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Zhang Y, Wang M, Zhang T, Wang H, Chen Y, Zhou T, Yang R. Spermbots and Their Applications in Assisted Reproduction: Current Progress and Future Perspectives. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:5095-5108. [PMID: 38836008 PMCID: PMC11149708 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s465548] [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: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Sperm quality is declining dramatically during the past decades. Male infertility has been a serious health and social problem. The sperm cell driven biohybrid nanorobot opens a new era for automated and precise assisted reproduction. Therefore, it is urgent and necessary to conduct an updated review and perspective from the viewpoints of the researchers and clinicians in the field of reproductive medicine. In the present review, we first update the current classification, design, control and applications of various spermbots. Then, by a comprehensive summary of the functional features of sperm cells, the journey of sperms to the oocyte, and sperm-related dysfunctions, we provide a systematic guidance to further improve the design of spermbots. Focusing on the translation of spermbots into clinical practice, we point out that the main challenges are biocompatibility, effectiveness, and ethical issues. Considering the special requirements of assisted reproduction, we also propose the three laws for the clinical usage of spermbots: good genetics, gentle operation and no contamination. Finally, a three-step roadmap is proposed to achieve the goal of clinical translation. We believe that spermbot-based treatments can be validated and approved for in vitro clinical usage in the near future. However, multi-center and multi-disciplinary collaborations are needed to further promote the translation of spermbots into in vivo clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixuan Zhang
- Research Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Genetic Diseases, Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Wuxi, 214002, People’s Republic of China
| | - Min Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Affiliated Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, 214002, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214002, People’s Republic of China
| | - Honghua Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Affiliated Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, 214002, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ying Chen
- Research Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Genetic Diseases, Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Wuxi, 214002, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tao Zhou
- Research Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Genetic Diseases, Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Wuxi, 214002, People’s Republic of China
| | - Rui Yang
- Research Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Genetic Diseases, Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Wuxi, 214002, People’s Republic of China
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2
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Miller DJ. Sperm in the Mammalian Female Reproductive Tract: Surfing Through the Tract to Try to Beat the Odds. Annu Rev Anim Biosci 2024; 12:301-319. [PMID: 37906840 PMCID: PMC11149062 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-animal-021022-040629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian sperm are deposited in the vagina or the cervix/uterus at coitus or at artificial insemination, and the fertilizing sperm move through the female reproductive tract to the ampulla of the oviduct, the site of fertilization. But the destination of most sperm is not the oviduct. Most sperm are carried by retrograde fluid flow to the vagina, are phagocytosed, and/or do not pass barriers on the pathway to the oviduct. The sperm that reach the site of fertilization are the exceptions and winners of one of the most stringent selection processes in nature. This review discusses the challenges sperm encounter and how the few sperm that reach the site of fertilization overcome them. The sperm that reach the goal must navigate viscoelastic fluid, swim vigorously and cooperatively along the walls of the female tract, avoid the innate immune system, and respond to potential cues to direct their movement.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Miller
- Department of Animal Sciences and Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA;
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3
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Deng X, Wang Q, Shi C, Wei J, Lv Z, Huang S, Duan YG, Zhang X, Liu Y. Heat wave exposure and semen quality in sperm donation volunteers: A retrospective longitudinal study in south China. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 236:116665. [PMID: 37451571 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have suggested an association between non-optimum ambient temperature and decreased semen quality. However, the effect of exposure to heat waves on semen quality remains unclear. METHODS Volunteers who intended to donate sperm in Guangdong provincial human sperm bank enrolled. Heat waves were defined by temperature threshold and duration, with a total of 9 definitions were employed, specifying daily mean temperature exceeding the 85th, 90th, or 95th percentile for at least 2, 3, or 4 consecutive days. Residential exposure to heat waves during 0-90 days before ejaculation was evaluated using a validated gridded dataset on ambient temperature. Association and potential windows of susceptibility were evaluated and identified using linear mixed models and distributed lag non-linear models. RESULTS A total of 2183 sperm donation volunteers underwent 8632 semen analyses from 2018 to 2019. Exposure to heat wave defined as daily mean temperature exceeding the 95th percentile for at least 4 consecutive days (P95-D4) was significantly associated with a 0.11 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.03, 0.18) ml, 3.36 (1.35, 5.38) × 106/ml, 16.93 (7.95, 25.91) × 106, and 2.11% (1.4%, 2.83%) reduction in semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm number, and normal forms, respectively; whereas exposure to heat wave defined as P90-D4 was significantly associated with a 1.98% (1.47%, 2.48%) and 2.08% (1.57%, 2.58%) reduction in total motility and progressive motility, respectively. Sperm count and morphology were susceptible to heat wave exposure during the early stage of spermatogenesis, while sperm motility was susceptible to exposure during the late stage. CONCLUSION Heat wave exposure was significantly associated with a reduction in semen quality. The windows of susceptibility during 0-90 days before ejaculation varied across sperm count, motility, and morphology. Our findings suggest that reducing heat wave exposure before ejaculation may benefit sperm donation volunteers and those attempting to conceive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Deng
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Qiling Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute, Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510600, China
| | - Chunxiang Shi
- Meteorological Data Laboratory, National Meteorological Information Center, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Jing Wei
- Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Science, Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20740, USA
| | - Ziquan Lv
- Central Laboratory of Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China
| | - Suli Huang
- Department of Environment and Health, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China
| | - Yong-Gang Duan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Centre of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518053, China
| | - Xinzong Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Male Reproduction and Genetics, Guangdong Provincial Reproductive Science Institute, Guangdong Provincial Fertility Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510600, China.
| | - Yuewei Liu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China.
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Zhu S, Cheng Y, Wang J, Liu G, Luo T, Li X, Yang S, Yang R. Biohybrid magnetic microrobots: An intriguing and promising platform in biomedicine. Acta Biomater 2023; 169:88-106. [PMID: 37572981 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Biohybrid magnetic microrobots (BMMs) have emerged as an exciting class of microrobots and have been considered as a promising platform in biomedicine. Many microorganisms and body's own cells show intriguing properties, such as morphological characteristics, biosafety, and taxis abilities (e.g., chemotaxis, aerotaxis), which have made them attractive for the fabrication of microrobots. For remote controllability and sustainable actuation, magnetic components are usually incorporated onto these biological entities, and other functionalized non-biological components (e.g., therapeutic agents) are also included for specific applications. This review highlights the latest developments in BMMs with a focus on their biomedical applications. It starts by introducing the fundamental understanding of the propulsion system at the microscale in a magnetically driven manner, followed by a summary of diverse BMMs based on different microorganisms and body's own cells along with their relevant applications. Finally, the review discusses how BMMs contribute to the advancements of microrobots, the current challenges of using BMMs in practical clinical settings, and the future perspectives of this exciting field. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Biohybrid magnetic microrobots (BMMs), composed of biological entities and functional parts, hold great potential and serve as a novel and promising platform for biomedical applications such as targeted drug delivery. This review comprehensively summarizes the recent advancements in BMMs for biomedical applications, mainly focused on the representative propulsion modalities in a magnetically propelled manner and diverse designs of BMMs based on different biological entities, including microorganisms and body's own cells. We hope this review can provide ideas for the future design, development, and innovation of micro/nanorobots in the field of biomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilu Zhu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, 3D-Printing and Tissue Engineering Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yifan Cheng
- School of Biomedical Engineering, 3D-Printing and Tissue Engineering Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Jian Wang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, 3D-Printing and Tissue Engineering Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Guangli Liu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, 3D-Printing and Tissue Engineering Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Tingting Luo
- School of Biomedical Engineering, 3D-Printing and Tissue Engineering Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China.
| | - Xiaojian Li
- Department of Management, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China.
| | - Shanlin Yang
- Key Laboratory of Process Optimization and Intelligent Decision-Making (Ministry of Education), Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China.
| | - Runhuai Yang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, 3D-Printing and Tissue Engineering Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China.
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5
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Huang J, Chen H, Li N, Zhao Y. Emerging microfluidic technologies for sperm sorting. ENGINEERED REGENERATION 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.engreg.2023.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
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6
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Fang Y, Wu R, Lee JM, Chan LHM, Chan KYJ. Microfluidic in-vitro fertilization technologies: Transforming the future of human reproduction. Trends Analyt Chem 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2023.116959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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7
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Arlt SP, Reichler IM, Herbel J, Schäfer-Somi S, Riege L, Leber J, Frehner B. Diagnostic tests in canine andrology - What do they really tell us about fertility? Theriogenology 2023; 196:150-156. [PMID: 36423509 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.11.008] [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: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Dog breeders often require breeding soundness evaluations which include andrological examinations of the genital organs, hormone measurements, and semen analyses. During the past decades, a considerable number of research results have been published, allowing diagnoses of specific andrological conditions and fertility assessment. For specific examinations, however, no standard procedures have been defined and for some parameters different reference ranges have been published. Therefore, examination results from different facilities are difficult to compare and profound conclusions regarding health and fertility of a male dog are not always possible. Conventional semen examination, however, is still useful in identifying deviations or no deviations from normality, especially if confounding factors are taken into account and if the exam is repeated in case of inconclusive findings. A standardization of examination procedures and reference ranges would help to harmonize the exchange of examination results and interpretation of the findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian P Arlt
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Clinic for Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Iris M Reichler
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Johannes Herbel
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sabine Schäfer-Somi
- Platform for Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, A-1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lisa Riege
- Clinic for Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität, Berlin, Germany
| | - Johanna Leber
- Clinic for Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität, Berlin, Germany
| | - Bianca Frehner
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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8
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Wang Z, Klingner A, Magdanz V, Hoppenreijs MW, Misra S, Khalil ISM. Flagellar Propulsion of Sperm Cells Against a Time-Periodic Interaction Force. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2023; 7:e2200210. [PMID: 36266967 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202200210] [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: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Sperm cells undergo complex interactions with external environments, such as a solid-boundary, fluid flow, as well as other cells before arriving at the fertilization site. The interaction with the oviductal epithelium, as a site of sperm storage, is one type of cell-to-cell interaction that serves as a selection mechanism. Abnormal sperm cells with poor swimming performance, the major cause of male infertility, are filtered out by this selection mechanism. In this study, collinear bundles, consisting of two sperm cells, generate propulsive thrusts along opposite directions and allow to observe the influence of cell-to-cell interaction on flagellar wave-patterns. The developed elasto-hydrodynamic model demonstrates that steric and adhesive forces lead to highly symmetrical wave-pattern and reduce the bending amplitude of the propagating wave. It is measured that the free cells exhibit a mean flagellar curvature of 6.4 ± 3.5 rad mm-1 and a bending amplitude of 13.8 ± 2.8 rad mm-1 . After forming the collinear bundle, the mean flagellar curvature and bending amplitude are decreased to 1.8 ± 1.1 and 9.6 ± 1.4 rad mm-1 , respectively. This study presents consistent theoretical and experimental results important for understanding the adaptive behavior of sperm cells to the external time-periodic force encountered during sperm-egg interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihan Wang
- Surgical Robotics Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Anke Klingner
- Department of Physics, The German University in Cairo, New Cairo, 13411, Egypt
| | - Veronika Magdanz
- Smart Nano-Bio-Devices Group, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
- University of Waterloo, Systems Design Engineering, 200 University Avenue West Waterloo, Ontario N2L3G1, Canada
| | - Merijn W Hoppenreijs
- Surgical Robotics Laboratory, Department of Biomechanical Engineering, University of Twente, 7522 NB, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Sarthak Misra
- Surgical Robotics Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Surgical Robotics Laboratory, Department of Biomechanical Engineering, University of Twente, 7522 NB, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Islam S M Khalil
- Surgical Robotics Laboratory, Department of Biomechanical Engineering, University of Twente, 7522 NB, Enschede, The Netherlands
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9
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Sanchez-Rodriguez A, Sansegundo E, Tourmente M, Roldan ERS. Effect of High Viscosity on Energy Metabolism and Kinematics of Spermatozoa from Three Mouse Species Incubated under Capacitating Conditions. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315247. [PMID: 36499575 PMCID: PMC9737050 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to sustain motility and prepare for fertilization, sperm require energy. The characterization of sperm ATP production and usage in mouse species revealed substantial differences in metabolic pathways that can be differentially affected by capacitation. Moreover, spermatozoa encounter different environments with varying viscoelastic properties in the female reproductive tract. Here, we examine whether viscosity affects sperm ATP levels and kinematics during capacitation in vitro. Sperm from three mouse species (Mus musculus, M. spretus, M. spicilegus) were incubated under capacitating conditions in a modified Tyrode's medium containing bicarbonate, glucose, pyruvate, lactate, and bovine serum albumin (mT-BH) or in a bicarbonate-free medium as a non-capacitating control. Viscosity was increased with the inclusion of polyvinylpyrrolidone. ATP was measured with a bioluminescence kit, and kinematics were examined with a computer-aided sperm analysis system. In M. musculus sperm, ATP declined during capacitation, but no differences were found between non-capacitating and capacitating sperm. In contrast, in M. spretus and M. spicilegus, ATP levels decreased in capacitating sperm. Increasing viscosity in the medium did not modify the timing or proportion of cells undergoing capacitation but did result in additional time- and concentration-dependent decreases in ATP in M. spretus and M. spicilegus under capacitating conditions. Additionally, increased viscosity altered both velocity and trajectory descriptors. The limited impact of capacitation and higher viscosity on M. musculus sperm ATP and kinematics could be related to the low intensity of postcopulatory sexual selection in this species. Responses seen in the other two species could be linked to the ability of their sperm to perform better under enhanced selective pressures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Sanchez-Rodriguez
- Departmento de Biodiversidad y Biología Evolutiva, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ester Sansegundo
- Departmento de Biodiversidad y Biología Evolutiva, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Maximiliano Tourmente
- Departmento de Biodiversidad y Biología Evolutiva, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (FCEFyN—UNC), Córdoba X5016GCA, Argentina
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (IIByT—CONICET, UNC), Córdoba X5016GCA, Argentina
| | - Eduardo R. S. Roldan
- Departmento de Biodiversidad y Biología Evolutiva, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence:
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10
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Assessment of an open-access CASA software for bovine and buffalo sperm motility analysis. Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 247:107089. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2022.107089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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11
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Bisht A, Maheshwari S. Thermo-Bioconvection in Nanoliquid Suspension Saturated with Thermotactic Microorganisms. FORCES IN MECHANICS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.finmec.2022.100128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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12
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Xiao W, Yu M, Yuan Y, Liu X, Chen Y. Thermotaxis of mammalian sperm. Mol Hum Reprod 2022; 28:6650698. [PMID: 35894944 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaac027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm are guided through the female reproductive tract. A temperature difference of about 2 °C exists between the storage site and fertilization site of the mammalian oviduct, leading to the hypothesis that sperm can sense and swim towards the oocyte along a rising temperature gradient, known as thermotaxis. Research over the past two decades has reported that sperm feature a sophisticated thermal detection system to detect and track ambient temperature gradients. More recently, thermotaxis is expected to be added to the microfluidic isolation method based on sperm tactic responses for sperm selection. In this paper, mammalian sperm thermotaxis is discussed, explaining the underlying behavioral mechanisms and molecular basis, according to the latest research. Finally, this paper explores the possible application of sperm thermotaxis in assisted reproductive technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanglong Xiao
- Institute of Life Science and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330031, P. R. China
| | - Mengdi Yu
- Institute of Life Science and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330031, P. R. China
| | - Yan Yuan
- Institute of Life Science and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330031, P. R. China
| | - Xingzhu Liu
- Queen Mary College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330031, P. R. China
| | - Ying Chen
- Institute of Life Science and School of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330031, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology and Pathology in Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, Jiangxi, P. R. China
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Olatunji O, More A. A Review of the Impact of Microfluidics Technology on Sperm Selection Technique. Cureus 2022; 14:e27369. [PMID: 36046322 PMCID: PMC9419845 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.27369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm sorting procedures depend on centrifugation processes. These processes produce oxidative stress and cell damage that are undesirable for in-vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) outcomes because they affect fertilization and implantation chances. The microfluidic sperm selection technique has shown promise in this area. It can create a platform for isolating and manipulating good-quality sperm cells using diverse triggers such as mechanical factors, chemical agents, and temperature gradients. Furthermore, microfluidic platforms can direct sperm cells for IVF or sperm sorting by utilizing an approach that is passive or active. In this review, we explain the use of microfluidics technologies for sorting and arranging sperm cells for different purposes. We also discuss the use of microfluidics technology in selecting and assessing sperm parameters and how it affects male infertility.
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14
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Ahmadkhani N, Hosseini M, Saadatmand M, Abbaspourrad A. The influence of the female reproductive tract and sperm features on the design of microfluidic sperm-sorting devices. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:19-36. [PMID: 35034216 PMCID: PMC8866594 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02377-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Although medical advancements have successfully helped a lot of couples with their infertility by assisted reproductive technologies (ART), sperm selection, a crucial stage in ART, has remained challenging. Therefore, we aimed to investigate novel sperm separation methods, specifically microfluidic systems, as they do sperm selection based on sperm and/or the female reproductive tract (FRT) features without inflicting any damage to the selected sperm during the process. In this review, after an exhaustive studying of FRT features, which can implement by microfluidics devices, the focus was centered on sperm selection and investigation devices. During this study, we tried not to only point to the deficiencies of these systems, but to put forth suggestions for their improvement as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nima Ahmadkhani
- grid.412553.40000 0001 0740 9747Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahshid Hosseini
- grid.412553.40000 0001 0740 9747Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Saadatmand
- grid.412553.40000 0001 0740 9747Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Abbaspourrad
- grid.5386.8000000041936877XDepartment of Food Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA
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15
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Abstract
Sperm selection in the female reproductive tract (FRT) is sophisticated. Only about 1,000 sperm out of millions in an ejaculate reach the fallopian tube and thus have a chance of fertilizing an oocyte. In assisted reproduction techniques, sperm are usually selected using their density or motility, characteristics that do not reflect their fertilization competence and, therefore, might result in failure to fertilize the oocyte. Although sperm processing in in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI) bypasses many of the selection processes in the FRT, selection by the cumulus mass and the zona pellucida remain intact. By contrast, the direct injection of a sperm into an oocyte in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) bypasses all natural selection barriers and, therefore, increases the risk of transferring paternal defects such as fragmented DNA and genomic abnormalities in sperm to the resulting child. Research into surrogate markers of fertilization potential and into simulating the natural sperm selection processes has progressed. However, methods of sperm isolation - such as hyaluronic acid-based selection and microfluidic isolation based on sperm tactic responses - use only one or two parameters and are not comparable with the multistep sperm selection processes naturally occurring within the FRT. Fertilization-competent sperm require a panel of molecules, including zona pellucida-binding proteins and ion channel proteins, that enable them to progress through the FRT to achieve fertilization. The optimal artificial sperm selection method will, therefore, probably need to use a multiparameter tool that incorporates the molecular signature of sperm with high fertilization potential, and their responses to external cues, within a microfluidic system that can replicate the physiological processes of the FRT in vitro.
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16
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Opsins outside the eye and the skin: a more complex scenario than originally thought for a classical light sensor. Cell Tissue Res 2021; 385:519-538. [PMID: 34236517 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-021-03500-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Since the discovery of melanopsin as a retinal non-visual photopigment, opsins have been described in several organs and cells. This distribution is strikingly different from the classical localization of photopigments in light-exposed tissues such as the eyes and the skin. More than 10 years ago, a new paradigm in the field was created as opsins were shown, to detect not only light, but also thermal energy in Drosophila. In agreement with these findings, thermal detection by opsins was also reported in mammalian cells. Considering the presence of opsins in tissues not reached by light, an intriguing question has emerged: What is the role of a classical light-sensor, and more recently appreciated thermo-sensor, in these tissues? To tackle this question, we address in this review the most recent studies in the field, with emphasis in mammals. We provide the present view about the role of opsins in peripheral tissues, aiming to integrate the current knowledge of the presence and function of opsins in organs that are not directly affected by light.
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Mahdavinezhad F, Gharaei R, Farmani AR, Hashemi F, Kouhestani M, Amidi F. The Potential Relationship Between Different Human Female Reproductive Disorders and Sperm Quality in Female Genital Tract. Reprod Sci 2021; 29:695-710. [PMID: 33852138 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00520-7] [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: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Spermatozoa should travel throughout the female reproductive tract to reach its ultimate goal, fertilization of the oocyte. At the ejaculation moment, millions of sperm within a few milliliters of the ejaculate are deposited at the cranial segment of vagina and make their journey to the fertilization site. This is done by means of various factors, such as sperm motility, the uterine and fallopian tubes contractility, and the ciliary movement of the lining cells. During this migration, spermatozoa interact with the female microenvironment both physically and molecularly. In this regard, the quality of the environmental conditions may affect this interaction. Therefore, some alterations in women's genital tract microenvironment, such as conditions that occur in female reproductive disorders, may have detrimental effects on sperm reproductive function. In this review, human sperm migration through the female tract is described, and the potential effects of different reproductive disorders at reproductive organs, such as vagina, uterine cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovary on sperm survival and quality, are also argued. The understanding of those conditions that may impair sperm fertility in the female genital tract can provide a more accurate diagnosis of the causes of infertility in couples. This can ultimately lead to the discovery of effective treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Forough Mahdavinezhad
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Roghaye Gharaei
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad Reza Farmani
- Department of Tissue Engineering, Faculty of Advanced Technologies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farideh Hashemi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Kouhestani
- Department of Tissue Engineering, Faculty of Advanced Technologies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fardin Amidi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Department of Infertility, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Lavoie-Ouellet C, Clark MÈ, Ruiz J, Saindon AA, Leclerc P. The protein phosphatase with EF-hand domain 1 is a calmodulin-binding protein that interacts with proteins involved in sperm capacitation, binding to the zona pellucida, and motility. Mol Reprod Dev 2021; 88:302-317. [PMID: 33783058 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Spermatozoa are highly specialized cells whose fertilizing and motility functions highly depend on intracellular Ca2+ -mediated events and protein posttranslational modifications like phosphorylation. Our group previously identified PPEF1, the Ser/Thr phosphatase with EF-hand domain 1, among calmodulin-affinity pulled down sperm proteins. As the mammalian ortholog of the Drosophila phosphatase rdgC that dephosphorylates rhodopsin, PPEF1 has been studied mostly in the retina. The presence and importance of this Ca2+ /calmodulin-binding protein phosphatase has not been studied in sperm or testicular functions despite its high expression level. In this study, we show that PPEF1 is present in testicular germ cells, and in mouse, human and bull spermatozoa where it is localized predominantly in the neck and acrosome areas. Different transcript variants encoding four predicted isoforms were detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in bull testis, spermatocytes and spermatids. Phosphatase activity of immunoprecipitated sperm PPEF1 was detected using the substrate pNPP and analysis of the coimmunoprecipitated proteins reveal an enrichment in the biological processes of sperm capacitation, binding to the zona pellucida and motility. Although this is the first demonstration of the presence of PPEF1 in sperm and testicular germ cells, its involvement in sperm fertilizing ability and motility, and the mechanisms regulating its activity remain to be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Lavoie-Ouellet
- Département d'Obstétrique, gynécologie et reproduction, Centre de recherche en reproduction, développement et santé intergénérationnelle, Université Laval, Axe reproduction, santé de la mère et de l'enfant, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Marie-Ève Clark
- Département d'Obstétrique, gynécologie et reproduction, Centre de recherche en reproduction, développement et santé intergénérationnelle, Université Laval, Axe reproduction, santé de la mère et de l'enfant, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Juliana Ruiz
- Département d'Obstétrique, gynécologie et reproduction, Centre de recherche en reproduction, développement et santé intergénérationnelle, Université Laval, Axe reproduction, santé de la mère et de l'enfant, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Andrée-Anne Saindon
- Département d'Obstétrique, gynécologie et reproduction, Centre de recherche en reproduction, développement et santé intergénérationnelle, Université Laval, Axe reproduction, santé de la mère et de l'enfant, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Pierre Leclerc
- Département d'Obstétrique, gynécologie et reproduction, Centre de recherche en reproduction, développement et santé intergénérationnelle, Université Laval, Axe reproduction, santé de la mère et de l'enfant, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, Québec, Canada
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De Toni L, Sabovic I, De Filippis V, Acquasaliente L, Peterle D, Guidolin D, Sut S, Di Nisio A, Foresta C, Garolla A. Sperm Cholesterol Content Modifies Sperm Function and TRPV1-Mediated Sperm Migration. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22063126. [PMID: 33803867 PMCID: PMC8003190 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22063126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Transient receptor potential channels-vanilloid receptor 1 (TRPV1) regulates thermotaxis in sperm-oriented motility. We investigated the role of membrane cholesterol (Chol) on TRPV1-mediated human sperm migration. Semen samples were obtained from five normozoospemic healthy volunteers. Sperm membrane Chol content, quantified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, was modified by incubating cells with 2-hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin (CD) or the complex between CD and Chol (CD:Chol). The effect on sperm migration on a 10 μM capsaicin gradient (CPS), a TRPV1 agonist, was then investigated. Motility parameters were evaluated by Sperm Class Analyser. Intracellular calcium concentration and acrosome reaction were measured by staining with calcium orange and FITC-conjugated anti-CD46 antibody, respectively. TRPV1-Chol interaction was modelled by computational molecular-modelling (MM). CD and CD:Chol, respectively, reduced and increased membrane Chol content in a dose-dependent manner, resulting in a dose-dependent increase and reduction of sperm migration in a CPS gradient. MM confirmed a specific interaction of Chol with a TRPV1 domain that appeared precluded to the Chol epimer epicholesterol (Epi-Chol). Accordingly, CD:Epi-Chol was significantly less efficient than CD:Chol, in reducing sperm migration under CPS gradient. Chol inhibits TRPV1-mediated sperm function by directly interacting with a consensus sequence of the receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca De Toni
- Unit of Andrology and Reproduction Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (L.D.T.); (S.S.); (A.D.N.); (C.F.)
| | - Iva Sabovic
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy;
| | - Vincenzo De Filippis
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (V.D.F.); (L.A.); (D.P.)
| | - Laura Acquasaliente
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (V.D.F.); (L.A.); (D.P.)
| | - Daniele Peterle
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (V.D.F.); (L.A.); (D.P.)
| | - Diego Guidolin
- Department of Neurosciences, Institute of Human Anatomy, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy;
| | - Stefania Sut
- Unit of Andrology and Reproduction Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (L.D.T.); (S.S.); (A.D.N.); (C.F.)
| | - Andrea Di Nisio
- Unit of Andrology and Reproduction Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (L.D.T.); (S.S.); (A.D.N.); (C.F.)
| | - Carlo Foresta
- Unit of Andrology and Reproduction Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (L.D.T.); (S.S.); (A.D.N.); (C.F.)
| | - Andrea Garolla
- Unit of Andrology and Reproduction Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (L.D.T.); (S.S.); (A.D.N.); (C.F.)
- Correspondence:
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20
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Yan Y, Zhang B, Fu Q, Wu J, Liu R. A fully integrated biomimetic microfluidic device for evaluation of sperm response to thermotaxis and chemotaxis. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 21:310-318. [PMID: 33444427 DOI: 10.1039/d0lc00845a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In recent decades, humans have faced greater challenges in reproduction. Assisted reproductive technology is the most prominent approach for addressing this problem. Current clinical screening methods simply consider the motility or morphology of the sperm. However, as the spermatozoa need to navigate over a long distance in the female reproductive tract and survive the natural screening processes therein, these methods are imperfect. Many approaches have been undertaken to study the chemotaxis and thermotaxis navigation behavior of spermatozoa, but few of these have involved integrated screening that considers motility, chemotaxis, and thermotaxis based on the biological environment of the human body. Current routine sperm evaluation techniques are inadequate and fail to simultaneously provide conclusive evidence for the thermotactic and chemotactic characteristics of sperm. Thus, such screening of functional spermatozoa will be an advancement in assisted reproduction. In this study, we developed a fully integrated biomimetic microfluidic system for screening sperm for their characteristics when exposed to temperature and chemical gradients. Based on our results, we showed that spermatozoa were attracted by temperature and chemical gradients in the physiological range. Moreover, we ascertained a suitable temperature gradient range for thermotaxis and statistically proved that the thermotactic and chemotactic responses are not linked. Here, we report the first quantitative study of functional sperm during thermotaxis and chemotaxis, and our analysis of the difference in motility caused by different conditions. More broadly, we foresee the clinical application of these biologically motivated parameters and characteristics in assisted reproduction in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimo Yan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084 China.
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21
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Giojalas LC, Guidobaldi HA. Getting to and away from the egg, an interplay between several sperm transport mechanisms and a complex oviduct physiology. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 518:110954. [PMID: 32738445 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In mammals, the architecture and physiology of the oviduct are very complex, and one long-lasting intriguing question is how spermatozoa are transported from the sperm reservoir in the isthmus to the oocyte surface. In recent decades, several studies have improved knowledge of the factors affecting oviduct fluid movement and sperm transport. They report sperm-guiding mechanisms that move the spermatozoa towards (rheotaxis, thermotaxis, and chemotaxis) or away from the egg surface (chemorepulsion), but only a few provide evidence of their occurrence in vivo. This gives rise to several questions: how and when do the sperm transport mechanisms operate inside such an active oviduct? why are there so many sperm guidance processes? is one dominant over the others, or do they cooperate to optimise the success of fertilisation? Assuming that sperm guidance evolved alongside oviduct physiology, in this review we propose a theoretical model that integrates oviduct complexity in space and time with the sperm-orienting mechanisms. In addition, since all of the sperm-guidance processes recruit spermatozoa in a better physiological condition than those not selected, they could potentially be incorporated into assisted reproductive technology (ART) to improve fertility treatment and/or to develop innovative contraceptive methods. All these issues are discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Cecilia Giojalas
- Centro de Biología Celular y Molecular (FCEFyN- UNC), and Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET - UNC), Córdoba, Argentina.
| | - Héctor Alejandro Guidobaldi
- Centro de Biología Celular y Molecular (FCEFyN- UNC), and Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET - UNC), Córdoba, Argentina
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22
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Rahban R, Nef S. CatSper: The complex main gate of calcium entry in mammalian spermatozoa. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 518:110951. [PMID: 32712386 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Calcium ions (Ca2+) are involved in nearly every aspect of cellular life. They are one of the most abundant elements in mammals and play a vital role in physiological and biochemical processes acting mainly as intracellular messengers. In spermatozoa, several key functions are regulated by cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration such as sperm capacitation, chemotaxis, hyperactive motility, and acrosome reaction. The sperm-specific ion channel CatSper is the principal calcium channel in sperm mediating the calcium influx into the sperm flagellum and acting as an essential modulator of downstream mechanisms involved in fertilization. This review aims to provide insights into the structure, localization, and function of the mammalian CatSper channel, primarily human and mice. The activation of CatSper by progesterone and prostaglandins, as well as the ligand-independent regulation of the channel by a change in the membrane voltage and intracellular pH are going to be addressed. Finally, major questions, challenges, and perspectives are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Rahban
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), Switzerland; Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Rue Michel-Servet 1, 1206, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Serge Nef
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), Switzerland; Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Rue Michel-Servet 1, 1206, Geneva, Switzerland.
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23
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Sperm ion channels and transporters in male fertility and infertility. Nat Rev Urol 2020; 18:46-66. [PMID: 33214707 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-020-00390-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian sperm cells must respond to cues originating from along the female reproductive tract and from the layers of the egg in order to complete their fertilization journey. Dynamic regulation of ion signalling is, therefore, essential for sperm cells to adapt to their constantly changing environment. Over the past 15 years, direct electrophysiological recordings together with genetically modified mouse models and human genetics have confirmed the importance of ion channels, including the principal Ca2+-selective plasma membrane ion channel CatSper, for sperm activity. Sperm ion channels and membrane receptors are attractive targets for both the development of contraceptives and infertility treatment drugs. Furthermore, in this era of assisted reproductive technologies, understanding the signalling processes implicated in defective sperm function, particularly those arising from genetic abnormalities, is of the utmost importance not only for the development of infertility treatments but also to assess the overall health of a patient and his children. Future studies to improve reproductive health care and overall health care as a function of the ability to reproduce should include identification and analyses of gene variants that underlie human infertility and research into fertility-related molecules.
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Ruiz-Díaz S, Oseguera-López I, De La Cuesta-Díaz D, García-López B, Serres C, Sanchez-Calabuig MJ, Gutiérrez-Adán A, Perez-Cerezales S. The Presence of D-Penicillamine during the In Vitro Capacitation of Stallion Spermatozoa Prolongs Hyperactive-Like Motility and Allows for Sperm Selection by Thermotaxis. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10091467. [PMID: 32825582 PMCID: PMC7552178 DOI: 10.3390/ani10091467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) in the horse still yield suboptimal results in terms of pregnancy rates. One of the reasons for this is the lack of optimal conditions for the sperm capacitation in vitro. This study assesses the use of synthetic human tubal fluid (HTF) supplemented with D-penicillamine (HTF + PEN) for the in vitro capacitation of frozen/thawed stallion spermatozoa by examining capacitation-related events over 180 min of incubation. Besides these events, we explored the in vitro capacity of the spermatozoa to migrate by thermotaxis and give rise to a population of high-quality spermatozoa. We found that HTF induced higher levels of hyperactive-like motility and protein tyrosine phosphorylation (PTP) compared to the use of a medium commonly used in this species (Whitten's). Also, HTF + PEN was able to maintain this hyperactive-like motility, otherwise lost in the absence of PEN, for 180 min, and also allowed for sperm selection by thermotaxis in vitro. Remarkably, the selected fraction was enriched in spermatozoa showing PTP along the whole flagellum and lower levels of DNA fragmentation when compared to the unselected fraction (38% ± 11% vs 4.4% ± 1.1% and 4.2% ± 0.4% vs 11% ± 2% respectively, t-test p < 0.003, n = 6). This procedure of in vitro capacitation of frozen/thawed stallion spermatozoa in HTF + PEN followed by in vitro sperm selection by thermotaxis represents a promising sperm preparation strategy for in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Ruiz-Díaz
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (INIA), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.R.-D.); (D.D.L.C.-D.); (B.G.-L.); (S.P.-C.)
- Mistral Fertility Clinics S.L., Clínica Tambre, 28002 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ivan Oseguera-López
- Unidad Iztapalapa, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Ciudad de México 09340, Mexico;
| | - David De La Cuesta-Díaz
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (INIA), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.R.-D.); (D.D.L.C.-D.); (B.G.-L.); (S.P.-C.)
| | - Belén García-López
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (INIA), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.R.-D.); (D.D.L.C.-D.); (B.G.-L.); (S.P.-C.)
| | - Consuelo Serres
- Departamento de Medicina y Cirugía Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (C.S.); (M.J.S.-C.)
| | - Maria José Sanchez-Calabuig
- Departamento de Medicina y Cirugía Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (C.S.); (M.J.S.-C.)
| | - Alfonso Gutiérrez-Adán
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (INIA), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.R.-D.); (D.D.L.C.-D.); (B.G.-L.); (S.P.-C.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Serafin Perez-Cerezales
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (INIA), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.R.-D.); (D.D.L.C.-D.); (B.G.-L.); (S.P.-C.)
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25
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Yan Y, Liu H, Zhang B, Liu R. A PMMA-Based Microfluidic Device for Human Sperm Evaluation and Screening on Swimming Capability and Swimming Persistence. MICROMACHINES 2020; 11:mi11090793. [PMID: 32839382 PMCID: PMC7570091 DOI: 10.3390/mi11090793] [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: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The selection of high-quality sperm is essential to the success of in vitro fertilization (IVF). As human cervical mucus has a high viscosity, without enough swimming persistence, human sperm clouds cannot arrive at the ampulla to fertilize the egg. In this study, we used swimming capability and motion characteristics that are known to be associated with fertilization ability to evaluate the quality of sperm. Here, a clinically applicable polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)-based microdevice was designed and fabricated for sperm evaluation and screening for swimming capability and persistence in a viscous environment. In this study, we applied methylcellulose (MC) to mimic the natural properties of mucus in vivo to achieve the selection of motile sperm. Sperm motion was recorded by an inverted microscope. The statistical features were extracted and analyzed. Hundreds of sperm in two treated groups with different concentrations of MC and one control group with human tubal fluid (HTF) media were video recorded. This device can achieve a one-step procedure of high-quality sperm selection and achieve the quantitative evaluation of sperm swimming capability and persistence. Sperm with good swimming capability and persistence may be more suitable for fertilization in a viscous environment. This microdevice and methods could be used to guide the evaluation of sperm motility and screening in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimo Yan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; (Y.Y.); (H.L.); (B.Z.)
- Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Haoran Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; (Y.Y.); (H.L.); (B.Z.)
| | - Boxuan Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; (Y.Y.); (H.L.); (B.Z.)
- Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Ran Liu
- Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Correspondence:
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26
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Vilanova-Perez T, Jones C, Balint S, Dragovic R, L Dustin M, Yeste M, Coward K. Exosomes derived from HEK293T cells interact in an efficient and noninvasive manner with mammalian sperm in vitro. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2020; 15:1965-1980. [PMID: 32794431 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2020-0056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: To investigate exosomes as a noninvasive delivery tool for mammalian sperm. Materials & Methods: Exosomes were isolated from HEK293T cells and co-incubated with boar sperm in vitro. Results: Internalized exosomes were detected within 10 min of co-incubation. Computer-assisted sperm analysis and flow cytometry demonstrated that even after 5-h of exposure to exosomes, there were no significant deleterious effects with regard to sperm motility, viability, membrane integrity and mitochondrial membrane potential (p > 0.05), thus indicating that exosomes did not interfere with basic sperm function. Conclusion: HEK293T-derived exosomes interacted with boar sperm without affecting sperm function. Exosomes represent a versatile and promising research tool for studying sperm biology and provide new options for the diagnosis and treatment of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Vilanova-Perez
- Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, OX3 9DU, Oxford, UK
| | - Celine Jones
- Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, OX3 9DU, Oxford, UK
| | - Stefan Balint
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Rheumatology & Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Headington, OX3 7FY, Oxford, UK
| | - Rebecca Dragovic
- Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, OX3 9DU, Oxford, UK
| | - Michael L Dustin
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Rheumatology & Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Headington, OX3 7FY, Oxford, UK
| | - Marc Yeste
- Department of Biology, Biotechnology of Animal & Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Unit of Cell Biology, Institute of Food & Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, E-17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Kevin Coward
- Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, OX3 9DU, Oxford, UK
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27
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Carichino L, Olson SD. Emergent three-dimensional sperm motility: coupling calcium dynamics and preferred curvature in a Kirchhoff rod model. MATHEMATICAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY-A JOURNAL OF THE IMA 2020; 36:439-469. [PMID: 30325451 DOI: 10.1093/imammb/dqy015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Revised: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Changes in calcium concentration along the sperm flagellum regulate sperm motility and hyperactivation, characterized by an increased flagellar bend amplitude and beat asymmetry, enabling the sperm to reach and penetrate the ovum (egg). The signalling pathways by which calcium increases within the flagellum are well established. However, the exact mechanisms of how calcium regulates flagellar bending are still under investigation. We extend our previous model of planar flagellar bending by developing a fluid-structure interaction model that couples the 3D motion of the flagellum in a viscous Newtonian fluid with the evolving calcium concentration. The flagellum is modelled as a Kirchhoff rod: an elastic rod with preferred curvature and twist. The calcium dynamics are represented as a 1D reaction-diffusion model on a moving domain, the flagellum. The two models are coupled assuming that the preferred curvature and twist of the sperm flagellum depend on the local calcium concentration. To investigate the effect of calcium on sperm motility, we compare model results of flagellar bend amplitude and swimming speed for three cases: planar, helical (spiral with equal amplitude in both directions), and quasi-planar (spiral with small amplitude in one direction). We observe that for the same parameters, the planar swimmer is faster and a turning motion is more clearly observed when calcium coupling is accounted for in the model. In the case of flagellar bending coupled to the calcium concentration, we observe emergent trajectories that can be characterized as a hypotrochoid for both quasi-planar and helical bending.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Carichino
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, 100 Institute Rd, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Sarah D Olson
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, 100 Institute Rd, Worcester, MA, USA
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Hunter RHF, López-Gatius F. Temperature gradients in the mammalian ovary and genital tract: A clinical perspective. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2020; 252:382-386. [PMID: 32682213 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2020.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Temperature within mammalian reproductive tissues is noted to be a key component of fertility, and significant gradients in temperature can be demonstrated deep within the abdomen shortly before ovulation. Indeed, in the absence of such gradients in the ovary and genital tract, the processes of ovulation and fertilisation are severely compromised. This review aims to assess literature produced during the last five decades regarding temperature gradients in the mammalian ovary and genital tract. A large body of observations derived from rabbits, women, pigs and cattle is summarised in tabular form, ovarian follicular values being as much as 2.5 °C or more cooler than neighbouring ovarian tissues or deep rectal temperature. We highlight recent works demonstrating a positive correlation between pre-ovulatory follicular cooling and pregnancy. Understanding the significance of follicular cooling should help us (a) explain why so many potential pregnancies fail in vivo as in vitro and (b) inspire ways for improving the processes of fertilisation and establishment of a full-term pregnancy. Based on our findings in domestic animals, and most recently in cows whose Graafian follicles are comparable in size and timing of response to the LH peak with human follicles, we wish to encourage IVF and fertility preservation clinics to take advantage of this work. By so doing, the incidence of full-term pregnancies in women should be improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald H F Hunter
- Sidney Sussex College, University of Cambridge, UK; Ladfield, Oxnam, Jedburgh, UK
| | - Fernando López-Gatius
- Agrotecnio Center Lleida, Spain; Transfer in Bovine Reproduction SLu, Barbastro, Spain.
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Bukatin A, Denissenko P, Kantsler V. Self-organization and multi-line transport of human spermatozoa in rectangular microchannels due to cell-cell interactions. Sci Rep 2020; 10:9830. [PMID: 32555273 PMCID: PMC7299960 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-66803-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The journey of sperm navigation towards ovum is one of the most important questions in mammalian fertilisation and reproduction. However, we know very little about spermatozoa propagation in a complex fluidic, chemical and topographic environment of a fertility tract. Using microfluidics techniques, we investigate the influence of cell-cell interactions on spermatozoa swimming behavior in constrained environment at different concentrations. Our study shows that at high enough cell concentration the interaction between boundary-following cells leads to formation of areas with preferential direction of cell swimming. In the microchannel of a rectangular cross-section, this leads to formation of a “four-lane” swimming pattern with the asymmetry of the cell distribution of up to 40%. We propose that this is caused by the combination of cell-cell collisions in the corners of the microchannel and the existence of morphologically different spermatozoa: slightly asymmetric cells with trajectories curved left and the symmetric ones, with trajectories curved right. Our findings suggest that cell-cell interactions in highly folded environment of mammalian reproductive tract are important for spermatozoa swimming behavior and play role in selection of highly motile cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Bukatin
- Alferov Saint Petersburg National Research Academic University of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint Petersburg, Russia.
| | - P Denissenko
- School of Engeneering, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - V Kantsler
- Department of Physics, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
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Bucci D, Spinaci M, Galeati G, Tamanini C. Different approaches for assessing sperm function. Anim Reprod 2020; 16:72-80. [PMID: 33299480 PMCID: PMC7720929 DOI: 10.21451/1984-3143-ar2018-122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Different approaches can be used to assess sperm function in different conditions, i.e. sperm storage, freezing-thawing or activation by induction of capacitation and acrosome reaction. In this review we will focus on the assays routinely performed in our laboratories, giving a literature support to critically analyse different approaches. In fact, researchers usually tend to look for the "one shot" parameter that could explain itself a specific process; it is our conviction that a multiparametric approach is still more valid, as some changes in sperm function are very complex and could be explained only by operating in different ways. Sperm motility, the most evident sperm characteristic, should be assessed by computer-aided sperm analysers that permit an objective evaluation of the motility and its kinematic parameters. Commercial and open source instruments are available and could be profitably used together with specific statistical approaches. The use of microscopy, and particularly fluorescent microscopy, could be a very useful tool to assess different parameters in sperm cells both by fluorophores that give indication of a determined function, and by immunolocalization of proteins, that permits the discover of new features or to explain particular sperm functions. The same substrates could be used also in flow cytometry: the difference is that it permits to study wider sperm populations (and their sub-population distribution). Flow cytometry is undergoing a very wide use in spermatology and technical and experimental rigor is needed to obtain reliable results. Metabolic assessment of sperm features, particularly energetic supply, ATP formation and other enzyme activities, could represent a very important challenge to acquire new information and complete/integrate those derived from other techniques. Finally, functional assays such as oocyte binding and in vitro fertilization, represent a very strong tool to assess sperm function in vitro, as they could evidence the functional intactness of some pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Bucci
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Via Tolara di Sopra, 50 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marcella Spinaci
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Via Tolara di Sopra, 50 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanna Galeati
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Via Tolara di Sopra, 50 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Carlo Tamanini
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Via Tolara di Sopra, 50 40064 Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy
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Roy D, Levi K, Kiss V, Nevo R, Eisenbach M. Rhodopsin and melanopsin coexist in mammalian sperm cells and activate different signaling pathways for thermotaxis. Sci Rep 2020; 10:112. [PMID: 31924821 PMCID: PMC6954197 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-56846-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, various opsin types, known to be involved in vision, were demonstrated to be present in human and mouse sperm cells and to be involved there in thermosensing for thermotaxis. In vision, each opsin type is restricted to specific cells. The situation in this respect in sperm cells is not known. It is also not known whether or not both signaling pathways, found to function in sperm thermotaxis, are each activated by specific opsins, as in vision. Here we addressed these questions. Choosing rhodopsin and melanopsin as test cases and employing immunocytochemical analysis with antibodies against these opsins, we found that the majority of sperm cells were stained by both antibodies, indicating that most of the cells contained both opsins. By employing mutant mouse sperm cells that do not express melanopsin combined with specific signaling inhibitors, we furthermore demonstrated that rhodopsin and melanopsin each activates a different pathway. Thus, in mammalian sperm thermotaxis, as in vision, rhodopsin and melanopsin each triggers a different signaling pathway but, unlike in vision, both opsin types coexist in the same sperm cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debarun Roy
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, The Weizmann Institute of Science, 7610001, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Kohava Levi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, The Weizmann Institute of Science, 7610001, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Vladimir Kiss
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, The Weizmann Institute of Science, 7610001, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Reinat Nevo
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, The Weizmann Institute of Science, 7610001, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Michael Eisenbach
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, The Weizmann Institute of Science, 7610001, Rehovot, Israel.
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Erdmann RH, Blank MH, Ribeiro RN, José de Oliveira M, Cubas ZS, Pradiee J, Goularte KL, Moreira N. Cryopreservation of margay (Leopardus wiedii) spermatozoa: Effects of different extenders and frozen protocols. Theriogenology 2019; 143:27-34. [PMID: 31830687 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.11.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Revised: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Sperm cryopreservation offers many benefits to wild felids conservation programs. However, the implementation of these programs is limited by the different responses of each species to the cryopreservation protocols and extenders used, requiring the formulation of species-specific protocols. For this purpose, semen samples from 6 margays (Leopardus wiedii) were submitted to 2 cryopreservation protocols: 1) manual freezing (cooling rate of - 0.33 °C/min at 5 °C/180 min and freezing rate with two steps - 9 °C/min for 2 min and -19.1 °C/min for 2 min) and 2) automatic freezing machine (cooling rate of - 0.25 °C/min at 5 °C/120 min and freezing rate with one step -20 °C/min for 8.3 min) using 2 commercial extenders, an egg yolk-based (Test Yolk Buffer; TYB) and an egg yolk-free extender (AndroMed; MED). Post-thawed sperm quality was assessed at 3 time points (immediately after thawing and 1 and 2 h post-thawed) by sperm motility index (SMI), plasma membrane and acrosomal integrity, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Regarding SMI, TYB yielded superior results (29.4 ± 3.5%) compared to MED (11.2 ± 2.8%; p < 0.002) immediately after thawing until 2 h after thawing (TYB 3.9 ± 1.7% and MED 0.0 ± 0.0%; p < 0.05). Furthermore, the automated freezing method provided higher motility compared to the manual freezing procedure immediately post-thaw (25.08 ± 3.66% and 15.78 ± 3.29%, respectively) and 1 h post-thaw (13.71 ± 2.56% and 6.03 ± 1.97%, respectively; p < 0.05). The percentage of intact acrosomes and plasma membranes and the percentage of sperm with high MMP were superior for TYB when compared to MED regardless of cryopreservation protocol (p < 0.05). Conversely, the interaction between cryopreservation protocols and extenders was observed for MMP where TYB exhibits better results compared to MED (p < 0.05) in both procedures, but it was higher in automated procedures. For MED, no changes were found in MMP between procedures. Considering only TYB, samples showed higher MMP when submitted to an automated procedure (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the slow cooling rates with shorter time of exposure to glycerol contributed to minimize cryodamage in the Margays' sperm. Moreover, results indicated that association between TYB and automatic freezing machine ensured the minimal quality of spermatozoa after thawing required for further use in in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
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Affiliation(s)
- Renato Herdina Erdmann
- Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, School of Life Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Toledo, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Marcel Henrique Blank
- Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Rodrigo Neca Ribeiro
- Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, School of Life Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Toledo, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | | | - Jorgea Pradiee
- Federal University of Pelotas, College of Veterinary Medicine, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Karina Lemos Goularte
- Federal University of Pelotas, College of Veterinary Medicine, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Nei Moreira
- Federal University of Paraná, Department of Biosciences, Palotina, Paraná, Brazil.
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Brown SG, Publicover SJ, Barratt CLR, Martins da Silva SJ. Human sperm ion channel (dys)function: implications for fertilization. Hum Reprod Update 2019; 25:758-776. [PMID: 31665287 PMCID: PMC6847974 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmz032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 07/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intensive research on sperm ion channels has identified members of several ion channel families in both mouse and human sperm. Gene knock-out studies have unequivocally demonstrated the importance of the calcium and potassium conductances in sperm for fertility. In both species, the calcium current is carried by the highly complex cation channel of sperm (CatSper). In mouse sperm, the potassium current has been conclusively shown to be carried by a channel consisting of the pore forming subunit SLO3 and auxiliary subunit leucine-rich repeat-containing 52 (LRRC52). However, in human sperm it is controversial whether the pore forming subunit of the channel is composed of SLO3 and/or SLO1. Deciphering the role of the proton-specific Hv1 channel is more challenging as it is only expressed in human sperm. However, definitive evidence for a role in, and importance for, human fertility can only be determined through studies using clinical samples. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review aims to provide insight into the role of sperm ion channels in human fertilization as evidenced from recent studies of sperm from infertile men. We also summarize the key discoveries from mouse ion channel knock-out models and contrast the properties of mouse and human CatSper and potassium currents. We detail the evidence for, and consequences of, defective ion channels in human sperm and discuss hypotheses to explain how defects arise and why affected sperm have impaired fertilization potential. SEARCH METHODS Relevant studies were identified using PubMed and were limited to ion channels that have been characterized in mouse and human sperm. Additional notable examples from other species are included as appropriate. OUTCOMES There are now well-documented fundamental differences between the properties of CatSper and potassium channel currents in mouse and human sperm. However, in both species, sperm lacking either channel cannot fertilize in vivo and CatSper-null sperm also fail to fertilize at IVF. Sperm-lacking potassium currents are capable of fertilizing at IVF, albeit at a much lower rate. However, additional complex and heterogeneous ion channel dysfunction has been reported in sperm from infertile men, the causes of which are unknown. Similarly, the nature of the functional impairment of affected patient sperm remains elusive. There are no reports of studies of Hv1 in human sperm from infertile men. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Recent studies using sperm from infertile men have given new insight and critical evidence supporting the supposition that calcium and potassium conductances are essential for human fertility. However, it should be highlighted that many fundamental questions remain regarding the nature of molecular and functional defects in sperm with dysfunctional ion channels. The development and application of advanced technologies remains a necessity to progress basic and clinical research in this area, with the aim of providing effective screening methodologies to identify and develop treatments for affected men in order to help prevent failed ART cycles. Conversely, development of drugs that block calcium and/or potassium conductances in sperm is a plausible strategy for producing sperm-specific contraceptives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean G Brown
- School of Applied Sciences, Abertay University, Dundee DD11HG, UK
| | | | - Christopher L R Barratt
- Systems Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD19SY, UK
| | - Sarah J Martins da Silva
- Systems Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD19SY, UK
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Jungnickel MK, Sutton KA, Baker MA, Cohen MG, Sanderson MJ, Florman HM. The flagellar protein Enkurin is required for mouse sperm motility and for transport through the female reproductive tract. Biol Reprod 2019; 99:789-797. [PMID: 29733335 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2017] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Enkurin was identified initially in mouse sperm where it was suggested to act as an intracellular adaptor protein linking membrane calcium influx to intracellular signaling pathways. In order to examine the function of this protein, a targeted mutation was introduced into the mouse Enkurin gene. Males that were homozygous for this mutated allele were subfertile. This was associated with lower rates of sperm transport in the female reproductive tract, including reduced entry into the oviduct and slower migration to the site of fertilization in the distal oviduct, and with poor progressive motility in vitro. Flagella from wild-type animals exhibited symmetrical bending and progressive motility in culture medium, and demembranated flagella exhibited the "curlicue" response to Ca2+ in vitro. In contrast, flagella of mice homozygous for the mutated allele displayed only asymmetric bending, nonprogressive motility, and a loss of Ca2+-responsiveness following demembrantion. We propose that Enkurin is part of a flagellar Ca2+-sensor that regulates bending and that the motility defects following mutation of the locus are the proximate cause of subfertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa K Jungnickel
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Keith A Sutton
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mark A Baker
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michael G Cohen
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michael J Sanderson
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Harvey M Florman
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
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Boryshpolets S, Kholodnyy V, Cosson J, Dzyuba B. Fish sperm motility analysis: the central role of the flagellum. Reprod Fertil Dev 2019; 30:833-841. [PMID: 29650062 DOI: 10.1071/rd17478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Motility analysis of spermatozoa relies on the investigation of either head trajectories or flagellum characteristics. Those two sets of parameters are far from being independent, the flagellum playing the role of motor, whereas the head plays a passive role of cargo. Therefore, quantitative descriptions of head trajectories represent a simplification of the complex pattern of whole sperm cell motion, resulting from the waves developed by the flagellum. The flagellum itself responds to a large variety of signals that precisely control its axoneme to allow activation, acceleration, slowing down or reorientation of the whole spermatozoon. Thus, it is obvious that analysis of flagellum characteristics provides information on the original source of movement and orientation of the sperm cell and presents additional parameters that enrich the panoply of quantitative descriptors of sperm motility. In this review, we briefly describe the methodologies used to obtain good-quality images of fish spermatozoa (head and especially flagellum) while they move fast and the methods developed for their analysis. The paper also aims to establish a link between classical analyses by computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA) and the descriptors generated by fish sperm flagellum analysis, and emphasises the information to be gained regarding motility performance from flagellum motion data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergii Boryshpolets
- University of South Bohemia in ?eské Bud?jovice, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Research Institute of Fish Culture and Hydrobiology, Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Zátiší 728/II, 389 25 Vod?any, Czech Republic
| | - Vitaliy Kholodnyy
- University of South Bohemia in ?eské Bud?jovice, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Research Institute of Fish Culture and Hydrobiology, Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Zátiší 728/II, 389 25 Vod?any, Czech Republic
| | - Jacky Cosson
- University of South Bohemia in ?eské Bud?jovice, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Research Institute of Fish Culture and Hydrobiology, Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Zátiší 728/II, 389 25 Vod?any, Czech Republic
| | - Borys Dzyuba
- University of South Bohemia in ?eské Bud?jovice, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Research Institute of Fish Culture and Hydrobiology, Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Zátiší 728/II, 389 25 Vod?any, Czech Republic
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Hu M, Legg S, Miller MA. Measuring Sperm Guidance and Motility within the Caenorhabditis elegans Hermaphrodite Reproductive Tract. J Vis Exp 2019. [PMID: 31233026 DOI: 10.3791/59783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Successful fertilization is fundamental to sexual reproduction, yet little is known about the mechanisms that guide sperm to oocytes within the female reproductive tract. While in vitro studies suggest that sperm of internally fertilizing animals can respond to various cues from their surroundings, the inability to visualize their behavior inside the female reproductive tract creates a challenge for understanding sperm migration and mobility in its native environment. Here, we describe a method using C. elegans that overcomes this limitation and takes advantage of their transparent epidermis. C. elegans males stained with a mitochondrial dye are mated with adult hermaphrodites, which act as modified females, and deposit fluorescently labeled sperm into the hermaphrodite uterus. The migration and motility of the labeled sperm can then be directly tracked using an epi-fluorescence microscope in a live hermaphrodite. In wild-type animals, approximately 90% of the labeled sperm crawl through the uterus and reach the fertilization site, or spermatheca. Images of the uterus can be taken 1 h after mating to assess the distribution of the sperm within the uterus and the percentage of sperm that have reached the spermatheca. Alternatively, time-lapse images can be taken immediately after mating to assess sperm speed, directional velocity and reversal frequency. This method can be combined with other genetic and molecular tools available for the C.elegans to identify novel genetic and molecular mechanisms that are important in regulating sperm guidance and motility within the female reproductive tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhan Hu
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham;
| | - Shara Legg
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham
| | - Michael A Miller
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham
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Alquézar-Baeta C, Gimeno-Martos S, Miguel-Jiménez S, Santolaria P, Yániz J, Palacín I, Casao A, Cebrián-Pérez JÁ, Muiño-Blanco T, Pérez-Pé R. OpenCASA: A new open-source and scalable tool for sperm quality analysis. PLoS Comput Biol 2019; 15:e1006691. [PMID: 30657753 PMCID: PMC6355034 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1006691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Revised: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In the field of assisted reproductive techniques (ART), computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) systems have proved their utility and potential for assessing sperm quality, improving the prediction of the fertility potential of a seminal dose. Although most laboratories and scientific centers use commercial systems, in the recent years certain free and open-source alternatives have emerged that can reduce the costs that research groups have to face. However, these open-source alternatives cannot analyze sperm kinetic responses to different stimuli, such as chemotaxis, thermotaxis or rheotaxis. In addition, the programs released to date have not usually been designed to encourage the scalability and the continuity of software development. We have developed an open-source CASA software, called OpenCASA, which allows users to study three classical sperm quality parameters: motility, morphometry and membrane integrity (viability) and offers the possibility of analyzing the guided movement response of spermatozoa to different stimuli (useful for chemotaxis, thermotaxis or rheotaxis studies) or different motile cells such as bacteria, using a single software. This software has been released in a Version Control System at Github. This platform will allow researchers not only to download the software but also to be involved in and contribute to further developments. Additionally, a Google group has been created to allow the research community to interact and discuss OpenCASA. For validation of the OpenCASA software, we analysed different simulated sperm populations (for chemotaxis module) and evaluated 36 ejaculates obtained from 12 fertile rams using other sperm analysis systems (for motility, membrane integrity and morphology modules). The results were compared with those obtained by Open-CASA using the Pearson's correlation and Bland-Altman tests, obtaining a high level of correlation in all parameters and a good agreement between the different used methods and the OpenCASA. With this work, we propose an open-source project oriented to the development of a new software application for sperm quality analysis. This proposed software will use a minimally centralized infrastructure to allow the continued development of its modules by the research community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Alquézar-Baeta
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology-Institute of Research in Environmental Sciences of Aragon (IUCA), Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Silvia Gimeno-Martos
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology-Institute of Research in Environmental Sciences of Aragon (IUCA), Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Sara Miguel-Jiménez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology-Institute of Research in Environmental Sciences of Aragon (IUCA), Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Pilar Santolaria
- TECNOGAM Research Group, Institute of Research in Environmental Sciences of Aragon (IUCA), Higher Polytechnic School of Huesca, University of Zaragoza, Huesca, Spain
| | - Jesús Yániz
- TECNOGAM Research Group, Institute of Research in Environmental Sciences of Aragon (IUCA), Higher Polytechnic School of Huesca, University of Zaragoza, Huesca, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Palacín
- TECNOGAM Research Group, Institute of Research in Environmental Sciences of Aragon (IUCA), Higher Polytechnic School of Huesca, University of Zaragoza, Huesca, Spain
| | - Adriana Casao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology-Institute of Research in Environmental Sciences of Aragon (IUCA), Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - José Álvaro Cebrián-Pérez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology-Institute of Research in Environmental Sciences of Aragon (IUCA), Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Teresa Muiño-Blanco
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology-Institute of Research in Environmental Sciences of Aragon (IUCA), Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Rosaura Pérez-Pé
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology-Institute of Research in Environmental Sciences of Aragon (IUCA), Veterinary Faculty, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
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Romero-Aguirregomezcorta J, Sugrue E, Martínez-Fresneda L, Newport D, Fair S. Hyperactivated stallion spermatozoa fail to exhibit a rheotaxis-like behaviour, unlike other species. Sci Rep 2018; 8:16897. [PMID: 30442996 PMCID: PMC6237856 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-34973-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The journey of spermatozoa through the female genital tract is facilitated by rheotaxis, or the cell's preference to swim against a flow, as well as thigmotaxis, the wall tracking behaviour, which guides them to the site of fertilisation. The aim of this study was to characterise the rheotactic and thigmotactic response of stallion sperm within a microfluidic channel. Stallion sperm rheotaxis was assessed within the microfluidic channel with regard to: (i) A range of flow velocities, (ii) Varying media viscosity and (iii) Sperm hyperactivation. Sperm distribution across the microfluidic channel was also studied and compared to human and ram sperm. Stallion sperm progressed furthest at a velocity range of 10-30 µm/s, with an optimum velocity of 20 µm/s. A flow viscosity of 2.5cP or greater reduced sperm rheotaxis (P < 0.05). Stallion sperm that were hyperactivated were unable to exhibit rheotaxis within the microfluidic channel, whereas, both hyperactivated human and ram sperm did exhibit positive rheotaxis under the same conditions. The number of sperm swimming near the microfluidic channel walls was higher than in the microfluidic channel centre (P < 0.05). This is the first study to illustrate that stallion sperm are rheotactically responsive and increasing viscosity reduces this response. We also demonstrated that sperm are predominantly inclined to swim along a surface and uniquely, hyperactivated stallion sperm are non-progressive and do not exhibit a rheotactic response unlike other species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon Romero-Aguirregomezcorta
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Biological Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Emer Sugrue
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Biological Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Lucía Martínez-Fresneda
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Biological Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - David Newport
- Bernal Institute, School of Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Sean Fair
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Department of Biological Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
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Karbalaei A, Cho HJ. Microfluidic Devices Developed for and Inspired by Thermotaxis and Chemotaxis. MICROMACHINES 2018; 9:E149. [PMID: 30424083 PMCID: PMC6187570 DOI: 10.3390/mi9040149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Revised: 03/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Taxis has been reported in many cells and microorganisms, due to their tendency to migrate toward favorable physical situations and avoid damage and death. Thermotaxis and chemotaxis are two of the major types of taxis that naturally occur on a daily basis. Understanding the details of the thermo- and chemotactic behavioral response of cells and microorganisms is necessary to reveal the body function, diagnosing diseases and developing therapeutic treatments. Considering the length-scale and range of effectiveness of these phenomena, advances in microfluidics have facilitated taxis experiments and enhanced the precision of controlling and capturing microscale samples. Microfabrication of fluidic chips could bridge the gap between in vitro and in situ biological assays, specifically in taxis experiments. Numerous efforts have been made to develop, fabricate and implement novel microchips to conduct taxis experiments and increase the accuracy of the results. The concepts originated from thermo- and chemotaxis, inspired novel ideas applicable to microfluidics as well, more specifically, thermocapillarity and chemocapillarity (or solutocapillarity) for the manipulation of single- and multi-phase fluid flows in microscale and fluidic control elements such as valves, pumps, mixers, traps, etc. This paper starts with a brief biological overview of the concept of thermo- and chemotaxis followed by the most recent developments in microchips used for thermo- and chemotaxis experiments. The last section of this review focuses on the microfluidic devices inspired by the concept of thermo- and chemotaxis. Various microfluidic devices that have either been used for, or inspired by thermo- and chemotaxis are reviewed categorically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Karbalaei
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA.
| | - Hyoung Jin Cho
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA.
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Pérez-Cerezales S, Laguna-Barraza R, de Castro AC, Sánchez-Calabuig MJ, Cano-Oliva E, de Castro-Pita FJ, Montoro-Buils L, Pericuesta E, Fernández-González R, Gutiérrez-Adán A. Sperm selection by thermotaxis improves ICSI outcome in mice. Sci Rep 2018; 8:2902. [PMID: 29440764 PMCID: PMC5811574 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-21335-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The ejaculate is a heterogeneous pool of spermatozoa containing only a small physiologically adequate subpopulation for fertilization. As there is no method to isolate this subpopulation, its specific characteristics are unknown. This is one of the main reasons why we lack effective tools to identify male infertility and for the low efficiency of assisted reproductive technologies. The aim of this study was to improve ICSI outcome by sperm selection through thermotaxis. Here we show that a specific subpopulation of mouse and human spermatozoa can be selected in vitro by thermotaxis and that this subpopulation is the one that enters the fallopian tube in mice. Further, we confirm that these selected spermatozoa in mice and humans show a much higher DNA integrity and lower chromatin compaction than unselected sperm, and in mice, they give rise to more and better embryos through intracytoplasmic sperm injection, doubling the number of successful pregnancies. Collectively, our results indicate that a high quality sperm subpopulation is selected in vitro by thermotaxis and that this subpopulation is also selected in vivo within the fallopian tube possibly by thermotaxis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Esther Cano-Oliva
- Unit of Reproduction, Hospital Universitario Príncipe de Asturias, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | | | - Luis Montoro-Buils
- Unit of Reproduction, Hospital Universitario Príncipe de Asturias, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Eva Pericuesta
- Department of Animal Reproduction, INIA, Avda. Puerta de Hierro, Madrid, Spain
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Martin-Hidalgo D, Gil MC, Hurtado de Llera A, Perez CJ, Bragado MJ, Garcia-Marin LJ. Boar sperm hyperactivated motility is induced by temperature via an intracellular calcium-dependent pathway. Reprod Fertil Dev 2018; 30:1462-1471. [DOI: 10.1071/rd17549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Herein we describe a new protocol to induce boar sperm hypermotility: temperature-induced hypermotility (TIH). Briefly, spermatozoa stored at 17°C in a calcium-free Tyrode’s basal medium (containing EGTA) were exposed to increased temperature by incubation at 38.5°C. Hypermotility induced by the calcium ionophore A23187 was used as a control (calcium ionophore-induced hyperactivity (CIIH)). The increase in temperature led to an increase in the percentage of hypermotile spermatozoa. When the slope of the temperature increase is near zero, sperm hyperactivity becomes a more progressive movement. Motility parameters of sperm hyperactivation induced by TIH were different from those following CIIH. Cluster analysis revealed that these two populations of hyperactivated spermatozoa are different. TIH is independent of extracellular Ca2+ but dependent on intracellular Ca2+ release. Moreover, TIH is unaffected by protein kinase A (PKA) inhibition, whereas CIIH is reduced by half in the presence of a PKA inhibitor. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that: (1) a temperature increase in boar spermatozoa is a stimulus that can induce a hyperactive population, which is differs from the hyperactive sperm population induced by calcium ionophore; (2) the temperature increase in spermatozoa triggers the release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores; (3) extracellular calcium is not required for TIH; and (4) TIH in boar spermatozoa is independent of PKA activity.
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42
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Yeste M, Bonet S, Rodríguez-Gil JE, Rivera Del Álamo MM. Evaluation of sperm motility with CASA-Mot: which factors may influence our measurements? Reprod Fertil Dev 2018. [DOI: 10.1071/rd17475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA) is now routinely used in IVF clinics, animal breeding centres and research laboratories. Although CASA provides a more objective way to evaluate sperm parameters, a significant number of factors can affect these measurements. This paper classifies these factors into four categories: (1) sample and slide (e.g. preincubation time, type of specimen and type of chamber slide); (2) microscope (e.g. light source and microscope stage); (3) hardware and software, including the settings of each system; and (4) user-related factors. We review the effects of the different factors in each category on the measurements made and emphasise the need to take measures to standardise evaluations. The take-home message of the present article is that there are several commercial and useful CASA systems, and all are appropriate for routine analysis. Non-commercial systems may also be good choices when the user needs to adapt the device to specific experimental conditions. In both cases (commercial and non-commercial), it is important that standard protocols are put in place for evaluation, as well as methods to validate the system.
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Pérez-Cerezales S, Ramos-Ibeas P, Acuña OS, Avilés M, Coy P, Rizos D, Gutiérrez-Adán A. The oviduct: from sperm selection to the epigenetic landscape of the embryo†. Biol Reprod 2017; 98:262-276. [DOI: 10.1093/biolre/iox173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Accepted: 12/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Serafín Pérez-Cerezales
- Departmento de Reproducción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Priscila Ramos-Ibeas
- School of Agriculture, Food Science and Veterinary Medicine, College of Life Sciences, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Omar Salvador Acuña
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Culiacán, Mexico
| | - Manuel Avilés
- Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la Arrixaca Murcia, Spain
| | - Pilar Coy
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria Virgen de la Arrixaca Murcia, Spain
- Physiology of Reproduction Group, Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Murcia-Campus Mare Nostrum, Murcia, Spain
| | - Dimitrios Rizos
- Departmento de Reproducción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alfonso Gutiérrez-Adán
- Departmento de Reproducción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Madrid, Spain
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Abstract
Fertilization is exceptionally complex and, depending on the species, happens in entirely different environments. External fertilizers in aquatic habitats, like marine invertebrates or fish, release their gametes into the seawater or freshwater, whereas sperm from most internal fertilizers like mammals cross the female genital tract to make their way to the egg. Various chemical and physical cues guide sperm to the egg. Quite generally, these cues enable signaling pathways that ultimately evoke a cellular Ca2+ response that modulates the waveform of the flagellar beat and, hence, the swimming path. To cope with the panoply of challenges to reach and fertilize the egg, sperm from different species have developed their own unique repertoire of signaling molecules and mechanisms. Here, we review the differences and commonalities for sperm sensory signaling in marine invertebrates (sea urchin), fish (zebrafish), and mammals (mouse, human).
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Affiliation(s)
- Dagmar Wachten
- Minerva Max Planck Research Group, Molecular Physiology, Center of Advanced European Studies and Research (caesar), 53175 Bonn, Germany
| | - Jan F Jikeli
- Minerva Max Planck Research Group, Molecular Physiology, Center of Advanced European Studies and Research (caesar), 53175 Bonn, Germany
| | - U Benjamin Kaupp
- Department Molecular Sensory Systems, Center of Advanced European Studies and Research (caesar), 53175 Bonn, Germany
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45
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Suarez SS, Wu M. Microfluidic devices for the study of sperm migration. Mol Hum Reprod 2017; 23:227-234. [PMID: 27385726 PMCID: PMC6454545 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaw039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Revised: 05/17/2016] [Accepted: 05/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Microfluidics technology offers us an opportunity to model the biophysical and biochemical environments encountered by sperm moving through the female reproductive tract and, at the same time, to study sperm swimming dynamics at a quantitative level. In humans, coitus results in the deposition of sperm in the vagina at the entrance to the cervix. Consequently, sperm must swim or be drawn through the cervix, uterus, uterotubal junction and oviductal isthmus to reach the oocyte in the oviductal ampulla. Only a very small percentage of inseminated sperm reach the ampulla in the periovulatory period, indicating that strong selection pressures act on sperm during migration. A better understanding of how sperm interact with the female tract would inspire improvements in diagnosis of fertility problems and development of novel-assisted reproductive technologies that minimize damage to sperm and mimic natural selection pressures on sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. S. Suarez
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - M. Wu
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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46
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Giaretta E, Munerato M, Yeste M, Galeati G, Spinaci M, Tamanini C, Mari G, Bucci D. Implementing an open-access CASA software for the assessment of stallion sperm motility: Relationship with other sperm quality parameters. Anim Reprod Sci 2017; 176:11-19. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2016.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2016] [Revised: 11/03/2016] [Accepted: 11/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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47
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Ye J, Dong X, Jiang H, Wang X. An intracellular temperature nanoprobe based on biosynthesized fluorescent copper nanoclusters. J Mater Chem B 2017; 5:691-696. [DOI: 10.1039/c6tb02751b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
We have established a facile, efficient and green strategy for the preparation of an intracellular temperature nanoprobe specifically by in situ biosynthesized fluorescent CuNCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics (Chien-Shiung Wu Lab)
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering
- Southeast University
- Nanjing 210096
- P. R. China
| | - Xiawei Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics (Chien-Shiung Wu Lab)
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering
- Southeast University
- Nanjing 210096
- P. R. China
| | - Hui Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics (Chien-Shiung Wu Lab)
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering
- Southeast University
- Nanjing 210096
- P. R. China
| | - Xuemei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics (Chien-Shiung Wu Lab)
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering
- Southeast University
- Nanjing 210096
- P. R. China
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48
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De Toni L, Garolla A, Menegazzo M, Magagna S, Di Nisio A, Šabović I, Rocca MS, Scattolini V, Filippi A, Foresta C. Heat Sensing Receptor TRPV1 Is a Mediator of Thermotaxis in Human Spermatozoa. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0167622. [PMID: 27992447 PMCID: PMC5161326 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0167622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 11/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The molecular bases of sperm thermotaxis, the temperature-oriented cell motility, are currently under investigation. Thermal perception relies on a subclass of the transient receptor potential [TRP] channels, whose member TRPV1 is acknowledged as the heat sensing receptor. Here we investigated the involvement of TRPV1 in human sperm thermotaxis. We obtained semen samples from 16 normozoospermic subjects attending an infertility survey programme, testis biopsies from 6 patients with testicular germ cell cancer and testis fine needle aspirates from 6 patients with obstructive azoospermia undergoing assisted reproductive technologies. Expression of TRPV1 mRNA was assessed by RT-PCR. Protein expression of TRPV1 was determined by western blot, flow cytometry and immunofluorescence. Sperm motility was assessed by Sperm Class Analyser. Acrosome reaction, apoptosis and intracellular-Ca2+ content were assessed by flow cytometry. We found that TRPV1 mRNA and protein were highly expressed in the testis, in both Sertoli cells and germ-line cells. Moreover, compared to no-gradient controls at 31°C or 37°C (Ctrl 31°C and Ctrl 37°C respectively), sperm migration towards a temperature gradient of 31–37°C (T gradient) in non-capacitated conditions selected a higher number of cells (14,9 ± 4,2×106 cells T gradient vs 5,1± 0,3×106 cells Ctrl 31°C and 5,71±0,74×106 cells Ctrl 37°C; P = 0,039). Capacitation amplified the migrating capability towards the T gradient. Sperms migrated towards the T gradient showed enriched levels of both TRPV1 protein and mRNA. In addition, sperm cells were able to migrate toward a gradient of capsaicin, a specific agonist of TRPV1, whilst capsazepine, a specific agonist of TRPV1, blocked this effect. Finally, capsazepine severely blunted migration towards T gradient without abolishing. These results suggest that TRPV1 may represent a facilitating mediator of sperm thermotaxis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca De Toni
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Garolla
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, Padova, Italy
| | - Massimo Menegazzo
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, Padova, Italy
| | - Sabina Magagna
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Di Nisio
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, Padova, Italy
| | - Iva Šabović
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, Padova, Italy
- IRCCS-Istituto Oncologico Veneto [IOV], Via Gattamelata, Padova, Italy
| | - Maria Santa Rocca
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, Padova, Italy
| | - Valentina Scattolini
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, Padova, Italy
- Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine, Via Orus 2, Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Filippi
- Department of Physics and Astronomy “G. Galilei”, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 8, Padova, Italy
| | - Carlo Foresta
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, Padova, Italy
- * E-mail:
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Cordero-Martínez J, Aguirre-Alvarado C, Guzmán-Soriano JG, Sánchez-Arroyo CE, Flores-Alonso JC, Rodríguez-Páez L. Effects of aqueous crude extract ofEcheveria gibbifloraon mouse sperm function. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2016; 62:343-52. [DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2016.1203044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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50
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Pérez-Cerezales S, López-Cardona AP, Gutiérrez-Adán A. Progesterone effects on mouse sperm kinetics in conditions of viscosity. Reproduction 2016; 151:501-7. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-15-0582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The spermatozoa delivered to the female genital tract need to swim towards the oocyte through viscous secretions. Once close to the oocyte, the spermatozoa are guided by a gradient of progesterone (P4) and other unknown chemoattractants via a process known as chemotaxis. Using polyvinylpyrrolidone to establish the conditions of viscosity, we examined the response of mouse spermatozoa to P4. Herein, we show that in low-viscous media, P4 induces hyperactive-like motility whereby sperm show erratic trajectories and non-progressive movement. However, an opposite response is produced in viscous medium in that trajectories are linear and motility is more progressive and less erratic. Our observations provide a behavioural explanation for the chemotaxis of spermatozoa swimming under viscous conditions in a spatial gradient of the chemoattractant P4. They also highlight the importance of using viscous solutions to mimic in vivo conditions when analysing sperm behaviour in response to any stimulus.
Reproduction (2016) 151 501–507
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