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Qin J, Wang J, Chen J, Xu J, Liu S, Deng D, Li F. Homozygous variant in DRC3 (LRRC48) gene causes asthenozoospermia and male infertility. J Hum Genet 2024:10.1038/s10038-024-01253-6. [PMID: 38769386 DOI: 10.1038/s10038-024-01253-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Human infertility affects 10-15% of couples. Asthenozoospermia accounts for 18% of men with infertility and is a common male infertility phenotype. The nexin-dynein regulatory complex (N-DRC) is a large protein complex in the sperm flagellum that connects adjacent doublets of microtubules. Defects in the N-DRC can disrupt cilia/flagellum movement, resulting in primary ciliary dyskinesia and male infertility. Using whole-exome sequencing, we identified a pathological homozygous variant of the dynein regulatory complex subunit 3 (DRC3) gene, which expresses leucine-rich repeat-containing protein 48, a component of the N-DRC, in a patient with asthenozoospermia. The variant ENST00000313838.12: c.644dup (p. Glu216GlyfsTer36) causes premature translational arrest of DRC3, resulting in a dysfunctional DRC3 protein. The patient's semen count, color, and pH were normal according to the reference values of the World Health Organization guidelines; however, sperm motility and progressive motility were reduced. DRC3 protein was not detected in the patient's sperm and the ultrastructure of the patient's sperm flagella was destroyed. More importantly, the DRC3 variant reduced its interaction with other components of the N-DRC, including dynein regulatory complex subunits 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, and 8. Our data not only revealed the essential biological functions of DRC3 in sperm flagellum movement and structure but also provided a new basis for the clinical genetic diagnosis of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Qin
- Department of Andrology/Sichuan Human Sperm Bank, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Jinyu Wang
- Department of Medical Genetics, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jianhai Chen
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Biological Sciences Division, The University of Chicago, 1101 E 57th Street, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Jinyan Xu
- Department of Andrology/Sichuan Human Sperm Bank, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Shanling Liu
- Department of Medical Genetics, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Dong Deng
- Department of Obstetrics, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Disease of Women and Children of MOE, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Fuping Li
- Department of Andrology/Sichuan Human Sperm Bank, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China.
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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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Kherraf ZE, Barbotin AL, Martinez G, Mazet A, Cazin C, Coutton C, Arnoult C, Thierry-Mieg N, Rives N, Rives-Feraille A, Ray PF. A splice donor variant of GAS8 induces structural disorganization of the axoneme in sperm flagella and leads to nonsyndromic male infertility. Clin Genet 2024; 105:220-225. [PMID: 37950557 DOI: 10.1111/cge.14450] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Motile cilia and flagella are closely related organelles structured around a highly conserved axoneme whose formation and maintenance involve proteins from hundreds of genes. Defects in many of these genes have been described to induce primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) mainly characterized by chronic respiratory infections, situs inversus and/or infertility. In men, cilia/flagella-related infertility is usually caused by asthenozoospermia due to multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF). Here, we investigated a cohort of 196 infertile men displaying a typical MMAF phenotype without any other PCD symptoms. Analysis of WES data identified a single case carrying a deleterious homozygous GAS8 variant altering a splice donor consensus site. This gene, also known as DRC4, encodes a subunit of the Nexin-Dynein Regulatory Complex (N-DRC), and has been already associated to male infertility and mild PCD. Confirming the deleterious effect of the candidate variant, GAS8 staining by immunofluorescence did not evidence any signal from the patient's spermatozoa whereas a strong signal was present along the whole flagella length in control cells. Concordant with its role in the N-DRC, transmission electron microscopy evidenced peripheral microtubule doublets misalignments. We confirm here the importance of GAS8 in the N-DRC and observed that its absence induces a typical MMAF phenotype not necessarily accompanied by other PCD symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zine-Eddine Kherraf
- Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility (GETI), Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
- CHU Grenoble Alpes, UM GI-DPI, Grenoble, France
| | - Anne-Laure Barbotin
- CHU Lille, Institut de Biologie de la Reproduction-Spermiologie-CECOS, Lille, France
| | - Guillaume Martinez
- Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility (GETI), Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
- CHU Grenoble Alpes, UM de Génétique Chromosomique, Grenoble, France
| | - Aurélien Mazet
- Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility (GETI), Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Caroline Cazin
- Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility (GETI), Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
- CHU Grenoble Alpes, UM GI-DPI, Grenoble, France
| | - Charles Coutton
- Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility (GETI), Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
- CHU Grenoble Alpes, UM de Génétique Chromosomique, Grenoble, France
| | - Christophe Arnoult
- Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility (GETI), Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | | | - Nathalie Rives
- Team Adrenal and Gonadal Pathophysiology, Inserm, U1239 NorDIC, University Rouen Normandie, Rouen, France
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory-CECOS, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France
| | - Aurélie Rives-Feraille
- Team Adrenal and Gonadal Pathophysiology, Inserm, U1239 NorDIC, University Rouen Normandie, Rouen, France
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory-CECOS, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France
| | - Pierre F Ray
- Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility (GETI), Institute for Advanced Biosciences, INSERM U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
- CHU Grenoble Alpes, UM GI-DPI, Grenoble, France
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Li Y, Zhang Q, Tan Q, Sha X, Gao Y, Hua R, Zhou P, Wei Z, He X, Cao Y, Li T, Wu H. LRRC23 deficiency causes male infertility with idiopathic asthenozoospermia by disrupting the assembly of radial spokes. Clin Genet 2023; 104:694-699. [PMID: 37804054 DOI: 10.1111/cge.14433] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
Asthenozoospermia (AZS) is the primary cause of infertility in males. The radial spoke (RS) is an axonemal structure, connecting the peripheral doublet microtubules with the central pair of microtubules. This T-shaped multiprotein complex functions as a mechanochemical sensor to promote sperm motility. LRRC23 is a novel subunit of the RS complex that is necessary for flagellar assembly and movement in mice. However, the importance of LRRC23 in modulating RS formation in humans remains unclear. Here, we identified a homozygous nonsense mutation in LRRC23 (c.376C>T:p. Arg126X) in an infertile AZS patient whose parents were consanguineous. We verified the adversity of this novel mutation because of its ability to disrupt LRRC23 synthesis and impair RSs integrity. Furthermore, we demonstrated an interaction between LRRC23 and RSPH3 in vitro, indicating that LCCR23 is associated with RS in humans. Meanwhile, the LRRC23-mutant patient had a good prognosis following intracytoplasmic sperm injection. This study provides strong preliminary evidence that LRRC23 defects are potential causative factors of AZS in humans, which expands our knowledge for improved genetic counseling and better reproductive recommendations for patients with AZS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqian Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, Fuyang People's Hospital, Fuyang, Anhui, China
| | - Qing Tan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xuan Sha
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yang Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Rong Hua
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Ping Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zhaolian Wei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaojin He
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Huan Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
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Zhou L, Liu H, Liu S, Yang X, Dong Y, Pan Y, Xiao Z, Zheng B, Sun Y, Huang P, Zhang X, Hu J, Sun R, Feng S, Zhu Y, Liu M, Gui M, Wu J. Structures of sperm flagellar doublet microtubules expand the genetic spectrum of male infertility. Cell 2023; 186:2897-2910.e19. [PMID: 37295417 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Sperm motility is crucial for successful fertilization. Highly decorated doublet microtubules (DMTs) form the sperm tail skeleton, which propels the movement of spermatozoa. Using cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and artificial intelligence (AI)-based modeling, we determined the structures of mouse and human sperm DMTs and built an atomic model of the 48-nm repeat of the mouse sperm DMT. Our analysis revealed 47 DMT-associated proteins, including 45 microtubule inner proteins (MIPs). We identified 10 sperm-specific MIPs, including seven classes of Tektin5 in the lumen of the A tubule and FAM166 family members that bind the intra-tubulin interfaces. Interestingly, the human sperm DMT lacks some MIPs compared with the mouse sperm DMT. We also discovered variants in 10 distinct MIPs associated with a subtype of asthenozoospermia characterized by impaired sperm motility without evident morphological abnormalities. Our study highlights the conservation and tissue/species specificity of DMTs and expands the genetic spectrum of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lunni Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China; Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China; Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China
| | - Haobin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China; Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China; Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China
| | - Siyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Xiaoyu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, The Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Yue Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yun Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Zhuang Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Beihong Zheng
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Yan Sun
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Pengyu Huang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Xixi Zhang
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jin Hu
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China; Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China
| | - Rui Sun
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China; Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shan Feng
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China; Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yi Zhu
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China; Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mingxi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.
| | - Miao Gui
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Management of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Jianping Wu
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China; Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China; Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, 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; 8:166869. [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] [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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DRC3 is an assembly adapter of the nexin-dynein regulatory complex functional components during spermatogenesis in humans and mice. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:26. [PMID: 36627292 PMCID: PMC9832115 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01293-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
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Meng Z, Meng Q, Gao T, Zhou H, Xue J, Li H, Wu Y, Lv J. Identification of bi-allelic KIF9 loss-of-function variants contributing to asthenospermia and male infertility in two Chinese families. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 13:1091107. [PMID: 36686457 PMCID: PMC9846173 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1091107] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Asthenozoospermia (AZS) is a leading cause of male infertility, affecting an estimated 18% of infertile patients. Kinesin proteins function as molecular motors capable of moving along microtubules. The highly conserved kinesin family member 9 (KIF9) localizes to the central microtubule pair in the flagella of Chlamydomonas cells. The loss of KIF9 expression in mice has been linked to AZS phenotypes. Methods Variant screening was performed by whole exome sequencing from 92 Chinese infertile patients with AZS. Western blot was used to was used for analyzing of candidate proteins expression. Patients' sperm samples were stained with immunofluorescent to visualise proteins localization and were visualised by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to determine axoneme structures. Co-immunoprecipitation assay was used to verify the binding proteins of KIF9. In vitro fertilization (IVF) was used to evaluate the efficiency of clinical treatment. Results Bi-allelic KIF9 loss-of-function variants were identified in two unrelated Chinese males exhibiting atypical sperm motility phenotypes. Both of these men exhibited typical AZS and suffered from infertility together with the complete absence of KIF9 expression. In contrast to these KIF9-deficient patients, positive KIF9 staining was evident throughout the flagella of sperm from normal control individuals. KIF9 was able to interact with the microtubule central pair (CP) component hydrocephalus-inducing protein homolog (HYDIN) in human samples. And KIF9 was undetectable in spermatozoa harboring CP deletions. The morphologicy of KIF9-deficient spermatozoa appeared normal under gross examination and TEM. Like in mice, in vitro fertilization was sufficient to overcome the fertility issues for these two patients. Discussion These findings indicate that KIF9 associates with the central microtubules in human sperm and that it functions to specifically regulate flagellar swinging. Overall, these results offer greater insight into the biological functions of KIF9 in the assembly of the human flagella and its role in male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixiang Meng
- Center for Reproduction, Suzhou Dushu Lake Hospital (Dushu Lake Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University), Suzhou, China
| | - Qingxia Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Tingting Gao
- Changzhou Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
| | - Hui Zhou
- Human Reproductive and Genetic Center, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Jiajia Xue
- Center for Reproduction, Suzhou Dushu Lake Hospital (Dushu Lake Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University), Suzhou, China
| | - Hong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yibo Wu
- Human Reproductive and Genetic Center, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Jinxing Lv
- Center for Reproduction, Suzhou Dushu Lake Hospital (Dushu Lake Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University), Suzhou, China
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10
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Xu H, Ding H, Zheng H. Murine fertility and spermatogenesis are independent of the testis-specific Spdye4a gene. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2023; 330:114148. [PMID: 36272447 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2022.114148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While many testis-enriched genes have been identified as important regulators of the spermatogenic process, the specific roles played by several of these genes and their functional importance has yet to be fully clarified. METHODS We employed a CRISPR/Cas9 approach to introduce a 5 bp in-frame deletion within the Spdye4a gene (Exon 2) of C57BL/6 mice (Spdye4a-/-). Fertility and sperm counts were evaluated. Testes tissues and cell suspensions were analyzed via histological and immunofluorescence staining. mRNA and protein levels of candidate genes were assessed through qPCR and Western blotting. In vitro fertilization was used to assess the ability of sperm cells to bind to egg cells. RESULTS Spdye4a-/- mice did not exhibit any reduction in fertility, and exhibited comparable sperm counts, morphology and motility to those of wildtype littermates. Functionally, Spdye4a-/- sperm exhibited normal sperm-egg binding activity in vitro. Furthermore, the testes of Spdye4a-/- mice exhibited a full range of germ cells from spermatogonia to mature spermatozoa. No differences in the progression of meiotic prophase I were observed when comparing Spdye4a-/- and wildtype mice, indicating that the loss of Spdye4a had no adverse effect on spermatogenesis. DISCUSSION Spdye4a is dispensable in the context of mice fertility and spermatogenesis. This study will prevent other laboratories from expending repeated efforts to generate similar knockout mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongge Xu
- Department of Gynaecology, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaian 223300, China
| | - Hongyan Ding
- Department of Gynaecology, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaian 223300, China
| | - Haoyu Zheng
- Department of Gynaecology, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaian 223300, China.
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11
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Li Y, Li Y, Wang Y, Meng L, Tan C, Du J, Tan YQ, Nie H, Zhang Q, Lu G, Lin G, Li H, Zhang H, Tu C. Identification of novel biallelic LRRC6 variants in male Chinese patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia and infertility. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:41-51. [PMID: 36515799 PMCID: PMC9840726 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02681-z] [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: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study is to identify the genetic cause of primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) and male infertility in two unrelated Han Chinese families. METHODS We performed whole-exome sequencing in two unrelated male Han Chinese patients suffering from infertility and PCD to identify the pathogenic variants. Ultrastructural and immunostaining analyses of patient's spermatozoa were performed to characterize the effect of the variants. The pathogenicity of the variants was validated using patient's spermatozoa by western blotting and immunostaining analysis. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was conducted in the affected families. RESULTS Three variants in leucine-rich repeat containing 6 (LRRC6) [patient 1(compound heterozygote): NM_012472: c.538C > T, (p.R180*) and c.64dupT, (p.S22Ffs*19); patient 2 (homozygote): c.863C > A, (p.P288H)] were identified in two unrelated patients with PCD and male infertility. These variants were predicated deleterious and were absent or rare in human population genome data. LRRC6-mutant spermatozoa showed a highly aberrant morphology and ultrastructure with lacked inner and outer dynein arms. The LRRC6 protein was present along the normal sperm flagella, and was significantly decreased in the mutated spermatozoa. Interestingly, both patients were able to conceive through ICSI and birthed a healthy baby. CONCLUSION Our results extend the LRRC6 variant spectrum and provide reproductive guidance to families suffering from PCD-linked infertility caused by LRRC6 variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunhao Li
- Hunan Guangxiu Hospital, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
| | - Yong Li
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Lanlan Meng
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Chen Tan
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Juan Du
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Yue-Qiu Tan
- Hunan Guangxiu Hospital, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Hongchuan Nie
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Qianjun Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Guangxiu Lu
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Ge Lin
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Huanzhu Li
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410008, China.
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China.
| | - Huan Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410008, China.
| | - Chaofeng Tu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410008, China.
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12
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Xu C, Zhu M, Zhao S, Zhang X, Wang Y, Liu M. Mutation of S461, in the GOLGA3 phosphorylation site, does not affect mouse spermatogenesis. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15133. [PMID: 37090114 PMCID: PMC10117384 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15133] [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: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Golgin subfamily A member 3 (Golga3), a member of the golgin subfamily A, is highly expressed in mouse testis. The GOLGA3 protein, which contains eight phosphorylation sites, is involved in protein transport, cell apoptosis, Golgi localization, and spermatogenesis. Although it has been previously reported that nonsense mutations in Golga3 cause multiple defects in spermatogenesis, the role of Golga3 in the testis is yet to be clarified. Methods Immunofluorescence co-localization in cells and protein dephosphorylation experiments were performed. Golga3 S461L/S461Lmice were generated using cytosine base editors. Fertility tests as well as computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) were then performed to investigate sperm motility within caudal epididymis. Histological and immunofluorescence staining were used to analyze testis and epididymis phenotypes and TUNEL assays were used to measure germ cell apoptosis in spermatogenic tubules. Results Immunofluorescence co-localization showed reduced Golgi localization of GOLGA3S465L with some protein scattered in the cytoplasm of HeLa cells .In addition, protein dephosphorylation experiments indicated a reduced band shift of the dephosphorylated GOLGA3S465L, confirming S461 as the phosphorylation site. Golga3 is an evolutionarily conserved gene and Golga3 S461L/S461Lmice were successfully generated using cytosine base editors. These mice had normal fertility and spermatozoa, and did not differ significantly from wild-type mice in terms of spermatogenesis and apoptotic cells in tubules. Conclusions Golga3 was found to be highly conserved in the testis, and GOLGA3 was shown to be involved in spermatogenesis, especially in apoptosis and Golgi complex-mediated effects. Infertility was also observed in Golga3 KO male mice. Although GOLGA3S465Lshowed reduced localization in the Golgi with some expression in the cytoplasm, this abnormal localization did not adversely affect fertility or spermatogenesis in male C57BL/6 mice. Therefore, mutation of the S461 GOLGA3 phosphorylation site did not affect mouse spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changtong Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mingcong Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shuqin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ying Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Reproduction, Women’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Mingxi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Affiliated Taizhou People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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13
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Dai S, Liang Y, Liu M, Yang Y, Liu H, Shen Y. Novel biallelic mutations in TTC29 cause asthenoteratospermia and male infertility. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2022; 10:e2078. [PMID: 36346162 PMCID: PMC9747556 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.2078] [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: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF), which is characterized as asthenoteratospermia involving absent, short, bent, coiled, and/or irregular-caliber flagella, is a rare recessive inherited disorder associated with male infertility. To date, genetic causes of MMAF cases are not fully explored. METHODS Whole-exome sequencing was conducted to identify pathogenic variants in a patient with MMAF. The functional effect of the identified mutations was investigated by immunofluorescence staining and western blotting. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection was used to assist fertilization for the patient with MMAF. RESULTS We identified novel biallelic mutations, a splicing variant NC_000004.12:g.146937593C>T (c.254+1G>A), and a nonsense mutation NM_001300761.4:c.1185C>G (NP_001287690.1:p.Tyr395*), in TTC29 from an infertile patient. In addition to the typical MMAF phenotype, the patient also presented aberrant morphology of sperm heads. Further functional experiments confirmed the absence of TTC29 expression in the spermatozoa. We also explored the specific expression pattern of TTC29 in human and mouse spermatogenesis. The outcome of intracytoplasmic sperm injection in the patient was unsuccessful, while additional female risk factors should not be excluded. CONCLUSIONS Our study revealed the novel biallelic mutations in TTC29 in a MMAF patient, which findings expand the mutational spectrum of TTC29 and further contribute to the diagnosis, genetic counseling, and prognosis of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Dai
- Core FacilityWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina,Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyWest China Second University Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina,Medical Genetics Department, Prenatal Diagnostic CenterWest China Second University Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of EducationSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Yan Liang
- Core FacilityWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Mohan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer CenterSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Yanting Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyWest China Second University Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina,Medical Genetics Department, Prenatal Diagnostic CenterWest China Second University Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of EducationSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Hongqian Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyWest China Second University Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina,Medical Genetics Department, Prenatal Diagnostic CenterWest China Second University Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of EducationSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Ying Shen
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (SCU‐CUHK), Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of EducationWest China Second University Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
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Differential requirements of IQUB for the assembly of radial spoke 1 and the motility of mouse cilia and flagella. Cell Rep 2022; 41:111683. [DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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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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Su S, Xia S, He Y, Li J, Ma L, Chen X, Li J. A Phenotype and Genotype Case Report of a Neonate With Congenital Bilateral Coronary Artery Fistulas and Multiple Collateral Arteries. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:939551. [PMID: 35872895 PMCID: PMC9299261 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.939551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We report a unique case of an 18-day-old girl with three coronary artery fistulas to the right atrium and right ventricle, respectively: three collateral arteries arising from the descending aorta and one from the right subclavian artery draining through a sac to the top of the right atrium, patent ductus arteriosus, and atrial septal defect. She presented symptoms of acute congestive heart failure. Cardiac catheterization and surgical interventions were performed to repair the defects. The patient recovered uneventfully and grew up well at 3 years of follow-up. Whole-genome sequencing (WES) in the patient, compared to her parents, showed 17 variants within 11 genes. Among these, only compound heterozygous mutation, c.T470G (p.L157R) and c.A1622G (p.D541G), in the DRC1 gene have been reportedly related to congenital heart disease and are the most likely causative in our patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shixin Su
- Clinical Physiology Laboratory, Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research in Structural Birth Defect Disease, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong, China
| | - Shuliang Xia
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research in Structural Birth Defect Disease, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong, China
- Cardiovascular Surgery, Heart Center, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong, China
| | - Ye He
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research in Structural Birth Defect Disease, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong, China
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong, China
| | - Jianbin Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research in Structural Birth Defect Disease, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong, China
- Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, Heart Center, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong, China
| | - Li Ma
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research in Structural Birth Defect Disease, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong, China
- Cardiovascular Surgery, Heart Center, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinxin Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research in Structural Birth Defect Disease, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong, China
- Cardiovascular Surgery, Heart Center, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong, China
- *Correspondence: Xinxin Chen
| | - Jia Li
- Clinical Physiology Laboratory, Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research in Structural Birth Defect Disease, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong, China
- Jia Li
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17
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Novel Compound Heterozygous Mutation in FSIP2 Causes Multiple Morphological Abnormalities of the Sperm Flagella (MMAF) and Male Infertility. Reprod Sci 2022; 29:2697-2702. [DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-00965-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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18
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Zhou S, Wu H, Zhang J, He X, Liu S, Zhou P, Hua R, Cao Y, Liu M. Bi-allelic variants in human TCTE1/DRC5 cause asthenospermia and male infertility. Eur J Hum Genet 2022; 30:721-729. [PMID: 35388187 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-022-01095-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Asthenozoospermia (AZS) is a common male infertility phenotype, accounting for 18% of infertile patients. The N-DRC (Nexin-dynein Regulatory Complex) complex is the motor regulating device in the flagellum, which is found in most eukaryotic organisms with flagellum. The deletion of TCTE1 (T-Complex-Associated Testis-Expressed 1), a component of the N-DRC complex also known as DRC5 (Dynein regulatory complex subunit 5), has been shown to cause asthenospermia in mice. This study mainly introduces a clinical case of male infertility with normal sperm count, normal morphological structure, but low motility and weak forward movement. By whole-exome sequencing, we found that TCTE1 became a frameshift mutant, ENST00000371505.5: c.396_397insTC (p.Arg133Serfs*33), resulting in the rapid degradation of TCTE1 protein and male infertility. This phenotype is similar to the Tcte1-/- (Tcte1 knockout) mice, which showed structural integrity but reduced motility. Further, different from mice, in vitro Fertilization (IVF) could successfully solve the patient's problem of infertility. Our data provides a better understanding of the biological functions of TCTE1 in human flagellum assembly and male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shushu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Huan Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Jintao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Xiaojin He
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Siyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Ping Zhou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Rong Hua
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China. .,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, China. .,Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China.
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China. .,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, 230032, China. .,Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, 230032, China.
| | - Mingxi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
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19
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Mo J, Lu Y, Zhu S, Feng L, Qi W, Chen X, Xie B, Chen B, Lan G, Liang J. Genome-Wide Association Studies, Runs of Homozygosity Analysis, and Copy Number Variation Detection to Identify Reproduction-Related Genes in Bama Xiang Pigs. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:892815. [PMID: 35711794 PMCID: PMC9195146 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.892815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Litter size and teat number are economically important traits in the porcine industry. However, the genetic mechanisms influencing these traits remain unknown. In this study, we analyzed the genetic basis of litter size and teat number in Bama Xiang pigs and evaluated the genomic inbreeding coefficients of this breed. We conducted a genome-wide association study to identify runs of homozygosity (ROH), and copy number variation (CNV) using the novel Illumina PorcineSNP50 BeadChip array in Bama Xiang pigs and annotated the related genes in significant single nucleotide polymorphisms and common copy number variation region (CCNVR). We calculated the ROH-based genomic inbreeding coefficients (FROH) and the Spearman coefficient between FROH and reproduction traits. We completed a mixed linear model association analysis to identify the effect of high-frequency copy number variation (HCNVR; over 5%) on Bama Xiang pig reproductive traits using TASSEL software. Across eight chromosomes, we identified 29 significant single nucleotide polymorphisms, and 12 genes were considered important candidates for litter-size traits based on their vital roles in sperm structure, spermatogenesis, sperm function, ovarian or follicular function, and male/female infertility. We identified 9,322 ROHs; the litter-size traits had a significant negative correlation to FROH. A total of 3,317 CNVs, 24 CCNVR, and 50 HCNVR were identified using cnvPartition and PennCNV. Eleven genes related to reproduction were identified in CCNVRs, including seven genes related to the testis and sperm function in CCNVR1 (chr1 from 311585283 to 315307620). Two candidate genes (NEURL1 and SH3PXD2A) related to reproduction traits were identified in HCNVR34. The result suggests that these genes may improve the litter size of Bama Xiang by marker-assisted selection. However, attention should be paid to deter inbreeding in Bama Xiang pigs to conserve their genetic diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayuan Mo
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Yujie Lu
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Siran Zhu
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Lingli Feng
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Wenjing Qi
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Xingfa Chen
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Bingkun Xie
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Livestock Genetic Improvement, Guangxi Institute of Animal Science, Nanning, China
| | - Baojian Chen
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Livestock Genetic Improvement, Guangxi Institute of Animal Science, Nanning, China
| | - Ganqiu Lan
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Jing Liang
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
- *Correspondence: Jing Liang
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20
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Ma A, Zeb A, Ali I, Zhao D, Khan A, Zhang B, Zhou J, Khan R, Zhang H, Zhang Y, Khan I, Shah W, Ali H, Javed AR, Ma H, Shi Q. Biallelic Variants in CFAP61 Cause Multiple Morphological Abnormalities of the Flagella and Male Infertility. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:803818. [PMID: 35174165 PMCID: PMC8841411 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.803818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella (MMAF) can lead to male infertility due to impaired sperm motility and morphology. Calmodulin- and spoke-associated complex (CSC) are known for their roles in radial spoke (RS) assembly and ciliary motility in Chlamydomonas, while the role of cilia- and flagella-associated protein 61 (CFAP61), a mammalian ortholog of the CSC subunits, in humans is yet unknown. Here, we recruited three unrelated Pakistani families comprising of 11 infertile male patients diagnosed with MMAF. CFAP61 variants, c.451_452del (p.I151Nfs*4) in family 1 and c.847C > T (p.R283*) in family 2 and 3, were identified recessively co-segregating with the MMAF phenotype. Transmission electron microscopy analyses revealed severe disorganized axonemal ultrastructures, and missings of central pair, RSs, and inner dynein arms were also observed and confirmed by immunofluorescence staining in spermatozoa from patients. CFAP61 and CFAP251 signals were absent from sperm tails of the patients, which suggested the loss of functional CSC in sperm flagella. Altogether, our findings report that homozygous variants in CFAP61 are associated with MMAF and male infertility, demonstrating the essential role of this gene in normal sperm flagellum structure in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Hui Ma
- *Correspondence: Qinghua Shi, ; Hui Ma,
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21
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Yogo K. Molecular basis of the morphogenesis of sperm head and tail in mice. Reprod Med Biol 2022; 21:e12466. [PMID: 35619659 PMCID: PMC9126569 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The spermatozoon has a complex molecular apparatus necessary for fertilization in its head and flagellum. Recently, numerous genes that are needed to construct the molecular apparatus of spermatozoa have been identified through the analysis of genetically modified mice. Methods Based on the literature information, the molecular basis of the morphogenesis of sperm heads and flagella in mice was summarized. Main findings (Results) The molecular mechanisms of vesicular trafficking and intraflagellar transport in acrosome and flagellum formation were listed. With the development of cryo‐electron tomography and mass spectrometry techniques, the details of the axonemal structure are becoming clearer. The fine structure and the proteins needed to form the central apparatus, outer and inner dynein arms, nexin‐dynein regulatory complex, and radial spokes were described. The important components of the formation of the mitochondrial sheath, fibrous sheath, outer dense fiber, and the annulus were also described. The similarities and differences between sperm flagella and Chlamydomonas flagella/somatic cell cilia were also discussed. Conclusion The molecular mechanism of formation of the sperm head and flagellum has been clarified using the mouse as a model. These studies will help to better understand the diversity of sperm morphology and the causes of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiichiro Yogo
- Department of Applied Life Sciences Faculty of Agriculture Shizuoka University Shizuoka Japan
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22
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Liu S, Zhang J, Kherraf ZE, Sun S, Zhang X, Cazin C, Coutton C, Zouari R, Zhao S, Hu F, Fourati Ben Mustapha S, Arnoult C, Ray PF, Liu M. CFAP61 is required for sperm flagellum formation and male fertility in human and mouse. Development 2021; 148:273455. [PMID: 34792097 DOI: 10.1242/dev.199805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Defects in the structure or motility of cilia and flagella may lead to severe diseases such as primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), a multisystemic disorder with heterogeneous manifestations affecting primarily respiratory and reproductive functions. We report that CFAP61 is a conserved component of the calmodulin- and radial spoke-associated complex (CSC) of cilia. We find that a CFAP61 splice variant, c.143+5G>A, causes exon skipping/intron retention in human, inducing a multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagella (MMAF) phenotype. We generated Cfap61 knockout mice that recapitulate the infertility phenotype of the human CFAP61 mutation, but without other symptoms usually observed in PCD. We find that CFAP61 interacts with the CSC, radial spoke stalk and head. During early stages of Cfap61-/- spermatid development, the assembly of radial spoke components is impaired. As spermiogenesis progresses, the axoneme in Cfap61-/- cells becomes unstable and scatters, and the distribution of intraflagellar transport proteins is disrupted. This study reveals an organ-specific mechanism of axoneme stabilization that is related to male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Jintao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Zine Eddine Kherraf
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility, Grenoble, F-38000, France.,CHU de Grenoble, UM GI-DPI, Grenoble, F-38000, France
| | - Shuya Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Caroline Cazin
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility, Grenoble, F-38000, France.,CHU de Grenoble, UM GI-DPI, Grenoble, F-38000, France
| | - Charles Coutton
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility, Grenoble, F-38000, France.,CHU de Grenoble, UM de Génétique Chromosomique, Grenoble, F-38000, France
| | - Raoudha Zouari
- Polyclinique les Jasmins, Centre d'Aide Médicale à la Procréation, Centre Urbain Nord, 1003 Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Shuqin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Animal Core Facility of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Fan Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | | | - Christophe Arnoult
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility, Grenoble, F-38000, France
| | - Pierre F Ray
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility, Grenoble, F-38000, France.,CHU de Grenoble, UM GI-DPI, Grenoble, F-38000, France
| | - Mingxi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
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23
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DRC1 deficiency caused primary ciliary dyskinesia and MMAF in a Chinese patient. J Hum Genet 2021; 67:197-201. [PMID: 34815526 DOI: 10.1038/s10038-021-00985-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a heterogeneous disease characterized by the failure of mucociliary clearance. Dynein regulatory complex subunit 1 (DRC1) variants can cause PCD by disrupting the nexin link connecting the outer doublets. In this study, we aimed to investigate the clinical and functional impacts of DRC1 variants on respiratory cilia and sperm. METHODS We identified and validated the DRC1 variant by using whole-exome and Sanger sequencing. High-speed video microscopy analysis (HSVA) was used to measure the nasal ciliary beating frequency and pattern in a patient and a healthy control. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were applied to analyze the morphological and ultrastructural sperm defects resulting from the DRC1 variant. RESULTS NM_145038.5:c.1296 G>A, p.(Trp432*), a novel homozygous DRC1 nonsense variant, was identified in a patient from a consanguineous Chinese family. The patient exhibited bronchiectasis, chronic sinusitis, situs solitus, and male infertility. The markedly reduced nasal nitric oxide production rate (3.0 nL/min) was consistent with PCD diagnosis. HSVA showed reduced bending capacity and higher beating frequency of nasal cilia in the patient compared with those in healthy control. The diagnosis of multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF) was confirmed through sperm HE staining and TEM analysis. Following the intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment, the patient fathered a healthy daughter. CONCLUSION This report is the first to describe a novel DRC1 variant in a patient with PCD and MMAF, and in vitro fertilization was effective for treating infertility in this male patient. Our findings expand the genetic spectrum of PCD and MMAF, and provide a detailed clinical summary and functional analysis of patients with DRC1 variants.
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24
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Zhang X, Sun J, Lu Y, Zhang J, Shimada K, Noda T, Zhao S, Koyano T, Matsuyama M, Zhou S, Wu J, Ikawa M, Liu M. LRRC23 is a conserved component of the radial spoke that is necessary for sperm motility and male fertility in mice. J Cell Sci 2021; 134:jcs259381. [PMID: 34585727 PMCID: PMC10658914 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.259381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cilia and flagella are ancient structures that achieve controlled motor functions through the coordinated interaction based on microtubules and some attached projections. Radial spokes (RSs) facilitate the beating motion of these organelles by mediating signal transduction between dyneins and a central pair (CP) of singlet microtubules. RS complex isolation from Chlamydomonas axonemes enabled the detection of 23 radial spoke proteins (RSP1-RSP23), although the roles of some radial spoke proteins remain unknown. Recently, RSP15 has been reported to be bound to the stalk of RS2, but its homolog in mammals has not been identified. Herein, we show that Lrrc23 is an evolutionarily conserved testis-enriched gene encoding an RSP15 homolog in mice. We found that LRRC23 localizes to the RS complex within murine sperm flagella and interacts with RSPH3A and RSPH3B. The knockout of Lrrc23 resulted in male infertility due to RS disorganization and impaired motility in murine spermatozoa, whereas the ciliary beating was not significantly affected. These data indicate that LRRC23 is a key regulator that underpins the integrity of the RS complex within the flagella of mammalian spermatozoa, whereas it is dispensable in cilia. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Jiang Sun
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871 Osaka, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, 565-0871 Osaka, Japan
| | - Yonggang Lu
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871 Osaka, Japan
| | - Jintao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Keisuke Shimada
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871 Osaka, Japan
| | - Taichi Noda
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871 Osaka, Japan
| | - Shuqin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Animal Core Facility of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Takayuki Koyano
- Division of Molecular Genetics, Shigei Medical Research Institute, 701-0202 Okayama, Japan
| | - Makoto Matsuyama
- Division of Molecular Genetics, Shigei Medical Research Institute, 701-0202 Okayama, Japan
| | - Shushu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Jiayan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871 Osaka, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, 565-0871 Osaka, Japan
- The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Minato-ku, 108-8639 Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mingxi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
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25
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Khan R, Zaman Q, Chen J, Khan M, Ma A, Zhou J, Zhang B, Ali A, Naeem M, Zubair M, Zhao D, Shah W, Khan M, Zhang Y, Xu B, Zhang H, Shi Q. Novel Loss-of-Function Mutations in DNAH1 Displayed Different Phenotypic Spectrum in Humans and Mice. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:765639. [PMID: 34867808 PMCID: PMC8635859 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.765639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Male infertility is a prevalent disorder distressing an estimated 70 million people worldwide. Despite continued progress in understanding the causes of male infertility, idiopathic sperm abnormalities such as multiple morphological abnormalities of sperm flagella (MMAF) still account for about 30% of male infertility. Recurrent mutations in DNAH1 have been reported to cause MMAF in various populations, but the underlying mechanism is still poorly explored. This study investigated the MMAF phenotype of two extended consanguineous Pakistani families without manifesting primary ciliary dyskinesia symptoms. The transmission electron microscopy analysis of cross-sections of microtubule doublets revealed a missing central singlet of microtubules and a disorganized fibrous sheath. SPAG6 staining, a marker generally used to check the integration of microtubules of central pair, further confirmed the disruption of central pair in the spermatozoa of patients. Thus, whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed, and WES analysis identified two novel mutations in the DNAH1 gene that were recessively co-segregating with MMAF phenotype in both families. To mechanistically study the impact of identified mutation, we generated Dnah1 mice models to confirm the in vivo effects of identified mutations. Though Dnah1△iso1/△iso1 mutant mice represented MMAF phenotype, no significant defects were observed in the ultrastructure of mutant mice spermatozoa. Interestingly, we found DNAH1 isoform2 in Dnah1△iso1/△iso1 mutant mice that may be mediating the formation of normal ultrastructure in the absence of full-length protein. Altogether we are first reporting the possible explanation of inconsistency between mouse and human DNAH1 mutant phenotypes, which will pave the way for further understanding of the underlying pathophysiological mechanism of MMAF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranjha Khan
- 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, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Qumar Zaman
- 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, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Jing Chen
- 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, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Manan Khan
- 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, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Ao Ma
- 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, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Jianteng Zhou
- 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, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Beibei Zhang
- 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, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Asim Ali
- 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, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Muhammad Naeem
- Medical Genetics Research Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Zubair
- 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, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Daren Zhao
- 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, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Wasim Shah
- 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, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Mazhar Khan
- 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, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yuanwei Zhang
- 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, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Bo Xu
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Bo Xu, ; Huan Zhang, ; Qinghua Shi,
| | - Huan Zhang
- 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, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Bo Xu, ; Huan Zhang, ; Qinghua Shi,
| | - Qinghua Shi
- 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, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Bo Xu, ; Huan Zhang, ; Qinghua Shi,
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