1
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Lindemann CB, Lesich KA. The mechanics of cilia and flagella: What we know and what we need to know. Cytoskeleton (Hoboken) 2024. [PMID: 38780123 DOI: 10.1002/cm.21879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
In this review, we provide a condensed overview of what is currently known about the mechanical functioning of the flagellar/ciliary axoneme. We also present a list of 10 specific areas where our current knowledge is incomplete and explain the benefits of further experimental investigation. Many of the physical parameters of the axoneme and its component parts have not been determined. This limits our ability to understand how the axoneme structure contributes to its functioning in several regards. It restricts our ability to understand how the mechanics of the structure contribute to the regulation of motor function. It also confines our ability to understand the three-dimensional workings of the axoneme and how various beating modes are accomplished. Lastly, it prevents accurate computational modeling of the axoneme in three-dimensions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles B Lindemann
- Department of Biological Sciences, Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan, USA
| | - Kathleen A Lesich
- Department of Biological Sciences, Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan, USA
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2
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Kumar G, Gurao A, Vasisth R, Chitkara M, Singh R, Ranganatha Sriranga K, Shivanand Dige M, Mukesh M, Singh P, Singh Kataria R. Genome-wide 5'-C-phosphate-G-3' methylation patterns reveal the effect of heat stress on the altered semen quality in Bubalus bubalis. Gene 2024; 906:148233. [PMID: 38331117 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Semen production and quality are closely correlated with different environmental factors in bovines, particularly for the buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) bulls reared under tropical and sub-tropical conditions. Factors including DNA methylation patterns, an intricate process in sperm cells, have an impact on the production of quality semen in buffalo bulls under abiotic stress conditions. The present study was conducted to identify DNA methylome signatures for semen quality in Murrah buffalo bulls, acclaimed as a major dairy breed globally, under summer heat stress. Based on semen quality parameters that significantly varied between the two groups over the seasons, the breeding bulls were classified into seasonally affected (SA = 6) and seasonally non-affected (SNA = 6) categories. DNA was isolated from purified sperm cells and sequenced using the RRBS (Reduced Representation Bisulfite Sequencing) technique for genome-wide methylome data generation. During the hot summer months, the physiological parameters such as scrotal surface temperature, rectal temperature, and respiration rate for both the SA and SNA bulls were significantly higher in the afternoon than in the morning. Whereas, the global CpG% of SA bulls was positively correlated with the afternoon's scrotal surface and rectal temperature. The RRBS results conveyed differentially methylated cytosines in the promoter region of the genes encoding the channels responsible for Ca2+ exchange, NPTN, Ca2+ activated chloride channels, ANO1, and a few structure-related units such as septins (SEPT4 and SEPT6), SPATA, etc. Additionally, the hypermethylated set of genes in SA was significantly enriched for pathways such as the FOXO signaling pathway and oocyte meiosis. The methylation patterns suggest promoter methylation in the genes regulating the sperm structure as well as surface transporters, which could contribute to the reduced semen quality in the Murrah buffalo bulls during the season-related heat stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gautam Kumar
- ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal (Haryana), India
| | - Ankita Gurao
- ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal (Haryana), India
| | - Rashi Vasisth
- ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal (Haryana), India
| | - Meenakshi Chitkara
- ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal (Haryana), India
| | - Ravinder Singh
- ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal (Haryana), India
| | | | | | - Manishi Mukesh
- ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal (Haryana), India
| | - Pawan Singh
- ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal (Haryana), India
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3
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Abdelnour SA, Khalil WA, Khalifa NE, Khalil FMA, Hassan MAE. L-Proline: A Promising Tool for Boosting Cryotolerance and Fertilizing Ability of Cryopreserved Sperm in Animals. Anim Reprod Sci 2024; 263:107429. [PMID: 38382197 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Sperm cryopreservation technology significantly contributes to the safeguarding of genetic resources, particularly for endangered species, and supports the use of artificial insemination in domestic animals. Therefore, cryopreservation can negatively affect sperm health and function leading to reduce the freezing ability and fertility potential. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize the improvement of cryotolerance in cryopreserved sperm to enhance reproductive efficiency and ensure sustainability in livestock herds. The main reason for sperm dysfunction after thawing may be related to the excessive amount of oxidative stress (OS) produced during cryopreservation. Scientists have different ways for counteracting this OS including the use of plant extracts, enzymes, minerals, anti-freezing proteins, and amino acids. Recently, one such amino acid is L-proline (LP), which has multiple roles such as osmotic and OS defense, nitrogen, and carbon metabolism, as well as cell survival and signaling. LP has been found in seminal plasma and has recently been added to the freezing extender to improve the various post-thaw parameters of sperm. This improvement is related to the ability of LP to reduce the OS, sustain the plasma membrane and to act as an osmoregulatory agent. Moreover, LP can suppress cell apoptosis by modulating intracellular redox in sperm. This review addresses the ongoing research on the addition of L-proline as an osmoregulatory agent in freezing extenders to increase the cryotolerance of animal spermatozoa to freeze-thaw.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameh A Abdelnour
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt.
| | - Wael A Khalil
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Mansoura University Mansoura 35516, Egypt.
| | - Norhan E Khalifa
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Matrouh University, Fuka, Matrouh 51744, Egypt
| | - Fatma Mohamed Ameen Khalil
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Arts, King Khalid University, Mohayil Asir Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mahmoud A E Hassan
- Animal Production Research Institute, Agriculture Research Centre, Ministry of Agriculture, Dokki, Giza 12619, Egypt
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4
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Abdelnour SA, Sindi RA, Abd El-Hack ME, Khalifa NE, Khafaga AF, Noreldin AE, Samir H, Tufarelli V, Losacco C, Gamal M, Imam MS, Swelum AA. Quercetin: Putative effects on the function of cryopreserved sperms in domestic animals. Reprod Domest Anim 2023; 58:191-206. [PMID: 36337040 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Quercetin is one of the most used antioxidant flavonoids and largely exists in many fruits and vegetables because of its capability to scavenge the free reactive oxygen species (ROSs) by repressing lipid peroxy radical fusion, metal ion chelating through enzyme inhibition, and adopting the repair mechanisms. It also exhibits various biological actions, including antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities. Furthermore, it contributes well to sustaining the endogenous cellular antioxidant defence system. The process of cryopreservation is associated with increased oxidative stress, and some steps are potential sources of ROSs, including the method of semen collection, handling, cryopreservation culture media, and thawing, which result in impaired sperm function. Several antioxidants have been proposed to counteract the harmful impact of ROS during semen cryopreservation. The antioxidant capability of quercetin has been verified in different animal species for providing valuable defence to sperm during the cryopreservation process. The beneficial properties of quercetin on various parameters of fresh and post-thaw sperm in different species are clarified in this review. More in-depth investigations are required to clarify quercetin's mechanism of action in different animal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameh A Abdelnour
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Ramya A Sindi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Mecca, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Norhan E Khalifa
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Fuka, Matrouh University, Matrouh, Egypt
| | - Asmaa F Khafaga
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Edfina, Egypt
| | - Ahmed E Noreldin
- Histology and Cytology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, Egypt
| | - Haney Samir
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Vincenzo Tufarelli
- Department of DETO, Section of Veterinary Science and Animal Production, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Caterina Losacco
- Department of DETO, Section of Veterinary Science and Animal Production, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Mohammed Gamal
- Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Mohamed S Imam
- Pharmacy Practice Department, College of Pharmacy, Shaqra University, Shaqra, Saudi Arabia.,Clinical Pharmacy Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ayman A Swelum
- Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
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5
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Mirihagalle S, Hughes JR, Miller DJ. Progesterone-Induced Sperm Release from the Oviduct Sperm Reservoir. Cells 2022; 11:1622. [PMID: 35626659 PMCID: PMC9139440 DOI: 10.3390/cells11101622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In mammalian females, after sperm are deposited in the reproductive tract, a fraction of sperm migrates to the lower oviduct (isthmus) and forms a sperm storage site known as the functional sperm reservoir. The interactions between sperm membrane proteins and oviduct epithelial cells facilitate sperm binding to the oviductal epithelium and retention in the reservoir. Sperm are bound by glycans that contain specific motifs present on isthmic epithelial cells. Capacitated sperm are released from the reservoir and travel further in the oviduct to the ampulla where fertilization occurs. For decades, researchers have been studying the molecules and mechanisms of sperm release from the oviductal sperm reservoir. However, it is still not clear if the release of sperm is triggered by changes in sperm, oviduct cells, oviduct fluid, or a combination of these. While there is a possibility that more than one of these events are involved in the release of sperm from the reservoir, one activator of sperm release has the largest accumulation of supporting evidence. This mechanism involves the steroid hormone, progesterone, as a signal that induces the release of sperm from the reservoir. This review gathers and synthesizes evidence for the role of progesterone in inducing sperm release from the oviduct functional sperm reservoir.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - David Joel Miller
- Department of Animal Sciences, Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; (S.M.); (J.R.H.)
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6
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Hyperactivation is sufficient to release porcine sperm from immobilized oviduct glycans. Sci Rep 2022; 12:6446. [PMID: 35440797 PMCID: PMC9019019 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-10390-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Fertilizing sperm are retained by adhesion to specific glycans on the epithelium of the oviduct forming a reservoir before sperm are released from the reservoir so fertilization can ensue. Capacitated sperm lose affinity for the oviduct epithelium but the components of capacitation that are important for sperm release are uncertain. One important correlate of capacitation is the development of hyperactivated motility. Hyperactivation is characterized by asymmetrical flagellar beating with high beat amplitude. We tested whether the development of full-type asymmetrical motility was sufficient to release sperm from immobilized oviduct glycans. Sperm hyperactivation was induced by four different compounds, a cell-permeable cAMP analog (cBiMPS), CatSper activators (4-aminopyridine and procaine), and an endogenous steroid (progesterone). Using standard analysis (CASA) and direct visualization with high-speed video microscopy, we first confirmed that all four compounds induced hyperactivation. Subsequently, sperm were allowed to bind to immobilized oviduct glycans, and compounds or vehicle controls were added. All compounds caused sperm release from immobilized glycans, demonstrating that hyperactivation was sufficient to release sperm from oviduct cells and immobilized glycans. Pharmacological inhibition of the non-genomic progesterone receptor and CatSper diminished sperm release from oviduct glycans. Inhibition of the proteolytic activities of the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), implicated in the regulation of sperm capacitation, diminished sperm release in response to all hyperactivation inducers. In summary, induction of sperm hyperactivation was sufficient to induce sperm release from immobilized oviduct glycans and release was dependent on CatSper and the UPS.
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7
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Sakase M, Harayama H. Involvement of Ca 2+-ATPase in suppressing the appearance of bovine helically motile spermatozoa with intense force prior to cryopreservation. J Reprod Dev 2022; 68:181-189. [PMID: 35236801 PMCID: PMC9184823 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2021-143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
In cattle, cryopreserved spermatozoa are generally used for artificial insemination (AI). Many of these specimens exhibit helical movement, although the molecular mechanisms underlying this
phenomenon remain unclear. This study aimed to characterize helically motile spermatozoa, investigate the involvement of Ca2+-ATPase in suppressing the appearance of these
spermatozoa prior to cryopreservation, and examine the potential of helical movement as an index of sperm quality. In the cryopreserved semen, approximately 50% of spermatozoa were helically
motile, whereas approximately 25% were planarly motile. The helically motile samples swam significantly faster than those with planar movement, in both non-viscous medium and viscous medium
containing polyvinylpyrrolidone. In contrast, in non-cryopreserved semen, planarly motile spermatozoa outnumbered those that were helically motile. Fluorescence microscopy with Fluo-3/AM and
propidium iodide showed that flagellar [Ca2+]i was significantly higher in cryopreserved live spermatozoa than in non-cryopreserved live ones. The
percentage of non-cryopreserved helically motile spermatozoa was approximately 25% after washing, and this increased significantly to approximately 50% after treatment with an inhibitor of
sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPases (SERCAs), “thapsigargin.” Immunostaining showed the presence of SERCAs in sperm necks. Additionally, the percentages of cryopreserved helically
motile spermatozoa showed large inter-bull differences and a significantly positive correlation with post-AI conception rates, indicating that helical movement has the potential to serve as
a predictor of the fertilizing ability of these spermatozoa. These results suggest that SERCAs in the neck suppress the cytoplasmic Ca2+-dependent appearance of helically motile
spermatozoa with intense force in semen prior to cryopreservation.
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Affiliation(s)
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- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Division of Animal Science, Department of Bioresource Science, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kobe University, Kobe 657-8501, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiro Sakase
- Hokubu Agricultural Technology Institute, Hyogo Prefectural Technology Center for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Hyogo 669-5254, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Harayama
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Division of Animal Science, Department of Bioresource Science, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kobe University, Kobe 657-8501, Japan.,Biosignal Research Center, Kobe University, Kobe 657-8501, Japan
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8
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Shan MM, Sun SC. The multiple roles of RAB GTPases in female and male meiosis. Hum Reprod Update 2021; 27:1013-1029. [PMID: 34227671 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmab019] [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] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND RAB GTPases constitute the largest family of small GTPases and are found in all eukaryotes. RAB GTPases regulate components of the endomembrane system, the nucleus and the plasma membrane, and are involved in intracellular actin/tubulin-dependent vesicle movement, membrane fusion and cell growth in mitosis. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE RAB GTPases play multiple critical roles during both female and male meiosis. This review summarizes the progress made in our understanding of the role of RAB GTPases in female and male meiosis in different species. We also discuss the potential relationship between RAB GTPases and oocyte/sperm quality, which may help in understanding the mechanisms underlying oogenesis and spermatogenesis and potential genetic causes of infertility. SEARCH METHODS The PubMed database was searched for articles published between 1991 and 2020 using the following terms: 'RAB', 'RAB oocyte', 'RAB sperm' and 'RAB meiosis'. OUTCOMES An analysis of 126 relevant articles indicated that RAB GTPases are present in all eukaryotes, and ten subfamilies (almost 70 members) are expressed in human cells. The roles of 25 RAB proteins and orthologues in female meiosis and 12 in male meiosis have been reported. RAB proteins are essential for the accurate continuity of genetic material, successful fertilization and the normal growth of offspring. Distinct and crucial functions of RAB GTPases in meiosis have been reported. In oocytes, RAB GTPases are involved in spindle organization, kinetochore-microtubule attachment, chromosome alignment, actin filament-mediated spindle migration, cytokinesis, cell cycle and oocyte-embryo transition. RAB GTPases function in mitochondrial processes and Golgi-mediated vesicular transport during female meiosis, and are critical for cortical granule transport during fertilization and oocyte-embryo transition. In sperm, RAB GTPases are vital for cytoskeletal organization and successful cytokinesis, and are associated with Golgi-mediated acrosome formation, membrane trafficking and morphological changes of sperm cells, as well as the exocytosis-related acrosome reaction and zona reaction during fertilization. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Abnormal expression of RAB GTPases disrupts intracellular systems, which may induce diverse diseases. The roles of RAB proteins in female and male reproductive systems, thus, need to be considered. The mechanisms underlying the function of RAB GTPases and the binding specificity of their effectors during oogenesis, spermatogenesis and fertilization remain to be studied. This review should contribute to our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of oogenesis and spermatogenesis and potential genetic causes of infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Meng Shan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shao-Chen Sun
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
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9
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Bernecic NC, de Graaf SP, Leahy T, Gadella BM. HDL mediates reverse cholesterol transport from ram spermatozoa and induces hyperactivated motility. Biol Reprod 2021; 104:1271-1281. [PMID: 33674849 PMCID: PMC8181994 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Reverse cholesterol transport or cholesterol efflux is part of an extensive plasma membrane remodeling process in spermatozoa that is imperative for fertilization. For ram spermatozoa, sheep serum is well known to support in vitro fertilization (IVF), but knowledge of its explicit role is limited. Though, it is postulated to elicit cholesterol efflux owing to the presence of high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) that interact with transmembrane cholesterol transporters, such as adenosinetriphosphate (ATP)-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) and scavenger receptor class B, type I (SR-BI). In this study, we report that both sheep serum and HDLs were able to elicit cholesterol efflux alone by up to 20–40% (as measured by the boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY)-cholesterol assay). Furthermore, when the antagonists glibenclamide and valspodar were used to inhibit the function of ABCA1 and SR-BI or ABCA1 alone, respectively, cholesterol efflux was only marginally reduced (8–15%). Nevertheless, it is likely that in ram spermatozoa, a specific facilitated pathway of cholesterol efflux is involved in the interaction between cholesterol acceptors and transporters. Interestingly, exposure to HDLs also induced hyperactivated motility, another critical event required for successful fertilization. Taken together, this study details the first report of the dual action of HDLs on ram spermatozoa, providing both an insight into the intricacy of events leading up to fertilization in vivo as well as demonstrating the possible application of HDL supplementation in media for IVF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi C Bernecic
- Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Simon P de Graaf
- Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Tamara Leahy
- Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Bart M Gadella
- Department of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Farm Animal Health, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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10
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The Presence of Seminal Plasma during Liquid Storage of Pig Spermatozoa at 17 °C Modulates Their Ability to Elicit In Vitro Capacitation and Trigger Acrosomal Exocytosis. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21124520. [PMID: 32630462 PMCID: PMC7350249 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Although seminal plasma is essential to maintain sperm integrity and function, it is diluted/removed prior to liquid storage and cryopreservation in most mammalian species. This study sought to evaluate, using the pig as a model, whether storing semen in the presence of seminal plasma affects the sperm ability to elicit in vitro capacitation and acrosomal exocytosis. Upon collection, seminal plasma was separated from sperm samples, which were diluted in a commercial extender, added with seminal plasma (15% or 30%), and stored at 17 °C for 48 or 72 h. Sperm cells were subsequently exposed to capacitating medium for 4 h, and then added with progesterone to induce acrosomal exocytosis. Sperm motility, acrosome integrity, membrane lipid disorder, intracellular Ca2+ levels, mitochondrial activity, and tyrosine phosphorylation levels of glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3)α/β were determined after 0, 2, and 4 h of incubation, and after 5, 30, and 60 min of progesterone addition. Results showed that storing sperm at 17 °C with 15% or 30% seminal plasma led to reduced percentages of viable spermatozoa exhibiting an exocytosed acrosome, mitochondrial membrane potential, intracellular Ca2+ levels stained by Fluo3, and tyrosine phosphorylation levels of GSK3α/β after in vitro capacitation and progesterone-induced acrosomal exocytosis. Therefore, the direct contact between spermatozoa and seminal plasma during liquid storage at 17 °C modulated their ability to elicit in vitro capacitation and undergo acrosomal exocytosis, via signal transduction pathways involving Ca2+ and Tyr phosphorylation of GSK3α/β. Further research is required to address whether such a modulating effect has any impact upon sperm fertilizing ability.
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11
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Saha SR, Sakase M, Fukushima M, Harayama H. Effects of digoxin on full-type hyperactivation in bovine ejaculated spermatozoa with relatively lower survivability for incubation with stimulators of cAMP signaling cascades. Theriogenology 2020; 154:100-109. [PMID: 32540510 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Previous researches of our laboratory reported that addition of cAMP analog cBiMPS and protein phosphatase inhibitor calyculin A (stimulators of cAMP signaling cascades) improved the capacity of incubation medium to induce full-type hyperactivation in bovine ejaculated spermatozoa. However, this modified medium was valid only for samples with relatively good survivability for incubation with stimulators of cAMP signaling cascades. Thus, it is necessary to make further modified medium for evaluation of potentials to exhibit full-type hyperactivation in bovine sperm samples with relatively lower survivability. Na+/K+-ATPase is an integral membrane protein and involved with the regulation of rodent sperm motility. To make further modification of the medium, we examined effects of Na+/K+-ATPase inhibition with digoxin on motility, full-type hyperactivation and protein tyrosine phosphorylation in bovine ejaculated spermatozoa with relatively lower survivability for incubation with stimulators of cAMP signaling cascades and also performed the immunodetection of bovine sperm Na+/K+-ATPase. The addition of Na+/K+-ATPase inhibitor digoxin to the incubation medium containing cBiMPS and calyculin A had the tendency to lessen the decreases in the percentages of motile spermatozoa in all of 12 samples after the incubation for 1-3 h and significantly increased the percentages of full-type hyperactivation in one group of 4 samples (Sample-A1) and another group of 4 samples (Sample-A2) after 1 and 2 h respectively, though it had no significant effects on full-type hyperactivation in the other group of 4 samples (Sample-B). In addition, incubation time-related changes in the sperm protein tyrosine phosphorylation (a good marker for sperm capacitation) were correlated with those in the percentages of full-type hyperactivation in Sample-A1 containing digoxin. Immunodetection showed that Na+/K+-ATPase is present in the middle and principal pieces of the flagella, indicating that Na+/K+-ATPase has possible relations with sperm motility. These results obtained with bull ejaculated spermatozoa with relatively lower survivability indicate that incubation method using digoxin is useful to evaluate potentials of sperm samples to exhibit full-type hyperactivation, that digoxin has effects on suppressing reduction of sperm motility, and that prolonged incubation with digoxin induces reduction of capacitation state which may suppress the maintenance of full-type hyperactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soma Rani Saha
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Division of Animal Science, Department of Bioresource Science, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kobe University, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiro Sakase
- Hokubu Agricultural Technology Institute, Hyogo Prefectural Technology Center for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Asago, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Moriyuki Fukushima
- Hokubu Agricultural Technology Institute, Hyogo Prefectural Technology Center for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Asago, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Harayama
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Division of Animal Science, Department of Bioresource Science, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kobe University, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan.
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12
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Mortimer D. The functional anatomy of the human spermatozoon: relating ultrastructure and function. Mol Hum Reprod 2019; 24:567-592. [PMID: 30215807 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gay040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Internet, magazine articles, and even biomedical journal articles, are full of cartoons of spermatozoa that bear minimal resemblance to real spermatozoa, especially human spermatozoa, and this had led to many misconceptions about what spermatozoa look like and how they are constituted. This review summarizes the historical and current state of knowledge of mammalian sperm ultrastructure, with particular emphasis on and relevance to human spermatozoa, combining information obtained from a variety of electron microscopic (EM) techniques. Available information on the composition and configuration of the various ultrastructural components of the spermatozoon has been related to their mechanistic purpose and roles in the primary aspects of sperm function and fertilization: motility, hyperactivation, capacitation, the acrosome reaction and sperm-oocyte fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Mortimer
- Oozoa Biomedical Inc., Caulfeild Village, West Vancouver, BC, Canada
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13
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Harayama H. Flagellar hyperactivation of bull and boar spermatozoa. Reprod Med Biol 2018; 17:442-448. [PMID: 30377397 PMCID: PMC6194283 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Revised: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In mammals, flagellar hyperactivation is indispensable to sperm fertilization with oocytes in vivo, although there are species differences in regulatory mechanisms for this event. In this study, I reviewed researches regarding hyperactivation of bull and boar spermatozoa, in comparison with those of spermatozoa from other species. METHODS Recent publications regarding sperm hyperactivation were collected and summarized. RESULTS MAIN FINDINGS In bull and boar spermatozoa, there are two types of hyperactivation "full-type hyperactivation and nonfull-type hyperactivation" which are equivalent to anti-hock hyperactivation and pro-hock hyperactivation of mouse spermatozoa, respectively, on the basis of the flagellar parts exhibiting asymmetrical beating. Full-type hyperactivation is initiated in response to a rapid increase of cytoplasmic Ca2+ in the connecting/middle and principal pieces by the mobilization of this divalent ion from extracellular space and internal store through cation channels. Regulatory molecules for the increase of cytoplasmic Ca2+ in the connecting/middle pieces are probably different from those in the principal pieces. CONCLUSION I have proposed a hypothesis on the regulation of full-type hyperactivation by the distinct signaling cascades leading to the increase in cytoplasmic Ca2+ between the connecting/middle and principal pieces of bull and boar spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Harayama
- Division of Animal Science, Department of Bioresource Science, Graduate School of Agricultural ScienceKobe UniversityKobeJapan
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14
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Daloglu MU, Ozcan A. Computational imaging of sperm locomotion. Biol Reprod 2018; 97:182-188. [PMID: 29044431 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/iox086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Not only essential for scientific research, but also in the analysis of male fertility and for animal husbandry, sperm tracking and characterization techniques have been greatly benefiting from computational imaging. Digital image sensors, in combination with optical microscopy tools and powerful computers, have enabled the use of advanced detection and tracking algorithms that automatically map sperm trajectories and calculate various motility parameters across large data sets. Computational techniques are driving the field even further, facilitating the development of unconventional sperm imaging and tracking methods that do not rely on standard optical microscopes and objective lenses, which limit the field of view and volume of the semen sample that can be imaged. As an example, a holographic on-chip sperm imaging platform, only composed of a light-emitting diode and an opto-electronic image sensor, has emerged as a high-throughput, low-cost and portable alternative to lens-based traditional sperm imaging and tracking methods. In this approach, the sample is placed very close to the image sensor chip, which captures lensfree holograms generated by the interference of the background illumination with the light scattered from sperm cells. These holographic patterns are then digitally processed to extract both the amplitude and phase information of the spermatozoa, effectively replacing the microscope objective lens with computation. This platform has further enabled high-throughput 3D imaging of spermatozoa with submicron 3D positioning accuracy in large sample volumes, revealing various rare locomotion patterns. We believe that computational chip-scale sperm imaging and 3D tracking techniques will find numerous opportunities in both sperm related research and commercial applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Ugur Daloglu
- Electrical Engineering Department, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Bioengineering Department, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA.,California NanoSystems Institute (CNSI), University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Aydogan Ozcan
- Electrical Engineering Department, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Bioengineering Department, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA.,California NanoSystems Institute (CNSI), University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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15
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Yan Y, Yang X, Liu Y, Shen Y, Tu W, Dong Q, Yang D, Ma Y, Yang Y. Copy number variation of functional RBMY1 is associated with sperm motility: an azoospermia factor-linked candidate for asthenozoospermia. Hum Reprod 2018; 32:1521-1531. [PMID: 28498920 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dex100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What is the influence of copy number variation (CNV) in functional RNA binding motif protein Y-linked family 1 (RBMY1) on spermatogenic phenotypes? SUMMARY ANSWER The RBMY1 functional copy dosage is positively correlated with sperm motility, and dosage insufficiency is an independent risk factor for asthenozoospermia. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY RBMY1, a multi-copy gene expressed exclusively in the adult testis, is one of the most important candidates for male infertility in the azoospermia factor (AZF) region of the Y-chromosome. RBMY1 encodes an RNA-binding protein that serves as a pre-mRNA splicing regulator during spermatogenesis, and male mice deficient in Rbmy are sterile. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A total of 3127 adult males were recruited from 2009 to 2016; of this group, the dosage of RBMY1 functional copy were investigated in 486 fertile males. In the remaining 2641 males with known spermatogenesis status, 1070 Y-chromosome haplogroup (Y-hg) O3* or O3e carriers without chromosomal aberration or known AZF structure mutations responsible for spermatogenic impairment, including 506 men with normozoospermia and 564 men with oligozoospermia or/and asthenozoospermia, were screened, and the RBMY1 functional copy dosage and copy conversion were determined to explore their associations with sperm phenotypes. The correlation between RBMY1 dosage and its mRNA level or RBMY1 protein level and the correlation between sperm RBMY1 level and motility were analysed in 15 testis tissue samples and eight semen samples. Ten additional semen samples were used to confirm the subcellular localization of RBMY1 in individual sperm. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS All the Han volunteers donating whole blood, semen and testis tissue were from southwest China. RBMY1 copy number, copy conversion, mRNA/protein amount and protein location in sperm were detected using the AccuCopy® assay method, paralog ratio test, quantitative PCR, western blotting and immunofluorescence staining methods, respectively. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE This study identified Y-hg-independent CNV of functional RBMY1 in the enrolled population. A difference in the distribution of RBMY1 copy number was observed between the group with normal sperm motility and the group with asthenozoospermia. A positive correlation between the RBMY1 copy dosage and sperm motility was identified, and the males with fewer than six copies of RBMY1 showed an elevated risk for asthenozoospermia relative to those with six RBMY1 copies, the most common dosage in the population. The RBMY1 copy dosage was positively correlated with its mRNA and protein level in the testis. Sperm with high motility were found to carry more RBMY1 protein than those with relatively low motility. The RBMY1 protein was confirmed to predominantly localize in the neck and mid-piece region of sperm as well as the principal piece of the sperm tail. Our population study completes a chain of evidence suggesting that RBMY1 influences the susceptibility of males to asthenozoospermia by modulating sperm motility. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION High sequence similarity between the RBMY1 functional copies and a large number of pseudogenes potentially reduces the accuracy of the copy number detection. The mechanism underlying the CNV in RBMY1 is still unclear, and the effect of the structural variations in the RBMY1 copy cluster on the copy dosage of other protein-coding genes located in the region cannot be excluded, which may potentially bias our observations. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Asthenozoospermia is a multi-factor complex disease with a limited number of proven susceptibility genes. This study identified a novel genomic candidate independently contributing to the condition, enriching our understanding of the role of AZF-linked genes in male reproduction. Our finding provides insight into the physiological and pathological characteristics of RBMY1 in terms of sperm motility, supplies persuasive evidence of the significance of RBMY1 copy number analysis in the clinical counselling of male infertility resulting from asthenozoospermia. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 81370748 and 30971598). The authors have no conflicts of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanlong Yan
- Department of Medical Genetics, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, No. 1, Keyuan Road 4, Gaopeng Street, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Xiling Yang
- Department of Medical Genetics, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, No. 1, Keyuan Road 4, Gaopeng Street, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yunqiang Liu
- Department of Medical Genetics, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, No. 1, Keyuan Road 4, Gaopeng Street, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Ying Shen
- Department of Medical Genetics, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, No. 1, Keyuan Road 4, Gaopeng Street, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Wenling Tu
- Department of Medical Genetics, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, No. 1, Keyuan Road 4, Gaopeng Street, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Qiang Dong
- Department of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Dong Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Institute, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, China
| | - Yongyi Ma
- Jinjiang Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610016, China
| | - Yuan Yang
- Department of Medical Genetics, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, No. 1, Keyuan Road 4, Gaopeng Street, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
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16
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Rajamanickam GD, Kroetsch T, Kastelic JP, Thundathil JC. Testis-specific isoform of Na/K-ATPase (ATP1A4) regulates sperm function and fertility in dairy bulls through potential mechanisms involving reactive oxygen species, calcium and actin polymerization. Andrology 2017; 5:814-823. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Revised: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- G. D. Rajamanickam
- Department of Production Animal Health; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; University of Calgary; Calgary AB Canada
| | | | - J. P. Kastelic
- Department of Production Animal Health; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; University of Calgary; Calgary AB Canada
| | - J. C. Thundathil
- Department of Production Animal Health; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; University of Calgary; Calgary AB Canada
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17
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Calpain inhibition prevents flotillin re-ordering and Src family activation during capacitation. Cell Tissue Res 2017; 369:395-412. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-017-2591-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Accepted: 02/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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18
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Harayama H, Minami K, Kishida K, Noda T. Protein biomarkers for male artificial insemination subfertility in bovine spermatozoa. Reprod Med Biol 2017; 16:89-98. [PMID: 29259456 PMCID: PMC5661804 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although artificial insemination (AI) technique is an established biotechnology for bovine reproduction, the results of AI (conception rates) have a tendency to decline gradually. To our annoyance, moreover, AI‐subfertile bulls have been occasionally found in the AI centers. To resolve these serious problems, it is necessary to control the sperm quality more strictly by the examinations of sperm molecules. Methods We reviewed a number of recent articles regarding potentials of bovine sperm proteins as the biomarkers for bull AI‐subfertility and also showed our unpublished supplemental data on the bull AI‐subfertility associated proteins. Main findings Bull AI‐subfertility is caused by the deficiency or dysfunctions of various molecules including regulatory proteins of ATP synthesis, acrosomal proteins, nuclear proteins, capacitation‐related proteins and seminal plasma proteins. Conclusion In order to control the bovine sperm quality more strictly by the molecular examinations, it is necessary to select suitable sperm protein biomarkers for the male reproductive problems which happen in the AI centers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Harayama
- Division of Animal Science Department of Bioresource Science Graduate School of Agricultural Science Kobe University Kobe Japan
| | - Kenta Minami
- Division of Animal Science Department of Bioresource Science Graduate School of Agricultural Science Kobe University Kobe Japan
| | - Kazumi Kishida
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Shiga University of Medical Science Otsu Japan
| | - Taichi Noda
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases Osaka University Suita Osaka Japan
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19
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Leemans B, Gadella BM, Stout TAE, Nelis H, Hoogewijs M, Van Soom A. An alkaline follicular fluid fraction induces capacitation and limited release of oviduct epithelium-bound stallion sperm. Reproduction 2016; 150:193-208. [PMID: 26242588 DOI: 10.1530/rep-15-0178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Induction of hyperactivated motility is considered essential for triggering the release of oviduct-bound mammalian spermatozoa in preparation for fertilization. In this study, oviduct-bound stallion spermatozoa were exposed for 2 h to: i) pre-ovulatory and ii) post-ovulatory oviductal fluid; iii) 100% and iv) 10% follicular fluid (FF); v) cumulus cells, vi) mature equine oocytes, vii) capacitating and viii) non-capacitating medium. None of these triggered sperm release or hyperactivated motility. Interestingly, native FF was detrimental to sperm viability, an effect that was negated by heat inactivation, charcoal treatment and 30 kDa filtration alone or in combination. Moreover, sperm suspensions exposed to treated FF at pH 7.9 but not pH 7.4 showed Ca(2+)-dependent hypermotility. Fluo-4 AM staining of sperm showed elevated cytoplasmic Ca(2+) in hyperactivated stallion spermatozoa exposed to treated FF at pH 7.9 compared to a modest response in defined capacitating conditions at pH 7.9 and no response in treated FF at pH 7.4. Moreover, 1 h incubation in alkaline, treated FF induced protein tyrosine phosphorylation in 20% of spermatozoa. None of the conditions tested induced widespread release of sperm pre-bound to oviduct epithelium. However, the hyperactivating conditions did induce release of 70-120 spermatozoa per oviduct explant, of which 48% showed protein tyrosine phosphorylation and all were acrosome-intact, but capable of acrosomal exocytosis in response to calcium ionophore. We conclude that, in the presence of elevated pH and extracellular Ca(2+), a heat-resistant, hydrophilic, <30 kDa component of FF can trigger protein tyrosine phosphorylation, elevated cytoplasmic Ca(2+) and hyperactivated motility in stallion sperm, but infrequent release of sperm pre-bound to oviduct epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart Leemans
- Department of ReproductionObstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, BelgiumDepartments of Farm Animal HealthBiochemistry and Cell BiologyEquine SciencesFaculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Bart M Gadella
- Department of ReproductionObstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, BelgiumDepartments of Farm Animal HealthBiochemistry and Cell BiologyEquine SciencesFaculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands Department of ReproductionObstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, BelgiumDepartments of Farm Animal HealthBiochemistry and Cell BiologyEquine SciencesFaculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Tom A E Stout
- Department of ReproductionObstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, BelgiumDepartments of Farm Animal HealthBiochemistry and Cell BiologyEquine SciencesFaculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands Department of ReproductionObstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, BelgiumDepartments of Farm Animal HealthBiochemistry and Cell BiologyEquine SciencesFaculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Hilde Nelis
- Department of ReproductionObstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, BelgiumDepartments of Farm Animal HealthBiochemistry and Cell BiologyEquine SciencesFaculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten Hoogewijs
- Department of ReproductionObstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, BelgiumDepartments of Farm Animal HealthBiochemistry and Cell BiologyEquine SciencesFaculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Department of ReproductionObstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, BelgiumDepartments of Farm Animal HealthBiochemistry and Cell BiologyEquine SciencesFaculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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20
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Kawashima A, Kigoshi T, Katoh Y, Ishikawa Y, Shawki HH, Inoue N, Tamba M, Matsuda M, Okamura N. CABCOCO1, a novel coiled-coil protein With calcium-binding activity, is localized in the sperm flagellum. Mol Reprod Dev 2016; 83:912-926. [PMID: 26990073 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2015] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The gene 1700040L02Rik (GenBank accession number NM_028491, NP_082767.1) was selected by in silico screening as candidate that encodes a calcium-binding protein in sperm from a database of predicted mouse cilia-related genes. The predicted amino acid sequence revealed the presence of coiled-coil domain at the C-terminus and a CLAMP motif containing a leucine zipper domain in the middle of the protein. Assessment of a recombinant version of this protein by Stains-all and ruthenium red staining and by direct measurement of terbium binding revealed its calcium-binding activities. We therefore named this protein CABCOCO1 for calcium-binding coiled-coil protein-1. Immunohistochemical analyses showed its localization in spermatogenic cells of mouse testis. CABCOCO1 was first observed in the cytoplasm of murine spermatocytes, concentrated around centrioles of spermatids and co-localized with the centrosomal protein pericentrin. During the stage when centrosome number is reduced, CABCOCO1 relocalized to the murine sperm flagellum. On the other hand, in porcine sperm, whose proximal centriole remains intact while the distal centriole degenerates during spermiogenesis, CABCOCO1 localized both in the basal body and the flagellum. These results suggested that CABCOCO1 is involved in the control of sperm flagellar movement. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 83: 912-926, 2016 © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihiro Kawashima
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biochemistry, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Takumi Kigoshi
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biochemistry, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Yuki Katoh
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biochemistry, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.,Center for Humanities and Sciences, Ibaraki Prefectural University of Health Sciences, Ami, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Yu Ishikawa
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biochemistry, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.,Ph.D. Program in Human Biology, School of Integrative and Global Majors, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Hossam H Shawki
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biochemistry, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.,Faculty of Medicine, Department of Anatomy and Embryology, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Naoya Inoue
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biochemistry, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Michiko Tamba
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biochemistry, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Manabu Matsuda
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biochemistry, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Naomichi Okamura
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biochemistry, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.
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21
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Shawki HH, Kigoshi T, Katoh Y, Matsuda M, Ugboma CM, Takahashi S, Oishi H, Kawashima A. Identification, localization, and functional analysis of the homologues of mouse CABS1 protein in porcine testis. Exp Anim 2016; 65:253-65. [PMID: 26960363 PMCID: PMC4976239 DOI: 10.1538/expanim.15-0104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Previously, we have identified a calcium-binding protein that is specifically expressed in spermatids and localized to the flagella of the mature sperm in mouse, so-called mCABS1. However, the physiological roles of CABS1 in the male reproductive system have not been fully elucidated yet. In the current study, we aimed to localize and clarify the role of CABS1 in porcine (pCABS1). We determined for the first time the full nucleotides sequence of pCABS1 mRNA. pCABS1 protein was detected on SDS-PAGE gel as two bands at 75 kDa and 70 kDa in adult porcine testis, whereas one band at 70 kDa in epididymal sperm. pCABS1 immunoreactivity in seminiferous tubules was detected in the elongated spermatids, and that in the epididymal sperm was found in the acrosome as well as flagellum. The immunoreactivity of pCABS1 in the acrosomai region disappeared during acrosome reaction. We also identified that pCABS1 has a transmembrane domain using computational prediction of the amino acids sequence. The treatment of porcine capacitated sperm with anti-pCABS1 antiserum significantly decreased acrosome reactions. These results suggest that pCABS1 plays an important role in controlling calcium ion signaling during the acrosome reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossam H Shawki
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biochemistry, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
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22
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Yang J, Kupka I, Schuss Z, Holcman D. Search for a small egg by spermatozoa in restricted geometries. J Math Biol 2015; 73:423-46. [PMID: 26707857 PMCID: PMC4940446 DOI: 10.1007/s00285-015-0955-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2015] [Revised: 09/19/2015] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The search by swimmers for a small target in a bounded domain is ubiquitous in cellular biology, where a prominent case is that of the search by spermatozoa for an egg in the uterus. This is one of the severest selection processes in animal reproduction. We present here a mathematical model of the search, its analysis, and numerical simulations. In the proposed model the swimmers' trajectories are rectilinear and the speed is constant. When a trajectory hits an obstacle or the boundary, it is reflected at a random angle and continues the search with the same speed. Because hitting a small target by a trajectory is a rare event, asymptotic approximations and stochastic simulations are needed to estimate the mean search time in various geometries. We consider searches in a disk, in convex planar domains, and in domains with cusps. The exploration of the parameter space for spermatozoa motion in different uterus geometries leads to scaling laws for the search process.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Yang
- Applied Mathematics and Computational Biology, Ecole Normale Supérieure, IBENS, 46 rue d'Ulm, 75005, Paris, France.,School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin, 541004, Guangxi, China
| | - I Kupka
- Applied Mathematics and Computational Biology, Ecole Normale Supérieure, IBENS, 46 rue d'Ulm, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Z Schuss
- Department of Mathematics, Tel-Aviv University, 69978, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - D Holcman
- Applied Mathematics and Computational Biology, Ecole Normale Supérieure, IBENS, 46 rue d'Ulm, 75005, Paris, France. .,Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford, Andrew Wiles Building, Woodstock Rd, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK.
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23
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Henning H, Ngo TT, Waberski D. Centrifugation stress reduces the responsiveness of spermatozoa to a capacitation stimulus in in vitro-aged semen. Andrology 2015; 3:834-42. [PMID: 26226856 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2015] [Revised: 04/28/2015] [Accepted: 05/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Density gradient centrifugation of semen is commonly used in many assisted reproduction techniques. Although gradients have the potential to isolate and enrich motile and viable spermatozoa, the centrifugation force presents a stress factor to cell organelles and membranes. The objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of density gradient centrifugation stress on sperm capacitation dynamics, cell stability and the ability of spermatozoa to specifically respond to bicarbonate in extended semen undergoing in vitro ageing. Extended boar semen (n = 7) was stored for 12, 24, 72 and 120 h respectively at 17 °C before centrifugation and incubation in variations of an in vitro capacitation medium. The number of viable, acrosome intact sperm and motility parameters as assessed by computer-assisted semen analysis did not change during storage. Kinetic changes in viability (plasma membrane integrity) and intracellular calcium levels (calcium influx) during in vitro capacitation were assessed after preparation of semen samples with both, a Percoll and a sucrose gradient centrifugation, either only Percoll, only sucrose centrifugation or no centrifugation. Changes in the viable sperm population that could be specifically attributed as a response to either bicarbonate or calcium were determined. In in vitro-aged (>12 h stored) spermatozoa, centrifugation reduced the proportion of spermatozoa which specifically responded to the capacitating stimulus bicarbonate. Concomitantly, centrifugation increased the proportion of spermatozoa responding to calcium in absence of bicarbonate, thus indicating an increased sensitivity to incubation per se. Absence of centrifugation steps during semen preparation, revealed a highly conserved ability of in vitro-aged spermatozoa to specifically respond to bicarbonate. In conclusion, density gradient centrifugation alters the physiological property of spermatozoa for controlled capacitation, which may influence the success rates of centrifuged semen in assisted reproductive technologies and confound interpretation of capacitation assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Henning
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine of Clinics/Clinic for Pigs and Small Ruminants, University for Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - T T Ngo
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine of Clinics/Clinic for Pigs and Small Ruminants, University for Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - D Waberski
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine of Clinics/Clinic for Pigs and Small Ruminants, University for Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
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24
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Correia J, Michelangeli F, Publicover S. Regulation and roles of Ca2+ stores in human sperm. Reproduction 2015; 150:R65-76. [PMID: 25964382 PMCID: PMC4497595 DOI: 10.1530/rep-15-0102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2015] [Accepted: 05/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
[Ca(2)(+)]i signalling is a key regulatory mechanism in sperm function. In mammalian sperm the Ca(2)(+)-permeable plasma membrane ion channel CatSper is central to [Ca(2)(+)]i signalling, but there is good evidence that Ca(2)(+) stored in intracellular organelles is also functionally important. Here we briefly review the current understanding of the diversity of Ca(2)(+) stores and the mechanisms for the regulation of their activity. We then consider the evidence for the involvement of these stores in [Ca(2)(+)]i signalling in mammalian (primarily human) sperm, the agonists that may activate these stores and their role in control of sperm function. Finally we consider the evidence that membrane Ca(2)(+) channels and stored Ca(2)(+) may play discrete roles in the regulation of sperm activities and propose a mechanism by which these different components of the sperm Ca(2)(+)-signalling apparatus may interact to generate complex and spatially diverse [Ca(2)(+)]i signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joao Correia
- School of BiosciencesUniversity of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | | | - Stephen Publicover
- School of BiosciencesUniversity of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
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Prokopchuk G, Dzyuba B, Bondarenko O, Rodina M, Cosson J. Motility initiation of sterlet sturgeon (Acipenser ruthenus) spermatozoa: Describing the propagation of the first flagellar waves. Theriogenology 2015; 84:51-61. [PMID: 25794841 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2014] [Revised: 02/04/2015] [Accepted: 02/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, for the first time in fish spermatozoa, we describe the precise chronology of motility initiation of sterlet (sturgeon) sperm from completely immotile flagella to regular full wave propagation. The successive activation steps were investigated by high-speed video microscopy, using specific experimental situation, where sperm motility initiation was delayed in time up to several seconds (10 ± 2.68 seconds). Starting from fully immotile, the flagellum shows some trembling for a brief period, soon followed by appearance of the first real bend (so-called "principal bend") with a large wave amplitude 4.28 ± 0.65 μm, then by the "reverse bend," the latter presenting a lower (P < 0.05) wave amplitude (1.14 ± 0.32 μm). This couple of first bends formed at the basal region begins to propagate toward the flagellar tip but gradually fades when reaching the midflagellum, wherein consequently the sperm cell remains nonprogressive. This behavior repeats several times until a stage where the amplitude of the reverse bend gradually reaches a value similar that of the principal bend: The larger amplitude of this couple of bends finally leads to sustain a real "takeoff" of the sperm cell characterized by a full flagellar wave propagation generating an active forward displacement similar to that occurring during regular steady state motility (several seconds after activation). Starting from the earliest stages of motility initiation, the wave propagation along the flagellum and formation of new waves proceeded in a helical manner leading to a 3-dimensional rotation of the whole spermatozoon. Eventually, we estimated that the time period needed from the activation signal (contact with fresh water) to full wave propagation ranges from 0.4 to 1.2 seconds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galina Prokopchuk
- South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Research Institute of Fish Culture and Hydrobiology, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Vodňany, Czech Republic.
| | - Boris Dzyuba
- South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Research Institute of Fish Culture and Hydrobiology, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Vodňany, Czech Republic
| | - Olga Bondarenko
- South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Research Institute of Fish Culture and Hydrobiology, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Vodňany, Czech Republic
| | - Marek Rodina
- South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Research Institute of Fish Culture and Hydrobiology, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Vodňany, Czech Republic
| | - Jacky Cosson
- South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Research Institute of Fish Culture and Hydrobiology, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Vodňany, Czech Republic
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26
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Li K, Xue Y, Chen A, Jiang Y, Xie H, Shi Q, Zhang S, Ni Y. Heat shock protein 90 has roles in intracellular calcium homeostasis, protein tyrosine phosphorylation regulation, and progesterone-responsive sperm function in human sperm. PLoS One 2014; 9:e115841. [PMID: 25541943 PMCID: PMC4277372 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0115841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2014] [Accepted: 11/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Heat shock protein 90 plays critical roles in client protein maturation, signal transduction, protein folding and degradation, and morphological evolution; however, its function in human sperm is not fully understood. Therefore, our objective in this study was to elucidate the mechanism by which heat shock protein 90 exerts its effects on human sperm function. By performing indirect immunofluorescence staining, we found that heat shock protein 90 was localized primarily in the neck, midpiece, and tail regions of human sperm, and that its expression increased with increasing incubation time under capacitation conditions. Geldanamycin, a specific inhibitor of heat shock protein 90, was shown to inhibit this increase in heat shock protein 90 expression in western blotting analyses. Using a multifunctional microplate reader to examine Fluo-3 AM-loaded sperm, we observed for the first time that inhibition of heat shock protein 90 by using geldanamycin significantly decreased intracellular calcium concentrations during capacitation. Moreover, western blot analysis showed that geldanamycin enhanced tyrosine phosphorylation of several proteins, including heat shock protein 90, in a dose-dependent manner. The effects of geldanamycin on human sperm function in the absence or presence of progesterone was evaluated by performing chlortetracycline staining and by using a computer-assisted sperm analyzer. We found that geldanamycin alone did not affect sperm capacitation, hyperactivation, and motility, but did so in the presence of progesterone. Taken together, these data suggest that heat shock protein 90, which increases in expression in human sperm during capacitation, has roles in intracellular calcium homeostasis, protein tyrosine phosphorylation regulation, and progesterone-stimulated sperm function. In this study, we provide new insights into the roles of heat shock protein 90 in sperm function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Li
- Department of Reproductive Physiology, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310013, China
| | - Yamei Xue
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, China
| | - Aijun Chen
- Department of Reproductive Physiology, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310013, China
| | - Youfang Jiang
- Department of Reproductive Physiology, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310013, China
| | - Haifeng Xie
- Department of Reproductive Physiology, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310013, China
| | - Qixian Shi
- Department of Reproductive Physiology, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310013, China
| | - Songying Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, China
- * E-mail: (SZ); (YN)
| | - Ya Ni
- Department of Reproductive Physiology, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310013, China
- * E-mail: (SZ); (YN)
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Amaral A, Paiva C, Attardo Parrinello C, Estanyol JM, Ballescà JL, Ramalho-Santos J, Oliva R. Identification of proteins involved in human sperm motility using high-throughput differential proteomics. J Proteome Res 2014; 13:5670-84. [PMID: 25250979 DOI: 10.1021/pr500652y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian sperm motility is a prerequisite for in vivo fertilization, and alterations in this parameter are commonly observed in infertile males. However, we still do not have a complete understanding of the molecular mechanisms controlling it. The aim of this study was to identify proteins involved in human sperm motility deficiency by using TMT protein labeling and LC-MS/MS. Two complementary approaches were used: comparison between sperm samples differing in motility (asthenozoospermic versus normozoospermic) and comparison between sperm subpopulations of fractionated normozoospermic samples differing in motility (non-migrated versus migrated). LC-MS/MS resulted in the identification of 1157 and 887 proteins in the first and second approaches, respectively. Remarkably, similar proteomic alterations were detected in the two experiments, with 80 proteins differentially expressed in the two groups of samples and 93 differentially expressed in the two groups of subpopulations. The differential proteins were analyzed by GO, cellular pathways, and clustering analyses and resulted in the identification of core deregulated proteins and pathways associated with sperm motility dysfunction. These included proteins associated with energetic metabolism, protein folding/degradation, vesicle trafficking, and the cytoskeleton. Contrary to what is usually accepted, the outcomes support the hypothesis that several metabolic pathways (notably, mitochondrial-related ones) contribute toward regulating sperm motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Amaral
- Human Genetics Research Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona , Casanova 143, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
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Askari Jahromi M, Movahedin M, Mazaheri Z, Amanlu M, Mowla SJ, Batooli H. Evaluating the effects of Escanbil (Calligonum) extract on the expression level of Catsper gene variants and sperm motility in aging male mice. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE 2014; 12:459-66. [PMID: 25114667 PMCID: PMC4126249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2013] [Revised: 01/21/2014] [Accepted: 04/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Catsper proteins are responsible for entering Ca(2+) to the cell and play an important role in sperm motility and male fertility. Antioxidants are vital for sperm motility too. Escanbil (Calligonum) extract possess some of the important antioxidant like Catechin and Quercetin. OBJECTIVE Here we investigated the effects of Escanbil (Calligonum) extract on the sperm parameters and the expressing of Catsper gene in aging male mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this animal study, firstly, dose response was performed by using these three doses of Escanbil (Calligonum) (10, 30 and 50 mg/kg). 5 mice in each group were considered and Intra Peritoneal injection was done for 5 weeks. the sperm parameters analyzed and dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL )staining was done. 30 mg/kg dose was considered as optimum dose. Secondly: fifteen aging male mice (11-13 months) were divided into three groups: control, sham and experiment. The experiments were injected Intra peritonealy with Escanbil (Calligonum) extract (30mg/kg) weekly for up to 5 weeks. The sham group was injected Intra Peritoneal (DMSO). Sperm parameters were analyzed. Expression of Catsper genes was analyzed by Real time PCR. RESULTS Our results showed that after Escanbil (Calligonum) treatment (30 mg/kg), the sperm parameters were improved in experimental group (p<0.05). Our data showed that there was a statistical significance difference between the expressions of Catsper 2, 4 in aging experiment group comparison with aging control group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION We investigated that the Escanbil (Calligonum) extract (30 mg/kg) can improve sperm parameters and change the expression of Catsper genes in aging male mice. This herbal extract can be used as an antioxidant component for clinical usages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Askari Jahromi
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mansoureh Movahedin
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Zohreh Mazaheri
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Masoud Amanlu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Drug Design and Development Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Seyed Javad Mowla
- Department of Genetic, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Hosein Batooli
- Isfahan Research Center of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Kashan Botanical Garden, Kashan, Iran.
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29
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Li LF, Xiang C, Zhu YB, Qin KR. Modeling of progesterone-induced intracellular calcium signaling in human spermatozoa. J Theor Biol 2014; 351:58-66. [PMID: 24594372 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2014.02.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2013] [Revised: 01/23/2014] [Accepted: 02/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Calcium ion is a secondary messenger of mammalian spermatozoa. The dynamic change of its concentration plays a vital role in the process of sperm motility, capacitation, acrosome and fertilization. Progesterone released by the cumulus cells, as a potent stimulator of fertilization, can activate the calcium channels on the plasma membrane, which in turn triggers the dynamic change of intracellular calcium concentration. In this paper, a mathematical model of calcium dynamic response in mammalian spermatozoa induced by progesterone is proposed and numerical simulation of the dynamic model is conducted. The results show that the dynamic response of calcium concentration predicted by the model is in accordance with experimental evidence. The proposed dynamic model can be used to explain the phenomena observed in the experiments and predict new phenomena to be revealed by experimental investigations, which will provide the basis to quantitatively investigate the fluid mechanics and biochemistry for the sperm motility induced by progesterone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long-Fei Li
- Faculty of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, No. 2, Linggong Rd., Dalian 116023, China
| | - Cheng Xiang
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117576, Singapore
| | - Ya-Bing Zhu
- Faculty of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, No. 2, Linggong Rd., Dalian 116023, China
| | - Kai-Rong Qin
- Faculty of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, No. 2, Linggong Rd., Dalian 116023, China.
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30
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Arndt L, Castonguay J, Arlt E, Meyer D, Hassan S, Borth H, Zierler S, Wennemuth G, Breit A, Biel M, Wahl-Schott C, Gudermann T, Klugbauer N, Boekhoff I. NAADP and the two-pore channel protein 1 participate in the acrosome reaction in mammalian spermatozoa. Mol Biol Cell 2014; 25:948-64. [PMID: 24451262 PMCID: PMC3952862 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e13-09-0523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
A TPCN1 gene–deficient mouse strain is used to show that two convergent working NAADP-dependent pathways with nonoverlapping activation and self-inactivation profiles for distinct NAADP concentrations drive acrosomal exocytosis, by which TPC1 is central for the pathway activated by low-micromolar NAADP concentrations. The functional relationship between the formation of hundreds of fusion pores during the acrosome reaction in spermatozoa and the mobilization of calcium from the acrosome has been determined only partially. Hence, the second messenger NAADP, promoting efflux of calcium from lysosome-like compartments and one of its potential molecular targets, the two-pore channel 1 (TPC1), were analyzed for its involvement in triggering the acrosome reaction using a TPCN1 gene–deficient mouse strain. The present study documents that TPC1 and NAADP-binding sites showed a colocalization at the acrosomal region and that treatment of spermatozoa with NAADP resulted in a loss of the acrosomal vesicle that showed typical properties described for TPCs: Registered responses were not detectable for its chemical analogue NADP and were blocked by the NAADP antagonist trans-Ned-19. In addition, two narrow bell-shaped dose-response curves were identified with maxima in either the nanomolar or low micromolar NAADP concentration range, where TPC1 was found to be responsible for activating the low affinity pathway. Our finding that two convergent NAADP-dependent pathways are operative in driving acrosomal exocytosis supports the concept that both NAADP-gated cascades match local NAADP concentrations with the efflux of acrosomal calcium, thereby ensuring complete fusion of the large acrosomal vesicle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilli Arndt
- Walther Straub Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ludwig-Maximilians University, 81377 München, Germany Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians University, 81377 München, Germany Institute for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Albert-Ludwigs-University, 79104 Freiburg, Germany Institute for Anatomy, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45141 Essen, Germany
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31
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Loux SC, Crawford KR, Ing NH, González-Fernández L, Macías-García B, Love CC, Varner DD, Velez IC, Choi YH, Hinrichs K. CatSper and the Relationship of Hyperactivated Motility to Intracellular Calcium and pH Kinetics in Equine Sperm1. Biol Reprod 2013; 89:123. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.111708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
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Mortimer D, Barratt CLR, Björndahl L, de Jager C, Jequier AM, Muller CH. What should it take to describe a substance or product as 'sperm-safe'. Hum Reprod Update 2013; 19 Suppl 1:i1-45. [PMID: 23552271 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmt008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Male reproductive potential continues to be adversely affected by many environmental, industrial and pharmaceutical toxins. Pre-emptive testing for reproductive toxicological (side-)effects remains limited, or even non-existent. Many products that come into direct contact with spermatozoa lack adequate testing for the absence of adverse effects, and numerous products that are intended for exposure to spermatozoa have only a general assumption of safety based on the absence of evidence of actual harm. Such assumptions can have unfortunate adverse impacts on at-risk individuals (e.g. couples who are trying to conceive), illustrating a clear need for appropriate up-front testing to establish actual 'sperm safety'. METHODS After compiling a list of general areas within the review's scope, relevant literature and other information was obtained from the authors' personal professional libraries and archives, and supplemented as necessary using PubMed and Google searches. Review by co-authors identified and eliminated errors of omission or bias. RESULTS This review provides an overview of the broad range of substances, materials and products that can affect male fertility, especially through sperm fertilizing ability, along with a discussion of practical methods and bioassays for their evaluation. It is concluded that products can only be claimed to be 'sperm-safe' after performing objective, properly designed experimental studies; extrapolation from supposed predicate products or other assumptions cannot be trusted. CONCLUSIONS We call for adopting the precautionary principle, especially when exposure to a product might affect not only a couple's fertility potential but also the health of resulting offspring and perhaps future generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Mortimer
- Oozoa Biomedical Inc., Caulfeild Village, West Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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Farstad W. Customizing semen preservation protocols for individual dogs and individual species: sperm preservation beyond the state of the art. Reprod Domest Anim 2013; 47 Suppl 6:269-73. [PMID: 23279516 DOI: 10.1111/rda.12020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Sperm quality can be variable in morphometric and physiological attributes between males of different species, between males within species subtypes reared under different environmental conditions, between ejaculates of the same male or even between sperm populations within an ejaculate. Clinical semen evaluation is based on evaluation of whole ejaculates, which is not a chemically or physiologically well-defined entity, rather a collection of heterogeneous subpopulations giving different measurements and possessing different fertilizing potential. Identification of subpopulations with different motility patterns is important as well as characterizing the subtle structural changes underlying the motility differences observed. The ability to identify populations of sperm responding rapidly or failing to progress through the capacitation process may have clinical applications. Studies of lipid-phase fluidity of sperm membranes, mathematical modelling of membrane ion transport, role of modifying components and detergent-resistant microdomains are of particular interest. When customizing extenders to ejaculates from cryosensitive males or species, a thorough knowledge of species sperm membrane physiology and an assessment of the individual ejaculate's sperm populations are necessary. Structural differences have been found in sperm membranes between fox species with different cryosurvival potential of their spermatozoa. Supplementation of lipids and detergents in cryoextenders may influence membrane fluidity of the surviving spermatozoa in a species-dependent manner and influence capacitation. Immobilization of sperm prior to cryopreservation with subsequent slow release of sperm in the female genital tract may be a way to prolong the fertile life of sperm. In canids with a long oocyte maturation time, delayed capacitation may be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Farstad
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, Oslo, Norway.
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Alasmari W, Barratt CLR, Publicover SJ, Whalley KM, Foster E, Kay V, Martins da Silva S, Oxenham SK. The clinical significance of calcium-signalling pathways mediating human sperm hyperactivation. Hum Reprod 2013; 28:866-76. [PMID: 23406974 PMCID: PMC3600839 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/des467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What is the prevalence of defects in the Ca2+-signalling pathways mediating hyperactivation (calcium influx and store mobilization) among donors and sub-fertile patients and are they functionally significant, i.e. related to fertilization success at IVF? SUMMARY ANSWER This study identifies, for the first time, the prevalence of Ca2+ store defects in sperm from research donors, IVF and ICSI patients. It highlights the biological role and importance of Ca2+ signalling (Ca2+ store mobilization) for fertilization at IVF. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Sperm motility and hyperactivation (HA) are important for fertility, mice with sperm incapable of HA are sterile. Recently, there has been significant progress in our knowledge of the factors controlling these events, in particular the generation and regulation of calcium signals. Both pH-regulated membrane Ca2+ channels (CatSper) and Ca2+ stores (potentially activating store-operated Ca2+ channels) have been implicated in controlling HA. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, AND DURATION This was a prospective study examining a panel of 68 donors and 181 sub-fertile patients attending the Assisted Conception Unit, Ninewells Hospital Dundee for IVF and ICSI. Twenty-five of the donors gave a second sample (∼4 weeks later) to confirm consistency/reliability of the recorded responses. Ca2+ signalling was manipulated using three agonists, NH4Cl (activates CatSper via pH), progesterone (direct activation of CatSper channels, potentially enhancing mobilization of stored Ca2+ by CICR) and 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) (effect on pH equivalent to NH4Cl and mobilizes stored Ca2+). The broad-spectrum phosphodiesterase inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methyxanthine (IBMX), a potent activator of HA was also used for comparison. For patient samples, an aliquot surplus to requirements for IVF/ICSI treatment was examined, allowing direct comparison of Ca2+ signalling and motility data with functional competence of the sperm. MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The donors and sub-fertile patients were screened for HA (using CASA) and changes in intracellular Ca2+ were assessed by loading with Fura-2 and measuring fluorescence using a plate reader (FluoStar). MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The relative efficacy of the stimuli in inducing HA was 4-AP >> IBMX > progesterone. NH4Cl increased [Ca2+]i similarly to 4-AP and progesterone but did not induce a significant increase in HA. Failure of samples to generate HA (no significant increase in response to stimulation with 4-AP) was seen in just 2% of research donors but occurred in 10% of IVF patients (P = 0.025). All donor samples generated a significant [Ca2+]i increase when stimulated with 4-AP but 3.3% of IVF and 28.6% of ICSI patients failed to respond. Amplitudes of HA and [Ca2+]i responses to 4-AP were correlated with fertilization rate at IVF (P= 0.029; P = 0.031, respectively). Progesterone reliably induced [Ca2+]i responses (97% of donors, 100% of IVF patients) but was significantly less effective than 4-AP in inducing HA. Twenty seven per cent of ICSI patients failed to generate a [Ca2+]i response to progesterone (P= 0.035). Progesterone-induced [Ca2+]i responses were correlated with fertilization rate at IVF (P= 0.037) but induction of HA was not. In donor samples examined on more than one occasion consistent responses for 4-AP-induced [Ca2+]i (R2 = 0.97) and HA (R2 = 0.579) were obtained. In summary, the data indicate that defects in Ca2+ signalling leading to poor HA do occur and that ability to undergo Ca2+ -induced HA affects IVF fertilizing capacity. The data also confirm that release of stored Ca2+ is the crucial component of Ca2+ signals leading to HA and that Ca2+ store defects may therefore underlie HA failure. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This is an in vitro study of sperm function. While the repeatability of the [Ca2+]i and HA responses in samples from the same donor were confirmed, data for patients were from 1 assessment and thus the robustness of the failed responses in patients’ needs to be established. The focus of this study was on using 4AP, which mobilizes stored Ca2+ and is a potent inducer of HA. The n values for other agonists, especially calcium assessments, are smaller. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Previous studies have shown a significant relationship between basal levels of HA, calcium responses to progesterone and IVF fertilization rates. Here, we have systematically investigated the ability/failure of human sperm to generate Ca2+ signals and HA in response to targeted pharmacological challenge and, related defects in these responses to IVF success. [Ca2+]i signalling is fundamental for sperm motility and data from this study will lead to assessment of the nature of these defects using techniques such as single-cell imaging and patch clamping. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) Resources from a Wellcome Trust Project Grant (#086470, Publicover and Barratt PI) primarily funded the study. The authors have no competing interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wardah Alasmari
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Medical School, Ninewells Hospital, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
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Harayama H, Noda T, Ishikawa S, Shidara O. Relationship between cyclic AMP-dependent protein tyrosine phosphorylation and extracellular calcium during hyperactivation of boar spermatozoa. Mol Reprod Dev 2012; 79:727-39. [PMID: 22933303 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2012] [Accepted: 08/13/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In mammalian spermatozoa, the state of protein tyrosine phosphorylation is modulated by protein tyrosine kinases and protein tyrosine phosphatases that are controlled via cyclic AMP (cAMP)-protein kinase A (PKA) signaling cascades. The aims of this study were to examine the involvement of cAMP-induced protein tyrosine phosphorylation in response to extracellular calcium and to characterize effects of pharmacological modulation of the cAMP-induced protein phosphorylation state and calmodulin activity during hyperactivation in boar spermatozoa. Ejaculated spermatozoa were incubated with cBiMPS (a cell-permeable cAMP analog) and CaCl(2) at 38.5°C to induce hyperactivation, and then used for Western blotting and indirect immunofluorescence of phosphorylated proteins and for the assessment of motility. Both cBiMPS and CaCl(2) were necessary for hyperactivation. The increase in hyperactivated spermatozoa exhibited a dependence on the state of cBiMPS-induced protein tyrosine phosphorylation in the connecting and principal pieces. The addition of calyculin A (an inhibitor for protein phosphatases 1/2A (PP1/PP2A), 50-100 nM) coincidently promoted hyperactivation and cAMP-induced protein tyrosine phosphorylation in the presence of cBiMPS and CaCl(2). Moreover, the addition of W-7 (a calmodulin antagonist, 2-4 µM) enhanced the percentages of hyperactivated spermatozoa after incubation with cBiMPS and CaCl(2), independently of protein tyrosine phosphorylation. These findings indicate that cAMP-induced protein tyrosine phosphorylation in the connecting and principal pieces is involved in hyperactivation in response to extracellular calcium, and that calmodulin may suppress hyperactivation via the signaling cascades that are independent of cAMP-induced protein tyrosine phosphorylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Harayama
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kobe University, Kobe 657-8501, Japan.
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36
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Curtis MP, Kirkman-Brown JC, Connolly TJ, Gaffney EA. Modelling a tethered mammalian sperm cell undergoing hyperactivation. J Theor Biol 2012; 309:1-10. [PMID: 22727894 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2012.05.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2011] [Revised: 05/30/2012] [Accepted: 05/31/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The beat patterns of mammalian sperm flagella can be categorised into two different types. The first involves symmetric waves propagating down the flagellum with a net linear propulsion of the sperm cell. The second, hyperactive, waveform is classified by vigorous asymmetric waves of higher amplitude, lower wavenumber and frequency propagating down the flagellum resulting in highly curved trajectories. The latter beat pattern is part of the capacitation process whereby sperm prepare for the prospective penetration of the zona pellucida and fusion with the egg. Hyperactivation is often observed to initiate as sperm escape from epithelial and ciliary bindings formed within the isthmic regions of the female oviducts, leading to a conjecture in the literature that this waveform is mechanically important for sperm escape. Hence, we explore the mechanical effects of hyperactivation on a tethered sperm, focussing on a Newtonian fluid. Using a resistive force theory model we demonstrate that hyperactivation can indeed generate forces that pull the sperm away from a tethering point and consequently a hyperactivated sperm cell bound to an epithelial surface need not always be pushed by its flagellum. More generally, directions of the forces generated by tethered flagella are insensitive to reductions in beat frequency and the detailed flagellar responses depend on the nature of the binding at the tethering point. Furthermore, waveform asymmetry and amplitude increases enhance the tendency for a tethered flagellum to start tugging on its binding. The same is generally predicted to be true for reductions in the wavenumber of the flagellum beat, but not universally so, emphasising the dynamical complexity of flagellar force generation. Finally, qualitative observations drawn from experimental data of human sperm bound to excised female reproductive tract are also presented and are found to be consistent with the theoretical predictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- M P Curtis
- Oxford Centre for Collaborative Applied Mathematics, Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
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Publicover SJ, Barratt CLR. Sperm motility: things are moving in the lab! Mol Hum Reprod 2011; 17:453-6. [DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gar048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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