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Li R, Qu J, Yan K, Chen Y, Zhao X, Liu Z, Xie M, Zhang Q, He Y, Niu J, Qi J. Deciphering dynamic interactions between spermatozoa and the ovarian microenvironment through integrated multi-omics approaches in viviparous Sebastes schlegelii. Development 2024; 151:dev202224. [PMID: 38572957 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
The ovarian microenvironment plays a crucial role in ensuring the reproductive success of viviparous teleosts. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the interaction between spermatozoa and the ovarian microenvironment has remained elusive. This study aimed to contribute to a better understanding of this process in black rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii) using integrated multi-omics approaches. The results demonstrated significant upregulation of ovarian complement-related proteins and pattern recognition receptors, along with remodeling of glycans on the surface of spermatozoa at the early spermatozoa-storage stage (1 month after mating). As spermatozoa were stored over time, ovarian complement proteins were progressively repressed by tryptophan and hippurate, indicating a remarkable adaptation of spermatozoa to the ovarian microenvironment. Before fertilization, a notable upregulation of cellular junction proteins was observed. The study revealed that spermatozoa bind to ZPB2a protein through GSTM3 and that ZPB2a promotes spermatozoa survival and movement in a GSTM3-dependent manner. These findings shed light on a key mechanism that influences the dynamics of spermatozoa in the female reproductive tract, providing valuable insights into the molecular networks regulating spermatozoa adaptation and survival in species with internal fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding/Key Laboratory of Tropical Aquatic Germplasm of Hainan Province, Sanya Oceanographic Institution, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Jiangbo Qu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding/Key Laboratory of Tropical Aquatic Germplasm of Hainan Province, Sanya Oceanographic Institution, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Kai Yan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding/Key Laboratory of Tropical Aquatic Germplasm of Hainan Province, Sanya Oceanographic Institution, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Ying Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding/Key Laboratory of Tropical Aquatic Germplasm of Hainan Province, Sanya Oceanographic Institution, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Xi Zhao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding/Key Laboratory of Tropical Aquatic Germplasm of Hainan Province, Sanya Oceanographic Institution, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Zhiying Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding/Key Laboratory of Tropical Aquatic Germplasm of Hainan Province, Sanya Oceanographic Institution, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Mengxi Xie
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding/Key Laboratory of Tropical Aquatic Germplasm of Hainan Province, Sanya Oceanographic Institution, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Quanqi Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding/Key Laboratory of Tropical Aquatic Germplasm of Hainan Province, Sanya Oceanographic Institution, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Yan He
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding/Key Laboratory of Tropical Aquatic Germplasm of Hainan Province, Sanya Oceanographic Institution, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Jingjing Niu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding/Key Laboratory of Tropical Aquatic Germplasm of Hainan Province, Sanya Oceanographic Institution, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Jie Qi
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding/Key Laboratory of Tropical Aquatic Germplasm of Hainan Province, Sanya Oceanographic Institution, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
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2
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Davis OS, Scandlan OLM, Sabry R, Ghaffarzadeh M, Hannam TG, Lagunov A, Favetta LA. High seminal BPA in IVF patients correlates with lower sperm count and up-regulated miR-21 and miR-130a. Reprod Toxicol 2024; 128:108651. [PMID: 38925230 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2024.108651] [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: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a widespread industrial chemical, used as the key monomer of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. BPA has been detected in human seminal fluid and has been correlated with changes in sperm parameters, crucial in determining male fertility. In this study, semen samples were collected from 100 patients aged 29-47 years undergoing fertility assessment between 2021 and 2023 and analyzed according to WHO guidelines. BPA levels in the seminal plasma were then measured through an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and compared to sperm quality metrics. The relative mRNA/miRNA expression of key genes associated to male reproduction, including androgen receptor, miR-34c, miR-21, miR-130a, was then quantified and compared between groups with high or low BPA content. Our results revealed that BPA levels were increased with age and were negatively correlated with sperm counts (p<0.05). The negative correlation remained significant when patients were age-matched. No other relationships between seminal BPA and motility, morphology or DNA fragmentation levels were observed. qPCR analysis showed that androgen receptor mRNA expression was significantly greater in sperm with high seminal BPA (p<0.05). Moreover, we found that the expression of miR-21 and miR-130a was also upregulated in the higher BPA group (p<0.05). These results display a relationship between BPA content in the semen and male fertility parameters, and provide insights into the molecular mechanisms through which BPA may be affecting male reproductive capability. Ultimately, this research can potentially drive changes to guidelines and exposure limits for BPA exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ola S Davis
- Reproductive Health and Biotechnology Lab, Department of Biomedical Sciences, OVC, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Olivia L M Scandlan
- Reproductive Health and Biotechnology Lab, Department of Biomedical Sciences, OVC, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Reem Sabry
- Reproductive Health and Biotechnology Lab, Department of Biomedical Sciences, OVC, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Laura A Favetta
- Reproductive Health and Biotechnology Lab, Department of Biomedical Sciences, OVC, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada.
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3
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Dai P, Zou M, Cai Z, Zeng X, Zhang X, Liang M. pH Homeodynamics and Male Fertility: A Coordinated Regulation of Acid-Based Balance during Sperm Journey to Fertilization. Biomolecules 2024; 14:685. [PMID: 38927088 PMCID: PMC11201807 DOI: 10.3390/biom14060685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
pH homeostasis is crucial for spermatogenesis, sperm maturation, sperm physiological function, and fertilization in mammals. HCO3- and H+ are the most significant factors involved in regulating pH homeostasis in the male reproductive system. Multiple pH-regulating transporters and ion channels localize in the testis, epididymis, and spermatozoa, such as HCO3- transporters (solute carrier family 4 and solute carrier family 26 transporters), carbonic anhydrases, and H+-transport channels and enzymes (e.g., Na+-H+ exchangers, monocarboxylate transporters, H+-ATPases, and voltage-gated proton channels). Hormone-mediated signals impose an influence on the production of some HCO3- or H+ transporters, such as NBCe1, SLC4A2, MCT4, etc. Additionally, ion channels including sperm-specific cationic channels for Ca2+ (CatSper) and K+ (SLO3) are directly or indirectly regulated by pH, exerting specific actions on spermatozoa. The slightly alkaline testicular pH is conducive to spermatogenesis, whereas the epididymis's low HCO3- concentration and acidic lumen are favorable for sperm maturation and storage. Spermatozoa pH increases substantially after being fused with seminal fluid to enhance motility. In the female reproductive tract, sperm are subjected to increasing concentrations of HCO3- in the uterine and fallopian tube, causing a rise in the intracellular pH (pHi) of spermatozoa, leading to hyperpolarization of sperm plasma membranes, capacitation, hyperactivation, acrosome reaction, and ultimately fertilization. The physiological regulation initiated by SLC26A3, SLC26A8, NHA1, sNHE, and CFTR localized in sperm is proven for certain to be involved in male fertility. This review intends to present the key factors and characteristics of pHi regulation in the testes, efferent duct, epididymis, seminal fluid, and female reproductive tract, as well as the associated mechanisms during the sperm journey to fertilization, proposing insights into outstanding subjects and future research trends.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Xiaoning Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China; (P.D.); (M.Z.); (Z.C.); (X.Z.)
| | - Min Liang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China; (P.D.); (M.Z.); (Z.C.); (X.Z.)
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Hosseini M, Khalafiyan A, Zare M, Karimzadeh H, Bahrami B, Hammami B, Kazemi M. Sperm epigenetics and male infertility: unraveling the molecular puzzle. Hum Genomics 2024; 18:57. [PMID: 38835100 DOI: 10.1186/s40246-024-00626-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of infertility among couples is estimated to range from 8 to 12%. A paradigm shift has occurred in understanding of infertility, challenging the notion that it predominantly affects women. It is now acknowledged that a significant proportion, if not the majority, of infertility cases can be attributed to male-related factors. Various elements contribute to male reproductive impairments, including aberrant sperm production caused by pituitary malfunction, testicular malignancies, aplastic germ cells, varicocele, and environmental factors. MAIN BODY The epigenetic profile of mammalian sperm is distinctive and specialized. Various epigenetic factors regulate genes across different levels in sperm, thereby affecting its function. Changes in sperm epigenetics, potentially influenced by factors such as environmental exposures, could contribute to the development of male infertility. CONCLUSION In conclusion, this review investigates the latest studies pertaining to the mechanisms of epigenetic changes that occur in sperm cells and their association with male reproductive issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Hosseini
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Anis Khalafiyan
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Zare
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Haniye Karimzadeh
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Basireh Bahrami
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Behnaz Hammami
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Kazemi
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
- Reproductive Sciences and Sexual Health Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
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5
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Cannarella R, Crafa A, Curto R, Condorelli RA, La Vignera S, Calogero AE. Obesity and male fertility disorders. Mol Aspects Med 2024; 97:101273. [PMID: 38593513 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2024.101273] [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: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Often associated with obesity, male infertility represents a widespread condition that challenges the wellbeing of the couple. In this article, we provide a comprehensive and critical analysis of studies exploring the association between obesity and male reproductive function, to evaluate the frequency of this association, and establish the effects of increased body weight on conventional and biofunctional sperm parameters and infertility. In an attempt to find possible molecular markers of infertility in obese male patients, the numerous mechanisms responsible for infertility in overweight/obese patients are reviewed in depth. These include obesity-related functional hypogonadism, insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, chronic inflammation, adipokines, irisin, gut hormones, gut microbiome, and sperm transcriptome. According to meta-analytic evidence, excessive body weight negatively influences male reproductive health. This can occurr through a broad array of molecular mechanisms. Some of these are not yet fully understood and need to be further elucidated in the future. A better understanding of the effects of metabolic disorders on spermatogenesis and sperm fertilizing capacity is very useful for identifying new diagnostic markers and designing therapeutic strategies for better clinical management of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Cannarella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Andrea Crafa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Roberto Curto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Rosita A Condorelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Sandro La Vignera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Aldo E Calogero
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
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6
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Wu D, Zhang K, Guan K, Khan FA, Pandupuspitasari NS, Negara W, Sun F, Huang C. Future in the past: paternal reprogramming of offspring phenotype and the epigenetic mechanisms. Arch Toxicol 2024; 98:1685-1703. [PMID: 38460001 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-024-03713-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
That certain preconceptual paternal exposures reprogram the developmental phenotypic plasticity in future generation(s) has conceptualized the "paternal programming of offspring health" hypothesis. This transgenerational effect is transmitted primarily through sperm epigenetic mechanisms-DNA methylation, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and associated RNA modifications, and histone modifications-and potentially through non-sperm-specific mechanisms-seminal plasma and circulating factors-that create 'imprinted' memory of ancestral information. The epigenetic landscape in sperm is highly responsive to environmental cues, due to, in part, the soma-to-germline communication mediated by epididymosomes. While human epidemiological studies and experimental animal studies have provided solid evidences in support of transgenerational epigenetic inheritance, how ancestral information is memorized as epigenetic codes for germline transmission is poorly understood. Particular elusive is what the downstream effector pathways that decode those epigenetic codes into persistent phenotypes. In this review, we discuss the paternal reprogramming of offspring phenotype and the possible underlying epigenetic mechanisms. Cracking these epigenetic mechanisms will lead to a better appreciation of "Paternal Origins of Health and Disease" and guide innovation of intervention algorithms to achieve 'healthier' outcomes in future generations. All this will revolutionize our understanding of human disease etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Wu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Kejia Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Kaifeng Guan
- School of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Faheem Ahmed Khan
- Research Center for Animal Husbandry, National Research and Innovation Agency, Jakarta Pusat, 10340, Indonesia
| | | | - Windu Negara
- Research Center for Animal Husbandry, National Research and Innovation Agency, Jakarta Pusat, 10340, Indonesia
| | - Fei Sun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China.
| | - Chunjie Huang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China.
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7
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Hamilton M, Russell S, Swanson GM, Krawetz SA, Menezes K, Moskovtsev SI, Librach C. A comprehensive analysis of spermatozoal RNA elements in idiopathic infertile males undergoing fertility treatment. Sci Rep 2024; 14:10316. [PMID: 38705876 PMCID: PMC11070429 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60586-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Current approaches to diagnosing male infertility inadequately assess the complexity of the male gamete. Beyond the paternal haploid genome, spermatozoa also deliver coding and non-coding RNAs to the oocyte. While sperm-borne RNAs have demonstrated potential involvement in embryo development, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, 47 sperm samples from normozoospermic males undergoing fertility treatment using donor oocytes were sequenced and analyzed to evaluate associations between sperm RNA elements (exon-sized sequences) and blastocyst progression. A total of 366 RNA elements (REs) were significantly associated with blastocyst rate (padj < 0.05), some of which were linked to genes related to critical developmental processes, including mitotic spindle formation and both ectoderm and mesoderm specification. Of note, 27 RE-associated RNAs are predicted targets of our previously reported list of developmentally significant miRNAs. Inverse RE-miRNA expression patterns were consistent with miRNA-mediated down-regulation. This study provides a comprehensive set of REs which differ by the patient's ability to produce blastocysts. This knowledge can be leveraged to improve clinical screening of male infertility and ultimately reduce time to pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Grace M Swanson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Molecular Medicine & Genetics, C.S. Mott Center, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, USA
| | - Stephen A Krawetz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Molecular Medicine & Genetics, C.S. Mott Center, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, USA
| | | | - Sergey I Moskovtsev
- CReATe Fertility Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Clifford Librach
- CReATe Fertility Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Wei X, Zhang Z, Gu Y, Zhang R, Huang J, Li F, He Y, Lu S, Wu Y, Zeng W, Liu X, Liu C, Liu J, Ao L, Shi F, Chen Q, Lin Y, Du J, Jin G, Xia Y, Ma H, Zheng Y, Huo R, Cao J, Shen H, Hu Z. Inter- and trans-generational impacts of real-world PM 2.5 exposure on male-specific primary hypogonadism. Cell Discov 2024; 10:44. [PMID: 38649348 PMCID: PMC11035589 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-024-00657-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Exposure to PM2.5, a harmful type of air pollution, has been associated with compromised male reproductive health; however, it remains unclear whether such exposure can elicit transgenerational effects on male fertility. Here, we aim to examine the effect of paternal exposure to real-world PM2.5 on the reproductive health of male offspring. We have observed that paternal exposure to real-world PM2.5 can lead to transgenerational primary hypogonadism in a sex-selective manner, and we have also confirmed this phenotype by using an external model. Mechanically, we have identified small RNAs (sRNAs) that play a critical role in mediating these transgenerational effects. Specifically, miR6240 and piR016061, which are present in F0 PM sperm, regulate intergenerational transmission by targeting Lhcgr and Nsd1, respectively. We have also uncovered that piR033435 and piR006695 indirectly regulate F1 PM sperm methylation by binding to the 3'-untranslated region of Tet1 mRNA. The reduced expression of Tet1 resulted in hypermethylation of several testosterone synthesis genes, including Lhcgr and Gnas, impaired Leydig cell function and ultimately led to transgenerational primary hypogonadism. Our findings provide insights into the mechanisms underlying the transgenerational effects of paternal PM2.5 exposure on reproductive health, highlighting the crucial role played by sRNAs in mediating these effects. The findings underscore the significance of paternal pre-conception interventions in alleviating the adverse effects of environmental pollutants on reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhonghao Zhang
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Yayun Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Jie Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Feng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuanlin He
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shuai Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yifei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wentao Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaorui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chenzi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jinyi Liu
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Lin Ao
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Fuquan Shi
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Qing Chen
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Yuan Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiangbo Du
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guangfu Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yankai Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hongxia Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuxin Zheng
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Ran Huo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Jia Cao
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China.
| | - Hongbing Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Zhibin Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
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9
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Tiwari S, Shahat A, Kastelic J, Thakor N, Thundathil J. Optimized total RNA isolation from bovine sperm with enhanced sperm head lysis. Biochem Cell Biol 2024; 102:194-205. [PMID: 37948675 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2023-0231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence of sperm RNA's role in fertilization and embryonic development has provided impetus for its isolation and thorough characterization. Sperm are considered tough-to-lyse cells due to the compact condensed DNA in sperm heads. Lack of consensus among bovine sperm RNA isolation protocols introduces experimental variability in transcriptome studies. Here, we describe an optimized method for total RNA isolation from bovine sperm using the TRIzol reagent. This study critically investigated the effects of various lysis conditions on sperm RNA isolation. Sperm suspended in TRIzol were subjected to a combination of mechanical treatments (sonication and passage through a 30G needle and syringe) and chemical treatments (supplementation with reducing agents 1,4-dithiothreitol and tris(2-carboxyethyl) phosphine hydrochloride (TCEP)). Microscopic evaluation of sperm lysis confirmed preferential sperm tail versus sperm head lysis. Interestingly, only TCEP-supplemented TRIzol (both mechanical treatments) had progressive sperm head lysis and consistently yielded total sperm RNA. Furthermore, RNA integrity was confirmed based on the electrophoresis profile and an absence of genomic DNA and somatic cells (e.g., epithelial cells, spermatids, etc.) with RT-qPCR. Our findings highlighted the importance of sperm lysis, specifically of the sperm head using TCEP with mechanical treatment, in total RNA isolation and presented a bovine-specific sperm RNA isolation method to reduce experimental variabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saurabh Tiwari
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Abdallah Shahat
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - John Kastelic
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Nehal Thakor
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, AB, Canada
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Southern Alberta Genome Sciences Centre (SAGSC), University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Jacob Thundathil
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Southern Alberta Genome Sciences Centre (SAGSC), University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
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10
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Caroppo E, Skinner MK. Could the sperm epigenome become a diagnostic tool for evaluation of the infertile man? Hum Reprod 2024; 39:478-485. [PMID: 38148019 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead266] [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: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Although male infertility is currently diagnosed when abnormal sperm parameters are found, the poor predictive ability of sperm parameters on natural fecundity and medically assisted reproduction outcome poses the need for improved diagnostic techniques for male infertility. The accumulating evidence about the role played by the sperm epigenome in modulation of the early phases of embryonic development has led researchers to focus on the epigenetic mechanisms within the sperm epigenome to find new molecular markers of male infertility. Indeed, sperm epigenome abnormalities could explain some cases of unexplained male infertility in men showing normal sperm parameters and were found to be associated with poor embryo development in IVF cycles. The present mini-review summarizes the current knowledge about this interesting topic, starting from a description of the epigenetic mechanisms of gene expression regulation (i.e. DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs' activity). We also discuss possible mechanisms by which environmental factors might cause epigenetic changes in the human germline and affect embryonic development, as well as subsequent generations' phenotypes. Studies demonstrating sperm epigenome abnormalities in men with male infertility are reviewed, with particular emphasis on those with the more severe form of spermatogenic dysfunction. Observations demonstrate that the diagnostic and prognostic efficacy of sperm epigenome evaluation will help facilitate the management of men with male factor infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael K Skinner
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
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11
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Rice RC, Gil DV, Baratta AM, Frawley RR, Hill SY, Farris SP, Homanics GE. Inter- and transgenerational heritability of preconception chronic stress or alcohol exposure: Translational outcomes in brain and behavior. Neurobiol Stress 2024; 29:100603. [PMID: 38234394 PMCID: PMC10792982 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2023.100603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic stress and alcohol (ethanol) use are highly interrelated and can change an individual's behavior through molecular adaptations that do not change the DNA sequence, but instead change gene expression. A recent wealth of research has found that these nongenomic changes can be transmitted across generations, which could partially account for the "missing heritability" observed in genome-wide association studies of alcohol use disorder and other stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders. In this review, we summarize the molecular and behavioral outcomes of nongenomic inheritance of chronic stress and ethanol exposure and the germline mechanisms that could give rise to this heritability. In doing so, we outline the need for further research to: (1) Investigate individual germline mechanisms of paternal, maternal, and biparental nongenomic chronic stress- and ethanol-related inheritance; (2) Synthesize and dissect cross-generational chronic stress and ethanol exposure; (3) Determine cross-generational molecular outcomes of preconception ethanol exposure that contribute to alcohol-related disease risk, using cancer as an example. A detailed understanding of the cross-generational nongenomic effects of stress and/or ethanol will yield novel insight into the impact of ancestral perturbations on disease risk across generations and uncover actionable targets to improve human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel C. Rice
- Center for Neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Daniela V. Gil
- Center for Neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Annalisa M. Baratta
- Center for Neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Remy R. Frawley
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Shirley Y. Hill
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Sean P. Farris
- Center for Neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Gregg E. Homanics
- Center for Neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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12
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Vigolo V, Gautier C, Ertl R, Aurich C, Falomo ME. Protamine 2 and phospholipase C zeta 1 are possible biomarkers for the diagnosis of male subfertility in frozen-thawed stallion semen. Theriogenology 2024; 215:343-350. [PMID: 38142472 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Subfertility is one of the main issues in horse breeding and the study of mRNAs in sperm might help in elucidating the reasons that lead to this diagnosis. The present study aims at assessing the differences in the expression of 10 potential candidate genes in stallions of different fertility. Frozen-thawed semen of 29 stallions was included. Each sample was classified into two groups according to pregnancy rates (PR) achieved with this semen: "good fertility" (GF; n = 17; PR ≥ 30 %) or "poor fertility" (PF; n = 12; PR <20 %). All stallions underwent a breeding soundness examination (BSE) before semen production and were only included into the semen cryopreservation program when raw semen characteristics at BSE met minimal requirements. Semen was cryopreserved following European Union regulations and all stallions met the respective health requirements. Each sample was assessed for concentration (NucleoCounter SP-100), motility (CASA), membrane functionality (SYBR-14/PI), mitochondrial membrane potential (JC-1), morphology (SpermacStain), acrosome integrity (SpermacStain), membrane integrity (HOS test) and chromatin integrity (Aniline blue). Sperm RNAs were extracted using the Direct-zol RNA Miniprep Kit (Zymo Research) and RT-qPCR was performed for each target gene. ACTB and RPL32 were included as reference genes (RGs) for normalization. For each variable of each group, mean, standard deviation and SEM were calculated. The difference in gene expression levels between the GF and PF group were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman's rank correlation. Significant results were considered with p < 0.05. Sperm quality parameters did not differ significantly between the two groups except for concentration, that was significantly higher in GF (p = 0.043). In GF a positive correlation was identified for PRM1/PRM2 with r = +0.6, while PRM1/ACR (r = -0.495), PRM2/ZPBP (r = -0.645) and CRISP3/ACR (r = -0.551) were inversely correlated. In PF direct correlations were registered for PRM1/PRM2 (r = +0.629), PRM1/PRM3 (r = +0.657), PRM2/SPA17 (r = +0.685), SPA17/PLCZ1 (r = +0.786) and PRM3/ACR (r = +0.627). In the total sample (GF + PF), positive correlations were detected for PRM1/PRM2 (r = +0.625), PRM1/PRM3 (r = +0.368); PRM2/SPA17 (r = +0.465), SPA17/PLCZ1 (r = +0.637) and PLCZ1/ZAN (r = +0.587). Only two of the genes considered were differentially expressed in the 2 groups: PRM2 and PLCZ1, that were significantly (p < 0.05) overexpressed in the GF group. Stallions frozen-thawed semen with higher expression levels of PRM2 and PLCZ1 are more likely to belong to animals with a good pregnancy rate. Further studies are needed to investigate the role of sperm transcripts in male subfertility in stallions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Vigolo
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health (MAPS), Università di Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020, Legnaro, PD, Italy; Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Department for Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Camille Gautier
- Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Department for Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Reinhard Ertl
- VetCore Facility for Research, Vetmeduni Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christine Aurich
- Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Department for Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Maria Elena Falomo
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health (MAPS), Università di Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020, Legnaro, PD, Italy
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13
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Zhang Y, Labrecque R, Tremblay P, Plessis C, Dufour P, Martin H, Sirard MA. Sperm-borne tsRNAs and miRNAs analysis in relation to dairy cattle fertility. Theriogenology 2024; 215:241-248. [PMID: 38100996 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.11.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Sperm small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs), such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs), have been found to have implications for male fertility and play a role in the intergenerational transmission of specific phenotypes by influencing the early embryo's physiological processes in various animal species. This study postulates that there exists a correlation between sperm small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) and bull fertility, which in turn can influence the fertility of offspring through the modulation of early embryo development. To investigate this hypothesis, we generated comparative libraries of sperm sncRNAs from sires exhibiting high (n = 3) versus low bull fertility (n = 3), as well as high (n = 3) versus low daughter fertility (n = 3), as determined by the industry-standard Bull fertility index and Daughter fertility index. In total, 12 tsRNAs carried by sperm (11 down-regulated and 1 up-regulated) were found to be associated with bull fertility, while 19 tsRNAs (11 down-regulated and 8 up-regulated) were found to be associated with daughter fertility (q < 0.05, Log2foldchange>±1.5, base mean > 50). Notably, tRX-Glu-NNN-3811 exhibited potential as a biomarker for predicting fertility in both male and female dairy cattle. Moreover, a total of six miRNAs sperm-borne (two up-regulated and four down-regulated) and 35 miRNAs (27 up-regulated and eight down-regulated) exhibited a significant correlation with both bull fertility and daughter fertility individually (p < 0.05, base mean > 50, log2foldchange>±1.5), two microRNAs, namely miR-2385-5p (down-regulated) and miR-98 (up-regulated), exhibit a significant association (p < 0.05, base mean > 50, log2foldchange>±1.5) with the fertility of both bulls and daughter. The targets of these two microRNAs were subsequently identified and integrated with the transcriptomic database of the embryonic cells at the two-cell stage, which is known to be indicative of embryonic competence. The KEGG analysis revealed a potential correlation between these targets and choline metabolism, a crucial factor in embryonic epigenetic programming. In summary, the findings of this study indicate that sperm-borne small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) hold promise as biomarkers for predicting and enhancing fertility in dairy cattle. Furthermore, it is plausible that these sncRNAs may exert their effects on daughter fertility by targeting genes in the early embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Faculté des Sciences de l'Agriculture et de l'Alimentation, Département des Sciences Animales, Pavillon, INAF, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Rémi Labrecque
- SEMEX Boviteq, 3450 Rue Sicotte, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S, Canada
| | - Patricia Tremblay
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Faculté des Sciences de l'Agriculture et de l'Alimentation, Département des Sciences Animales, Pavillon, INAF, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Clément Plessis
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Faculté des Sciences de l'Agriculture et de l'Alimentation, Département des Sciences Animales, Pavillon, INAF, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Pascal Dufour
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Faculté des Sciences de l'Agriculture et de l'Alimentation, Département des Sciences Animales, Pavillon, INAF, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Hélène Martin
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Faculté des Sciences de l'Agriculture et de l'Alimentation, Département des Sciences Animales, Pavillon, INAF, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Marc André Sirard
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Faculté des Sciences de l'Agriculture et de l'Alimentation, Département des Sciences Animales, Pavillon, INAF, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, G1V 0A6, Canada.
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14
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Kimmins S, Anderson RA, Barratt CLR, Behre HM, Catford SR, De Jonge CJ, Delbes G, Eisenberg ML, Garrido N, Houston BJ, Jørgensen N, Krausz C, Lismer A, McLachlan RI, Minhas S, Moss T, Pacey A, Priskorn L, Schlatt S, Trasler J, Trasande L, Tüttelmann F, Vazquez-Levin MH, Veltman JA, Zhang F, O'Bryan MK. Frequency, morbidity and equity - the case for increased research on male fertility. Nat Rev Urol 2024; 21:102-124. [PMID: 37828407 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-023-00820-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Currently, most men with infertility cannot be given an aetiology, which reflects a lack of knowledge around gamete production and how it is affected by genetics and the environment. A failure to recognize the burden of male infertility and its potential as a biomarker for systemic illness exists. The absence of such knowledge results in patients generally being treated as a uniform group, for whom the strategy is to bypass the causality using medically assisted reproduction (MAR) techniques. In doing so, opportunities to prevent co-morbidity are missed and the burden of MAR is shifted to the woman. To advance understanding of men's reproductive health, longitudinal and multi-national centres for data and sample collection are essential. Such programmes must enable an integrated view of the consequences of genetics, epigenetics and environmental factors on fertility and offspring health. Definition and possible amelioration of the consequences of MAR for conceived children are needed. Inherent in this statement is the necessity to promote fertility restoration and/or use the least invasive MAR strategy available. To achieve this aim, protocols must be rigorously tested and the move towards personalized medicine encouraged. Equally, education of the public, governments and clinicians on the frequency and consequences of infertility is needed. Health options, including male contraceptives, must be expanded, and the opportunities encompassed in such investment understood. The pressing questions related to male reproductive health, spanning the spectrum of andrology are identified in the Expert Recommendation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Kimmins
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- The Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- The Département de Pathologie et Biologie Cellulaire, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Richard A Anderson
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Christopher L R Barratt
- Division of Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Hermann M Behre
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Sarah R Catford
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Geraldine Delbes
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique, Centre Armand-Frappier Sante Biotechnologie, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Michael L Eisenberg
- Department of Urology and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Nicolas Garrido
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Brendan J Houston
- School of BioSciences and Bio21 Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Niels Jørgensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Csilla Krausz
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, 'Mario Serio', University of Florence, University Hospital of Careggi Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Ariane Lismer
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Robert I McLachlan
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Monash IVF Group, Richmond, Victoria, Australia
| | - Suks Minhas
- Department of Surgery and Cancer Imperial, London, UK
| | - Tim Moss
- Healthy Male and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Allan Pacey
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Lærke Priskorn
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stefan Schlatt
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Jacquetta Trasler
- Departments of Paediatrics, Human Genetics and Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University and Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Leonardo Trasande
- Center for the Investigation of Environmental Hazards, Department of Paediatrics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Frank Tüttelmann
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Mónica Hebe Vazquez-Levin
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas de Argentina, Fundación IBYME, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Joris A Veltman
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Feng Zhang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Moira K O'Bryan
- School of BioSciences and Bio21 Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia.
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15
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Pardede BP, Karja NWK, Said S, Kaiin EM, Agil M, Sumantri C, Purwantara B, Supriatna I. Bovine nucleoprotein transitions genes and protein abundance as valuable markers of sperm motility and the correlation with fertility. Theriogenology 2024; 215:86-94. [PMID: 38016305 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Bovine nucleoprotein transitions (TNPs), specifically TNP1 and TNP2, are essential molecules in sperm nucleus rich in arginine and lysine. These molecules act in the phase between histone expulsion and before incorporation of protamine in the spermatid nucleus. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze genes and protein abundance of TNP1 and TNP2 in sperm to determine the potential as motility markers and correlation with fertility in the field. An objective evaluation method, CASA-Sperm Vision, was used to separate 22 bulls into two groups (mg-A and mg-B) based on their increasing motility. Sperm quality parameters were also examined including velocity, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) by the JC-1 method, head defects using William staining, and DNA fragmentation by Halomax. TNPs genes abundance was performed using the RT-qPCR method, and the protein abundance was examined with the EIA approach. The fertility rate was also analyzed based on the conception rate generated from each bull in the field, with the data obtained from iSIKHNAS. The results showed that TNPs genes and protein abundance were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in mg-A compared to mg-B, followed by various sperm quality parameters and fertility rates (P < 0.05). Positive correlations were found in TNPs genes and protein abundance with motility, velocity, MMP, and fertility (P < 0.01). Meanwhile, a negative correlation (P < 0.01) was found between head defects and DNA fragmentation. These results showed the potential of TNPs as sperm motility markers and bull fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berlin Pandapotan Pardede
- Division of Reproduction and Obstetrics, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia; Research Center for Applied Zoology, National Research, and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, West Java, Indonesia.
| | - Ni Wayan Kurniani Karja
- Division of Reproduction and Obstetrics, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Syahruddin Said
- Research Center for Applied Zoology, National Research, and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Ekayanti Mulyawati Kaiin
- Research Center for Applied Zoology, National Research, and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Muhammad Agil
- Division of Reproduction and Obstetrics, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia.
| | - Cece Sumantri
- Department of Animal Production and Technology, Faculty of Animal Science, IPB University, Indonesia
| | - Bambang Purwantara
- Division of Reproduction and Obstetrics, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Iman Supriatna
- Division of Reproduction and Obstetrics, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
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16
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Cerepaka C, Schlupp I. Sperm specificity and potential paternal effects in gynogenesis in the Amazon Molly ( Poecilia formosa). PeerJ 2023; 11:e16118. [PMID: 37941935 PMCID: PMC10629382 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16118] [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: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The Amazon Molly (Poecilia formosa) reproduces by gynogenesis, a relatively rare form of asexual reproduction where sperm is required to trigger embryogenesis, but male genes are not incorporated into the genome of the embryo. Studying gynogenesis could isolate paternal non-genetic effects on reproduction. This study explored which of eleven related species can produce sperm to trigger gynogenesis through natural mating in P. formosa, and whether sympatry affects reproductive success in P. formosa. Reproductive outcomes measured were relative reproductive output (number of offspring in the first brood divided by female standard length), relative embryo output (number of embryos in the first brood divided by female standard length) and combined relative reproductive output (sum of relative reproductive output and relative embryo output). For large (>4 cm) P. formosa, combined relative reproductive output was higher with sympatric Atlantic Molly (Poecilia mexicana) males than with allopatric P. mexicana males. P. formosa produced live offspring or late-stage embryos with all species tested in the genera Poecilia and Limia but did not produce offspring or embryos with males from the genera Gambusia, Girardinus, Heterandria, Poeciliopsis, or Xiphophorus. This information, as well as the limitations characterized in this study, will set a foundation for use of P. formosa as a model for paternal effects and the species specificity of sperm on fertilization, embryogenesis, and reproductive success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa Cerepaka
- Division of Comparative Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States of America
- Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, United States of America
- Lab Animal Resource Center, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, United States of America
| | - Ingo Schlupp
- Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, United States of America
- International Stock Center for Livebearing Fishes, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, United States of America
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17
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Aitken RJ, Lewis SEM. DNA damage in testicular germ cells and spermatozoa. When and how is it induced? How should we measure it? What does it mean? Andrology 2023; 11:1545-1557. [PMID: 36604857 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
This review surveys the causes and consequences of DNA damage in the male germ line from spermatogonial stem cells to fully differentiated spermatozoa. Within the stem cell population, DNA integrity is well maintained as a result of excellent DNA surveillance and repair; however, a progressive increase in background mutation rates does occur with paternal age possibly as a result of aberrant DNA repair as well as replication error. Once a germ cell has committed to spermatogenesis, it responds to genetic damage via a range of DNA repair pathways or, if this process fails, by the induction of apoptosis. When fully-differentiated spermatozoa are stressed, they also activate a truncated intrinsic apoptotic pathway which results in the activation of nucleases in the mitochondria and cytoplasm; however, the physical architecture of these cells prevents these enzymes from translocating to the nucleus to induce DNA fragmentation. Conversely, hydrogen peroxide released from the sperm midpiece during apoptosis is able to penetrate the nucleus and induce DNA damage. The base excision repair pathway responds to such damage by cleaving oxidized bases from the DNA, leaving abasic sites that are alkali-labile and readily detected with the comet assay. As levels of oxidative stress increase and these cells enter the perimortem, topoisomerase integrated into the sperm chromatin becomes activated by SUMOylation. Such activation may initially facilitate DNA repair by reannealing double strand breaks but ultimately prepares the DNA for destruction by nucleases released from the male reproductive tract. The abasic sites and oxidized base lesions found in live spermatozoa are mutagenic and may increase the mutational load carried by the offspring, particularly in the context of assisted conception. A variety of strategies are described for managing patients expressing high levels of DNA damage in their spermatozoa, to reduce the risks such lesions might pose to offspring health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert John Aitken
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive, Science, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), New Lambton, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sheena E M Lewis
- Queens University Belfast, Belfast, UK
- Examen Ltd., Weavers Court, Belfast, UK
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18
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Santiago J, Silva JV, Santos MAS, Fardilha M. Age-Dependent Alterations in Semen Parameters and Human Sperm MicroRNA Profile. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2923. [PMID: 38001924 PMCID: PMC10669352 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11112923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The trend to delay parenthood is increasing, impacting fertility and reproductive outcomes. Advanced paternal age (APA), defined as men's age above 40 years at conception, has been linked with testicular impairment, abnormal semen parameters, and poor reproductive and birth outcomes. Recently, the significance of sperm microRNA for fertilization and embryonic development has emerged. This work aimed to investigate the effects of men's age on semen parameters and sperm microRNA profiles. The ejaculates of 333 Portuguese men were collected between 2018 and 2022, analyzed according to WHO guidelines, and a density gradient sperm selection was performed. For microRNA expression analysis, 16 normozoospermic human sperm samples were selected and divided into four age groups: ≤30, 31-35, 36-40, and >40 years. microRNA target genes were retrieved from the miRDB and TargetScan databases and Gene Ontology analysis was performed using the DAVID tool. No significant correlation was found between male age and conventional semen parameters, except for volume. Fifteen differentially expressed microRNAs (DEMs) between groups were identified. Enrichment analysis suggested the involvement of DEMs in the sperm of men with advanced age in critical biological processes like embryonic development, morphogenesis, and male gonad development. Targets of DEMs were involved in signaling pathways previously associated with the ageing process, including cellular senescence, autophagy, insulin, and mTOR pathways. These results suggest that although conventional semen parameters were not affected by men's age, alterations in microRNA regulation may occur and be responsible for poor fertility and reproductive outcomes associated with APA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Santiago
- Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (J.V.S.); (M.A.S.S.)
| | - Joana V. Silva
- Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (J.V.S.); (M.A.S.S.)
| | - Manuel A. S. Santos
- Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (J.V.S.); (M.A.S.S.)
- Multidisciplinary Institute of Ageing, MIA-Portugal, University of Coimbra, 3000-370 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Margarida Fardilha
- Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; (J.V.S.); (M.A.S.S.)
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19
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Lu L, Abbott AL. Male gonad-enriched microRNAs function to control sperm production in C. elegans. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.10.561762. [PMID: 37873419 PMCID: PMC10592766 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.10.561762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Germ cell development and gamete production in animals require small RNA pathways. While studies indicate that microRNAs (miRNAs) are necessary for normal sperm production and function, the specific roles for individual miRNAs are largely unknown. Here, we use small RNA sequencing of dissected gonads and functional analysis of new loss of function alleles to identify functions for miRNAs in the control of fecundity and sperm production in Caenorhabditis elegans males and hermaphrodites. We describe a set of 29 male gonad-enriched miRNAs and identify a set of 3 individual miRNAs (mir-58.1, mir-83, and mir-235) and a miRNA cluster (mir-4807-4810.1) that are required for optimal sperm production at 20°C and 5 additional miRNAs (mir-49, mir-57, mir-261, and mir-357/358) that are required for sperm production at 25°C. We observed defects in meiotic progression in mir-58.1, mir-83, mir-235, and mir-4807-4810.1 mutants that may contribute to the reduced number of sperm. Further, analysis of multiple mutants of these miRNAs suggested complex genetic interactions between these miRNAs for sperm production. This study provides insights on the regulatory roles of miRNAs that promote optimal sperm production and fecundity in males and hermaphrodites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Lu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, 53201 USA
| | - Allison L. Abbott
- Department of Biological Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, 53201 USA
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20
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Cannarella R, Marino M, Condorelli RA, La Vignera S, Calogero AE. Is It Time for Andrology and Endocrinology Professionals in Assisted Reproduction Centers? World J Mens Health 2023; 41:796-808. [PMID: 37118957 PMCID: PMC10523123 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.220253] [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: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Epidemiologists indicate that about half of the couple's infertility cases are due to a male factor. Despite this, the role of andrologists or endocrinologists in assisted reproductive technique (ART) centers is still underestimated. According to our literature review, this reduces the chance of a thorough clinical evaluation of the male partners, which, sometimes consists only in a mere semen analysis, usually performed by laboratory technicians. A more complete diagnostic process could lead to the identification of potentially treatable causes of infertility, the recognition of diseases that require immediate treatment, and to the discovery of genetic diseases and, therefore, transmissible to the offspring. It can also increase the success rate of ART resulting in less psychological and financial burden for both public health resources and infertile couples. The presence of medical personnel with andrological and endocrinological skills in the ART centers represents the first step in creating 'precision medicine'. We hope that the guidelines of the various scientific societies will clearly contemplate this possibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Cannarella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Marta Marino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Rosita A Condorelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Sandro La Vignera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Aldo E Calogero
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
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21
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Matzkin LM, Bono JM, Pigage HK, Allan CW, Diaz F, McCoy JR, Green CC, Callan JB, Delahunt SP. Females translate male mRNA transferred during mating. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.22.558997. [PMID: 37790342 PMCID: PMC10542174 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.22.558997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Although RNA is found in the seminal fluid of diverse organisms, it is unknown whether this RNA is functional within females. Here, we develop an experimental proteomic method called VESPA (Variant Enabled SILAC Proteomic Analysis) to test the hypothesis that Drosophila male seminal fluid RNA is translated by females. We find strong evidence for 67 male-derived, female-translated proteins (mdFTPs) in female lower reproductive tracts at six hours postmating, many with predicted functions relevant to reproduction. Gene knockout experiments indicate that genes coding for mdFTPs play diverse roles in postmating interactions, with effects on fertilization efficiency, and the formation and persistence of the insemination reaction mass, a trait hypothesized to be involved in sexual conflict. These findings advance our understanding of reproduction by revealing a novel mechanism of postmating molecular interactions between the sexes that strengthens and extends male influences on reproductive outcomes in previously unrecognized ways. Given the diverse species known to carry RNA in seminal fluid, this discovery has broad significance for understanding molecular mechanisms of cooperation and conflict during reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciano M. Matzkin
- Department of Entomology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Jeremy M. Bono
- Department of Biology, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO, USA
| | - Helen K. Pigage
- Department of Biology, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO, USA
| | - Carson W. Allan
- Department of Entomology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Fernando Diaz
- Department of Entomology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - John R. McCoy
- Department of Biology, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO, USA
| | - Clinton C. Green
- Department of Biology, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO, USA
| | - Jeffrey B. Callan
- Department of Biology, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO, USA
| | - Stephen P. Delahunt
- Department of Biology, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO, USA
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22
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Wang X, Li W, Feng X, Li J, Liu GE, Fang L, Yu Y. Harnessing male germline epigenomics for the genetic improvement in cattle. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2023; 14:76. [PMID: 37277852 PMCID: PMC10242889 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-023-00874-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm is essential for successful artificial insemination in dairy cattle, and its quality can be influenced by both epigenetic modification and epigenetic inheritance. The bovine germline differentiation is characterized by epigenetic reprogramming, while intergenerational and transgenerational epigenetic inheritance can influence the offspring's development through the transmission of epigenetic features to the offspring via the germline. Therefore, the selection of bulls with superior sperm quality for the production and fertility traits requires a better understanding of the epigenetic mechanism and more accurate identifications of epigenetic biomarkers. We have comprehensively reviewed the current progress in the studies of bovine sperm epigenome in terms of both resources and biological discovery in order to provide perspectives on how to harness this valuable information for genetic improvement in the cattle breeding industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Wang
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, National Engineering Laboratory of Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
- Konge Larsen ApS, Kongens Lyngby, 2800, Denmark
- Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, 250100, China
| | - Wenlong Li
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, National Engineering Laboratory of Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Xia Feng
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, National Engineering Laboratory of Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jianbing Li
- Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, 250100, China
| | - George E Liu
- Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, Henry A. Wallace Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, USDA, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA
| | - Lingzhao Fang
- Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, 8000, Denmark.
| | - Ying Yu
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, National Engineering Laboratory of Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
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23
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Moretti E, Signorini C, Corsaro R, Giamalidi M, Collodel G. Human Sperm as an In Vitro Model to Assess the Efficacy of Antioxidant Supplements during Sperm Handling: A Narrative Review. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12051098. [PMID: 37237965 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12051098] [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: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatozoa are highly differentiated cells that produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to aerobic metabolism. Below a certain threshold, ROS are important in signal transduction pathways and cellular physiological processes, whereas ROS overproduction damages spermatozoa. Sperm manipulation and preparation protocols during assisted reproductive procedures-for example, cryopreservation-can result in excessive ROS production, exposing these cells to oxidative damage. Thus, antioxidants are a relevant topic in sperm quality. This narrative review focuses on human spermatozoa as an in vitro model to study which antioxidants can be used to supplement media. The review comprises a brief presentation of the human sperm structure, a general overview of the main items of reduction-oxidation homeostasis and the ambivalent relationship between spermatozoa and ROS. The main body of the paper deals with studies in which human sperm have been used as an in vitro model to test antioxidant compounds, including natural extracts. The presence and the synergic effects of different antioxidant molecules could potentially lead to more effective products in vitro and, in the future, in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Moretti
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Cinzia Signorini
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Roberta Corsaro
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Maria Giamalidi
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Athens, 15701 Athens, Greece
| | - Giulia Collodel
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
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24
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Wang H, Wang Z, Zhou T, Morris D, Chen S, Li M, Wang Y, Zheng H, Fu W, Yan W. Small RNA shuffling between murine sperm and their cytoplasmic droplets during epididymal maturation. Dev Cell 2023; 58:779-790.e4. [PMID: 37023748 PMCID: PMC10627525 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2023.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Reports that mouse sperm gain small RNAs from the epididymosomes secreted by epididymal epithelial cells and that these "foreign" small RNAs act as an epigenetic information carrier mediating the transmission of acquired paternal traits have drawn great attention because the findings suggest that heritable information can flow from soma to germ line, thus invalidating the long-standing Weismann's barrier theory on heritable information flow. Using small RNA sequencing (sRNA-seq), northern blots, sRNA in situ hybridization, and immunofluorescence, we detected substantial changes in the small RNA profile in murine caput epididymal sperm (sperm in the head of the epididymis), and we further determined that the changes resulted from sperm exchanging small RNAs, mainly tsRNAs and rsRNAs, with cytoplasmic droplets rather than the epididymosomes. Moreover, the murine sperm-borne small RNAs were mainly derived from the nuclear small RNAs in late spermatids. Thus, caution is needed regarding sperm gaining foreign small RNAs as an underlying mechanism of epigenetic inheritance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hetan Wang
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA, Torrance, CA 90502, USA; Department of Medical Genetics, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Zhuqing Wang
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Tong Zhou
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Dayton Morris
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Sheng Chen
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Musheng Li
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Yue Wang
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Huili Zheng
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Weineng Fu
- Department of Medical Genetics, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Wei Yan
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA, Torrance, CA 90502, USA; Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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25
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Zhang M, Deng YL, Liu C, Lu WQ, Zeng Q. Impacts of disinfection byproduct exposures on male reproductive health: Current evidence, possible mechanisms and future needs. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 331:138808. [PMID: 37121289 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Disinfection byproducts (DBPs) are a class of ubiquitous chemicals in drinking water and inevitably result in widespread human exposures. Potentially adverse health effects of DBP exposures, including reproductive and developmental outcomes, have been increasing public concerns. Several reviews have focused on the adverse pregnancy outcomes of DBPs. This review summarized current evidence on male reproduction health upon exposure to DBPs from toxicological and epidemiological literature. Based on existing experimental studies, there are sufficient evidence showing that haloacetic acids (HAAs) are male reproductive toxicants, including reduced epididymal weight, decreased semen parameters and sperm protein 22, and declined testosterone levels. However, epidemiological evidence remains insufficient to support a link of DBP exposures with adverse male reproductive outcomes, despite that blood and urinary DBP biomarkers are associated with decreased semen quality. Eight potential mechanisms, including germ/somatic cell dysfunction, oxidative stress, genotoxicity, inflammation, endocrine hormones, folate metabolism, epigenetic alterations, and gut microbiota, are likely involved in male reproductive toxicity of DBPs. We also identified knowledge gaps in toxicological and epidemiological studies to enhance future needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, And State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Yan-Ling Deng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, And State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Chong Liu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, And State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Wen-Qing Lu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, And State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Qiang Zeng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, And State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China.
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26
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Calogero AE, Cannarella R, Agarwal A, Hamoda TAAAM, Rambhatla A, Saleh R, Boitrelle F, Ziouziou I, Toprak T, Gul M, Avidor-Reiss T, Kavoussi P, Chung E, Birowo P, Ghayda RA, Ko E, Colpi G, Dimitriadis F, Russo GI, Martinez M, Calik G, Kandil H, Salvio G, Mostafa T, Lin H, Park HJ, Gherabi N, Phuoc NHV, Quang N, Adriansjah R, La Vignera S, Micic S, Durairajanayagam D, Serefoglu EC, Karthikeyan VS, Kothari P, Atmoko W, Shah R. The Renaissance of Male Infertility Management in the Golden Age of Andrology. World J Mens Health 2023; 41:237-254. [PMID: 36649928 PMCID: PMC10042649 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.220213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Infertility affects nearly 186 million people worldwide and the male partner is the cause in about half of the cases. Meta-regression data indicate an unexplained decline in sperm concentration and total sperm count over the last four decades, with an increasing prevalence of male infertility. This suggests an urgent need to implement further basic and clinical research in Andrology. Andrology developed as a branch of urology, gynecology, endocrinology, and, dermatology. The first scientific journal devoted to andrological sciences was founded in 1969. Since then, despite great advancements, andrology has encountered several obstacles in its growth. In fact, for cultural reasons, the male partner has often been neglected in the diagnostic and therapeutic workup of the infertile couple. Furthermore, the development of assisted reproductive techniques (ART) has driven a strong impression that this biotechnology can overcome all forms of infertility, with a common belief that having a spermatozoon from a male partner (a sort of sperm donor) is all that is needed to achieve pregnancy. However, clinical practice has shown that the quality of the male gamete is important for a successful ART outcome. Furthermore, the safety of ART has been questioned because of the high prevalence of comorbidities in the offspring of ART conceptions compared to spontaneous conceptions. These issues have paved the way for more research and a greater understanding of the mechanisms of spermatogenesis and male infertility. Consequently, numerous discoveries have been made in the field of andrology, ranging from genetics to several "omics" technologies, oxidative stress and sperm DNA fragmentation, the sixth edition of the WHO manual, artificial intelligence, management of azoospermia, fertility in cancers survivors, artificial testis, 3D printing, gene engineering, stem cells therapy for spermatogenesis, and reconstructive microsurgery and seminal microbiome. Nevertheless, as many cases of male infertility remain idiopathic, further studies are required to improve the clinical management of infertile males. A multidisciplinary strategy involving both clinicians and scientists in basic, translational, and clinical research is the core principle that will allow andrology to overcome its limits and reach further goals. This state-of-the-art article aims to present a historical review of andrology, and, particularly, male infertility, from its "Middle Ages" to its "Renaissance", a golden age of andrology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldo E Calogero
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Rossella Cannarella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- Global Andrology Forum, Moreland Hills, OH, USA
- Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | - Taha Abo-Almagd Abdel-Meguid Hamoda
- Department of Urology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Amarnath Rambhatla
- Department of Urology, Vattikuti Urology Institute, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Ramadan Saleh
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
- Ajyal IVF Center, Ajyal Hospital, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Florence Boitrelle
- Reproductive Biology, Fertility Preservation, Andrology, CECOS, Poissy Hospital, Poissy, France
- Department of Biology, Reproduction, Epigenetics, Environment and Development, Paris Saclay University, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Imad Ziouziou
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, Morocco
| | - Tuncay Toprak
- Department of Urology, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Murat Gul
- Department of Urology, Selcuk University School of Medicine, Konya, Turkey
| | - Tomer Avidor-Reiss
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Parviz Kavoussi
- Austin Fertility & Reproductive Medicine/Westlake IVF, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Eric Chung
- Department of Urology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Ponco Birowo
- Department of Urology, Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Ramy Abou Ghayda
- Urology Institute, University Hospitals, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Edmund Ko
- Department of Urology, Loma Linda University Health, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | | | - Fotios Dimitriadis
- Department of Urology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Marlon Martinez
- Section of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Santo Tomas Hospital, Manila, Philippines
| | - Gokhan Calik
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Gianmaria Salvio
- Department of Endocrinology, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Taymour Mostafa
- Department of Andrology, Sexology and STIs, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Haocheng Lin
- Department of Urology, Peking University Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Hyun Jun Park
- Department of Urology, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan, Korea
- Medical Research Institute of Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Korea
| | - Nazim Gherabi
- Faculty of Medicine, Algiers University, Algiers, Algeria
| | | | - Nguyen Quang
- Center for Andrology and Sexual Medicine, Viet Duc University Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Department of Urology, Andrology and Sexual Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Ricky Adriansjah
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Padjadjaran, Hasan Sadikin General Hospital, Banding, Indonesia
| | - Sandro La Vignera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Sava Micic
- Department of Andrology, Uromedica Polyclinic, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Damayanthi Durairajanayagam
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh Campus, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ege Can Serefoglu
- Department of Urology, Biruni University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Priyank Kothari
- Department of Urology, B.Y.L Nair Ch Hospital, Mumbai, India
| | - Widi Atmoko
- Department Department of Urology, Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Rupin Shah
- Division of Andrology, Department of Urology, Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, India
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27
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Rockenbach MK, Fraga LR, Kowalski TW, Sanseverino MTV. Expression profiles of meiotic genes in male vs. female gonads and gametes: Insights into fertility issues. Front Genet 2023; 14:1125097. [PMID: 36999055 PMCID: PMC10045993 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1125097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Gametes are specialized cells that, at fertilization, give rise to a totipotent zygote capable of generating an entire organism. Female and male germ cells undergo meiosis to produce mature gametes; however, sex-specific events of oogenesis and spermatogenesis contribute to specific roles of gametes in reproductive issues. We investigate the differential gene expression (DGE) of meiosis-related genes in human female and male gonads and gametes in normal and pathological conditions. The transcriptome data for the DGE analysis was obtained through the Gene Expression Omnibus repository, comprising human ovary and testicle samples of the prenatal period and adulthood, additionally to male (non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) and teratozoospermia), and female (polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and advanced maternal age) reproductive conditions. Gene ontology terms related to meiosis were associated with 678 genes, of which 17 genes in common were differentially expressed between the testicle and ovary during the prenatal period and adulthood. Except for SERPINA5 and SOX9, the 17 meiosis-related genes were downregulated in the testicle during the prenatal period and upregulated in adulthood compared to the ovary. No differences were observed in the oocytes of PCOS patients; however, meiosis-related genes were differentially expressed according to the patient’s age and maturity of the oocyte. In NOA and teratozoospermia, 145 meiosis-related genes were differentially expressed in comparison to the control, including OOEP; despite no recognized role in male reproduction, OOEP was co-expressed with genes related to male fertility. Taking together, these results shed light on potential genes that might be relevant to comprehend human fertility disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marília Körbes Rockenbach
- Postgraduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Lucas Rosa Fraga
- Department of Morphological Sciences, Institute of Health Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Medicine: Medical Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Laboratory of Genomic Medicine, Center of Experimental Research, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Thayne Woycinck Kowalski
- Postgraduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Laboratory of Genomic Medicine, Center of Experimental Research, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Bioinformatics Core, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Medical Genetics Service, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Centro Universitário CESUCA, Cachoeirinha, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Thayne Woycinck Kowalski, ,
| | - Maria Teresa Vieira Sanseverino
- Postgraduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Medical Genetics Service, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- School of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Catolica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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28
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Approaches for sRNA Analysis of Human RNA-Seq Data: Comparison, Benchmarking. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24044195. [PMID: 36835604 PMCID: PMC9959513 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24044195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Expression analysis of small noncoding RNA (sRNA), including microRNA, piwi-interacting RNA, small rRNA-derived RNA, and tRNA-derived small RNA, is a novel and quickly developing field. Despite a range of proposed approaches, selecting and adapting a particular pipeline for transcriptomic analysis of sRNA remains a challenge. This paper focuses on the identification of the optimal pipeline configurations for each step of human sRNA analysis, including reads trimming, filtering, mapping, transcript abundance quantification and differential expression analysis. Based on our study, we suggest the following parameters for the analysis of human sRNA in relation to categorical analyses with two groups of biosamples: (1) trimming with the lower length bound = 15 and the upper length bound = Read length - 40% Adapter length; (2) mapping on a reference genome with bowtie aligner with one mismatch allowed (-v 1 parameter); (3) filtering by mean threshold > 5; (4) analyzing differential expression with DESeq2 with adjusted p-value < 0.05 or limma with p-value < 0.05 if there is very little signal and few transcripts.
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29
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Conflitti AC, Cicolani G, Buonacquisto A, Pallotti F, Faja F, Bianchini S, Blaconà G, Bruno SM, Linari A, Lucarelli M, Montanino D, Muzii L, Lenzi A, Lombardo F, Paoli D. Sperm DNA Fragmentation and Sperm-Borne miRNAs: Molecular Biomarkers of Embryo Development? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021007. [PMID: 36674527 PMCID: PMC9864861 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021007] [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: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The evaluation of morpho-functional sperm characteristics alone is not enough to explain infertility or to predict the outcome of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART): more sensitive diagnostic tools are needed in clinical practice. The aim of the present study was to analyze Sperm DNA Fragmentation (SDF) and sperm-borne miR-34c-5p and miR-449b-5p levels in men of couples undergoing ART, in order to investigate any correlations with fertilization rate, embryo quality and development. Male partners (n = 106) were recruited. Semen analysis, SDF evaluation and molecular profiling analysis of miR-34c-5p and miR-449b-5p (in 38 subjects) were performed. Sperm DNA Fragmentation evaluation- a positive correlation between SDF post sperm selection and the percentage of low-quality embryos and a negative correlation with viable embryo were found. SDF > 2.9% increased the risk of obtaining a non-viable embryo by almost 4-fold. Sperm miRNAs profile—we found an association with both miRNAs and sperm concentration, while miR-449b-5p is positively associated with SDF. Moreover, the two miRNAs are positively correlated. Higher levels of miR-34c-5p compared to miR-449b-5p increases by 14-fold the probability of obtaining viable embryos. This study shows that SDF, sperm miR-34c-5p, and miR-449b-5p have a promising role as biomarkers of semen quality and ART outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Chiara Conflitti
- Laboratory of Seminology–Sperm Bank “Loredana Gandini”, Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Gaia Cicolani
- Laboratory of Seminology–Sperm Bank “Loredana Gandini”, Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Buonacquisto
- Laboratory of Seminology–Sperm Bank “Loredana Gandini”, Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Pallotti
- Laboratory of Seminology–Sperm Bank “Loredana Gandini”, Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Fabiana Faja
- Laboratory of Seminology–Sperm Bank “Loredana Gandini”, Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Serena Bianchini
- Laboratory of Seminology–Sperm Bank “Loredana Gandini”, Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna Blaconà
- Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Sabina Maria Bruno
- Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Linari
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Lucarelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Pasteur Institute, Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Diletta Montanino
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Ludovico Muzii
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Lenzi
- Laboratory of Seminology–Sperm Bank “Loredana Gandini”, Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Lombardo
- Laboratory of Seminology–Sperm Bank “Loredana Gandini”, Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Donatella Paoli
- Laboratory of Seminology–Sperm Bank “Loredana Gandini”, Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Scheuren M, Möhner J, Zischler H. R-loop landscape in mature human sperm: Regulatory and evolutionary implications. Front Genet 2023; 14:1069871. [PMID: 37139234 PMCID: PMC10149866 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1069871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
R-loops are three-stranded nucleic acid structures consisting of an RNA:DNA hybrid and a displaced DNA strand. While R-loops pose a potential threat to genome integrity, they constitute 5% of the human genome. The role of R-loops in transcriptional regulation, DNA replication, and chromatin signature is becoming increasingly clear. R-loops are associated with various histone modifications, suggesting that they may modulate chromatin accessibility. To potentially harness transcription-coupled repair mechanisms in the germline, nearly the entire genome is expressed during the early stages of male gametogenesis in mammals, providing ample opportunity for the formation of a transcriptome-dependent R-loop landscape in male germ cells. In this study, our data demonstrated the presence of R-loops in fully mature human and bonobo sperm heads and their partial correspondence to transcribed regions and chromatin structure, which is massively reorganized from mainly histone to mainly protamine-packed chromatin in mature sperm. The sperm R-loop landscape resembles characteristic patterns of somatic cells. Surprisingly, we detected R-loops in both residual histone and protamine-packed chromatin and localize them to still-active retroposons, ALUs and SINE-VNTR-ALUs (SVAs), the latter has recently arisen in hominoid primates. We detected both evolutionarily conserved and species-specific localizations. Comparing our DNA-RNA immunoprecipitation (DRIP) data with published DNA methylation and histone chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) data, we hypothesize that R-loops epigenetically reduce methylation of SVAs. Strikingly, we observe a strong influence of R-loops on the transcriptomes of zygotes from early developmental stages before zygotic genome activation. Overall, these findings suggest that chromatin accessibility influenced by R-loops may represent a system of inherited gene regulation.
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31
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Translational Bioinformatics for Human Reproductive Biology Research: Examples, Opportunities and Challenges for a Future Reproductive Medicine. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010004. [PMID: 36613446 PMCID: PMC9819745 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Since 1978, with the first IVF (in vitro fertilization) baby birth in Manchester (England), more than eight million IVF babies have been born throughout the world, and many new techniques and discoveries have emerged in reproductive medicine. To summarize the modern technology and progress in reproductive medicine, all scientific papers related to reproductive medicine, especially papers related to reproductive translational medicine, were fully searched, manually curated and reviewed. Results indicated whether male reproductive medicine or female reproductive medicine all have made significant progress, and their markers have experienced the progress from karyotype analysis to single-cell omics. However, due to the lack of comprehensive databases, especially databases collecting risk exposures, disease markers and models, prevention drugs and effective treatment methods, the application of the latest precision medicine technologies and methods in reproductive medicine is limited.
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32
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Tarín JJ, García-Pérez MA, Cano A. It Is Premature to Use Postmortem Sperm for Reproductive Purposes: a Data-Driven Opinion. Reprod Sci 2022; 29:3387-3393. [PMID: 35146695 PMCID: PMC9734227 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-00874-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Postmortem sperm retrieval for reproductive purposes is an assisted reproduction procedure that offers women an opportunity to have a child using sperm retrieved from their deceased partners. The ethical issues of this procedure have been discussed in previous works. However, an assessment of the procedure using a scientific perspective is still lacking. Here, we aim to ascertain, using a biological standpoint, whether postmortem sperm should be rescued for reproductive purposes. Data suggest that it is premature to use postmortem sperm for reproductive purposes. This procedure should not be clinically applied until appropriate and comprehensive analyses have been completed. Such analyses should be focused not only on fertilization, embryo development, and pregnancy outcomes, but also on potential postmortem alterations of sperm DNA, RNAs, and proteins. In addition, genetic and epigenetic analyses of sperm, pre-implantation embryos, and newborns, as well as mental and physical health follow-up of the resulting offspring during a whole life cycle, using appropriate non-human mammalian models, are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan J Tarín
- Department of Cellular Biology, Functional Biology and Physical Anthropology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Valencia, Dr. Moliner 50, 46100, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain.
- Institute of Health Research INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Miguel A García-Pérez
- Institute of Health Research INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Valencia, Dr. Moliner 50, 46100, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
| | - Antonio Cano
- Institute of Health Research INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
- Service of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Clinic Hospital, Valencia, Spain
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, Av. Blasco Ibañez 17, 46010, Valencia, Spain
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33
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Wu X, He X, Liu Q, Li H. The developmental miR-17-92 cluster and the Sfmbt2 miRNA cluster cannot rescue the abnormal embryonic development generated using obstructive epididymal environment-producing sperm in C57BL/6 J mice. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2022; 20:164. [PMID: 36451157 PMCID: PMC9710060 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-022-01025-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sperm, during epididymal transit, acquires microRNAs(miRNAs), which are crucial for embryonic development. However, whether sperm miRNAs influenced by an obstructive epididymal environment affect embryonic development remains unknown. METHOD The sham operation and vasectomy were performed in C57BL/6 J mice to create the control group (CON) and the obstructive epididymal environment group(OEE) group, respectively. The morphology of the testis and epididymis was observed using hematoxylin and eosin staining (HE staining) to establish the OEE mice model. The sperm quality test, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and epididymosomes fusion were employed to observe the effect of the obstructive epididymal environment on sperm and resultant embryonic development. The alteration of the sperm small RNA (sRNA) profile was analyzed by sRNA sequencing. RT-qPCR and DNA methylation were applied to observe the effect of obstructive epididymis on the expression of sperm miRNAs. The miRNAs microinjection was used to explore the impacts of sperm miRNAs on embryonic development. RESULTS We confirmed postoperative 8-week mice as the OEE mice model by examining the morphology of the testis and epididymis. In the OEE group, we observed that sperm quality degraded and the development potential of embryos was reduced, which can be saved by the normal epididymal environment. The sperm sRNA sequencing revealed that the expression of the developmental miR-17-92 cluster and the Sfmbt2 miRNA cluster was downregulated in the OEE group. The expression of these two miRNA clusters in epididymis was also downregulated and regulated by DNA methylation. However, the downregulation of either the miR-17-92 cluster or the Sfmbt2 miRNA cluster in normal zygotes did not impair embryonic development. CONCLUSION The obstructive epididymal environment influences sperm quality and resultant embryonic development, as well as the abundance of the developmental miR-17-92 cluster and the Sfmbt2 miRNA cluster in sperm, but these miRNA clusters are not the cause of abnormal embryonic development. It implies that epididymis is important in early embryonic development and may play a potential role in sperm epigenome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xunwei Wu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaomei He
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Liu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Honggang Li
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China.
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34
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Kekäläinen J. Cryptic female choice within individual males - A neglected component of the postmating sexual selection? J Evol Biol 2022; 35:1407-1413. [PMID: 35988118 PMCID: PMC9804180 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.14081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Cryptic female choice (CFC) is commonly assumed to act only in polyandrous mating systems, which allows females to bias fertilization towards the sperm of particular males. However, accumulated evidence has demonstrated that sperm show significant phenotypic and genotypic variation also within single ejaculates, which have important consequences for offspring phenotype and fitness. Here, I argue that these neglected sources of intra-male sperm variation often allow CFC to act also within individual males and facilitate fertilization bias towards genetically compatible (or otherwise preferred) sperm haplotypes. In this article, I explain prerequisites for within-male CFC, the criteria for demonstrating it and summarize accumulated evidence for this emerging selection process. Then, I evaluate prevalence of within-male CFC and review its potential evolutionary consequences. The aim of this article is to broaden the current definition of CFC by demonstrating that CFC has potential to act in all mating systems, in both internally and externally fertilizing species. Incorporation of the within-male CFC concept into the current models of sexual selection may provide novel insights into the deeper understanding of selective factors driving the evolution of mating systems and reproductive proteins. Finally, within-male CFC towards particular sperm haplotypes may increase our understanding of non-Mendelian inheritance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jukka Kekäläinen
- Department of Environmental and Biological SciencesUniversity of Eastern FinlandJoensuuFinland
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35
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Castany Quintana M, Gardela J, Ruiz‐Conca M, López‐Béjar M, Martinez CA, Rodríguez‐Martinez H, Álvarez‐Rodríguez M. Changes in aquaporins mRNA expression and liquid storage at 17°C: A potential biomarker of boar sperm quality? Reprod Domest Anim 2022; 57 Suppl 5:78-81. [PMID: 35467055 PMCID: PMC9790750 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Artificial insemination (AI) for pigs relies on liquid storage of extended semen at 17°C, which preserves sperm quality and ensures its fertilizing capacity. Routine quality controls include the evaluation of sperm motility, viability and capacitation status. The physiological functions of all these features depend on transmembrane aquaporins (AQPs), proteins playing key roles in osmoadaptation. In this study, we made a relative quantification, using RT-qPCR, of the mRNA of several sperm AQPs in AI-liquid semen doses before and after a 48-hr incubation period, aiming to determine possible quantitative compromising expression changes during the process that could serve as a diagnostic tool. Our results showed a decrease in classical sperm motility variables (total and progressive motility and velocity) and sperm viability after 48-hr storage, whereas capacitation status increased overtime. mRNA expression increased in the orthodox AQP4 and AQP6 after 48-hr incubation, relative to control (0 hr) and 24-hr time-points. Moreover, mRNA expression of aquaglyceroporins AQP3, AQP7 and AQP10 was higher after 48-hr incubation, confirmed by AQP7-protein validation using Western blot. Our results indicate that expression levels of AQPs-mRNA can change in ejaculated pig spermatozoa under conditions of ex-vivo incubation that could modify sperm homeostasis, suggesting it could eventually become a relevant molecular biomarker to assess the efficiency of liquid storage of pig semen.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jaume Gardela
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV)Linköping UniversityLinköpingSweden,Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Veterinary FacultyUniversitat Autònoma de BarcelonaBellaterra, BarcelonaSpain
| | - Mateo Ruiz‐Conca
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV)Linköping UniversityLinköpingSweden,Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Veterinary FacultyUniversitat Autònoma de BarcelonaBellaterra, BarcelonaSpain
| | - Manel López‐Béjar
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Veterinary FacultyUniversitat Autònoma de BarcelonaBellaterra, BarcelonaSpain,College of Veterinary MedicineWestern University of Health SciencesPomonaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Cristina A. Martinez
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV)Linköping UniversityLinköpingSweden
| | | | - Manuel Álvarez‐Rodríguez
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV)Linköping UniversityLinköpingSweden,Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Veterinary FacultyUniversitat Autònoma de BarcelonaBellaterra, BarcelonaSpain,Department of Animal ReproductionINIA‐CSICMadridSpain
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36
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Ashapkin V, Suvorov A, Pilsner JR, Krawetz SA, Sergeyev O. Age-associated epigenetic changes in mammalian sperm: implications for offspring health and development. Hum Reprod Update 2022; 29:24-44. [PMID: 36066418 PMCID: PMC9825272 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmac033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Modern reproductive behavior in most developed countries is characterized by delayed parenthood. Older gametes are generally less fertile, accumulating and compounding the effects of varied environmental exposures that are modified by lifestyle factors. Clinicians are primarily concerned with advanced maternal age, while the influence of paternal age on fertility, early development and offspring health remains underappreciated. There is a growing trend to use assisted reproductive technologies for couples of advanced reproductive age. Thus, the number of children born from older gametes is increasing. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE We review studies reporting age-associated epigenetic changes in mammals and humans in sperm, including DNA methylation, histone modifications and non-coding RNAs. The interplay between environment, fertility, ART and age-related epigenetic signatures is explored. We focus on the association of sperm epigenetics on epigenetic and phenotype events in embryos and offspring. SEARCH METHODS Peer-reviewed original and review articles over the last two decades were selected using PubMed and the Web of Science for this narrative review. Searches were performed by adopting the two groups of main terms. The first group included 'advanced paternal age', 'paternal age', 'postponed fatherhood', 'late fatherhood', 'old fatherhood' and the second group included 'sperm epigenetics', 'sperm', 'semen', 'epigenetic', 'inheritance', 'DNA methylation', 'chromatin', 'non-coding RNA', 'assisted reproduction', 'epigenetic clock'. OUTCOMES Age is a powerful factor in humans and rodent models associated with increased de novo mutations and a modified sperm epigenome. Age affects all known epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modifications and profiles of small non-coding (snc)RNA. While DNA methylation is the most investigated, there is a controversy about the direction of age-dependent changes in differentially hypo- or hypermethylated regions with advanced age. Successful development of the human sperm epigenetic clock based on cross-sectional data and four different methods for DNA methylation analysis indicates that at least some CpG exhibit a linear relationship between methylation levels and age. Rodent studies show a significant overlap between genes regulated through age-dependent differentially methylated regions and genes targeted by age-dependent sncRNA. Both age-dependent epigenetic mechanisms target gene networks enriched for embryo developmental, neurodevelopmental, growth and metabolic pathways. Thus, age-dependent changes in the sperm epigenome cannot be described as a stochastic accumulation of random epimutations and may be linked with autism spectrum disorders. Chemical and lifestyle exposures and ART techniques may affect the epigenetic aging of sperm. Although most epigenetic modifications are erased in the early mammalian embryo, there is growing evidence that an altered offspring epigenome and phenotype is linked with advanced paternal age due to the father's sperm accumulating epigenetic changes with time. It has been hypothesized that age-induced changes in the sperm epigenome are profound, physiological and dynamic over years, yet stable over days and months, and likely irreversible. WIDER IMPLICATIONS This review raises a concern about delayed fatherhood and age-associated changes in the sperm epigenome that may compromise reproductive health of fathers and transfer altered epigenetic information to subsequent generations. Prospective studies using healthy males that consider confounders are recommended. We suggest a broader discussion focused on regulation of the father's age in natural and ART conceptions is needed. The professional community should be informed and should raise awareness in the population and when counseling older men.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - J Richard Pilsner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Stephen A Krawetz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA,Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Oleg Sergeyev
- Correspondence address. Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskye Gory, House 1, Building 40, Room 322, Moscow 119992, Russia. E-mail: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5745-3348
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Afsari M, Fesahat F, Talebi AR, Agarwal A, Henkel R, Zare F, Gül M, Iraci N, Cannarella R, Makki M, Anvari M, Sarcheshmeh AA, Talebi AH. ANXA2
,
SP17
,
SERPINA5
,
PRDX2
genes, and sperm
DNA
fragmentation differentially represented in male partners of infertile couples with normal and abnormal sperm parameters. Andrologia 2022; 54:e14556. [DOI: 10.1111/and.14556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Maliheh Afsari
- Department of Biology & Anatomical Sciences Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences Yazd Iran
| | - Farzaneh Fesahat
- Reproductive Immunology Research Center Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences Yazd Iran
| | - Ali Reza Talebi
- Department of Biology & Anatomical Sciences Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences Yazd Iran
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine Cleveland Clinic Cleveland Ohio USA
| | - Ralf Henkel
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine Cleveland Clinic Cleveland Ohio USA
- Department of Medical Bioscience University of the Western Cape Bellville South Africa
| | - Fatemeh Zare
- Reproductive Immunology Research Center Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences Yazd Iran
| | - Murat Gül
- Department of Urology Selcuk University School of Medicine Konya Turkey
| | - Nunzio Iraci
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (BIOMETEC) University of Catania Catania Italy
| | - Rossella Cannarella
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine Cleveland Clinic Cleveland Ohio USA
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine University of Catania Catania Italy
| | | | - Morteza Anvari
- Department of Biology & Anatomical Sciences Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences Yazd Iran
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Werry N, Russell SJ, Gillis DJ, Miller S, Hickey K, Larmer S, Lohuis M, Librach C, LaMarre J. Characteristics of miRNAs Present in Bovine Sperm and Associations With Differences in Fertility. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:874371. [PMID: 35663333 PMCID: PMC9160602 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.874371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Small non-coding RNAs have been linked to different phenotypes in bovine sperm, however attempts to identify sperm-borne molecular biomarkers of male fertility have thus far failed to identify a robust profile of expressed miRNAs related to fertility. We hypothesized that some differences in bull fertility may be reflected in the levels of different miRNAs in sperm. To explore such differences in fertility that are not due to differences in visible metrics of sperm quality, we employed Next Generation Sequencing to compare the miRNA populations in Bos taurus sperm from bulls with comparable motility and morphology but varying Sire Conception Rates. We identified the most abundant miRNAs in both populations (miRs -34b-3p; -100-5p; -191-5p; -30d-4p; -21-5p) and evaluated differences in the overall levels and specific patterns of isomiR expression. We also explored correlations between specific pairs of miRNAs in each population and identified 10 distinct pairs of miRNAs that were positively correlated in bulls with higher fertility and negatively correlated in comparatively less fertile individuals. Furthermore, 8 additional miRNA pairs demonstrated the opposite trend; negatively correlated in high fertility animals and positively correlated in less fertile bulls. Finally, we performed pathway analysis to identify potential roles of miRNAs present in bull sperm in the regulation of specific genes that impact spermatogenesis and embryo development. Together, these results present a comprehensive picture of the bovine sperm miRNAome that suggests multiple potential roles in fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Werry
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | | | - Daniel J. Gillis
- School of Computer Science, The University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | - Clifford Librach
- CReATe Fertility Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jonathan LaMarre
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
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ITAS: Integrated Transcript Annotation for Small RNA. Noncoding RNA 2022; 8:ncrna8030030. [PMID: 35645337 PMCID: PMC9150019 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna8030030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcriptomics analysis of various small RNA (sRNA) biotypes is a new and rapidly developing field. Annotations for microRNAs, tRNAs, piRNAs and rRNAs contain information on transcript sequences and loci that is vital for downstream analyses. Several databases have been established to provide this type of data for specific RNA biotypes. However, these sources often contain data in different formats, which makes the bulk analysis of several sRNA biotypes in a single pipeline challenging. Information on some transcripts may be incomplete or conflicting with other entries. To overcome these challenges, we introduce ITAS, or Integrated Transcript Annotation for Small RNA, a filtered, corrected and integrated transcript annotation containing information on several types of small RNAs, including tRNA-derived small RNA, for several species (Homo sapiens, Rattus norvegicus, Mus musculus, Drosophila melanogaster, Caenorhabditis elegans). ITAS is presented in a format applicable for the vast majority of bioinformatic transcriptomics analysis, and it was tested in several case studies for human-derived data against existing alternative databases.
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Sperm Phosphoproteome: Unraveling Male Infertility. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11050659. [PMID: 35625387 PMCID: PMC9137924 DOI: 10.3390/biology11050659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Infertility affects approximately 15% of couples worldwide of childbearing age, and in many cases the etiology of male infertility is unknown. The current standard evaluation of semen is insufficient to establish an accurate diagnosis. Proteomics techniques, such as phosphoproteomics, applied in this field are a powerful tool to understand the mechanisms that regulate sperm functions such as motility, which is essential for successful fertilization. Among the post-translational modifications of sperm proteins, this review summarizes, from a proteomic perspective, the updated knowledge of protein phosphorylation, in human spermatozoa, as a relevant molecular mechanism involved in the regulation of sperm physiology. Specifically, the role of sperm protein phosphorylation in motility and, consequently, in sperm quality is highlighted. Additionally, through the analysis of published comparative phosphoproteomic studies, some candidate human sperm phosphoproteins associated with low sperm motility are proposed. Despite the remarkable advances in phosphoproteomics technologies, the relatively low number of studies performed in human spermatozoa suggests that phosphoproteomics has not been applied to its full potential in studying male infertility yet. Therefore, further studies will improve the application of this procedure and overcome the limitations, increasing the understanding of regulatory mechanisms underlying protein phosphorylation in sperm motility and, consequently, in male fertility.
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Bicarbonate-Triggered In Vitro Capacitation of Boar Spermatozoa Conveys an Increased Relative Abundance of the Canonical Transient Receptor Potential Cation (TRPC) Channels 3, 4, 6 and 7 and of CatSper-γ Subunit mRNA Transcripts. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12081012. [PMID: 35454259 PMCID: PMC9031844 DOI: 10.3390/ani12081012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The detection of sub-fertile boars has been a difficult task, and despite their prevalence being low, its impact is very significant because it implies economic drawbacks for artificial insemination (AI) centers and farms. Unfortunately, some crucial reproductive processes fall beyond the routine analysis performed in the porcine model, such as sperm capacitation, which is a necessary event for fertilization. A synergistic action of bicarbonate (HCO3−) with calcium (Ca2+) is needed to achieve capacitation. The transport of Ca2+ is mediated by CatSper channels and Canonical Transient Potential Channels (TRPC). We quantified mRNA transcripts of different subunits of CatSper (β, γ and δ) and TRPC (1, 3, 4, 6 and 7) before and after in vitro capacitation by HCO3− ions. Our results showed that in vitro capacitation using HCO3− increases the relative abundance of mRNA transcripts of almost all subunits of Ca2+ channels, except CatSper-δ and TRPC1, which were significantly reduced. More studies are needed to elucidate the specific roles of the TRPC channels at a physiological and functional level. Abstract Sperm capacitation is a stepwise complex biochemical process towards fertilization. It includes a crucial early calcium (Ca2+) transport mediated by CatSper channels and Canonical Transient Potential Channels (TRPC). We studied the relative abundance of mRNA transcripts changes of the CatSper β, γ and δ subunits and TRPC-channels 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 in pig spermatozoa, after triggering in vitro capacitation by bicarbonate ions at levels present in vivo at the fertilization site. For this purpose, we analyzedfive5 ejaculate pools (from three fertile adult boars) before (control-fresh samples) and after in vitro exposure to capacitation conditions (37 mM NaHCO3, 2.25 mM CaCl2, 2 mM caffeine, 0.5% bovine serum albumin and 310 mM lactose) at 38 °C, 5% CO2 for 30 min. In vitro capacitation using bicarbonate elicits an increase in the relative abundance of mRNA transcripts of almost all studied Ca2+ channels, except CatSper-δ and TRPC1 (significantly reduced). These findings open new avenues of research to identify the specific role of each channel in boar sperm capacitation and elucidate the physiological meaning of the changes on sperm mRNA cargo.
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Chen X, Li Z, Lv Y, Han Y, Qu X, Zhang Y, Jin Y. Comparative proteomic identification of capacitated and non-capacitated sperm of Yanbian Yellow Cattle. Theriogenology 2022; 186:12-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Cannarella R, Mancuso F, Arato I, Lilli C, Bellucci C, Gargaro M, Curto R, Aglietti MC, La Vignera S, Condorelli RA, Luca G, Calogero AE. Sperm-carried IGF2 downregulated the expression of mitogens produced by Sertoli cells: A paracrine mechanism for regulating spermatogenesis? Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1010796. [PMID: 36523595 PMCID: PMC9744929 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1010796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) mRNA has been found in human and mouse spermatozoa. It is currently unknown whether the IGF2 protein is expressed in human spermatozoa and, if so, its possible role in the cross-talk between germ and Sertoli cells (SCs) during spermatogenesis. METHODS To accomplish this, we analyzed sperm samples from four consecutive Caucasian men. Furthermore, to understand its role during the spermatogenetic process, porcine SCs were incubated with increasing concentrations (0.33, 3.33, and 10 ng/mL) of recombinant human IGF2 (rhIGF2) for 48 hours. Subsequently, the experiments were repeated by pre-incubating SCs with the non-competitive insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) inhibitor NVP-AEW541. The following outcomes were evaluated: 1) Gene expression of the glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), and stem cell factor (SCF) mitogens; 2) gene and protein expression of follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), and inhibin B; 3) SC proliferation. RESULTS We found that the IGF2 protein was present in each of the sperm samples. IGF2 appeared as a cytoplasmic protein localized in the equatorial and post-acrosomal segment and with a varying degree of expression in each cell. In SCs, IGF2 significantly downregulated GDNF gene expression in a concentration-dependent manner. FGF2 and SCF were downregulated only by the highest concentration of IGF2. Similarly, IGF2 downregulated the FSHR gene and FSHR, AMH, and inhibin B protein expression. Finally, IGF2 significantly suppressed the SC proliferation rate. All these findings were reversed by pre-incubation with NVP-AEW541, suggesting an effect mediated by the interaction of IGF2 with the IGFR. CONCLUSION In conclusion, sperm IGF2 seems to downregulate the expression of mitogens, which are known to be physiologically released by the SCs to promote gonocyte proliferation and spermatogonial fate adoption. These findings suggest the presence of paracrine regulatory mechanisms acting on the seminiferous epithelium during spermatogenesis, by which germ cells can influence the amount of mitogens released by the SCs, their sensitivity to FSH, and their rate of proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Cannarella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, United States
- *Correspondence: Rossella Cannarella,
| | - Francesca Mancuso
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Iva Arato
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Cinzia Lilli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Catia Bellucci
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Marco Gargaro
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Roberto Curto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Maria C. Aglietti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Sandro La Vignera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Rosita A. Condorelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giovani Luca
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Aldo E. Calogero
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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