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Stallmeyer B, Dicke AK, Tüttelmann F. How exome sequencing improves the diagnostics and management of men with non-syndromic infertility. Andrology 2024. [PMID: 39120565 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Revised: 07/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Male infertility affects approximately 17% of all men and represents a complex disorder in which not only semen parameters such as sperm motility, morphology, and number of sperm are highly variable, but also testicular phenotypes range from normal spermatogenesis to complete absence of germ cells. Genetic factors significantly contribute to the disease but chromosomal aberrations, mostly Klinefelter syndrome, and microdeletions of the Y-chromosome have remained the only diagnostically and clinically considered genetic causes. Monogenic causes remain understudied and, thus, often unidentified, leaving the majority of the male factor couple infertility pathomechanistically unexplained. This has been changing mostly because of the introduction of exome sequencing that allows the analysis of multiple genes in large patient cohorts. As a result, pathogenic variants in single genes have been associated with non-syndromic forms of all aetiologic sub-categories in the last decade. This review highlights the contribution of exome sequencing to the identification of novel disease genes for isolated (non-syndromic) male infertility by presenting the results of a comprehensive literature search. Both, reduced sperm count in azoospermic and oligozoospermic patients, and impaired sperm motility and/or morphology, in asthenozoospermic and/or teratozoospermic patients are highly heterogeneous diseases with well over 100 different candidate genes described for each entity. Applying the standardized evaluation criteria of the ClinGen gene curation working group, 70 genes with at least moderate evidence to contribute to the disease are highlighted. The implementation of these valid disease genes in clinical exome sequencing is important to increase the diagnostic yield in male infertility and, thus, improve clinical decision-making and appropriate genetic counseling. Future advances in androgenetics will continue to depend on large-scale exome and genome sequencing studies of comprehensive international patient cohorts, which are the most promising approaches to identify additional disease genes and provide reliable data on the gene-disease relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birgit Stallmeyer
- Centre of Medical Genetics, Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Munster, Germany
| | - Ann-Kristin Dicke
- Centre of Medical Genetics, Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Munster, Germany
| | - Frank Tüttelmann
- Centre of Medical Genetics, Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Munster, Germany
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2
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Tong KY, Liu WW, Sun LW, Liu DY, Xiang YZ, Li C, Chai LW, Chen K, Huang GN, Li JY. Novel PLCZ1 mutation caused polyspermy during in vitro fertilization. Asian J Androl 2024; 26:389-395. [PMID: 38445955 PMCID: PMC11280200 DOI: 10.4103/aja202376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Failure of oocyte activation, including polyspermy and defects in pronuclear (PN) formation, triggers early embryonic developmental arrest. Many studies have shown that phospholipase C zeta 1 ( PLCZ1 ) mutations cause failure of PN formation following intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI); however, whether PLCZ1 mutation is associated with polyspermy during in vitro fertilization (IVF) remains unknown. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed to identify candidate mutations in couples with primary infertility. Sanger sequencing was used to validate the mutations. Multiple PLCZ1 -mutated sperm were injected into human and mouse oocytes to explore whether PN formation was induced. Assisted oocyte activation (AOA) after ICSI was performed to overcome the failure of oocyte activation. We identified three PLCZ1 mutations in three patients who experienced polyspermy during IVF cycles, including a novel missense mutation c.1154C>T, p.R385Q. PN formation failure was observed during the ICSI cycle. However, injection of multiple PLCZ1- mutated sperm induced PN formation, suggesting that the Ca 2+ oscillations induced by the sperm exceeded the necessary threshold for PN formation. AOA after ICSI enabled normal fertilization, and all patients achieved successful pregnancies. These findings expand the mutational spectrum of PLCZ1 and suggest an important role for PLCZ1 in terms of blocking polyspermy. Furthermore, this study may benefit genetic diagnoses in cases of abnormal fertilization and provide potential appropriate therapeutic measures for these patients with sperm-derived polyspermy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke-Ya Tong
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400012, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing 400012, China
| | - Wei-Wei Liu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400012, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing 400012, China
| | - Li-Wei Sun
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400012, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing 400012, China
| | - Dong-Yun Liu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400012, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing 400012, China
| | - Ye-Zhou Xiang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400012, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing 400012, China
| | - Chong Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400012, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing 400012, China
| | - Lu-Wei Chai
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400012, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing 400012, China
| | - Ke Chen
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400012, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing 400012, China
| | - Guo-Ning Huang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400012, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing 400012, China
| | - Jing-Yu Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400012, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing 400012, China
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Kashir J, Mistry BV, Rajab MA, BuSaleh L, Abu-Dawud R, Ahmed HA, Alharbi S, Nomikos M, AlHassan S, Coskun S, Assiri AM. The mammalian sperm factor phospholipase C zeta is critical for early embryo division and pregnancy in humans and mice. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:1256-1274. [PMID: 38670547 PMCID: PMC11145019 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae078] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are sperm phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ) profiles linked to the quality of embryogenesis and pregnancy? SUMMARY ANSWER Sperm PLCζ levels in both mouse and humans correlate with measures of ideal embryogenesis whereby minimal levels seem to be required to result in successful pregnancy. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY While causative factors underlying male infertility are multivariable, cases are increasingly associated with the efficacy of oocyte activation, which in mammals occurs in response to specific profiles of calcium (Ca2+) oscillations driven by sperm-specific PLCζ. Although sperm PLCζ abrogation is extensively linked with human male infertility where oocyte activation is deficient, less is clear as to whether sperm PLCζ levels or localization underlies cases of defective embryogenesis and failed pregnancy following fertility treatment. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A cohort of 54 couples undergoing fertility treatment were recruited at the assisted reproductive technology laboratory at the King Faisal Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The recruitment criteria for males was a minimum sperm concentration of 5×106 sperm/ml, while all female patients had to have at least five oocytes. Sperm PLCζ analysis was performed in research laboratories, while semen assessments were performed, and time-lapse morphokinetic data were obtained, in the fertility clinic as part of routine treatment. The CRISPR/Cas9 system was concurrently used to induce indels and single-nucleotide mutations within the Plcζ gene to generate strains of Plcζ mutant mice. Sperm PLCζ was evaluated using immunofluorescence and immunoblotting with an antibody of confirmed consistent specificity against PLCζ. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS We evaluated PLCζ profiles in sperm samples from 54 human couples undergoing fertility treatment in the context of time-lapse morphokinetic analysis of resultant embryos, correlating such profiles to pregnancy status. Concurrently, we generated two strains of mutant Plcζ mice using CRISPR/Cas9, and performed IVF with wild type (WT) oocytes and using WT or mutant Plcζ sperm to generate embryos. We also assessed PLCζ status in WT and mutant mice sperm in the context of time-lapse morphokinetic analysis and breeding outcomes. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE A significant (P ≤ 0.05) positive relationship was observed between both PLCζ relative fluorescence and relative density with the times taken for both the second cell division (CC2) (r = 0.26 and r = 0.43, respectively) and the third cell division (S2) (r = 0.26). Examination of localization patterns also indicated significant correlations between the presence or absence of sperm PLCζ and CC2 (r = 0.27 and r = -0.27, respectively; P ≤ 0.025). Human sperm PLCζ levels were at their highest in the ideal times of CC2 (8-12 h) compared to time ranges outside the ideal timeframe (<8 and >12 h) where levels of human sperm PLCζ were lower. Following assignment of PLCζ level thresholds, quantification revealed a significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) rate of successful pregnancy in values larger than the assigned cut-off for both relative fluorescence (19% vs 40%, respectively) and relative density (8% vs 54%, respectively). Immunoblotting indicated a single band for PLCζ at 74 kDa in sperm from WT mice, while a single band was also observed in sperm from heterozygous of Plcζ mutant mouse sperm, but at a diminished intensity. Immunofluorescent analysis indicated the previously reported (Kashir et al., 2021) fluorescence patterns in WT sperm, while sperm from Plcζ mutant mice exhibited a significantly diminished and dispersed pattern at the acrosomal region of the sperm head. Breeding experiments indicated a significantly reduced litter size of mutant Plcζ male mice compared to WT mice, while IVF-generated embryos using sperm from mutant Plcζ mice exhibited high rates of polyspermy, and resulted in significantly reduced numbers of these embryos reaching developmental milestones. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The human population examined was relatively small, and should be expanded to examine a larger multi-centre cohort. Infertility conditions are often multivariable, and it was not possible to evaluate all these in human patients. However, our mutant Plcζ mouse experiments do suggest that PLCζ plays a significant role in early embryo development. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS We found that minimal levels of PLCζ within a specific range were required for optimal early embryogenesis, correlating with increased pregnancy. Levels of sperm PLCζ below specific thresholds were associated with ineffective embryogenesis and lower pregnancy rates, despite eliciting successful fertilization in both mice and humans. To our knowledge, this represents the first time that PLCζ levels in sperm have been correlated to prognostic measures of embryogenic efficacy and pregnancy rates in humans. Our data suggest for the first time that the clinical utilization of PLCζ may stand to benefit not just a specific population of male infertility where oocyte activation is completely deficient (wherein PLCζ is completely defective/abrogated), but also perhaps the larger population of couples seeking fertility treatment. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) J.K. is supported by a faculty start up grant awarded by Khalifa University (FSU-2023-015). This study was also supported by a Healthcare Research Fellowship Award (HF-14-16) from Health and Care Research Wales (HCRW) to J.K., alongside a National Science, Technology, and Innovation plan (NSTIP) project grant (15-MED4186-20) awarded by the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) for J.K. and A.M.A. The authors declare no conflicts of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junaid Kashir
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bhavesh V Mistry
- Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed A Rajab
- Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Lujain BuSaleh
- Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Raed Abu-Dawud
- Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, MSH Medical School, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hala A Ahmed
- Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sarah Alharbi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Michail Nomikos
- College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Saad AlHassan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Serdar Coskun
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah M Assiri
- Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Saleh A, Thanassoulas A, Aliyev E, Swann K, Naija A, Yalcin HC, Lai FA, Nomikos M. Development of Recombinant PLC-Zeta Protein as a Therapeutic Intervention for the Clinical Treatment of Oocyte Activation Failure. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1183. [PMID: 38927390 PMCID: PMC11201047 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12061183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The sperm-specific phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ) protein is widely considered as the predominant physiological stimulus for initiating the Ca2+ release responsible for oocyte activation during mammalian fertilization. The increasing number of genetic and clinical reports that directly link PLCζ defects and/or deficiencies with oocyte activation failure (OAF) necessitates the use of a powerful therapeutic intervention to overcome such cases of male factor infertility. Currently, in vitro fertilization (IVF) clinics treat OAF cases after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with Ca2+ ionophores. Despite their successful use, such chemical agents are unable to trigger the physiological pattern of Ca2+ oscillations. Moreover, the safety of these ionophores is not yet fully established. We have previously demonstrated that recombinant PLCζ protein can be successfully used to rescue failed oocyte activation, resulting in efficient blastocyst formation. Herein, we produced a maltose binding protein (MBP)-tagged recombinant human PLCζ protein capable of inducing Ca2+ oscillations in mouse oocytes similar to those observed at fertilization. Circular dichroism (CD) experiments revealed a stable, well-folded protein with a high helical content. Moreover, the recombinant protein could retain its enzymatic properties for at least up to 90 days after storage at -80 °C. Finally, a chick embryo model was employed and revealed that exposure of fertilized chicken eggs to MBP-PLCζ did not alter the embryonic viability when compared to the control, giving a first indication of its safety. Our data support the potential use of the MBP-PLCζ recombinant protein as an effective therapeutic tool but further studies are required prior to its use in a clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaaeldin Saleh
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
| | - Angelos Thanassoulas
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
| | - Elnur Aliyev
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK
| | - Karl Swann
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK
| | - Azza Naija
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar (H.C.Y.)
| | - Huseyin C. Yalcin
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar (H.C.Y.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
| | - F. Anthony Lai
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK
| | - Michail Nomikos
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
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Fakhro KA, Awwad J, Garibova S, Saraiva LR, Avella M. Conserved genes regulating human sex differentiation, gametogenesis and fertilization. J Transl Med 2024; 22:473. [PMID: 38764035 PMCID: PMC11103854 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05162-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The study of the functional genome in mice and humans has been instrumental for describing the conserved molecular mechanisms regulating human reproductive biology, and for defining the etiologies of monogenic fertility disorders. Infertility is a reproductive disorder that includes various conditions affecting a couple's ability to achieve a healthy pregnancy. Recent advances in next-generation sequencing and CRISPR/Cas-mediated genome editing technologies have facilitated the identification and characterization of genes and mechanisms that, if affected, lead to infertility. We report established genes that regulate conserved functions in fundamental reproductive processes (e.g., sex determination, gametogenesis, and fertilization). We only cover genes the deletion of which yields comparable fertility phenotypes in both rodents and humans. In the case of newly-discovered genes, we report the studies demonstrating shared cellular and fertility phenotypes resulting from loss-of-function mutations in both species. Finally, we introduce new model systems for the study of human reproductive biology and highlight the importance of studying human consanguineous populations to discover novel monogenic causes of infertility. The rapid and continuous screening and identification of putative genetic defects coupled with an efficient functional characterization in animal models can reveal novel mechanisms of gene function in human reproductive tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalid A Fakhro
- Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
- Weill Cornell Medicine, Doha, Qatar
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Johnny Awwad
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
- Obstetrics & Gynecology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
- Vincent Memorial Obstetrics & Gynecology Service, The Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Luis R Saraiva
- Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Matteo Avella
- Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar.
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
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Zhang Q, Jin H, Long S, Tang X, Li J, Liu W, Han W, Liao H, Fu T, Huang G, Chen S, Lin T. Deletion of ACTRT1 is associated with male infertility as sperm acrosomal ultrastructural defects and fertilization failure in human. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:880-891. [PMID: 38414365 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae031] [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: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Could actin-related protein T1 (ACTRT1) deficiency be a potential pathogenic factor of human male infertility? SUMMARY ANSWER A 110-kb microdeletion of the X chromosome, only including the ACTRT1 gene, was identified as responsible for infertility in two Chinese males with sperm showing acrosomal ultrastructural defects and fertilization failure. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The actin-related proteins (e.g. ACTRT1, ACTRT2, ACTL7A, and ACTL9) interact with each other to form a multimeric complex in the subacrosomal region of spermatids, which is crucial for the acrosome-nucleus junction. Actrt1-knockout (KO) mice are severely subfertile owing to malformed sperm heads with detached acrosomes and partial fertilization failure. There are currently no reports on the association between ACTRT1 deletion and male infertility in humans. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We recruited a cohort of 120 infertile males with sperm head deformations at a large tertiary hospital from August 2019 to August 2023. Genomic DNA extracted from the affected individuals underwent whole exome sequencing (WES), and in silico analyses were performed to identify genetic variants. Morphological analysis, functional assays, and ART were performed in 2022 and 2023. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The ACTRT1 deficiency was identified by WES and confirmed by whole genome sequencing, PCR, and quantitative PCR. Genomic DNA of all family members was collected to define the hereditary mode. Papanicolaou staining and electronic microscopy were performed to reveal sperm morphological changes. Western blotting and immunostaining were performed to explore the pathological mechanism of ACTRT1 deficiency. ICSI combined with artificial oocyte activation (AOA) was applied for one proband. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE We identified a whole-gene deletion variant of ACTRT1 in two infertile males, which was inherited from their mothers, respectively. The probands exhibited sperm head deformations owing to acrosomal detachment, which is consistent with our previous observations on Actrt1-KO mice. Decreased expression and ectopic distribution of ACTL7A and phospholipase C zeta were observed in sperm samples from the probands. ICSI combined with AOA effectively solved the fertilization problem in Actrt1-KO mice and in one of the two probands. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Additional cases are needed to further confirm the genetic contribution of ACTRT1 variants to male infertility. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our results reveal a gene-disease relation between the ACTRT1 deletion described here and human male infertility owing to acrosomal detachment and fertilization failure. This report also describes a good reproductive outcome of ART with ICSI-AOA for a proband. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the Chongqing medical scientific research project (Joint project of Chongqing Health Commission and Science and Technology Bureau, 2023MSXM008 and 2023MSXM054). There are no competing interests to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
| | - Huijuan Jin
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Shunhua Long
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiangrong Tang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiaxun Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
| | - Weiwei Liu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Han
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
| | - Haiyuan Liao
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
| | - Tao Fu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
| | - Guoning Huang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
| | - Suren Chen
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Tingting Lin
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
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Bueno VLC, Bastos HBDA, Centeno LA, Kretzmann NA, Mattos RC, Rechsteiner SF. PLCζ, WBP2NL and TNF-α expression in spermatozoa is associated with stallion fertility and seminal quality? Anim Reprod 2024; 21:e20230088. [PMID: 38628496 PMCID: PMC11019795 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2023-0088] [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: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aims to investigate the gene expression of sperm-borne phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ), WW domain-binding protein 2N-Terminal Like (WBP2NL), and Tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), as a negative control, in spermatozoa and their relationship with fertility and seminal quality in stallions. Ejaculates from 40 Criollo stallions were used, whose fertility was assessed on the basis of their pregnancy rate per cycle in at least two breeding seasons. Pregnancy rates ranged from 20% to 90% and were used to divide the stallions into two groups: High rates (≥ 50%) (n = 25), and Low rates (< 50%) (n = 15). A computer-assisted sperm analysis system - (CASA) analyzed semen after collection. Also were evaluated the physical and functional integrity of the plasmatic membrane and sperm morphology alterations. All stallions expressed PLCζ, WBP2NL, and TNF-α. PLCζ positively correlates with conception rate, total motility (TM), progressive motility (PM), plasmatic membrane functionality, and integrity. A simple linear regression was detected between pregnancy rate and PLCζ expression (P = 0.003), TM (P < 0.001) and PM (P < 0.001). PLCζ gene expression was higher (P = 0,012) in the High rates group than in the Low group. WBP2NL and TNF-α did not correlate with seminal quality and stallion's fertility. It was concluded that PLCζ gene expression in the spermatozoa might be used as a biomarker of fertility and seminal quality in stallions. Parameters of sperm kinetics also showed, positive correlation between TM, PM and pregnancy rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verônica La Cruz Bueno
- Histologia e Reprodução Equina, Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brasil
- Laboratório de Reprodução Animal, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
| | | | - Luiz Augusto Centeno
- Laboratório de Reprodução Animal, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
| | | | - Rodrigo Costa Mattos
- Laboratório de Reprodução Animal, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
| | - Sandra Fiala Rechsteiner
- Histologia e Reprodução Equina, Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brasil
- Laboratório de Reprodução Animal, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
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8
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Che JF, Wu HX, Zeng SC, Wu YR, Dai J, Cheng DH, Gong F, Lu GX, Lin G, Dai C. Defects in phospholipase C zeta cause polyspermy and low fertilization after conventional IVF: not just ICSI failure. Asian J Androl 2024; 26:175-182. [PMID: 38048167 PMCID: PMC10919416 DOI: 10.4103/aja202355] [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: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ) is a key sperm-borne oocyte-activating factor that triggers Ca 2+ oscillations and the subsequent block to polyspermy following gamete fusion. Mutations in PLCZ1 , the gene encoding PLCζ, cause male infertility and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) fertilization failure; and PLCζ expression and localization patterns are significantly correlated with ICSI fertilization rate (FR). However, in conventional in vitro fertilization (cIVF), whether and how sperm PLCζ affects fertilization remain unclear. Herein, we identified one previously reported and two novel PLCZ1 mutations associated with polyspermy in vitro that are characterized by excessive sperm-zona binding and a delay in pronuclei (PN) formation. Immunofluorescence staining and oocyte activation testing revealed that virtually all spermatozoa from patients lacked functional PLCζ and were thus unable to evoke Ca 2+ oscillations. ICSI with an artificial oocyte activation treatment successfully rescued the polyspermic phenotype and resulted in a live birth. Furthermore, we analyzed PLCζ in an additional 58 males after cIVF treatment in the Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya (Changsha, China) between February 2019 and January 2022. We found that the proportion of spermatozoa that expressed PLCζ was positively correlated with both 2PN rate and total FR. The optimal cutoff value below which males were likely to experience low FR (total FR ≤30%) after cIVF was 56.7% for the proportion of spermatozoa expressing PLCζ. Our study expands the mutation and the phenotypic spectrum of PLCZ1 and further suggests that PLCζ constitutes a promising biomarker for identifying low FRs cases in cIVF due to sperm-related oocyte activation deficiency and that sperm PLCζ analysis may benefit the wider male population and not only men with ICSI failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Fang Che
- School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Hui-Xia Wu
- School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Si-Cong Zeng
- School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, China
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Yue-Ren Wu
- School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Jing Dai
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha 410008, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha 410078, China
| | - De-Hua Cheng
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha 410008, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Fei Gong
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha 410008, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Guang-Xiu Lu
- School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, China
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha 410008, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha 410078, China
- National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha 410205, China
| | - Ge Lin
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha 410008, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha 410078, China
- National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha 410205, China
| | - Can Dai
- School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, China
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha 410008, China
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9
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Parrella A, Medrano L, Aizpurua J, Gómez-Torres MJ. Phospholipase C Zeta in Human Spermatozoa: A Systematic Review on Current Development and Clinical Application. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1344. [PMID: 38279344 PMCID: PMC10815952 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021344] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
During fertilization, the fusion of the spermatozoa with the oocytes causes the release of calcium from the oocyte endoplasmatic reticulum. This, in turn, triggers a series of calcium ion (Ca2+) oscillations, a process known as oocyte activation. The sperm-specific factor responsible for oocyte activation is phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ). Men undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with their spermatozoa lacking PLCζ are incapable of generating Ca2+ oscillation, leading to fertilization failure. The immunofluorescence assay is the most used technique to assess the expression and localization of PLCζ and to diagnose patients with reduced/absent ability to activate the oocytes. In these patients, the use of assisted oocyte activation (AOA) technique can help to yield successful ICSI results and shorten the time of pregnancy. However, the production of a stable PLCζ recombinant protein represents a new powerful therapeutic approach to treating individuals with this condition. We aim to conduct a systematic review focusing on the expression, level, and localization of PLCζ, discussing the novel genetic mutation associated with its impairment. In addition, we highlight the benefits of AOA, looking at new and less invasive methods to diagnose and treat cases with PLCζ dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Parrella
- IVF Life, Reproductive Medicine, 03540 Alicante, Spain; (A.P.); (L.M.); (J.A.)
| | - Llanos Medrano
- IVF Life, Reproductive Medicine, 03540 Alicante, Spain; (A.P.); (L.M.); (J.A.)
| | - Jon Aizpurua
- IVF Life, Reproductive Medicine, 03540 Alicante, Spain; (A.P.); (L.M.); (J.A.)
- Cátedra Human Fertility, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
| | - María José Gómez-Torres
- Cátedra Human Fertility, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
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10
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Wei Y, Wang J, Qu R, Zhang W, Tan Y, Sha Y, Li L, Yin T. Genetic mechanisms of fertilization failure and early embryonic arrest: a comprehensive review. Hum Reprod Update 2024; 30:48-80. [PMID: 37758324 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmad026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infertility and pregnancy loss are longstanding problems. Successful fertilization and high-quality embryos are prerequisites for an ongoing pregnancy. Studies have proven that every stage in the human reproductive process is regulated by multiple genes and any problem, at any step, may lead to fertilization failure (FF) or early embryonic arrest (EEA). Doctors can diagnose the pathogenic factors involved in FF and EEA by using genetic methods. With the progress in the development of new genetic technologies, such as single-cell RNA analysis and whole-exome sequencing, a new approach has opened up for us to directly study human germ cells and reproductive development. These findings will help us to identify the unique mechanism(s) that leads to FF and EEA in order to find potential treatments. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The goal of this review is to compile current genetic knowledge related to FF and EEA, clarifying the mechanisms involved and providing clues for clinical diagnosis and treatment. SEARCH METHODS PubMed was used to search for relevant research articles and reviews, primarily focusing on English-language publications from January 1978 to June 2023. The search terms included fertilization failure, early embryonic arrest, genetic, epigenetic, whole-exome sequencing, DNA methylation, chromosome, non-coding RNA, and other related keywords. Additional studies were identified by searching reference lists. This review primarily focuses on research conducted in humans. However, it also incorporates relevant data from animal models when applicable. The results were presented descriptively, and individual study quality was not assessed. OUTCOMES A total of 233 relevant articles were included in the final review, from 3925 records identified initially. The review provides an overview of genetic factors and mechanisms involved in the human reproductive process. The genetic mutations and other genetic mechanisms of FF and EEA were systematically reviewed, for example, globozoospermia, oocyte activation failure, maternal effect gene mutations, zygotic genome activation abnormalities, chromosome abnormalities, and epigenetic abnormalities. Additionally, the review summarizes progress in treatments for different gene defects, offering new insights for clinical diagnosis and treatment. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The information provided in this review will facilitate the development of more accurate molecular screening tools for diagnosing infertility using genetic markers and networks in human reproductive development. The findings will also help guide clinical practice by identifying appropriate interventions based on specific gene mutations. For example, when an individual has obvious gene mutations related to FF, ICSI is recommended instead of IVF. However, in the case of genetic defects such as phospholipase C zeta1 (PLCZ1), actin-like7A (ACTL7A), actin-like 9 (ACTL9), and IQ motif-containing N (IQCN), ICSI may also fail to fertilize. We can consider artificial oocyte activation technology with ICSI to improve fertilization rate and reduce monetary and time costs. In the future, fertility is expected to be improved or restored by interfering with or supplementing the relevant genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqiu Wei
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jingxuan Wang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Rui Qu
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Weiqian Zhang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yiling Tan
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yanwei Sha
- Department of Andrology, Women and Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Lin Li
- Central Laboratory, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Tailang Yin
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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11
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Fukuoka M, Kang W, Katano D, Horiike S, Miyado M, Tanaka M, Miyado K, Yamada M. Overdue Calcium Oscillation Causes Polyspermy but Possibly Permits Normal Development in Mouse Eggs. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:285. [PMID: 38203456 PMCID: PMC10779150 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010285] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
In some non-mammalian eggs, the fusion of one egg and multiple sperm (polyspermy) induces a robust rise in intracellular calcium ion (Ca2+) concentration due to a shortage of inducers carried by a single sperm. Instead, one of the sperm nuclei is selected inside the egg for normal embryogenesis. Polyspermy also occurs during the in vitro fertilization of human eggs; however, the fate of such eggs is still under debate. Hence, the relationship between polyspermy and repetitive Ca2+ increases (Ca2+ oscillation) in mammals remains unknown. To address this issue, we used mouse sperm lacking extramitochondrial citrate synthase (eCS), which functions as a Ca2+ oscillation inducer; its lack causes retarded Ca2+ oscillation initiation (eCs-KO sperm). Elevated sperm concentrations normalize Ca2+ oscillation initiation. As expected, eCS deficiency enhanced polyspermy in both zona pellucida (ZP)-free and ZP-intact eggs despite producing the next generation of eCs-KO males. In conclusion, similarly to non-mammalian eggs, mouse eggs may develop normally under polyspermy conditions caused by problematic Ca2+ oscillation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mio Fukuoka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; (M.F.); (M.T.); (M.Y.)
- Department of Reproductive Biology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan; (W.K.); (D.K.); (S.H.); (M.M.)
| | - Woojin Kang
- Department of Reproductive Biology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan; (W.K.); (D.K.); (S.H.); (M.M.)
| | - Daiki Katano
- Department of Reproductive Biology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan; (W.K.); (D.K.); (S.H.); (M.M.)
| | - Sae Horiike
- Department of Reproductive Biology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan; (W.K.); (D.K.); (S.H.); (M.M.)
| | - Mami Miyado
- Department of Reproductive Biology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan; (W.K.); (D.K.); (S.H.); (M.M.)
| | - Mamoru Tanaka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; (M.F.); (M.T.); (M.Y.)
| | - Kenji Miyado
- Department of Reproductive Biology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan; (W.K.); (D.K.); (S.H.); (M.M.)
| | - Mitsutoshi Yamada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; (M.F.); (M.T.); (M.Y.)
- Department of Reproductive Biology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan; (W.K.); (D.K.); (S.H.); (M.M.)
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12
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Gonzalez-Castro RA, Carnevale EM. Phospholipase C Zeta 1 (PLCZ1): The Function and Potential for Fertility Assessment and In Vitro Embryo Production in Cattle and Horses. Vet Sci 2023; 10:698. [PMID: 38133249 PMCID: PMC10747197 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10120698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Phospholipase C Zeta 1 (PLCZ1) is considered a major sperm-borne oocyte activation factor. After gamete fusion, PLCZ1 triggers calcium oscillations in the oocyte, resulting in oocyte activation. In assisted fertilization, oocyte activation failure is a major cause of low fertility. Most cases of oocyte activation failures in humans related to male infertility are associated with gene mutations and/or altered PLCZ1. Consequently, PLCZ1 evaluation could be an effective diagnostic marker and predictor of sperm fertilizing potential for in vivo and in vitro embryo production. The characterization of PLCZ1 has been principally investigated in men and mice, with less known about the PLCZ1 impact on assisted reproduction in other species, such as cattle and horses. In horses, sperm PLCZ1 varies among stallions, and sperm populations with high PLCZ1 are associated with cleavage after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). In contrast, bull sperm is less able to initiate calcium oscillations and undergo nuclear remodeling, resulting in poor cleavage after ICSI. Advantageously, injections of PLCZ1 are able to rescue oocyte failure in mouse oocytes after ICSI, promoting full development and birth. However, further research is needed to optimize PLCZ1 diagnostic tests for consistent association with fertility and to determine whether PLCZ1 as an oocyte-activating treatment is a physiological, efficient, and safe method for improving assisted fertilization in cattle and horses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elaine M. Carnevale
- Equine Reproduction Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA;
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13
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Allahveisi A, Yousefian E. Assessment of Expression Levels and Localization Patterns of Phospholipase C zeta in Different Grades of HOST in Human Sperm. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FERTILITY & STERILITY 2023; 18:26-31. [PMID: 38041456 PMCID: PMC10692739 DOI: 10.22074/ijfs.2023.1973614.1396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phospholipase C zeta (PLC-ζ) deficiency in sperm can underlie oocyte activation failure after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The aim of this study was to determine PLC-ζ expression and location in individual spermatozoa in each host score so that a hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST) may be used to help routine sperm selection for ICSI. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this experimental study, fresh semen samples were randomly obtained from 30 men who were referred to the Andrology Unit of the Infertility Center. Samples were processed by density gradient centrifugation (DGC) and exposed to hypotonic conditions. Seven different tail patterns, classified from 'a' to 'g' can be detected according to World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Then, the PLC-ζ protein localization pattern was assessed by quantitative Immunofluorescence in individual sperm Host grades. Moreover, the sperm content of PLC-ζ protein was evaluated by flow cytometry correlated with semen analysis parameters. RESULTS In the present study, quantitive immunofluorescence analysis indicated that sperm from different host grades exhibited seven localization patterns of PLC-ζ of acrosomal (A); equatorial (EQ), and postacrosomal (PA) patterns. A+EQ=acrosomal and equatorial, A+PA=acrosomal and post-acrosomal, EQ+PA=equatorial and post-crosomal, and A+EQ+PA. The sperm from HOST grade 'd' exhibited significantly higher PLC-ζ (A+PA) and (A+EQ+PA) staining compared to sperm from other grades (P=0.006). The sperm from grade 'd' exhibited higher PLC-ζ (EQ+PA) compared with other grades (P=0.001). However, grade 'd' was not significantly different from 'c' (P=0.087). Analysis of the combined results confirmed that there was a clear reduction in PLC-ζ immunofluorescence in Host grades 'a', 'f' and 'g' sperms. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that HOST may represent a useful diagnostic tool for the selection of sperms exhibiting a higher level of PLC-ζ expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azra Allahveisi
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sannandaj, Iran
| | - Elham Yousefian
- Department of Midwifery, Falavarjan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran.
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14
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Greither T, Dejung M, Behre HM, Butter F, Herlyn H. The human sperm proteome-Toward a panel for male fertility testing. Andrology 2023; 11:1418-1436. [PMID: 36896575 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although male factor accounts for 40%-50% of unintended childlessness, we are far from fully understanding the detailed causes. Usually, affected men cannot even be provided with a molecular diagnosis. OBJECTIVES We aimed at a higher resolution of the human sperm proteome for better understanding of the molecular causes of male infertility. We were particularly interested in why reduced sperm count decreases fertility despite many normal-looking spermatozoa and which proteins might be involved. MATERIAL AND METHODS Applying mass spectrometry analysis, we qualitatively and quantitatively examined the proteomic profiles of spermatozoa from 76 men differing in fertility. Infertile men had abnormal semen parameters and were involuntarily childless. Fertile subjects exhibited normozoospermia and had fathered children without medical assistance. RESULTS We discovered proteins from about 7000 coding genes in the human sperm proteome. These were mainly known for involvements in cellular motility, response to stimuli, adhesion, and reproduction. Numbers of sperm proteins showing at least threefold deviating abundances increased from oligozoospermia (N = 153) and oligoasthenozoospermia (N = 154) to oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (N = 368). Deregulated sperm proteins primarily engaged in flagellar assembly and sperm motility, fertilization, and male gametogenesis. Most of these participated in a larger network of male infertility genes and proteins. DISCUSSION We expose 31 sperm proteins displaying deviant abundances under infertility, which already were known before to have fertility relevance, including ACTL9, CCIN, CFAP47, CFAP65, CFAP251 (WDR66), DNAH1, and SPEM1. We propose 18 additional sperm proteins with at least eightfold differential abundance for further testing of their diagnostic potential, such as C2orf16, CYLC1, SPATA31E1, SPATA31D1, SPATA48, EFHB (CFAP21), and FAM161A. CONCLUSION Our results shed light on the molecular background of the dysfunctionality of the fewer spermatozoa produced in oligozoospermia and syndromes including it. The male infertility network presented may prove useful in further elucidating the molecular mechanism of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Greither
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Mario Dejung
- Proteomics Core Facility, Institute of Molecular Biology, Mainz, Germany
| | - Hermann M Behre
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Falk Butter
- Department of Quantitative Proteomics, Institute of Molecular Biology, Mainz, Germany
| | - Holger Herlyn
- Anthropology, Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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15
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Neila-Montero M, Alvarez M, Riesco MF, Montes-Garrido R, Palacin-Martinez C, Silva-Rodríguez A, Martín-Cano FE, Peña FJ, de Paz P, Anel L, Anel-Lopez L. Ovine fertility by artificial insemination in the breeding season could be affected by intraseasonal variations in ram sperm proteomic profile. Theriogenology 2023; 208:28-42. [PMID: 37290145 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.05.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
It is important to note that seasonality could affect ram reproductive parameters, and therefore, fertility results after artificial insemination. In this work, 1) we assessed fertility rates after cervical artificial insemination of 11,805 ewes at the beginning (June 21st to July 20th) and at the end (November 20th to December 21st) of the reproductive season in the Assaf breed for the last four years, and 2) we aimed to identify male factors influencing the different reproductive success obtained depending on the time at the mating season in which ovine artificial insemination was performed. For this purpose, we evaluated certain ram reproductive and ultrasonographical parameters as well as we performed a multiparametric and proteomic sperm analysis of 6-19 rams at two very distant points in the mating season (July as Early Breeding Season -EBS- and November as Late Breeding Season -LBS-). Rutinary assessments carried out in the ovine reproduction centers (testicular volume, libido, sperm production and mass motility) showed non-significant differences (P ≥ 0.05) between both studied times, as well as the ram ultrasonographic evaluation (Resistive and Pulsatility Index as Doppler parameters; and pixels mean gray level, and hypoechoic areas percentage and density as echotexture parameters). However, at level of sperm functionality, although sperm quality appeared non-significantly lower (P ≥ 0.05) in the EBS, we identified a significantly different (P < 0.05) sperm proteomic profile between the seasonality points. The following proteins were identified with the lowest abundance in the EBS with a fold change > 4, a P = 2.40e-07, and a q = 2.23e-06: Fibrous Sheath-Interacting Protein 2, Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase Domain-Containing Protein 20-like, Phosphoinositide-Specific Phospholipase C, Tektin 5, Armadillo Repeat-Containing Protein 12 Isoform X3, Solute Carrier Family 9B1, Radial Spoke Head Protein 3 Homolog, Pro-Interleukin-16, NADH Dehydrogenase [Ubiquinone] 1 Alpha Subcomplex Subunit 8, Testis, Prostate and Placenta-Expressed Protein, and Acyl Carrier Protein Mitochondrial. In conclusion, while our basic analyses on male and sperm quality showed similar results between the beginning and the end of the breeding season, on a proteomic level we detected a lower expression of sperm proteins linked to the energy metabolism, sperm-oocyte interactions, and flagellum structure in the EBS. Probably, this different protein expression could be related to the lower fertility rate of Assaf ewes after cervical artificial insemination at this time. More importantly, sperm proteins can be used as highly effective molecular markers in predicting sperm fertilization ability related to intraseasonal variations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Neila-Montero
- Itra-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, León, Spain; Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, León, Spain
| | - Mercedes Alvarez
- Itra-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, León, Spain; Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, León, Spain
| | - Marta F Riesco
- Itra-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, León, Spain; Cellular Biology, Department of Molecular Biology, University of León, León, Spain.
| | - Rafael Montes-Garrido
- Itra-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, León, Spain; Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, León, Spain
| | - Cristina Palacin-Martinez
- Itra-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, León, Spain; Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, León, Spain
| | - Antonio Silva-Rodríguez
- Facility of Innovation and Analysis in Animal Source Foodstuffs, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Francisco E Martín-Cano
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Fernando J Peña
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Paulino de Paz
- Itra-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, León, Spain; Cellular Biology, Department of Molecular Biology, University of León, León, Spain
| | - Luis Anel
- Itra-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, León, Spain; Animal Reproduction and Obstetrics, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, León, Spain
| | - Luis Anel-Lopez
- Itra-ULE, INDEGSAL, University of León, León, Spain; Anatomy, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy, University of León, León, Spain
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16
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Mirsanei JS, Gholipour H, Zandieh Z, Jahromi MG, Masroor MJ, Mehdizadeh M, Amjadi F. Transition nuclear protein 1 as a novel biomarker in patients with fertilization failure. Clin Exp Reprod Med 2023; 50:185-191. [PMID: 37643832 PMCID: PMC10477415 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2023.05890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a way to deal with in vitro fertilization failure, 3% of couples still experience repeated fertilization failure after attempted ICSI, despite having sperm within normal parameters. These patients are a challenging group whose sperm cannot fertilize the egg during ICSI. Unfortunately, no test can predict the risk of fertilization failure. Phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ) and transition nuclear proteins (TNPs) are essential factors for chromatin packaging during sperm maturation. This study aimed to assess PLCζ1 and TNP1 expression in the sperm of patients with fertilization failure and the correlations among the DNA fragmentation index, PLCζ1 and TNP1 gene and protein expression, and the risk of fertilization failure. METHODS In this study, 12 infertile couples with low fertilization rates (<25%) and complete failure of fertilization in their prior ICSI cycles despite normal sperm parameters were chosen as the case group. Fifteen individuals who underwent ICSI for the first time served as the control group. After sperm analysis and DNA fragmentation assays, quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot analyses were performed to compare the gene and protein expression of PLCζ and TNP1 in both groups. RESULTS DNA fragmentation was significantly higher in the fertilization failure group. The qRT-PCR and Western blot results demonstrated significantly lower PLCζ and TNP1 gene and protein expression in these patients than in controls. CONCLUSION The present study showed that fertilization failure in normozoospermic men was probably due to deficient DNA packaging and expression of TNP1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamileh Sadat Mirsanei
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hadis Gholipour
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Zandieh
- Reproductive Sciences and Technology Research Center, Department of Anatomical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Golestan Jahromi
- Department of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, School of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Mojgan Javedani Masroor
- Shahid Akbarabadi Clinical Research Development Unit (ShACRDU), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Mehdizadeh
- Reproductive Sciences and Technology Research Center, Department of Anatomical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemehsadat Amjadi
- Reproductive Sciences and Technology Research Center, Department of Anatomical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Shahid Akbarabadi Clinical Research Development Unit (ShACRDU), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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17
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Zhang X, Hu C, Wu L. Advances in the study of genetic factors and clinical interventions for fertilization failure. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:1787-1805. [PMID: 37289376 PMCID: PMC10371943 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02810-2] [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: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Fertilization failure refers to the failure in the pronucleus formation, evaluating 16-18 h post in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection. It can be caused by sperm, oocytes, and sperm-oocyte interaction and lead to great financial and physical stress to the patients. Recent advancements in genetics, molecular biology, and clinical-assisted reproductive technology have greatly enhanced research into the causes and treatment of fertilization failure. Here, we review the causes that have been reported to lead to fertilization failure in fertilization processes, including the sperm acrosome reaction, penetration of the cumulus and zona pellucida, recognition and fusion of the sperm and oocyte membranes, oocyte activation, and pronucleus formation. Additionally, we summarize the progress of corresponding treatment methods of fertilization failure. This review will provide the latest research advances in the genetic aspects of fertilization failure and will benefit both researchers and clinical practitioners in reproduction and genetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangjun Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China
| | - Congyuan Hu
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China
| | - Limin Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China.
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18
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Kanemaru K, Nakamura Y. Activation Mechanisms and Diverse Functions of Mammalian Phospholipase C. Biomolecules 2023; 13:915. [PMID: 37371495 DOI: 10.3390/biom13060915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Phospholipase C (PLC) plays pivotal roles in regulating various cellular functions by metabolizing phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate in the plasma membrane. This process generates two second messengers, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and diacylglycerol, which respectively regulate the intracellular Ca2+ levels and protein kinase C activation. In mammals, six classes of typical PLC have been identified and classified based on their structure and activation mechanisms. They all share X and Y domains, which are responsible for enzymatic activity, as well as subtype-specific domains. Furthermore, in addition to typical PLC, atypical PLC with unique structures solely harboring an X domain has been recently discovered. Collectively, seven classes and 16 isozymes of mammalian PLC are known to date. Dysregulation of PLC activity has been implicated in several pathophysiological conditions, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders. Therefore, identification of new drug targets that can selectively modulate PLC activity is important. The present review focuses on the structures, activation mechanisms, and physiological functions of mammalian PLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaori Kanemaru
- Department of Applied Biological Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Chiba 278-8510, Japan
| | - Yoshikazu Nakamura
- Department of Applied Biological Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Chiba 278-8510, Japan
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19
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Lin Y, Huang Y, Li B, Zhang T, Niu Y, Hu S, Ding Y, Yao G, Wei Z, Yao N, Yao Y, Lu Y, He Y, Zhu Q, Zhang L, Sun Y. Novel mutations in PLCZ1 lead to early embryonic arrest as a male factor. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1193248. [PMID: 37261077 PMCID: PMC10227596 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1193248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Early embryonic arrest is one of the causes of assist reproduction technology (ART) failure. We have previously reported that the first sperm-derived genetic factor, ACTL7a mutations, could lead to early embryonic arrest. However, whether there are other male genetic factors associated with early embryonic arrest remains elusive. Here, we reported bi-allelic mutations in PLCZ1, a well-known causal gene of total fertilization failure, in four infertile males. Among these mutations, p.403_404del, p.I489S, and p.W536X were newly reported in this study. Histological and Western blotting analysis of the patients' sperm indicated these variants as loss-of-function mutations. These patients manifested normal conventional semen parameters and ultra-structures in sperm heads. However, among four in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles, 81.8% (18/22) of the oocytes were polyspermic fertilized, which was rarely reported in PLCZ1-related male patients. In the following six ICSI cycles, artificial oocyte activation (AOA) was applied and successfully rescued the fertilization failure and polyspermy phenotypes, with 31.3% (15/48) of the MII oocytes normally fertilized. However, 60.0% (9/15) of these normally fertilized zygotes were arrested at 2-5-cell stage, with one failing to cleave, indicating that PLCZ1 was not only necessary for fertilization, but also crucial for early embryonic development. However, these rescued zygotes showed a lower potential in developing into blastocysts when cultured in vitro. Thus, fresh cleavage transfer was tried and two live births were successfully achieved thereafter. In conclusion, this study provided novel mutations in PLCZ1 gene to expand the pathogenic mutational spectrum in male infertility and demonstrated that PLCZ1 was a crucial sperm-related genetic factor for early embryonic arrest. We also proposed that cleavage transfer after ICSI and AOA treatment could be a potential treatment method for male patients carrying bi-allelic mutations in PLCZ1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunying Lin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine Center, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Huang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine Center, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Boyu Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine Center, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine Center, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Yichao Niu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine Center, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuanggang Hu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine Center, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Ding
- Center for Reproductive Medicine Center, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Guangxin Yao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine Center, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhe Wei
- Center for Reproductive Medicine Center, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Ning Yao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine Center, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Yejie Yao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine Center, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Yao Lu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine Center, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Yaqiong He
- Center for Reproductive Medicine Center, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Qinling Zhu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine Center, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine Center, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Yun Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine Center, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
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20
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Abstract
Reproduction involves a wide range of biological processes, including organ formation and development, neuroendocrine regulation, hormone production, and meiosis and mitosis. Infertility, the failure of reproduction, has become a major issue for human reproductive health and affects up to one in seven couples worldwide. Here, we review various aspects of human infertility, including etiology, mechanisms, and treatments, with a particular emphasis on genetics. We focus on gamete production and gamete quality, which is the core of successful reproduction. We also discuss future research opportunities and challenges to further expand our understanding of human infertility and improve patient care by providing precision diagnosis and personalized treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Sang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Pierre F Ray
- Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, 380000 Grenoble, France
| | - Lei Wang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
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21
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Hirose N, Kikuchi Y, Kageyama A, Sugita H, Sakurai M, Kawata Y, Terakawa J, Wakayama T, Ito J, Kashiwazaki N. Successful Production of Offspring Derived from Phospholipase C Zeta-Deficient Sperm by Additional Artificial Activation. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13040980. [PMID: 37109509 PMCID: PMC10143324 DOI: 10.3390/life13040980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
During mammalian fertilization, repetitive rises of intracellular calcium called calcium oscillations are required for full activation of oocytes. Therefore, oocytes such as round spermatid injected or somatic cell nuclear transferred require additional artificial activation which mimics the calcium oscillations. It is well recognized that sperm specific phospholipase C (PLCζ) is a strong candidate as the sperm factor which can induce calcium oscillations and, at least in mammals, the genetic mutation of PLCζ in human causes male infertility due to the lack of calcium oscillations in the oocytes. Recent studies showed that the sperm lacking PLCζ (Plcz1-/-) still could induce rise(s) of intracellular calcium in the oocytes after IVF but not intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). In the ICSI oocytes, no pronuclear formation or development to the two-cell stage was observed. However, it is still unclear whether additional activation treatment can rescue the low developmental ability of Plcz1-/--sperm-derived oocytes after ICSI. In this study, we examined whether oocytes injected with a Plcz1-/- sperm can develop to term by additional artificial activation. In oocytes injected a Plcz1-/- sperm and Plcz1-/- and eCS (another candidate of the sperm factor) double knockout sperm (Plcz1-/-eCS-/-), the rates of pronuclear formation were very low (2.0 ± 2.3% and 6.1 ± 3.7%, respectively) compared to control (92.1 ± 2.6%). However, these rates were dramatically improved by additional procedures of PLCζ-mRNA injection or SrCl2 treatment (Plcz1-/- sperm + PLCζ mRNA, Plcz1-/- sperm + SrCl2 and Plcz1-/-eCS-/- sperm + PLCζ mRNA; 64.2 ± 10.8%, 89.2 ± 2.4% and 72.6 ± 5.4%, respectively). Most of the oocytes were developed to the two-cell stage. After embryo transfer, healthy pups were obtained in all these groups (Plcz1-/- sperm + PLCζ mRNA:10.0 ± 2.8%, Plcz1-/- sperm + SrCl2:4.0 ± 4.3% and Plcz1-/-eCS-/- sperm + PLCζ mRNA: 10.0 ± 5.7%). The rate in Plcz1-/- sperm + SrCl2 group was significantly lower than that in control (26.0 ± 2.4%). Taken together, our present results show that additional activation treatment such as SrCl2 and PLCζ mRNA can fully support to develop to term even in oocyte injected Plcz1-/- sperm. In addition, PLCζ-induced oocyte activation is more suitable for successful development to term compared to that such as phenomenon induced by SrCl2. These findings will contribute to improvement for male-dependent human infertility and reproductive technologies in other mammalian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Hirose
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Science, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Kikuchi
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Science, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan
| | - Atsuko Kageyama
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Kanagawa 252-0206, Japan
| | - Hibiki Sugita
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Kanagawa 252-0206, Japan
| | - Miu Sakurai
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Kanagawa 252-0206, Japan
| | - Yui Kawata
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Kanagawa 252-0206, Japan
| | - Jumpei Terakawa
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Kanagawa 252-0206, Japan
| | - Teruhiko Wakayama
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Science, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan
- Advanced Biotechnology Center, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan
| | - Junya Ito
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Kanagawa 252-0206, Japan
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Kanagawa 252-0206, Japan
- Center for Human and Animal Symbiosis Science, Azabu University, Kanagawa 252-0206, Japan
| | - Naomi Kashiwazaki
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Kanagawa 252-0206, Japan
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Kanagawa 252-0206, Japan
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22
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The Therapeutic and Diagnostic Potential of Phospholipase C Zeta, Oocyte Activation, and Calcium in Treating Human Infertility. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16030441. [PMID: 36986540 PMCID: PMC10056371 DOI: 10.3390/ph16030441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Oocyte activation, a fundamental event during mammalian fertilisation, is initiated by concerted intracellular patterns of calcium (Ca2+) release, termed Ca2+ oscillations, predominantly driven by testis-specific phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ). Ca2+ exerts a pivotal role in not just regulating oocyte activation and driving fertilisation, but also in influencing the quality of embryogenesis. In humans, a failure of Ca2+ release, or defects in related mechanisms, have been reported to result in infertility. Furthermore, mutations in the PLCζ gene and abnormalities in sperm PLCζ protein and RNA, have been strongly associated with forms of male infertility where oocyte activation is deficient. Concurrently, specific patterns and profiles of PLCζ in human sperm have been linked to parameters of semen quality, suggesting the potential for PLCζ as a powerful target for both therapeutics and diagnostics of human fertility. However, further to PLCζ and given the strong role played by Ca2+ in fertilisation, targets down- and up-stream of this process may also present a significantly similar level of promise. Herein, we systematically summarise recent advancements and controversies in the field to update expanding clinical associations between Ca2+-release, PLCζ, oocyte activation and human fertility. We discuss how such associations may potentially underlie defective embryogenesis and recurrent implantation failure following fertility treatments, alongside potential diagnostic and therapeutic avenues presented by oocyte activation for the diagnosis and treatment of human infertility.
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23
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Tavalaee M, Naderi N, Esfandiari N, Nasr-Esfahani MH. Assisted Oocyte Activation following Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection: A Sensible Option for Infertile Couples with Severe Teratozoospermia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FERTILITY & STERILITY 2023; 17:92-98. [PMID: 36906825 PMCID: PMC10009512 DOI: 10.22074/ijfs.2023.1973580.1395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
Abstract
The intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has significantly improved male factor infertility treatment; however, complete fertilization failure still occurs in 1-5% of ICSI treatment cycles mainly due to oocyte activation failure. It is estimated that around 40-70% of oocyte activation failure is associated with sperm factors after ICSI. Assisted oocyte activation (AOA) as an effective approach to avoid total fertilization failure (TFF) has been proposed following ICSI. In the literature, several procedures have been described to overcome failed oocyte activation. These include mechanical, electrical, or chemical stimuli initiating artificial Ca2+ rises in the cytoplasm of oocytes. AOA in couples with previous failed fertilization and those with globozoospermia has resulted in varying degrees of success. The aim of this review is to examine the available literature on AOA in teratozoospermic men undergoing ICSI-AOA and determine whether the ICSI-AOA should be considered as an adjunct fertility procedure for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marziyeh Tavalaee
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Nushin Naderi
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Navid Esfandiari
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Mohammad Hossein Nasr-Esfahani
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran.,Isfahan Fertility and Infertility Center, Isfahan, Iran
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24
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Kashir J, Mistry BV, BuSaleh L, Nomikos M, Almuqayyil S, Abu-Dawud R, AlYacoub N, Hamdan H, AlHassan S, Lai FA, Assiri AM, Coskun S. Antigen Unmasking Is Required to Clinically Assess Levels and Localisation Patterns of Phospholipase C Zeta in Human Sperm. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:198. [PMID: 37259347 PMCID: PMC9962097 DOI: 10.3390/ph16020198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Mammalian oocyte activation is initiated by intracellular calcium (Ca2+) oscillations, driven by the testis-specific phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ). Sperm PLCζ analysis represents a diagnostic measure of sperm fertilisation capacity. The application of antigen unmasking/retrieval (AUM) generally enhanced the visualisation efficacy of PLCζ in mammalian sperm, but differentially affected the PLCζ profiles in sperm from different human males. It is unclear whether AUM affects the diagnosis of PLCζ in human sperm. Herein, we examined whether the application of AUM affected the correlation of PLCζ profiles with sperm parameters and fertilisation capacity. PLCζ fluorescence levels and localisation patterns were examined within the sperm of males undergoing fertility treatment (55 patients aged 29-53) using immunofluorescence in the absence/presence of AUM. The changes in PLCζ profiles following AUM were examined in relation to sperm health and fertilisation outcome. AUM enhanced the observable levels and specific localisation patterns of PLCζ in relation to both optimal sperm parameters and fertilisation outcome, without which significant differences were not observed. The extent of the change in levels and localisation ratios of PLCζ was also affected to a larger degree in terms of the optimal parameters of sperm fertility and fertilisation capacity by AUM. Collectively, AUM was essential to accurately assesses PLCζ in human sperm in both scientific and clinical contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junaid Kashir
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi 127788, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11564, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bhavesh V. Mistry
- Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11564, Saudi Arabia
| | - Lujain BuSaleh
- Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11564, Saudi Arabia
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia
| | - Michail Nomikos
- College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
| | - Sarah Almuqayyil
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11564, Saudi Arabia
| | - Raed Abu-Dawud
- Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11564, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nadya AlYacoub
- Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11564, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hamdan Hamdan
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi 127788, United Arab Emirates
| | - Saad AlHassan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11564, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11564, Saudi Arabia
| | - F. Anthony Lai
- College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
| | - Abdullah M. Assiri
- Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11564, Saudi Arabia
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia
| | - Serdar Coskun
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11564, Saudi Arabia
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25
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Huang G, Zhang X, Yao G, Huang L, Wu S, Li X, Guo J, Wen Y, Wang Y, Shang L, Li N, Xu W. A loss-of-function variant in SSFA2 causes male infertility with globozoospermia and failed oocyte activation. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2022; 20:103. [PMID: 35836265 PMCID: PMC9281110 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-022-00976-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Globozoospermia (OMIM: 102530) is a rare type of teratozoospermia (< 0.1%). The etiology of globozoospermia is complicated and has not been fully revealed. Here, we report an infertile patient with globozoospermia. Variational analysis revealed a homozygous missense variant in the SSFA2 gene (NM_001130445.3: c.3671G > A; p.R1224Q) in the patient. This variant significantly reduced the protein expression of SSFA2. Immunofluorescence staining showed positive SSFA2 expression in the acrosome of human sperm. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and Coimmunoprecipitation (Co-IP) analyses identified that GSTM3 and Actin interact with SSFA2. Further investigation revealed that for the patient, regular intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment had a poor prognosis. However, Artificial oocyte activation (AOA) by a calcium ionophore (A23187) after ICSI successfully rescued the oocyte activation failure for the patient with the SSFA2 variant, and the couple achieved a live birth. This study revealed that SSFA2 plays an important role in acrosome formation, and the homozygous c.3671G > A loss-of-function variant in SSFA2 caused globozoospermia. SSFA2 may represent a new gene in the genetic diagnosis of globozoospermia, especially the successful outcome of AOA-ICSI treatment for couples, which has potential value for clinicians in their treatment regimen selections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gelin Huang
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Joint Lab for Reproductive Medicine(SCU-CUHK), West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xueguang Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Joint Lab for Reproductive Medicine(SCU-CUHK), West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Guanping Yao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Lin Huang
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Joint Lab for Reproductive Medicine(SCU-CUHK), West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Sixian Wu
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Joint Lab for Reproductive Medicine(SCU-CUHK), West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoliang Li
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology of West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Juncen Guo
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Joint Lab for Reproductive Medicine(SCU-CUHK), West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuting Wen
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Joint Lab for Reproductive Medicine(SCU-CUHK), West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology of West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lijun Shang
- School of Human Sciences, London Metropolitan University, London, UK
| | - Na Li
- Laboratory of Medical Systems Biology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Wenming Xu
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Joint Lab for Reproductive Medicine(SCU-CUHK), West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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26
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Zhang XZ, Wei LL, Zhang XH, Jin HJ, Chen SR. Loss of perinuclear theca ACTRT1 causes acrosome detachment and severe male subfertility in mice. Development 2022; 149:275523. [DOI: 10.1242/dev.200489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT
The perinuclear theca (PT) is a cytoskeletal element encapsulating the sperm nucleus; however, the physiological roles of the PT in sperm are largely uncertain. Here, we reveal that ACTRT1, ACTRT2, ACTL7A and ACTL9 proteins interact to form a multimeric complex and localize to the subacrosomal region of spermatids. Furthermore, we engineered Actrt1-knockout (KO) mice to define the functions of ACTRT1. Despite normal sperm count and motility, Actrt1-KO males were severely subfertile owing to a deficiency in fertilization. Loss of ACTRT1 caused a high incidence of malformed heads and detachment of acrosomes from sperm nuclei, caused by loosened acroplaxome structure during spermiogenesis. Furthermore, Actrt1-KO sperm showed reduced ACTL7A and PLCζ protein content as a potential cause of fertilization defects. Moreover, we reveal that ACTRT1 anchors developing acrosomes to the nucleus, likely by interacting with the inner acrosomal membrane protein SPACA1 and the nuclear envelope proteins PARP11 and SPATA46. Loss of ACTRT1 weakened the interaction between ACTL7A and SPACA1. Our study and recent findings of ACTL7A/ACTL9-deficient sperm together reveal that the sperm PT-specific ARP complex mediates the acrosome-nucleus connection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Zhen Zhang
- Ministry of Education, Department of Biology, College of Life Sciences Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology , , , 100875 Beijing , China
- Beijing Normal University Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology , , , 100875 Beijing , China
| | - Lin-Lin Wei
- Ministry of Education, Department of Biology, College of Life Sciences Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology , , , 100875 Beijing , China
- Beijing Normal University Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology , , , 100875 Beijing , China
| | - Xiao-Hui Zhang
- Ministry of Education, Department of Biology, College of Life Sciences Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology , , , 100875 Beijing , China
- Beijing Normal University Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology , , , 100875 Beijing , China
| | - Hui-Juan Jin
- Ministry of Education, Department of Biology, College of Life Sciences Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology , , , 100875 Beijing , China
- Beijing Normal University Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology , , , 100875 Beijing , China
| | - Su-Ren Chen
- Ministry of Education, Department of Biology, College of Life Sciences Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology , , , 100875 Beijing , China
- Beijing Normal University Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology , , , 100875 Beijing , China
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27
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Mirsanei JS, Sheibak N, Zandieh Z, Mehdizadeh M, Aflatoonian R, Tabatabaei M, Mousavi AS, Amjadi F. Microfluidic chips as a method for sperm selection improve fertilization rate in couples with fertilization failure. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2022; 306:901-910. [PMID: 35650258 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-022-06618-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Sperm quality plays a vital role in successful fertilization and pregnancy. Patients with fertilization failure (total failure or low-fertilization rate) despite having normal semen parameters are a challenging group whose sperm cannot fertilize the oocyte via the intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) technique. Microfluidics is offered as a new method for proper sperm sorting. METHODS This study aimed to evaluate sperm parameters, DNA fragmentation index (DFI), expression of phospholipase C zeta 1 (PLCZ1), and transition nuclear proteins 1 (TNP1) mRNAs in sperm selected by microfluidic sperm sorting (MSS) chip compared with conventional density gradient centrifugation technique in patients with fertilization failure following ICSI. Subsequence fertilization rate and embryo quality were assayed. RESULTS Normal morphology and total motility were significantly higher, and DFI was significantly lower in sperm selected by the MSS chip in fertilization failure and control groups. The RT-PCR results demonstrated a significant increase in the expression of PLCZ1 and TNP1 genes in sperm of both groups selected by MSS chips compared to the DGC method. In addition, with the selected sperm by MSS chip, an increase in fertilization rate and improvement of embryo quality was obtained. CONCLUSION The present study findings show that sperm sorting by the microfluidic method improves fertilization rate in patients with poor fertilization outcomes following ICSI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamileh Sadat Mirsanei
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Reproductive Sciences and Technology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Shahid Akbarabadi Clinical Research Development Unit (ShACRDU), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nadia Sheibak
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Reproductive Sciences and Technology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Shahid Akbarabadi Clinical Research Development Unit (ShACRDU), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Zandieh
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Reproductive Sciences and Technology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Shahid Akbarabadi Clinical Research Development Unit (ShACRDU), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Mehdizadeh
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Reproductive Sciences and Technology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Aflatoonian
- Department of Endocrinology and Female Infertility, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryamsadat Tabatabaei
- Shahid Akbarabadi Clinical Research Development Unit (ShACRDU), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atieh Sadat Mousavi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Reproductive Sciences and Technology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Shahid Akbarabadi Clinical Research Development Unit (ShACRDU), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemehsadat Amjadi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Reproductive Sciences and Technology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. .,Shahid Akbarabadi Clinical Research Development Unit (ShACRDU), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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28
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Wu X, Zhou L, Shi J, Cheng CY, Sun F. Multiomics analysis of male infertility. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:118-134. [PMID: 35639635 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility affects 8-12% of couples globally, and the male factor is a primary cause in approximately 50% of couples. Male infertility is a multifactorial reproductive disorder, which can be caused by paracrine and autocrine factors, hormones, genes, and epigenetic changes. Recent studies in rodents and most notably in humans using multiomics approach have yielded important insights into understanding the biology of spermatogenesis. Nonetheless, the etiology and pathogenesis of male infertility are still largely unknown. In this review, we summarized and critically evaluated findings based on the use of advanced technologies to compare normal and obstructive azoospermia (OA) versus non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) men, including whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS), single cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq), whole exome sequencing (WES), and ATAC-seq. It is obvious that the multiomics approach is the method of choice for basic research and clinical studies including clinical diagnosis of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Wu
- Department of Urology & Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, China.,Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Liwei Zhou
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Jie Shi
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- Department of Urology & Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, China.,Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Department of Urology & Andrology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, China.,Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University School of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
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29
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Chen H, Li P, Du X, Zhao Y, Wang L, Tian Y, Song X, Shuai L, Bai X, Chen L. Homozygous Loss of Septin12, but not its Haploinsufficiency, Leads to Male Infertility and Fertilization Failure. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:850052. [PMID: 35547809 PMCID: PMC9082362 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.850052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The SEPTIN12 gene has been associated with male infertility. Male Septin12+/− chimera mice were infertile, supporting the prevailing view that SEPTIN12 haploinsufficiency causes male infertility. In this study, we identified a heterozygous mutation on SEPTIN12, c.72C>A (p.Cys24Ter) in the male partner of a patient couple, who had a previous fertilization failure (FF) after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and became pregnant after ICSI together with artificial oocyte activation (AOA). To investigate the role of SEPTIN12 in FF and oocyte activation, we constructed Septin12 knockout mice. Surprisingly, Septin12−/− male mice, but not Septin12+/− male mice, are infertile, and have reduced sperm counts and abnormal sperm morphology. Importantly, AOA treatment enhances the 2-cell embryo rate of ICSI embryos injected with Septin12−/− sperm, indicating that FF caused by male Septin12 deficiency is overcome by AOA. Mechanistically, loss of PLCζ around the acrosome might be the reason for FF of Septin12−/− sperm. Taken together, our data indicated that homozygous knockout of Septin12, but not Septin12 haploinsufficiency, leads to male infertility and FF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixia Chen
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Health and Eugenics, Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Peng Li
- Tianjin Union Medical Center, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Frontiers Science Center for Cell Responses, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Biology Education and College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Institute of Translational Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaoling Du
- Tianjin Union Medical Center, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Frontiers Science Center for Cell Responses, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Biology Education and College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Institute of Translational Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yiding Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Lingling Wang
- Tianjin Union Medical Center, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Frontiers Science Center for Cell Responses, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Biology Education and College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Institute of Translational Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Ye Tian
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Health and Eugenics, Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xueru Song
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Health and Eugenics, Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Ling Shuai
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaohong Bai
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Health and Eugenics, Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Lingyi Chen
- Tianjin Union Medical Center, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Frontiers Science Center for Cell Responses, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Biology Education and College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Institute of Translational Medicine, Tianjin, China
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30
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Yanagimachi R. Mysteries and unsolved problems of mammalian fertilization and related topics. Biol Reprod 2022; 106:644-675. [PMID: 35292804 PMCID: PMC9040664 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian fertilization is a fascinating process that leads to the formation of a new individual. Eggs and sperm are complex cells that must meet at the appropriate time and position within the female reproductive tract for successful fertilization. I have been studying various aspects of mammalian fertilization over 60 years. In this review, I discuss many different aspects of mammalian fertilization, some of my laboratory's contribution to the field, and discuss enigmas and mysteries that remain to be solved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryuzo Yanagimachi
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, University of Hawaii Medical School, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
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31
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Attia A, Nicholson C, Martins da Silva SJ. Artificial Egg Activation Using Calcium Ionophore. Semin Reprod Med 2022; 39:e5-e11. [PMID: 35272388 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1742171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Artificial oocyte activation, most commonly using calcium ionophore, is a treatment add-on utilized to avoid recurrence of abnormally low or total failed fertilization following in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection. It aims to modify defective physiological processes, specifically calcium-mediated cell signaling that are critical to events required for fertilization. Routine application of artificial oocyte activation is neither required nor recommended; however, it represents an invaluable intervention for a subgroup of patients affected by sperm-related oocyte activation deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Attia
- Reproductive Medicine Research Group, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Cara Nicholson
- Reproductive Medicine Research Group, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah J Martins da Silva
- Reproductive Medicine Research Group, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
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32
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Sarkar S, Yadav S, Mehta P, Gupta G, Rajender S. Histone Methylation Regulates Gene Expression in the Round Spermatids to Set the RNA Payloads of Sperm. Reprod Sci 2022; 29:857-882. [PMID: 35015293 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00837-3] [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: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Gene expression during spermatogenesis undergoes significant changes due to a demanding sequence of mitosis, meiosis, and differentiation. We investigated the contribution of H3 histone modifications to gene regulation in the round spermatids. Round spermatids were purified from rat testes using centrifugal elutriation and Percoll density-gradient centrifugation. After enzymatic chromatin shearing, immuno-precipitation using antibodies against histone marks H3k4me3 and H3K9me3 was undertaken. The immunoprecipitated DNA fragments were subjected to massive parallel sequencing. Gene expression in round spermatids and sperm was analyzed by transcriptome sequencing using next-generation sequencing methods. ChIP-seq analysis showed significant peak enrichment in H3K4me3 marks in active chromatin regions and H3K9me3 peak enrichment in repressive regions. We found 53 genes which showed overlapping peak enrichment in both H3K4me3 and H3K9me3 marks. Some of the top H3K4me3-enriched genes were involved in sperm tail formation (Odf1, Odf3, Odf4, Oaz3, Ccdc42, Ccdc63, and Ccdc181), chromatin condensation (Dync1h1, Dynll1, and Kdm3a), and sperm functions such as acrosome reaction (Acrbp and Fabp9), energy generation (Gapdhs), and signaling for motility (Tssk1b, Tssk2, and Tssk4). Transcriptome sequencing in round spermatids found 64% transcripts of the H3K4me3-enriched genes at high levels and of about 25% of H3K9me3-enriched genes at very low levels. Transcriptome sequencing in sperm found that more than 99% of the ChIP-seq corresponding transcripts were also present in sperm. H3K4me3 enrichment in the round spermatids correlates significantly with gene expression and H3K9me3 correlates with gene silencing that contribute to sperm differentiation and setting the RNA payloads of sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saumya Sarkar
- Division of Endocrinology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - Santosh Yadav
- Division of Endocrinology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - Poonam Mehta
- Division of Endocrinology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Gopal Gupta
- Division of Endocrinology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Singh Rajender
- Division of Endocrinology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India. .,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India.
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33
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Xue Y, Cheng X, Xiong Y, Li K. Gene mutations associated with fertilization failure after in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1086883. [PMID: 36589837 PMCID: PMC9800785 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1086883] [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: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Fertilization failure during assisted reproductive technologies (ART) is often unpredictable, as this failure is encountered only after in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) have been performed. The etiology of fertilization failure remains elusive. More and more mutations of genes are found to be involved in human fertilization failure in infertile patients as high throughput sequencing techniques are becoming widely applied. In this review, the mutations of nine important genes expressed in sperm or oocytes, PLCZ1, ACTL7A, ACTL9, DNAH17, WEE2, TUBB8, NLRP5, ZP2, and TLE6, were summarized and discussed. These abnormalities mainly have shown Mendelian patterns of inheritance, including dominant and recessive inheritance, although de novo mutations were present in some cases. The review revealed the crucial roles of each reported gene in the fertilization process and summarized all known mutations and their corresponding phenotypes. The review suggested the mutations might become promising targets for precision treatments in reproductive medicine. Moreover, our work will provide some helpful clues for genetic counseling, risk prediction, and optimizing clinical treatments for human infertility by supplying the useful and timely information on the genetic causes leading to fertilization failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamei Xue
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaohong Cheng
- Institute for Reproductive Health, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuping Xiong
- Institute for Reproductive Health, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kun Li
- Institute for Reproductive Health, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Experimental Animal’s & Nonclinical Laboratory Studies, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Kun Li,
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34
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Wang A, Huang S, Liu M, Wang B, Wu F, Zhu D, Zhao X. Clinical exome sequencing identifies novel compound heterozygous mutations of the WEE2 gene in primary infertile women with fertilization failure. Gynecol Endocrinol 2021; 37:1096-1101. [PMID: 33904356 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2021.1916458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The genetic basis of fertilization failure after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is largely unknown and the aim of this study is to investigate the genetic causes of fertilization failure in primary infertile women. METHODS Six affected women diagnosed with infertility and fertilization failure were recruited. The genetically pathogenic factor of their fertilization failures were investigated by clinical exome sequencing. One hundred healthy controls were verified by Sanger sequencing. RESULTS Novel compound heterozygous mutations c.625G > T and c.759-2A > G of WEE2 in one affected individual were revealed by clinical exome sequencing. Trios analysis of the mutations represented an autosomal recessive pattern. The nonsense mutation c.625G > T (p.Glu209*) indicated the truncation of the WEE2 protein and c.759-2A > G was predicted to affect the splicing. CONCLUSIONS The novel variants extend the spectrum of WEE2 mutations, which promotes the prognostic value of testing for WEE2 mutations in infertile women with fertilization failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ancong Wang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, PR China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, PR China
| | - Shan Huang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Linyi Hospital of traditional Chinese Medicine, Linyi, PR China
| | - Min Liu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, PR China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, PR China
| | - Baosong Wang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, PR China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, PR China
| | - Fengxia Wu
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| | - Dongyi Zhu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, PR China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, PR China
| | - Xiangyu Zhao
- Department of Medical Genetics, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, PR China
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35
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Wang J, Zhang J, Sun X, Lin Y, Cai L, Cui Y, Liu J, Liu M, Yang X. Novel bi-allelic variants in ACTL7A are associated with male infertility and total fertilization failure. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:3161-3169. [PMID: 34727571 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What are the genetic causes of total fertilization failure (TFF) in a proband suffering from male infertility? SUMMARY ANSWER Novel compound heterozygous variants (c.[463C>T];[1084G>A], p.[(Arg155Ter)];[(Gly362Arg)]) in actin-like protein 7A (ACTL7A) were identified as a causative genetic factor for human TFF. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY ACTL7A, an actin-related protein, is essential for spermatogenesis. ACTL7A variants have been reported to cause early embryonic arrest in humans but have not been studied in human TFF. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We recruited a non-consanguineous family whose son was affected by infertility characterized by TFF after ICSI. Whole-exome sequencing was used to identify the potential pathogenic variants. Artificial oocyte activation (AOA) after ICSI was performed to overcome TFF and any resulting pregnancy was followed up. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Sanger sequencing was performed to validate the variants. Pathogenicity of the identified variants was predicted by in silico tools. The ultrastructure of spermatozoa was studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Immunofluorescence staining and western blotting were used to investigate the mechanism of the variants on the affected spermatozoa. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Novel compound heterozygous variants in ACTL7A (c.[463C>T];[1084G>A], p.[(Arg155Ter)];[(Gly362Arg)]) were identified in a family with TFF after ICSI. In silico analysis predicted that the variants lead to a disease-causing protein. TEM showed that the ACTL7A variants caused ultrastructural defects in the acrosome and perinuclear theca. Protein expression of ACTL7A and phospholipase C zeta, a key sperm-borne oocyte activation factor, was significantly reduced in the affected sperm compared to healthy controls, suggesting that the ACLT7A variants lead to an oocyte activation deficiency and TFF. AOA by calcium ionophore (A23187) after ICSI successfully rescued the TFF and achieved a live birth for the patient with ACTL7A variants. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Given the rarity of sperm-associated TFF, only one family with an only child carrying the ACTL7A variants was found. In addition, the TFF phenotype was not assessed in two or more ICSI cycles, due to the intervention in ICSI with AOA after one failed ICSI cycle. Further studies should validate the ACTL7A variants and its effect on male infertility in larger independent cohorts. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS : Our findings revealed a critical role of ACTL7A in male fertility and identified bi-allelic variants in ACTL7A associated with human TFF, which expands the genetic spectrum of TFF and supports the genetic diagnosis of TFF patients. We also rescued TFF by AOA and obtained a healthy live birth, which provides a potentially effective intervention for patients with ACTL7A pathogenic variants. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81971374 and 81401267). No conflicts of interest were declared. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jintao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xueping Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuting Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lingbo Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yugui Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiayin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mingxi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoyu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Li Q, Duan Z, Sun C, Zheng J, Xu G, Yang N. Genetic variations for the eggshell crystal structure revealed by genome-wide association study in chickens. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:786. [PMID: 34727889 PMCID: PMC8565016 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-08103-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Eggshell is a bio-ceramic material comprising columnar calcite (CaCO3) crystals and organic proteinaceous matrix. The size, shape and orientation of the CaCO3 crystals influence the microstructural properties of chicken eggshells. However, the genetic architecture underlying eggshell crystal polymorphism remains to be elucidated. Results The integral intensity of the nine major diffraction peaks, total integral intensity and degree of orientation of the crystals were measured followed by a genome-wide association study in 839 F2 hens. The results showed that the total integral intensity was positively correlated with the eggshell strength, eggshell thickness, eggshell weight, mammillary layer thickness and effective layer thickness. The SNP-based heritabilities of total integral intensity and degree of orientation were 0.23 and 0.06, respectively. The 621 SNPs located in the range from 55.6 to 69.1 Mb in GGA1 were significantly associated with TA. PLCZ1, ABCC9, ITPR2, KCNJ8, CACNA1C and IAPP, which are involved in the biological process of regulating cytosolic calcium ion concentration, can be suggested as key genes regulating the total integral intensity. Conclusions The findings greatly advance the understanding of the genetic basis underlying the crystal ultrastructure of eggshell quality and thus will have practical significance in breeding programs for improving eggshell quality. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-021-08103-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quanlin Li
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and MOA Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, China Agricultural University, 100193, Beijing, China
| | - Zhongyi Duan
- National Animal Husbandry Service, 100125, Beijing, China
| | - Congjiao Sun
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and MOA Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, China Agricultural University, 100193, Beijing, China
| | - Jiangxia Zheng
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and MOA Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, China Agricultural University, 100193, Beijing, China
| | - Guiyun Xu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and MOA Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, China Agricultural University, 100193, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Yang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and MOA Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, China Agricultural University, 100193, Beijing, China.
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37
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Treaster S, Daane JM, Harris MP. Refining Convergent Rate Analysis with Topology in Mammalian Longevity and Marine Transitions. Mol Biol Evol 2021; 38:5190-5203. [PMID: 34324001 PMCID: PMC8557430 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msab226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The quest to map the genetic foundations of phenotypes has been empowered by the modern diversity, quality, and availability of genomic resources. Despite these expanding resources, the abundance of variation within lineages makes it challenging to associate genetic change to specific phenotypes, without an a priori means of isolating the changes from background genomic variation. Evolution provides this means through convergence-i.e., the shared variation that may result from replicate evolutionary experiments across independent trait occurrences. To leverage these opportunities, we developed TRACCER: Topologically Ranked Analysis of Convergence via Comparative Evolutionary Rates. Compared to current methods, this software empowers rate convergence analysis by factoring in topological relationships, because genetic variation between phylogenetically proximate trait changes is more likely to be facilitating the trait. Comparisons are performed not with singular branches, but with the complete paths to the most recent common ancestor for each pair of lineages. This ensures that comparisons represent a single context diverging over the same timeframe while obviating the problematic requirement of assigning ancestral states. We applied TRACCER to two case studies: mammalian transitions to marine environments, an unambiguous collection of traits which have independently evolved three times; and the evolution of mammalian longevity, a less delineated trait but with more instances to compare. By factoring in topology, TRACCER identifies highly significant, convergent genetic signals, with important incongruities and statistical resolution when compared to existing approaches. These improvements in sensitivity and specificity of convergence analysis generates refined targets for downstream validation and identification of genotype-phenotype relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Treaster
- Department of Orthopaedic Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02124, USA.,Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02124, USA
| | - Jacob M Daane
- Department of Orthopaedic Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02124, USA.,Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02124, USA.,Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Northeastern University Marine Science Center, Nahant, MA, 01908, USA
| | - Matthew P Harris
- Department of Orthopaedic Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02124, USA.,Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02124, USA
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Tarozzi N, Nadalini M, Coticchio G, Zacà C, Lagalla C, Borini A. The paternal toolbox for embryo development and health. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 27:6311671. [PMID: 34191013 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaab042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The sperm is essential for reconstitution of embryonic diploidy and highly specialized developmental functions. Immediately after gamete fusion, the sperm-borne PLC-zeta triggers activation, generating intracellular free Ca2+ oscillations. Mutations in the PLC-zeta encoding gene are associated with the absence of this factor in mature sperm and inability to achieve fertilization. Sperm play also a role in the greater game of the choreography of fertilization. In the human, the sperm centrioles are introduced into the oocyte environment with gamete fusion. They interact with the oocyte cytoskeletal apparatus to form a functional pair of centrosomes and ultimately regulate pronuclear juxtaposition in preparation for the first cleavage. As a consequence, the fidelity of chromosome segregation during the first cell divisions depends on the function of sperm centrioles. Sperm DNA integrity is essential for embryo development and health. Damaged DNA does not impact on the sperm fertilization ability following ICSI. However, detrimental effects emerge at pre- and post-implantation stages. Sperm-specific epigenetic factors also play an active role in the regulation of embryonic development, as shown by correlations between reduced embryo morphological quality and incorrect chromatin packaging during spermiogenesis or abnormal methylation of sperm CpG islands. This functional landscape demonstrates that the contribution of the sperm to development goes far beyond its well-established role in fertilization. Clinical studies confirm this view and indicate sperm function as a crucial aspect of research to increase the efficacy of assisted reproduction treatments.
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Yuan P, Yang C, Ren Y, Yan J, Nie Y, Yan L, Qiao J. A novel homozygous mutation of phospholipase C zeta leading to defective human oocyte activation and fertilization failure. Hum Reprod 2021; 35:977-985. [PMID: 32142120 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is a novel homozygous phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ), c.1658 G>C; p. R553P mutation in the C2 domain associated with the outcomes of recurrent fertilization failure after ICSI? SUMMARY ANSWER PLCζ, c.1658 G>C led to defective human oocyte activation and fertilization failure, while this mutation in the C2 domain of PLCζ did not compromise concentration, motility and chromosome ploidy of sperm. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Sperm-specific PLCζ is now widely considered to be the physiological stimulus that evokes intracellular calcium (Ca2+) oscillations, which are essential for egg activation during mammalian fertilization. Thus far, few genetic studies have shown that different point mutations in the PLCζ gene are associated with male infertility. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This was a basic medical research to assess pathogenicity for novel mutation in the C2 domain of PLCζ during human fertilization. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Single-cell omics were applied to analyze the DNA methylation state of the fertilization failure oocytes and the ploidy of the patient's sperm. Whole genome sequencing data for the patient were analyzed for mutations in PLCζ. Sanger sequencing confirmed the presence of a rare variant, and then the mutant and wild-type PLCζ mRNA were injected to observe oocyte activation. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The fertilization failure oocytes (n = 4) were triploid and lacking proper DNA demethylation. The whole genome sequencing analysis revealed a novel missense homozygous mutation in PLCζ, c.1658 G>C; p. R553P, which leads to the conversion of arginine 553 to proline. This point mutation does not affect the production of the corresponding protein in sperm. However, microinjection of the mRNA transcribed from the PLCζ R553P mutation gene failed to trigger oocyte activation and the subsequent embryo development. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Only one patient with PLCζ mutations was available because of its rare incidence. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Notably, we discovered a novel homozygous mutation in PLCζ, which results in an abnormal conformation at the C2 domain of the PLCζ protein. Our findings indicate an essential role of PLCζ in human fertilization and the requirement of a normal structure of C2 domain in PLCζ-mediated physiological function. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This project is funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31571544, 31871482, 31871447) and National Key Research and Development Program (2018YFC1004000, 2017YFA0103801). All authors declared no competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Not applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Yuan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproduction Technology, Beijing 100191, China.,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Cen Yang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproduction Technology, Beijing 100191, China.,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yixin Ren
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproduction Technology, Beijing 100191, China.,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jie Yan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproduction Technology, Beijing 100191, China.,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yanli Nie
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproduction Technology, Beijing 100191, China.,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Liying Yan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproduction Technology, Beijing 100191, China.,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jie Qiao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproduction Technology, Beijing 100191, China.,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.,Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
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Yan Z, Fan Y, Wang F, Yan Z, Li M, Ouyang J, Wu L, Yin M, Zhao J, Kuang Y, Li B, Lyu Q. Novel mutations in PLCZ1 cause male infertility due to fertilization failure or poor fertilization. Hum Reprod 2021; 35:472-481. [PMID: 32048714 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do sperm-specific phospholipase C zeta (PLCZ1) mutations account for male infertility due to fertilization failure? SUMMARY ANSWER Six novel mutations and one reported mutation in PLCZ1 were identified in five of 14 independent families characterized by fertilization failure or poor fertilization, suggesting that these mutations may be responsible for fertilization failure in men exhibiting primary infertility. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY PLCZ1 is essential for the induction of intracellular calcium (Ca2+) oscillations and the initiation of oocyte activation during mammalian fertilization. However, genetic evidence linking PLCZ1 mutations with male infertility remains limited. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Fourteen unrelated primary infertility patients were recruited into this study from January 2016 to December 2018; the patients exhibited total fertilization failure or poor fertilization, as evidenced by ICSI and sperm-related oocyte activation deficiencies identified in mouse oocyte activation assays. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Genomic DNA samples were extracted from the peripheral blood of patients. The whole exons of PLCZ1 were sequenced by Sanger sequencing. The PLCZ1 sequences were aligned by CodonCode software to identify rare variants. The ExAC database was used to search for the frequency of corresponding mutations. The pathogenicity of identified variants and their possible effects on the protein were assessed in silico. PLCZ1 protein levels in semen samples were evaluated by western blotting. Oocyte activation ability was assessed by the injection of wild-type and mutant PLCZ1 cRNAs into human mature metaphase II (MII) oocytes in vitro. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE We identified six novel mutations and one reported mutation in PLCZ1 among five affected individuals. In addition to four novel missense mutations, two new types of genetic variants were identified, including one in-frame deletion and one splicing mutation. Western blot analysis revealed that PLCZ1 protein expression was not observed in the semen samples from the five affected patients. Microinjection with the PLCZ1 cRNA variants was performed, and a significant decrease in the percentage of pronuclei was observed for four novel missense mutations and one novel in-frame deletion mutation, suggesting that these mutations have a deleterious influence on protein function. By artificial oocyte activation treatment, the fertilization failure phenotypes of four affected patients were successfully rescued and three healthy babies were delivered. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION We screened only the whole exons of PLCZ1. Additional possible mutations in the non-coding region of PLCZ1 should be further studied. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our study not only further confirms the important role of PLCZ1 in human fertilization but also expands the mutational spectrum of PLCZ1 associated with male infertility, which provides a basis for assessing genetic variation in PLCZ1 as a potential diagnostic marker for infertile men suffering from fertilization failure. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This research was supported by the National Natural Foundation of China (81 571 486 and 81 771 649). All authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Yan
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong Fan
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei Wang
- College of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan 232000, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiguang Yan
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Menghui Li
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Ouyang
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling Wu
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingru Yin
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Jilang Zhao
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanping Kuang
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Li
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Qifeng Lyu
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
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Lodde V, Morandini P, Costa A, Murgia I, Ezquer I. cROStalk for Life: Uncovering ROS Signaling in Plants and Animal Systems, from Gametogenesis to Early Embryonic Development. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:525. [PMID: 33916807 PMCID: PMC8067062 DOI: 10.3390/genes12040525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
This review explores the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS)/Ca2+ in communication within reproductive structures in plants and animals. Many concepts have been described during the last years regarding how biosynthesis, generation products, antioxidant systems, and signal transduction involve ROS signaling, as well as its possible link with developmental processes and response to biotic and abiotic stresses. In this review, we first addressed classic key concepts in ROS and Ca2+ signaling in plants, both at the subcellular, cellular, and organ level. In the plant science field, during the last decades, new techniques have facilitated the in vivo monitoring of ROS signaling cascades. We will describe these powerful techniques in plants and compare them to those existing in animals. Development of new analytical techniques will facilitate the understanding of ROS signaling and their signal transduction pathways in plants and mammals. Many among those signaling pathways already have been studied in animals; therefore, a specific effort should be made to integrate this knowledge into plant biology. We here discuss examples of how changes in the ROS and Ca2+ signaling pathways can affect differentiation processes in plants, focusing specifically on reproductive processes where the ROS and Ca2+ signaling pathways influence the gametophyte functioning, sexual reproduction, and embryo formation in plants and animals. The study field regarding the role of ROS and Ca2+ in signal transduction is evolving continuously, which is why we reviewed the recent literature and propose here the potential targets affecting ROS in reproductive processes. We discuss the opportunities to integrate comparative developmental studies and experimental approaches into studies on the role of ROS/ Ca2+ in both plant and animal developmental biology studies, to further elucidate these crucial signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Lodde
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety (VESPA), Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Piero Morandini
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Alex Costa
- Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (A.C.); (I.M.)
| | - Irene Murgia
- Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (A.C.); (I.M.)
| | - Ignacio Ezquer
- Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (A.C.); (I.M.)
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Dai J, Zhang T, Guo J, Zhou Q, Gu Y, Zhang J, Hu L, Zong Y, Song J, Zhang S, Dai C, Gong F, Lu G, Zheng W, Lin G. Homozygous pathogenic variants in ACTL9 cause fertilization failure and male infertility in humans and mice. Am J Hum Genet 2021; 108:469-481. [PMID: 33626338 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2021.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Total fertilization failure (TFF) can occur during in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments, even following intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Various male or female factors could contribute to TFF. Increasing evidence suggested that genetic variations in PLCZ1, which encodes 1-phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate phosphodiesterase zeta-1 (PLCζ), is involved in oocyte activation and is a key male factor in TFF. In the present study, we explored the genetic variants in male individuals that led to TFF. A total of 54 couples with TFF or poor fertilization (fertilization rate < 20%) were screened, and 21 couples were determined to have a male infertility factor by the mouse oocyte activation test. Whole-exome sequencing of these 21 male individuals identified three homozygous pathogenic variants in ACTL9 (actin like 9) in three individuals. ACTL9 variations led to abnormal ultrastructure of the perinuclear theca (PT), and PLCζ was absent in the head and present in the neck of the mutant sperm, which contributed to failed normal calcium oscillations in oocytes and subsequent TFF. The key roles of ACTL9 in the PT structure and TFF after ICSI were further confirmed in an Actl9-mutated mouse model. Furthermore, assisted oocyte activation by calcium ionophore exposure successfully overcame TFF and achieved live births in a couple with an ACTL9 variant. These findings identified the role of ACTL9 in the PT structure and the correct localization of PLCζ. The results also provide a genetic marker and a therapeutic option for individuals who have undergone ICSI without successful fertilization.
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Mu J, Zhang Z, Wu L, Fu J, Chen B, Yan Z, Li B, Zhou Z, Wang W, Zhao L, Dong J, Kuang Y, Sun X, He L, Wang L, Sang Q. The identification of novel mutations in PLCZ1 responsible for human fertilization failure and a therapeutic intervention by artificial oocyte activation. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 26:80-87. [PMID: 31953539 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaaa003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Fertilization involves a series of molecular events immediately following egg-sperm fusion; Ca2+ oscillations are the earliest signaling event, and they initiate the downstream reactions including pronucleus formation. Successful human reproduction requires normal fertilization. In clinical IVF or ICSI attempts, some infertile couples suffer from recurrent fertilization failure. However, the genetic reasons for fertilization failure are largely unknown. Here, we recruited several couples diagnosed with fertilization failure even though their gametes are morphologically normal. Through whole-exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing, we identified biallelic mutations in gene-encoding phospholipase C zeta 1 (PLCZ1) in four independent males in couples diagnosed with fertilization failure. Western blotting showed that missense mutations decreased the level of PLCZ1 and that nonsense or frameshift mutations resulted in undetectable or truncated proteins. Expression of these mutations in mice significantly reduced the levels of oocyte activation. Artificial oocyte activation in patient oocytes could rescue the phenotype of fertilization failure and help establish pregnancy and lead to live birth. Our findings expand the spectrum of PLCZ1 mutations that are responsible for human fertilization failure and provide a potentially feasible therapeutic treatment for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Mu
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University; Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032
| | - Zhihua Zhang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University; Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032
| | - Ling Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai Ninth Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Jing Fu
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Biaobang Chen
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University; Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032
| | - Zheng Yan
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai Ninth Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Bin Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai Ninth Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Zhou Zhou
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University; Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032
| | - Wenjing Wang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University; Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032
| | - Lin Zhao
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University; Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032
| | - Jie Dong
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University; Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032
| | - Yanping Kuang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shanghai Ninth Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Xiaoxi Sun
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Lin He
- Bio-X Center, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University; Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032.,Zhuhai Fudan Innovation Institute, Zhuhai, Guangdong 519000, China.,Shanghai Center for Women and Children's Health, Shanghai, 200062, China
| | - Qing Sang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University; Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032.,Zhuhai Fudan Innovation Institute, Zhuhai, Guangdong 519000, China
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Storey A, Elgmati K, Wang Y, Knaggs P, Swann K. The role of ATP in the differential ability of Sr2+ to trigger Ca2+ oscillations in mouse and human eggs. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 27:gaaa086. [PMID: 33543292 PMCID: PMC7846092 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaaa086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
At fertilization in mice and humans, the activation of the egg is caused by a series of repetitive Ca2+ oscillations which are initiated by phospholipase-C(zeta)ζ that generates inositol-1,4,5-trisphophate (InsP3). Ca2+ oscillations and egg activation can be triggered in mature mouse eggs by incubation in Sr2+ containing medium, but this does not appear to be effective in human eggs. Here, we have investigated the reason for this apparent difference using mouse eggs, and human eggs that failed to fertilize after IVF or ICSI. Mouse eggs incubated in Ca2+-free, Sr2+-containing medium immediately underwent Ca2+ oscillations but human eggs consistently failed to undergo Ca2+ oscillations in the same Sr2+ medium. We tested the InsP3-receptor (IP3R) sensitivity directly by photo-release of caged InsP3 and found that mouse eggs were about 10 times more sensitive to InsP3 than human eggs. There were no major differences in the Ca2+ store content between mouse and human eggs. However, we found that the ATP concentration was consistently higher in mouse compared to human eggs. When ATP levels were lowered in mouse eggs by incubation in pyruvate-free medium, Sr2+ failed to cause Ca2+ oscillations. When pyruvate was added back to these eggs, the ATP levels increased and Ca2+ oscillations were induced. This suggests that ATP modulates the ability of Sr2+ to stimulate IP3R-induced Ca2+ release in eggs. We suggest that human eggs may be unresponsive to Sr2+ medium because they have a lower level of cytosolic ATP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Storey
- Wales Fertility Institute, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK
| | | | - Yisu Wang
- School of Biosiences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Paul Knaggs
- Wales Fertility Institute, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK
| | - Karl Swann
- School of Biosiences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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Zafar MI, Lu S, Li H. Sperm-oocyte interplay: an overview of spermatozoon's role in oocyte activation and current perspectives in diagnosis and fertility treatment. Cell Biosci 2021; 11:4. [PMID: 33407934 PMCID: PMC7789549 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-020-00520-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The fertilizing spermatozoon is a highly specialized cell that selects from millions along the female tract until the oocyte. The paternal components influence the oocyte activation during fertilization and are fundamental for normal embryo development; however, the sperm-oocyte interplay is in a continuous debate. This review aims to analyze the available scientific information related to the role of the male gamete in the oocyte activation during fertilization, the process of the interaction of sperm factors with oocyte machinery, and the implications of any alterations in this interplay, as well as the advances and limitations of the reproductive techniques and diagnostic tests. At present, both PLCζ and PAWP are the main candidates as oocyte activated factors during fertilization. While PLCζ mechanism is via IP3, how PAWP activates the oocyte still no clear, and these findings are important to study and treat fertilization failure due to oocyte activation, especially when one of the causes is the deficiency of PLCζ in the sperm. However, no diagnostic test has been developed to establish the amount of PLCζ, the protocol to treat this type of pathologies is broad, including treatment with ionophores, sperm selection improvement, and microinjection with PLCζ protein or RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Ishraq Zafar
- Institute of Reproductive Health/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hang Kong Road, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Shi Lu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jeifang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022, People's Republic of China
| | - Honggang Li
- Institute of Reproductive Health/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hang Kong Road, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China. .,Wuhan Tongji Reproductive Medicine Hospital, 128 Sanyang Road, Wuhan, 430013, People's Republic of China.
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Le Blévec E, Muroňová J, Ray PF, Arnoult C. Paternal epigenetics: Mammalian sperm provide much more than DNA at fertilization. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 518:110964. [PMID: 32738444 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The spermatozoon is a highly differentiated cell with unique characteristics: it is mobile, thanks to its flagellum, and is very compact. The sperm cytoplasm is extremely reduced, containing no ribosomes, and therefore does not allow translation, and its nucleus contains very closed chromatin, preventing transcription. This DNA compaction is linked to the loss of nucleosomes and the replacement of histones by protamines. Based on these characteristics, sperm was considered to simply deliver paternal DNA to the oocyte. However, some parts of the sperm DNA remain organized in a nucleosomal format, and bear epigenetic information. In addition, the nucleus and the cytoplasm contain a multitude of RNAs of different types, including non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) which also carry epigenetic information. For a long time, these RNAs were considered residues of spermatogenesis. After briefly describing the mechanisms of compaction of sperm DNA, we focus this review on the origin and function of the different ncRNAs. We present studies demonstrating the importance of these RNAs in embryonic development and transgenerational adaptation to stress. We also look at other epigenetic marks, such as DNA methylation or post-translational modifications of histones, and show that they are sensitive to environmental stress and transmissible to offspring. The post-fertilization role of certain sperm-borne proteins is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Le Blévec
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, F-38000, France; Institute for Advanced Biosciences INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Grenoble, F-38000, France; IMV Technologies, ZI N° 1 Est, L'Aigle, F-61300, France
| | - Jana Muroňová
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, F-38000, France; Institute for Advanced Biosciences INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Grenoble, F-38000, France
| | - Pierre F Ray
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, F-38000, France; Institute for Advanced Biosciences INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Grenoble, F-38000, France; CHU de Grenoble, UM GI-DPI, Grenoble, F-38000, France
| | - Christophe Arnoult
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, F-38000, France; Institute for Advanced Biosciences INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Grenoble, F-38000, France.
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Diagnosis and Treatment of Male Infertility-Related Fertilization Failure. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9123899. [PMID: 33271815 PMCID: PMC7761017 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9123899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility affects approximately 15% of reproductive-aged couples worldwide, of which up to 30% of the cases are caused by male factors alone. The origin of male infertility is mostly attributed to sperm abnormalities, of which many are caused by genetic defects. The development of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has helped to circumvent most male infertility conditions. However, there is still a challenging group of infertile males whose sperm, although having normal sperm parameters, are unable to activate the oocyte, even after ICSI treatment. While ICSI generally allows fertilization rates of 70 to 80%, total fertilization failure (FF) still occurs in 1 to 3% of ICSI cycles. Phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ) has been demonstrated to be a critical sperm oocyte activating factor (SOAF) and the absence, reduced, or altered forms of PLCζ have been shown to cause male infertility-related FF. The purpose of this review is to (i) summarize the current knowledge on PLCζ as the critical sperm factor for successful fertilization, as well as to discuss the existence of alternative sperm-induced oocyte activation mechanisms, (ii) describe the diagnostic tests available to determine the cause of FF, and (iii) summarize the beneficial effect of assisted oocyte activation (AOA) to overcome FF.
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Tian Y, Wang G, Wang J, Mu X, Chen H, Song X, Bai X. Novel compound heterozygous mutation in WEE2 is associated with fertilization failure: case report of an infertile woman and literature review. BMC WOMENS HEALTH 2020; 20:246. [PMID: 33148236 PMCID: PMC7643268 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-020-01111-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fertilization failure after intracytoplasmic sperm injection continues to affect couples and the etiology is not well-understood. CASE PRESENTATION We characterized a couple with 2-year history of primary unexplained infertility. Three different assisted reproduction attempts (IVF + rescue ICSI, ICSI and ICSI-AOA) showed repeated fertilization failure for MII oocyte retrieval after controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. After whole-exome sequencing and sanger sequencing of the couple and their family members, variant pathogenicity was assessed using SIFT, PolyPhen2, Mutation Taster, and Human Splicing Finder software. We identified novel compound heterozygous mutations, c.1535 + 3A > G and c.946C > T (p. Leu316Phe), in WEE2 in the female proband. Trios analysis of the variations revealed an autosomal recessive pattern. c.1535 + 3A > G in WEE2 was predicted to break the wild-type donor site and affect splicing, and the missense mutation c.946C > T (p. Leu316Phe) of WEE2 was predicted to be pathogenic. CONCLUSION A novel compound heterozygous mutation in WEE2 was identified in an infertile female who experienced repeated fertilization failure even after ICSI-AOA. These novel mutations in WEE2 provided genetic evidence for fertilization failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Tian
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154, Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Guojie Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154, Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Jin Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154, Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Xiaohuan Mu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154, Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Haixia Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154, Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Xueru Song
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154, Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Xiaohong Bai
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154, Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300052, China.
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Katan M, Cockcroft S. Phospholipase C families: Common themes and versatility in physiology and pathology. Prog Lipid Res 2020; 80:101065. [PMID: 32966869 DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2020.101065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase Cs (PLCs) are expressed in all mammalian cells and play critical roles in signal transduction. To obtain a comprehensive understanding of these enzymes in physiology and pathology, a detailed structural, biochemical, cell biological and genetic information is required. In this review, we cover all these aspects to summarize current knowledge of the entire superfamily. The families of PLCs have expanded from 13 enzymes to 16 with the identification of the atypical PLCs in the human genome. Recent structural insights highlight the common themes that cover not only the substrate catalysis but also the mechanisms of activation. This involves the release of autoinhibitory interactions that, in the absence of stimulation, maintain classical PLC enzymes in their inactive forms. Studies of individual PLCs provide a rich repertoire of PLC function in different physiologies. Furthermore, the genetic studies discovered numerous mutated and rare variants of PLC enzymes and their link to human disease development, greatly expanding our understanding of their roles in diverse pathologies. Notably, substantial evidence now supports involvement of different PLC isoforms in the development of specific cancer types, immune disorders and neurodegeneration. These advances will stimulate the generation of new drugs that target PLC enzymes, and will therefore open new possibilities for treatment of a number of diseases where current therapies remain ineffective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matilda Katan
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Division of Biosciences, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Shamshad Cockcroft
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, Division of Biosciences, University College London, 21 University Street, London WC1E 6JJ, UK.
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Zhang ZP, Zhang JT, Huang SC, He XY, Deng LX. Double sperm cloning (DSC) is a promising strategy in mammalian genetic engineering and stem cell research. Stem Cell Res Ther 2020; 11:388. [PMID: 32894201 PMCID: PMC7487873 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-020-01907-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) derived from somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are promising tools for meeting the personalized requirements of regenerative medicine. However, some obstacles need to be overcome before clinical trials can be undertaken. First, donor cells vary, and the reprogramming procedures are diverse, so standardization is a great obstacle regarding SCNT and iPSCs. Second, somatic cells derived from a patient may carry mitochondrial DNA mutations and exhibit telomere instability with aging or disease, and SCNT-ESCs and iPSCs retain the epigenetic memory or epigenetic modification errors. Third, reprogramming efficiency has remained low. Therefore, in addition to improving their success rate, other alternatives for producing ESCs should be explored. Producing androgenetic diploid embryos could be an outstanding strategy; androgenic diploid embryos are produced through double sperm cloning (DSC), in which two capacitated sperms (XY or XX, sorted by flow cytometer) are injected into a denucleated oocyte by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) to reconstruct embryo and derive DSC-ESCs. This process could avoid some potential issues, such as mitochondrial interference, telomere shortening, and somatic epigenetic memory, all of which accompany somatic donor cells. Oocytes are naturally activated by sperm, which is unlike the artificial activation that occurs in SCNT. The procedure is simple and practical and can be easily standardized. In addition, DSC-ESCs can overcome ethical concerns and resolve immunological response matching with sperm providers. Certainly, some challenges must be faced regarding imprinted genes, epigenetics, X chromosome inactivation, and dosage compensation. In mice, DSC-ESCs have been produced and have shown excellent differentiation ability. Therefore, the many advantages of DSC make the study of this process worthwhile for regenerative medicine and animal breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Ping Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Jun-Tao Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Shu-Cheng Huang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Xiu-Yuan He
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Li-Xin Deng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.
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