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Investigation of comorbid autoimmune diseases in women with autoimmune bullous diseases: An interplay of autoimmunity and practical implications. Int J Womens Dermatol 2022; 8:e053. [PMID: 36225612 PMCID: PMC9543088 DOI: 10.1097/jw9.0000000000000053] [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: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune bullous diseases are a group of skin disorders resulting from an autoimmune reaction against intercellular adhesion molecules or components of the basement membrane of skin and mucosa. Autoimmune disorders often occur in patients with a history of another autoimmune disease and most autoimmune diseases have a striking female predominance. In this review, we aim to analyze the different associations of autoimmune bullous diseases with other autoimmune diseases and highlight the distinctiveness of the female gender in these associations.
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Epithelial and Neural Cadherin in Mammalian Fertilization: Studies in the Mouse Model. Cells 2021; 11:cells11010102. [PMID: 35011663 PMCID: PMC8750299 DOI: 10.3390/cells11010102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful mammalian fertilization requires a well-orchestrated sequence of molecular events leading to gamete fusion. Since this interaction involves Ca2+-dependent adhesion events, the participation of the Ca+2-dependent cell-cell adhesion proteins Epithelial (E-cad) and Neural (N-cad) cadherin is envisaged. We have previously reported the expression of E-cad and N-cad in human gametes and showed evidence of their involvement in sperm-oocyte adhesion events leading to fertilization. To overcome ethical limitations associated with the use of human gametes in fertilization-related studies, the mouse has been selected worldwide as the experimental model for over 4 decades. Herein, we report a detailed study aimed at characterizing the expression of E-cad and N-cad in murine gametes and their involvement in murine fertilization using specific antibodies and blocking peptides towards both adhesion proteins. E-cad and N-cad protein forms, as well as other members of the adhesion complex, specifically β-catenin and actin, were identified in spermatozoa, cumulus cells and oocytes protein extracts by means of Western immunoblotting. In addition, subcellular localization of these proteins was determined in whole cells using optical fluorescent microscopy. Gamete pre-incubation with anti-E-cad (ECCD-1) or N-cad (H-63) antibodies resulted in decreased (p < 0.05) In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) rates, when using both cumulus-oocytes complexes and cumulus-free oocytes. Moreover, IVF assays done with denuded oocytes and either antibodies or blocking peptides against E-cad and N-cad led to lower (p < 0.05) fertilization rates. When assessing each step, penetration of the cumulus mass was lower (p < 0.05) when spermatozoa were pre-incubated with ECCD-1 or blocking peptides towards E-cad or towards both E- and N-cad. Moreover, sperm-oolemma binding was impaired (p < 0.0005) after sperm pre-incubation with E-cad antibody or blocking peptide towards E-cad, N-cad or both proteins. Finally, sperm-oocyte fusion was lower (p < 0.05) after sperm pre-incubation with either antibody or blocking peptide against E-cad or N-cad. Our studies demonstrate the expression of members of the adherent complex in the murine model, and the use of antibodies and specific peptides revealed E-cad and N-cad participation in mammalian fertilization.
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Abstract
Sperm selection in the female reproductive tract (FRT) is sophisticated. Only about 1,000 sperm out of millions in an ejaculate reach the fallopian tube and thus have a chance of fertilizing an oocyte. In assisted reproduction techniques, sperm are usually selected using their density or motility, characteristics that do not reflect their fertilization competence and, therefore, might result in failure to fertilize the oocyte. Although sperm processing in in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI) bypasses many of the selection processes in the FRT, selection by the cumulus mass and the zona pellucida remain intact. By contrast, the direct injection of a sperm into an oocyte in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) bypasses all natural selection barriers and, therefore, increases the risk of transferring paternal defects such as fragmented DNA and genomic abnormalities in sperm to the resulting child. Research into surrogate markers of fertilization potential and into simulating the natural sperm selection processes has progressed. However, methods of sperm isolation - such as hyaluronic acid-based selection and microfluidic isolation based on sperm tactic responses - use only one or two parameters and are not comparable with the multistep sperm selection processes naturally occurring within the FRT. Fertilization-competent sperm require a panel of molecules, including zona pellucida-binding proteins and ion channel proteins, that enable them to progress through the FRT to achieve fertilization. The optimal artificial sperm selection method will, therefore, probably need to use a multiparameter tool that incorporates the molecular signature of sperm with high fertilization potential, and their responses to external cues, within a microfluidic system that can replicate the physiological processes of the FRT in vitro.
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Sirri R, Tura G, Budai J, Beraldo P, Fiorentino M, Barbé T, Galeotti M, Sarli G, Mandrioli L. Histological and immunohistochemical characterization of 17 gonadal tumours in koi carp (Cyprinus carpio koi). JOURNAL OF FISH DISEASES 2021; 44:273-285. [PMID: 33098685 DOI: 10.1111/jfd.13280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Reports on abdominal tumours in koi carp are scarce and most are from the gonads. Their histological diagnosis is challenging due to the occurrence of mixed populations of neoplastic cells and the few availability of cross-reactive antibodies in fish tissues. The present study aims to provide a histopathological characterization of seventeen gonadal tumours, enriched by a wide antibody panel (vimentin, CD117, placental alkaline phosphatase-PLAP, AE1/AE3 cytokeratin, E-cadherin, proliferating cell nuclear antigen-PCNA, müllerian-inhibiting substance-MIS, GATA4 and Inhibin-α) applied on whole and tissue microarray (TMA) sections. Abdominal enlargement was associated with tumours filling 30%-80% of the abdominal cavity; frequently, the gonads had been completely replaced by neoplastic tissue. Twelve cases were characterized as sex cord-stromal tumours (SCSTs), three as germ cell tumours (GCTs), one as mixed germ cell sex cord-stromal tumour (MGCSCST) and one as carcinoma. By immunohistochemistry, PLAP enabled confirmation of GCTs, ovarian carcinoma and the objective identification of a further cell component in 8 out of the 12 SCSTs that were reclassified as mixed tumours. The use of an immunohistochemical panel can help in refining the histological diagnosis, but the morphological diagnosis still represents the main tool for the characterization of these tumours in koi carp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubina Sirri
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giorgia Tura
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Jane Budai
- Department of Agrifood, Environmental and Animal Science, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Paola Beraldo
- Department of Agrifood, Environmental and Animal Science, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Michelangelo Fiorentino
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine DIMES, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Marco Galeotti
- Department of Agrifood, Environmental and Animal Science, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Sarli
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luciana Mandrioli
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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5
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Lan R, Xin M, Hao Z, You S, Xu Y, Wu J, Dang L, Zhang X, Sun S. Biological Functions and Large-Scale Profiling of Protein Glycosylation in Human Semen. J Proteome Res 2020; 19:3877-3889. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.9b00795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rongxia Lan
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province 710069, P. R. China
| | - Miaomiao Xin
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province 710069, P. R. China
- Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Research Institute of Fish Culture and Hydrobiology, Vodnany 38925, Czech Republic
| | - Zhifang Hao
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province 710069, P. R. China
| | - Shanshan You
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province 710069, P. R. China
| | - Yintai Xu
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province 710069, P. R. China
| | - Jingyu Wu
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province 710069, P. R. China
| | - Liuyi Dang
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province 710069, P. R. China
| | - Xinwen Zhang
- The Medical Genetics Centre, Xi 'an People's Hospital (Xi 'an Fourth Hospital), Xi’an Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province 710004, P. R. China
| | - Shisheng Sun
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province 710069, P. R. China
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Mei S, Chen P, Lee CL, Zhao W, Wang Y, Lam KKW, Ho PC, Yeung WSB, Fang C, Chiu PCN. The role of galectin-3 in spermatozoa-zona pellucida binding and its association with fertilization in vitro. Mol Hum Reprod 2020; 25:458-470. [PMID: 31194867 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaz030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Revised: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human spermatozoa can fertilize an oocyte only after post-testicular maturation and capacitation. These processes involve dynamic modification and reorganization of the sperm plasma membrane, which allow them to bind to the zona pellucida (ZP) of the oocyte. Defective sperm-ZP binding is one of the major causes of male subfertility. Galectin-3 is a secretory lectin in human seminal plasma well known for its action on cell adhesion. The aim of this study was to determine the role of galectin-3 in spermatozoa-ZP interaction and its association with fertilization rate in clinical assisted reproduction. Our studies revealed that the acrosomal region of ejaculated and capacitated spermatozoa possess strong galectin-3 immunoreactivity, which is much stronger than that of epididymal spermatozoa. Expression of galectin-3 can also be detected on seminal plasma-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) and can be transferred to the sperm surface. Blocking of sperm surface galectin-3 function by antibody or carbohydrate substrate reduced the ZP-binding capacity of spermatozoa. Purified galectin-3 is capable of binding to ZP, indicating that galectin-3 may serve as a cross-linking bridge between ZP glycans and sperm surface glycoproteins. Galectin-3 levels in seminal plasma-derived EVs were positively associated with fertilization rates. These results suggest that galectin-3 in EVs is transferred to the sperm surface during post-testicular maturation and plays a crucial role in spermatozoa-ZP binding after capacitation. Reduced galectin-3 expression in seminal plasma-derived EVs may be a cause behind a low fertilization rate. Further studies with more clinical samples are required to confirm the relationship between galectin-3 levels and IVF outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Mei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Panyu Chen
- The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cheuk-Lun Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR.,Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hostpital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Weie Zhao
- The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Kevin K W Lam
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR.,Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hostpital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Pak-Chung Ho
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR.,Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hostpital, Shenzhen, China
| | - William S B Yeung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR.,Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hostpital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Cong Fang
- The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Philip C N Chiu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR.,Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hostpital, Shenzhen, China
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Saucedo L, Sobarzo C, Brukman NG, Guidobaldi HA, Lustig L, Giojalas LC, Buffone MG, Vazquez-Levin MH, Marín-Briggiler C. Involvement of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) and its receptors in the regulation of mouse sperm physiology. Reproduction 2018; 156:163-172. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-18-0133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) and its receptors (FGFRs) have been described in several tissues, where they regulate cellular proliferation, differentiation, motility and apoptosis. Although FGF2/FGFRs expression in the male reproductive tract has been reported, there is scarce evidence on their presence in the female reproductive tract and their involvement in the modulation of sperm function. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the expression of FGF2 in the female reproductive tract and to assess the role of the FGF2/FGFRs system in the regulation of sperm physiology using the murine model. FGF2 was detected in uterus and oviduct protein extracts, and it was immunolocalized in epithelial cells of the uterus,isthmusandampulla, as well as in thecumulus oophorus-oocyte complex. The receptors FGFR1, FGFR2, FGFR3 and FGFR4 were immunodetected in the flagellum and acrosomal region of sperm recovered from thecaudaepididymis. Analysis of testis sections showed the expression of FGFRs in germ cells at different stages of the spermatogenesis, suggesting the testicular origin of the sperm FGFRs. Sperm incubation with recombinant FGF2 (rFGF2) led to increased sperm motility and velocity and to enhanced intracellular Ca2+levels and acrosomal loss compared to the control. In conclusion, this study shows that FGF2 is expressed in tissues of the female reproductive tract. Also, the fact that functional FGFRs are present in mouse sperm and that rFGF2 affects sperm motility and acrosomal exocytosis, suggests the involvement of this system in thein vivoregulation of sperm function.
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Saucedo L, Rumpel R, Sobarzo C, Schreiner D, Brandes G, Lustig L, Vazquez-Levin MH, Grothe C, Marín-Briggiler C. Deficiency of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) leads to abnormal spermatogenesis and altered sperm physiology. J Cell Physiol 2018; 233:9640-9651. [PMID: 30054911 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.26876] [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: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
In previous studies, we described the presence of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) and its receptors (FGFRs) in human testis and sperm, which are involved in spermatogenesis and in motility regulation. The aim of the present study was to analyze the role of FGF-2 in the maintenance of sperm physiology using FGF-2 knockout (KO) mice. Our results showed that in wild-type (WT) animals, FGF-2 is expressed in germ cells of the seminiferous epithelium, in epithelial cells of the epididymis, and in the flagellum and acrosomal region of epididymal sperm. In the FGF-2 KO mice, we found alterations in spermatogenesis kinetics, higher numbers of spermatids per testis, and enhanced daily sperm production compared with the WT males. No difference in the percentage of sperm motility was detected, but a significant increase in sperm concentration and in sperm head abnormalities was observed in FGF-2 KO animals. Sperm from KO mice depicted reduced phosphorylation on tyrosine residues (a phenomenon that was associated with sperm capacitation) and increased acrosomal loss after incubation under capacitating conditions. However, the FGF-2 KO males displayed no apparent fertility defects, since their mating with WT females showed no differences in the time to delivery, litter size, and pup weight in comparison with WT males. Overall, our findings suggest that FGF-2 exerts a role in mammalian spermatogenesis and that the lack of FGF-2 leads to dysregulated sperm production and altered sperm morphology and function. FGF-2-deficient mice constitute a model for the study of the complex mechanisms underlying mammalian spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Saucedo
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), National Research Council of Argentina (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Regina Rumpel
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Cristian Sobarzo
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, National Research Council of Argentina (CONICET), University of Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Dietmar Schreiner
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Gudrun Brandes
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Livia Lustig
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, National Research Council of Argentina (CONICET), University of Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mónica Hebe Vazquez-Levin
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), National Research Council of Argentina (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Claudia Grothe
- Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Clara Marín-Briggiler
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), National Research Council of Argentina (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Samanta L, Parida R, Dias TR, Agarwal A. The enigmatic seminal plasma: a proteomics insight from ejaculation to fertilization. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2018; 16:41. [PMID: 29704899 PMCID: PMC5923003 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-018-0358-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The 'omics' approach for a noninvasive diagnosis of male reproductive system disorders has gained momentum during the last decade, particularly from a screening and prognosis point of view. Due to the rapid development in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) over the years, the major focus of proteomic studies has been around the ejaculated spermatozoa. Although seminal plasma is not a requirement for ART, the question arose whether the role of seminal plasma is merely to transport spermatozoa. MAIN BODY Seminal plasma (SP) contains a large diversity of proteins that are essential not only for sperm transport, but also for sperm protection and maturation. Most of the proteins bind to sperm surface through exosomes (epididymosomes and prostasomes), modulating sperm function, interaction with the female reproductive tract and finally fertilization. This review focuses on the state-of-art discoveries regarding SP proteome and its role in fertilization. CONCLUSION Tissue-specific proteins in the SP have emerged as fundamental contributors for protein biomarker discovery. This is important for a noninvasive diagnosis of male infertility and development of new therapeutic approaches. Moreover, ART success rates may be improved by taking into account the critical role of seminal proteome in fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luna Samanta
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, 10681 Carnegie Avenue, Desk X11, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
- Redox Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, School of Life Sciences, Ravenshaw University, Cuttack, Odisha, 753003, India
| | - Rajeshwari Parida
- Redox Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, School of Life Sciences, Ravenshaw University, Cuttack, Odisha, 753003, India
| | - Tania R Dias
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, 10681 Carnegie Avenue, Desk X11, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
- Universidade da Beira Interior, 6201-001, Covilhã, Portugal
- Department of Microscopy, Laboratory of Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, University of Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
- LAQV/REQUIMTE - Laboratory of Bromatology and Hydrology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, 10681 Carnegie Avenue, Desk X11, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.
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Garbarino Azúa DJ, Saucedo L, Giordana S, Magri ML, Buffone MG, Neuspiller F, Vazquez-Levin MH, Marín-Briggiler CI. Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) is present in human spermatozoa and is related with sperm motility. The use of recombinant FGF2 to improve motile sperm recovery. Andrology 2017; 5:990-998. [PMID: 28732140 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2017] [Revised: 05/12/2017] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and their receptors (FGFRs) regulate several functions of somatic cells. In a previous work, we reported FGFR expression in human spermatozoa and their involvement in motility. This study aimed to evaluate the presence and localization of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) in human spermatozoa, to determine the relationship of FGF2 levels with conventional semen parameters and to assess the effect of recombinant FGF2 (rFGF2) on sperm recovery in a selection procedure. Western immunoblotting analysis using an antibody against FGF2 revealed an 18-kDa band in sperm protein extracts. The protein was immunolocalized in the sperm flagellum and acrosomal region, as well as in all germ cells. Sperm FGF2 levels, assessed by flow cytometry, showed a positive (p < 0.05) correlation with sperm concentration, motility, total sperm number and total motile cells per ejaculate. Moreover, samples with abnormal motility depicted diminished (p < 0.01) FGF2 levels compared to those with normal motility. Spermatozoa exposed to rFGF2 bound the protein, exhibited higher (p < 0.05) total and motile sperm recoveries, and increased (p < 0.01) kinematic parameters after the swim-up. Findings herein presented lead to consider sperm FGF2 level as a potential marker of sperm quality, and rFGF2 as a supplement for improving sperm recovery in selection techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- D J Garbarino Azúa
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), National Research Council of Argentina (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - L Saucedo
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), National Research Council of Argentina (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - S Giordana
- Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad (IVI), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M L Magri
- Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad (IVI), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M G Buffone
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), National Research Council of Argentina (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - F Neuspiller
- Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad (IVI), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M H Vazquez-Levin
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), National Research Council of Argentina (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - C I Marín-Briggiler
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), National Research Council of Argentina (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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11
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Guimarães DB, Barros TB, van Tilburg MF, Martins JAM, Moura AA, Moreno FB, Monteiro-Moreira AC, Moreira RA, Toniolli R. Sperm membrane proteins associated with the boar semen cryopreservation. Anim Reprod Sci 2017; 183:27-38. [PMID: 28662881 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2017.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2016] [Revised: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to define sperm membrane protein markers of semen freezability of boars with the aid of a proteomic approach. Semen from fourteen adult boars were subjected to slow freezing and rapid thawing. After thawing, sperm vigor and motility were analyzed, and based on these results, animals were separated into two groups: good (GFEs) and poor freezability (PFEs). Sperm membrane proteins were extracted and subjected to two-dimensional electrophoresis. Stained gels were analyzed by computerized resources to indicate differentially expressed protein spots, that were identified by mass spectrometry. Six animals showed good freezability with average sperm vigor and motility of 2.2±0.8 and 41.8±22.9, respectively, whereas eight boars showed poor freezability, with 1.9±0.6 and 26.8±17.5 of sperm vigor sperm motility, respectively. An average of 263±62.2 spots per gel and 234.2±54.6 of spots consistently present in all gels were detected. The intensities of five spots were significantly different between groups. Fc fragment of IgG binding protein and lactadherin were more intense in the PFE group, while Arylsulfatase A and F-actin capping protein subunit alpha 1 were more expressed in the GEF group. Based on their functions and interactions with other proteins, we conclude that these four sperm membrane proteins may act as potential markers of boar semen freezability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daianny B Guimarães
- Laboratory of Swine Reproduction and Semen Technology of Ceará State University (UECE),Av. Dr. Silas Munguba, 1700, Campus do Itaperi, ZIP code 60.714-903, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Tatyane B Barros
- Laboratory of Swine Reproduction and Semen Technology of Ceará State University (UECE),Av. Dr. Silas Munguba, 1700, Campus do Itaperi, ZIP code 60.714-903, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Maurício F van Tilburg
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Ceará (UFC),Av. Mister Hull, 2977, Campus do Pici, ZIP code 60.356-001, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Jorge A M Martins
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Ceará (UFC),Av. Mister Hull, 2977, Campus do Pici, ZIP code 60.356-001, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Arlindo A Moura
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Ceará (UFC),Av. Mister Hull, 2977, Campus do Pici, ZIP code 60.356-001, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Frederico B Moreno
- School of Pharmacy, University of Fortaleza (UNIFOR), Washington Soares, 1321, Edson Queiroz, ZIP code 60.811-905, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Ana C Monteiro-Moreira
- School of Pharmacy, University of Fortaleza (UNIFOR), Washington Soares, 1321, Edson Queiroz, ZIP code 60.811-905, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Renato A Moreira
- School of Pharmacy, University of Fortaleza (UNIFOR), Washington Soares, 1321, Edson Queiroz, ZIP code 60.811-905, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Toniolli
- Laboratory of Swine Reproduction and Semen Technology of Ceará State University (UECE),Av. Dr. Silas Munguba, 1700, Campus do Itaperi, ZIP code 60.714-903, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.
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Matos ML, Lapyckyj L, Rosso M, Besso MJ, Mencucci MV, Briggiler CIM, Giustina S, Furlong LI, Vazquez-Levin MH. Identification of a Novel Human E-Cadherin Splice Variant and Assessment of Its Effects Upon EMT-Related Events. J Cell Physiol 2016; 232:1368-1386. [PMID: 27682981 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2016] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial Cadherin (E-cadherin) is involved in calcium-dependent cell-cell adhesion and signal transduction. The E-cadherin decrease/loss is a hallmark of Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EMT), a key event in tumor progression. The underlying molecular mechanisms that trigger E-cadherin loss and consequent EMT have not been completely elucidated. This study reports the identification of a novel human E-cadherin variant mRNA produced by alternative splicing. A bioinformatics evaluation of the novel mRNA sequence and biochemical verifications suggest its regulation by Nonsense-Mediated mRNA Decay (NMD). The novel E-cadherin variant was detected in 29/42 (69%) human tumor cell lines, expressed at variable levels (E-cadherin variant expression relative to the wild type mRNA = 0.05-11.6%). Stable transfection of the novel E-cadherin variant in MCF-7 cells (MCF7Ecadvar) resulted in downregulation of wild type E-cadherin expression (transcript/protein) and EMT-related changes, among them acquisition of a fibroblastic-like cell phenotype, increased expression of Twist, Snail, Zeb1, and Slug transcriptional repressors and decreased expression of ESRP1 and ESRP2 RNA binding proteins. Moreover, loss of cytokeratins and gain of vimentin, N-cadherin and Dysadherin/FXYD5 proteins was observed. Dramatic changes in cell behavior were found in MCF7Ecadvar, as judged by the decreased cell-cell adhesion (Hanging-drop assay), increased cell motility (Wound Healing) and increased cell migration (Transwell) and invasion (Transwell w/Matrigel). Some changes were found in MCF-7 cells incubated with culture medium supplemented with conditioned medium from HEK-293 cells transfected with the E-cadherin variant mRNA. Further characterization of the novel E-cadherin variant will help understanding the molecular basis of tumor progression and improve cancer diagnosis. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 1368-1386, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Laura Matos
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME). National Research Council of Argentina (CONICET). Fundación IBYME, Vuelta de Obligado 2490, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lara Lapyckyj
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME). National Research Council of Argentina (CONICET). Fundación IBYME, Vuelta de Obligado 2490, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marina Rosso
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME). National Research Council of Argentina (CONICET). Fundación IBYME, Vuelta de Obligado 2490, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María José Besso
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME). National Research Council of Argentina (CONICET). Fundación IBYME, Vuelta de Obligado 2490, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Victoria Mencucci
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME). National Research Council of Argentina (CONICET). Fundación IBYME, Vuelta de Obligado 2490, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Clara Isabel Marín Briggiler
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME). National Research Council of Argentina (CONICET). Fundación IBYME, Vuelta de Obligado 2490, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Silvina Giustina
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME). National Research Council of Argentina (CONICET). Fundación IBYME, Vuelta de Obligado 2490, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Laura Inés Furlong
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME). National Research Council of Argentina (CONICET). Fundación IBYME, Vuelta de Obligado 2490, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mónica Hebe Vazquez-Levin
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME). National Research Council of Argentina (CONICET). Fundación IBYME, Vuelta de Obligado 2490, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Abstract
Male infertility has become a very serious problem in the human reproduction system, but the molecular mechanism of infertility remains largely unknown.
Fertilization is the phenomenon in which a sperm and oocyte find each other, interact, and fuse. Sperm-oocyte fusion-related factors on the sperm side play
crucial roles in male infertility. For example, IZUMO1 is well-known as a sperm protein essential for fusion of a sperm and oocyte, but its dysfunction or
mutation can result in male infertility. Recent studies showed a novel sperm protein named Bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (BPI), which takes part
in the sperm-oocyte fusion process. The complexity and expected redundancy of the factors involved makes the process intricate, with a still poorly understood
mechanism, which is difficult to comprehend in full detail. This review summarizes the known molecules involved in the process of sperm-oocyte fusion, mainly
focusing on the relevant factors on the sperm side, whose dysregulation may potentially be associated with male infertility. New insights may come from these
molecules in this review, can facilitate the development of new treatments of male infertility, and may have a diagnostic value in infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisha Mou
- Shenzhen Xenotransplantation Medical Engineering Research and Development Center, Institute of Translational Medicine, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
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Pitia AM, Uchiyama K, Sano H, Kinukawa M, Minato Y, Sasada H, Kohsaka T. Functional insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3) hormone-receptor system in the testes and spermatozoa of domestic ruminants and its potential as a predictor of sire fertility. Anim Sci J 2016; 88:678-690. [PMID: 27592693 DOI: 10.1111/asj.12694] [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] [Received: 03/09/2016] [Revised: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 06/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3) is essential for fetal testis descent, and has been implicated in the testicular and sperm functions in adult males; however, similar functions in domestic ruminants remain largely unknown. This study investigated the functional INSL3 hormone-receptor system in adult ruminant testes and spermatozoa, and explored its potential to diagnose the fertility of sires. Testes and spermatozoa were obtained from fertile bulls, rams and he-goats, whereas subfertile testes and spermatozoa were obtained only from bulls. As expected, INSL3 was visualized in Leydig cells, while we clearly demonstrated that the functional receptor, relaxin family peptide receptor 2 (RXFP2), enabling INSL3 to bind was identified in testicular germ cells and in the sperm equatorial segment of bulls, rams and he-goats. In comparison to fertile bulls, the percentage of INSL3- and RXFP2-expressing cells and their expression levels per cell were significantly reduced in the testes of subfertile bulls. In addition, the population of INSL3-binding spermatozoa was also significantly reduced in the semen of subfertile bulls. These results provide evidence for a functional INSL3 hormone-receptor system operating in ruminant testes and spermatozoa, and its potential to predict subfertility in sires.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali M Pitia
- Division of Animal Resource Production, United Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan.,Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Physiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Kyoko Uchiyama
- Division of Animal Reproduction, Maebashi Institute of Animal Science, Livestock Improvement Association of Japan (LIAJ), Maebashi, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Sano
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Iwate University, Morioka, Japan
| | - Masashi Kinukawa
- Division of Animal Reproduction, Maebashi Institute of Animal Science, Livestock Improvement Association of Japan (LIAJ), Maebashi, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Minato
- Division of Animal Reproduction, Maebashi Institute of Animal Science, Livestock Improvement Association of Japan (LIAJ), Maebashi, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Sasada
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Kohsaka
- Division of Animal Resource Production, United Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan.,Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Physiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, Japan
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15
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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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Saucedo L, Buffa GN, Rosso M, Guillardoy T, Góngora A, Munuce MJ, Vazquez-Levin MH, Marín-Briggiler C. Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptors (FGFRs) in Human Sperm: Expression, Functionality and Involvement in Motility Regulation. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0127297. [PMID: 25970615 PMCID: PMC4430232 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0127297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2014] [Accepted: 04/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factors receptors (FGFRs) have been widely characterized in somatic cells, but there is scarce evidence of their expression and function in mammalian gametes. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the expression of FGFRs in human male germ cells, to determine sperm FGFR activation by the FGF2 ligand and their participation in the regulation of sperm motility. The expression of FGFR1, 2, 3 and 4 mRNAs and proteins in human testis and localization of these receptors in germ cells of the seminiferous epithelium was demonstrated. In ejaculated sperm, FGFRs were localized to the acrosomal region and flagellum. Sperm exposure to FGF2 caused an increase in flagellar FGFR phosphorylation and activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and protein kinase B (PKB or Akt) signaling pathways. Incubation with FGF2 led to a significant increase in the percentage of total and progressive sperm motility, as well as in sperm kinematics. All responses were prevented by sperm preincubation with BGJ398, a specific inhibitor of FGFR tyrosine kinase activity. In addition to confirming the expression of FGFRs in germ cells of the human testis, our study describes for the first time the presence, localization and functionality of human sperm FGFRs, and provides evidence of the beneficial effect of FGF2 upon sperm motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Saucedo
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), CONICET-FIBYME, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gabriela N. Buffa
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), CONICET-FIBYME, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marina Rosso
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), CONICET-FIBYME, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Tomás Guillardoy
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), CONICET-FIBYME, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Adrian Góngora
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), CONICET-FIBYME, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María J. Munuce
- Laboratorio de Medicina Reproductiva, Area de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
- Reprolab, Sanatorio Británico de Rosario, Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Mónica H. Vazquez-Levin
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), CONICET-FIBYME, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Clara Marín-Briggiler
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), CONICET-FIBYME, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- * E-mail:
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Vazquez-Levin MH, Marín-Briggiler CI, Caballero JN, Veiga MF. Epithelial and neural cadherin expression in the mammalian reproductive tract and gametes and their participation in fertilization-related events. Dev Biol 2015; 401:2-16. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2014.12.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2014] [Revised: 12/23/2014] [Accepted: 12/28/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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Rego J, Crisp J, Moura A, Nouwens A, Li Y, Venus B, Corbet N, Corbet D, Burns B, Boe-Hansen G, McGowan M. Seminal plasma proteome of electroejaculated Bos indicus bulls. Anim Reprod Sci 2014; 148:1-17. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2014.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2013] [Revised: 04/16/2014] [Accepted: 04/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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19
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Vazquez-Levin MH, Marín-Briggiler CI, Veaute C. Antisperm antibodies: invaluable tools toward the identification of sperm proteins involved in fertilization. Am J Reprod Immunol 2014; 72:206-18. [PMID: 24863647 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2014] [Accepted: 04/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification of sperm proteins involved in fertilization has been the subject of numerous investigations. Much interest has been dedicated to naturally occurring antisperm antibodies (ASA) and their impact in fertility. Their presence in men and women has been associated with 2-50% of infertility cases. ASA may impair pre- and post-fertilization steps. Experimental models have been developed using sperm proteins as immunogens to evaluate their involvement in sperm function. Our team has pursued investigations to assess ASA presence in biological fluids from patients consulting for infertility and their effect on fertilization. We found ASA in follicular fluids with ability of inducing the acrosome reaction and blocking sperm-zona pellucida interaction and used them to identify sperm entities involved in these events. We generated and utilized antibodies against proacrosin/acrosin to characterize the sperm protease system. We implemented an ELISA to detect proacrosin/acrosin antibodies in human sera and evaluated their impact upon fertility by developing in vitro assays and a gene immunization model. This review presents a summary of ASA history, etiology, current approaches for detection and effects upon fertility. ASA (naturally occurring, generated by animal immunization and/or of commercial origin) are invaluable tools to understand the molecular basis of fertilization, better diagnose/treat immunoinfertility and develop immunocontraceptive methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica H Vazquez-Levin
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), National Research Council of Argentina (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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20
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Gorowska E, Zarzycka M, Chojnacka K, Bilinska B, Hejmej A. Postnatal exposure to flutamide affects CDH1 and CTNNB1 gene expression in adult pig epididymis and prostate and alters metabolism of testosterone. Andrology 2013; 2:186-97. [PMID: 24353261 DOI: 10.1111/j.2047-2927.2013.00172.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2013] [Revised: 11/04/2013] [Accepted: 11/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
In both epididymis and prostate the dynamic cross-talk between the cells is hormonally regulated and, in part, through direct cell-to-cell interactions. Functionality of the male reproductive organs may be affected by exposure to specific chemicals, so-called 'reprotoxicants'. In this study we tested whether early postnatal and prepubertal exposure to anti-androgen flutamide altered the expression of adherens junction genes encoding E-cadherin (CDH1) and β-catenin (CTNNB1) in adult pig epididymis and prostate. In addition, the expression of mRNAs and proteins for 5α-reductase (ST5AR2) and aromatase (CYP19A1) were examined to show whether flutamide alters metabolism of testosterone. Thus, flutamide was injected into male piglets between Days 2 and 10 and between Days 90 and 98 postnatally (PD2 and PD90; 50 mg/kg bw), tissues that were obtained on postnatal Day 270. To assess the expression of the genes and proteins, real-time RT-PCR and Western blot were performed respectively. Moreover, adherens junction proteins were localized by immunohistochemistry. In response to flutamide, CDH1 and CTNNB1 expressions were down-regulated along the epididymis, mostly in PD2 group (p < 0.001, p < 0.01). In the prostate, CDH1 mRNA and protein expressions were significantly down-regulated (p < 0.01), whereas CTNNB1 mRNA was slightly up-regulated in both flutamide-treated groups. CTNNB1 protein level was markedly elevated in both PD2 (p < 0.001) and PD90 (p < 0.01) groups. In the epididymis, the expression of ST5AR2 and CYP19A1 was down- and up-regulated, respectively (p < 0.05), whereas in the prostate evident decrease in CYP19A1 expression (p < 0.001, p < 0.01, p < 0.05) was demonstrated. In both tissues, membranous immunolocalization of CTNNB1 suggests its involvement in cell-cell adhesion. Overall, flutamide administration resulted in suppression of androgen action in the epididymis and prostate leading to deregulation of CDH1 and CTNNB1 gene expressions which is probably caused by the alterations in the expression of ST5AR2 and CYP19A1 in both reproductive organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Gorowska
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
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22
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Wang K, Li N, Yeung C, Li J, Wang H, Cooper T. Oncogenic Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathways in the cancer-resistant epididymis have implications for cancer research. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 19:57-71. [DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gas051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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23
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Meslin C, Mugnier S, Callebaut I, Laurin M, Pascal G, Poupon A, Goudet G, Monget P. Evolution of genes involved in gamete interaction: evidence for positive selection, duplications and losses in vertebrates. PLoS One 2012; 7:e44548. [PMID: 22957080 PMCID: PMC3434135 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0044548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2012] [Accepted: 08/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Genes encoding proteins involved in sperm-egg interaction and fertilization exhibit a particularly fast evolution and may participate in prezygotic species isolation [1], [2]. Some of them (ZP3, ADAM1, ADAM2, ACR and CD9) have individually been shown to evolve under positive selection [3], [4], suggesting a role of positive Darwinian selection on sperm-egg interaction. However, the genes involved in this biological function have not been systematically and exhaustively studied with an evolutionary perspective, in particular across vertebrates with internal and external fertilization. Here we show that 33 genes among the 69 that have been experimentally shown to be involved in fertilization in at least one taxon in vertebrates are under positive selection. Moreover, we identified 17 pseudogenes and 39 genes that have at least one duplicate in one species. For 15 genes, we found neither positive selection, nor gene copies or pseudogenes. Genes of teleosts, especially genes involved in sperm-oolemma fusion, appear to be more frequently under positive selection than genes of birds and eutherians. In contrast, pseudogenization, gene loss and gene gain are more frequent in eutherians. Thus, each of the 19 studied vertebrate species exhibits a unique signature characterized by gene gain and loss, as well as position of amino acids under positive selection. Reflecting these clade-specific signatures, teleosts and eutherian mammals are recovered as clades in a parsimony analysis. Interestingly the same analysis places Xenopus apart from teleosts, with which it shares the primitive external fertilization, and locates it along with amniotes (which share internal fertilization), suggesting that external or internal environmental conditions of germ cell interaction may not be the unique factors that drive the evolution of fertilization genes. Our work should improve our understanding of the fertilization process and on the establishment of reproductive barriers, for example by offering new leads for experiments on genes identified as positively selected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Meslin
- UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, INRA, Nouzilly, France
- UMR6175, CNRS, Nouzilly, France
- Université François Rabelais de Tours, Tours, France
- IFCE, Nouzilly, France
| | - Sylvie Mugnier
- Département Agronomie Agro-équipement Élevage Environnement, AgroSup Dijon, Dijon, France
| | | | - Michel Laurin
- UMR 7207, CNRS/MNHN/UPMC, Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France
| | - Géraldine Pascal
- UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, INRA, Nouzilly, France
- UMR6175, CNRS, Nouzilly, France
- Université François Rabelais de Tours, Tours, France
- IFCE, Nouzilly, France
| | - Anne Poupon
- UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, INRA, Nouzilly, France
- UMR6175, CNRS, Nouzilly, France
- Université François Rabelais de Tours, Tours, France
- IFCE, Nouzilly, France
| | - Ghylène Goudet
- UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, INRA, Nouzilly, France
- UMR6175, CNRS, Nouzilly, France
- Université François Rabelais de Tours, Tours, France
- IFCE, Nouzilly, France
| | - Philippe Monget
- UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, INRA, Nouzilly, France
- UMR6175, CNRS, Nouzilly, France
- Université François Rabelais de Tours, Tours, France
- IFCE, Nouzilly, France
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Miro-Moran A, Jardin I, Ortega-Ferrusola C, Salido GM, Peña FJ, Tapia JA, Aparicio IM. Identification and function of exchange proteins activated directly by cyclic AMP (Epac) in mammalian spermatozoa. PLoS One 2012; 7:e37713. [PMID: 22662198 PMCID: PMC3360633 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0037713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2011] [Accepted: 04/23/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of cAMP in spermatic functions was classically thought to be mediated exclusively through the activation of Protein Kinase A (PKA). However, it has recently been shown that cAMP also exerts its effects through a PKA-independent pathway activating a family of proteins known as Epac proteins. Therefore, many of the spermatic functions thought to be regulated by cAMP through the activation of PKA are again under study. We aimed to identify and to investigate the role of Epac proteins in spermatozoa using a specific permeable analog (8-Br-2′-O-Me-cAMP). Also, we aimed to study its relationship with E-cadherin, an adhesion protein involved in fertility. Our results demonstrate the presence and sub-cellular distribution of Epac 1 and Epac 2 in mammalian spermatozoa. Capacitation and the acrosome reaction induced a change in the localization of Epac proteins in sperm. Moreover, incubation with 8-Br-2′-O-Me-cAMP prompted an increase in Rap1 activation, in the scrambling of plasma membrane phospholipids (necessary for the capacitation process), the acrosome reaction, motility, and calcium mobilization, when spermatozoa were incubated in acrosome reaction conditions. Finally, the activation of Epac proteins induced a change in the distribution of E-cadherin. Therefore, the increase in the acrosome reaction, together with the increase in calcium (which is known to be essential for fertilization) and the Epac nteraction with E-cadherin, might indicate that Epac proteins have an important role in gamete recognition and fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvaro Miro-Moran
- Cell Physiology Research Group, University of Extremadura, Caceres, Spain
| | - Isaac Jardin
- Cell Physiology Research Group, University of Extremadura, Caceres, Spain
| | | | - Gines M. Salido
- Cell Physiology Research Group, University of Extremadura, Caceres, Spain
| | - Fernando J. Peña
- Laboratory of Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Caceres, Spain
| | - Jose A. Tapia
- Cell Physiology Research Group, University of Extremadura, Caceres, Spain
| | - Ines M. Aparicio
- Cell Physiology Research Group, University of Extremadura, Caceres, Spain
- * E-mail:
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25
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Yeung CH, Wang K, Cooper TG. Why are epididymal tumours so rare? Asian J Androl 2012; 14:465-75. [PMID: 22522502 DOI: 10.1038/aja.2012.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Epididymal tumour incidence is at most 0.03% of all male cancers. It is an enigma why the human epididymis does not often succumb to cancer, when it expresses markers of stem and cancer cells, and constitutively expresses oncogenes, pro-proliferative and pro-angiogenic factors that allow tumour cells to escape immunosurveillance in cancer-prone tissues. The privileged position of the human epididymis in evading tumourigenicity is reflected in transgenic mouse models in which induction of tumours in other organs is not accompanied by epididymal neoplasia. The epididymis appears to: (i) prevent tumour initiation (it probably lacks stem cells and has strong anti-oxidative mechanisms, active tumour suppressors and inactive oncogene products); (ii) foster tumour monitoring and destruction (by strong immuno-surveillance and -eradication, and cellular senescence); (iii) avert proliferation and angiogenesis (with persistent tight junctions, the presence of anti-angiogenic factors and misplaced pro-angiogenic factors), which together (iv) promote dormancy and restrict dividing cells to hyperplasia. Epididymal cells may be rendered non-responsive to oncogenic stimuli by the constitutive expression of factors generally inducible in tumours, and resistant to the normal epididymal environment, which mimics that of a tumour niche promoting tumour growth. The threshold for tumour initiation may thus be higher in the epididymis than in other organs. Several anti-tumour mechanisms are those that maintain spermatozoa quiescent and immunologically silent, so the low incidence of cancer in the epididymis may be a consequence of its role in sperm maturation and storage. Understanding these mechanisms may throw light on cancer prevention and therapy in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Hei Yeung
- Shandong Stem Cell Engineering and Technology Research Centre, YuHuangDing Hospital, Yantai, China
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26
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Abstract
A crucial step of fertilization is the sperm-egg interaction that allows the two gametes to fuse and create the zygote. In the mouse, CD9 on the egg and IZUMO1 on the sperm stand out as critical players, as Cd9(-/-) and Izumo1(-/-) mice are healthy but infertile or severely subfertile due to defective sperm-egg interaction. Moreover, work on several nonmammalian organisms has identified some of the most intriguing candidates implicated in sperm-egg interaction. Understanding of gamete membrane interactions is advancing through characterization of in vivo and in vitro fertilization phenotypes, including insights from less robust phenotypes that highlight potential supporting (albeit not absolutely essential) players. An emerging theme is that there are varied roles for gamete molecules that participate in sperm-egg interactions. Such roles include not only functioning as fusogens, or as adhesion molecules for the opposite gamete, but also functioning through interactions in cis with other proteins to regulate membrane order and functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janice P Evans
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA.
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Expression of dysadherin in the human male reproductive tract and in spermatozoa. Fertil Steril 2011; 96:554-561.e2. [PMID: 21774927 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2011.06.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2011] [Revised: 06/20/2011] [Accepted: 06/20/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study expression of dysadherin in human testis, epididymis, and spermatozoa. DESIGN Prospective study. SETTING Basic research laboratory. PATIENT(S) Testis, epididymis, and testicular spermatozoa from patients under treatment and semen from volunteer donors. INTERVENTION(S) Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, immunocytochemistry, and Western immunoblotting. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Dysadherin messenger RNA (mRNA) analysis in testis, epididymis, and ejaculated spermatozoa, immunohistochemistry of both tissues, Western immunoblotting of tissue/cell extracts, and immunocytochemistry of spermatozoa. RESULT(S) Dysadherin mRNA was found in testis, epididymis, and ejaculated spermatozoa. Whereas testis and spermatozoa exhibited a distinctive 91-kDa protein form, the epididymis showed a 50-kDa moiety, also found in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Nucleotide sequence analysis revealed >99% homology between testicular and somatic cell mRNA, suggesting differential protein glycosylation. Dysadherin was immunodetected in round spermatids and testicular/ejaculated spermatozoa. It localizes to the acrosomal region and flagellum and colocalized with E-cadherin in the head and with the Na(+),K(+)-ATPase α4 subunit in the flagellum. CONCLUSION(S) This is the first report on expression of dysadherin in the male gonad and in spermatozoa. Its colocalization with E-cadherin and Na(+),K(+)-ATPase leads us to postulate a role for dysadherin as a modulator of sperm function.
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Marín-Briggiler CI, Lapyckyj L, González Echeverría MF, Rawe VY, Alvarez Sedó C, Vazquez-Levin MH. Neural cadherin is expressed in human gametes and participates in sperm-oocyte interaction events. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 33:e228-39. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2605.2009.00999.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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