders. Infertility is a reproductive disorder that includes various conditions affecting a couple's ability to achieve a healthy pregnancy. Recent advances in next-generation sequencing and CRISPR/Cas-mediated genome editing technologies have facilitated the identification and characterization of genes and mechanisms that, if affected, lead to infertility. We report established genes that regulate conserved functions in fundamental reproductive processes (e.g., sex determination, gametogenesis, and fertilization). We only cover genes the deletion of which yields comparable fertility phenotypes in both rodents and humans. In the case of newly-discovered genes, we report the studies demonstrating shared cellular and fertility phenotypes resulting from loss-of-function mutations in both species. Finally, we introduce new model systems for the study of human reproductive biology and highlight the importance of studying human consanguineous populations to discover novel monogenic causes of infertility. The rapid and continuous screening and identification of putative genetic defects coupled with an efficient functional characterization in animal models can reveal novel mechanisms of gene function in human reproductive tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalid A Fakhro
- Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
- Weill Cornell Medicine, Doha, Qatar
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Johnny Awwad
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
- Obstetrics & Gynecology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
- Vincent Memorial Obstetrics & Gynecology Service, The Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Luis R Saraiva
- Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Matteo Avella
- Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar.
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
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9
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Dupuis S, Girault MS, Le Beulze M, Ialy-Radio C, Bermúdez-Guzmán L, Ziyyat A, Barbaux S. The lack of Tex44 causes severe subfertility with flagellar abnormalities in male mice. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2024; 29:74. [PMID: 38750428 PMCID: PMC11094962 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-024-00587-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
By analyzing a mouse Interspecific Recombinant Congenic Strain (IRCS), we previously identified a quantitative trait locus (QTL), called Mafq1 on mouse chromosome 1, that is associated with male hypofertility and ultrastructural sperm abnormalities. Within this locus, we identified a new candidate gene that could be implicated in a reproductive phenotype: Tex44 (Testis-expressed protein 44). We thus performed a CRISPR/Cas9-mediated complete deletion of this gene in mice in order to study its function. Tex44-KO males were severely hypofertile in vivo and in vitro due to a drastic reduction of sperm motility which itself resulted from important morphological sperm abnormalities. Namely, Tex44-KO sperm showed a disorganized junction between the midpiece and the principal piece of the flagellum, leading to a 180° flagellar bending in this region. In addition, the loss of some axonemal microtubule doublets and outer dense fibers in the flagellum's principal piece has been observed. Our results suggest that, in mice, TEX44 is implicated in the correct set-up of the sperm flagellum during spermiogenesis and its absence leads to flagellar abnormalities and consequently to severe male hypofertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Dupuis
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, 75014, Paris, France
| | | | - Morgane Le Beulze
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, 75014, Paris, France
| | - Côme Ialy-Radio
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, 75014, Paris, France
| | | | - Ahmed Ziyyat
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, 75014, Paris, France
- Service d'Histologie, d'Embryologie, Biologie de La Reproduction, AP-HP, Hôpital Cochin, 75014, Paris, France
| | - Sandrine Barbaux
- Université de Paris, Institut Cochin, INSERM, CNRS, 75014, Paris, France.
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10
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Graziani A, Rocca MS, Vinanzi C, Masi G, Grande G, De Toni L, Ferlin A. Genetic Causes of Qualitative Sperm Defects: A Narrative Review of Clinical Evidence. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:600. [PMID: 38790229 PMCID: PMC11120687 DOI: 10.3390/genes15050600] [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: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Several genes are implicated in spermatogenesis and fertility regulation, and these genes are presently being analysed in clinical practice due to their involvement in male factor infertility (MFI). However, there are still few genetic analyses that are currently recommended for use in clinical practice. In this manuscript, we reviewed the genetic causes of qualitative sperm defects. We distinguished between alterations causing reduced sperm motility (asthenozoospermia) and alterations causing changes in the typical morphology of sperm (teratozoospermia). In detail, the genetic causes of reduced sperm motility may be found in the alteration of genes associated with sperm mitochondrial DNA, mitochondrial proteins, ion transport and channels, and flagellar proteins. On the other hand, the genetic causes of changes in typical sperm morphology are related to conditions with a strong genetic basis, such as macrozoospermia, globozoospermia, and acephalic spermatozoa syndrome. We tried to distinguish alterations approved for routine clinical application from those still unsupported by adequate clinical studies. The most important aspect of the study was related to the correct identification of subjects to be tested and the correct application of genetic tests based on clear clinical data. The correct application of available genetic tests in a scenario where reduced sperm motility and changes in sperm morphology have been observed enables the delivery of a defined diagnosis and plays an important role in clinical decision-making. Finally, clarifying the genetic causes of MFI might, in future, contribute to reducing the proportion of so-called idiopathic MFI, which might indeed be defined as a subtype of MFI whose cause has not yet been revealed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Graziani
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (A.G.); (G.M.); (L.D.T.)
| | - Maria Santa Rocca
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (M.S.R.); (C.V.); (G.G.)
| | - Cinzia Vinanzi
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (M.S.R.); (C.V.); (G.G.)
| | - Giulia Masi
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (A.G.); (G.M.); (L.D.T.)
| | - Giuseppe Grande
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (M.S.R.); (C.V.); (G.G.)
| | - Luca De Toni
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (A.G.); (G.M.); (L.D.T.)
| | - Alberto Ferlin
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (A.G.); (G.M.); (L.D.T.)
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (M.S.R.); (C.V.); (G.G.)
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11
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Liang M, Ji N, Song J, Kang H, Zeng X. Flagellar pH homeostasis mediated by Na+/H+ exchangers regulates human sperm functions through coupling with CatSper and KSper activation. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:674-688. [PMID: 38366201 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Whether and how do Na+/H+ exchangers (NHEs) regulate the physiological functions of human sperm? SUMMARY ANSWER NHE-mediated flagellar intracellular pH (pHi) homeostasis facilitates the activation of the pH-sensitive, sperm-specific Ca2+ channel (CatSper) and the sperm-specific K+ channel (KSper), which subsequently modulate sperm motility, hyperactivation, flagellar tyrosine phosphorylation, and the progesterone (P4)-induced acrosome reaction. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Sperm pHi alkalization is an essential prerequisite for the acquisition of sperm-fertilizing capacity. Different sperm functions are strictly controlled by particular pHi regulatory mechanisms. NHEs are suggested to modulate sperm H+ efflux. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This was a laboratory study that used samples from >50 sperm donors over a period of 1 year. To evaluate NHE action on human sperm function, 5-(N,N-dimethyl)-amiloride (DMA), a highly selective inhibitor of NHEs, was utilized. All experiments were repeated at least five times using different individual sperm samples or cells. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS By utilizing the pH fluorescent indicator pHrodo Red-AM, we detected alterations in single-cell pHi value in human sperm. The currents of CatSper and KSper in human sperm were recorded by the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. Changes in population and single-cell Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) of human sperm loaded with Fluo 4-AM were measured. Membrane potential (Vm) and population pHi were quantitatively examined by a multimode plate reader after sperm were loaded with 3,3'-dipropylthiadicarbocyanine iodide and 2',7'-bis-(2-carboxyethyl)-5-(and-6)-carboxyfluorescein, acetoxymethyl ester, respectively. Sperm motility parameters were assessed by a computer-assisted semen analysis system. Tyrosine phosphorylation was determined by immunofluorescence, and sperm acrosome reaction was evaluated by Pisum sativum agglutinin-FITC staining. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE DMA-induced NHEs inhibition severely acidified the human sperm flagellar pHi from 7.20 ± 0.04 to 6.38 ± 0.12 (mean ± SEM), while the effect of DMA on acrosomal pHi was less obvious (from 5.90 ± 0.13 to 5.57 ± 0.12, mean ± SEM). The whole-cell patch-clamp recordings revealed that NHE inhibition remarkably suppressed alkalization-induced activation of CatSper and KSper. As a consequence, impairment of [Ca2+]i homeostasis and Vm maintenance were detected in the presence of DMA. During the capacitation process, pre-treatment with DMA for 2 h potently decreased sperm pHi, which in turn decreased sperm motility and kinetic parameters. Sperm capacitation-associated functions, including hyperactivation, tyrosine phosphorylation, and P4-induced acrosome reaction, were also compromised by NHE inhibition. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This was an in vitro study. Caution should be taken when extrapolating these results to in vivo applications. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This study revealed that NHEs are important physiological regulators for human CatSper and KSper, which are indispensable for human sperm fertility, suggesting that malfunction of NHEs could be an underlying mechanism for the pathogenesis of male infertility. FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (32271167 and 81871202 to X.Z.), Jiangsu Innovation and Entrepreneurship Talent Plan (JSSCRC20211543 to X.Z.), the Social Development Project of Jiangsu Province (No. BE2022765 to X.Z.), the Society and livelihood Project of Nantong City (No. MS22022087 to X.Z.), and the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province (BK20220608 to H.K.). The authors have no competing interests to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Liang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Nanxi Ji
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Jian Song
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Hang Kang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xuhui Zeng
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
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12
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Bahmyari S, Khatami SH, Taghvimi S, Rezaei Arablouydareh S, Taheri-Anganeh M, Ghasemnejad-Berenji H, Farazmand T, Soltani Fard E, Solati A, Movahedpour A, Ghasemi H. MicroRNAs in Male Fertility. DNA Cell Biol 2024; 43:108-124. [PMID: 38394131 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2023.0314] [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] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Around 50% of all occurrences of infertility are attributable to the male factor, which is a significant global public health concern. There are numerous circumstances that might interfere with spermatogenesis and cause the body to produce abnormal sperm. While evaluating sperm, the count, the speed at which they migrate, and their appearance are the three primary characteristics that are analyzed. MicroRNAs, also known as miRNAs, are present in all physiological fluids and tissues. They participate in both physiological and pathological processes. Researches have demonstrated that the expression of microRNA genes differs in infertile men. These genes regulate spermatogenesis at various stages and in several male reproductive cells. Hence, microRNAs have the potential to act as useful indicators in the diagnosis and treatment of male infertility and other diseases affecting male reproduction. Despite this, additional research is necessary to determine the precise miRNA regulation mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sedigheh Bahmyari
- Department of Reproductive Biology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Seyyed Hossein Khatami
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sina Taghvimi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Sahar Rezaei Arablouydareh
- Reproductive Health Research Center, Clinical Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Mortaza Taheri-Anganeh
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Hojat Ghasemnejad-Berenji
- Reproductive Health Research Center, Clinical Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Tooba Farazmand
- Departmant of Gynecology, School of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Elahe Soltani Fard
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Technologies, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Arezoo Solati
- Department of Reproductive Biology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Khan K, Zhang X, Dil S, Khan I, Unar A, Ye J, Zeb A, Zubair M, Shah W, Zhang H, Khan MA, Wu L, Xu B, Ma H, Wen Z, Shi Q. A novel homozygous TSGA10 missense variant causes acephalic spermatozoa syndrome in a Pakistani family. Basic Clin Androl 2024; 34:4. [PMID: 38317066 PMCID: PMC10840149 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-024-00220-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acephalic spermatozoa syndrome is a rare type of teratozoospermia causing male infertility due to detachment of the sperm head and flagellum, which precludes fertilization potential. Although loss-of-function variations in several genes, including TSGA10, have been associated with acephalic spermatozoa syndrome, the genetic cause of many cases remains unclear. RESULTS We recruited a Pakistani family with two infertile brothers who suffered from acephalic spermatozoa syndrome. Through whole-exome sequencing (WES) followed by Sanger sequencing, we identified a novel missense variant in TSGA10 (c.1112T > C, p. Leu371Pro), which recessively co-segregated with the acephalic spermatozoa syndrome within this family. Ultrastructural analyses of spermatozoa from the patient revealed that 98% of flagellar cross-sections displayed abnormal axonemal ultrastructure, in addition to the head-flagellum detachment. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis revealed almost no detectable TSAG10 mRNA and western blot analysis also failed to detect TSAG10 protein in patient's sperm samples while TSGA10 expression was clearly detected in control samples. Consistently, immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated the presence of TSGA10 signal in the midpiece of sperm from the control but a complete absence of TSGA10 signal in sperm from the patient. CONCLUSION Altogether, our study identifies a novel TSGA10 pathogenic variant as a cause of acephalic spermatozoa syndrome in this family and provides information regarding the clinical manifestations associated with TSGA10 variants in human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalid Khan
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Xiangjun Zhang
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Sobia Dil
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Ihsan Khan
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Ahsanullah Unar
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Jingwei Ye
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Aurang Zeb
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Muhammad Zubair
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Wasim Shah
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Muzammil Ahmad Khan
- Gomal Centre of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Limin Wu
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Bo Xu
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Hui Ma
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
| | - Zina Wen
- Chengdu Xi'nan Gynecological Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| | - Qinghua Shi
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
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14
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Ali A, Unar A, Muhammad Z, Dil S, Zhang B, Sadaf H, Khan M, Ali M, Khan R, Shah KMB, Ma A, Jiang X, Zhang Y, Zhang H, Shi Q. A novel NPHP4 homozygous missense variant identified in infertile brothers with multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:109-120. [PMID: 37831349 PMCID: PMC10789708 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02966-x] [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: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Asthenozoospermia is an important cause of male infertility, and the most serious type is characterized by multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF). However, the precise etiology of MMAF remains unknown. In the current study, we recruited a consanguineous Pakistani family with two infertile brothers suffering from primary infertility due to MMAF without obvious signs of PCD. METHODS We performed whole-exome sequencing on DNAs of the patients, their parents, and a fertile brother and identified the homozygous missense variant (c.1490C > G (p.P497R) in NPHP4 as the candidate mutation for male infertility in this family. RESULTS Sanger sequencing confirmed that this mutation recessively co-segregated with the MMAF in this family. In silico analysis revealed that the mutation site is conserved across different species, and the identified mutation also causes abnormalities in the structure and hydrophobic interactions of the NPHP4 protein. Different bioinformatics tools predict that NPHP4p.P497R mutation is pathogenic. Furthermore, Papanicolaou staining and scanning electron microscopy of sperm revealed that affected individuals displayed typical MMAF phenotype with a high percentage of coiled, bent, short, absent, and/or irregular flagella. Transmission electron microscopy images of the patient's spermatozoa revealed significant anomalies in the sperm flagella with the absence of a central pair of microtubules (9 + 0) in every section scored. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, these results show that the homozygous missense mutation in NPHP4 is associated with MMAF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asim Ali
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
- Department of Biotechnology, COMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad Campus, Abbottabad, 22060, Pakistan.
| | - Ahsanullah Unar
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Zubair Muhammad
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Sobia Dil
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Beibei Zhang
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Humaira Sadaf
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ayub Medical Hospital Complex, Abbottabad, Pakistan
| | - Manan Khan
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Hazara University, Mansehra, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Ali
- Department of Biotechnology, COMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad Campus, Abbottabad, 22060, Pakistan
| | - Ranjha Khan
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Kakakhel Mian Basit Shah
- Department of Biotechnology, COMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad Campus, Abbottabad, 22060, Pakistan
| | - Ao Ma
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Xiaohua Jiang
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Yuanwei Zhang
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Qinghua Shi
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
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15
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Jin HJ, Ruan T, Dai S, Geng XY, Yang Y, Shen Y, Chen SR. Identification of CFAP52 as a novel diagnostic target of male infertility with defects of sperm head-tail connection and flagella development. eLife 2023; 12:RP92769. [PMID: 38126872 PMCID: PMC10735225 DOI: 10.7554/elife.92769] [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: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Male infertility is a worldwide population health concern. Asthenoteratozoospermia is a common cause of male infertility, but its etiology remains incompletely understood. No evidence indicates the relevance of CFAP52 mutations to human male infertility. Our whole-exome sequencing identified compound heterozygous mutations in CFAP52 recessively cosegregating with male infertility status in a non-consanguineous Chinese family. Spermatozoa of CFAP52-mutant patient mainly exhibited abnormal head-tail connection and deformed flagella. Cfap52-knockout mice resembled the human infertile phenotype, showing a mixed acephalic spermatozoa syndrome (ASS) and multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF) phenotype. The ultrastructural analyses further revealed a failure of connecting piece formation and a serious disorder of '9+2' axoneme structure. CFAP52 interacts with a head-tail coupling regulator SPATA6 and is essential for its stability. Expression of microtubule inner proteins and radial spoke proteins were reduced after the CFAP52 deficiency. Moreover, CFAP52-associated male infertility in humans and mice could be overcome by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The study reveals a prominent role for CFAP52 in sperm development, suggesting that CFAP52 might be a novel diagnostic target for male infertility with defects of sperm head-tail connection and flagella development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Juan Jin
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology, Ministry of Education, Department of Biology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Tiechao Ruan
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Siyu Dai
- Key Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of the Ministry of Education, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Xin-Yan Geng
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology, Ministry of Education, Department of Biology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal UniversityBeijingChina
| | - 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 UniversityChengduChina
- NHC Key Laboratory of Chronobiology, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Ying Shen
- Key Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of the Ministry of Education, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Su-Ren Chen
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology, Ministry of Education, Department of Biology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal UniversityBeijingChina
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Xu Y, Wang J, Liu JH, Gao QQ, Wang B, Xu ZP. Identification of a novel splice site mutation in the DNAAF4 gene of a Chinese patient with primary ciliary dyskinesia. Asian J Androl 2023; 25:713-718. [PMID: 37147940 PMCID: PMC10715616 DOI: 10.4103/aja2022122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare hereditary orphan condition that results in variable phenotypes, including infertility. About 50 gene variants are reported in the scientific literature to cause PCD, and among them, dynein axonemal assembly factor 4 ( DNAAF4 ) has been recently reported. DNAAF4 has been implicated in the preassembly of a multiunit dynein protein essential for the normal function of locomotory cilia as well as flagella. In the current study, a single patient belonging to a Chinese family was recruited, having been diagnosed with PCD and asthenoteratozoospermia. The affected individual was a 32-year-old male from a nonconsanguineous family. He also had abnormal spine structure and spinal cord bends at angles diagnosed with scoliosis. Medical reports, laboratory results, and imaging data were investigated. Whole-exome sequencing, Sanger sequencing, immunofluorescence analysis, hematoxylin-eosin staining, and in silico functional analysis, including protein modeling and docking studies, were used. The results identified DNAAF4 disease-related variants and confirmed their pathogenicity. Genetic analysis through whole-exome sequencing identified two pathogenic biallelic variants in the affected individual. The identified variants were a hemizygous splice site c.784-1G>A and heterozygous 20.1 Kb deletion at the DNAAF4 locus, resulting in a truncated and functionless DNAAF4 protein. Immunofluorescence analysis indicated that the inner dynein arm was not present in the sperm flagellum, and sperm morphological analysis revealed small sperm with twisted and curved flagella or lacking flagella. The current study found novel biallelic variants causing PCD and asthenoteratozoospermia, extending the range of DNAAF4 pathogenic variants in PCD and associated with the etiology of asthenoteratozoospermia. These findings will improve our understanding of the etiology of PCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Xu
- Department of Andrology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Andrology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Ji-Hai Liu
- Department of Andrology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Qing-Qiang Gao
- Department of Andrology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Bing Wang
- Department of Andrology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Zhi-Peng Xu
- Department of Andrology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
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17
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Chen Y, Xu D, Ma Y, Chen P, Hu J, Chen D, Yu W, Han X. Sertoli cell-derived extracellular vesicles traverse the blood-testis barrier and deliver miR-24-3p inhibitor into germ cells improving sperm mobility. J Control Release 2023; 362:58-69. [PMID: 37595666 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.08.031] [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: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
Asthenozoospermia, characterized by poor sperm motility, is a common cause of male infertility. Improving energy metabolism and alleviating oxidative stress through drug regimens are potential therapeutic strategies. In this study, we observed upregulated miR-24-3p levels in asthenozoospermia spermatozoa, contributing to energy metabolism disorder and oxidative stress by reducing GSK3β expression. Thus, reducing miR-24-3p levels using drugs is expected to improve sperm motility. The blood-testis barrier (BTB) protects the testis from xenobiotics and drugs. In this study, we found that Sertoli cell-derived small extracellular vesicles (SC-sEV) can traverse the BTB and enter germ cells. We successfully loaded miR-24-3p inhibitor into SC-sEV, creating the nano-drug SC-sEV@miR-24-3p inhibitor, which effectively delivers miR-24-3p inhibitor into germ cells. In a gossypol-induced mouse asthenozoospermia model, administration of SC-sEV@miR-24-3p inhibitor significantly improved sperm motility, in vitro fertilization success, and blastocyst formation rates. As anticipated, it also improved the litter size of asthenozoospermia mice. These results suggest that SC-sEV@miR-24-3p inhibitor holds promise as a potential clinical treatment for asthenospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yabing Chen
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dihui Xu
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuhan Ma
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Peilin Chen
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jianhang Hu
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Deyan Chen
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Wen Yu
- Department of Andrology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Xiaodong Han
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
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18
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Greither T, Dejung M, Behre HM, Butter F, Herlyn H. The human sperm proteome-Toward a panel for male fertility testing. Andrology 2023; 11:1418-1436. [PMID: 36896575 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although male factor accounts for 40%-50% of unintended childlessness, we are far from fully understanding the detailed causes. Usually, affected men cannot even be provided with a molecular diagnosis. OBJECTIVES We aimed at a higher resolution of the human sperm proteome for better understanding of the molecular causes of male infertility. We were particularly interested in why reduced sperm count decreases fertility despite many normal-looking spermatozoa and which proteins might be involved. MATERIAL AND METHODS Applying mass spectrometry analysis, we qualitatively and quantitatively examined the proteomic profiles of spermatozoa from 76 men differing in fertility. Infertile men had abnormal semen parameters and were involuntarily childless. Fertile subjects exhibited normozoospermia and had fathered children without medical assistance. RESULTS We discovered proteins from about 7000 coding genes in the human sperm proteome. These were mainly known for involvements in cellular motility, response to stimuli, adhesion, and reproduction. Numbers of sperm proteins showing at least threefold deviating abundances increased from oligozoospermia (N = 153) and oligoasthenozoospermia (N = 154) to oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (N = 368). Deregulated sperm proteins primarily engaged in flagellar assembly and sperm motility, fertilization, and male gametogenesis. Most of these participated in a larger network of male infertility genes and proteins. DISCUSSION We expose 31 sperm proteins displaying deviant abundances under infertility, which already were known before to have fertility relevance, including ACTL9, CCIN, CFAP47, CFAP65, CFAP251 (WDR66), DNAH1, and SPEM1. We propose 18 additional sperm proteins with at least eightfold differential abundance for further testing of their diagnostic potential, such as C2orf16, CYLC1, SPATA31E1, SPATA31D1, SPATA48, EFHB (CFAP21), and FAM161A. CONCLUSION Our results shed light on the molecular background of the dysfunctionality of the fewer spermatozoa produced in oligozoospermia and syndromes including it. The male infertility network presented may prove useful in further elucidating the molecular mechanism of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Greither
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Mario Dejung
- Proteomics Core Facility, Institute of Molecular Biology, Mainz, Germany
| | - Hermann M Behre
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Falk Butter
- Department of Quantitative Proteomics, Institute of Molecular Biology, Mainz, Germany
| | - Holger Herlyn
- Anthropology, Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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19
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Song B, Yang T, Shen Q, Liu Y, Wang C, Li G, Gao Y, Cao Y, He X. Novel mutations in DNAH17 cause sperm flagellum defects and their influence on ICSI outcome. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:2485-2492. [PMID: 37574497 PMCID: PMC10504183 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02897-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To identify new mutations in DNAH17 that cause male infertility and analyze intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcomes in patients with DNAH17 mutations. METHODS A total of five cases of new DNAH17 mutations exhibiting the multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF) phenotype were identified through semen analysis and genetic testing. They were recruited at our reproductive medicine center from September 2018 to July 2022. Information on DNAH17 genetic mutations and ICSI outcomes was systematically explored following a literature review. RESULTS Three novel compound mutations in DNAH17 were identified in patients with male infertility caused by MMAF. This study and previous publications included 21 patients with DNAH17 mutations. DNAH17 has been associated with asthenozoospermia and male infertility, but different types of DNAH17 variants appear to be involved in different sperm phenotypes. In 11 couples of infertile patients with DNAH17 mutations, there were 17 ICSI cycles and 13 embryo transplantation cycles. Only three men with DNAH17 variants ultimately achieved clinical pregnancy with their partners through ICSI combined with assisted oocyte activation (AOA). CONCLUSIONS Loss-of-function mutations in DNAH17 can lead to severe sperm flagellum defects and male infertility. Patients with MMAF-harboring DNAH17 mutations generally have worse pregnancy outcomes following ICSI. ICSI combined with AOA may improve the outcome of assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs) for men with DNAH17 variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Song
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, 230032 China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
| | - Tianjin Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
| | - Qunshan Shen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, 230032 China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
| | - Yiyuan Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
| | - Chao Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, 230032 China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
| | - Guanjian Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, 230032 China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
| | - Yang Gao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, 230032 China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, 230032 China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
| | - Xiaojin He
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study On Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, 230032 China
- Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032 China
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20
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Wang M, Kang J, Shen Z, Hu Y, Chen M, Cui X, Liu H, Gao F. CCDC189 affects sperm flagellum formation by interacting with CABCOCO1. Natl Sci Rev 2023; 10:nwad181. [PMID: 37601242 PMCID: PMC10437088 DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwad181] [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: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF) are one of the major causes of male infertility and are characterized by multiple defects. In this study, we found that the coiled-coil domain-containing 189 (Ccdc189) gene was predominantly expressed in mouse testes and that inactivation of the Ccdc189 gene caused male infertility. Histological studies revealed that most sperm from Ccdc189-deficient mice carried coiled, curved or short flagella, which are typical MMAF phenotypes. Immunoelectron microscopy showed that the CCDC189 protein was located at the radial spoke of the first peripheral microtubule doublet in the sperm axoneme. A CCDC189-interacting protein, CABCOCO1 (ciliary-associated calcium-binding coiled-coil protein 1), was discovered via co-immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry, and inactivation of Cabcoco1 caused malformation of sperm flagella, which was consistent with findings obtained with Ccdc189-deficient mice. Further studies revealed that inactivation of CCDC189 caused downregulation of CABCOCO1 protein expression and that both CCDC189 and CABCOCO1 interacted with the radial-spoke-specific protein RSPH1 and intraflagellar transport proteins. This study demonstrated that Ccdc189 is a radial-spoke-associated protein and is involved in sperm flagellum formation through its interactions with CABCOCO1 and intraflagellar transport proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyue Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100020, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100020, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101499, China
| | - Junyan Kang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Zhiming Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100020, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100020, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101499, China
| | - Yingchun Hu
- Core Facilities, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Min Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100020, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Xiuhong Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100020, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100020, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100020, China
| | - Hongbin Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Fei Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100020, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100020, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100020, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101499, China
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21
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Liu C, Wang Q, Gu L, Wang X, Yin Y, Huang T, Xiao S, Zhang S, Wang F, Zhou T, Xu G, Wang L, Dong F, Jiang J, Luo M, Li J, Zhang H, Zi-Jiang Chen, Ji W, Ji B, Liu H, Li W. CCDC176 stabilizes microtubule doublets 1 and 9 to ensure proper sperm movement. Curr Biol 2023; 33:3371-3388.e7. [PMID: 37494937 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.06.079] [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: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
The molecular mechanism underlying asymmetric axonemal complexes in sperm flagella is still largely unknown. Here, we showed that the knockout of the coiled-coil domain-containing 176 (CCDC176) in mice led to male infertility due to decreased sperm motility. Ccdc176 knockout specifically destabilized microtubule doublets (MTDs) 1 and 9 during sperm maturation in the corpus epididymis. Single-sperm immunofluorescence showed that most CCDC176 was distributed along the axoneme, and further super-resolution imaging revealed that CCDC176 is asymmetrically localized in the sperm axoneme. CCDC176 could cooperate with microtubule and radial spoke proteins to stabilize MTDs 1 and 9, and its knockout results in the destabilization of some proteins in sperm flagella. Furthermore, as predicted by the sperm multibody dynamics (MBD) model, we found that MTDs 1 and 9 jutted out from the sperm flagellum annulus region in Ccdc176-/- spermatozoa, and these flagellar defects alter sperm flagellar beat patterns and swimming paths, potentially owing to the reduction and disequilibration of bending torque on the central pair. These results demonstrate that CCDC176 specifically stabilizes MTDs 1 and 9 in the sperm flagellum to ensure proper sperm movement for fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Liu
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510623, China; State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Qianchun Wang
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou 325001, China
| | - Lusheng Gu
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xiuge Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, 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
| | - Tao Huang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Sai Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shuwen Zhang
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Fuqiang Wang
- Analysis Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Tao Zhou
- Research Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Genetic Diseases, The Affiliated Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi 214002, China
| | - Guangqiong Xu
- Analysis Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Liying Wang
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510623, China; State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Fucheng Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jing Jiang
- Genome Tagging Project (GTP) Center, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Mengcheng Luo
- Department of Tissue and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Jinsong Li
- Genome Tagging Project (GTP) Center, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Haobo Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Zi-Jiang Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Wei Ji
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Baohua Ji
- Department of Engineering Mechanics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, 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.
| | - Wei Li
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510623, China; State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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22
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Liu J, Rahim F, Zhou J, Fan S, Jiang H, Yu C, Chen J, Xu J, Yang G, Shah W, Zubair M, Khan A, Li Y, Shah B, Zhao D, Iqbal F, Jiang X, Guo T, Xu P, Xu B, Wu L, Ma H, Zhang Y, Zhang H, Shi Q. Loss-of-function variants in KCTD19 cause non-obstructive azoospermia in humans. iScience 2023; 26:107193. [PMID: 37485353 PMCID: PMC10362269 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Azoospermia is a significant cause of male infertility, with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) being the most severe type of spermatogenic failure. NOA is mostly caused by congenital factors, but our understanding of its genetic causes is very limited. Here, we identified a frameshift variant (c.201_202insAC, p.Tyr68Thrfs∗17) and two nonsense variants (c.1897C>T, p.Gln633∗; c.2005C>T, p.Gln669∗) in KCTD19 (potassium channel tetramerization domain containing 19) from two unrelated infertile Chinese men and a consanguineous Pakistani family with three infertile brothers. Testicular histological analyses revealed meiotic metaphase I (MMI) arrest in the affected individuals. Mice modeling KCTD19 variants recapitulated the same MMI arrest phenotype due to severe disrupted individualization of MMI chromosomes. Further analysis showed a complete loss of KCTD19 protein in both Kctd19 mutant mouse testes and affected individual testes. Collectively, our findings demonstrate the pathogenicity of the identified KCTD19 variants and highlight an essential role of KCTD19 in MMI chromosome individualization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyan Liu
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Fazal Rahim
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Jianteng Zhou
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Suixing Fan
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Hanwei Jiang
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Changping Yu
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Jianze Xu
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Gang Yang
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Wasim Shah
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Muhammad Zubair
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Asad Khan
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Yang Li
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Basit Shah
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Daren Zhao
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Furhan Iqbal
- Institute of Pure and Applied Biology, Zoology Division, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60800, Pakistan
| | - Xiaohua Jiang
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Tonghang Guo
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Peng Xu
- Hainan Jinghua Hejing Hospital for Reproductive Medicine, Hainan 570125, China
| | - Bo Xu
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Limin Wu
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Hui Ma
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Yuanwei Zhang
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Qinghua Shi
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
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Jin HJ, Wang JL, Geng XY, Wang CY, Wang BB, Chen SR. CFAP70 is a solid and valuable target for the genetic diagnosis of oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia in infertile men. EBioMedicine 2023; 93:104675. [PMID: 37352829 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Male infertility is a worldwide population health concern, but its aetiology remains largely understood. Although CFAP70 variants have already been reported in two oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia (OAT) individuals by sequencing, animal evidence to support CFAP70 as a credible OAT-pathogenic gene is lacking. METHOD Cfap70-KO mice were generated to explore the physiological role of CFAP70. CFAP70 variants were detected in infertile men with OAT by whole exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing confirmation. Cfap70-truncated mice were further generated to explore the pathogenicity of the nonsense variant of CFAP70 identified in the proband. FINDINGS Here, we demonstrate that Cfap70-KO mice are sterile mainly due to OAT and further identify a Chinese infertile man carrying a homozygous nonsense variant (c.2962C > T/p.R988X) of CFAP70. Cfap70-truncated mice lacking 5-8 tetratricopeptide repeats (TPRs) mimic the patient's symptoms. CFAP70 is required for the biogenesis of spermatid flagella partially by regulating the expression of OAT-associated proteins (e.g., QRICH2), assisting the cytoplasmic preassembly of the calmodulin- and radial spoke-associated complex (CSC), and controlling the manchette localization of axoneme-related proteins. Moreover, we suggest that CFAP70-associated male infertility could be overcome by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment. INTERPRETATION Overall, we demonstrate that CFAP70 is necessary to assemble spermatid flagella and that CFAP70 gene could be used as a diagnostic target for male infertility with OAT in the clinic. FUNDING This study was supported by the National Key Research and Development Project (2019YFA0802101 to S.C), Open Fund of Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology, Ministry of Education (to S.C), Central Government to Guide Local Scientific and Technological Development (ZY21195023 to B.W), and Basic Research Projects of Central Scientific Research Institutes (to B.W).
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Juan Jin
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology, Ministry of Education, Department of Biology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Jun-Li Wang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, Guangxi, China; Environmental Health Risk Assessment and Prevention Engineering Center of Ecological Aluminum Industry Base of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, 533000, Guangxi, China
| | - Xin-Yan Geng
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology, Ministry of Education, Department of Biology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Chun-Yan Wang
- Center for Genetics, National Research Institute of Family Planning, Beijing, 100081, China; Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Bin-Bin Wang
- Center for Genetics, National Research Institute of Family Planning, Beijing, 100081, China; Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100005, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Engineering Technology Research (NRIFP), National Research Institute for Family Planning, 100081 Beijing, China.
| | - Su-Ren Chen
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology, Ministry of Education, Department of Biology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China.
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24
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Meng L, Liu Q, Tan C, Xu X, He W, Hu T, Tu C, Li Y, Du J, Zhang Q, Lu G, Fan LQ, Lin G, Nie H, Zhang H, Tan YQ. Novel homozygous variants in TTC12 cause male infertility with asthenoteratozoospermia owing to dynein arm complex and mitochondrial sheath defects in flagella. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1184331. [PMID: 37325566 PMCID: PMC10267457 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1184331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Tracing the genetic causes for male infertility due to asthenoteratozoospermia has revealed at least 40 causative genes, which provides valuable reference for the genetic testing of asthenoteratozoospermia in clinical practice. To identify deleterious variants in the human tetratricopeptide repeat domain 12 (TTC12) gene in a large cohort of infertile Chinese males with asthenoteratozoospermia. Methods: A total of 314 unrelated asthenoteratozoospermia-affected men were recruited for whole exome sequencing. The effects of the identified variants were evaluated by in silico analysis, and confirmed by in vitro experiments. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was used to evaluate the efficiency of assisted reproduction technique therapy. Results and Discussion: Novel homozygous TTC12 variants (c.1467_1467delG (p.Asp490Thrfs*14), c.1139_1139delA (p.His380Profs*4), and c.1117G>A (p.Gly373Arg)) were identified in three (0.96%) of the 314 cases. Three mutants were indicated to be damaging using in silico prediction tools, and were further confirmed by in vitro functional analysis. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and ultrastructural observation of the spermatozoa revealed multiple morphological abnormalities of flagella, with the absence of outer and inner dynein arms. Notably, significant mitochondrial sheath malformations were also observed in the sperm flagella. Immunostaining assays indicated that TTC12 is present throughout the flagella, and was strongly concentrated in the mid-piece in control spermatozoa. However, spermatozoa from TTC12-mutated individuals exhibited almost no staining intensity of TTC12 and outer and inner dynein arms components. The three men accepted ICSI treatment using their ejaculated spermatozoa, and two female partners successfully delivered healthy babies. Our findings provide direct genetic evidence that homozygous variants in TTC12 cause male infertility with asthenoteratozoospermia by causing dynein arm complex defects and mitochondrial sheath malformations in the flagellar. We also demonstrated that TTC12 deficiency-mediated infertility could be overcome by ICSI technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanlan Meng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chen Tan
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xilin Xu
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, China
- College of Life Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wenbin He
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Tongyao Hu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chaofeng Tu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yong Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Juan Du
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qianjun Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, China
- College of Life Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Guangxiu Lu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, China
- College of Life Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Li-Qing Fan
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, China
- College of Life Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ge Lin
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, China
- College of Life Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hongchuan Nie
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yue-Qiu Tan
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, China
- College of Life Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Qu R, Zhang Z, Wu L, Li Q, Mu J, Zhao L, Yan Z, Wang W, Zeng Y, Liu R, Dong J, Li Q, Sun X, Wang L, Sang Q, Chen B, Kuang Y. ADGB variants cause asthenozoospermia and male infertility. Hum Genet 2023; 142:735-748. [PMID: 36995441 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-023-02546-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Asthenozoospermia is one of the main factors leading to male infertility, but the genetic mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Variants in the androglobin (ADGB) gene were identified in an infertile male characterized by asthenozoospermia. The variants disrupted the binding of ADGB to calmodulin. Adgb-/- male mice were infertile due to reduced sperm concentration (< 1 × 106 /mL) and motility. Spermatogenesis was also abnormal, with malformation of both elongating and elongated spermatids, and there was an approximately twofold increase in apoptotic cells in the cauda epididymis. These exacerbated the decline in sperm motility. It is surprising that ICSI with testicular spermatids allows fertilization and eventually develops into blastocyst. Through mass spectrometry, we identified 42 candidate proteins that are involved in sperm assembly, flagella formation, and sperm motility interacting with ADGB. In particular, CFAP69 and SPEF2 were confirmed to bind to ADGB. Collectively, our study suggests the potential important role of ADGB in human fertility, revealing its relevance to spermatogenesis and infertility. This expands our knowledge of the genetic causes of asthenozoospermia and provides a theoretical basis for using ADGB as an underlying genetic marker for infertile males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronggui Qu
- The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and the Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zhihua Zhang
- The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and the Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ling Wu
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Qun Li
- The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and the Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jian Mu
- The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and the Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lin Zhao
- The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and the Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zheng Yan
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Wenjing Wang
- The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and the Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yang Zeng
- The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and the Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ruyi Liu
- The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and the Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jie Dong
- The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and the Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Qiaoli Li
- The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and the Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xiaoxi Sun
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Lei Wang
- The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and the Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Qing Sang
- The Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and the Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Biaobang Chen
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies), Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Yanping Kuang
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China.
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Wu B, Li R, Ma S, Ma Y, Fan L, Gong C, Liu C, Sun L, Yuan L. The cilia and flagella associated protein CFAP52 orchestrated with CFAP45 is required for sperm motility in mice. J Biol Chem 2023:104858. [PMID: 37236356 PMCID: PMC10319328 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.104858] [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: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Asthenozoospermia characterized by decreased sperm motility is a major cause of male infertility, but the majority of their etiology remains unknown. Here, we showed that the cilia and flagella associated protein 52 (Cfap52) gene was predominantly expressed in testis and its deletion in a Cfap52 knockout mouse model resulted in decreased sperm motility and male infertility. Cfap52 knockout also led to the disorganization of midpiece-principal piece junction of the sperm tail, but had no effect on the axoneme ultrastructure in spermatozoa. Furthermore, we found that CFAP52 interacted with the cilia and flagella associated protein 45 (CFAP45), and knockout of Cfap52 decreased the expression level of CFAP45 in sperm flagellum, which further disrupted the microtubule sliding produced by dynein ATPase. Together, our studies demonstrate that CFAP52 plays an essential role in sperm motility by interacting with CFAP45 in sperm flagellum, providing insights into the potential pathogenesis of the infertility of the human CFAP52 mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingbing Wu
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623 Guangzhou, China; State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Rachel Li
- Beijing Academy International Division, Beijing, 100018, China
| | - Shuang Ma
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623 Guangzhou, China; State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yanjie Ma
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623 Guangzhou, China; State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Lijun Fan
- Department of Endocrinology, Genetics, Metabolism, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing 100045, China
| | - Chunxiu Gong
- Department of Endocrinology, Genetics, Metabolism, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing 100045, China
| | - Chao Liu
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623 Guangzhou, China
| | - Ling Sun
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 510623 Guangzhou, China.
| | - Li Yuan
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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Shi B, Shah W, Liu L, Gong C, Zhou J, Abbas T, Ma H, Zhang H, Yang M, Zhang Y, Ullah N, Mahammad Z, Khan M, Murtaza G, Ali A, Khan R, Sha J, Yuan Y, Shi Q. Biallelic mutations in RNA-binding protein ADAD2 cause spermiogenic failure and non-obstructive azoospermia in humans. Hum Reprod Open 2023; 2023:hoad022. [PMID: 37325547 PMCID: PMC10266965 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoad022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What are some pathogenic mutations for non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) and their effects on spermatogenesis? SUMMARY ANSWER Biallelic missense and frameshift mutations in ADAD2 disrupt the differentiation of round spermatids to spermatozoa causing azoospermia in humans and mice. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY NOA is the most severe cause of male infertility characterized by an absence of sperm in the ejaculate due to impairment of spermatogenesis. In mice, the lack of the RNA-binding protein ADAD2 leads to a complete absence of sperm in epididymides due to failure of spemiogenesis, but the spermatogenic effects of ADAD2 mutations in human NOA-associated infertility require functional verification. STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION Six infertile male patients from three unrelated families were diagnosed with NOA at local hospitals in Pakistan based on infertility history, sex hormone levels, two semen analyses and scrotal ultrasound. Testicular biopsies were performed in two of the six patients. Adad2 mutant mice (Adad2Mut/Mut) carrying mutations similar to those found in NOA patients were generated using the CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing tool. Reproductive phenotypes of Adad2Mut/Mut mice were verified at 2 months of age. Round spermatids from the littermates of wild-type (WT) and Adad2Mut/Mut mice were randomly selected and injected into stimulated WT oocytes. This round spermatid injection (ROSI) procedure was conducted with three biological replicates and >400 ROSI-derived zygotes were evaluated. The fertility of the ROSI-derived progeny was evaluated for three months in four Adad2WT/Mut male mice and six Adad2WT/Mut female mice. A total of 120 Adad2Mut/Mut, Adad2WT/Mut, and WT mice were used in this study. The entire study was conducted over 3 years. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS Whole-exome sequencing was performed to detect potentially pathogenic mutations in the six NOA-affected patients. The pathogenicity of the identified ADAD2 mutations was assessed and validated in human testicular tissues and in mouse models recapitulating the mutations in the NOA patients using quantitative PCR, western blotting, hematoxylin-eosin staining, Periodic acid-Schiff staining, and immunofluorescence. Round spermatids of WT and Adad2Mut/Mut mice were collected by fluorescence-activated cell sorting and injected into stimulated WT oocytes. The development of ROSI-derived offspring was evaluated in the embryonic and postnatal stages. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Three recessive mutations were identified in ADAD2 (MT1: c.G829T, p.G277C; MT2: c.G1192A, p.D398N; MT3: c.917_918del, p.Q306Rfs*43) in patients from three unrelated Pakistani families. MT1 and MT2 dramatically reduced the testicular expression of ADAD2, likely causing spermiogenesis failure in the NOA patients. Immunofluorescence analysis of the Adad2Mut/Mut male mice with the corresponding MT3 mutation showed instability and premature degradation of the ADAD2 protein, resulting in the spermiogenesis deficiency phenotype. Through ROSI, the Adad2Mut/Mut mice could produce pups with comparable embryonic development (46.7% in Adad2Mut/Mut versus 50% in WT) and birth rates (21.45 ± 10.43% in Adad2Mut/Mut versus 27.5 ± 3.536% in WT, P = 0.5044) to WT mice. The Adad2WT/Mut progeny from ROSI (17 pups in total via three ROSI replicates) did not show overt developmental defects and had normal fertility. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION This is a preliminary report suggesting that ROSI can be an effective treatment for infertile Adad2Mut/Mut mice. Further assisted reproductive attempts need to be carefully examined in humans during clinical trials. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our work provides functional evidence that mutations in the ADAD2 gene are deleterious and cause consistent spermiogenic defects in both humans and mice. In addition, preliminary results show that ROSI can help Adad2Mut/Mut to produce biological progeny. These findings provide valuable clues for genetic counselling on the ADAD2 mutants-associated infertility in human males. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (32000587, U21A20204, and 32061143006), and the National Key Research and Developmental Program of China (2019YFA0802600 and 2021YFC2700202). This work was also supported by Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, China. The authors declare no competing interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baolu Shi
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Wasim Shah
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Li Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chenjia Gong
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Jianteng Zhou
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Tanveer Abbas
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Hui Ma
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Menglei Yang
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yuanwei Zhang
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Nadeem Ullah
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Zubair Mahammad
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Mazhar Khan
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Ghulam Murtaza
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Asim Ali
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Ranjha Khan
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Jiahao Sha
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yan Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qinghua Shi
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, China
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Cao H, Xu H, Zhou Y, Xu W, Lu Q, Jiang L, Rong Y, Zhang Q, Yu C. BBOF1 is required for sperm motility and male fertility by stabilizing the flagellar axoneme in mice. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:152. [PMID: 37198331 PMCID: PMC11072524 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04800-0] [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: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
The sperm flagellum is a specialized type of motile cilium composed of a typical "9 + 2" axonemal structure with peri-axonemal structures, such as outer dense fibers (ODFs). This flagellar arrangement is crucial for sperm movement and fertilization. However, the association of axonemal integrity with ODFs remains poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that mouse BBOF1 could interact with both MNS1, an axonemal component, and ODF2, an ODF protein, and is required for sperm flagellar axoneme maintenance and male fertility. BBOF1 is expressed exclusively in male germ cells from the pachytene stage onwards and is detected in sperm axoneme fraction. Spermatozoa derived from Bbof1-knockout mice exhibit a normal morphology, however, reduced motility due to the absence of certain microtubule doublets, resulting in the failure to fertilize mature oocytes. Furthermore, BBOF1 is found to interact with ODF2 and MNS1 and is also required for their stability. Our findings in mice suggest that Bbof1 could also be essential for human sperm motility and male fertility, thus is a novel potential candidate gene for asthenozoospermia diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiwen Cao
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Haomang Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yiqing Zhou
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Wei Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Qinglin Lu
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJU-UoE Institute), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 718 East Haizhou Road, Haining, 314400, China
| | - Lingying Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yan Rong
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Qianting Zhang
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJU-UoE Institute), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 718 East Haizhou Road, Haining, 314400, China.
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Chao Yu
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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29
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Cui Y, Zhou M, He Q, He Z. Zbtb40 Deficiency Leads to Morphological and Phenotypic Abnormalities of Spermatocytes and Spermatozoa and Causes Male Infertility. Cells 2023; 12:cells12091264. [PMID: 37174664 PMCID: PMC10177581 DOI: 10.3390/cells12091264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies on the gene regulation of spermatogenesis are of unusual significance for maintaining male reproduction and treating male infertility. Here, we have demonstrated, for the first time, that a loss of ZBTB40 function leads to abnormalities in the morphological and phenotypic characteristics of mouse spermatocytes and spermatids as well as male infertility. We revealed that Zbtb40 was expressed in spermatocytes of mouse testes, and it was co-localized with γH2AX in mouse secondary spermatocytes. Interestingly, spermatocytes of Zbtb40 knockout mice had longer telomeres, compromised double-strand break (DSB) repair in the sex chromosome, and a higher apoptosis ratio compared to wild-type (WT) mice. The testis weight, testicular volume, and cauda epididymis body weight of the Zbtb40+/- male mice were significantly lower than in WT mice. Mating tests indicated that Zbtb40+/- male mice were able to mate normally, but they failed to produce any pups. Notably, sperm of Zbtb40+/- mice showed flagellum deformities and abnormal acrosome biogenesis. Furthermore, a ZBTB40 mutation was associated with non-obstructive azoospermia. Our results implicate that ZBTB40 deficiency leads to morphological and phenotypic abnormalities of spermatocytes and spermatids and causes male infertility. This study thus offers a new genetic mechanism regulating mammalian spermatogenesis and provides a novel target for gene therapy in male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinghong Cui
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha 410013, China
- The Research Center of Reproduction and Translational Medicine of Hunan Province, Changsha 410013, China
- The Manufacture-Based Learning & Research Demonstration Center for Human Reproductive Health New Technology of Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Mingqing Zhou
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Quanyuan He
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Zuping He
- The Key Laboratory of Model Animals and Stem Cell Biology in Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha 410013, China
- The Research Center of Reproduction and Translational Medicine of Hunan Province, Changsha 410013, China
- The Manufacture-Based Learning & Research Demonstration Center for Human Reproductive Health New Technology of Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, China
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30
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Zheng R, Wang Y, Li Y, Guo J, Wen Y, Jiang C, Yang Y, Shen Y. FSIP2 plays a role in the acrosome development during spermiogenesis. J Med Genet 2023; 60:254-264. [PMID: 35654582 DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2021-108406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Loss-of-function mutations in FSIP2 result in multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella in humans and mice. Intriguingly, a recent study found that FSIP2 might regulate the expression of acrosomal proteins, indicating that Fsip2 might be involved in acrosome development in mice. However, whether FSIP2 also function in acrosome biogenesis in humans is largely unknown, and the underlying mechanism of which is unexplored. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to reveal potential function of FSIP2 in regulating sperm acrosome formation. METHODS We performed whole exome sequencing on four asthenoteratozoospermic patients. Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence staining were conducted to assess the protein expression of FSIP2. Proteomics approach, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and co-immunoprecipitation were implemented to clarify the molecules in acrosome biogenesis regulated by FSIP2. RESULTS Biallelic FSIP2 variants were identified in four asthenoteratozoospermic individuals. The protein expression of MUT-FSIP2 was sharply decreased or absent in vitro or in vivo. Interestingly, aside from the sperm flagellar defects, the acrosomal hypoplasia was detected in numerous sperm from the four patients. FSIP2 co-localised with peanut agglutinin in the acrosome during spermatogenesis. Moreover, FSIP2 interacted with proteins (DPY19L2, SPACA1, HSP90B1, KIAA1210, HSPA2 and CLTC) involved in acrosome biogenesis. In addition, spermatozoa from patients carrying FSIP2 mutations showed downregulated expression of DPY19L2, ZPBP, SPACA1, CCDC62, CCIN, SPINK2 and CSNK2A2. CONCLUSION Our findings unveil that FSIP2 might involve in sperm acrosome development, and consequently, its mutations might contribute to globozoospermia or acrosomal aplasia. We meanwhile first uncover the potential molecular mechanism of FSIP2 regulating acrosome biogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 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, Sichuan, China
| | - Yaqian Li
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Juncen Guo
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuting Wen
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chuan Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 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, Sichuan, China
| | - Ying Shen
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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DNALI1 deficiency causes male infertility with severe asthenozoospermia in humans and mice by disrupting the assembly of the flagellar inner dynein arms and fibrous sheath. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:127. [PMID: 36792588 PMCID: PMC9932082 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05653-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
The axonemal dynein arms (outer (ODA) and inner dynein arms (IDAs)) are multiprotein structures organized by light, intermediate, light intermediate (LIC), and heavy chain proteins. They hydrolyze ATP to promote ciliary and flagellar movement. Till now, a variety of dynein protein deficiencies have been linked with asthenospermia (ASZ), highlighting the significance of these structures in human sperm motility. Herein, we detected bi-allelic DNALI1 mutations [c.663_666del (p.Glu221fs)], in an ASZ patient, which resulted in the complete loss of the DNALI1 in the patient's sperm. We identified loss of sperm DNAH1 and DNAH7 rather than DNAH10 in both DNALI1663_666del patient and Dnali1-/- mice, demonstrating that mammalian DNALI1 is a LIC protein of a partial IDA subspecies. More importantly, we revealed that DNALI1 loss contributed to asymmetries in the most fibrous sheath (FS) of the sperm flagellum in both species. Immunoprecipitation revealed that DNALI1 might interact with the cytoplasmic dynein complex proteins in the testes. Furthermore, DNALI1 loss severely disrupted the transport and assembly of the FS proteins, especially AKAP3 and AKAP4, during flagellogenesis. Hence, DNALI1 may possess a non-classical molecular function, whereby it regulates the cytoplasmic dynein complex that assembles the flagella. We conclude that a DNALI deficiency-induced IDAs injury and an asymmetric FS-driven tail rigid structure alteration may simultaneously cause flagellum immotility. Finally, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) can effectively resolve patient infertility. Collectively, we demonstrate that DNALI1 is a newly causative gene for AZS in both humans and mice, which possesses multiple crucial roles in modulating flagellar assembly and motility.
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Ma A, Zhou J, Ali H, Abbas T, Ali I, Muhammad Z, Dil S, Chen J, Huang X, Ma H, Zhao D, Zhang B, Zhang Y, Shah W, Shah B, Murtaza G, Iqbal F, Khan MA, Khan A, Li Q, Xu B, Wu L, Zhang H, Shi Q. Loss-of-function mutations in CFAP57 cause multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella in humans and mice. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e166869. [PMID: 36752199 PMCID: PMC9977434 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.166869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF) are the most severe form of asthenozoospermia due to impaired axoneme structure in sperm flagella. Dynein arms are necessary components of the sperm flagellar axoneme. In this study, we recruited 3 unrelated consanguineous Pakistani families with multiple MMAF-affected individuals, who had no overt ciliary symptoms. Whole-exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing identified 2 cilia and flagella associated protein 57 (CFAP57) loss-of-function mutations (c.2872C>T, p. R958*; and c.2737C>T, p. R913*) recessively segregating with male infertility. A mouse model mimicking the mutation (c.2872C>T) was generated and recapitulated the typical MMAF phenotype of CFAP57-mutated individuals. Both CFAP57 mutations caused loss of the long transcript-encoded CFAP57 protein in spermatozoa from MMAF-affected individuals or from the Cfap57-mutant mouse model while the short transcript was not affected. Subsequent examinations of the spermatozoa from Cfap57-mutant mice revealed that CFAP57 deficiency disrupted the inner dynein arm (IDA) assembly in sperm flagella and that single-headed IDAs were more likely to be affected. Thus, our study identified 2 pathogenic mutations in CFAP57 in MMAF-affected individuals and reported a conserved and pivotal role for the long transcript-encoded CFAP57 in IDAs' assembly and male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ao Ma
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Jianteng Zhou
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Haider Ali
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Tanveer Abbas
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Imtiaz Ali
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Zubair Muhammad
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Sobia Dil
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Xiongheng Huang
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Hui Ma
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Daren Zhao
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Beibei Zhang
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yuanwei Zhang
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Wasim Shah
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Basit Shah
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Ghulam Murtaza
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Furhan Iqbal
- Institute of Pure and Applied Biology, Zoology Division, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Muzammil Ahmad Khan
- Gomal Centre of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan
| | - Asad Khan
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Qing Li
- The Central Laboratory of Medical Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei, China
| | - Bo Xu
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Limin Wu
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Qinghua Shi
- Division of Reproduction and Genetics, First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
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Zou C, Xu S, Geng H, Li E, Sun W, Yu D. Bioinformatics analysis identifies potential hub genes and crucial pathways in the pathogenesis of asthenozoospermia. BMC Med Genomics 2022; 15:252. [PMID: 36471356 PMCID: PMC9724253 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-022-01407-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asthenozoospermia is a troublesome disease experienced by men in their reproductive years, but its exact etiology remains unclear. To address this problem, this study aims to identify the hub genes and crucial pathways in asthenozoospermia. METHODS We screened two Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets (GSE92578 and GSE22331) to extract the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between normozoospermic and asthenozoospermic men using the "Limma" package. Gene enrichment analyses of the DEGs were conducted using the "clusterProfiler" R package. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was then established using the STRING database. A miRNA-transcription factor-gene network was constructed based on the predicted results of hub genes using the RegNetwork database. The expression of four hub genes in asthenozoospermia and normal samples were verified using quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting. RESULTS We identified 271 DEGs, which included 218 upregulated and 53 downregulated in two asthenozoospermia datasets. These DEGs were observed to be markedly enriched in pathways with cell growth and embryonic organ development, phospholipase D signaling pathway, cGMP-PKG signaling pathway, and Wnt signaling pathway. The most significant genes were identified, including COPS7A, CUL3, KLHL7, NEDD4. We then constructed regulatory networks of these genes, miRNAs, and transcription factors. Finally, we found that the COPS7A was significantly upregulated in patients with asthenozoospermia, but CUL3, KLHL7 and NEDD4 were significantly downregulated compared with normal samples. CONCLUSION We applied bioinformatics methods to analyze the DEGs of asthenozoospermia based on the GEO database and identified the novel crucial genes and pathways in this disease. Our findings may provide novel insights into asthenozoospermia and identify new clues for the potential treatment of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ci Zou
- grid.452696.a0000 0004 7533 3408Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical of University, 230601 Hefei, China
| | - Shen Xu
- grid.452696.a0000 0004 7533 3408Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical of University, 230601 Hefei, China
| | - Hao Geng
- grid.452696.a0000 0004 7533 3408Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical of University, 230601 Hefei, China
| | - Enlai Li
- grid.452696.a0000 0004 7533 3408Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical of University, 230601 Hefei, China
| | - Wei Sun
- grid.452696.a0000 0004 7533 3408Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical of University, 230601 Hefei, China
| | - Dexin Yu
- grid.452696.a0000 0004 7533 3408Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical of University, 230601 Hefei, China ,grid.452696.a0000 0004 7533 3408Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, NO.678 Furong Road, 230601 Hefei, China
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Shi L, Zhang Y, Huang X, Shi M, Sun D, Zhang Y, Li W, Jin T, Feng J, Xing J, Li B, Cao G. Effects of mitoquinone (MitoQ) supplementation during boar semen cryopreservation on sperm quality, antioxidant status and mitochondrial proteomics. Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 247:107099. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2022.107099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
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Wang J, Wang W, Shen L, Zheng A, Meng Q, Li H, Yang S. Clinical detection, diagnosis and treatment of morphological abnormalities of sperm flagella: A review of literature. Front Genet 2022; 13:1034951. [PMID: 36425067 PMCID: PMC9679630 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1034951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm carries male genetic information, and flagella help move the sperm to reach oocytes. When the ultrastructure of the flagella is abnormal, the sperm is unable to reach the oocyte and achieve insemination. Multiple morphological abnormalities of sperm flagella (MMAF) is a relatively rare idiopathic condition that is mainly characterized by multiple defects in sperm flagella. In the last decade, with the development of high-throughput DNA sequencing approaches, many genes have been revealed to be related to MMAF. However, the differences in sperm phenotypes and reproductive outcomes in many cases are attributed to different pathogenic genes or different pathogenic mutations in the same gene. Here, we will review information about the various phenotypes resulting from different pathogenic genes, including sperm ultrastructure and encoding proteins with their location and functions as well as assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes. We will share our clinical detection and diagnosis experience to provide additional clinical views and broaden the understanding of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Shenmin Yang
- Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
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Huang S, Huang Y, Li S, He Y. Chromosome 17 translocation affects sperm morphology: Two case studies and literature review. Andrologia 2022; 54:e14620. [PMID: 36270636 DOI: 10.1111/and.14620] [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: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
We present two cases of infertile males with teratozoospermia stemming from chromosome 17 translocation. The patients present karyotypes that have not been previously reported. Genes located on breakpoints (17p11.2, 9q31, and 11p15) were analysed to find the probable mechanism affecting sperm morphology. Our results suggest that ALKBH5, TOP3A, and LLGL1 interactions may be an underlying cause of abnormal sperm head morphology. Translocation of chromosome 17 occurred in conjunction with chromosome 9 and chromosome 11 translocation in the two cases, resulting in oligozoospermia and asthenozoospermia, respectively. These abnormal phenotypes may involve meiosis- and motility-related genes such as LDHC, DNHD1, UBQLN3, and NUP98. Translocation is thus a risk factor for sperm morphological abnormalities and motility deficiency. The interaction network of 22 genes on breakpoints suggests that they contribute to spermatogenesis as a group. In conclusion, this study highlighted the importance of investigating genes linked to sperm morphology, together with chromosome 17 translocation and reproductive risks. For patients interested in screening before a future pregnancy, we recommend preimplantation genetic diagnosis to reduce the risk of karyotypically unbalanced foetuses and birth defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Huang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Yingting Huang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Shan Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Yu He
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
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Lv JL, Wu QJ, Wang XB, Du Q, Liu FH, Guo RH, Leng X, Pan BC, Zhao YH. Intake of ultra-processed foods and asthenozoospermia odds: A hospital-based case-control study. Front Nutr 2022; 9:941745. [PMID: 36337657 PMCID: PMC9630735 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.941745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The intake of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) has increased rapidly in recent years. Evidence has suggested that UPFs has adverse effects on several health outcomes. This study aimed to first evaluate the association between the intake of UPFs and asthenozoospermia odds. Methods A hospital-based case-control study including 549 cases and 581 controls was performed in the infertility clinics of Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University from June 2020 to December 2020. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Food items were categorized by the NOVA classification system based on the degree of processing. Semen parameters were analyzed according to the World Health Organization guidelines. Results The highest tertile of UPFs intake (% of total energy intake) was positively associated with the odds of asthenozoospermia (odds ratio [OR] = 1.53; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12, 2.10; P for trend < 0.05), compared with the lowest tertile. Similar patterns were also found in subgroup analyses among participants with age ≥32 years (OR = 1.58; 95% CI: 1.04, 2.40), BMI ≥ 24 kg/m2 (OR = 1.52; 95% CI: 1.04, 2.22), ever cigarette smoking (OR = 1.78; 95% CI: 1.14, 2.79), and ever alcohol drinking (OR = 1.65; 95% CI: 1.01, 2.72), and in sensitivity analyses by using absolute amount (g/day) to calculate the intake of UPFs. Conclusion Higher consumption of UPFs was positively associated with the odds of asthenozoospermia. More studies are needed to confirm our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Le Lv
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Precision Medical Research on Major Chronic Disease, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Qi-Jun Wu
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Precision Medical Research on Major Chronic Disease, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiao-Bin Wang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Qiang Du
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Fang-Hua Liu
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Precision Medical Research on Major Chronic Disease, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ren-Hao Guo
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xu Leng
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Bo-Chen Pan
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- *Correspondence: Bo-Chen Pan
| | - Yu-Hong Zhao
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Precision Medical Research on Major Chronic Disease, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Yu-Hong Zhao
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Levkova M, Radanova M, Angelova L. Potential role of dynein-related genes in the etiology of male infertility: A systematic review and a meta-analysis. Andrology 2022; 10:1484-1499. [PMID: 36057791 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The dynein-related genes may have a role in the etiology of male infertility, particularly in cases of impaired sperm motility. OBJECTIVES The goal of this review is to compile a list of the most important dynein-related candidate genes that may contribute to male factor infertility. MATERIALS AND METHODS Databases were searched using the keywords "dynein", "male", "infertility" and by applying strict inclusion criteria. A meta-analysis was also performed by using the eligible case-control studies. The odd ratios (OR), the Z-test score, and the level of significance were determined using a fixed model with a p value of 0.05. Funnel plots were used to check for publication bias. RESULTS There were 35 studies that met the inclusion criteria. There were a total of fifteen genes responsible for the production of dynein structural proteins, the production of dynein assembling factors, and potentially associated with male infertility. A total of five case-control studies were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Variants in the dynein-related genes were linked to an increased the risk of male infertility (OR = 21.52, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 8.34 - 55.50, Z test = 6.35, p < 0.05). The percentage of heterogeneity, I2 , was 47.00%. The lack of variants in the dynein genes was an advantage and this was statistically significant. DISCUSSION The results from the present review illustrate that pathogenic variants in genes both for dynein synthesis and for dynein assembly factors could be associated with isolated cases of male infertility without any other symptoms. CONCLUSIONS The genes addressed in this study, which are involved in both the production and assembly of dynein, could be used as molecular targets for future research into the etiology of sperm motility problems. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariya Levkova
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical University Varna, Marin Drinov Str 55, Varna, 9000, Bulgaria.,Laboratory of Medical Genetics, St. Marina Hospital, Hristo Smirnenski Blv 1, Varna, 9000, Bulgaria
| | - Maria Radanova
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Medicine and Nutrigenomics, Medical University Varna, Tzar Osvoboditel Str 84b, Varna, 9000, Bulgaria
| | - Lyudmila Angelova
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical University Varna, Marin Drinov Str 55, Varna, 9000, Bulgaria
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Guo H, Shen X, Hu H, Zhou P, He T, Xia L, Tan D, Zhang X, Zhang Y. Alteration of RNA modification signature in human sperm correlates with sperm motility. Mol Hum Reprod 2022; 28:gaac031. [PMID: 35959987 PMCID: PMC9422301 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaac031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA modifications, which are introduced post-transcriptionally, have recently been assigned pivotal roles in the regulation of spermatogenesis and embryonic development. However, the RNA modification landscape in human sperm is poorly characterized, hampering our understanding about the potential role played by RNA modification in sperm. Through our recently developed high-throughput RNA modification detection platform based on liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectroscopy, we are the first to have characterized the RNA modification signature in human sperm. The RNA modification signature was generated on the basis of 49 samples from participants, including 13 healthy controls, 21 patients with asthenozoospermia (AZS) and 15 patients with teratozoospermia (TZS). In total, we identified 13 types of RNA modification marks on the total RNA in sperm, and 16 types of RNA modification marks on sperm RNA fragments of different sizes. The levels of these RNA modifications on the RNA of patients with AZS or TZS were altered, compared to controls, especially on sperm RNA fragments > 80 nt. A few types of RNA modifications, such as m1G, m5C, m2G and m1A, showed clear co-expression patterns as well as high linear correlations with clinical sperm motility. In conclusion, we characterized the RNA modification signature of human sperm and identified its correlation with sperm motility, providing promising candidates for use in clinical sperm quality assessment and new research insights for exploring the underlying pathological mechanisms in human male infertility syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanping Guo
- Medical Center of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xipeng Shen
- Medical Center of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hua Hu
- Center for Reproductive & Genetic Medical, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Peng Zhou
- Center for Reproductive & Genetic Medical, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Tong He
- Medical Center of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Laboratory Animal Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lin Xia
- Medical Center of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dongmei Tan
- Laboratory Animal Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- Medical Center of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yunfang Zhang
- Medical Center of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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Liu Z, Wang C, Ni F, Yang F, Wei H, Li T, Wang J, Wang B. Novel compound heterozygous variants of DNAH17 in a Chinese infertile man with multiple morphological abnormalities of sperm flagella. Andrologia 2022; 54:e14553. [PMID: 35932098 DOI: 10.1111/and.14553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagellum (MMAF) have been reported to be an important cause of male infertility and reflect a heterogeneous genetic disorder. Previous studies have identified dozens of candidate pathogenic genes for MMAF, but the aetiology in approximately 50% of cases remains unexplained. The present study aimed to identify novel potentially pathogenic gene variants of MMAF. A Chinese family with a 32-year-old infertile proband presenting with MMAF was recruited, and sperm morphology of the patient was examined by Papanicolaou staining. Whole exome sequencing was performed on the proband and Sanger sequencing was used to identify genetic variants in the family. The frequencies of variants were assessed using public databases and the effects on protein structure and function were predicted by online bioinformatics tools. The patient exhibited asthenozoospermia and a MMAF phenotype. Novel compound heterozygous variants (c.5368C > T, p.R1790C and c.13183C > T, p.R4395W) of the DNAH17 gene were identified in the patient, and showed autosomal recessive inheritance in this family. These variants were very rare in the GnomAD database. The two mutated amino acids were located in a highly conserved region of the DNAH17 protein. In silico analysis revealed that the compound heterozygous variants may compromise the function of DNAH17. Our findings expand upon the spectrum of pathogenic DNAH17 variants that are responsible for MMAF, and provide new knowledge for genetic counselling of male infertility due to MMAF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhonglin Liu
- Center of Reproductive medicine, Affiliated hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Chunyan Wang
- Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Center for Genetics, National Research Institute of Family Planning, Beijing, China.,The Second Children & Women's Healthcare of Jinan City, Jinan, China
| | - Feng Ni
- Medicine Centre, 901st hospital of PLA Joint Logistic Support Force, Hefei, People's Republic of China
| | - Fenglian Yang
- Industrial College of Biomedicine and Health Industry, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Han Wei
- Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Center for Genetics, National Research Institute of Family Planning, Beijing, China
| | - Tengyan Li
- Center for Genetics, National Research Institute of Family Planning, Beijing, China
| | - Junli Wang
- Center of Reproductive medicine, Affiliated hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China.,Industrial College of Biomedicine and Health Industry, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Binbin Wang
- Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Center for Genetics, National Research Institute of Family Planning, Beijing, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Engineering Technology Research (NRIFP), Beijing, China
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Kaneda Y, Miyata H, Shimada K, Oyama Y, Iida-Norita R, Ikawa M. IRGC1, a testis-enriched immunity related GTPase, is important for fibrous sheath integrity and sperm motility in mice. Dev Biol 2022; 488:104-113. [PMID: 35618043 PMCID: PMC9232189 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2022.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Immunity-related GTPases (IRGs), also known as p47 GTPases, are a family of interferon-inducible proteins that play roles in immunity defense against intracellular pathogens. Although the molecular functions of IRGs have been well studied, the function of the family member, IRGC1, remains unclear. IRGC1 is unique among IRGs because its expression is not induced by interferon and it is expressed predominantly in the testis. Further, IRGC1 is well conserved in mammals unlike other IRGs. Here, we knocked out (KO) Irgc1 in mice using the CRISPR/Cas9 system and found that the fertility of Irgc1 KO males was severely impaired because of abnormal sperm motility. Further analyses with a transmission electron microscope revealed that the fibrous sheath (FS), an accessory structure of the sperm tail, was disorganized in Irgc1 KO mice. In addition, IRGC1 was detected in the sperm tail and fractionated with FS proteins. These results suggest that IRGC1 is a component of the FS and is involved in the correct formation of the FS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Kaneda
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 5650871, Japan; Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 5650871, Japan.
| | - Haruhiko Miyata
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 5650871, Japan.
| | - Keisuke Shimada
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 5650871, Japan.
| | - Yuki Oyama
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 5650871, Japan; Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 5650871, Japan.
| | - Rie Iida-Norita
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 5650871, Japan.
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 5650871, Japan; Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 5650871, Japan; The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 1088639, Japan; Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research, Osaka University, 2-8 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 5650871, Japan.
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42
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Yin Y, Mu W, Yu X, Wang Z, Xu K, Wu X, Cai Y, Zhang M, Lu G, Chan WY, Ma J, Huang T, Liu H. LRRC46 Accumulates at the Midpiece of Sperm Flagella and Is Essential for Spermiogenesis and Male Fertility in Mouse. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:8525. [PMID: 35955660 PMCID: PMC9369233 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The sperm flagellum is essential for male fertility. Multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF) is a severe form of asthenoteratozoospermia. MMAF phenotypes are understood to result from pathogenic variants of genes from multiple families including AKAP, DANI, DNAH, RSPH, CCDC, CFAP, TTC, and LRRC, among others. The Leucine-rich repeat protein (LRRC) family includes two members reported to cause MMAF phenotypes: Lrrc6 and Lrrc50. Despite vigorous research towards understanding the pathogenesis of MMAF-related diseases, many genes remain unknown underlying the flagellum biogenesis. Here, we found that Leucine-rich repeat containing 46 (LRRC46) is specifically expressed in the testes of adult mice, and show that LRRC46 is essential for sperm flagellum biogenesis. Both scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Papanicolaou staining (PS) presents that the knockout of Lrrc46 in mice resulted in typical MMAF phenotypes, including sperm with short, coiled, and irregular flagella. The male KO mice had reduced total sperm counts, impaired sperm motility, and were completely infertile. No reproductive phenotypes were detected in Lrrc46-/- female mice. Immunofluorescence (IF) assays showed that LRRC46 was present throughout the entire flagella of control sperm, albeit with evident concentration at the mid-piece. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) demonstrated striking flagellar defects with axonemal and mitochondrial sheath malformations. About the important part of the Materials and Methods, SEM and PS were used to observe the typical MMAF-related irregular flagella morphological phenotypes, TEM was used to further inspect the sperm flagellum defects in ultrastructure, and IF was chosen to confirm the location of protein. Our study suggests that LRRC46 is an essential protein for sperm flagellum biogenesis, and its mutations might be associated with MMAF that causes male infertility. Thus, our study provides insights for understanding developmental processes underlying sperm flagellum formation and contribute to further observe the pathogenic genes that cause male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Yin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; (Y.Y.); (W.M.); (X.Y.); (Z.W.); (K.X.); (X.W.); (Y.C.); (M.Z.); (J.M.)
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Wenyu Mu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; (Y.Y.); (W.M.); (X.Y.); (Z.W.); (K.X.); (X.W.); (Y.C.); (M.Z.); (J.M.)
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Xiaochen Yu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; (Y.Y.); (W.M.); (X.Y.); (Z.W.); (K.X.); (X.W.); (Y.C.); (M.Z.); (J.M.)
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Ziqi Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; (Y.Y.); (W.M.); (X.Y.); (Z.W.); (K.X.); (X.W.); (Y.C.); (M.Z.); (J.M.)
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Ke Xu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; (Y.Y.); (W.M.); (X.Y.); (Z.W.); (K.X.); (X.W.); (Y.C.); (M.Z.); (J.M.)
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Xinyue Wu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; (Y.Y.); (W.M.); (X.Y.); (Z.W.); (K.X.); (X.W.); (Y.C.); (M.Z.); (J.M.)
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Yuling Cai
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; (Y.Y.); (W.M.); (X.Y.); (Z.W.); (K.X.); (X.W.); (Y.C.); (M.Z.); (J.M.)
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Mingyu Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; (Y.Y.); (W.M.); (X.Y.); (Z.W.); (K.X.); (X.W.); (Y.C.); (M.Z.); (J.M.)
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, 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; (G.L.); (W.-Y.C.)
| | - Wai-Yee Chan
- CUHK-SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (G.L.); (W.-Y.C.)
| | - Jinlong Ma
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; (Y.Y.); (W.M.); (X.Y.); (Z.W.); (K.X.); (X.W.); (Y.C.); (M.Z.); (J.M.)
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
- CUHK-SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (G.L.); (W.-Y.C.)
| | - Tao Huang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; (Y.Y.); (W.M.); (X.Y.); (Z.W.); (K.X.); (X.W.); (Y.C.); (M.Z.); (J.M.)
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Hongbin Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China; (Y.Y.); (W.M.); (X.Y.); (Z.W.); (K.X.); (X.W.); (Y.C.); (M.Z.); (J.M.)
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART-Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250012, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
- CUHK-SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (G.L.); (W.-Y.C.)
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Wang W, Todorov P, Pei C, Wang M, Isachenko E, Rahimi G, Mallmann P, Isachenko V. Epigenetic Alterations in Cryopreserved Human Spermatozoa: Suspected Potential Functional Defects. Cells 2022; 11:cells11132110. [PMID: 35805194 PMCID: PMC9266127 DOI: 10.3390/cells11132110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was conducted on raw data, and alternative splicing (AS) events were found after mRNA sequencing of human spermatozoa. In this study, we aimed to compare unknown micro-epigenetics alternations in fresh and cryopreserved spermatozoa to evaluate the effectivity of cryopreservation protocols. Methods: Spermatozoa were divided into three groups: fresh spermatozoa (group 1), cryoprotectant-free vitrified spermatozoa (group 2), and conventionally frozen spermatozoa (group 3). Nine RNA samples (three replicates in each group) were detected and were used for library preparation with an Illumina compatible kit and sequencing by the Illumina platform. Results: Three Gene Ontology (GO) terms were found to be enriched in vitrified spermatozoa compared with fresh spermatozoa: mitochondrial tRNA aminoacylation, ATP-dependent microtubule motor activity, and male meiotic nuclear division. In alternative splicing analysis, a number of unknown AS events were found, including functional gene exon skipping (SE), alternative 5′ splice sites (A5SS), alternative 3′ splice sites (A3SS), mutually exclusive exon (MXE), and retained intron (RI). Conclusions: Cryopreservation of spermatozoa from some patients can agitate epigenetic instability, including increased alternative splicing events and changes in crucial mitochondrial functional activities. For fertilization of oocytes, for such patients, it is recommended to use fresh spermatozoa whenever possible; cryopreservation of sperm is recommended to be used only in uncontested situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanxue Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical Faculty, Cologne University, 50931 Cologne, Germany; (W.W.); (C.P.); (M.W.); (E.I.); (G.R.); (P.M.)
| | - Plamen Todorov
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction of Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Tsarigradsko highway 73A, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria;
| | - Cheng Pei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical Faculty, Cologne University, 50931 Cologne, Germany; (W.W.); (C.P.); (M.W.); (E.I.); (G.R.); (P.M.)
| | - Mengying Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical Faculty, Cologne University, 50931 Cologne, Germany; (W.W.); (C.P.); (M.W.); (E.I.); (G.R.); (P.M.)
| | - Evgenia Isachenko
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical Faculty, Cologne University, 50931 Cologne, Germany; (W.W.); (C.P.); (M.W.); (E.I.); (G.R.); (P.M.)
| | - Gohar Rahimi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical Faculty, Cologne University, 50931 Cologne, Germany; (W.W.); (C.P.); (M.W.); (E.I.); (G.R.); (P.M.)
| | - Peter Mallmann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical Faculty, Cologne University, 50931 Cologne, Germany; (W.W.); (C.P.); (M.W.); (E.I.); (G.R.); (P.M.)
| | - Vladimir Isachenko
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical Faculty, Cologne University, 50931 Cologne, Germany; (W.W.); (C.P.); (M.W.); (E.I.); (G.R.); (P.M.)
- Correspondence:
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Gao Y, Wang C, Wang K, He C, Hu K, Liang M. The effects and molecular mechanism of heat stress on spermatogenesis and the mitigation measures. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2022; 68:331-347. [PMID: 35722894 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2022.2074325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Under normal conditions, to achieve optimal spermatogenesis, the temperature of the testes should be 2-6 °C lower than body temperature. Cryptorchidism is one of the common pathogenic factors of male infertility. The increase of testicular temperature in male cryptorchidism patients leads to the disorder of body regulation and balance, induces the oxidative stress response of germ cells, destroys the integrity of sperm DNA, yields morphologically abnormal sperm, and leads to excessive apoptosis of germ cells. These physiological changes in the body can reduce sperm fertility and lead to male infertility. This paper describes the factors causing testicular heat stress, including lifestyle and behavioral factors, occupational and environmental factors (external factors), and clinical factors caused by pathological conditions (internal factors). Studies have shown that wearing tight pants or an inappropriate posture when sitting for a long time in daily life, and an increase in ambient temperature caused by different seasons or in different areas, can cause an increase in testicular temperature, induces testicular oxidative stress response, and reduce male fertility. The occurrence of cryptorchidism causes pathological changes within the testis and sperm, such as increased germ cell apoptosis, DNA damage in sperm cells, changes in gene expression, increase in chromosome aneuploidy, and changes in Na+/K+-ATPase activity, etc. At the end of the article, we list some substances that can relieve oxidative stress in tissues, such as trigonelline, melatonin, R. apetalus, and angelica powder. These substances can protect testicular tissue and relieve the damage caused by excessive oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Gao
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen Wang
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Kaixian Wang
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Chaofan He
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Ke Hu
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Liang
- School of Life Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
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Zhou Q. Progress in modern reproductive biology research in China. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:3-11. [PMID: 35699410 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac122] [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: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Reproductive biology is closely associated with human health and social progress. Modern reproductive biology research in China began in the 1930s. Advances in science, technology, government support and international collaborations spawned the rapid growth of reproductive biology research in China. While the development of reproductive biology has provided both theoretical knowledge and applicable technologies, it has also generated new social and ethical concerns. This review summarizes and highlights the contributions of modern reproductive biology research in China, with a specific focus on aspects that are most related to human reproduction and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhou
- 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
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
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Gong C, Abbas T, Muhammad Z, Zhou J, Khan R, Ma H, Zhang H, Shi Q, Shi B. A Homozygous Loss-of-Function Mutation in MSH5 Abolishes MutSγ Axial Loading and Causes Meiotic Arrest in NOA-Affected Individuals. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:6522. [PMID: 35742973 PMCID: PMC9224491 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), characterized by spermatogenesis failure and the absence of sperm in ejaculation, is the most severe form of male infertility. However, the etiology and pathology between meiosis-associated monogenic alterations and human NOA remain largely unknown. A homozygous MSH5 mutation (c.1126del) was identified from two idiopathic NOA patients in the consanguineous family. This mutation led to the degradation of MSH5 mRNA and abolished chromosome axial localization of MutSγ in spermatocytes from the affected males. Chromosomal spreading analysis of the patient's meiotic prophase I revealed that the meiosis progression was arrested at a zygotene-like stage with extensive failure of homologous synapsis and DSB repair. Therefore, our study demonstrates that the MSH5 c.1126del could cause meiotic recombination failure and lead to human infertility, improving the genetic diagnosis of NOA clinically. Furthermore, the study of human spermatocytes elucidates the meiosis defects caused by MSH5 variant, and reveals a conserved and indispensable role of MutSγ in human synapsis and meiotic recombination, which have not previously been well-described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenjia Gong
- The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China; (C.G.) (T.A.); (Z.M.); (J.Z.); (R.K.); (H.M.); (H.Z.)
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Tanveer Abbas
- The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China; (C.G.) (T.A.); (Z.M.); (J.Z.); (R.K.); (H.M.); (H.Z.)
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Zubair Muhammad
- The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China; (C.G.) (T.A.); (Z.M.); (J.Z.); (R.K.); (H.M.); (H.Z.)
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Jianteng Zhou
- The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China; (C.G.) (T.A.); (Z.M.); (J.Z.); (R.K.); (H.M.); (H.Z.)
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Ranjha Khan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China; (C.G.) (T.A.); (Z.M.); (J.Z.); (R.K.); (H.M.); (H.Z.)
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Hui Ma
- The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China; (C.G.) (T.A.); (Z.M.); (J.Z.); (R.K.); (H.M.); (H.Z.)
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China; (C.G.) (T.A.); (Z.M.); (J.Z.); (R.K.); (H.M.); (H.Z.)
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Qinghua Shi
- The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China; (C.G.) (T.A.); (Z.M.); (J.Z.); (R.K.); (H.M.); (H.Z.)
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
- Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Baolu Shi
- The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China; (C.G.) (T.A.); (Z.M.); (J.Z.); (R.K.); (H.M.); (H.Z.)
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
- Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
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47
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FertilityOnline: A Straightforward Pipeline for Functional Gene Annotation and Disease Mutation Discovery. GENOMICS, PROTEOMICS & BIOINFORMATICS 2022; 20:455-465. [PMID: 34954426 PMCID: PMC9801063 DOI: 10.1016/j.gpb.2021.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Exploring the genetic basis of human infertility is currently under intensive investigation. However, only a handful of genes have been validated in animal models as disease-causing genes in infertile men. Thus, to better understand the genetic basis of human spermatogenesis and bridge the knowledge gap between humans and other animal species, we construct the FertilityOnline, a database integrating the literature-curated functional genes during spermatogenesis into an existing spermatogenic database, SpermatogenesisOnline 1.0. Additional features, including the functional annotation and genetic variants of human genes, are also incorporated into FertilityOnline. By searching this database, users can browse the functional genes involved in spermatogenesis and instantly narrow down the number of candidates of genetic mutations underlying male infertility in a user-friendly web interface. Clinical application of this database was exampled by the identification of novel causative mutations in synaptonemal complex central element protein 1 (SYCE1) and stromal antigen 3 (STAG3) in azoospermic men. In conclusion, FertilityOnline is not only an integrated resource for spermatogenic genes but also a useful tool facilitating the exploration of the genetic basis of male infertility. FertilityOnline can be freely accessed at http://mcg.ustc.edu.cn/bsc/spermgenes2.0/index.html.
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48
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Wang HQ, Wang T, Gao F, Ren WZ. Application of CRISPR/Cas Technology in Spermatogenesis Research and Male Infertility Treatment. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13061000. [PMID: 35741761 PMCID: PMC9223233 DOI: 10.3390/genes13061000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
As the basis of animal reproductive activity, normal spermatogenesis directly determines the efficiency of livestock production. An in-depth understanding of spermatogenesis will greatly facilitate animal breeding efforts and male infertility treatment. With the continuous development and application of gene editing technologies, they have become valuable tools to study the mechanism of spermatogenesis. Gene editing technologies have provided us with a better understanding of the functions and potential mechanisms of action of factors that regulate spermatogenesis. This review summarizes the applications of gene editing technologies, especially CRISPR/Cas9, in deepening our understanding of the function of spermatogenesis-related genes and disease treatment. The problems of gene editing technologies in the field of spermatogenesis research are also discussed.
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49
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Yu X, Yuan L, Deng S, Xia H, Tu X, Deng X, Huang X, Cao X, Deng H. Identification of DNAH17 Variants in Han-Chinese Patients With Left–Right Asymmetry Disorders. Front Genet 2022; 13:862292. [PMID: 35692830 PMCID: PMC9186109 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.862292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The formation of left–right asymmetry of the visceral organs is a conserved feature of the human body, and the asymmetry specification of structure and function is precisely orchestrated by multiple regulatory mechanisms. The abnormal results of organ positioning situs arise from defective cilia structure or function during embryogenesis in humans. In this study, we recruited two unrelated Han-Chinese families with left–right asymmetry disorders. The combination of whole-exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing identified two compound heterozygous variants: c.4109C>T and c.9776C>T, and c.612C>G and c.8764C>T in the dynein axonemal heavy chain 17 gene (DNAH17) in two probands with left–right asymmetry disorders. We report for the first time a possible association between DNAH17 gene variants and left–right asymmetry disorders, which is known as a causal gene for asthenozoospermia. Altogether, the findings of our study may enlarge the DNAH17 gene variant spectrum in human left–right asymmetry disorders, pave a way to illustrate the potential pathogenesis of ciliary/flagellar disorders, and provide supplementary explanation for genetic counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuehui Yu
- Health Management Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lamei Yuan
- Health Management Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Disease Genome Research Center, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Neurology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Sheng Deng
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hong Xia
- Department of Emergency, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaolong Tu
- Department of Emergency, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiong Deng
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiangjun Huang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Xiao Cao
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hao Deng
- Health Management Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Disease Genome Research Center, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Neurology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Hao Deng,
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50
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Wu X, Zhou L, Shi J, Cheng CY, Sun F. Multiomics analysis of male infertility. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:118-134. [PMID: 35639635 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility affects 8-12% of couples globally, and the male factor is a primary cause in approximately 50% of couples. Male infertility is a multifactorial reproductive disorder, which can be caused by paracrine and autocrine factors, hormones, genes, and epigenetic changes. Recent studies in rodents and most notably in humans using multiomics approach have yielded important insights into understanding the biology of spermatogenesis. Nonetheless, the etiology and pathogenesis of male infertility are still largely unknown. In this review, we summarized and critically evaluated findings based on the use of advanced technologies to compare normal and obstructive azoospermia (OA) versus non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) men, including whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS), single cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq), whole exome sequencing (WES), and ATAC-seq. It is obvious that the multiomics approach is the method of choice for basic research and clinical studies including clinical diagnosis of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Wu
- Department of Urology & Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, China.,Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Liwei Zhou
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Jie Shi
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- Department of Urology & Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, China.,Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Department of Urology & Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, China.,Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
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