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Mirihagalle S, Hughes JR, Miller DJ. Progesterone-Induced Sperm Release from the Oviduct Sperm Reservoir. Cells 2022; 11:1622. [PMID: 35626659 PMCID: PMC9139440 DOI: 10.3390/cells11101622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In mammalian females, after sperm are deposited in the reproductive tract, a fraction of sperm migrates to the lower oviduct (isthmus) and forms a sperm storage site known as the functional sperm reservoir. The interactions between sperm membrane proteins and oviduct epithelial cells facilitate sperm binding to the oviductal epithelium and retention in the reservoir. Sperm are bound by glycans that contain specific motifs present on isthmic epithelial cells. Capacitated sperm are released from the reservoir and travel further in the oviduct to the ampulla where fertilization occurs. For decades, researchers have been studying the molecules and mechanisms of sperm release from the oviductal sperm reservoir. However, it is still not clear if the release of sperm is triggered by changes in sperm, oviduct cells, oviduct fluid, or a combination of these. While there is a possibility that more than one of these events are involved in the release of sperm from the reservoir, one activator of sperm release has the largest accumulation of supporting evidence. This mechanism involves the steroid hormone, progesterone, as a signal that induces the release of sperm from the reservoir. This review gathers and synthesizes evidence for the role of progesterone in inducing sperm release from the oviduct functional sperm reservoir.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - David Joel Miller
- Department of Animal Sciences, Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; (S.M.); (J.R.H.)
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2
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Tamburrino L, Marchiani S, Muratori M, Luconi M, Baldi E. Progesterone, spermatozoa and reproduction: An updated review. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 516:110952. [PMID: 32712385 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The rapid effects of steroids on spermatozoa have been demonstrated for the first time more than three decades ago. Progesterone (P), which is present throughout the female genital tract with peaks of levels in the cumulus matrix surrounding the oocyte, has been shown to stimulate several sperm functions in vitro, including capacitation, hyperactivation, chemotaxis and acrosome reaction (AR). Besides an increase of intracellular calcium, P has been shown to activate other sperm signalling pathways including tyrosine phosphorylation of several sperm proteins. All these effects are mediated by extra-nuclear pathways likely involving interaction with molecules present on the sperm surface. In particular, the increase in intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) in spermatozoa from human and several other mammalian species is mediated by the sperm specific calcium channel CatSper, whose expression and function are required for sperm hyperactive motility. P-mediated CatSper activation is indeed involved in promoting sperm hyperactivation, but the involvement of this channel in other P-stimulated sperm functions, such as AR and chemotaxis, is less clear and further studies are required to disclose all the involved pathways. In human spermatozoa, responsiveness to P in terms of [Ca2+]i increase and AR is highly related to sperm fertilizing ability in vitro, suggesting that the steroid is a physiological inducer of AR during in vitro fertilization. In view of their physiological relevance, P-stimulated sperm functions are currently investigated to develop new tools to select highly performant spermatozoa for assisted reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Tamburrino
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Sara Marchiani
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Monica Muratori
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Science, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Michaela Luconi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Science, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Baldi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy.
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3
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Sagare-Patil V, Modi D. Identification of motility-associated progesterone-responsive differentially phosphorylated proteins. Reprod Fertil Dev 2018; 29:1115-1129. [PMID: 27166179 DOI: 10.1071/rd15492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2015] [Accepted: 03/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Progesterone is one of the regulators of sperm motility and hyperactivation. In human spermatozoa, the effects of progesterone are thought to be mediated by protein phosphorylation. In the present study, we identified 22 proteins that are differentially phosphorylated (12 phosphorylated and 10 dephosphorylated) by progesterone in human spermatozoa. Functionally, the differentially phosphorylated proteins are predicted to have cytoskeletal localisation and to be associated with sperm motility. 5µM of progesterone to capacitated increased the phosphorylation of tyrosine residues in the principal piece and protein tyrosine kinase activity increased by almost 3.5-fold. For the first time, we demonstrate that tyrosine phosphatases are also activated in response to progesterone and that inhibition of tyrosine phosphatases attenuates dephosphorylation of flagellar proteins. We propose that progesterone activates both kinase and phosphatase pathways, leading to changes in the phosphorylation of many proteins in sperm flagella to increase motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Sagare-Patil
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Indian Council of Medical Research, JM Street, Parel, Mumbai 400012, India
| | - D Modi
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Indian Council of Medical Research, JM Street, Parel, Mumbai 400012, India
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4
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Teijeiro JM, Marini PE, Bragado MJ, Garcia-Marin LJ. Protein kinase C activity in boar sperm. Andrology 2017; 5:381-391. [PMID: 28187502 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Revised: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 11/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Male germ cells undergo different processes within the female reproductive tract to successfully fertilize the oocyte. These processes are triggered by different extracellular stimuli leading to activation of protein phosphorylation. Protein kinase C (PKC) is a key regulatory enzyme in signal transduction mechanisms involved in many cellular processes. Studies in boar sperm demonstrated a role for PKC in the intracellular signaling involved in motility and cellular volume regulation. Experiments using phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) showed increases in the Serine/Threonine phosphorylation of substrates downstream of PKC in boar sperm. In order to gain knowledge about those cellular processes regulated by PKC, we evaluate the effects of PMA on boar sperm motility, lipid organization of plasma membrane, integrity of acrosome membrane and sperm agglutination. Also, we investigate the crosstalk between PKA and PKC intracellular pathways in spermatozoa from this species. The results presented here reveal a participation of PKC in sperm motility regulation and membrane fluidity changes, which is probably associated to acrosome reaction and to agglutination. Also, we show the existence of a hierarchy in the kinases pathway. Previous works on boar sperm suggest a pathway in which PKA is positioned upstream to PKC and this new results support such model.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Teijeiro
- Laboratorio de Medicina Reproductiva, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Rosario, Argentina
| | - P E Marini
- Laboratorio de Medicina Reproductiva, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina.,Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario, IBR-CONICET, Rosario, Argentina.,Consejo de Investigaciones de la Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
| | - M J Bragado
- Research Group of Intracellular Signaling and Technology of Reproduction (SINTREP), School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Extremadura, Caceres, Spain
| | - L J Garcia-Marin
- Research Group of Intracellular Signaling and Technology of Reproduction (SINTREP), School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Extremadura, Caceres, Spain
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5
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Barón L, Fara K, Zapata-Carmona H, Zuñiga L, Kong M, Signorelli J, Díaz ES, Morales P. Participation of protein kinases and phosphatases in the progesterone-induced acrosome reaction and calcium influx in human spermatozoa. Andrology 2016; 4:1073-1083. [PMID: 27696749 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2016] [Revised: 05/04/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
In human spermatozoa, protein kinases have a role in the acrosome reaction (AR) induced by a variety of stimuli. However, there is disagreement or a lack of information regarding the role of protein kinases and phosphatases in the progesterone (P)-induced increase in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+ ]i ). In addition, there are no studies regarding the role of Ser/Thr and Tyr phosphatases and there are contradictory results regarding the role of Tyr kinases in the P-induced acrosome reaction. Here, we performed a simultaneous evaluation of the involvement of protein kinases and phosphatases in the P-induced acrosome reaction and in the P-induced calcium influx. Motile spermatozoa were capacitated for 18 h and different aliquots were allocated to treated or control groups and then evaluated for their ability to undergo the acrosome reaction and to increase [Ca2+ ]i in response to P. The acrosome reaction was evaluated using Pisum sativum agglutinin (PSA)-FITC, and [Ca2+ ]i was evaluated using fura 2AM. At all of the concentrations tested, PKA inhibitors significantly reduced the percentage of the P-induced acrosome reaction (p < 0.001). However, only the highest concentrations of PKA inhibitors reduced the P-induced calcium influx; lower concentrations of PKA inhibitors did not affect it. Similar results were apparent for PKC inhibitors and for tyrosine kinase inhibitors. None of the Ser/Thr phosphatase inhibitors affected the P-induced acrosome reaction or the P-induced calcium influx, except for the PP2B inhibitors that significantly reduced the P-induced acrosome reaction without affecting calcium influx. Finally, the protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitors significantly blocked the P-induced acrosome reaction and reduced the amplitude of the P-induced calcium transient (p < 0.001) as well as the amplitude of the plateau phase (p < 0.01). The data suggest that protein kinases and possibly PP2B have a role on the acrosome reaction at some point downstream of calcium entry and that Tyr phosphatases have a role on the acrosome reaction upstream of calcium entry.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Barón
- Laboratory of Biology of Reproduction, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - K Fara
- Laboratory of Biology of Reproduction, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - H Zapata-Carmona
- Laboratory of Biology of Reproduction, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - L Zuñiga
- Laboratory of Biology of Reproduction, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile.,Antofagasta Institute, University of Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - M Kong
- Laboratory of Biology of Reproduction, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - J Signorelli
- Laboratory of Biology of Reproduction, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - E S Díaz
- Laboratory of Biology of Reproduction, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - P Morales
- Laboratory of Biology of Reproduction, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile.,Antofagasta Institute, University of Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
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6
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López-Torres AS, Chirinos M. Modulation of Human Sperm Capacitation by Progesterone, Estradiol, and Luteinizing Hormone. Reprod Sci 2016; 24:193-201. [PMID: 27071965 DOI: 10.1177/1933719116641766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Sperm residency in female reproductive tract is essential to undergo functional changes that allow the cell to encounter the oocyte and fertilize it. Those changes, known as capacitation, are modulated by molecules located in the uterotubal surface and fluids. During the fertile window, there is a notable increase in some reproductive hormones such as progesterone, estradiol, and luteinizing hormone in the female reproductive tract, so spermatozoa are exposed to these hormones in an environment that must favor gamete encountering and fusion. This spatiotemporal coincidence suggests that they are suitable candidates to modulate sperm function in order to synchronize the events that ultimately allow the success of fertilization. The presence of receptors for these hormones in the human sperm has been described, but their physiological relevance and mechanisms of action have been either subject of controversy or not properly investigated. This review intends to summarize the evidence that support the participation of these hormones in the regulation of sperm capacitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aideé Saray López-Torres
- 1 Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, México DF, Mexico.,2 Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Coyoacán, México, DF, Mexico
| | - Mayel Chirinos
- 1 Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, México DF, Mexico
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7
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Gramajo-Bühler MC, Zelarayán L, Sánchez-Toranzo G. Involvement of Protein cAMP-dependent Kinase, Phospholipase A2 and Phospholipase C in Sperm Acrosome Reaction of Chinchilla lanigera. Reprod Domest Anim 2015; 51:150-7. [PMID: 26699205 DOI: 10.1111/rda.12659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2015] [Accepted: 11/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The mechanisms involved in fertilization are the centre of attention in order to determine the conditions required to reproduce in vitro the events that take place in vivo, with special interest in endangered species. Previous data from mouse sperm, where acrosome reaction (AR) occurs more often in the interstitium of the cumulus oophorus, contribute to strengthen the use of progesterone as a physiological inducer of this process. We studied the participation of protein kinase A (PKA), phospholipases A2 and C (PLA2 , PLC) in the AR induced by progesterone from Chinchilla epididymal spermatozoa. The addition of db-cAMP to the incubation medium caused an increase of 58% in the AR, while the use of H89 (30 μm), a PKA inhibitor, reflected a decrease of 40% in the percentage of reacted gametes. The assays conducted with arachidonic acid showed a maximum increase of 23% in the AR. When gametes were pre-incubated with PLA2 inhibitors, a dose-dependent inhibitory effect was observed. The addition of phorbol12-myristate13-acetate (10 μm) revealed higher percentages of AR induction (60%). When PLC was inhibited with neomycin and U73122, a dose-dependent decrease in AR percentages was observed. Combined inhibition of PKA, PLA2 and PLC, AR values similar to control were obtained. This work shows evidence, for the first time in Chinchilla, that progesterone activates the AC/cAMP/PKA system as well as sperm phospholipases and that these signalling pathways participate jointly and cooperatively in AR. These results contribute to the understanding of the complex regulation that is triggered in sperm after the effect of progesterone.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Gramajo-Bühler
- Department of Developmental Biology, Higher Institute for Biological Research, San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina
| | - L Zelarayán
- Faculty of biochemistry, chemistry and Pharmacy, Institute of Biology 'Dr. Francisco Barbieri', National University of Tucumán, San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina
| | - G Sánchez-Toranzo
- Faculty of biochemistry, chemistry and Pharmacy, Institute of Biology 'Dr. Francisco Barbieri', National University of Tucumán, San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina
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8
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Urizar-Arenaza I, Estomba H, Muñoa-Hoyos I, Matorras R, Esposito A, Candenas L, Pinto FM, Valdivia A, Irazusta J, Subirán N. The opioid peptide beta-endorphin stimulates acrosome reaction in human spermatozoa. Andrology 2015; 4:143-51. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2014] [Revised: 10/21/2015] [Accepted: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- I. Urizar-Arenaza
- Department of Physiology; Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry; University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU); Leioa Bizkaia Spain
| | - H. Estomba
- Department of Physiology; Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry; University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU); Leioa Bizkaia Spain
| | - I. Muñoa-Hoyos
- Department of Physiology; Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry; University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU); Leioa Bizkaia Spain
| | - R. Matorras
- Human Reproduction Unit; Cruces Hospital; BioCruces; University of the Basque Country; Basque Country Spain
| | - A. Esposito
- Human Reproduction Unit; Cruces Hospital; BioCruces; University of the Basque Country; Basque Country Spain
| | - L. Candenas
- Biological Chemistry Chemical Research Institute - CSIC/University of Seville; Seville Spain
| | - F. M. Pinto
- Biological Chemistry Chemical Research Institute - CSIC/University of Seville; Seville Spain
| | - A. Valdivia
- Department of Cellular Biology and Histology; Faculty of Pharmacy; University of the Basque Country(UPN/EHU); Vitoria-Gasteiz Alava Spain
| | - J. Irazusta
- Department of Physiology; Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry; University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU); Leioa Bizkaia Spain
| | - N. Subirán
- Department of Physiology; Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry; University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU); Leioa Bizkaia Spain
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9
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Gómez-Torres MJ, García EM, Guerrero J, Medina S, Izquierdo-Rico MJ, Gil-Izquierdo Á, Orduna J, Savirón M, González-Brusi L, Ten J, Bernabeu R, Avilés M. Metabolites involved in cellular communication among human cumulus-oocyte-complex and sperm during in vitro fertilization. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2015; 13:123. [PMID: 26553294 PMCID: PMC4640411 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-015-0118-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2015] [Accepted: 10/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fertilization is a key physiological process for the preservation of the species. Consequently, different mechanisms affecting the sperm and the oocyte have been developed to ensure a successful fertilization. Thus, sperm acrosome reaction is necessary for the egg coat penetration and sperm-oolema fusion. Several molecules are able to induce the sperm acrosome reaction; however, this process should be produced coordinately in time and in the space to allow the success of fertilization between gametes. The goal of this study was to analyze the metabolites secreted by cumulus-oocyte-complex (COC) to find out new components that could contribute to the induction of the human sperm acrosome reaction and other physiological processes at the time of gamete interaction and fertilization. METHODS For the metabolomic analysis, eighteen aliquots of medium were used in each group, containing: a) only COC before insemination and after 3 h of incubation; b) COC and capacitated spermatozoa after insemination and incubated for 16-20 hours; c) only capacitated sperm after 16-20 h in culture and d) only fertilization medium as control. Six patients undergoing assisted reproduction whose male partners provided normozoospermic samples were included in the study. Seventy-two COC were inseminated. RESULTS The metabolites identified were monoacylglycerol (MAG), lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) and phytosphingosine (PHS). Analysis by PCR and in silico of the gene expression strongly suggests that the cumulus cells contribute to the formation of the PHS and LPC. CONCLUSIONS LPC and PHS are secreted by cumulus cells during in vitro fertilization and they could be involved in the induction of human acrosome reaction (AR). The identification of new molecules with a paracrine effect on oocytes, cumulus cells and spermatozoa will provide a better understanding of gamete interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- María José Gómez-Torres
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Alicante, 99, Carretera de San Vicente s/n, Alicante, 03016, Spain.
| | - Eva María García
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Alicante, 99, Carretera de San Vicente s/n, Alicante, 03016, Spain
- Instituto Bernabeu of Fertility and Gynecology, Alicante, 03016, Spain
| | - Jaime Guerrero
- Instituto Bernabeu of Fertility and Gynecology, Alicante, 03016, Spain
| | - Sonia Medina
- Research Group on Quality, Safety and Bioactivity of Plant Foods, Food Science and Technology Department, CEBAS-CSIC, Espinardo (Murcia), Spain
| | - María José Izquierdo-Rico
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum, Espinardo 30100 and IMIB, Murcia, Spain
| | - Ángel Gil-Izquierdo
- Research Group on Quality, Safety and Bioactivity of Plant Foods, Food Science and Technology Department, CEBAS-CSIC, Espinardo (Murcia), Spain
| | - Jesús Orduna
- Institute of Materials Science of Aragon, CSIC-University of Zaragoza, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - María Savirón
- Institute of Materials Science of Aragon, CSIC-University of Zaragoza, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Leopoldo González-Brusi
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum, Espinardo 30100 and IMIB, Murcia, Spain
| | - Jorge Ten
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Alicante, 99, Carretera de San Vicente s/n, Alicante, 03016, Spain
- Instituto Bernabeu of Fertility and Gynecology, Alicante, 03016, Spain
| | - Rafael Bernabeu
- Instituto Bernabeu of Fertility and Gynecology, Alicante, 03016, Spain
| | - Manuel Avilés
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum, Espinardo 30100 and IMIB, Murcia, Spain
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10
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Liu
- Department of Life Science and Graduate Institute of Biotechnology, Chinese Culture University, Taipei, Republic of China
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11
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Ma W, Baumann C, Viveiros MM. Lack of protein kinase C-delta (PKCδ) disrupts fertilization and embryonic development. Mol Reprod Dev 2015. [PMID: 26202826 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
This study tested the function of protein kinase C delta (PKCδ) during fertilization and embryonic development using gene-knockout (Prkcd(-/-)) mice. Fertility analysis revealed that Prkcd(-/-) mating pairs produce significantly fewer pups per litter than wild-type pairs (P < 0.05), and exhibit a high incidence of embryonic loss post-implantation. Both Prkcd(-/-) male as well as Prkcd(-/-) female mice mated to Prkcd(+/+) controls also showed reduced litter sizes, with a selective loss of Prkcd-null pups. Further analysis of the females demonstrated comparable in vitro fertilization outcomes between control and Prkcd(-/-) oocytes fertilized with wild-type sperm. Pregnant Prkcd(-/-) females, however, exhibited a reduced number of total implantations, suggesting a possible disruption in early embryo quality and/or implantation. In turn, male gamete analysis revealed that Prkcd(-/-) sperm demonstrated a decreased capacity to penetrate the zona pellucida (P < 0.05), necessary for successful fertilization. Moreover, we identified phosphorylated PKCδ as a component of the sperm acrosome, indicating a potential role for this kinase in acrosome exocytosis. Therefore, loss of PKCδ disrupts key reproductive functions in both males and females that limit fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Ma
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine, Athens, Georgia
| | - Claudia Baumann
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine, Athens, Georgia
| | - Maria M Viveiros
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine, Athens, Georgia
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12
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Martínez-León E, Osycka-Salut C, Signorelli J, Pozo P, Pérez B, Kong M, Morales P, Pérez-Martínez S, Díaz ES. Fibronectin stimulates human sperm capacitation through the cyclic AMP/protein kinase A pathway. Hum Reprod 2015; 30:2138-51. [PMID: 26109618 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dev154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2015] [Accepted: 06/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does fibronectin (Fn) stimulate the sperm capacitation process in humans? SUMMARY ANSWER Fibronectin stimulates human sperm capacitation. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Capacitation is a process that occurs in the oviduct. It has been suggested that some molecules present in the oviductal fluid and cells as well as proteins present in the cumulus oophorus could be involved in the modulation of sperm function and their acquisition of fertilizing capacity. Fibronectin is a glycoprotein that is present in the fluid and the oviduct epithelium, and its receptor (alpha 5 beta 1 integrin) is present in human sperm. When alpha 5 beta 1 (α5β1) integrin binds to fibronectin, intracellular signals similar to the process of sperm capacitation are activated. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Human sperm were selected via a percoll gradient and were then incubated in non-capacitated medium (NCM) or reconstituted capacitated medium (RCM), in the presence or absence of fibronectin for different time periods. A total of 39 donors were used during the study, which lasted 3 years. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Freshly ejaculated sperm from healthy volunteers were obtained by masturbation. All semen samples were normal according to the World Health Organization parameters. Six approaches were used to determine the effects of fibronectin on sperm capacitation: chlortetracycline (CTC) assay, heterologous co-culture of human sperm with bovine oviductal epithelial cells (BOEC), measurement of cyclic (c) AMP levels, activity of protein kinase A (PKA), phosphorylation of proteins in tyrosine (Tyr) residues, and induction of acrosome reaction with progesterone. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE When sperm were incubated in RCM in the presence of Fn, we observed differences with respect to sperm incubated in RCM without Fn (control): (i) a 10% increase in the percentage of sperm with the B pattern (capacitated sperm) of CTC fluorescence from the beginning of capacitation (P < 0.001); (ii) an effect on both the concentration of cAMP (P < 0.05) and PKA activity (P < 0.05) during early capacitation; (iii) an increase in the degree of phosphorylation of proteins on tyrosine residues after 60 min of capacitation (P < 0.01); (iv) an increase in the percentage of acrosome-reacted sperm in response to progesterone (P < 0.05); and (v) a decrease in the percentage of sperm attached to BOEC (P < 0.05). Moreover, we noted that the effect of Fn was specific and mediated by alpha 5 beta 1 integrin (P < 0.001). Fn by itself had no effect on sperm capacitation. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This study was carried out with sperm from young adult men. Men with abnormal semen samples were excluded. The results cannot be directly extrapolated to other mammalian species. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Currently, male subfertility has become a huge public health problem, which makes it imperative to develop new treatments. This is a novel discovery that extends our current knowledge concerning normal and pathological sperm physiology as well as events that regulate the process of fertilization. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This study was supported by grants from FONDECYT (1130341, E.S.D. and 1120056, P.M.) and FONCYT (PIP 2011-0496, S.P.-M). The authors have no conflicts of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Martínez-León
- Laboratory of Biology of Reproduction, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Antofagasta, 1240000 Antofagasta, Chile
| | - C Osycka-Salut
- Laboratory of Biology of Reproduction in Mammals, Center for Pharmacological and Botanicals Studies (National Council of Scientific and Techniques Research), University of Buenos Aires, 1121 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - J Signorelli
- Laboratory of Biology of Reproduction, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Antofagasta, 1240000 Antofagasta, Chile
| | - P Pozo
- Laboratory of Biology of Reproduction, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Antofagasta, 1240000 Antofagasta, Chile
| | - B Pérez
- Laboratory of Biology of Reproduction, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Antofagasta, 1240000 Antofagasta, Chile
| | - M Kong
- Laboratory of Biology of Reproduction, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Antofagasta, 1240000 Antofagasta, Chile
| | - P Morales
- Laboratory of Biology of Reproduction, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Antofagasta, 1240000 Antofagasta, Chile Antofagasta Institute, University of Antofagasta, 1240000 Antofagasta, Chile
| | - S Pérez-Martínez
- Laboratory of Biology of Reproduction in Mammals, Center for Pharmacological and Botanicals Studies (National Council of Scientific and Techniques Research), University of Buenos Aires, 1121 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - E S Díaz
- Laboratory of Biology of Reproduction, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Antofagasta, 1240000 Antofagasta, Chile
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Sagare-Patil V, Vernekar M, Galvankar M, Modi D. Progesterone utilizes the PI3K-AKT pathway in human spermatozoa to regulate motility and hyperactivation but not acrosome reaction. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2013; 374:82-91. [PMID: 23623968 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2013.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2013] [Revised: 03/19/2013] [Accepted: 04/09/2013] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Progesterone is a physiologic regulator of sperm hyperactivation and acrosome reaction and it does so by activating a range of kinases present in the spermatozoa. In the present study, the involvement of the AKT- phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling pathway in mediating progesterone response in human spermatozoa was investigated. In capacitated spermatozoa, progesterone transiently and concentration dependently lead to phosphorylation of AKT at both Thr 308 and Ser 473 in the tail region. This phosphorylation was inhibited by the PI3K inhibitor wortmannin, suggesting that progesterone leads to activation of PI3K-AKT pathway. The activation of AKT in response to progesterone is calcium dependent and the CatSper channel inhibitor mibefradil significantly reduced progesterone mediated AKT phosphorylation. Preincubation of spermatozoa with wortmannin inhibited the progesterone mediated increase in tyrosine phosphorylation and also attenuated the increase in number of motile, progressively motile and hyperactive spermatozoa but not the number of acrosome reacted spermatozoa. These observations imply that progesterone via CatSper activates the PI3K-AKT pathway required for motility and hyperactivation but not for acrosome reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vrushali Sagare-Patil
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Indian Council of Medical Research, JM Street, Parel, Mumbai 400 012, India
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MARCKS protein is phosphorylated and regulates calcium mobilization during human acrosomal exocytosis. PLoS One 2013; 8:e64551. [PMID: 23704996 PMCID: PMC3660367 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0064551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2012] [Accepted: 04/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Acrosomal exocytosis is a calcium-regulated exocytosis that can be triggered by PKC activators. The involvement of PKC in acrosomal exocytosis has not been fully elucidated, and it is unknown if MARCKS, the major substrate for PKC, participates in this exocytosis. Here, we report that MARCKS is expressed in human spermatozoa and localizes to the sperm head and the tail. Calcium- and phorbol ester-triggered acrosomal exocytosis in permeabilized sperm was abrogated by different anti-MARCKS antibodies raised against two different domains, indicating that the protein participates in acrosomal exocytosis. Interestingly, an anti-phosphorylated MARCKS antibody was not able to inhibit secretion. Similar results were obtained using recombinant proteins and phospho-mutants of MARCKS effector domain (ED), indicating that phosphorylation regulates MARCKS function in acrosomal exocytosis. It is known that unphosphorylated MARCKS sequesters PIP2. This phospholipid is the precursor for IP3, which in turn triggers release of calcium from the acrosome during acrosomal exocytosis. We found that PIP2 and adenophostin, a potent IP3-receptor agonist, rescued MARCKS inhibition in permeabilized sperm, suggesting that MARCKS inhibits acrosomal exocytosis by sequestering PIP2 and, indirectly, MARCKS regulates the intracellular calcium mobilization. In non-permeabilized sperm, a permeable peptide of MARCKS ED also inhibited acrosomal exocytosis when stimulated by a natural agonist such as progesterone, and pharmacological inducers such as calcium ionophore and phorbol ester. The preincubation of human sperm with the permeable MARCKS ED abolished the increase in calcium levels caused by progesterone, demonstrating that MARCKS regulates calcium mobilization. In addition, the phosphorylation of MARCKS increased during acrosomal exocytosis stimulated by the same activators. Altogether, these results show that MARCKS is a negative modulator of the acrosomal exocytosis, probably by sequestering PIP2, and that it is phosphorylated during acrosomal exocytosis.
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15
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Sagare-Patil V, Galvankar M, Satiya M, Bhandari B, Gupta SK, Modi D. Differential concentration and time dependent effects of progesterone on kinase activity, hyperactivation and acrosome reaction in human spermatozoa. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 35:633-44. [PMID: 22775762 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2605.2012.01291.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Progesterone has been identified to be one of the physiological regulators of sperm hyperactivation and acrosome reaction. However, the high sensitivity of human spermatozoa to progesterone implies that many may undergo premature hyperactivation and acrosome reaction thereby compromising their ability to fertilize. We hypothesized that if a spermatozoon has to preclude the occurrence of these events prematurely, there should be differential dose- and time-dependent effects on motility and acrosome reaction. We observed that low concentrations of progesterone (10 and 100 nm) induce sperm motility and activate tyrosine kinase; higher concentrations (1-10 μm) are required to induce extracellular signal regulated kinases 1/2 (Erk1/2), p90 ribosomal S6 kinase (p90RSK), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK1) and AKT phosphorylation, hyperactivation and acrosome reaction. The induction of acrosome reaction and tyrosine phosphorylation in response to higher concentration of progesterone is not absolutely dependent on activation of T-type voltage-gated Ca(2+) channel or CatSper as Mibefradil did not completely abrogate progesterone-mediated effects. These results imply that although the spermatozoa are sensitive to low concentrations of progesterone, they only activate motility and tyrosine kinase activation; higher concentrations are required to induce hyperactivation and acrosome reaction probably by activating multiple kinase pathways including the MAPK and AKT.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Sagare-Patil
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Indian Council of Medical Research, Mumbai, India
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16
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Dun MD, Aitken RJ, Nixon B. The role of molecular chaperones in spermatogenesis and the post-testicular maturation of mammalian spermatozoa. Hum Reprod Update 2012; 18:420-35. [DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dms009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
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17
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Suhaiman L, De Blas GA, Obeid LM, Darszon A, Mayorga LS, Belmonte SA. Sphingosine 1-phosphate and sphingosine kinase are involved in a novel signaling pathway leading to acrosomal exocytosis. J Biol Chem 2010; 285:16302-14. [PMID: 20236935 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m109.072439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulated secretion is a central issue for the specific function of many cells; for instance, mammalian sperm acrosomal exocytosis is essential for egg fertilization. Sphingosine 1-phosphate is a bioactive sphingolipid that regulates crucial physiological processes. Here we report that this lipid triggers acrosomal exocytosis in human sperm by a mechanism involving a G(i)-coupled receptor. Real-time imaging showed a remarkable increase of cytosolic calcium upon activation with sphingosine 1-phosphate and pharmacological experiments indicate that the process requires extracellular calcium influx through voltage and store-operated calcium channels and efflux from intracellular stores through inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-sensitive calcium channels. Sphingosine 1-phosphate-induced exocytosis requires phospholipase C and protein kinase C activation. We investigated possible sources of the lipid. Western blot indicates that sphingosine kinase 1 is present in spermatozoa. Indirect immunofluorescence showed that phorbol ester, a potent protein kinase C activator that can also trigger acrosomal exocytosis, redistributes sphingosine kinase 1 to the acrosomal region. Functional assays showed that phorbol ester-induced exocytosis depends on the activation of sphingosine kinase 1. Furthermore, incorporation of (32)P to sphingosine demonstrates that cells treated with the phorbol ester increase their sphingosine kinase activity that yields sphingosine 1-phosphate. We present here the first evidence indicating that human spermatozoa produce sphingosine 1-phosphate when challenged with an exocytic stimulus. These observations point to a new role of sphingosine 1-phosphate in a signaling cascade that facilitates acrosome reaction providing some clues about novel lipid molecules involved in exocytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laila Suhaiman
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Histología y Embriología, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, CC56, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza 5500, Argentina
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18
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Naaby-Hansen S, Diekman A, Shetty J, Flickinger CJ, Westbrook A, Herr JC. Identification of calcium-binding proteins associated with the human sperm plasma membrane. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2010; 8:6. [PMID: 20078857 PMCID: PMC2822784 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-8-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2009] [Accepted: 01/15/2010] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The precise composition of the human sperm plasma membrane, the molecular interactions that define domain specific functions, and the regulation of membrane associated proteins during the capacitation process, still remain to be fully understood. Here, we investigated the repertoire of calcium-regulated proteins associated with the human sperm plasma membrane. METHODS Surface specific radioiodination was combined with two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, a 45Ca-overlay assay, computer assisted image analysis and mass spectrometry to identify calcium-binding proteins exposed on the human sperm surface. RESULTS Nine acidic 45Ca-binding sperm proteins were excised from stained preparative 2D gels and identified by mass spectrometry. Five of the calcium binding proteins; HSPA2 (HSP70-1), HSPA5 (Bip), HYOU1 (ORP150), serum amyloid P-component (SAP) and protein kinase C substrate 80K-H (80K-H) were found to be accessible to Iodo-Bead catalyzed 125I-labelling on the surface of intact human sperm. Agglutination and immunofluorescence analysis confirmed that SAP is situated on the plasma membrane of intact, motile sperm as well as permeabilized cells. Western blot analysis showed increased phosphorylation of human sperm 80K-H protein following in vitro capacitation. This is the first demonstration of the 80K-H protein in a mammalian sperm. CONCLUSION The presence of SAP on the surface of mature sperm implies that SAP has a physiological role in reproduction, which is thought to be in the removal of spermatozoa from the female genital tract via phagocytosis. Since 80K-H is a Ca2+-sensor recently implicated in the regulation of both inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor and transient receptor potential (TRP) cation channel activities, its detection in sperm represents the first direct signaling link between PKC and store-operated calcium channels identified in human sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soren Naaby-Hansen
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Aalborg Sygehus, Århus University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Alan Diekman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Jagathpala Shetty
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | | | - Anne Westbrook
- Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center, Ft Detrick, MD, USA
| | - John C Herr
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
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19
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Baldi E, Luconi M, Muratori M, Marchiani S, Tamburrino L, Forti G. Nongenomic activation of spermatozoa by steroid hormones: facts and fictions. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2009; 308:39-46. [PMID: 19549590 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2009.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2008] [Revised: 01/30/2009] [Accepted: 02/17/2009] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The rapid effects of steroids on spermatozoa have been demonstrated for the first time two decades ago. Progesterone (P), which is present throughout the female genital tract with peaks of levels in the cumulus matrix surrounding the oocyte, stimulates several sperm functions, including hyperactivation and acrosome reaction. These effects are mediated by an extranuclear pathway, as P stimulates an influx of calcium, the tyrosine phosphorylation of sperm proteins and other signalling cascades in a rapid manner. Whether these effects are receptor mediated and which receptors mediate these effects are still a matter of discussion despite all the efforts of the scientific community aimed at identifying them during the last 20 years. Although responsiveness to P is related to sperm fertilizing ability, the physiological role of P during the process of fertilization is discussed, and recent evidence points for a role of the steroid as a chemotactic agent for sperm. A similar situation applies for estrogens (E), which have been shown to induce direct effects on sperm by an extranuclear pathway. In particular, E appear to decrease acrosome reaction in response to P, exerting a role in ensuring an appropriate timing for sperm exocytosis during the process of fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Baldi
- Dept. of Clinical Physiopathology, Andrology Unit, Center of Excellence for Research, Transfer and High Education DeNothe, University of Florence, Italy.
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20
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Brewis IA, Van Gestel RA, Gadella BM, Jones R, Publicover SJ, Roldan ERS, Frayne J, Barratt CLR. The spermatozoon at fertilisation: Current understanding and future research directions. HUM FERTIL 2009; 8:241-51. [PMID: 16393824 DOI: 10.1080/14647270500420160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ian A Brewis
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Unit & Department of Medical Biochemistry and Immunology, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.
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21
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Kalive M, Faust JJ, Koeneman BA, Capco DG. Involvement of the PKC family in regulation of early development. Mol Reprod Dev 2009; 77:95-104. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.21112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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22
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Morita O, Knapp JF, Tamaki Y, Nemec MD, Varsho BJ, Stump DG. Safety assessment of dietary diacylglycerol oil: A two-generation reproductive toxicity study in rats. Food Chem Toxicol 2008; 46:3059-68. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2008.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2007] [Revised: 06/05/2008] [Accepted: 06/16/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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23
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Teijeiro JM, Cabada MO, Marini PE. Sperm binding glycoprotein (SBG) produces calcium and bicarbonate dependent alteration of acrosome morphology and protein tyrosine phosphorylation on boar sperm. J Cell Biochem 2008; 103:1413-23. [PMID: 17786920 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.21524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The oviduct is a dynamic organ which modulates gamete physiology. Two subpopulations of sperm have been described in the oviduct of sows, a majority with normal appearance in the deep furrows and a minority, centrally located, and showing damaged membranes. Sperm-oviduct interaction provides the formation of a sperm storage and allows the selection of sperm with certain qualities. Pig (Sus scrofa) oviductal sperm binding glycoprotein (SBG) binds to sperm and exposes Gal beta1-3GalNAc. This disaccharide may be recognized by boar spermadhesin AQN1, which seems to be involved in sperm interaction with the oviduct. SBG is present at the apical surface of the epithelial cells that surround the lumen of the oviduct rather than at the bottom of the crypts. These characteristics imply it could be involved in sperm interaction with this organ. In this study, we evaluate the effect of SBG over boar sperm. We show that the presence of SBG produces alterations of the acrosome morphology of sperm only when they are incubated in capacitating conditions. SBG binds to the periacrosomal region of sperm undergoing capacitation. Its presence induces an increase on the tyrosine-phosphorylation of a polypeptide of apparent molecular mass 97 kDa, as occurs with a 95 kDa protein in other mammalian sperm upon acrosomic reaction. Altogether, these results suggest that SBG might be involved in sperm selection by alteration of the acrosome of sperm that have already begun the capacitation process when they arrive to the oviduct.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan M Teijeiro
- División Biología del Desarrollo, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (IBR-CONICET) Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
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24
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Baxendale RW, Fraser LR. Mammalian sperm phosphodiesterases and their involvement in receptor-mediated cell signaling important for capacitation. Mol Reprod Dev 2006; 71:495-508. [PMID: 15856425 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.20265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the presence and function of intracellular cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs) in mature mouse spermatozoa. PCR analysis detected gene transcripts for most of the 11 known PDE families in whole testis, but mainly for PDEs 1, 3, 6, and 8 in spermatozoa. Using specific antibodies, the strongest evidence was obtained for PDE proteins 1, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 11 in both sperm lysates and intact cells. These showed a range of subcellular localizations, with PDE 1A being primarily in the flagellum but PDEs 4D and 10A being in both the acrosomal region and the flagellum, similar to specific G proteins and adenylyl cyclases implicated in cAMP regulation during capacitation. In live spermatozoa, inhibitors selective for PDE 1 (MMPX) and 4 (rolipram) significantly increased cAMP over control levels but only rolipram significantly stimulated capacitation and in-vitro fertilizing ability; this suggests that compartmentalization has functional implications since only PDE 4 was abundant in both head and flagellum. Treatment of spermatozoa with CGS 21680, a stimulatory adenosine receptor agonist, significantly reduced cAMP-PDE activity at the same time-point when it causes increased cAMP. Thus, certain receptor-regulated cAMP processes in spermatozoa may be controlled by changes in both PDE and cyclase activities. In addition to demonstrating for the first time that some of the more recently discovered PDE isoforms, including PDE 6 (usually associated with the retina), are present in mature spermatozoa, this study provides clear evidence that the intracellular location of specific PDEs has important functional significance during capacitation and fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhona W Baxendale
- Reproduction and Rhythms Group, School of Biomedical Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
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25
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Roggero CM, Tomes CN, De Blas GA, Castillo J, Michaut MA, Fukuda M, Mayorga LS. Protein kinase C-mediated phosphorylation of the two polybasic regions of synaptotagmin VI regulates their function in acrosomal exocytosis. Dev Biol 2006; 285:422-35. [PMID: 16111671 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2005.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2005] [Revised: 07/09/2005] [Accepted: 07/11/2005] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We have previously reported that synaptotagmin VI is present in human sperm cells and that a recombinant protein containing the C2A and C2B domains abrogates acrosomal exocytosis in permeabilized spermatozoa, an effect that was regulated by phosphorylation. In this report, we show that each individual C2 domain blocks acrosomal exocytosis. The inhibitory effect was completely abrogated by phosphorylation of the domains with purified PKCbetaII. We found by site-directed mutagenesis that Thr418 and/or Thr419 in the polybasic region (KKKTTIK) of the C2B domain--a key region for the function of synaptotagmins--are the PKC target that regulates its inhibitory effect on acrosomal exocytosis. Similarly, we showed that Thr284 in the polybasic region of C2A (KCKLQTR) is the target for PKC-mediated phosphorylation in this domain. An antibody that specifically binds to the phosphorylated polybasic region of the C2B domain recognized endogenous phosphorylated synaptotagmin in the sperm acrosomal region. The antibody was inhibitory only at early stages of exocytosis in sperm acrosome reaction assays, and the immunolabeling decreased upon sperm stimulation, indicating that the protein is dephosphorylated during acrosomal exocytosis. Our results indicate that acrosomal exocytosis is regulated through the PKC-mediated phosphorylation of conserved threonines in the polybasic regions of synaptotagmin VI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos M Roggero
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Histología y Embriología (IHEM-CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Casilla de Correo 56, 5500 Mendoza, Argentina
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26
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Liguori L, de Lamirande E, Minelli A, Gagnon C. Various protein kinases regulate human sperm acrosome reaction and the associated phosphorylation of Tyr residues and of the Thr-Glu-Tyr motif. Mol Hum Reprod 2005; 11:211-21. [PMID: 15709155 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gah154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Acrosome reaction (AR) is an exocytotic process of fundamental importance for the spermatozoon to fertilize the oocyte. The mechanisms mediating this process are only partially defined. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of various kinases and the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway in the induction of the AR and associated phosphorylation of tyrosine (Tyr) residues and of the threonine-glutamic acid-tyrosine (Thr-Glu-Tyr) motif that occurs in 80 and 105 kDa proteins (p80/p105). Human spermatozoa were capacitated and AR was induced with lysophosphatidylcholine in the presence of inhibitors of various kinases and of the ERK pathway. Phosphorylation of Tyr and of Thr-Glu-Tyr peaked 15 min after the induction of the AR. Both phosphorylations were prevented by inhibitors of protein kinase C, MEK, phosphoinositide 3-kinase and Akt but not by protein kinase A inhibitors. Phosphorylation of Thr-Glu-Tyr, but not Tyr, was decreased by inhibitors of protein tyrosine kinase and Grb2-SH2. All the inhibitors prevented lysophosphatidylcholine-induced AR, indicating the involvement of PKC, PKA, PTK, PI3K, Akt and the ERK pathway. These results show that phosphorylation of Tyr and Thr-Glu-Tyr are associated with the AR and are differently regulated by the various kinases emphasing the complexity of this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Liguori
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biochimiche e Biotecnologie Molecolari, Universita' degli studi di Perugia, Via del Giochetto, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
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27
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Darszon A, Nishigaki T, Wood C, Treviño CL, Felix R, Beltrán C. Calcium Channels and Ca2+ Fluctuations in Sperm Physiology. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CYTOLOGY 2005; 243:79-172. [PMID: 15797459 DOI: 10.1016/s0074-7696(05)43002-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Generating new life in animals by sexual reproduction depends on adequate communication between mature and competent male and female gametes. Ion channels are instrumental in the dialogue between sperm, its environment, and the egg. The ability of sperm to swim to the egg and fertilize it is modulated by ion permeability changes induced by environmental cues and components of the egg outer layer. Ca(2+) is probably the key messenger in this information exchange. It is therefore not surprising that different Ca(2+)-permeable channels are distinctly localized in these tiny specialized cells. New approaches to measure sperm currents, intracellular Ca(2+), membrane potential, and intracellular pH with fluorescent probes, patch-clamp recordings, sequence information, and heterologous expression are revealing how sperm channels participate in fertilization. Certain sperm ion channels are turning out to be unique, making them attractive targets for contraception and for the discovery of novel signaling complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Darszon
- Department of Developmental Genetics and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico 62210
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28
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Shi QX, Chen WY, Yuan YY, Mao LZ, Yu SQ, Chen AJ, Ni Y, Roldan ERS. Progesterone primes zona pellucida-induced activation of phospholipase A2 during acrosomal exocytosis in guinea pig spermatozoa. J Cell Physiol 2005; 205:344-54. [PMID: 15965949 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.20426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
We investigated, using guinea-pig spermatozoa as a model, whether phospholipase A2 (PLA2) is involved in progesterone or zona pellucida (ZP)-stimulated acrosomal exocytosis, if progesterone enhances ZP-induced activation of PLA2, and mechanisms underlying PLA2 regulation. Spermatozoa were capacitated and labeled in low Ca2+ medium with [14C]choline chloride or [14C]arachidonic acid, washed, and then exposed to millimolar Ca2+ and progesterone and/or ZP. Each agonist stimulated decrease of phosphatidylcholine (PC) and release of arachidonic acid and lysoPC, indicative of PLA2 activation. Aristolochic acid (a PLA2 inhibitor) abrogated lipid changes and exocytosis, indicating that these lipid changes are essential for exocytosis. Exposure of spermatozoa to submaximal concentrations of both progesterone and ZP resulted in a synergistic increase of arachidonic acid and lysoPC releases, and exocytosis, suggesting that, under natural conditions, both agonists interact to bring about acrosomal exocytosis. Progesterone-induced PLA2 activation appears to be mediated by a GABA(A)-like receptor, because bicuculline (a GABA(A) receptor antagonist) blocked arachidonic acid release and exocytosis. In agreement with this, GABA mimicked progesterone actions. ZP-induced activation of PLA2 seemed to be transduced via G(i) proteins because pertussis toxin blocked arachidonic acid release and acrosomal exocytosis. PLA2 may be regulated by PKC because progesterone- or ZP-induced release of arachidonic acid was blocked by the PKC inhibitors staurosporine or chelerythrine chloride. PLA2 could also be regulated by the cAMP-PKA pathway; inclusion of the PKA inhibitor 14-22 amide or H-89 led to a reduction in arachidonic acid release or exocytosis after progesterone or ZP. Taken together, these results suggest that PLA2 plays an essential role in progesterone or ZP-stimulated exocytosis with progesterone priming ZP action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Xian Shi
- Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
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29
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Mededovic S, Fraser LR. Angiotensin II stimulates cAMP production and protein tyrosine phosphorylation in mouse spermatozoa. Reproduction 2004; 127:601-12. [PMID: 15129016 DOI: 10.1530/rep.1.00062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Angiotensin II (AII), found in seminal plasma, has been shown to stimulate capacitation in uncapacitated mammalian spermatozoa. The present study investigated the location of AII receptors on spermatozoa and AII's mechanism of action. AT1 type receptors for AII are present on the acrosomal cap region and along the whole of the flagellum of both mouse and human spermatozoa. Because combinations of low concentrations of AII and either calcitonin or fertilization-promoting peptide (FPP), both known to regulate the adenylyl cyclase (AC)/cAMP signal transduction pathway, elicited a significant response, this study investigated the hypothesis that these peptides act on the same pathway. AII was shown to significantly stimulate cAMP production in both uncapacitated and capacitated mouse spermatozoa and this was associated with increases in protein tyrosine phosphorylation. Using an anti-phosphotyrosine antibody to visualize the location of tyrosine phosphoproteins within individual cells, AII significantly stimulated phosphorylation within 20 min in both the head, especially in the acrosomal cap region, and the flagellum, especially in the principal piece, of uncapacitated mouse spermatozoa; combined AII + FPP was stimulatory within 5 min. In addition, Western blotting revealed that AII stimulation increased phosphorylation in a number of tyrosine phosphoproteins in both uncapacitated and capacitated mouse spermatozoa, with some being altered only in the latter category of cells. These results support the hypothesis that AII stimulates AC/cAMP in mammalian spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samra Mededovic
- Centre for Reproduction, Endocrinology and Diabetes, School of Biomedical Sciences, King's College London, Guy's Campus, London Bridge, London SE1 1UL, UK
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Yuan YY, Chen WY, Shi QX, Mao LZ, Yu SQ, Fang X, Roldan ERS. Zona pellucida induces activation of phospholipase A2 during acrosomal exocytosis in guinea pig spermatozoa. Biol Reprod 2003; 68:904-13. [PMID: 12604641 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.102.005777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) is activated in spermatozoa in response to progesterone and Ca(2+) ionophores, but to our knowledge, no study has yet reported zona pellucida (ZP)-induced activation of PLA(2). We investigated whether PLA(2) is involved in ZP-stimulated acrosomal exocytosis, if Ca(2+) is required for activation of PLA(2), and signal transduction pathways modulating PLA(2) using guinea pig sperm as a model. Spermatozoa were capacitated and labeled in low-Ca(2+) medium with [(14)C]choline chloride or [(14)C]arachidonic acid and were then exposed to millimolar Ca(2+) and various reagents and stimulated with ZP. Precapacitated spermatozoa exposed to millimolar Ca(2+) and stimulated with ZP experienced increases in arachidonic acid (AA) and lysophosphatidylcholine (lysoPC) levels and a parallel decrease in phosphatidylcholine level; these changes are indicative of PLA(2) activation. Simulation with ZP also led to acrosomal exocytosis in a high proportion of spermatozoa. Lipid changes and exocytosis were prevented if spermatozoa were exposed to aristolochic acid, a PLA(2) inhibitor, before treatment with ZP. Stimulation with ZP in medium without added Ca(2+) or in medium with millimolar Ca(2+) and EGTA or La(3+) resulted in no lipid changes or exocytosis. Pretreatment with pertussis toxin, a G(i) protein inhibitor, before stimulation with ZP blocked the release of AA and lysoPC as well as acrosomal exocytosis. Exposure of spermatozoa to the diacylglycerol (DAG) kinase inhibitor R59022 before ZP stimulation led to a significant increase in generation of lysoPC and exocytosis. Taken together, these results indicate very strongly that PLA(2) plays an essential role in ZP-induced exocytosis in spermatozoa, that PLA(2) activation requires Ca(2+) internalization, and that PLA(2) activation is regulated by signal transduction pathways involving G proteins and DAG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Y Yuan
- Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310013, People's Republic of China
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Rathi R, Colenbrander B, Stout TAE, Bevers MM, Gadella BM. Progesterone induces acrosome reaction in stallion spermatozoa via a protein tyrosine kinase dependent pathway. Mol Reprod Dev 2003; 64:120-8. [PMID: 12420307 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.10216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Progesterone (P(4)) is a physiological inducer of the acrosome reaction (AR) in stallion spermatozoa. However, the capacitation-dependent changes that enable progesterone binding, and the nature of the signaling cascade that is triggered by progesterone and results in induction of the AR, are poorly understood. The aim of the current study was, therefore, to investigate the protein kinase dependent signaling cascades involved in progesterone-mediated induction of the AR in stallion spermatozoa. In addition, we aimed to determine whether bicarbonate, an inducer of sperm capacitation, acted via the same pathway as P(4) or whether it otherwise synergized P(4)-mediated induction of the AR. We examined the effect on AR progression of specific inhibitors and stimulators of protein kinase A (PKA), protein kinase C (PKC), protein kinase G (PKG), and protein tyrosine kinase (PTK), in the presence or absence of 15 mM bicarbonate and/or 1 microg/ml progesterone. Progression of the AR was assessed using the Pisum sativum agglutinin conjugated to fluorescein iso thiocyanate (PSA-FITC) staining technique. Bicarbonate specifically activated a PKA-dependent signaling pathway, whereas the effect of P(4) was independent of PKA. Conversely, while P(4)-mediated AR induction was dependent on PTK, the effects of bicarbonate were PTK-independent. Finally, although the AR inducing effects of both P(4) and bicarbonate were sensitive to staurosporin, a potent blocker of PKC activity at moderate (50 nM) concentrations, the effect of P(4) was completely blocked at 50 nM staurosporin, whereas that of bicarbonate was only completely inhibited by much higher concentrations (2 microM) where staurosporin also inhibits PKA activity. In conclusion, P(4)-mediated activation of the AR is dependent on a pathway that includes both PTK and PKC. While the effects of bicarbonate on the AR are mediated via a separate PKA-dependent signaling pathway, P(4) and bicarbonate have synergistic effects on the AR.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Rathi
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Francavilla F, Romano R, Santucci R, Macerola B, Ruvolo G, Francavilla S. Effect of human sperm exposure to progesterone on sperm-oocyte fusion and sperm-zona pellucida binding under various experimental conditions. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANDROLOGY 2002; 25:106-12. [PMID: 11903660 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2605.2002.00333.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
In this study, the effect of human sperm exposure to progesterone on sperm/oocyte fusion, using the hamster egg penetration test, and on sperm/zona pellucida (ZP) binding, using the hemizona assay, was investigated under various experimental conditions. A brief exposure of human spermatozoa to progesterone exerted a stimulatory effect on sperm/oocyte fusion which was dose-dependent, capacitation-dependent, influenced by the source of serum albumin in capacitating medium, and was higher than that produced by the exposure to progesterone from the onset of capacitation. The exposure of capacitated spermatozoa to progesterone during 20 min-spermatozoa/ZP-coincubation produced an enhancement of ZP-binding, which was not significantly influenced by the source of serum albumin in capacitating medium. A significantly lower ZP-binding was exhibited by spermatozoa exposed to progesterone from the beginning of capacitation. These results indicate that progesterone exerts a stimulatory effect on human sperm's fertilizing ability, which occurs mainly in post-capacitation events directly involved in sperm/oocyte fusion and in ZP-binding. Conditions optimizing these effects are provided. They should be taken into account in the standardization of experimental and clinical studies designed to evaluate the response of human spermatozoa to progesterone.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Francavilla
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Andrology, University of L'Aquila, Via S.Sisto 22/E, L'Aquila, Italy.
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Córdoba M, Beconi MT. Progesterone effect mediated by the voltage-dependent calcium channel and protein kinase C on noncapacitated cryopreserved bovine spermatozoa. Andrologia 2001; 33:105-12. [PMID: 11350374 DOI: 10.1046/j.1439-0272.2001.00414.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
An increase in intracellular calcium is essential to trigger capacitation and the acrosome reaction. The aim of this study was to determine the progesterone effect mediated by the voltage-dependent calcium channel and protein kinase C on heparin-capacitated and noncapacitated spermatozoa. Protein kinase C was activated by 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl glycerol, a membrane-permeant diacyl-glycerol, and inhibited by GF-109203X. The percentage of true acrosome reaction was evaluated using differential-interferential optical contrast microscopy and trypan blue stain. The calcium concentration was evaluated by FURA-2AM and methoxyverapamil was used as a voltage-dependent calcium channel inhibitor. A rapid calcium increase and acrosome reaction were induced by progesterone in capacitated and noncapacitated spermatozoa, a higher intracellular calcium increase being observed in capacitated than in noncapacitated samples (P < 0.05). The calcium increase and acrosome reaction were blocked significantly by GF-109203X in noncapacitated and capacitated spermatozoa by the addition of progesterone and/or 1-oleoyl-2-acetylglycerol. Methoxyverapamil blocked calcium influx in samples treated with progesterone and heparin/progesterone, but not in those treated with 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl glycerol. Progesterone induces the acrosome reaction in noncapacitated cryopreserved bovine spermatozoa through intracellular mechanisms dependent on protein kinase C and the voltage-dependent calcium channel.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Córdoba
- Area of Biochemistry, School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Flesch FM, Gadella BM. Dynamics of the mammalian sperm plasma membrane in the process of fertilization. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 2000; 1469:197-235. [PMID: 11063883 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-4157(00)00018-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 346] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Sexual reproduction requires the fusion of sperm cell and oocyte during fertilization to produce the diploid zygote. In mammals complex changes in the plasma membrane of the sperm cell are involved in this process. Sperm cells have unusual membranes compared to those of somatic cells. After leaving the testes, sperm cells cease plasma membrane lipid and protein synthesis, and vesicle mediated transport. Biophysical studies reveal that lipids and proteins are organized into lateral regions of the sperm head surface. A delicate reorientation and modification of plasma membrane molecules take place in the female tract when sperm cells are activated by so-called capacitation factors. These surface changes enable the sperm cell to bind to the extra cellular matrix of the egg (zona pellucida, ZP). The ZP primes the sperm cell to initiate the acrosome reaction, which is an exocytotic process that makes available the enzymatic machinery required for sperm penetration through the ZP. After complete penetration the sperm cell meets the plasma membrane of the egg cell (oolemma). A specific set of molecules is involved in a disintegrin-integrin type of anchoring of the two gametes which is completed by fusion of the two gamete plasma membranes. The fertilized egg is activated and zygote formation preludes the development of a new living organism. In this review we focus on the involvement of processes that occur at the sperm plasma membrane in the sequence of events that lead to successful fertilization. For this purpose, dynamics in adhesive and fusion properties, molecular composition and architecture of the sperm plasma membrane, as well as membrane derived signalling are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- F M Flesch
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, and Department of Farm Animal Health, Graduate School of Animal Health and Institute for Biomembranes, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Garbi M, Rubinstein S, Lax Y, Breitbart H. Activation of protein kinase calpha in the lysophosphatidic acid-induced bovine sperm acrosome reaction and phospholipase D1 regulation. Biol Reprod 2000; 63:1271-7. [PMID: 11058529 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod63.5.1271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein kinase C (PKC) has been implicated in the sperm acrosome reaction. In the present study, we demonstrate induction of the acrosome reaction and activation of sperm PKCalpha by lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), which is known to induce signal transduction cascades in many cell types via binding to specific cell-surface receptors. Under conditions by which LPA activates PKCalpha, there is significant stimulation of the acrosome reaction, which is inhibited by PKC inhibitors. Protein kinase Calpha belongs to the Ca(2+)-dependent classical PKC family of isoforms, and indeed we show that its activation depends upon the presence of Ca(2+) in the incubation medium. Protein kinase Calpha is a known regulator of phospholipase D (PLD). We investigated the possible regulatory relationships between PKCalpha and PLD1. Using specific antibodies against PLD1, we demonstrate for the first time its presence in bovine sperm. Furthermore, PLD1 coimmunoprecipitates with PKCalpha and the PKCalpha-PLD1 complex decomposes after treatment of the cells with LPA or 12-O:-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate, resulting in the translocation of PKCalpha to the plasma membrane and translocation of PLD1 to the particulate fraction. A possible bilateral regulation of PKCalpha and PLD1 activation during the sperm acrosome reaction is suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Garbi
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 52900, Israel
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Harrison DA, Carr DW, Meizel S. Involvement of protein kinase A and A kinase anchoring protein in the progesterone-initiated human sperm acrosome reaction. Biol Reprod 2000; 62:811-20. [PMID: 10684828 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod62.3.811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The signal transduction pathways involved in the progesterone (P(4))-initiated mammalian sperm acrosome reaction (AR) are not fully understood. To investigate the role of the protein kinase A (PKA) pathway in the P(4)-initiated AR, we probed this pathway by pretreating capacitated human sperm with reagents designed to either inhibit PKA activation or disrupt PKA/A kinase anchoring protein (AKAP) interactions. Preincubation with the stearated (membrane permeable) PKA inhibitor, PKI alpha 5-24 (S-PKI alpha 5-24), significantly inhibited the P(4)-initiated AR at 10 microM as compared to stearated control peptide. In contrast, preincubation with 100 microM nonstearated PKI alpha 5-24 did not significantly inhibit versus solvent control. Preincubation with the PKA inhibitor Rp-8-Br-cAMP at 500 microM and 150 microM significantly inhibited the P(4)-initiated AR versus 8-Br-cAMP and versus solvent. Preincubation with the anchoring inhibitory peptide S-Ht-31 significantly stimulated the P(4)-initiated AR at 10, 3, and 1 microM versus inactive control peptide. The stimulation of the P(4)-initiated AR by 3 microM S-Ht31 was significantly inhibited by the addition of 30 microM S-PKI alpha 5-24 prior to the addition of S-Ht31. Preincubation with S-PKI alpha 5-24 (30 microM) partially inhibited the ionomycin (50 microM)-initiated AR. A role for PKA in the P(4)-initiated AR may exist both upstream and downstream of Ca(2+) entry. Our studies present the first evidence for the participation of PKA in the P(4)-initiated AR and also suggest that AKAPs are involved in the PKA-mediated events.
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Affiliation(s)
- D A Harrison
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California, Davis School of Medicine, Davis, California 95616, USA
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Yeung CH, Weinbauer GF, Cooper TG. Responses of monkey epididymal sperm of different maturational status to second messengers mediating protein tyrosine phosphorylation, acrosome reaction, and motility. Mol Reprod Dev 1999; 54:194-202. [PMID: 10471480 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1098-2795(199910)54:2<194::aid-mrd12>3.0.co;2-c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The maturation of various aspects of sperm function have been demonstrated in monkey and human epididymal sperm, including the ability to undergo the acrosome reaction. The present study aimed to investigate the maturational changes in non-human primate sperm in the signal transduction mechanisms leading to the acrosome reaction involving cyclic AMP, Ca(2+) influx, protein kinase C, and protein tyrosine phosphorylation. Sperm from the caput, corpus, and cauda epididymidis of cynomolgus monkeys were incubated in a complete medium for 2.5 hr, followed by 30 min stimulation with 1 mM dibutyryl cAMP and 1 mM caffeine, 50 microM 1, 2-dioctanoyl-sn-glycerol (DOG), and 50 microM Ca(2+)-ionophore A23187. Quantitative Western blotting revealed little difference in tyrosine phosphorylated proteins among the caput, corpus, and cauda sperm without stimulation. Incubation with cAMP increased the amount of tyrosine phosphorylated proteins up to 10-fold in the corpus and cauda sperm, but to a lower extent in the caput sperm. Ca(2+)-ionophore attenuated the cAMP stimulation but had no effect on its own. Such responses in tyrosine phosphorylated proteins were in great contrast to the responses in the acrosome reaction, where A23187 was the strongest stimulant, resulting in induction of the reaction in 50 +/- 5%, 11 +/- 5%, and 8 +/- 4% cauda, corpus and caput sperm, respectively (mean +/- sem, n = 6). DOG and cAMP in combination induced acrosome reactions in about 10% of viable cells in the cauda and corpus but not caput sperm. Caput sperm responded to cAMP with increases in percentage motility without forward progression whereas cauda sperm displayed marked kinematic changes expected of hyperactivation. Comparisons of responses suggest that the major tyrosine phosphorylated proteins detected are unlikely to be involved immediately in the precipitation of the acrosome reaction, but more related to flagellar motion. Development of signal transduction pathways is part of the epididymal maturational process.
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Affiliation(s)
- C H Yeung
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine of the University, Münster, Germany.
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39
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Naor Z, Breitbart H. Protein kinase C and exocytosis in Mammalian spermatozoa. Trends Endocrinol Metab 1998; 9:297. [PMID: 18406289 DOI: 10.1016/s1043-2760(98)00072-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Z Naor
- Department of Biochemistry, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv 69978, Israel
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40
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Affiliation(s)
- E R Roldan
- Instituto de Bioquı́mica (CSIC-UCM), Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, 28040-Madrid, Spain
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Affiliation(s)
- A Revelli
- Department of Obstetrical and Gynecological Sciences, University of Torino, Italy
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