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Zhang G, Ye F, Yang Y, Xiong D, Zhi W, Wu Y, Sun Y, Zeng J, Liu W. Identification of a novel mutation in chibby family member 2 in a non-obstructive azoospermic patient. Reprod Biol 2024; 24:100891. [PMID: 38733656 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2024.100891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Azoospermia constitutes a significant factor in male infertility, defined by the absence of spermatozoa in the ejaculate, afflicting 15% of infertile men. However, a subset of azoospermic cases remains unattributed to known genetic variants. Prior investigations have identified the chibby family member 2 (CBY2) as prominently and specifically expressed in the testes of both humans and mice, implicating its potential involvement in spermatogenesis. In this study, we conducted whole exome sequencing (WES) on an infertile family to uncover novel genetic factors contributing to azoospermia. Our analysis revealed a homozygous c .355 C>A variant of CBY2 in a non-obstructive azoospermic patient. This deleterious variant significantly diminished the protein expression of CBY2 both in vivo and in vitro, leading to a pronounced disruption of spermatogenesis at the early round spermatid stage post-meiosis. This disruption was characterized by a nearly complete loss of elongating and elongated spermatids. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and co-immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated the interaction between CBY2 and Piwi-like protein 1 (PIWIL1). Immunofluorescence staining further confirmed the co-localization of CBY2 and PIWIL1 in the testes during the spermatogenic process in both humans and mice. Additionally, diminished PIWIL1 expression was observed in the testicular tissue from the affected patient. Our findings suggest that the homozygous c .355 C>A variant of CBY2 compromises CBY2 function, contributing to defective spermatogenesis at the round spermiogenic stage and implicating its role in the pathogenesis of azoospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guohui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu 610045, China; Reproductive Medicine Center, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu 610045, China
| | - Fei Ye
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu 610045, China
| | - Yihong Yang
- Reproduction Medical Center of West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Dongsheng Xiong
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu 610045, China
| | - Weiwei Zhi
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu 610045, China
| | - Yang Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu 610045, China
| | - Yongkang Sun
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jiuzhi Zeng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu 610045, China.
| | - Weixin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Chengdu 610045, China.
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Montjean D, Beaumont M, Natiq A, Louanjli N, Hazout A, Miron P, Liehr T, Cabry R, Ratbi I, Benkhalifa M. Genome and Epigenome Disorders and Male Infertility: Feedback from 15 Years of Clinical and Research Experience. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:377. [PMID: 38540436 PMCID: PMC10970370 DOI: 10.3390/genes15030377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Infertility affects around 20% of couples of reproductive age; however, in some societies, as many as one-third of couples are unable to conceive. Different factors contribute to the decline of male fertility, such us environmental and professional exposure to endocrine disruptors, oxidative stress, and life habits with the risk of de novo epigenetics dysregulation. Since the fantastic development of new "omes and omics" technologies, the contribution of inherited or de novo genomes and epigenome disorders to male infertility have been further elucidated. Many other techniques have become available to andrology laboratories for the investigation of genome and epigenome integrity and the maturation and the competency of spermatozoa. All these new methods of assessment are highlighting the importance of genetics and epigenetics investigation for assisted reproduction pathology and for supporting professionals in counselling patients and proposing different management strategies for male infertility. This aims to improve clinical outcomes while minimizing the risk of genetics or health problems at birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debbie Montjean
- Fertilys Fertility Centers Laval and Brossard, 1950 Maurice-Gauvin Street, Laval, QC H7S 1Z5, Canada; (D.M.)
| | - Marion Beaumont
- Genetics Department, Eylau/Unilabs Laboratory, 92110 Clichy, France;
| | - Abdelhafid Natiq
- Center for Genomics of Human Pathologies (GENOPATH), Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Mohammed V of Rabat, Rabat, Morocco (I.R.)
- National Laboratory Mohammed VI, Mohammed VI Foundation of Casablanca, Casablanca, Morocco
| | | | - Andre Hazout
- Andro-Genetics Unit, Labomac, Casablanca, Morocco (A.H.)
| | - Pierre Miron
- Fertilys Fertility Centers Laval and Brossard, 1950 Maurice-Gauvin Street, Laval, QC H7S 1Z5, Canada; (D.M.)
| | - Thomas Liehr
- Institute für Humangenetik, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Friedrich Schiller Universität, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Rosalie Cabry
- Reproductive Medicine, Reproductive Biology & Genetics, CECOS Picardie, University Hospital & School of Medicine, Picardie University Jules Verne, 80000 Amiens, France
- PeriTox Laboratory, Perinatality & Toxic Risks, UMR-I 01 INERIS, Picardie University Jules Verne, 80000 Amiens, France
| | - Ilham Ratbi
- Center for Genomics of Human Pathologies (GENOPATH), Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Mohammed V of Rabat, Rabat, Morocco (I.R.)
- Medical Genetics Unit, Ibn Sina University Hospital Center, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Moncef Benkhalifa
- Fertilys Fertility Centers Laval and Brossard, 1950 Maurice-Gauvin Street, Laval, QC H7S 1Z5, Canada; (D.M.)
- Reproductive Medicine, Reproductive Biology & Genetics, CECOS Picardie, University Hospital & School of Medicine, Picardie University Jules Verne, 80000 Amiens, France
- PeriTox Laboratory, Perinatality & Toxic Risks, UMR-I 01 INERIS, Picardie University Jules Verne, 80000 Amiens, France
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Song J, Sha Y, Liu X, Zeng X, Zhao X. Novel mutations of TEX11 are associated with non-obstructive azoospermia. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1159723. [PMID: 37124723 PMCID: PMC10140331 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1159723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) affects 10% of infertile men worldwide, and genetic studies revealed that there are plenty of monogenic mutations that responsible for a part of idiopathic NOA cases. Testis-expressed gene 11 (TEX11) is an X-linked meiosis-specific gene, many pathogenic variants in TEX11 have been detected in NOA patients, and the deficiency of this gene can cause abnormal meiotic recombination and chromosomal synapsis. However, many NOA-affected cases caused by TEX11 mutation remain largely unknown. This study reported three novel TEX11 mutations (exon 5, c.313C>T: p.R105*), (exon 7, c.427A>C: p.K143Q) and (exon 29, c.2575G>A: p.G859R). Mutations were screened using whole-exome sequencing (WES) and further verified by amplifying and sequencing the specific exon. Histological analysis of testicular biopsy specimens revealed a thicker basement membrane of the seminiferous tubules and poorly developed spermatocytes, and no post-meiotic round spermatids or mature spermatozoa were observed in the seminiferous tubules of patients with TEX11 mutation. Conclusion This study presents three novel variants of TEX11 as potential infertility alleles that have not been previously reported. It expanded the variant spectrum of patients with NOA, which also emphasizes the necessity of this gene screening for the clinical auxiliary diagnosis of patients with azoospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Song
- Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
- School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yanwei Sha
- Department of Andrology, Women and Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Xiaojun Liu
- School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xuhui Zeng
- School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
- *Correspondence: Xuhui Zeng, ; Xiuling Zhao,
| | - Xiuling Zhao
- School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
- *Correspondence: Xuhui Zeng, ; Xiuling Zhao,
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Amor H, Jankowski PM, Dahadhah FW, Al Zoubi MS, Hammadeh ME. Impact of tobacco smoking in association with H2BFWT, PRM1 and PRM2 genes variants on male infertility. Andrologia 2022; 54:e14611. [PMID: 36217675 DOI: 10.1111/and.14611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Tobacco's genotoxic components can cause a wide range of gene defects in spermatozoa such as single- or double-strand DNA breaks, cross-links, DNA-adducts, higher frequencies of aneuploidy and chromosomal abnormalities. The aim in this study was to determine the correlation between sperm quality determined by standard parameters, sperm DNA maturity tested by Chromomycin A3 (CMA3) staining, sperm DNA fragmentation tested by TUNEL assay and tobacco smoking in association with the single nucleotides polymorphisms (SNP) of three nuclear protein genes in spermatozoa (H2BFWT, PRM1 and PRM2). In this study, semen samples of 167 male patients were collected and divided into 54 non-smokers and 113 smokers. The target sequences in the extracted sperm DNA were amplified by PCR followed by Sanger sequencing. The results showed the presence of three variants: rs7885967, rs553509 and rs578953 in H2BFWT gene in the study population. Only one variant rs737008 was detected in PRM1 gene, and three variants were detected in the PRM2 gene: rs2070923, rs1646022 and rs424908. No significant association was observed between the concentration, progressive motility, morphology and the occurrence of H2BFWT, PRM1 and PRM2 SNPs. However, sperm parameters were significantly lower in heavy smokers compared to controls (p < 0.01) (sperm count: 46.00 vs. 78.50 mill/ml, progressive motility: 15.00% vs. 22.00%, and morphology 4.00% vs. 5.00%, respectively). Moreover, the heavy smoker individuals exhibited a considerable increase in CMA3 positivity and sDF compared to non-smokers (p < 0.01) (29.50% vs. 20.50% and 24.50% vs. 12.00%, respectively). In conclusion, smoking altered sperm parameters and sperm DNA integrity, but did not show a linkage with genetic variants in H2BFWT, and protamine genes (PRM1 and PRM2).
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Affiliation(s)
- Houda Amor
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | | | - Fatina W Dahadhah
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Mazhar Salim Al Zoubi
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
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Arévalo L, Esther Merges G, Schneider S, Schorle H. Protamines: lessons learned from mouse models. Reproduction 2022; 164:R57-R74. [PMID: 35900356 DOI: 10.1530/rep-22-0107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In brief Protamines package and shield the paternal DNA in the sperm nucleus and have been studied in many mouse models over decades. This review recapitulates and updates our knowledge about protamines and reveals a surprising complexity in protamine function and their interactions with other sperm nuclear proteins. Abstract The packaging and safeguarding of paternal DNA in the sperm cell nucleus is a critical feature of proper sperm function. Histones cannot mediate the necessary hypercondensation and shielding of chromatin required for motility and transit through the reproductive tracts. Paternal chromatin is therefore reorganized and ultimately packaged by protamines. In most mammalian species, one protamine is present in mature sperm (PRM1). In rodents and primates among others, however, mature sperm contain a second protamine (PRM2). Unlike PRM1, PRM2 is cleaved at its N-terminal end. Although protamines have been studied for decades due to their role in chromatin hypercondensation and involvement in male infertility, key aspects of their function are still unclear. This review updates and integrates our knowledge of protamines and their function based on lessons learned from mouse models and starts to answer open questions. The combined insights from recent work reveal that indeed both protamines are crucial for the production of functional sperm and indicate that the two protamines perform distinct functions beyond simple DNA compaction. Loss of one allele of PRM1 leads to subfertility whereas heterozygous loss of PRM2 does not. Unprocessed PRM2 seems to play a distinct role related to the eviction of intermediate DNA-bound proteins and the incorporation of both protamines into chromatin. For PRM1, on the other hand, heterozygous loss leads to strongly reduced sperm motility as the main phenotype, indicating that PRM1 might be important for processes ensuring correct motility, apart from DNA compaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Arévalo
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Gina Esther Merges
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Simon Schneider
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,Bonn Technology Campus, Core Facility 'Gene-Editing', University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Hubert Schorle
- Department of Developmental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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Gupta N, Sarkar S, Mehta P, Sankhwar SN, Rajender S. Polymorphisms in the HSF2, LRRC6, MEIG1 and PTIP genes correlate with sperm motility in idiopathic infertility. Andrologia 2022; 54:e14517. [PMID: 35768906 DOI: 10.1111/and.14517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the association of 24 functionally important single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with male infertility. In this cross-sectional study, we genotyped 24 functionally important single nucleotide polymorphisms in 24 infertility candidate genes in 500 oligo-/astheno-/oligoastheno-/normo-zoospermic infertile men with idiopathic infertility. Sequenom iPlex gold assay was used for genotyping. Sperm count and motility were compared between prevalent genotypes at each test locus. We did not observe any significant difference in the average sperm count between the alternate genotypes for the loci in the KLK3, LRRC6, MEIG1, HSF2, ESR2 and PTIP genes. However, we observed a significant difference in sperm motility between the alternate genotypes for the loci in the LRRC6, MEIG1, HSF2 and PTIP genes. Polymorphisms in the LRRC6 (rs200321595), MEIG1 (rs150031795), HSF2 (rs143986686) and PTIP (rs61752013) genes show association with sperm motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nishi Gupta
- Division of Endocrinology, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - Saumya Sarkar
- Division of Endocrinology, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - Poonam Mehta
- Division of Endocrinology, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | | | - Singh Rajender
- Division of Endocrinology, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
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7
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Omics and Male Infertility: Highlighting the Application of Transcriptomic Data. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12020280. [PMID: 35207567 PMCID: PMC8875138 DOI: 10.3390/life12020280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Male infertility is a multifaceted disorder affecting approximately 50% of male partners in infertile couples. Over the years, male infertility has been diagnosed mainly through semen analysis, hormone evaluations, medical records and physical examinations, which of course are fundamental, but yet inefficient, because 30% of male infertility cases remain idiopathic. This dilemmatic status of the unknown needs to be addressed with more sophisticated and result-driven technologies and/or techniques. Genetic alterations have been linked with male infertility, thereby unveiling the practicality of investigating this disorder from the “omics” perspective. Omics aims at analyzing the structure and functions of a whole constituent of a given biological function at different levels, including the molecular gene level (genomics), transcript level (transcriptomics), protein level (proteomics) and metabolites level (metabolomics). In the current study, an overview of the four branches of omics and their roles in male infertility are briefly discussed; the potential usefulness of assessing transcriptomic data to understand this pathology is also elucidated. After assessing the publicly obtainable transcriptomic data for datasets on male infertility, a total of 1385 datasets were retrieved, of which 10 datasets met the inclusion criteria and were used for further analysis. These datasets were classified into groups according to the disease or cause of male infertility. The groups include non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), obstructive azoospermia (OA), non-obstructive and obstructive azoospermia (NOA and OA), spermatogenic dysfunction, sperm dysfunction, and Y chromosome microdeletion. Findings revealed that 8 genes (LDHC, PDHA2, TNP1, TNP2, ODF1, ODF2, SPINK2, PCDHB3) were commonly differentially expressed between all disease groups. Likewise, 56 genes were common between NOA versus NOA and OA (ADAD1, BANF2, BCL2L14, C12orf50, C20orf173, C22orf23, C6orf99, C9orf131, C9orf24, CABS1, CAPZA3, CCDC187, CCDC54, CDKN3, CEP170, CFAP206, CRISP2, CT83, CXorf65, FAM209A, FAM71F1, FAM81B, GALNTL5, GTSF1, H1FNT, HEMGN, HMGB4, KIF2B, LDHC, LOC441601, LYZL2, ODF1, ODF2, PCDHB3, PDHA2, PGK2, PIH1D2, PLCZ1, PROCA1, RIMBP3, ROPN1L, SHCBP1L, SMCP, SPATA16, SPATA19, SPINK2, TEX33, TKTL2, TMCO2, TMCO5A, TNP1, TNP2, TSPAN16, TSSK1B, TTLL2, UBQLN3). These genes, particularly the above-mentioned 8 genes, are involved in diverse biological processes such as germ cell development, spermatid development, spermatid differentiation, regulation of proteolysis, spermatogenesis and metabolic processes. Owing to the stage-specific expression of these genes, any mal-expression can ultimately lead to male infertility. Therefore, currently available data on all branches of omics relating to male fertility can be used to identify biomarkers for diagnosing male infertility, which can potentially help in unravelling some idiopathic cases.
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Karimian M, Parvaresh L, Behjati M. Genetic variations as molecular diagnostic factors for idiopathic male infertility: current knowledge and future perspectives. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2021; 21:1191-1210. [PMID: 34555965 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2021.1985469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Infertility is a major health problem, worldwide, which affects 10-15% of couples. About half a percent of infertility cases are related to male-related factors. Male infertility is a complex disease that is the result of various insults as lifestyle issues, genetics, and epigenetic factors. Idiopathic infertility is responsible for 30% of total cases. The genetic factors responsible for male infertility include chromosomal abnormalities, deletions of chromosome Y, and mutations and genetic variations of key genes. AREAS COVERED In this review article, we aim to narrate performed studies on polymorphisms of essential genes involved in male infertility including folate metabolizing genes, oxidative stress-related genes, inflammation, and cellular pathways related to spermatogenesis. Moreover, possible pathophysiologic mechanisms responsible for genetic polymorphisms are discussed. EXPERT OPINION Analysis and assessment of these genetic variations could help in screening, diagnosis, and treatment of idiopathic male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Karimian
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran
| | - Leila Parvaresh
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohaddeseh Behjati
- Cellular, Molecular and Genetics Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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Abstract
Non-obstructive azoospermia is a distinct diagnosis within male infertility in which no sperm is found in the ejaculate as a result of spermatogenesis failure. Because of the increased prevalence of genetic abnormalities in men with non-obstructive azoospermia, male infertility guidelines recommend screening for karyotype abnormalities and Y chromosome microdeletions in this population. Numerous karyotype abnormalities may be present resulting in impaired spermatogenesis, including: Klinefelter syndrome, translocations, and deletions. Y chromosome microdeletions of the AZFa, AZFb, AZFc subregions all can also result in non-obstructive azoospermia with the possibility of sperm being present if only the AZFc subregion is deleted. While these are the two genetic tests recommended by the guidelines, nearly 50%-80% of non-obstructive azoospermia has no identifiable cause and is deemed idiopathic. Several other genetic defects can lead to non-obstructive azoospermia including Kallmann syndrome, mild androgen insensitivity syndrome, and TEX11. While many additional candidate genes have been proposed, many have yet to be verified or are so infrequent in the population that screening is cost-ineffective. Much research is still required in the genetics of non-obstructive azoospermia and will require multi-institutional initiatives to better understand the genetics of condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa N Peña
- Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Taylor P Kohn
- Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Amin S Herati
- Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Jiao SY, Yang YH, Chen SR. Molecular genetics of infertility: loss-of-function mutations in humans and corresponding knockout/mutated mice. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 27:154-189. [PMID: 33118031 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infertility is a major issue in human reproductive health, affecting an estimated 15% of couples worldwide. Infertility can result from disorders of sex development (DSD) or from reproductive endocrine disorders (REDs) with onset in infancy, early childhood or adolescence. Male infertility, accounting for roughly half of all infertility cases, generally manifests as decreased sperm count (azoospermia or oligozoospermia), attenuated sperm motility (asthenozoospermia) or a higher proportion of morphologically abnormal sperm (teratozoospermia). Female infertility can be divided into several classical types, including, but not limited to, oocyte maturation arrest, premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), fertilization failure and early embryonic arrest. An estimated one half of infertility cases have a genetic component; however, most genetic causes of human infertility are currently uncharacterized. The advent of high-throughput sequencing technologies has greatly facilitated the identification of infertility-associated gene mutations in patients over the past 20 years. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review aims to conduct a narrative review of the genetic causes of human infertility. Loss-of-function mutation discoveries related to human infertility are summarized and further illustrated in tables. Corresponding knockout/mutated animal models of causative genes for infertility are also introduced. SEARCH METHODS A search of the PubMed database was performed to identify relevant studies published in English. The term 'mutation' was combined with a range of search terms related to the core focus of the review: infertility, DSD, REDs, azoospermia or oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF), primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), acephalic spermatozoa syndrome (ASS), globozoospermia, teratozoospermia, acrosome, oocyte maturation arrest, POI, zona pellucida, fertilization defects and early embryonic arrest. OUTCOMES Our search generated ∼2000 records. Overall, 350 articles were included in the final review. For genetic investigation of human infertility, the traditional candidate gene approach is proceeding slowly, whereas high-throughput sequencing technologies in larger cohorts of individuals is identifying an increasing number of causative genes linked to human infertility. This review provides a wide panel of gene mutations in several typical forms of human infertility, including DSD, REDs, male infertility (oligozoospermia, MMAF, PCD, ASS and globozoospermia) and female infertility (oocyte maturation arrest, POI, fertilization failure and early embryonic arrest). The causative genes, their identified mutations, mutation rate, studied population and their corresponding knockout/mutated mice of non-obstructive azoospermia, MMAF, ASS, globozoospermia, oocyte maturation arrest, POI, fertilization failure and early embryonic arrest are further illustrated by tables. In this review, we suggest that (i) our current knowledge of infertility is largely obtained from knockout mouse models; (ii) larger cohorts of clinical cases with distinct clinical characteristics need to be recruited in future studies; (iii) the whole picture of genetic causes of human infertility relies on both the identification of more mutations for distinct types of infertility and the integration of known mutation information; (iv) knockout/mutated animal models are needed to show whether the phenotypes of genetically altered animals are consistent with findings in human infertile patients carrying a deleterious mutation of the homologous gene; and (v) the molecular mechanisms underlying human infertility caused by pathogenic mutations are largely unclear in most current studies. WILDER IMPLICATIONS It is important to use our current understanding to identify avenues and priorities for future research in the field of genetic causes of infertility as well as to apply mutation knowledge to risk prediction, genetic diagnosis and potential treatment for human infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Ya Jiao
- Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation & Regulation Biology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, 100875 Beijing, China
| | - Yi-Hong Yang
- Reproduction Medical Center of West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, 610041 Chengdu, China
| | - Su-Ren Chen
- Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation & Regulation Biology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, 100875 Beijing, China
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Nasirshalal M, Tahmasebi-Birgani M, Dadfar M, Nikbakht R, Saberi A, Ghandil P. Identification of the PRM1 gene mutations in oligoasthenoteratozoospermic men. Andrologia 2020; 52:e13872. [PMID: 33118225 DOI: 10.1111/and.13872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations or altered expression of PRM1 gene have been associated with male infertility. This study aimed to analyse pathogenic variations of PRM1 gene in Iranian Arab infertile men with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia that was carried out for the first time in this population. Genomic DNA was used to perform PCR sequencing in PRM1 untranslated regions, exons and intron. Also, bioinformatics analysis was recruited to discover the possible effect of detected variations. Two pathogenic variations were seen in two men with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia, which were not found in the control group. The cDNA.384G>C variation is novel and was located in the 3' untranslated region, and cDNA.42G>A variation is reported for the first time related to male infertility and was found in 5' untranslated regions. Bioinformatics analysis showed that the minimum free energy was increased from -19.9kcal/mol to -13.1kcal/mol due to the cDNA.384G>C variation at hsa-miR-4326's seed site. More analysis revealed cDNA.42G>A located in transcription factors binding site, E1 and MYOD, which was detected as a promoter-associated region, and generally have regulatory features for acetylation and methylation. In conclusion, two pathogenic variations were recognised in regulatory areas of PRM1 gene, which might interfere with some critical factors related to PRM1 gene expression, hence cause male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahzad Nasirshalal
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.,Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Maryam Tahmasebi-Birgani
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Dadfar
- Department of Urology, Imam Khomeini Hospital, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Roshan Nikbakht
- Fertility, Infertility and Perinatology Research Center, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Alihossein Saberi
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Pegah Ghandil
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.,Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.,Diabetes Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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12
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Nemati H, Sadeghi M, Nazeri M, Mohammadi M. Evaluation of the association between polymorphisms of PRM1 and PRM2 and the risk of male infertility: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17228. [PMID: 33057064 PMCID: PMC7560625 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74233-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies have reported the genetic gives rise to male infertility. The aim of the present meta-analysis was to evaluate the association between PRM1 (rs737008 and rs2301365) and PRM2 (rs1646022 and rs2070923) polymorphisms and susceptibility to male infertility. The association between PRM1 and PRM2 polymorphisms and the risk of male infertility was evaluated using specific search terms in the Web of Science, Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Scopus databases without language restriction until January 28, 2020. The association was determined by odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) on five genetic models using Review Manager 5.3 software. The funnel plot analysis and sensitivity analysis were done by the Comprehensive Meta-analysis 2.0 software. Out of 261 records retrieved from the databases, 17 studies were analyzed in the meta-analysis, including the four PRM polymorphisms. The pooled results as OR (P-value) showed 0.96 (0.44), 1.04 (0.70), 0.94 (0.51), 0.94 (0.48), and 1.03 (0.72) for PRM1 rs737008 polymorphism and 1.67 (0.0007), 1.73 (0.06), 1.50 (0.007), 1.56 (0.004), and 1.62 (0.33) for PRM1 rs2301365 polymorphism in allele, homozygous, heterozygous, recessive, and dominant models, respectively. Moreover, the pooled results as OR (P-value) showed 1.19 (0.004), 1.15 (0.26), 1.08 (0.70), 1.05 (0.76), and 0.98 (0.82) for PRM2 rs1646022 and 0.88 (0.04), 0.84 (0.10), 1.05 (0.81), 0.90 (0.24), and 0.80 (0.02) for PRM2 rs2070923 in allele, homozygous, heterozygous, recessive, and dominant models, respectively. The results showed PRM1 rs2301365 and PRM2 rs1646022 polymorphisms were associated with an elevated risk of male infertility and PRM2 rs2070923 polymorphism had a protective role in infertile men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Houshang Nemati
- Fertility and Infertility Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Masoud Sadeghi
- Medical Biology Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
| | - Mehri Nazeri
- Fertility and Infertility Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Mohana Mohammadi
- Student Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
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13
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Khani HM, Shariati M, Forouzanfar M, Hosseini SE. Protective effects of Ceratonia siliqua extract on protamine gene expression, testicular function, and testicular histology in doxorubicin-treated adult rats: An experimental study. Int J Reprod Biomed 2020; 18:667-682. [PMID: 32923932 PMCID: PMC7457156 DOI: 10.18502/ijrm.v13i8.7507] [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: 09/29/2019] [Revised: 12/14/2019] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spermatogenesis is a complex process that takes place under the influence of many different genes. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the possible effects of Ceratonia siliqua hydroalcoholic extract (CSHAE) on protamine gene expression, testicular function, and testicular histology in doxorubicin-treated rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS 56 adult male rats with a age range of 2.5 to 3 months (210 ± 10 gr) were divided into seven groups (n = 8/each). A) Control group was left untreated; B) Sham group received 0.3 ml distilled water intraperitoneally, C) Negative control group received 3 mg/kg doxorubicin, intraperitoneally once a week for 28 days; and D) Positive control group received 600 mg/kg of CSHAE orally for 48 days; E, F, G) the experimental groups 1, 2, and 3 received 150, 300, and 600 mg/kg of CSHAE respectively orally, for 48 days, as well as 3 mg/kg doxorubicin once a week for 28 days. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used in the histological study of testes, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method was used in measuring serum levels of testosterone. Protamine gene expression was determined by real-Time PCR method. RESULTS The mean body weight, testicular weight, testicular volume, testosterone level (p = 0.022), the count of Leydig, spermatogonia, spermatocyte, and spermatid cells, as well as protamine gene expression (p = 0.008) were significantly increased in the experimental group 2 compared to the negative control group. The regeneration of testicular tissue was observed in the experimental group 2. CONCLUSION CSHAE has protective effect on doxorubicin-induced testicular injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mehrdad Shariati
- Department of Biology, Kazerun Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kazerun, Iran
| | - Mohsen Forouzanfar
- Department of Biology, Marvdasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Marvdasht, Iran
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14
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Heidari MM, Danafar A, Moezzi F, Khatami M, Talebi AR. The association between TNP2 gene polymorphisms and Iranian infertile men with varicocele: A case-control study. Int J Reprod Biomed 2019; 17:557-566. [PMID: 31583373 PMCID: PMC6745086 DOI: 10.18502/ijrm.v17i8.4821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Revised: 03/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Numerous researches have provided great evidence that revealed the relationship between varicocele and sperm DNA damage. Objective Because of the crucial role of nuclear transition proteins (TPs) in sperm DNA condensation and integrity, this case-control study was designed to study TNP2 gene nucleotide variations in Iranian patients with varicocele. Materials and Methods PCR-SSCP and DNA sequencing were used to search for mutations in exons 1 & 2 of the TNP2 gene in 156 infertile patients with varicocele and 150 fertile men. Results The results of sequencing showed three variants at positions c.301C░>░T (p.R101C), c.391C░>░T (p.R131░W), and g.IVS1-26G░>░C (rs8043625) of TNP2 gene. It was found that varicocele risk in men who have the CC genotype of g.IVS1-26G░>░C SNP is higher than those who don't have these genotypes (according to Co-dominant model, Dominant model, Recessive model, and Over-dominant model). The haplotype-based analysis showed that (C/C/T) and (C/T/T) haplotypes were a risk factor of in patients with varicocele compared to controls (OR░=░3.278, p░=░0.000 and OR░=░9.304, p░=░0.038, respectively). Conclusion Because of the significant difference in the genotype and allele frequencies of g.IVS1-26G░>░C SNP in the intronic region of TNP2 in patients with varicocele compared with controls and also because of the high conservation of this SNP position during evolution, this SNP may be involved in some important processes associated with the expression of this gene like mRNA splicing, but the exact mechanism is not clear.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fahime Moezzi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Yazd University Yazd Iran
| | - Mehri Khatami
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Yazd University Yazd Iran
| | - Ali Reza Talebi
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility and Department of Anatomy, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences Yazd Iran
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Abdallah WI, Hussein TM, Elsayed ET, Bahgat RS. The c.-190 C>A transversion in promoter region of protamine 1 gene as a genetic risk factor in Egyptian men with idiopathic infertility. Andrologia 2019; 51:e13367. [PMID: 31286559 DOI: 10.1111/and.13367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 06/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Protamines are considered the most important structure in the sperm nucleus, and they are proteins with a significantly large amount of amino acids carrying a positive charge, which allows the formation of the tight package of the genomic DNA in the spermatozoa. Many authors studied the abnormalities in the protamine 1 (PRM1) and/or protamine 2 (PRM2) genes and reported their possible association with male infertility. The chromosome 16 (16p13.2) carries these genes containing multiple undiscovered single nucleotide polymorphisms. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association of c.-190 C>A transversions that occur in PRM1 with idiopathic infertility in a sample of Egyptian men. It was a case-control study, and blood samples were collected from sixty male patients complaining of idiopathic infertility and forty healthy fertile males. The c.-190 C>A transversion in promotor region protamine 1 gene (rs2301365) was assessed by 5' nuclease assay, using Rotor-Gene Q real-time PCR system. The results of the present study revealed that CA and AA genotypes in PRM1 gene were associated significantly with low sperm concentration and decreased sperm motility (p = 0.001). Cases carrying A allele had a 6.05-fold increased risk for idiopathic infertility than cases carrying the C allele (OR: 6.05, 95% CI: 2.038-17.98 p statistically significant ≤0.05). Analysis of the results revealed that the c.-190 C>A transversion may be involved in the development of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wafaa I Abdallah
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Tarek M Hussein
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Eman T Elsayed
- Department of Clinical and Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Rana S Bahgat
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
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Rahiminia T, Farashahi Yazd E, Ghasemi-Esmailabad S, Talebi AR. Relation between sperm protamine transcripts with global sperm DNA methylation and sperm DNA methyltransferases mRNA in men with severe sperm abnormalities. HUM FERTIL 2019; 24:105-111. [PMID: 31023108 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2019.1574032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between mRNA expression of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) such as DNMT1, DNMT3A and DNMT3B mRNA and sperm global DNA methylation with protamine transcripts in the sperm from men with severe sperm abnormalities. Sperm from each semen sample were isolated using a standard gradient isolation procedure by layering 1 mL of 40% (v/v) density gradient medium over 1 mL of 80% (v/v). A total of 30 oligoasthenoteratozoospermic ejaculates (OAT) and 30 normozoospermic ejaculates as controls were compared using real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction for mRNA expression of DNMT1, 3A, 3B, protamine1 (P1) and protamine2 (P2). The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect global DNA methylation in sperm. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. In OAT ejaculates, the increased level of DNMT3A, 3B mRNA, sperm global methylation, P1 plus P2 mRNA and decrease of P1-P2 ratio were significantly different. Also the content of protamine transcript was not correlated with sperm parameters. The increased total protamine transcript levels were associated with increased mRNA methyltransferases. The increase of DNMT1 may lead to an increased level of global methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahereh Rahiminia
- Gametogenesis Research Center, Fertility and Infertility Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Ehsan Farashahi Yazd
- Stem Cell Biology Research Center Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Saeed Ghasemi-Esmailabad
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Ali Reza Talebi
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
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17
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Hirenallur Maheshwarappa Y, Kumar S, Chaudhary R, Mishra C, Ayyar S, Kumar A, Chauhan A, Ghosh SK, Panigrahi M, Mitra A. Identification of sperm motility markers in bovine transition protein genes. Reprod Domest Anim 2018; 54:365-372. [PMID: 30370952 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Transition proteins (TNPs) are essential in chromatin condensation during spermiogenesis, and hence, they are the candidate genes for identifying sperm motility markers. Coding and in silico predicted promoter regions of these genes were investigated in crossbred and purebred cattle, and also, their mRNA quantification was done to explore its use as a diagnostic tool of infertility. PCR-SSCP analysis revealed two band patterns in fragment III of TNP1 and fragment II of TNP2 gene. Sequence analysis revealed a deletion of "G" nucleotide in 3'UTR region of TNP1 and C>T SNP in intronic region of TNP2 gene. Least square analysis of variance did not reveal any significant influence of nucleotide deletion on any sperm motility parameters in both crossbred and purebred cattle. However, C>T SNP had a significant effect on initial progressive motility (p < 0.05) in purebred cattle and post-thaw motility in overall cattle population. RT-qPCR analysis did not reveal any significant variation in TNP1 and TNP2 gene expression among poorly motile and good quality spermatozoa of Vrindavani bulls.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Subodh Kumar
- Division of Animal Genetics, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Bareilly, India
| | - Rajni Chaudhary
- Division of Animal Genetics, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Bareilly, India
| | - Chinmoy Mishra
- Division of Animal Genetics, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Bareilly, India
| | - Sivakumar Ayyar
- Division of Animal Genetics, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Bareilly, India
| | - Amit Kumar
- Division of Animal Genetics, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Bareilly, India
| | - Anuj Chauhan
- Division of Animal Genetics, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Bareilly, India
| | - Subrata Kumar Ghosh
- Division of Animal Genetics, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Bareilly, India
| | - Manjit Panigrahi
- Division of Animal Genetics, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Bareilly, India
| | - Abhijit Mitra
- Division of Animal Genetics, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Bareilly, India
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18
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Phenotypic varieties of sperm pathology: Genetic abnormalities or environmental influences can result in different patterns of abnormal spermatozoa. Anim Reprod Sci 2018; 194:41-56. [PMID: 29753534 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2018.04.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Revised: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The present paper reviews in detail ultrastructural and molecular studies addressed to characterize different phenotypes of sperm pathology in sterile men. In each case ultrastructural, immunocytochemical, molecular and genetic information is provided to differentiate two main kinds of sperm pathologies: systematic phenotypes with known or suspected genetic origin and non-systematic ones, usually secondary to different pathologies of the male reproductive system. Special attention is paid to detailed ultrastructural features profusely illustrated with electron micrographs. Diagnostic and fertility prognostic values of these phenotypes are also discussed and, when possible, comparison with similar pathologies in mammals and birds are discussed.
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19
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Jiang W, Shi L, Liu H, Cao J, Zhu P, Zhang J, Yu M, Guo Y, Cui Y, Xia X. Systematic review and meta-analysis of the genetic association between protamine polymorphism and male infertility. Andrologia 2018. [PMID: 29537099 DOI: 10.1111/and.12990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
While several previous studies have proposed an association between male infertility and protamine polymorphism, the reported findings have shown some inconsistency. To evaluate the potential association between the two most common single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs2301365 and rs1646022) in protamine and male infertility, we performed a meta-analysis involving 2713 cases and 2086 controls from 15 published case-controlled studies. Overall, our analysis showed significant associations between the specific protamine single-nucleotide polymorphism (rs2301365) and male infertility, and this association was indicated by all of the models we tested. Subgroup analysis revealed significant associations with a Caucasian background, PCR sequence, population-based, case size of > 150 and case size of < 150 subgroups. Similarly, significant associations were found between rs1646022 and male infertility in the hospital population and case size of < 200 subgroups. However, trial sequential analysis showed that the number of patients in the study did not reach optimal information size. Further studies with larger sample sizes are now warranted to clarify the potential roles of the two protamine polymorphisms in the pathogenesis of male infertility. This may help us to understand the precise molecular mechanisms underlying the effect of protamines upon male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Jiang
- Department of Reproduction and Genetics, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - L Shi
- Department of Andrology, Drum Tower Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - H Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First People' Hospital of Lianyungang, Lianyungang, China
| | - J Cao
- Department of Reproduction and Genetics, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - P Zhu
- Department of Reproduction and Genetics, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - J Zhang
- Department of Reproduction and Genetics, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - M Yu
- Department of Reproduction and Genetics, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Y Guo
- Department of Reproduction and Genetics, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Y Cui
- Department of Reproduction and Genetics, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - X Xia
- Department of Reproduction and Genetics, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
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20
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Liu W, Gao X, Yan L, Liu H, Yu R, Zhao S, Ma J. Analysis of CDK2 mutations in Chinese men with non-obstructive azoospermia who underwent testis biopsy. Reprod Biomed Online 2018; 36:356-360. [PMID: 29373224 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2017.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Revised: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
To examine whether mutations of the CDK2 gene exist in Chinese men with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) with different histopathology, we recruited 175 Chinese men with idiopathic NOA who underwent testis biopsy, including hypospermatogenesis, germ cell maturation arrest and Sertoli cell only syndrome. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples. Subsequently, the seven exons of the CDK2 gene were amplified using polymerase chain reaction with specific primers, respectively. The polymerase chain reaction products were sequenced on an automated sequencer. We identified four known single nucleotide polymorphisms: c.324G>A in exon 1; c.363T>C in exon 2; c.*570G>A; and c.*1160G>C in the 3' UTR of the CDK2 gene. Comparison of the genotype and allele frequencies showed no significant differences between NOA cases and controls for the four single nucleotide polymorphisms. Furthermore, no significant differences were found between each pathological group and control group, respectively. The results indicate that mutations in the coding sequence of the CDK2 gene may not be responsible for idiopathic NOA in Chinese men. Future studies in large cohorts of different ethnic populations are warranted to establish whether associations exist between the CDK2 gene and NOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, 157 Jingliu Road, Jinan, 250021, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, 157 Jingliu Road, Jinan, 250021, China; The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, 157 Jingliu Road, Jinan, 250021, China
| | - Xuan Gao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, 157 Jingliu Road, Jinan, 250021, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, 157 Jingliu Road, Jinan, 250021, China; The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, 157 Jingliu Road, Jinan, 250021, China
| | - Lei Yan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, 157 Jingliu Road, Jinan, 250021, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, 157 Jingliu Road, Jinan, 250021, China; The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, 157 Jingliu Road, Jinan, 250021, China
| | - Hongli Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, 157 Jingliu Road, Jinan, 250021, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, 157 Jingliu Road, Jinan, 250021, China; The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, 157 Jingliu Road, Jinan, 250021, China
| | - Ruimei Yu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, 157 Jingliu Road, Jinan, 250021, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, 157 Jingliu Road, Jinan, 250021, China; The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, 157 Jingliu Road, Jinan, 250021, China
| | - Shidou Zhao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, 157 Jingliu Road, Jinan, 250021, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, 157 Jingliu Road, Jinan, 250021, China; The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, 157 Jingliu Road, Jinan, 250021, China.
| | - Jinlong Ma
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, 157 Jingliu Road, Jinan, 250021, China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, 157 Jingliu Road, Jinan, 250021, China; The Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology (Shandong University), Ministry of Education, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, 157 Jingliu Road, Jinan, 250021, China.
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Aydos OSE, Hekmatshoar Y, Altınok B, Özkan T, Şakirağaoğlu O, Karadağ A, Kaplan F, Ilgaz S, Taşpınar M, Yükselen I, Sunguroğlu A, Aydos K. Genetic Polymorphisms in PRM1, PRM2, and YBX2 Genes are Associated with Male Factor Infertility. Genet Test Mol Biomarkers 2017; 22:55-61. [PMID: 29227750 DOI: 10.1089/gtmb.2017.0040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS The etiology of infertility is still unknown in almost half of all male infertility patients. In sperm, DNA condensation differs from somatic and female gamete cells, with the protamine (PRM) gene and its transcription factor, Y-box binding protein 2 (YBX2), playing key roles in making the structure more compact. Protamine polymorphisms have been studied in different populations, but various results have been acquired. MATERIALS AND METHODS In our study, we examined, for the first time in a Turkish population, the association between protamine gene alleles (PRM1 c.-190C>A, PRM1 c.197G>T, and PRM2 c.248C>T), and YBX2 (c.187T>C and c.1095 + 16A>G) and male infertility. This was accomplished using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analyses of 100 infertile and 100 fertile Turkish men. Sperm DNA fragmentation analysis was performed using the Comet technique. RESULTS We found that the AA and CA genotypes of the PRM1 c.-190C>A polymorphism had a significant association with infertility (p < 0.001) and the AA genotype was also highly significantly associated with high sperm DNA damage (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that the PRM1 c.-190C>A polymorphism is associated with sperm DNA fragmentation, which may impact male infertility in the Turkish population. Further research with larger groups and in various other study populations will be required to clarify the impact of protamine and YBX2 gene polymorphisms on male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oya Sena E Aydos
- 1 Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, Ankara University , Ankara, Turkey
| | - Yalda Hekmatshoar
- 1 Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, Ankara University , Ankara, Turkey
| | - Buket Altınok
- 1 Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, Ankara University , Ankara, Turkey .,2 Medical Laboratory Techniques, Vocational School of Health Services, Ankara University , Ankara, Turkey
| | - Tülin Özkan
- 1 Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, Ankara University , Ankara, Turkey
| | - Onur Şakirağaoğlu
- 1 Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, Ankara University , Ankara, Turkey
| | - Aynur Karadağ
- 1 Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, Ankara University , Ankara, Turkey .,3 Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, Uşak University , Uşak, Turkey
| | - Fuat Kaplan
- 1 Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, Ankara University , Ankara, Turkey .,4 Health Science Institute, Biochemistry, Hacettepe University , Ankara, Turkey
| | - Seda Ilgaz
- 1 Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, Ankara University , Ankara, Turkey .,5 Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, Çukurova University , Adana, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Taşpınar
- 1 Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, Ankara University , Ankara, Turkey .,6 Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, Yüzüncü Yıl University , Van, Turkey
| | - Işıl Yükselen
- 1 Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, Ankara University , Ankara, Turkey
| | - Asuman Sunguroğlu
- 1 Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, Ankara University , Ankara, Turkey
| | - Kaan Aydos
- 7 Reproductive Health Research Center, School of Medicine, Ankara University , Ankara, Turkey
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Bronson R, Mikhailik A, Schwedes J, Gnatenko D, Hatchwell E. Detection of candidate nectin gene mutations in infertile men with severe teratospermia. J Assist Reprod Genet 2017; 34:1295-1302. [PMID: 28689229 PMCID: PMC5633573 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-017-0985-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Approximately 40% of infertile men have an abnormal semen analysis, resulting from either abnormalities of sperm production (defective spermatogenesis) or sperm shape (defective spermiogenesis). This latter process is dependent upon the function of Sertoli cells, which maintain specialized junctional complexes with germ cells. Nectins, members of the immunoglobulin superfamily, participate in formation of these dynamic complexes. Male mice in which the nectin-2 or nectin-3 gene is knocked out are sterile. Their spermatozoa exhibit severe teratospermia, altered motility, and an impaired ability to fertilize eggs. We asked whether mutations in the protein coding regions of the nectin-2 (aka PVRL2) and nectin-3 (aka PVRL3) genes could be detected in men from infertile couples whose semen analysis revealed unimpaired sperm production, judged by normal sperm concentration, but severe abnormalities in sperm shape. METHODS Ejaculates were snap frozen in liquid nitrogen and later submitted for Sanger analysis of these two genes, to detect mutations in their protein coding regions. RESULTS Eighty-nine of 455 ejaculates (19.5%) met the inclusion criteria for study. Two of the 56 samples that were successfully analyzed for nectin-2 (3.6%) and one of 73 (1.3%) analyzed for nectin-3 possessed possibly damaging mutations. CONCLUSIONS Despite the small-scale nature of the study, at least two low-frequency deleterious variants were identified. These results suggest the need for a larger-scale study of sequence variants in the nectins in severe teratospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Bronson
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Stony Brook University Medical Center, T9-080, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-8091, USA.
| | - Anatoly Mikhailik
- Department of Anesthesiology, 370 Centers for Molecular Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-5140, USA
| | - John Schwedes
- Genomics Core Facility, Stony Brook University Medical Center, Room 151, Level 5 Basic Sciences Tower, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-8085, USA
| | - Dimitri Gnatenko
- Genomics Core Facility, Stony Brook University Medical Center, Room 151, Level 5 Basic Sciences Tower, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-8085, USA
| | - Eli Hatchwell
- Department of Pathology, Stony Brook University Medical Center, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
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Jiang W, Zhu P, Zhang J, Wu Q, Li W, Liu S, Ni M, Yu M, Cao J, Li Y, Cui Y, Xia X. Polymorphisms of protamine genes contribute to male infertility susceptibility in the Chinese Han population. Oncotarget 2017; 8:61637-61645. [PMID: 28977892 PMCID: PMC5617452 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.18660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Protamine (PRM) plays important roles in the packaging of DNA within the sperm nucleus. To investigate the role of PRM1/2 and transition protein 1 (TNP1) polymorphisms in male infertility, 636 infertile men and 442 healthy individuals were recruited into this case-controlled study of the Chinese Han population, using MassARRAY technology to analyze genotypes. Our analysis showed that there were no significant differences between controls and infertile cases among the five single nucleotide polymorphisms identified in PRM1, PRM2 and TNP1 [rs737008 (G/A), rs2301365 (C/A), rs2070923 (C/A), rs1646022 (C/G) and rs62180545 (A/G)]. However, we found that the PRM1 and PRM2 haplotypes GCTGC, TCGCA and TCGCC exhibited significant protective effects against male infertility compared to fertile men, while TCGGA, GCTCC and TCGGC represented significant risk factors for spermatogenesis. Our data showed that rs737008 and rs2301365 in PRM1, and rs1646022 in PRM2, were significantly associated with male infertility and that gene–gene interaction played a role in male infertility. A linkage disequilibrium plot for the five SNPs showed that rs737008 was strongly linked with both rs2301365 and rs2070923. These findings are likely to help improve our understanding of the etiology of male infertility. Further studies should include a larger number of genes and SNPs, particularly growing critical genes; such studies will help us to unravel the effect of individual genetic factors upon male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijun Jiang
- Department of Reproduction and Genetics, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing 210002, P.R. China
| | - Peiran Zhu
- Department of Reproduction and Genetics, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing 210002, P.R. China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Reproduction and Genetics, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing 210002, P.R. China
| | - Qiuyue Wu
- Department of Reproduction and Genetics, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing 210002, P.R. China
| | - Weiwei Li
- Department of Reproduction and Genetics, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing 210002, P.R. China
| | - Shuaimei Liu
- Department of Reproduction and Genetics, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing 210002, P.R. China
| | - Mengxia Ni
- Department of Reproduction and Genetics, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing 210002, P.R. China
| | - Maomao Yu
- Department of Reproduction and Genetics, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing 210002, P.R. China
| | - Jin Cao
- Department of Reproduction and Genetics, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing 210002, P.R. China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Reproduction and Genetics, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing 210002, P.R. China
| | - Yingxia Cui
- Department of Reproduction and Genetics, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing 210002, P.R. China
| | - Xinyi Xia
- Department of Reproduction and Genetics, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing 210002, P.R. China
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Arafat M, Har-Vardi I, Harlev A, Levitas E, Zeadna A, Abofoul-Azab M, Dyomin V, Sheffield VC, Lunenfeld E, Huleihel M, Parvari R. Mutation in TDRD9 causes non-obstructive azoospermia in infertile men. J Med Genet 2017; 54:633-639. [PMID: 28536242 DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2017-104514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Revised: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 04/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Azoospermia is diagnosed when sperm cells are completely absent in the ejaculate even after centrifugation. It is identified in approximately 1% of all men and in 10%-20% of infertile males. Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is characterised by the absence of sperm due to either a Sertoli cell-only pattern, maturation arrest, hypospermatogenesis or mixed patterns. NOA is a severe form of male infertility, with limited treatment options and low fertility success rates. In the majority of patients, the cause for NOA is not known and mutations in only a few genes were shown to be causative. AIM We investigated the cause of maturation arrest in five azoospermic infertile men of a large consanguineous Bedouin family. METHODS AND RESULTS Using whole genome genotyping and exome sequencing we identified a 4 bp deletion frameshift mutation in TDRD9 as the causative mutation with a Lod Score of 3.42. We demonstrate that the mutation results in a frameshift as well as exon skipping. Immunofluorescent staining with anti-TDRD9 antibody directed towards the N terminus demonstrated the presence of the protein in testicular biopsies of patients with an intracellular distribution comparable to a control biopsy. The mutation does not cause female infertility. CONCLUSION This is the first report of a recessive deleterious mutation in TDRD9 in humans. The clinical phenotype recapitulates that observed in the Tdrd9 knockout mice where this gene was demonstrated to participate in long interspersed element-1 retrotransposon silencing. If this function is preserved in human, our data underscore the importance of maintaining DNA stability in the human male germ line.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maram Arafat
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.,The National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Iris Har-Vardi
- Fertility and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Avi Harlev
- Fertility and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Eliahu Levitas
- Fertility and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.,The Center of Advanced Research and Education in Reproduction (CARER), Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Atif Zeadna
- Fertility and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.,The Center of Advanced Research and Education in Reproduction (CARER), Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Maram Abofoul-Azab
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.,The National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.,The Center of Advanced Research and Education in Reproduction (CARER), Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Victor Dyomin
- The Center of Advanced Research and Education in Reproduction (CARER), Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.,Institute of Pathology, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Val C Sheffield
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA
| | - Eitan Lunenfeld
- Fertility and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.,The Center of Advanced Research and Education in Reproduction (CARER), Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Mahmoud Huleihel
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.,The National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.,The Center of Advanced Research and Education in Reproduction (CARER), Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Ruti Parvari
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.,The National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.,The Center of Advanced Research and Education in Reproduction (CARER), Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
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25
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The c.−190 C>A transversion in promoter region of protamine1 gene as a genetic risk factor for idiopathic oligozoospermia. Mol Biol Rep 2016; 43:795-802. [DOI: 10.1007/s11033-016-4017-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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26
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Association study of protamine 2 (PRM2) gene polymorphism with male infertility in Chinese Han population. Genes Genomics 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s13258-015-0368-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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27
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Polymorphisms in Protamine 1 and Protamine 2 predict the risk of male infertility: a meta-analysis. Sci Rep 2015; 5:15300. [PMID: 26472740 PMCID: PMC4607923 DOI: 10.1038/srep15300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2015] [Accepted: 09/23/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Several studies have investigated the association between polymorphisms in protamine 1 and 2 genes and male infertility risk, with inconsistent results to date. This meta-analysis based on the 13 published case-control studies, including 7350 cases and 6167 controls, was performed to further establish the potential association between the 6 common single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs35576928, rs737008, rs35262993, rs2301365, rs1646022, rs2070923) in protamines 1 and 2 and male infertility. The -190C > A (rs2301365) polymorphism was identified as a risk factor for male infertility under all models. Interestingly, rs1646022 and rs737008 polymorphisms exerted protective effects against male sterility in Asian and population-based under some models. No associations between the remaining SNPs and male sterility were observed.
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28
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Yatsenko AN, Georgiadis AP, Röpke A, Berman AJ, Jaffe T, Olszewska M, Westernströer B, Sanfilippo J, Kurpisz M, Rajkovic A, Yatsenko SA, Kliesch S, Schlatt S, Tüttelmann F. X-linked TEX11 mutations, meiotic arrest, and azoospermia in infertile men. N Engl J Med 2015; 372:2097-107. [PMID: 25970010 PMCID: PMC4470617 DOI: 10.1056/nejmoa1406192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 215] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The genetic basis of nonobstructive azoospermia is unknown in the majority of infertile men. METHODS We performed array comparative genomic hybridization testing in blood samples obtained from 15 patients with azoospermia, and we performed mutation screening by means of direct Sanger sequencing of the testis-expressed 11 gene (TEX11) open reading frame in blood and semen samples obtained from 289 patients with azoospermia and 384 controls. RESULTS We identified a 99-kb hemizygous loss on chromosome Xq13.2 that involved three TEX11 exons. This loss, which was identical in 2 patients with azoospermia, predicts a deletion of 79 amino acids within the meiosis-specific sporulation domain SPO22. Our subsequent mutation screening showed five novel TEX11 mutations: three splicing mutations and two missense mutations. These mutations, which occurred in 7 of 289 men with azoospermia (2.4%), were absent in 384 controls with normal sperm concentrations (P=0.003). Notably, five of those TEX11 mutations were detected in 33 patients (15%) with azoospermia who received a diagnosis of azoospermia with meiotic arrest. Meiotic arrest in these patients resembled the phenotype of Tex11-deficient male mice. Immunohistochemical analysis showed specific cytoplasmic TEX11 expression in late spermatocytes, as well as in round and elongated spermatids, in normal human testes. In contrast, testes of patients who had azoospermia with TEX11 mutations had meiotic arrest and lacked TEX11 expression. CONCLUSIONS In our study, hemizygous TEX11 mutations were a common cause of meiotic arrest and azoospermia in infertile men. (Funded by the National Institutes of Health and others.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander N Yatsenko
- From the Departments of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences (A.N.Y., A.P.G., J.S., A. Rajkovic, S.A.Y.) and Urology (T.J.), University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences (A.J.B.) - all in Pittsburgh; the Institute of Human Genetics (A. Röpke, F.T.) and Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology (B.W., S.K., S.S.), University of Münster, Münster, Germany; and the Department of Reproductive Biology and Stem Cells, Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznań (M.O., M.K.)
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29
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Jodar M, Oliva R. Protamine Alterations in Human Spermatozoa. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2014; 791:83-102. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-7783-9_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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30
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Zorrilla M, Yatsenko AN. The Genetics of Infertility: Current Status of the Field. CURRENT GENETIC MEDICINE REPORTS 2013; 1:10.1007/s40142-013-0027-1. [PMID: 24416713 PMCID: PMC3885174 DOI: 10.1007/s40142-013-0027-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Infertility is a relatively common health condition, affecting nearly 7% of all couples. Clinically, it is a highly heterogeneous pathology with a complex etiology that includes environmental and genetic factors. It has been estimated that nearly 50% of infertility cases are due to genetic defects. Hundreds of studies with animal knockout models convincingly showed infertility to be caused by gene defects, single or multiple. However, despite enormous efforts, progress in translating basic research findings into clinical studies has been challenging. The genetic causes remain unexplained for the vast majority of male or female infertility patients. A particular difficulty is the huge number of candidate genes to be studied; there are more than 2,300 genes expressed in the testis alone, and hundreds of those genes influence reproductive function in humans and could contribute to male infertility. At present, there are only a handful of genes or genetic defects that have been shown to cause, or to be strongly associated with, primary infertility. Yet, with completion of the human genome and progress in personalized medicine, the situation is rapidly changing. Indeed, there are 10-15 new gene tests, on average, being added to the clinical genetic testing list annually.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Zorrilla
- Departments of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh
| | - Alexander N Yatsenko
- Departments of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh
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31
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Grassetti D, Paoli D, Gallo M, D'Ambrosio A, Lombardo F, Lenzi A, Gandini L. Protamine-1 and -2 polymorphisms and gene expression in male infertility: an Italian study. J Endocrinol Invest 2012; 35:882-8. [PMID: 22104739 DOI: 10.3275/8111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Correct histone/protamine replacement is an important stage in chromatin condensation during spermiogenesis in humans. There are two types of protamines: protamine 1 (P1) and the protamine 2 family (P2, P3, and P4), coded by the genes PRM1 and PRM2. AIM We analyze the sequences and gene expression of PRM1 and PRM2 and their relationship with defective spermatogenesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sequence analysis was carried out on 163 patients attending our laboratory for analysis of seminal fluid. Patients were divided into three groups: normozoospermic (53), teratozoospermic (60), and azoospermic (50). Gene expression was analyzed in seven patients with azoospermia and one with cryptozoospermia. RESULTS Seven single nuclotide polymorphisms (SNP) were identified: G54A, G102T and C230A for PRM1, and C246T, G288C, G298C and C373A for PRM2. For C230A, the CA genotype was present in 38% of teratozoospermic vs 55% of normozoospermic and 64% of azoospermic patients; for C373A, CA was found in 37% of teratozoospermic vs 47% of normozoospermic and 64% of azoospermic patients. In contrast, for G298C, GC was more common in the teratozoospermic (63%) than in the normozoospermic (49%) or azoospermic (48%) groups. These differences could suggest a greater susceptibility of these patients to abnormal sperm morphology. In five patients the levels of transcripts were reduced with respect to the control. CONCLUSION These data suggest that premeiotic arrest is associated with extremely reduced protamine expression. New studies of both PRM1 and PRM2 and their mRNA expression could help us better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the protamine transcription and translation processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Grassetti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
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He XJ, Ruan J, Du WD, Chen G, Zhou Y, Xu S, Zuo XB, Cao YX, Zhang XJ. PRM1 variant rs35576928 (Arg>Ser) is associated with defective spermatogenesis in the Chinese Han population. Reprod Biomed Online 2012; 25:627-34. [PMID: 23079002 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2012.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2012] [Revised: 08/26/2012] [Accepted: 09/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Protamine genes play important roles in DNA packaging within the sperm nucleus. In order to evaluate the association of PRM1, PRM2, KIT and KITLG variants with susceptibility to severely defective spermatogenesis, 309 male infertility patients (199 cases with non-obstructive azoospermia and 110 cases with severe oligozoospermia) and 377 controls were recruited in the Chinese Han population. This study genotyped 38 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in PRM1, PRM2, KIT and KITLG using Sequenom iplex. The results showed that PRM1 variant rs35576928 (p.R34S) was significantly associated with severe oligozoospermia and played a protective role against the disease (P=0.0079, Bonferroni correction, OR 0.426). The dominant model (variant-containing genotypes) of the SNP was confirmed to protect against the occurrence of oligozoospermia (P=0.0078, Bonferroni correction, OR 0.387). Haplotype analysis of PRM1 and PRM2 in combination exhibited that haplotype TACCGGC exhibited a significant protective effect against the occurrence of oligozoospermia when compared with controls (P=0.002, Bonferroni correction, OR 0.602). Haplotype TACCTGC was strongly associated with risk of the clinical phenotype severe oligozoospermia (P=0.002, Bonferroni correction, OR 2.716). The findings indicated that PRM1 variant rs35576928 (p.R34S) was associated with severely defective spermatogenesis in the Chinese Han population. Male spermatogenic failure may be associated with gene variants. We demonstrated whether such genetic variation of PRM1 and PRM2 affected clinicopathological characteristics and conferred susceptibility to this entity. In this study, we found that PRM1 variant rs35576928 (Arg>Ser) played a protective role against severe oligozoospermia. The dominant model analysis (variant-containing genotypes) confirmed that the SNP was a risk factor of a spermatogenesis defect. Haplotype analysis of PRM1 and PRM2 showed that TACCGGC was a common factor protecting against severe oligozoospermia, while the haplotype TACCTGC was strongly associated with the risk of the severe oligozoospmeria. Our findings indicate that the PRM1 variant rs35576928 (Arg>Ser) is associated with spermatogenesis defect in the Chinese Han population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Jin He
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
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Lee BY, Shin DH, Cho S, Seo KS, Kim H. Genome-wide analysis of copy number variations reveals that aging processes influence body fat distribution in Korea Associated Resource (KARE) cohorts. Hum Genet 2012; 131:1795-804. [DOI: 10.1007/s00439-012-1203-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2011] [Accepted: 07/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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Montjean D, De La Grange P, Gentien D, Rapinat A, Belloc S, Cohen-Bacrie P, Menezo Y, Benkhalifa M. Sperm transcriptome profiling in oligozoospermia. J Assist Reprod Genet 2011; 29:3-10. [PMID: 21989496 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-011-9644-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2011] [Accepted: 09/28/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Investigate in what extent sperm transcriptome of infertile men is different from that of fertile individuals. METHODS Semen samples were collected for determination of sperm parameters as well as for RNA isolation. Gene expression profile was investigated in spermatozoa of 8 infertile and 3 fertile men by microarray analysis using the Affymetrix Chip HG-U133 Plus 2.0. RESULT(S) We observed up to 33-fold reduction expression of genes involved in spermatogenesis and sperm motility. Furthermore, there is an important decrease in expression of genes involved in DNA repair as well as oxidative stress regulation. In this study, we also show a striking drop in expression of histone modification genes. CONCLUSION(S) We found that transcription profile in germ cells of men with idiopathic infertility is different from that of fertile individuals. Interestingly, about 15% of the regulated genes (Eddy Rev Reprod 4:23-30, 1999) play a role in spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debbie Montjean
- Advanced Technology Laboratory, ZA de l'Agiot 4 rue Louis Lormand, 78320, La Verrière, Paris, France.
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Venkatesh S, Kumar R, Deka D, Deecaraman M, Dada R. Analysis of sperm nuclear protein gene polymorphisms and DNA integrity in infertile men. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2011; 57:124-32. [DOI: 10.3109/19396368.2011.562960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Hwang K, Yatsenko AN, Jorgez CJ, Mukherjee S, Nalam RL, Matzuk MM, Lamb DJ. Mendelian genetics of male infertility. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2010; 1214:E1-E17. [PMID: 21382200 PMCID: PMC3654696 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2010.05917.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Infertility is defined as the inability of a couple to conceive despite trying for a year, and it affects approximately 15% of the reproductive-age population. It is considered a genetically lethal factor, as the family lineage stops at that individual with no progeny produced. A genetic defect associated with an infertile individual cannot be transmitted to the offspring, ensuring the maintenance of reproductive fitness of the species. However, with the advent of assisted reproductive techniques (ART), we are now able to overcome sterility and bypass nature's protective mechanisms that developed through evolution to prevent fertilization by defective or deficient sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen Hwang
- Scott Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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Jodar M, Oriola J, Mestre G, Castillo J, Giwercman A, Vidal-Taboada JM, Ballescà JL, Oliva R. Polymorphisms, haplotypes and mutations in the protamine 1 and 2 genes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 34:470-85. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2605.2010.01115.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Tamowski S, Aston KI, Carrell DT. The use of transgenic mouse models in the study of male infertility. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2010; 56:260-73. [PMID: 20536325 DOI: 10.3109/19396368.2010.485244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Over the past few decades with the rapid advances in embryo and embryonic stem cell manipulation techniques, transgenic mouse models have emerged as a powerful tool for the study of gene function and complex diseases including male infertility. In this review we give a brief history of the development of tools for the production of transgenic mouse models. This spans the advances from early pronuclear injection to the use of targeted embryonic stem cells to produce gene targeted, conditional, and inducible knockout mouse models. Lastly we provide a few examples to illustrate the utility of mouse models in the study of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Tamowski
- Transgenic and Gene Targeting Mouse Core, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108, USA
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Khattri A, Bhushan SS, Sireesha V, Gupta NJ, Chakravarty BN, Deendayal M, Prasad S, Singh L, Thangaraj K. The TNP1 haplotype - GCG is associated with azoospermia. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 34:173-82. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2605.2010.01072.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Sunnotel O, Hiripi L, Lagan K, McDaid JR, De León JM, Miyagawa Y, Crowe H, Kaluskar S, Ward M, Scullion C, Campbell A, Downes CS, Hirst D, Barton D, Mocanu E, Tsujimura A, Cox MB, Robson T, Walsh CP. Alterations in the steroid hormone receptor co-chaperone FKBPL are associated with male infertility: a case-control study. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2010; 8:22. [PMID: 20210997 PMCID: PMC2844388 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-8-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2009] [Accepted: 03/08/2010] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Male infertility is a common cause of reproductive failure in humans. In mice, targeted deletions of the genes coding for FKBP6 or FKBP52, members of the FK506 binding protein family, can result in male infertility. In the case of FKBP52, this reflects an important role in potentiating Androgen Receptor (AR) signalling in the prostate and accessory glands, but not the testis. In infertile men, no mutations of FKBP52 or FKBP6 have been found so far, but the gene for FKBP-like (FKBPL) maps to chromosome 6p21.3, an area linked to azoospermia in a group of Japanese patients. METHODS To determine whether mutations in FKBPL could contribute to the azoospermic phenotype, we examined expression in mouse and human tissues by RNA array blot, RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry and sequenced the complete gene from two azoospermic patient cohorts and matching control groups. FKBPL-AR interaction was assayed using reporter constructs in vitro. RESULTS FKBPL is strongly expressed in mouse testis, with expression upregulated at puberty. The protein is expressed in human testis in a pattern similar to FKBP52 and also enhanced AR transcriptional activity in reporter assays. We examined sixty patients from the Japanese patient group and found one inactivating mutation and one coding change, as well as a number of non-coding changes, all absent in fifty-six controls. A second, Irish patient cohort of thirty showed another two coding changes not present in thirty proven fertile controls. CONCLUSIONS Our results describe the first alterations in the gene for FKBPL in azoospermic patients and indicate a potential role in AR-mediated signalling in the testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olaf Sunnotel
- Transcriptional Regulation and Epigenetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulster, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK
| | - Laszlo Hiripi
- Transcriptional Regulation and Epigenetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulster, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK
| | - Kevin Lagan
- Transcriptional Regulation and Epigenetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulster, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK
| | - Jennifer R McDaid
- Transcriptional Regulation and Epigenetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulster, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK
| | - Johanny M De León
- Border Biomedical Research Center, University of Texas at El Paso, TX 79902, USA
| | - Yasushi Miyagawa
- Dept of Urology, University of Osaka Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hannah Crowe
- Transcriptional Regulation and Epigenetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulster, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK
| | - Soniya Kaluskar
- Transcriptional Regulation and Epigenetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulster, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK
| | - Michael Ward
- Transcriptional Regulation and Epigenetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulster, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK
| | - Catherine Scullion
- Transcriptional Regulation and Epigenetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulster, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK
| | - Alan Campbell
- Transcriptional Regulation and Epigenetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulster, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK
| | - CS Downes
- Cancer and Ageing Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulster, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK
| | - David Hirst
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - David Barton
- National Centre for Medical Genetics Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Edgar Mocanu
- Human Assisted Reproduction Ireland, Rotunda Hospital, Dublin 1, Ireland
| | - Akira Tsujimura
- Dept of Urology, University of Osaka Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Marc B Cox
- Border Biomedical Research Center, University of Texas at El Paso, TX 79902, USA
| | - Tracy Robson
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Colum P Walsh
- Transcriptional Regulation and Epigenetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulster, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK
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