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Kent K, Nozawa K, Sutton C, Daniel F, Ikawa M, Garcia TX, Matzuk MM. CUB domains are not required for OVCH2 function in sperm maturation in the mouse epididymis. Andrology 2024; 12:682-697. [PMID: 37551853 PMCID: PMC10850435 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13508] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ovochymase 2 (Ovch2) is an epididymis-specific gene that is required for male fertility. While a multitude of reproductive tract-specific genes required for male fertility have been identified, OVCH2 is thus far the first protein required for male fertility that contains Complement C1r/C1s, Uegf, Bmp1 (CUB) domains located in tandem in the C-terminus of the protein. Identifying the functional significance of this unique domain has implications in better understanding fertility and infertility and as a potential contraceptive target. OBJECTIVE The goals of these studies were to understand the influence and requirement of OVCH2 CUB domains in the localization and functional requirement of OVCH2 in sperm maturation and function. MATERIALS AND METHODS To this end, we performed in vivo localization analysis of OVCH2 and reproductive phenotype analysis of mice containing C-terminal FLAG tag on OVCH2, with either the entire protein intact, or CUB2 or both CUB1 and CUB2 genetically ablated. All mice were generated through the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing approach. RESULTS We found that OVCH2 is specifically expressed in the proximal caput epididymidis, and the absence of CUB2 did not affect this localization pattern. Although the absence of both CUB domains significantly reduced sperm motility and progressive motility, this effect was not manifested in a reduction in fertility over a 6-month period mating trial, which showed no significant differences between control and CUB deletant mice. Further, the absence of one or both CUB domains did not affect reproductive organ structure or sperm morphology. CONCLUSIONS Our studies demonstrate that the CUB domains are not required for fertility in male mice, at least under the normal animal housing conditions our mice were tested in, and suggest that the enzymatic activity of the OVCH2 protease, in the absence of its CUB domains, is sufficient for normal sperm processing in the epididymis. Although our findings do not preclude the possibility that OVCH2 CUB domains are required under a yet-identified stress condition, our findings demonstrate that the most likely region for deleterious mutations in men with idiopathic infertility and the most vulnerable site for inhibition of OVCH2 protein function is in its protease domain, and not its CUB domains. Our findings have implications in the genetic screening of infertile men and the development of a novel non-hormonal male contraceptive by honing in on the more critical region of a functionally required protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Kent
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kaori Nozawa
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Courtney Sutton
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Frey Daniel
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Thomas X. Garcia
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
- Scott Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, TX 77030, USA
| | - Martin M. Matzuk
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Raut S, Khambata K, Singh D, Balasinor NH. Dopamine receptor D2 regulates genes involved in germ cell movement and sperm motility in rat testes†. Biol Reprod 2024; 110:377-390. [PMID: 37956402 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad153] [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: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The function of dopamine receptor D2 (D2R) is well associated with sperm motility; however, the physiological role of D2R present on testicular cells remains elusive. The aim of the present study is to delineate the function of testicular D2R. Serum dopamine levels were found to decrease with age, whereas testicular D2R expression increased. In rat testicular sections, D2R immunolabeling was observed in interstitial cells, spermatogonia, spermatocytes and mature elongated spermatids, whereas tyrosine hydroxylase immunolabeling was selectively detected in Leydig cells. In vitro seminiferous tubule culture following bromocriptine (D2R agonist) treatment resulted in decreased cAMP levels. Microarray identified 1077 differentially expressed genes (511 up-regulated, 566 down-regulated). The majority of differentially expressed genes were present in post-meiotic cells including early and late spermatids, and sperm. Gene ontology elucidated processes related to extra-cellular matrix to be enriched and was supported by differential expression of various collagens and laminins, thereby indicating a role of dopamine in extra-cellular matrix integrity and transport of spermatids across the seminiferous epithelium. Gene ontology and enrichment map also highlighted cell/sperm motility to be significantly enriched. Therefore, genes involved in sperm motility functions were further validated by RT-qPCR. Seven genes (Akap4, Ccnyl1, Iqcf1, Klc3, Prss55, Tbc1d21, Tl18) were significantly up-regulated, whereas four genes (Dnah1, Dnah5, Clxn, Fsip2) were significantly down-regulated by bromocriptine treatment. The bromocriptine-stimulated reduction in seminiferous tubule cyclic AMP and associated changes in spermatid gene expression suggests that dopamine regulates both spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis within the seminiferous epithelium, and spermatozoa motility following spermiation, as essential processes for fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanketa Raut
- Department of Neuroendocrinology, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Kushaan Khambata
- Department of Gamete Immunobiology, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Dipty Singh
- Department of Neuroendocrinology, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Nafisa H Balasinor
- Department of Neuroendocrinology, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, India
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Kiyozumi D. Expression of NELL2/NICOL-ROS1 lumicrine signaling-related molecules in the human male reproductive tract. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2024; 22:3. [PMID: 38169386 PMCID: PMC10759339 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-023-01175-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The maturation of spermatozoa is a regulated process, influenced by genes expressing essential secreted proteins in the proximal epididymis. Recent genetic studies in rodents have identified the non-sex steroidal molecular signals that regulate gene expression in the proximal epididymis. Germ cells in the testis secrete ligand proteins into the seminiferous tubule lumen The ligand proteins travel through the male reproductive tract lumen to the epididymis, where they bind to receptors, triggering the differentiation of the luminal epithelium for sperm maturation. It is, however, not fully unveiled if such a testis-epididymis trans-luminal signaling mechanism exists in other species, especially humans. In the present study, the rodent-type testis-epididymis trans-luminal signaling in the human male reproductive tract was evaluated in a step-by-step manner by analyzing testis and epididymis gene expression and signaling mediator protein function. There was a significant correlation between the epididymal expressions of mouse genes upregulated by the trans-luminal signaling and those of their human orthologs, as evaluated by the correlation coefficient of 0.604. The transcript expression of NELL2 and NICOL encoding putative ligand proteins was also observed in human testicular cells. In vitro experiments demonstrated that purified recombinant human NELL2 and NICOL formed a molecular complex with similar properties to rodent proteins, which was evaluated by a dissociation equilibrium constant of 110 nM. Recombinant human NELL2 also specifically bound to its putative receptor human ROS1 in vitro. Collectively, these findings suggest that the rodent-type testis-epididymis secreted signaling mechanism is also possible in the human male reproductive tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiji Kiyozumi
- Japan Science and Technology Agency, 7, Gobancho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 102-0076, Japan.
- Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan.
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4
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Sutton C, Nozawa K, Kent K, Saltzman A, Leng M, Nagarajan S, Malovannaya A, Ikawa M, Garcia TX, Matzuk MM. Molecular dissection and testing of PRSS37 function through LC-MS/MS and the generation of a PRSS37 humanized mouse model. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11374. [PMID: 37452050 PMCID: PMC10349139 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37700-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The quest for a non-hormonal male contraceptive pill for men still exists. Serine protease 37 (PRSS37) is a sperm-specific protein that when ablated in mice renders them sterile. In this study we sought to examine the molecular sequelae of PRSS37 loss to better understand its molecular function, and to determine whether human PRSS37 could rescue the sterility phenotype of knockout (KO) mice, allowing for a more appropriate model for drug molecule testing. To this end, we used CRISPR-EZ to create mice lacking the entire coding region of Prss37, used pronuclear injection to create transgenic mice expressing human PRSS37, intercrossed these lines to generate humanized mice, and performed LC-MS/MS of KO and control tissues to identify proteomic perturbances that could attribute a molecular function to PRSS37. We found that our newly generated Prss37 KO mouse line is sterile, our human transgene rescues the sterility phenotype of KO mice, and our proteomics data not only yields novel insight into the proteome as it evolves along the male reproductive tract, but also demonstrates the proteins significantly influenced by PRSS37 loss. In summary, we report vast biological insight including insight into PRSS37 function and the generation of a novel tool for contraceptive evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney Sutton
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kaori Nozawa
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Katarzyna Kent
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Alexander Saltzman
- Mass Spectrometry Proteomics Core, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mei Leng
- Mass Spectrometry Proteomics Core, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sureshbabu Nagarajan
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Anna Malovannaya
- Mass Spectrometry Proteomics Core, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Thomas X Garcia
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Scott Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Martin M Matzuk
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
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Philibert P, Déjardin S, Girard M, Durix Q, Gonzalez AA, Mialhe X, Tardat M, Poulat F, Boizet-Bonhoure B. Cocktails of NSAIDs and 17α Ethinylestradiol at Environmentally Relevant Doses in Drinking Water Alter Puberty Onset in Mice Intergenerationally. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065890. [PMID: 36982971 PMCID: PMC10099742 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065890] [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: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and 17α-ethinyl-estradiol (EE2) are among the most relevant endocrine-disrupting pharmaceuticals found in the environment, particularly in surface and drinking water due to their incomplete removal via wastewater treatment plants. Exposure of pregnant mice to NSAID therapeutic doses during the sex determination period has a negative impact on gonadal development and fertility in adults; however, the effects of their chronic exposure at lower doses are unknown. In this study, we investigated the impact of chronic exposure to a mixture containing ibuprofen, 2hydroxy-ibuprofen, diclofenac, and EE2 at two environmentally relevant doses (added to the drinking water from fetal life until puberty) on the reproductive tract in F1 exposed mice and their F2 offspring. In F1 animals, exposure delayed male puberty and accelerated female puberty. In post-pubertal F1 testes and ovaries, differentiation/maturation of the different gonad cell types was altered, and some of these modifications were observed also in the non-exposed F2 generation. Transcriptomic analysis of post-pubertal testes and ovaries of F1 (exposed) and F2 animals revealed significant changes in gene expression profiles and enriched pathways, particularly the inflammasome, metabolism and extracellular matrix pathways, compared with controls (non-exposed). This suggested that exposure to these drug cocktails has an intergenerational impact. The identified Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP) networks for NSAIDs and EE2, at doses that are relevant to everyday human exposure, will improve the AOP network of the human reproductive system development concerning endocrine disruptor chemicals. It may serve to identify other putative endocrine disruptors for mammalian species based on the expression of biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Philibert
- Développement et Pathologie de la Gonade, Institut de Génétique Humaine, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université de Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France
- Laboratoire de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire, Hôpital Carèmeau, CHU de Nîmes, 30900 Nîmes, France
| | - Stéphanie Déjardin
- Développement et Pathologie de la Gonade, Institut de Génétique Humaine, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université de Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Mélissa Girard
- Développement et Pathologie de la Gonade, Institut de Génétique Humaine, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université de Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Quentin Durix
- IExplore-RAM, Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Montpellier and Institut National de la Santé Et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), 34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Anne-Alicia Gonzalez
- MGX-Montpellier GenomiX, UMS Biocampus, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, 34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Xavier Mialhe
- MGX-Montpellier GenomiX, UMS Biocampus, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, 34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Mathieu Tardat
- Biologie des Séquences Répétées, Institut de Génétique Humaine, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Francis Poulat
- Développement et Pathologie de la Gonade, Institut de Génétique Humaine, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université de Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Brigitte Boizet-Bonhoure
- Développement et Pathologie de la Gonade, Institut de Génétique Humaine, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université de Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France
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6
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Holmlund H, Yamauchi Y, Durango G, Fujii W, Ward MA. Two acquired mouse Y chromosome-linked genes, Prssly and Teyorf1, are dispensable for male fertility‡. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:752-764. [PMID: 35485405 PMCID: PMC9476217 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Prssly (Protease, serine-like, Chr Y) and Teyorf1 (Testis expressed, chromosome Y open reading frame 1) are two acquired single-copy genes located on the distal tip of the non-pairing short arm of the mouse Y chromosome adjacent to telomeric sequence. Both genes lack X chromosome-linked homologues and are expressed in testicular germ cells. We first performed analysis of Prssly and Teyorf1 genomic sequences and demonstrated that previously reported Prssly sequence is erroneous and the true Prssly sequence is longer and encodes a larger protein than previously estimated. We also confirmed that both genes encode pseudogenes that are not expressed in testes. Next, using CRISPR/Cas9 genome targeting, we generated Prssly and Teyorf1 knockout (KO) mice and characterized their phenotype. To create Prssly KO mice, we targeted the conserved exon 5 encoding a trypsin domain typical for serine proteases. The targeting was successful and resulted in a frame shift mutation that introduced a premature stop codon, with the Prssly KO males retaining only residual transcript expression in testes. The Teyorf1 targeting removed the entire open reading frame of the gene, which resulted in no transcript expression in KO males. Both Prssly KO and Teyorf1 KO males were fertile and had normal testis size and normal sperm number, motility, and morphology. Our findings show that Prssly and Teyorf1 transcripts with potential to encode proteins are dispensable for male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayden Holmlund
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Yasuhiro Yamauchi
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Gerald Durango
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Wataru Fujii
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA
- Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Monika A Ward
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA
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7
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Whole-Genome Profile of Greek Patients with Teratozοοspermia: Identification of Candidate Variants and Genes. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13091606. [PMID: 36140773 PMCID: PMC9498395 DOI: 10.3390/genes13091606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Male infertility is a global health problem that affects a large number of couples worldwide. It can be categorized into specific subtypes, including teratozoospermia. The present study aimed to identify new variants associated with teratozoospermia in the Greek population and to explore the role of genes on which these were identified. For this reason, whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed on normozoospermic and teratozoospermic individuals, and after selecting only variants found in teratozoospermic men, these were further prioritized using a wide range of tools, functional and predictive algorithms, etc. An average of 600,000 variants were identified, and of them, 61 were characterized as high impact and 153 as moderate impact. Many of these are mapped in genes previously associated with male infertility, yet others are related for the first time to teratozoospermia. Furthermore, pathway enrichment analysis and Gene ontology (GO) analyses revealed the important role of the extracellular matrix in teratozoospermia. Therefore, the present study confirms the contribution of genes studied in the past to male infertility and sheds light on new molecular mechanisms by providing a list of variants and candidate genes associated with teratozoospermia in the Greek population.
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Shen C, Xiong W, Li C, Ge H, Shen Y, Tang L, Zhang H, Lu S, Fei J, Wang Z. Testis-specific serine protease PRSS54 regulates acrosomal granule localization and sperm head morphogenesis in mice. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:1139-1154. [PMID: 35863763 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac146] [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: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Serine proteases (PRSS) constitute nearly one-third of all proteases, and many of them have been identified to be testis-specific and play significant roles during sperm development and male reproduction. PRSS54 is one of the testis-specific PRSS in mouse and human but its physiological function remains largely unclear. In the present study, we demonstrate in detail that PRSS54 exists not only in testis but also in mature sperm, exhibiting a change in protein size from 50 kDa in testis to 42 kDa in sperm. Loss of PRSS54 in mice results in male subfertility, acrosome deformation, defective sperm-zona penetration, and phenotypes of male subfertility and acrosome deformation can be rescued by Prss54 transgene. Ultrastructure analyses by transmission electronic microscopy further reveal various morphological abnormalities of Prss54-/- spermatids during spermiogenesis, including unfused vacuoles in acrosome, detachment and eccentrical localization of the acrosomal granules, and asymmetrical elongation of the nucleus. Subcellular localization of PRSS54 display that it appears in the acrosomal granule at the early phase of acrosome biogenesis, then extends along the inner acrosomal membrane, and ultimately presents in the acrosome region of the mature sperm. PRSS54 interacts with acrosomal proteins ZPBP1, ZPBP2, ACRBP and ZP3R, and loss of PRSS54 affects the distribution of these proteins in testis and sperm, although their protein levels are largely unaffected. Moreover, Prss54-/- sperm are more sensitive to acrosome reaction inducers. These data indicate that PRSS54 is an acrosomal protein and plays an important role in regulating acrosome biogenesis, sperm function and male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunling Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Wenfeng Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.,School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Chaojie Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.,School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Haoyang Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Yan Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Lingyun Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Hongxin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Shunyuan Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Jian Fei
- Shanghai Engineering and Technology Research Center for Model Animals, Shanghai Model Organisms Center, Inc., Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Zhugang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Research Center for Experimental Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.,School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.,Shanghai Engineering and Technology Research Center for Model Animals, Shanghai Model Organisms Center, Inc., Shanghai, 201203, China
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9
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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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10
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PRSS55 is a novel potential causative gene for human male infertility. Reprod Biomed Online 2022; 45:553-562. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2022.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Zhang J, Zhou X, Wan D, Yu L, Chen X, Yan T, Wu Z, Zheng M, Zhu F, Zhu H. TMPRSS12 Functions in Meiosis and Spermiogenesis and Is Required for Male Fertility in Mice. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:757042. [PMID: 35547804 PMCID: PMC9081376 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.757042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Serine proteases are involved in many physiological activities as initiators of proteolytic cascades, and some members have been reported to play roles in male reproduction. Transmembrane serine protease 12 (TMPRSS12) has been shown to regulate sperm motility and uterotubal junction migration in mice, but its role in the testis remains unknown. In this study, we verified that TMPRSS12 was expressed in the spermatocytes and spermatids of testis and the acrosome of sperm. Mice deficient in Tmprss12 exhibited male sterility. In meiosis, TMPRSS12 was demonstrated to regulate synapsis and double-strand break repair; spermatocytes of Tmprss12−/− mice underwent impaired meiosis and subsequent apoptosis, resulting in reduced sperm counts. During spermiogenesis, TMPRSS12 was found to function in the development of mitochondria; abnormal mitochondrial structure in Tmprss12−/− sperm led to reduced availability of ATP, impacting sperm motility. The differential protein expression profiles of testes in Tmprss12−/− and wild-type mice and further molecule identification revealed potential targets of TMPRSS12 related to meiosis and mitochondrial function. Besides, TMPRSS12 was also found to be involved in a series of sperm functions, including capacitation, acrosome reaction and sperm-egg interaction. These data imply that TMPRSS12 plays a role in multiple aspects of male reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Prenatal Diagnosis, Women’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinli Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Danyang Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Li Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tong Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhu Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Meimei Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Reproductive Medicine Center of No. 960 Hospital of PLA, Jinan, China
| | - Feng Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Pathology, The First People’s Hospital of Changzhou, Changzhou, China
| | - Hui Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Hui Zhu,
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12
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CEP128 is involved in spermatogenesis in humans and mice. Nat Commun 2022; 13:1395. [PMID: 35296684 PMCID: PMC8927350 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29109-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Centrosomal proteins are necessary components of the centrosome, a conserved eukaryotic organelle essential to the reproductive process. However, few centrosomal proteins have been genetically linked to fertility. Herein we identify a homozygous missense variant of CEP128 (c.665 G > A [p.R222Q]) in two infertile males. Remarkably, male homozygous knock-in mice harboring the orthologous CEP128R222Q variant show anomalies in sperm morphology, count, and motility. Moreover, Cep128 knock-out mice manifest male infertility associated with disrupted sperm quality. We observe defective sperm flagella in both homozygous Cep128 KO and KI mice; the cilia development in other organs is normal—suggesting that CEP128 variants predominantly affected the ciliogenesis in the testes. Mechanistically, CEP128 is involved in male reproduction via regulating the expression of genes and/or the phosphorylation of TGF-β/BMP-signalling members during spermatogenesis. Altogether, our findings unveil a crucial role for CEP128 in male fertility and provide important insights into the functions of centrosomal proteins in reproductive biology. CEP128 is a centrosomal protein important for the organization of centriolar microtubules. Here, the authors show that a CEP128 variant observed in human male siblings causes reduced sperm counts and morphologically abnormal sperm when modeled in mice, suggesting a role for CEP128 in male fertility.
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13
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Xu X, Wang Y, Chen J, Du X, Yao L, Xu J, Zhang Y, Huang Y, Wang Y. Mutation of Serine protease 1 Induces Male Sterility in Bombyx mori. Front Physiol 2022; 13:828859. [PMID: 35222089 PMCID: PMC8867212 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.828859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Serine proteases are important in reproduction, embryonic development, cell differentiation, apoptosis, and immunity. The genes encoding some serine proteases are essential for male fertility in both humans and rodents and are functionally conserved among metazoan. For example, the Serine protease 1 (Ser1) gene determines male reproductive success in the model lepidopteran insect Bombyx mori. In this study, we explored the function of BmSer1 through transgenic CRISPR/Cas9 technology-mediated mutations in silkworm. We found that the mutation of BmSer1 gene resulted in male sterility but had no effect on female fertility. Male mutants produce normal eupyrene sperm bundles, but the sperm bundles do not dissociate into single sperm. Male sterility caused by the BmSer1 gene mutation was inherited stably through female individuals. Therefore, the serine protease encoded by BmSer1 is essential for male reproductive success in lepidopterans and is a potential target gene for biological reproductive regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Xu
- Institute of Sericulture and Tea, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yaohui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jine Chen
- Institute of Sericulture and Tea, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xin Du
- Institute of Sericulture and Tea, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lusong Yao
- Institute of Sericulture and Tea, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jun Xu
- Institute of Sericulture and Tea, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongping Huang
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Yongping Huang,
| | - Yongqiang Wang
- Institute of Sericulture and Tea, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- Yongqiang Wang,
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14
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Kiyozumi D, Ikawa M. Proteolysis in Reproduction: Lessons From Gene-Modified Organism Studies. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:876370. [PMID: 35600599 PMCID: PMC9114714 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.876370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The physiological roles of proteolysis are not limited to degrading unnecessary proteins. Proteolysis plays pivotal roles in various biological processes through cleaving peptide bonds to activate and inactivate proteins including enzymes, transcription factors, and receptors. As a wide range of cellular processes is regulated by proteolysis, abnormalities or dysregulation of such proteolytic processes therefore often cause diseases. Recent genetic studies have clarified the inclusion of proteases and protease inhibitors in various reproductive processes such as development of gonads, generation and activation of gametes, and physical interaction between gametes in various species including yeast, animals, and plants. Such studies not only clarify proteolysis-related factors but the biological processes regulated by proteolysis for successful reproduction. Here the physiological roles of proteases and proteolysis in reproduction will be reviewed based on findings using gene-modified organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiji Kiyozumi
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- PRESTO, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Kawaguchi, Japan
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- CREST, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Kawaguchi, Japan
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15
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Dominiak Z, Huras H, Kręcisz P, Krzeszowski W, Szymański P, Czarnecka K. Promising results in development of male contraception. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2021; 41:128005. [PMID: 33798701 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2021.128005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Nowadays, conscious planning of the family is very important for many people. The possibility of using protective measures against unplanned pregnancy is a great comfort. Most forms of contraceptives are intended for women, although their use can be ruled out in various health conditions. Scientists have been trying to develop a different type of method for men for many years. More and more research is being done and there have been promising results. It is hoped that soon both genders will have a similar range of contraceptive options to enable responsible family planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzanna Dominiak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Analyses and Radiopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lodz, 1 Muszyńskiego St., 90-151 Lodz, Poland
| | - Hubert Huras
- Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-007 Krakow, Poland
| | - Paweł Kręcisz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Analyses and Radiopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lodz, 1 Muszyńskiego St., 90-151 Lodz, Poland
| | | | - Paweł Szymański
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Analyses and Radiopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lodz, 1 Muszyńskiego St., 90-151 Lodz, Poland; Department of Radiobiology and Radiation Protection, Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, 4 Kozielska St., 01-163 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Kamila Czarnecka
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Analyses and Radiopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lodz, 1 Muszyńskiego St., 90-151 Lodz, Poland; Department of Radiobiology and Radiation Protection, Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, 4 Kozielska St., 01-163 Warsaw, Poland.
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16
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Xia M, Xia J, Niu C, Zhong Y, Ge T, Ding Y, Zheng Y. Testis-expressed protein 33 is not essential for spermiogenesis and fertility in mice. Mol Med Rep 2021; 23:317. [PMID: 33760102 PMCID: PMC7974414 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.11956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene expression analyses have revealed that there are >2,300 testis-enriched genes in mice, and gene knockout models have shown that a number of them are responsible for male fertility. However, the functions of numerous genes have yet to be clarified. The aim of the present study was to identify the expression pattern of testis-expressed protein 33 (TEX33) in mice and explore the role of TEX33 in male reproduction. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blot assays were used to investigate the mRNA and protein levels of TEX33 in mouse testes during the first wave of spermatogenesis. Immunofluorescence analysis was also performed to identify the cellular and structural localization of TEX33 protein in the testes. Tex33 knockout mice were generated by CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing. Histological analysis with hematoxylin and eosin or periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining, computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) and fertility testing, were also carried out to evaluate the effect of TEX33 on mouse spermiogenesis and male reproduction. The results showed that Tex33 mRNA and protein were exclusively expressed in mouse testes and were first detected on postnatal days 21–28 (spermiogenesis phase); their expression then remained into adulthood. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed that TEX33 protein was located in the spermatids and sperm within the seminiferous tubules of the mouse testes, and exhibited specific localization to the acrosome, flagellum and manchette during spermiogenesis. These results suggested that TEX33 may play a role in mouse spermiogenesis. However, Tex33 knockout mice presented no detectable difference in testis-to-body weight ratios when compared with wild-type mice. PAS staining and CASA revealed that spermatogenesis and sperm quality were normal in mice lacking Tex33. In addition, fertility testing suggested that the Tex33 knockout mice had normal reproductive functions. In summary, the findings of the present study indicate that TEX33 is associated with spermiogenesis but is not essential for sperm development and male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Xia
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, P.R. China
| | - Jing Xia
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, P.R. China
| | - Changmin Niu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, P.R. China
| | - Yanan Zhong
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, P.R. China
| | - Tingting Ge
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, P.R. China
| | - Yue Ding
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, P.R. China
| | - Ying Zheng
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, P.R. China
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17
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Zhu F, Li W, Zhou X, Chen X, Zheng M, Cui Y, Liu X, Guo X, Zhu H. PRSS55 plays an important role in the structural differentiation and energy metabolism of sperm and is required for male fertility in mice. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:2040-2051. [PMID: 33417308 PMCID: PMC7882947 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Orderly and stage‐specifically expressed proteins are essential for spermatogenesis, and proteases play a key role in protein activation and function. The present study aimed to investigate serine protease 55 (PRSS55), which was reported to play a role in sperm‐uterotubal junction (UTJ) migration and sperm‐zona pellucida (ZP) binding. We found that PRSS55 was specifically expressed in testicular spermatids and epididymal spermatozoa. By constructing knockout mice targeting all transcripts of Prss55, we demonstrated that deletion of Prss55 resulted in a serious decline of male fertility, with significantly increased sperm malformation and decreased sperm motility. In Prss55−/− mice, increased structural abnormality, including deficient “9 + 2” microtubules, damaged peripheral dense fibre, and defective mitochondrial cristae, were found in sperm. In addition, sperm showed decreased expression of electron transfer chain molecules and lower ATP contents. These could be the potential causes of the astheno/teratozoospermia phenotype of the Prss55−/− mice, and provided new evidence for the previously reported impaired sperm‐UTJ migration. Moreover, preliminary studies allowed us to speculate that PRSS55 might function by activating type II muscle myosin in the testis, which is involved in many processes requiring motivation and cytoskeleton translocation. Thus, PRSS55 is essential for the structural differentiation and energy metabolism of sperm, and might be a potential pathogenic factor in astheno/teratozoospermia. Our results provide an additional explanation for the male sterility of Prss55−/− mice, and further reveal the role of PRSS55.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Pathology, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou, Changzhou, China
| | - Wen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinli Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Meimei Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yiqiang Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaofei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xuejiang Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hui Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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18
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Gahlay GK, Rajput N. The enigmatic sperm proteins in mammalian fertilization: an overview†. Biol Reprod 2020; 103:1171-1185. [PMID: 32761117 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian fertilization involves a physical interaction between a sperm and an egg followed by molecular interactions amongst their various cell surface molecules. These interactions are initially mediated on the egg's outermost matrix, zona pellucida (ZP), and then its plasma membrane. To better understand this process, it is pertinent to find the corresponding molecules on sperm that interact with ZP or the egg's plasma membrane. Although currently, we have some knowledge about the binding partners for egg's plasma membrane on sperm, yet the ones involved in an interaction with ZP have remained remarkably elusive. This review provides comprehensive knowledge about the various sperm proteins participating in mammalian fertilization and discusses the possible reasons for not being able to identify the strong sperm surface candidate (s) for ZP adhesion. It also hypothesizes the existence of a multi-protein complex(s), members of which participate in oviduct transport, cumulus penetration, zona adhesion, and adhesion/fusion with the egg's plasma membrane; with some protein(s) having multiple roles during this process. Identification of these proteins is crucial as it improves our understanding of the process and allows us to successfully treat infertility, develop contraceptives, and improve artificial reproductive technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gagandeep Kaur Gahlay
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar 143005, India
| | - Neha Rajput
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar 143005, India
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Discovery of potent thrombin inhibitors from a protease-focused DNA-encoded chemical library. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:16782-16789. [PMID: 32641511 PMCID: PMC7382296 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2005447117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
To rapidly identify small-molecule lead compounds to target healthcare-associated proteases, we constructed a unique 9.8-million-membered protease-focused DNA-encoded chemical library. Affinity selection of this library with a healthcare-relevant protease (i.e., thrombin, a key protein necessary for blood coagulation) revealed potent inhibitors in the first screening attempt. Our results emphasize the utility of a structurally focused DNA-encoded chemical library approach to rapidly uncover hits for healthcare targets (e.g., proteases) where no drug exists (e.g., male contraception) and for emerging diseases (e.g., coronavirus disease 2019). DNA-encoded chemical libraries are collections of compounds individually coupled to unique DNA tags serving as amplifiable identification barcodes. By bridging split-and-pool combinatorial synthesis with the ligation of unique encoding DNA oligomers, million- to billion-member libraries can be synthesized for use in hundreds of healthcare target screens. Although structural diversity and desirable molecular property ranges generally guide DNA-encoded chemical library design, recent reports have highlighted the utility of focused DNA-encoded chemical libraries that are structurally biased for a class of protein targets. Herein, a protease-focused DNA-encoded chemical library was designed that utilizes chemotypes known to engage conserved catalytic protease residues. The three-cycle library features functional moieties such as guanidine, which interacts strongly with aspartate of the protease catalytic triad, as well as mild electrophiles such as sulfonamide, urea, and carbamate. We developed a DNA-compatible method for guanidinylation of amines and reduction of nitriles. Employing these optimized reactions, we constructed a 9.8-million-membered DNA-encoded chemical library. Affinity selection of the library with thrombin, a common protease, revealed a number of enriched features which ultimately led to the discovery of a 1 nM inhibitor of thrombin. Thus, structurally focused DNA-encoded chemical libraries have tremendous potential to find clinically useful high-affinity hits for the rapid discovery of drugs for targets (e.g., proteases) with essential functions in infectious diseases (e.g., severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) and relevant healthcare conditions (e.g., male contraception).
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